Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
Cooking is my love language. I’m writing a cookbook inspired by healing through food, comfort, and connection.
You decide who will appear in Taste of Home magazine, and win $25,000!
Want to learn more about our competition?
Learn MoreWant to be notified if their position changes?
Receive Text Updates
My signature cooking style blends Mediterranean-inspired flavors with fresh, wholesome ingredients and comforting meals that nourish both body and soul. I’m known for vibrant, herb-forward dishes, bright flavors, and food that brings people together. I love creating recipes that feel fresh, satisfying, and memorable while showing that nourishing food can still feel indulgent.
Who is your culinary inspiration?My culinary inspiration comes from the people, places, and experiences that connect me through food. Growing up, I cooked alongside my family and was inspired by my grandma’s simple, fresh, farm-to-table style of cooking. Traveling has deepened that inspiration even more — I love learning from different cultures, flavors, and the people I meet along the way. My own healing journey also showed me how powerful food can be for comfort, connection, and bringing joy to others
What would you do with the $25,000?I would invest in helping My Lemon Tales grow by finishing my cookbook, improving my content production, and continuing to share recipes inspired by healing, travel, comfort, and connection. I’d also love to begin developing products and seasonings that make wholesome, flavorful cooking feel approachable for everyone.
Vote for Brandi Watts 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.
