Joshua gant

Connect Who or what inspires you to cook?

My inspiration to cook comes from family, culture, and the joy of sharing meals. Growing up in Chicago, the kitchen was the heart of our celebrations. From Chicago classics to Southern dishes in New Orleans, each experience shaped my craft. When I step into the kitchen, I zone in, analyzing every moment. Cooking is my meditation, a way to honor tradition and create new ones, as I now share that passion with my own family and the meals we build together

What's your all time favorite dish to make?

My favorite dish begins at 0—with fortified turkey drippings, reborn as a rich, healing stock. From that foundation, I build: lentils or beans, root vegetables, and ancestral seasonings that speak of the South, the diaspora, and survival. It’s healthy, yes—but it’s also soulful, circular, complete. It feeds more than hunger—it remembers. It communicates where I come from, and where I’m going

What would you do with the $25,000?

My goal with $25,000 would be to launch a mobile kitchen that brings Chicago’s bold flavors, like the legendary Italian beef sandwich, to communities all over Vegas. I’ll create a culinary program that visits schools, community centers, and parks, offering interactive lessons. This isn’t just about food — it’s about providing kids with an outlet for creativity, teamwork, and personal growth, all while experiencing the heart and soul of Chicago’s food culture.