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

Top 20 Chef

Michelle Padula

I am passionate about engaging people with and around food. It is a way to strengthen bonds and build trust.

Currently 1

in their Group

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

Voting for the TOP 15 ends Thursday the 18th of June at 7PM PDT

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What is your signature dish?

I don’t have one signature dish, but I’m known primarily for my signature goods like my Italian sausage recipe, my giardiniera, my meatballs or assortment of cellos (Limincello but other flavors).

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My dad as he taught me the precision and art of cooking. Chef Grant Achatz for showing how to develope recipes with your other senses other than taste. Chef Mashama Bailey for integrating nostalgia into sophisticated dishes.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Donate a portion to help support my friend chef’s Culinary Therapy start-up that that combines the restorative power of shared meals with guided healing conversations, emotional wellness practices, and community connection.

James Beard Foundation

Vote for Michelle Padula 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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