Tom Snyder

Connect Who or what inspires you to cook?

I get inspired to cook when I can create an experience for people through food. Bringing friends and family together through an event, at the dining table, or around the kitchen island, sharing conversations about food, wine, the preparation, the ambience of place, the presentation, or even the act of eating delicious food enhances the experience and enjoyment for all. This first started with my daughter, Ashley, teaching her to cook. And us cooking together. Entertaining others.

What's your all time favorite dish to make?

I love a challenge. Trying different recipes and pushing myself to create a beautiful dish to enhance the experience. My most challenging and most favorite to date, is Coq Au Vin with a showcase of Ratatouille Casserole. With the complex flavors and ingredients and sharing the process, gives me an enjoyment to teach friends and family the joy of cooking by watching and being immersed in the process of cooking. The most rewarding aspect is to see how everyone enjoys the combination of dishes.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I love the experience of cooking with friends, family, and groups. I’ve always envisioned having those immersive experiences at the property that I own in the mountains of Payson, Arizona. I would love to create a commercial kitchen to be able to cook for friends, family, and groups, to immerse them in the culinary experience of food! I would also love to take my daughter to The Lost Kitchen to see Chef Erin French and experience her Immersive culinary experience.