Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
I should be Favorite Chef because I build more than plates—I build culture, mentor teams, and create food with purpose.
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I pour my creativity into a perfectly seared ribeye with smoked potato purée, charred seasonal vegetables, roasted garlic demi, and a bright herb finish. It represents how I cook: bold flavor, disciplined technique, comfort with refinement, and a plate built to make people remember the experience.
Who is your culinary inspiration?My culinary inspiration comes from the chefs, mentors, and teams who taught me that great food is only part of the craft. The real work is building culture, consistency, and pride in the kitchen. I’m inspired by cooks who lead with discipline, creativity, humility, and the belief that every plate should show care. Or Anthony Bourdain.
What would you do with the $25,000?I would invest it back into my craft and my team: advanced culinary training, better tools, and experiences that sharpen creativity, especially in under-served communities. I’d also use part of it to mentor young cooks, support food education, and create opportunities for people who want to grow in this industry. Great kitchens are built by lifting others while constantly improving yourself.
Vote for Jim Todaro 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.
