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

Quarter-Finalist

Benjamin Loomis

I am an honors college educated graduate from a culinary program , I am outgoing, intelligent, smart and have a passion for being a chef !

Currently 4

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 signature dish is pan-seared Chilean sea bass served over fragrant jasmine cilantro-lime rice, paired with roasted Brussels sprouts. It is finished with a sweet balsamic reduction and topped with a vibrant pineapple-citrus salsa. The dish balances savory, sweet, tangy, and fresh flavors while showcasing both refined technique and bold, approachable ingredients.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My greatest culinary inspiration is my mother. She dreamed of becoming a chef, but as a single parent raising five children, she put her family's needs before her own ambitions. Her passion for cooking and the sacrifices she made inspired my love for the culinary arts. Pursuing a career as a chef is my way of honoring her dedication and carrying forward the dream she never had the chance to pursue.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Winning the $25,000 prize would help me pay off the remainder of my college tuition and invest in my culinary future. It would also give me the opportunity to travel and learn about different cuisines firsthand. I would love to visit Japan or South Korea, study traditional cooking techniques, and learn from local chefs. These experiences would help me grow as a chef and develop my own unique culinary style.

James Beard Foundation

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