Jacob Velazquez

Connect What is your signature dish?

My signature dish is Chino-Latino Hibachi: a vibrant fusion of Asian cooking techniques and Latino flavor. Juicy chicken, steak, or shrimp are cooked live with my homemade garlic butter, Cilantro sesame confit oil, soy sauce, fresh vegetables, and our signature fried rice that includes caramelized plantains. The meal is fresh, interactive, and packed with huge flavor. It reflects who I am as a chef: someone who uses food to celebrate culture, create memories, and bring people together

Who is your culinary inspiration?

Julia Child taught me to never take cooking too seriously and to find joy in the process. Ming Tsai sparked my imagination as a young chef, showing me how food can bridge cultures and tell stories. Today, Matty Matheson inspires me with his authenticity, energy, and commitment to building community through food. Together, they've shaped not only how I cook, but why I cook.

What would you do with the $25,000?

We recently found out we're having twins, so part of the $25,000 would help us prepare for our growing family. Beyond that, I would invest in growing May Contain Foodity, expanding our food education programs, youth cooking camps, and community outreach. My dream is to launch a food truck that not only serves great food but also creates opportunities to teach the next generation about cooking, nutrition, and the power of bringing people together through a meal.