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

Quarter-Finalist

Melina Hunt

I believe that food is the medium in which values and culture become tangible. Cooking is an act of love that honors our ancestors efforts.

Currently 2

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?

My grandma. She taught me how food brings people together and share memories, happiness and that was her way to show us love.

What's your all time favorite dish to make?

I love pork and black beans from Yucatan this is a monday dish that you can smell from most any home in Merida.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I am in the early stages of creating my own salsa business. Winning this contest will help me build a foundation. The prize money would fund an ability to grow my own chile peppers. Allowing me access to truly special heirloom varieties. I would be able to make professional lables in turn providing me access to local grocery shelves. Essentially this money would take my dream and give it substance. I would be able to honor the memory of my grandmother by sharing her salsa with the world.

James Beard Foundation

Help Melina Hunt 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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