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

Quarter-Finalist

Itay fredero

I cook from the heart, inspired by family, culture, and survival. Every dish I make brings people together.

Currently 8

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 dishes are homemade Mediterranean comfort foods inspired by my Moroccan, Persian, and Israeli roots. Fresh baked bread, shawarma, shakshuka, slow-cooked meats, homemade pickles, and rich family flavors made with heart and soul. My food is all about warmth, comfort, and bringing people together around the table.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My grandparents are my biggest culinary inspiration. Growing up, I spent countless hours in the kitchen learning family recipes, techniques, and the love behind homemade food. Cooking became more than food for me — it became healing, comfort, and a way to connect people from different cultures through flavor and hospitality.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Winning this competition would help me finally turn my dream into reality by starting my own Mediterranean food trailer. I want to share authentic homemade flavors, fresh bread, shawarma, shakshuka, and comfort food inspired by my roots and life journey. More than anything, I want to create food that makes people feel at home.

James Beard Foundation

Vote for Itay Fredero 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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