Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
I blend creativity with flavors, crafting dishes that excites senses and bring people together. Passion, innovation, and love in every bite
Michael Mulcahy is in the Top 1% of all chefs in the competition! Voting to determine this year's Favorite Chef resumes Monday, May 12th.
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I’m inspired to cook by my family, especially my mom, who showed me the magic of transforming simple ingredients into meaningful meals. Travel and experiencing diverse cuisines also fuels my curiosity, as I love exploring new flavors and techniques. Cooking is an ongoing creative journey for me, blending tradition with innovation, and the joy of sharing delicious meals with others keeps me constantly motivated in the kitchen.
What's your all time favorite dish to make?My favorite dish to make is BBQ Gochujang Korean Fried Chicken. The crispy, golden coating pairs perfectly with the spicy-sweet gochujang sauce, creating a balance of heat and umami. It’s a fun process—coating the chicken, frying it to perfection, and then tossing it in the rich, flavorful sauce. The result is a dish that's both satisfying and addictive, with a perfect mix of crunch, spice, and sweetness that never fails to impress.
What would you do with the $25,000?With $25,000, I’d start an Asian-inspired food business, such as a ramen or bao bun food truck. The budget would cover kitchen equipment, inventory, permits, and marketing. Focusing on high-quality, authentic ingredients and bold flavors, I'd target local foodies through social media and food festivals to build a loyal following. A mobile setup offers flexibility to test different locations, refine the menu, and scale up as demand grows.
