Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
I’m a prime example of hard work pays off! I didn’t take the traditional route to get here and that’s OK! I’m a student of the game!
Want to learn more about our competition?
Learn MoreWant to be notified if their position changes?
Receive Text Updates
My signature dish is a pan-seared U8 scallop with black garlic ice cream, miso caramel, sea salt foam, and caviar. It’s mysterious yet memorable—the black garlic ice cream surprises at first, but everything comes together in a balanced, elegant bite. I love creating dishes that spark curiosity while still feeling grounded, and comforting, with flavors that stay with you long after the plate is gone.
Who is your culinary inspiration?My greatest culinary inspirations are my fiancé, Nicholas, and my grandfather. Nicholas has always pushed me to be the best version of myself, personally and professionally. Amid industry uncertainty, especially during COVID, his belief in me never wavered. My grandfather is why I fell in love with cooking. At 13, he took me into his kitchen as an executive chef, and from that moment I knew this was my path. His passion and mentorship still guide me every day.
What would you do with the $25,000?If I won the $25K, I’d finally be able to fix my teeth after a serious accident left many of them broken. It’s affected my confidence for years, and being able to smile freely again would honestly mean more to me than I can fully explain. I’d put the rest of the money toward securing funding for my own restaurant—one built around mentorship, creativity, and community. I want to create the same kind of supportive kitchen environment that helped shape me into the chef I am
Vote for Cody Riggs 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.
