Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
Cooking is the best therapy. Putting heart and love into home recipes and sharing is one of the best feelings after the first chomp.
You decide who will appear in Taste of Home magazine, and win $25,000!
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Receive Text UpdatesSpecializing in bold, comfort-driven cuisine with a fusion of Southern BBQ, Mexican, Creole, Italian, and classic homestyle cooking techniques. Experienced in live-fire grilling, slow smoking, sous vide preparation, and scratch-made comfort foods that blend traditional flavors with elevated presentation.
Who is your culinary inspiration?Together, my grandfather’s hands-on wisdom and the educational inspiration from PBS shaped the way I approach food today — blending comfort, flavor, technique, and passion into every meal I create. Cooking is not just something I do; it is a connection to family, culture, creativity, and the joy of sharing unforgettable experiences with others.
What would you do with the $25,000?The vision is to create a mobile kitchen that delivers high-quality, home-style cooking with bold flavors and regional influence while building a strong local following and long-term business growth. The $25,000 investment reward represents more than funding — it is an opportunity to become part of a growing culinary brand built on passion, family inspiration, and authentic cooking traditions.
Vote for Chris McKee 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.
