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

Quarter-Finalist

Carlos Montoya

I’ve spent over20 years honing my craft. With local ingredients and fresh pasta as my canvas, this would help me move my restaurant forward.

Currently 9

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?

I don't have a signature dish because my style of cooking is completely seasonal. I believe in letting the earth dictate what goes on the plate, rather than forcing a specific ingredient out of season just to have a 'famous' dish. I cook with intent and from the heart by focusing on what is fresh, local, and vibrant right now. Every plate tells a story of where and when we are, which means my favorite dish to make is whatever is peaking in the season.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My culinary inspiration is my mother. I have been cooking beside my mother since I was young. Picking cranberry beans from the pod to make beans with her.

What would you do with the $25,000?

For my business, this $25,000 grand prize isn't just a financial win—it is an investment in our future and the community we serve. Reinvesting this capital will allow us to secure our long-term stability by expanding our team, increasing our production capacity, and securing the resources needed to scale sustainably. This prize will provide the solid foundation we need to ensure our bright future, allowing us to continue creating jobs and delivering exceptional value for years to come

James Beard Foundation

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