6 successful Orlando female food entrepreneurs will speak on a panel about what they do and how it affects the local food scene Tuesday, August 11 at 10am Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster (729 Lee Road, Orlando). Attendees get free P is for Pie breakfast bites and Project Pop snacks. Free admission. RSVP required TableTalk@rockawaypr.com or 407.236.6566 ext.103. Self-parking available.
The PR guru: Alexis Knapp –Alexis Knapp launched Rockaway in 2006 and has rapidly carved a niche in representing innovative and compelling brands in the culinary world. From over-the-top activations for Evian Water and Premier Beverage Company, to curated events for James Beard Foundation and Café Bustelo, Knapp has devoted her career to building the business and public face of her clients. She leads an exceptional team of professionals with offices in Miami and Orlando.
The Restaurant owner: Alice Christner –As co-owner of Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster, Alice Christner is committed to keeping the family’s legacy intact in Orlando’s evolving culinary scene. Born and raised in Texas, she helms Orlando’s most celebrated steakhouse with husband David Christner.
The Roving Dinner Queen: Dana Roquemore – Dana Marie Roquemore is a long time resident of Orlando with a love for building community. Over the years, she has founded multiple businesses in Orlando including Other People’s Property and more recently, The Dinner Party Project. With a love for food and people, The Dinner Party Project is a celebration of her ability to connect the two. Her dinner parties are revolutionizing the way Orlandoans meet and commune.
The TV Chef: Emily Ellyn – Emily Ellyn is a chef and culinary educator most known for her appearances on the Food Network. She started the Retro Rad cooking movement and encourages everyone to dig through their mother’s recipe box, dust off their pressure cookers, and take the old and make it new. Ellyn graduated with a degree in restaurant management from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, New York and later earned two master degrees in hospitality management; one in Paris and one from UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management in Orlando.
The Writer: Kristen Manieri – Keeping herself accountable to a regular date night, Kristen Manieri founded one of Orlando's most popular food blogs, OrlandoDateNightGuide.com, which reaches thousands of Orlandoans daily. Manieri frequently contributes to Orlando Magazine, Edible Orlando, WHERE Orlando and Forbes Travel Guide.