Petr Balcarovsky

Hello, I'm Petr. With nearly 30 years of culinary experience under my belt, I've dedicated my career to elevating my skills and mentoring.

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Who or what inspires you to cook?

My love for cooking was initially ignited by my dear grandma and, of course, my mom, both amazing cooks. Nowadays, it's the genuine smiles on my patrons' faces that inspire me . For the past 18 years, I have had the privilege of cooking at the Royal Eagle, where all proceeds are dedicated to charitable causes. One of the most memorable nights of my career was during a fundraiser for a church abroad serving as a shelter during a recent conflict. Making a difference through my work is priceless.

What's your all time favorite dish to make?

There are so many amazing dishes I love to prepare, but if I had to choose, I would narrow it down to three that hold a special place in my heart. First is goulash stew paired with light and airy meringue dumplings. Second, I have a deep appreciation for anything smoked using traditional old-world methods, particularly with Michigan cherry wood. Finally, I can't forget my mom's healing remedy from my childhood in the Czech countryside - the Garlic soup - this recipe will always warm my ❤️.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I propose to allocate half of the funds to the Detroit Food Academy. The DFA harnesses the universal appeal of food to foster a sense of community among young people, encouraging connections with their peers and supportive adult mentors. The rest will be invested in pursuing additional certifications so that I can continue to grow and contribute to the community.

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