Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
Because of my background and Micronesian cuisine I bring to the table, being a favorite would showcase something new in the culinary scene.”
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Receive Text UpdatesMy signature dish is Rice Dol Uht, Mwahng Oh Malek Inehn, which translates to Banana Rice, Grilled Chicken, and Taro Puree, a twist on a traditional Pohnpeian dish from Micronesia. It blends sweet banana rice with rich island flavors that reflect comfort, culture, and home. This dish represents my roots and the vision behind Fusion Thyme. Bold, authentic flavors that bring people together through culture and community.
Who is your culinary inspiration?I don’t have a specific culinary inspiration. Growing up, I’ve always had a deep love for food. While living in the outer islands of Pohnpei, especially in Pakin, I was surrounded by vibrant, aromatic island cooking—roasted pig, fresh pepper and citrus blends, charred fish and banana rice, taro roots, and exotic fruits. Those flavors and experiences shaped my palate and inspired me. My cooking reflects those roots: simple, bold, and full of culture and memory.
What would you do with the $25,000?It would help me launch Fusion Thyme in Alaska,creating jobs, teaching culinary skills, feeding people, and giving back through food.
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