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

Wildcard

JC Cantu

Self-taught from Food Network, inspired by fine dining from NYC to LA, rooted in rich South Texas Mexican culture—humble, relatable, loving!

Currently 6

in the Wildcards

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LIMITED-TIME: 2X VOTES

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

Voting for Wildcards ends Sunday the 11th of May at 7PM PDT

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Who or what inspires you to cook?

I have a big heart, and cooking is my way of sharing it. I love food—experiencing it, recreating it, and seeing the joy it brings others. Growing up, I was surrounded by amazing Mexican food, but I craved more. I wanted to explore new flavors, fall in love with dishes, and learn to make them myself. Cooking isn’t just about feeding people; it’s about making them feel at home, happy, and loved.

What's your all time favorite dish to make?

I love Italian food, I guess because it was so different than Mexican food, and the only Italian we had growing up was in a can labeled "Chef Boyardee". My favorite dish is a slow cooked Bolognese with bucanti. Rich, delish, and sassy!

What would you do with the $25,000?

My husband and I got married during the pandemic with only 10 people present. I’d love to finally have the big celebration we missed—renew our vows surrounded by family and friends. Then, I’d invest in learning the ins and outs of the food business—how to run a restaurant, balance the budget, and create a place filled with heart. Food brings people together, and I want to build something that does just that!

James Beard Foundation

Help JC Cantu become the next Favorite Chef with a tax-deductible donation. Your support helps create a more equitable and sustainable future in the restaurant industry.

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