Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
Chef & saxophonist blending culture, rhythm, and elevated Southern flavor. I cook with soul and passion that’s why I’m your Favorite Chef.
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Ropa Vieja Over Pimento Mac‑N‑Cheese Slow‑braised Cuban Ropa Vieja meets the bold comfort of Southern pimento cheese in this signature SoCu dish. Tender strands of seasoned beef are layered over creamy, sharp‑cheddar pimento mac‑n‑cheese, creating a rich, soulful base that blends Southern indulgence with Caribbean depth. Finished with a touch of heat and a crisp plantain accent, this plate tells my story Cuban roots, Southern home, and my drive to bring culture, rhythm, and soul to every bite.
Who is your culinary inspiration?One of my biggest inspirations is Bobby Flay. I’ve always admired how he takes classic dishes, respects their roots, and then transforms them into something uniquely his. That approach speaks to me I love honoring the flavors of my Cuban, Italian, and Spanish heritage while putting my own Southern‑influenced, chef‑driven twist on them. Creating food that’s not strictly traditional, but undeniably delicious, is where I come alive.
What would you do with the $25,000?If I won the $25K, it would allow us to open our commercial kitchen and finally take SoCu Kitchen to the next level bigger opportunities, more clients, and the ability to share our food with more people.
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