Mariah Ragland

How long have you been cooking?

My love for food and it’s art form really revealed itself just 6 years. Nonetheless, cooking for those we love has been in my family for years. I now use the love of cooking to move through life and share my heart to others.

What is your signature dish?

Fried Jackfruit is a crispy Flaxseed buttermilk battered piece of “Oh My Gosh”! I’ve taken 3 years to perfect it! Its awesome to touch into my creativity as I love coming up with new ways to dress it up: Vegan Garlic Parmesan, Hot Cherry Pepper, and preserved lemon and peppercorn (aka lemon pepper) a new flavor rolling out soon. My Fried jackfruit also taste great in Carolina Gold sauce as well as Jerk.

What will you do with the $50,000?

With $50,000 I’d be able to give Radical Rabbit, which is currently a pop up restaurant, a home. This brick and mortar would be located in Nashville and would be the first of many.