Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
I blend creativity, culture, and purpose by serving dishes that nourish the body, uplift the mind, and tell a story with every bite.
You decide who will appear in Taste of Home magazine, and win $25,000!
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My signature dish is a Fried Catfish over a bed of dirty rice covered in a Cajun rich étouffée.
Who is your culinary inspiration?My culinary inspiration is my great grandmother, who taught me most of what I know in the kitchen as a child. She showed me that food is more than a meal, it’s love, healing, and community. Watching her cook for others with such care made my heart and soul brighter and inspired me to give back through every dish I create. Her kindness, strength, and passion for feeding people continue to guide me as I use food to bring comfort, joy, and connection to my community.
What would you do with the $25,000?If chosen as Favorite Chef, I would invest the $25,000 into expanding my one-man catering business and launching my soul food food truck to serve the Oxford community and surrounding areas. It would help me purchase equipment, branding, and supplies while creating more opportunities to give back through food. I also plan to complete my cookbook and mental health diary, which shares my journey of healing, culture, and community through cooking while pursuing my master’s degree in Nutrition.
Vote for Jaivian Hughes 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.
