Carlton Madsen

Connect Who or what inspires you to cook?

My grandmother was my first introduction, but when I was 11 my dad left his long time job and took another to have more family time. At that point we started cooking almost every meal! I would spend my afternoons watching food network, writing down every recipe from Emeril! My Christmas and birthday presents would always be new kitchen tools. Another whisk, a micro plane, a new knife. My whole family saw it and supported.

What's your all time favorite dish to make?

Braised beef is always in rotation, the right marbling and quality! It can work in so many applications. Center plate, folded into a pasta, tacos, sandwiches, you name it! But during the holidays my favorite is a beautiful red wine braised beef with Demi, cut with a gremolata. It’s literally a warm hug from within!

What would you do with the $25,000?

My family had a small burger pop up that we do around our home in Seattle. My son tends to be a pretty picky eater, but his favorite is a smash burger! He pitched me the idea of selling them, and we started working on how to make it real! I would love to invest in its potential, and help create something for him as well. Wouldn’t hurt to pay off a few bills as well!