Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
My diverse culinary background from Hispanic to Jewish and everything in between. I have a passion for all things tasty!
Want to learn more about our competition?
Learn MoreWant to be notified if their position changes?
Receive Text UpdatesMy signature dish is a stick to your ribs, homemade bolognese. This dish is made with a combination of ground pork and beef seasoned with fresh and dried Italian herbs and spices. Then stewed in tomatoes, broth, sauce and cream with our pasta of choice, penne! Finally, finished with a dash of salt, fresh spinach and grated Parmesan and it’s ready for a cozy night in with family and friends.
Who is your culinary inspiration?That’s easy! I grew up on Food Network and my inspiration for cooking is Alex Guarnaschelli, Guy Fieri, and Bobby Flay. These three were culinary mentors as I grew up chopping onions, frying eggs and gave me the inspiration to try the fun, weird, and outrageous! Oh and of course Mom, who taught me to be silly in the kitchen!
What would you do with the $25,000?I would set the money aside to be a down payment to open my own restaurant and bakery! I want to have a fun, exciting and eclectic menu experience for guests and 25k would be an amazing start!
Vote for Keegan Apolinario-collins 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.