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

Quarter-Finalist

Gabriel Candelaria

I bring bold flavor, consistency, and creativity to every plate—turning simple ingredients into memorable meals that people actually crave.

Currently 5

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?

Fire Roasted New Mexico Hatch Green Chili Stuffed with Calabacitas yellow and green calabacitas • sweet corn purée • charred red onion • prickly pear syrup • Cotija cheese • micro cilantro • marigold flowers

Who is your culinary inspiration?

Anthony Bourdain inspired me because he showed that being a chef is about more than food—it's about people, stories, and chasing experiences. I see a lot of myself in that mindset. Like Bourdain, I'm greedy for knowledge, great meals, and unforgettable moments. He taught me to stay curious, take risks, and never settle for boring food or a boring life. Every time I cook, I'm chasing that same sense of adventure and connection.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I win the $25,000, I’ll invest it in growing my culinary career through education, travel, and hands-on learning experiences. I’ll use it to improve my skills, purchase professional equipment, and expand my personal brand through content creation and private dining events. My goal is to create opportunities that allow me to share my passion for food, connect with people through great meals, and build a lasting career doing what I love.

James Beard Foundation

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