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

Quarter-Finalist

Melissa Darr

Cooking for others brings me incredible joy. I love sharing my passion with others and this would give me another chance to do that.

Currently 2

in the Quarter-Finals

Vote

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

Voting for Semi-Finalists ends Thursday the 23rd of July at 7PM PDT

Want to learn more about our competition?

Learn More
What is your signature dish?

My signature is actually not a single dish. I am known for picking a theme, like an event, or a country, and then researching heavily before creating a meal to share. One of the items I am asked for a lot is my gumbo. We have (non biological) kids and grands in New Orleans. So even though I am in Wisconsin, I am known for my gumbo.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

Currently, probably Michael Symon. I love how he puts focus on his family heritage, incorporates his vegetable gardens, and cooks outside as well as inside.

What would you do with the $25,000?

We moved to our current home about 8 years with the intent to update my kitchen. It isn't very functional. I make it work, but a few updates would make all the difference. 5 years ago we were ready to do it but we needed to help out some family financially and ended up having to table it. I would love a functional space to create in!

James Beard Foundation

Vote for Melissa Darr 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