Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
Born to cook, Haitian roots, bold fusion—creative, precise, unforgettable flavors. I turn culture into dishes. I am your favorite chef.
You decide who will appear in Taste of Home magazine, and win $25,000!
Want to learn more about our competition?
Learn MoreWant to be notified if their position changes?
Receive Text Updates
My signature dish is my Trini Teriyaki Salmon Burger — a Caribbean-inspired fusion that blends bold island flavor with a modern savory twist. It features a seared citrus-teriyaki glazed salmon filet layered on a warm potato bun with smoked chipotle vegan mayo, crisp spring lettuce, ripe tomato, and fresh red onion. It’s the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, zesty, and fresh, inspired by Caribbean flavor profiles while bringing something unique and elevated to the table.
Who is your culinary inspiration?My culinary inspiration comes from Caribbean mothers — especially Haitian moms — who turn cooking into an act of love, community, and togetherness. Growing up, I watched women gather ingredients from the market, prepare their kitchens through mise en place, prep every vegetable by hand, season every pot with intention, and cook meals that brought the entire family together. What inspired me most was how cooking was never treated like a chore. It was the heart of the home. In the Car
What would you do with the $25,000?If I were fortunate enough to win the $25,000, I would invest it back into growing Smoove Caribbean through branding, marketing, and expanding my platform as a chef and entrepreneur. While the financial support would help me continue building my business, the true reward would be the honor of being recognized as a Favorite Chef. To me, it would represent validation of my creativity, culture, and passion for bringing people together through food, while opening new doors and opportunities for me.
Vote for Nahomie Raphael 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.
