Culinary creators from across the country competed for a feature in Taste of Home Magazine, $25,000, and a cooking experience with Carla Hall on Chewed Up, all while supporting the James Beard Foundation.
Inspired by his family's Southwest and Mexican catering business, Chef Joseph has spent 13 years running a popular food truck in Tucson, Arizona. Community-driven at heart, he lights up everywhere from neighborhood spots to the local VA hospital with bold, memorable flavors.
Since 2023, Favorite Chef® has ignited the culinary world, bringing together seasoned chefs, passionate home cooks, and creative foodies for an unforgettable showdown of skill, creativity, and heart. With national recognition and a coveted feature in Taste of Home—America’s #1 cooking magazine—on the line, this is where culinary talent rises.
Known for her standout appearance on Top Chef and as a fan favorite on The Chew, Carla Hall is a celebrated voice in the culinary world. Now, as a co-host on Chewed Up, she continues to champion bold flavors, joyful cooking, and the power of bringing people together through food.
Colossal has proudly raised over $14.6M to support the James Beard Foundation through the annual Favorite Chef competition. With transformative programs that promote inclusivity and sustainability, the James Beard Foundation leads chefs and the broader culinary industry towards a new standard of excellence.
Qualified Favorite Chef contenders had the opportunity to showcase their culinary skills, with one standout dish selected by the James Beard Foundation to be featured at their 2026 annual Gala.
Chef Dhanapol elevates Thai cuisine through a blend of tradition and innovation. Inspired by his mother's cooking, his Thai Phla Beef on Crispy Rice Cracker is a masterful display of balance: charcoal-grilled beef tossed with local herbs, Thai eggplant, roasted chili, and crispy kaffir lime leaf.
Since 1887, John Boos has been a trusted provider of high-quality cutting boards, butcher blocks, and work spaces that have inspired home cooks, chefs, and food service industry workers for generations.
Shun is the premier brand of authentic Japanese cutlery. Blending tradition, innovation, and precision, Shun knives deliver unrivaled sharpness, empowering chefs and home cooks to elevate every meal with exceptional tools.
King's Hawaiian was founded more than 70 years ago in Hilo, Hawaii. The family-owned business is dedicated to creating Hawaii-inspired foods made with original recipes and Aloha Spirit.
Derek's passion for food is rooted in connection. Through his Food Boat, he brings chefs together, sharing stories and celebrating culinary traditions. His travels have shown that food is a bridge to understanding and appreciating different cultures. Inspired by the chefs he’s worked alongside, Derek blends creativity with respect for heritage, crafting dishes that tell a deeper story.
From humble beginnings, Chef Kay built her culinary journey on a simple yet powerful mission: serving others through food. This vibrant chef returns to the spotlight to inspire Favorite Chef competitors to show off their skills and pursue their dreams.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Favorite Chef, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.