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

Quarter-Finalist

Albert Lavalais

I want to grow our brand and earn recognition as the first Louisiana-Cajun Certified company outside Louisiana, sharing contemporary Cajun

Currently 10

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 23rd of July at 7PM PDT

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What is your signature dish?

My favorite dish to cook is gumbo. To me, it's more than just a meal—it's a tradition that represents the heart and soul of Louisiana cuisine. While I have a deep respect for authentic Cajun cooking, what truly inspires me is taking those bold, familiar flavors and infusing them into contemporary cuisine using modern culinary techniques. I enjoy creating dishes that honor tradition while offering guests a refined, elevated dining experience.My goal is to showcase the versatility of Cajun c

Who is your culinary inspiration?

Chef Aaron Valimont Chef James Sheilds Chef Emeral Lagassie

What would you do with the $25,000?

If we win the $25,000, we'll invest it in opening our first Chef Dnoir Cajun Cuisine restaurant, expanding our Louisiana-inspired seasoning line, and growing our brand through marketing and new opportunities. The investment will also help us purchase equipment, increase production, and reach more customers. Our mission is to preserve and elevate authentic Cajun cuisine while sharing Louisiana's rich culinary heritage with communities across the country.

James Beard Foundation

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