-
Noah Cohon
-
Michelle Hotaling
Since 2014, Michelle has been a key figure at Murray’s Cheese, helping launch a popular burrata-making program and leading both public and private tasting events. Her classes range from playful pairings—like wine and Halloween candy—to in-depth, science-driven Cheese 101 tastings and pasta-making workshops, all designed to help people connect with their palates in new and exciting ways.
Outside the world of cheese, Michelle helps millions drift off to sleep through original meditations and sleep stories. Storytelling and mindfulness are central to her approach, and she brings these elements into her interactive tasting experiences—creating events that are as thoughtful as they are delicious.
-
James Rubin
James is an oyster expert with Peeko Oysters, where he specializes in shucking and leading guided tastings. With a passion for local seafood and a deep knowledge of oyster culture, James brings a hands-on, engaging approach to every event—whether he's opening dozens of oysters with precision or sharing the unique story behind each shell.
-
Bella
Bella is the official taste tester and four-legged foodie of the kitchen. With a nose for flavor and a love for treats, she’s always the first to "approve" new recipes (as long as they’re dog-safe, of course). When she’s not sampling bites, you’ll find her napping nearby, dreaming of her next snack.
-
Michelle Tampakis
Michelle is a veteran pastry chef with over 25 years of professional experience in restaurant kitchens. She formerly taught in the Career Pastry Program at The Institute of Culinary Education, where she also served as Director of Advanced Pastry Studies. Michelle is the former owner and operator of Whipped Pastry Boutique, a wholesale gluten-free bakery based in Brooklyn, NY.

