Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
I am a full-time Principal who lives & loves to cook...inspiring others to try new foods. In my spare time, I own and run two restaurants!
You decide who will appear in Taste of Home magazine, and win $25,000!
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Receive Text UpdatesMy signature dish is Deconstructed Jambalaya. I have lots of favorites, so I put a poll out to my customers on Facebook. Out of six choices, Deconstructed Jambalaya won by two votes! The dish features beef parmesan rice with spices, jalapeño, onion and green pepper. It's topped with Chipotle aioli and grilled shrimp and sausage skewers. I've served this twice as a special and ran out both times.
Who is your culinary inspiration?I come from strong women ancestors. Each taught me their special cuisine. My grandma came from Germany, my aunt from the heart of Mexico l, and my beautiful 91 year old mama from Kansas (but she loves European dishes). I still hear my grandma saying, "that's enough, my love!" That's when I know dinner is ready.
What would you do with the $25,000?My husband, myself, and our two best friends work 70+ hours a week. I would take them to Greece for 10 days. I would also take my mama and son on a dream vacation of mom's choice. She has sacrificed so much for us and it's a memory I want to cherish forever.
Vote for Lana Swingholm 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.
