Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
I’m not a chef, I’m a cook who believes food should bring people together. I create experiences, not just pretty dishes.
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My signature dish is asado negro with wasabi mashed potatoes and a watercress, avocado, and passion fruit vinaigrette salad. It combines rich Venezuelan flavors with fresh, unexpected ingredients that balance comfort, acidity, sweetness, and heat in one plate. It’s the kind of dish that feels familiar but still surprises people.
Who is your culinary inspiration?I’ve been inspired by Venezuelan mothers, especially Mrs. Gladis, who taught me how to cook with patience, love, and intuition. She showed me that great food isn’t about perfection, but about making people feel cared for. My cooking is deeply influenced by the warmth, creativity, and resilience I grew up seeing in Venezuelan kitchens.
What would you do with the $25,000?I would use the $25,000 to grow my small business into something more stable and sustainable. Working in street food markets is rewarding, but it can also be unpredictable in this economy. This opportunity would help me invest in equipment, branding, and a permanent space where I can continue sharing my food, culture, and experiences with more people.
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