Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
I should be the Fav Chef winner because I use food, leadership, and my upcoming book *Forged in the Fire* to inspire resilience, growth, and
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Receive Text UpdatesMy signature dish is a cast iron chicken with a buttermilk biscuit purée, and Swiss chard. It’s inspired by my mom and the way she transformed leftovers and ingredients from our garden into something comforting and memorable. Rooted in our Southern heritage while growing up in Rhode Island, the dish reflects resilience, resourcefulness, and the belief that great food comes from heart, not excess.
Who is your culinary inspiration?My culinary inspiration starts with my mom, who taught me that food is how you care for people and bring them together. As a military veteran and Johnson & Wales graduate, I’ve also been shaped by mentors, teams, and experiences throughout my career. Today, my children inspire me most—they remind me why passion, growth, and purpose matter. My food reflects discipline, heart, and connection.
What would you do with the $25,000?If fortunate enough to win, I would use the prize money to continue investing in my growth as a chef and leader, while also supporting my family—especially my children, who are my greatest motivation. I would also use part of it to give back through mentorship and culinary development, helping inspire and support the next generation of hospitality professionals.
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