Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
I turned pain into purpose, building xFiresKitchenx from the ground up to inspire others through food, faith, and perseverance.
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My signature dish is my Honey Fried Chicken served with baked mac and cheese, collard greens, candied yams, and honey cornbread. It represents everything I love about Southern cuisine—bold flavor, comfort, and tradition. Crispy, juicy, and seasoned with intention, this dish tells my story and brings people together around food that feels like home.
Who is your culinary inspiration?My culinary inspiration is my Culinary Director, Chef Lombardo, and Chef Gordon Ramsay. Chef Lombardo helped shape my foundation by teaching me discipline, technique, and the importance of executing every plate with intention. Chef Ramsay inspires me with his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to build a global brand while mentoring aspiring chefs. Together, they represent the balance of craftsmanship, leadership, and ambition that drives me every day.
What would you do with the $25,000?I would invest the $25,000 into xFiresKitchenx by securing a commercial kitchen, purchasing equipment, building my website, and expanding my catering and private dining services. I also want to launch youth cooking classes to teach the next generation culinary skills and entrepreneurship. This opportunity would help me turn my vision into a lasting business that serves and uplifts my community.
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