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

Julio Santana

I’m preserving Puerto Rican culture through bold flavors, creativity, and passion with one unforgettable dish at a time.

Currently 12

in their Group

Vote

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

Voting for the TOP 15 ends Thursday the 18th of June at 7PM PDT

Want to learn more about our competition?

Learn More
Connect
What is your signature dish?

My signature dish is mofongo stuffed with slow-roasted pernil, topped with a rich garlic-cilantro sauce that honors traditional Puerto Rican flavors with a modern touch.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My greatest culinary inspiration is my mother. Watching her cook authentic Puerto Rican dishes with passion, creativity, and love inspired my journey.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest it into re-opening my restaurant El Cantito Cafe with my sister.

James Beard Foundation

Vote for Julio Santana 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.


1 Vote
10 Votes
25 Votes
50 Votes
100 Votes
250 Votes
Other Amount

Enter donation - $1 per vote

Make onions cry

Sharpen your knives and show the world why you’re the Favorite Chef.

Learn More