Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
Chef Via Melissa - a natural food chef who cooks from a global perspective that also focuses on allergy friendly dishes, flavor & nutrition!
You decide who will appear in Taste of Home magazine, and win $25,000!
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My signature dish is cilantro-lemon lamb chops served over vanilla whipped sweet potato purée with candied pecans, toasted coconut, and a side of honey sriracha roasted Brussels sprouts. It perfectly represents my style of cooking — globally inspired comfort food with bold flavor and a healthy twist.
Who is your culinary inspiration?I’ve always been inspired by Rachel Ray because she made cooking feel approachable, energetic, and fun. From a young age, I used to say I wanted to be “the healthier version” of her! Like Rachel, I love blending entertainment, education, and real-life cooking that people can actually recreate at home. Over the years I’ve appeared on local TV, Dr. Oz, and most recently Fox Weather, sharing flavorful wellness-focused recipes that make healthy eating exciting and delicious.
What would you do with the $25,000?I’m currently working on a cookbook focused on bone health, longevity, and healing through food. My goal is to help people feel stronger, healthier, and more empowered through delicious, nutrient-rich recipes. Winning would allow me to complete and promote this passion project so I can reach and inspire more people through culinary wellness.
Vote for Melissa Eboli 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.
