Chefs Roundtable
From left: moderator and Table Underground Host, Tagan Engel, Chefs: Emily Mingrone, Damon Sawyer, and Arturo Franco Camacho, + Tiffany Hopkins Associate Director of Technology & New Media for the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. June 14, 2026 at the New Haven Museum, New Haven, CT.
Chef's Emily Mingrone, Damon Sawyer, and Arturo Franco Camacho in a Chefs Roundtable discussion on sourcing ingredients, the values and creativity that drive their kitchens, and the people that make it all possible. Recorded live at the 2026 International Festival of Arts and Ideas as part of the Sustainable Kitchens/Thriving Oceans event series.
Many thanks to Tiffany Hopkins of The International Festival of Arts & Ideas, who conceived of this Sustainable Kitchen’s / Thriving Oceans event series, and partnered to make it all happen. Great appreciations go out to the New Haven Museum for hosting us, to all the staff and volunteers for your help. And last but not least HUGE thanks to the extremely talented and kind Robyn Doyon Aitken Deputy Director of Audio Storytelling and Talk Shows at CT Public, for editing this episode!
About the Chefs:
Chef Arturo Franco-Camacho
Chef Arturo Franco-Camacho is the Culinary Director and Executive Chef behind three of New Haven, CT’s most beloved restaurants — Geronimo Southwestern Kitchen, Shell & Bones Oyster Bar, and Camacho Garage. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Arturo has cooked his way across the world, from kitchens in Spain, France, and London to five years as chef aboard the Queen Elizabeth II. That global experience shows up in every dish — but his heart is firmly rooted in the New Haven community he's called home.
Chef Emily Mingrone
Chef and Proprietor of Tavern on State, Provisions on State, Fair Haven Oyster Co. Emily Mingrone is an award-winning chef and restaurateur with numerous accolades from acclaimed publications such as The New York Times and Boston Magazine, in addition to repeated recognition from Connecticut Magazine for Overall Excellence.
Emily was also the first woman to take home Chef of the Year from the Connecticut Restaurant Association in 2021 and has had multiple appearances on the Food Network.
Chef Damon “Daye” Sawyer
Chef Damon “Daye” Sawyer Co-Owner of 29 Markle CT brings a revolutionary approach to smoked cooking, seamlessly blending fine dining, soul food, handmade pastas, and seasonal, local vegetables. A self-taught culinary artist hailing from Norwalk, Connecticut, Daye embodies a legacy of passion, innovation, and creativity. He is the visionary behind 29 Markle Ct's unique cuisine, which earned the prestigious title of Best New Restaurant by the Connecticut Restaurant Association in 2023. Located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, 29 Markle Ct has become a cornerstone of the community, celebrated for its distinctive flavors and dedication to quality. Through his culinary creations, Daye continues to inspire and uplift the vibrant community he proudly serves.
