Meet The Julia Child Challenge Competitors

Get to know the eight talented home cooks that will be guided by Julia Child herself in hopes of winning the prize of a lifetime — a trip to Paris to study at Le Cordon Bleu, just like Julia did!

Photo By: Melissa Libertelli

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Meet the eight home cooks who are cooking alongside their hero, Julia Child.

Bill Borman — Hudson, NY

A true Francophile, Bill believes food is an expression of love. Growing up as the oldest of five children, Bill’s mother cooked every single meal for his family. When he was leaving for college, his graduation gift was Julia Child’s The Way to Cook – which changed his life. During his travels to Paris, he fell in love with the region’s culture of food and wine. After buying a set of copper pots at a French flea market 20 years ago, Bill and his husband started a business dedicated to antique cookware that they still run today.

Britt Moore — New York City

Britt grew up in Georgia cooking with her mom and watching Julia Child. She has since moved to New York City, where she now works in digital marketing after several years in the fashion industry. Britt is ready to honor Julia with her Southern-meets-French cooking style, using lots of butter. She loves cooking for others, fashion and bringing people together, so her dinner parties are always filled with top-notch dishes and fabulous outfits.

Christine Fiorentino — Hoboken, NJ

Christine comes from a long line of talented home cooks and started helping in the kitchen at age three. The dining table is the heart of her home and the place her family connects over homemade meals. Christine started her professional life as a teacher, but after 10 years decided to follow her heart and pivot to a job in food media. She finds inspiration in Julia Child, who began her food career later in life, and identifies with Julia’s fearless spirit and interest in connecting with others through food.

Dustin Hogue — Chicago

Now a fitness instructor, Dustin played sports in high school and then joined the military – but growing up, he spent a lot of time cooking with his mom and watching cooking shows. As a child, he began to see food as a way to connect with people and show love. Like Julia Child, Dustin draws cooking inspiration from his travels and using fresh, seasonal ingredients. He admires her authenticity and charm, and can’t wait to bring his own creativity to the kitchen.

Dustin Rennells — Chillicothe, MO

Instead of playing sports or watching cartoons when he was growing up in the rural Midwest, Dustin was watching Julia Child on television — he even met her once at a movie theater. Dustin is known for throwing elaborate themed dinner parties for his friends, including a recreation of the Titanic’s final meal. In the spirit of Julia, he is confident and open to challenges and trying new things. Dustin recently relocated from the Boston area to his hometown Chillicothe, Missouri, the Home of Sliced Bread, and opened a bakery.

Elena Ross-Salonga — Cambria, CA

Born in the Philippines, Elena came to the U.S. at 11 years old and because her parents worked late, her mother taught her how to cook for herself and her brother. Cooking became her favorite hobby and she was heavily influenced by Julia Child, even creating a poster in her honor using photos of Julia, Elena’s photos with other influential women in food, and her favorite Julia quotes. Though Elena believes all food is a love language, she specializes in Italian dishes like pasta and pizza.

Fabrizio Villalpando — Los Angeles

An artist and former clumsy waiter, Fabrizio began experimenting in the kitchen after complaining about his mother's cooking one too many times. He moved to Los Angeles after graduating high school and found himself working as a server at upscale restaurants. He has always identified with Julia Child’s belief in not taking yourself too seriously and having fun while cooking. He eventually stumbled into a new path after beginning to cook at home as a form of therapy and became a digital food-content creator.

Jaíne Mackievicz — Oceanside, CA

Jaíne was born in a remote area of the Brazilian Amazon and the first time she saw Julia Child on television, Julia was making spaghetti with Mr. Rogers. She immediately identified with Julia's enthusiasm and joie de vivre – and even told her mother she wanted to be just like Julia. Jaíne eventually went to law school, but returned to her passion for cooking, becoming a professional food writer. After living in Massachusetts for five years, Jaíne is now in Oceanside, California, pursuing her dreams - using Julia’s life as inspiration.