Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
Bold flavors, comfort food with personality, and dishes that turn every bite into a memorable experience for every guest.
You decide who will appear in Taste of Home magazine, and win $25,000!
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Signature Dish: “Flame-Glazed Southern Butter Chicken stuffed asparagus & Loaded Garlic Mash” This dish is a bold, comfort-forward plate that blends Southern soul food flavor with a modern, elevated twist. It’s built to be rich, satisfying, and unforgettable—exactly the kind of dish that makes people stop mid-bite and ask what’s in it. At the center of the dish is juicy, seasoned chicken thighs, marinated overnight.
Who is your culinary inspiration?My culinary inspiration comes from Guy Fieri, a chef and television personality who represents everything I love about food—bold flavor, comfort, and personality. Guy Fieri isn’t just known for cooking; he is known for making food an experience. Through his work on shows like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, he has built a reputation for highlighting everyday chefs and restaurants while celebrating the kind of food people actually crave.
What would you do with the $25,000?I’d reinvest it into building my culinary brand the right way—upgrading my kitchen setup, securing quality equipment for catering, and sourcing premium ingredients to elevate my dishes. I’d also put part of it toward branding and marketing so I can create a strong identity through professional photos, packaging, and a polished menu experience. The rest would go into scaling my catering operations so I can serve more clients, create memorable food experiences, and grow.
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