Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000

Tequoia Jackson

I’m a chef, entrepreneur, and mom who serves my community through food, passion, and perseverance—turning every meal into a connection. 🍽️❤

Currently 2

in their Group

Vote

You decide who will appear in Taste of Home magazine, and win $25,000!

The first cut is on Thursday the 11th of June at 7PM PDT

Want to learn more about our competition?

Learn More
What is your signature dish?

My signature dish is Oxtail Rasta Pasta—tender, slow-braised oxtails served over creamy, spicy pasta with vibrant Caribbean flavors. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and island-inspired cuisine, and it’s one of my customers’ most requested dishes. 🍽️🔥

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My culinary inspiration is Auguste Escoffier. His dedication to technique, professionalism, and elevating the culinary arts inspires me as I pursue my own journey as a chef and entrepreneur.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would invest in expanding my restaurant, TheXLounge, by upgrading kitchen equipment, increasing inventory, enhancing marketing efforts, and creating more opportunities to serve my community. It would also help me continue my culinary education and grow my catering business, allowing me to reach more customers and create jobs locally.

James Beard Foundation

Vote for Tequoia Jackson to be the next Favorite Chef while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting the James Beard Foundation and their mission to lead chefs and the broader culinary industry toward a new standard of excellence.


1 Vote
10 Votes
25 Votes
50 Votes
100 Votes
250 Votes
Other Amount

Enter donation - $1 per vote

Make onions cry

Sharpen your knives and show the world why you’re the Favorite Chef.

Learn More