A former owner of New England restaurants and a reputable dessert company, Judi Gallagher relocated to Sarasota, Florida in 1996 to launch a career highlighting her culinary expertise, using television, radio, newspapers, magazines and the internet to share her passion for cooking. Since relocating, Judi’s career has heated up nicely.  As the Culinary Director for ABC 7, Chef Judi whips up a daily cooking segment on the noontime news, along with extra recipes,cooking tips and great food finds on their web site www.mysuncoast.com. Weekly, Judi provides culinary insight, cooking tips, and, restaurant news to her viewers through : Suncoast Cuisine (Channel 21)

Her programs have enabled fans to experience such culinary notables as: Chef Jacques Pepin, Chef Roy Yamaguchi, Restaurant Entrepreneur Damien Mandola, Chef Martin Yan, Entertaining-Specialist Colin Cowie, and, Vintners Salvatore Ferragamo and Margrit Mondavi, among others.   

Judi doesn’t just cook up a storm in her hometown; she also takes her cooking expertise and dynamic personality to the high seas with culinary demonstrations and related presentations on Gourmet Cruise Lines. She has even cooked for Boxing World Champ Evander Holyfield.

Currently, Judi is the Contributing Food and Wine Editor of Sarasota Magazine as well as contributor for national and local food and wine and culinary travel publications,

She is also consultant chef for several culinary publications, as well as co-author of Chef du Jour Cookbook (15th Anniversary Edition). Judi is presently completing an eclectic and informative, contemporary recipe and entertaining book. Recently, she has been featured in Cottage Style Magazine, and, Coastal Living Magazine.  

Judi also enjoys sharing her restaurant business expertise by overseeing management, marketing and public relations consulting ventures for restaurants and hospitality projects throughout Southwest Florida and the nation. Her forte is providing innovative re-organization projects and grass roots marketing. This knowledge and experience has lead to Professor Gallagher’s contribution to the School of Hospitality at University of South Florida.

An honors graduate of the Culinary Arts Program at Johnson & Wales College, Judi’s passion for food is fueled by her passion for life. She has given  back to her community through such organizations as: ), Women’s Resource Center (Member, past Board of Directors), Girl's Inc., Educational programs, Naples Education Foundation, Immokalee Foundation, March of Dimes ( past Chair, Chef’s Auction), All Faith’s Food Bank, Naples Winter Winefest, University of South Florida Advisory Board (School of Hotel/Restaurant Management),and, Public Relations and Marketing Consultant for The Primum Famailae Vini (”The First Families of Wine’ through Grapes for Humanity). Judi also continues to be very active with the Florida Winefest, as well as restaurant consultant for the Girl’s Incorporated Micro Society. Judi was honored with the 2008 “She knows where She’s Going award for her continued business successes and philanthropy. Judi’s immediate family consists of husband, Paul (educational administrator); stepson, Sean (a Houston attorney); daughter-in-law, Melissa (a clinical psychologist); son, Eric (a chef at The Ritz); a granddaughter, Sophie Grace , and, loyal household companion, Chester (a retired greyhound dog). Judi may be reached via e-mail at judi@judigallagher.com or by phone at (941) 780-2898.   Join Judi’s monthly email club for updated recipes, cooking tips and wine suggestions through her popular web site www.judigallagher.com