Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000

Quarter-Finalist

John Bard

I should be the next Favorite Chef because I bring more than just creativity to the table—I bring consistency, leadership, and understand.

Currently 7

in the Quarter-Finals

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You decide who will appear in Taste of Home magazine, and win $25,000!

Voting for Semi-Finalists ends Thursday the 23rd of July at 7PM PDT

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What is your signature dish?

My signature style is taking familiar, nostalgic desserts and reinterpreting them in a modern way. Whether it’s a s’mores crème brûlée or a more contemporary dessert like a Dubai brownie layered with cherry gelée, I focus on keeping flavors recognizable while refining the technique and presentation.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

I’m an influenced by chefs like Dominique Ansel, who balance classic pastry foundations with modern creativity. That combination of nostalgia and refinement is what drives my work. And well… the legend Carla Hall. She brings so much fun to the craft and is highly knowledgeable about what makes food good.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With the $25,000 prize, I would take the first steps toward opening a small-town chocolate and pastry shop focused on elevated, nostalgic desserts. My goal would be to create a space where guests can experience familiar flavors—like s’mores, peanut butter, or fruit-forward desserts—reimagined as refined pastries and handcrafted chocolates. It would be an extension of the work I already do: balancing creativity with approachability, while maintaining a high level of quality and

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