Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
I should be the favorite chef, driven by a lifelong love for the craft and a passion to nourish others with thoughtful, delicious meals.
Want to learn more about our competition?
Learn MoreWant to be notified if their position changes?
Receive Text Updates
Chard leak and cardamom crusted pork loin with silky parsnip puree served with sautéd sumac carrots garnished with pickle red onions and a raspberry Cooley.
Who is your culinary inspiration?Chef Marco Pierre White is my ultimate culinary inspiration. Beyond his masterful technique, his true genius lies in his ability to let nature be the ultimate artist on the plate. Maintaining such profound restraint is incredibly difficult at the three-star Michelin level, where over-manipulation is common. I also respect his decision to return his stars when the pressure compromised his passion. He proved that true culinary greatness means honoring the ingredient and staying authentic.
What would you do with the $25,000?I would use the 25,000 dollars to help start my dream of owning a New York style pizza restaurant that really emphasizes the quality of ingredients and food being produced.
Vote for Benjamin O’Connor to be the next Favorite Chef while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting the James Beard Foundation and their mission to lead chefs and the broader culinary industry toward a new standard of excellence.
