Chris Warren

Connect What is your signature dish?

My signature dishes are smoked barbecue brisket, jerk chicken, and elevated comfort food with bold Caribbean and Southern influences. I love creating food that feels both familiar and unforgettable whether it’s a wedding for 300 guests, a festival crowd, or a community event. From slow-smoked meats and homemade sides to creative grazing tables and street-food favorites, my goal is always to make people feel connected through food.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My biggest inspiration comes from my family, my community, and the chefs who taught me the importance of hard work and hospitality. I attended culinary school, trained in fine dining, and worked my way up through kitchens, but I also learned just as much cooking for real people at festivals, barbecues, and community events. I’m inspired by food that brings people together and creates memories, no matter the setting.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest the $25,000 into growing Hudson Valley Catering while expanding my youth cooking programs I’ve started through HVC. As a chef, I’ve seen how food brings people together and creates opportunities. Recently, I’ve been teaching cooking classes for local children, but resources limit how many kids I can serve. This funding would help purchase equipment, expand our mobile kitchen, create more free classes, and teach valuable life skills through food, teamwork, and cre