Juan Manriquez

Who or what inspires you to cook?

Who inspired me to cook is my grandma. As a child I was raised by my grandparents. Always watched my grandma cook everyday. Until I put my skills to the test and wow I was surprised and amazed at what I can do with these hands and spices.

What's your all time favorite dish to make?

I love to make carne asada tortas. Hispanic foods. From Tacos to Pozole. There's just many foods that come to my mind and I don't know why but when a certain type of food comes to my mind, I can taste how it's going to taste. So I just go in my kitchen and start cooking. I've been told that my food is the best. And that I have a gift and that I should start my own business if I can. That I'll be very successful.

What would you do with the $25,000?

What I would do with the $25,000 is invest and purchase a taco cart and a small truck to have my own catering business. Since I've been unemployed since 2023 till now. Due to an injury on my right foot. I've had 6 surgeries, since I am type 2 diabetic and had osteomyelitis to my bone on my right foot. I haven't been able to actually be much on my foot. But that doesn't stop me from cooking my great dishes of amazing food. If there's a way there's a will. God always makes a way for me. Thank you.