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

Quarter-Finalist

Michael Zanella

I cook bold, comforting meals that bring people together through great food, family, faith, and unforgettable experiences.

Currently 2

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?

My signature dish is Timballo Genovese—a traditional Italian masterpiece layered with homemade pasta, slow-braised Genovese sauce, cheeses, and love. It's a family recipe that always brings everyone to the table.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My greatest culinary inspiration is my family specifically Nona. Growing up around authentic Italian cooking taught me that food is about more than recipes—it's about tradition, patience, and bringing people together. Those lessons inspire every dish I make, from homemade pasta to Timballo Genovese, and they're the foundation of my dream to build Zanbach.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I'd invest the $25,000 into growing Zanbach—bringing my family's Italian recipes to life through handcrafted pasta, signature sauces, and unforgettable dining experiences and giving back to the community.

James Beard Foundation

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