Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000

Lorenzo Wesley

Close to retirement from the US Army, I'm ready to turn my passion for cooking into joy on every plate. Let’s create culinary magic!

Currently 2

in their Group

Vote

You decide who will appear in Taste of Home magazine, and win $25,000!

The first cut is on Thursday the 11th of June at 7PM PDT

Want to learn more about our competition?

Learn More
Connect
What is your signature dish?

Cajun Butter Shrimp - Super Colossal shrimp seasoned with my signature seafood blend, seared to perfection, then bathed in a rich Cajun butter sauce crafted with ghee and my bold Cajun seasoning blend. Finished with fresh-squeezed lemon juice for a bright tang and vibrant chopped parsley. It’s simple, but ‘gooder’ than a mug! Every bite is a celebration of bold Southern flavor with buttery richness.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My greatest inspirations never held a culinary degree. They held wooden spoons and cast iron skillets. My late grandmother and great aunt were the definition of soul. Every dish they made carried love & crafted sweet memories. I cook to honor them and keep their spirit alive in every ingredient & bite. They taught me that the best food doesn't just feed the body; it stirs something deeper. That's the standard I chase every time I step into the kitchen.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I'd invest in myself. After nearly a lifetime of serving this country, I'm nearing retirement from the Army. Now it’s my time to pour that same dedication into my passion. This $25K would be the launchpad my business needs to truly take flight. From scaling production to reaching more tables across the country, every dollar would go toward building something I'm deeply passionate about. This isn't just a business; it's my next mission.

James Beard Foundation

Vote for Lorenzo Wesley 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.


1 Vote
10 Votes
25 Votes
50 Votes
100 Votes
250 Votes
Other Amount

Enter donation - $1 per vote

Make onions cry

Sharpen your knives and show the world why you’re the Favorite Chef.

Learn More