MEET OUR CHEF AMBASSADORS
We are thrilled to partner with some of the nation’s most talented chefs who share our passion and love for Real California dairy products.
These chefs trust in Real California dairy to craft quality dishes, seasonal LTO’s and manu stapes that keep customers coming back for more.
Meet our Chef Ambassadors and follow them online to enjoy recipe inspiration, tips and tricks for using California dairy, and so much more.
Lars Smith
Two-Time Real California Pizza Contest Category Winner
Executive chef Lars Smith co-owns State of Mind Restaurant Group, known for its California-inspired cuisine. He’s a pizza competition veteran and favors seasonal, local ingredients in his menus. Lars is a 4-time finalist in the Real California Pizza Contest (2019, 2020, 2021, 2023), winning two categories in the 2020 event. He also competed in the 2023 Tournament of Champions Pizza Contest and placed 2nd in the Traditional American Division at the 2024 Caputo Cup in Naples, Italy.
Learn more about his Harvest Time recipe
![Super Chorizo Con Papa[ ]](https://realcaliforniamilkfoodservice.com/wp-content/uploads/super-chorizo-con-papa1.jpg)
Bill Crawford
2023 Real California Pizza Contest Grand Prize Winner
Chef Bill Crawford, a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and Harvard MBA graduate, owns Righteous Slice Pizzeria in Rexburg, Idaho. Named one of the “25 Pizzerias to Watch in 2023” by Pizza Today magazine, Bill won the Cal-Mex category and Overall Grand Prize in the 2023 Real California Pizza Contest with his El Pollo Borracho recipe. He also competed in the 2023 Tournament of Champions Pizza Contest and has excelled in the World Pizza Championships in Italy.
Learn more about his Gouda Vibrations recipe
Recipes
Interested in Becoming a chef Ambassador?
If you are a professional chef who is passionate about and relies on California dairy products at your pizzeria, restaurant, or foodservice operation, please contact our team for consideration into the program.