Joe Whalen

How long have you been cooking?

I have been cooking my entire life. My Dad taught my brother and I how to cook at a young age and at a high level. We harvested our own game, grilled & smoked meat early and often, while also refining our craft in the kitchen, developing our own versions of comfort food classics. Growing up in this environment, my style of cooking was heavily influenced by classic French and Cajun cuisine, but the grill and smoker reigned supreme.

What is your signature dish?

Garlic & Herb Crusted Grilled Rack of Lamb, topped with a chili infused chimichurri, paired with a horseradish rutabaga puree.

What will you do with the $50,000?

I would invest the money for future use as I hope to one day open my own restaurant.