Todd Dae Kulper’s dog, Harry, is a Dalmatian mix adopted from a family in Southwest Georgia. His bestie is Zeus, Todd’s ball python, who was adopted from a snake breeder in southeastern Atlanta. Harry likes running around and playing with people and other dogs. He loves taking car rides to visit family. Zeus enjoys watching TV and hanging out around the house and attending social events where he can interact with other people. He's a major highlight whenever he makes an appearance.
Todd has been cooking professionally for 25 years with a focus on Japanese and French cuisines, including sushi. He is currently the executive chef of Umi Modern Japanese in Buckhead. At Umi, Todd is responsible for many of the new signature dishes including the Chutoro Tataki with Yuzu Wakame Miso Sauce, Crispy Lobster Caviar, Wagyu Carpaccio with Black Truffle and Aged Parmigiano, and the infamous Donut! When not working, he can usually be found either hanging out with his family at home in Johns Creek or on the golf course.
Deborah Vantrece has three adorable rescue dogs: Benny, a grey Yorkie poo; Noodles, a Chihuahua mix; and Mars, a black Pomeranian mix. All of her dogs have a great story they all enjoy posing on the sofa at home with Deborah.
Chef Deborah VanTrece is one of the South’s most high-profile culinary personalities. In addition to penning the best-selling Twisted Soul Cookbook, running two award-winning restaurants, a catering company and curating the menu for American Express Atlanta Centurion Lounge, she has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation, The Michelin Guide and Yelp’s Best New Restaurants… all in the last year alone. In her spare time, she managed to create the most buzzed-about menu, honoring Whitney Houston, for the 2023 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles; and on September 2, she will premiere her cooking show dedicated to her take on global cuisine. Deborah is a tireless advocate for Georgia farm families, whom she regularly promotes through her menus and special community events. She is also a leading voice for the humane treatment of farm animals and sustainable agriculture.
Basil the pup was part of a litter rescued from under a mobile home in North Georgia and was adopted from the Cherokee County Animal Shelter by Chef Derek Dollar. His favorite herb is basil so it was obvious when he met the puppy (named Basil by the shelter) they were meant to be together. Basil is a Chug, a Chihuahua and Pug mix. "He was just 3 pounds and the cutest little puppy," Derek says. After completing culinary school, Derek worked at Rainwater restaurant in Alpharetta under acclaimed Atlanta chef Jay Swift, who took Dollar under his wing and became his mentor. His desire to continue a fine dining career led Dollar to join Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails and he became executive chef and managing partner at The Mill Restaurant in Roswell. He has experimented in horticulture with the goal of restaurant sustainability, along with staff and guest education on the importance of local partnerships with farmers and how to utilize garden bounties and hyper-local ingredients each night. Chef Dollar was chosen by the Agriculture Commissioner to join the Georgia Grown executive chef team for his outstanding contributions to the sustainable dining practices he utilizes in his menu planning. With this honor, Chef Derek along with other well-known Atlanta chefs traveled to cook and represent the South at a James Beard House series showcasing Southern chefs who specialize in utilizing local ingredients.