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

Quarter-Finalist

Marcus Graham haizlip

I cook with heart, soul, and purpose—bringing people joy by reviving their favorite memories through food. That’s my superpower.

Currently 10

in the Quarter-Finals

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

Voting for Semi-Finalists ends Thursday the 22nd of May at 7PM PDT

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Who or what inspires you to cook?

I'm inspired by the way food brings people together. There's something special about learning someone’s favorite childhood dish and recreating it for them—it’s like offering a taste of home. Seeing their face light up when they take that first bite fills me with pride. Cooking becomes more than just preparing a meal; it’s a way to connect, to share stories, and to stir up cherished memories.

What's your all time favorite dish to make?

Ramen is my favorite thing to cook. It brings me back to childhood, when warm noodle soups brought comfort during hard times. Now, I make it from scratch—from hand-rolled noodles to deep, flavorful dashi. It’s a dish that blends memory, craft, and creativity. The process is meditative, and the result is always worth it.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I’d invest in building my dream—whether it’s opening a small restaurant, launching a food truck, or creating a space where people feel seen, fed, and connected through meaningful meals. Every dollar would go toward turning passion into purpose.

James Beard Foundation

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