Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
From Food Network competitor to restaurant owner, I bring heart, hustle, and fearless creativity to every plate.
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Receive Text UpdatesMy signature dish is Seared Fish Veracruz: crisp-skinned barramundi with julienne vegetables, green olive pico, capers, hijiki, seafood broth, and chile oil. The dish was inspired by my travels to the beaches of Mexico and the bold, vibrant flavors found in coastal towns and seaside kitchens. It balances freshness, acidity, heat, and depth in a way that feels both comforting and refined. The broth is truly the most memorable sip.
Who is your culinary inspiration?I’m not inspired by one specific chef or celebrity. My inspiration comes from places, cultures, cuisines, and travel—especially the energy of street food, coastal towns, local markets, and family-run kitchens. Some of my most memorable culinary experiences have happened while traveling through Mexico and beyond, discovering dishes that tell the story of a place and its people. I try to bring that same feeling of connection, creativity, and hospitality into every dish I create.
What would you do with the $25,000?I would invest the $25,000 back into Maize Cocina & Cocktails by expanding our culinary and cocktail programs, creating more community-driven events, and continuing to restore and enhance our historic space. I’d also use part of it to support my team through education, development, and opportunities to grow alongside the restaurant as we continue building something truly special.
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