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

Quarter-Finalist

Michael Encinas

Chef Mike is summed up with one word "Passion ". Food makes people come together for the best memories of life!

Currently 1

in the Quarter-Finals

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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

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What is your signature dish?

​Blackened Cajun Salmon with Citrus-Watermelon Relish. Pan-blackened salmon served over a crisp artisan salad with chilled watermelon spheres, crunchy jicama, and shaved red onion, drizzled with a vibrant citrus-zest vinaigrette and served with fresh lime.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

Guy Fieri and Jet Tia . Guy has grown a ton over the years and expanded to a brand that is fun and informative to watch. Jet ... well lets say he is a bad ass! Love his cuisine and always intrigued to see what he comes up with next.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Cooking with my grandmother ignited my passion, but my true purpose was forged through my recovery from depression and addiction. These trials taught me that reaching out for help is a strength, not a weakness. With this prize, I will mentor youth facing similar battles, using culinary arts to show them that hope exists and they can thrive. Winning would be an investment in a mission to break the silence around mental health and change lives through mentorship and love.

James Beard Foundation

Vote for Michael Encinas 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.


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