From the trading floors of Wall Street to the galleys of Mediterranean superyachts, Cristina Topham’s culinary path has been as vibrant and diverse as the flavors she creates. As the Chef and Owner of Spread Kitchen in Sonoma, Cristina honors her Lebanese heritage by marrying ancient Middle Eastern traditions with California’s seasonal bounty.
Cristina’s formal journey began in 1999 at The French Culinary Institute in New York City, followed by rigorous training in the kitchens of Les Olivades in Paris and The Savoy in NYC. Her expertise in wine country cuisine was further refined at Julia’s Kitchen in Napa Valley and through her tenure as the premier caterer for Morrell Wines, where she became a specialist in bespoke wine-pairing dinners.
Seeking global inspiration, Cristina spent eight years as a chef in the superyacht industry, navigating foreign markets from the Caribbean to Mexico. These years spent haggling for the freshest local ingredients across the globe deeply informed her “from-scratch” philosophy. In 2014, she returned to Northern California to put down roots, eventually launching Spread in 2016. What began as a boutique catering company evolved into a beloved Sonoma brick-and-mortar destination in 2022.
At Spread Kitchen, Cristina’s work is grounded in a profound respect for the ingredient. Her dishes are handmade, seasonal, and intentionally inclusive—offering inspired options for omnivores, vegans, and gluten-free diners alike. For the North Coast Wine & Food Festival, she brings a sophisticated, global perspective that perfectly complements the region’s world-class viticulture.