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

Quarter-Finalist

J. Noah Martin II

40+ years taught me to make simple food elegant, mentor others, and serve the downtrodden. Help me build a kitchen that feeds and empowers.

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?

Creativity is a dish best served from the heart, with a little knowlegde. My Ceviche and my Pecan Pies top the list of request and probably almost tie with my Cajun rubbed slow smoked brisket and or ribs... hard to choose just .

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My mom was my greatest inspiration—the neighborhood G.O.A.T. cook! She inspired my amazing pecan pies and sparked my 40+ year passion for creating recipes. Her love, alongside legends like Pépin, Child, Wilson, Ramsay, and Texas pioneer Stephan Pyles, fueled my drive. I strive for zero waste, using the full essence of every ingredient. Food isn't just about taste; it's about seeing faces light up. Cooking is my labor of love. It's all about YOU!

What would you do with the $25,000?

Mise en place: ~20% secures my legal structure & licensing. Small Cuts: ~30-50% funds a lean commissary launch with efficient transport, avoiding real estate overhead to drive cash flow. The Simmer: ~30-70% seeds an NPO-style culinary program for overlooked military and culinary veterans. Bringing Home The Smile: Mom put love into food; 40+ years in the industry taught me the numbers. I'm building a self-sustaining engine. I am an epicurean warrior with great instincts and a servants Hear

James Beard Foundation

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