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

Quarter-Finalist

Ward Ramsay

I make and teach about food that people eat every day, not food that most people can't afford.

Currently 10

in the Quarter-Finals

Vote

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

Want to learn more about our competition?

Learn More
Connect
Who or what inspires you to cook?

My passion for cooking comes from my mother and grandmother, who filled our home with love and incredible food. Watching Julia Child and Graham Kerr as a child sparked my fascination with the art of cooking. Their joy and mastery inspired me to create dishes that bring people happiness. Food is more than sustenance—it’s a way to connect, comfort, and celebrate. Sharing that joy with others through my cooking is what drives me every day as a chef.

What's your all time favorite dish to make?

My favorite dish to serve is a variety of creative Mexican street tacos, where bold flavors meet fresh, vibrant ingredients. Each taco is a masterpiece—perfectly seasoned meats, fresh toppings, blending classic tradition with modern twists. From smoky, slow-cooked barbacoa to zesty shrimp with tangy slaw, every bite is an explosion of flavor. Paired with mouthwatering sides, it’s not just a meal—it’s a street food experience that leaves you craving more.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won $25,000, I’d invest it in expanding my food trailer and catering business, bringing me closer to my dream of owning a brick-and-mortar restaurant. The funds would go toward equipment upgrades, menu expansion, and improving operations to serve more customers. This investment would strengthen my brand, increase visibility, and build the foundation needed to transition into a permanent restaurant space, turning my lifelong passion into reality.

James Beard Foundation

Help Ward Ramsay become the next Favorite Chef with a tax-deductible donation. Your support helps create a more equitable and sustainable future in the restaurant industry.


1 Vote
10 Votes
25 Votes
50 Votes
100 Votes
250 Votes
Other Amount

Enter donation - $1 per vote

Make onions cry

Sharpen your knives and show the world why you’re the Favorite Chef.

Learn More