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

Quarter-Finalist

Eddie Villarreal

Creative, passionate, and driven—I turn every dish into an unforgettable experience with flavor, heart, and originality.

Currently 6

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?

My signature dish is a vibrant tropical ceviche served on homemade crispy tostadas, combining fresh seafood with bright citrus, mango, pineapple, and bold flavors inspired by coastal cuisine. What truly sets it apart is my homemade green sauce crafted from fresh jalapeños and cilantro, delivering the perfect balance of heat and freshness. This dish represents my creativity, passion for flavor, and love for bringing people together through unforgettable food experiences.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

Chef Thomas Keller inspires my culinary journey through his relentless pursuit of perfection, discipline, and respect for ingredients. His ability to transform simple flavors into unforgettable dining experiences motivates me to cook with passion, precision, and creativity. Keller’s dedication to excellence reminds me that true cooking is not just about food, but about creating memorable moments that connect people through flavor, technique, and heart.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Winning $25,000 would be life-changing for me. First, I would finally take a well-deserved vacation to relax, recharge, and celebrate all the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my culinary journey. Most importantly, the money would help me move closer to purchasing a new home and creating a more stable future for myself and my family. This opportunity would not only reward my passion, but also help me build the next chapter of my life.

James Beard Foundation

Vote for Eddie Villarreal 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.


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