Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
I fuse cultures, elevate comfort, and create unforgettable dishes. 17+ years proving flavor, creativity, and execution win every time.
Want to learn more about our competition?
Learn MoreWant to be notified if their position changes?
Receive Text UpdatesMy signature dish is my infused garlic noodles and crab. It represents my cooking style perfectly — elevated comfort food with Asian, Caribbean, and Southern influences. I focus on bold flavor layering, premium ingredients, and creating dishes that feel both luxurious and familiar.
Who is your culinary inspiration?My culinary inspiration comes from a mix of chefs, culture, and real-life experiences. I’m inspired by chefs who push flavor boundaries while still creating food that feels soulful and approachable, like Marcus Samuelsson, Eric Adjepong, and Roy Choi. I’m also heavily inspired by Caribbean, Southern, and Asian cuisines and the way those cultures use bold seasoning, technique, and comfort to tell stories through food. A lot of my creativity comes from taking familiar dishes and eleva
What would you do with the $25,000?I would use the $25,000 to take my culinary vision to the next level. As a chef, entrepreneur, and creator, I’ve built my brand through hard work, creativity, and consistency. This investment would help me expand my business, produce higher-level food content, host immersive dining experiences, and continue creating opportunities through food. My goal is bigger than cooking meals — I want to build a brand that inspires people, represents culture through fusion cuisine, and shows wha
Vote for Kerby Morgan Jr 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.