Michael's on East Executive Pastry Chef, Ray Lajoie, is back in stardom creating his famed desserts as the finale for the James Beard Celebrity Chef Tour Dinner on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Pop’s Sunset Grill in Nokomis, FL. Along with local renowned chefs, the lineup also includes Chef Jonathon Sawyer from Chicago & Chef Britt Riscigno from New Gretna, NJ. Along with Chef Ray is a best-of-the-best lineup of featured James Beard Award-winning Chefs and Food Network Champions, each showing off their talents in the 6-course wine-paired dinner extravaganza. As an added bonus, the dinner benefits both the Unbroken Foundation & Friends of Hawaii Charities, Inc. The Unbroken Foundation’s mission is to create conditions for professional medical, rehabilitation, psychological help & comprehensive treatment of patients in Ukraine. Rachael Ray, TV Personality and Chef, is an Ambassador for the foundation. The Friends of Hawaii Charities provide support for local not-for-profit programs that serve and benefit Hawaii’s women, children, elderly & impoverished. Known as a local Sarasota celebrity, Ray Lajoie's culinary career stemmed from his childhood growing up in New England surrounded by rustic farms & bountiful orchards. He received his formal education from Southern Maine Technical College and then pursued his passion for creating pastries & desserts for renowned establishments such as Marriott Portland Hotel, Mattison’s & Michael’s On East Restaurant. Chef Ray also worked at The Lobster Pot in Provincetown, MA for over 14 years, and a chapter in their own cookbook is devoted to him! For over three decades, he has been a well-known figure in Sarasota and has appeared on numerous segments of ABC’s SunCoast View, magazine articles & received numerous accolades for his award-winning desserts. For Celebrity Chef Dinner tickets, please visit the website for more information: https://www.popssunsetgrill.com/ccd-nov2023/. For more information on tasting Chef Ray’s famous desserts visit Michael’s On East Restaurant website to make your reservation today: https://bestfood.com/.