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

Penelope Tabernilla

Filipino roots, sushi expertise. I blend 13 years of technique with a passion for fusion to share the heart and joy of food with every bite.

Currently 5

in their Group

Vote

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

The first cut is on Thursday the 11th of June at 7PM PDT

Want to learn more about our competition?

Learn More
What is your signature dish?

While I don't have one static signature dish, my true specialty lies in culinary improvisation. As a professional chef, I pride myself on 'fridge alchemy'—taking everyday leftovers and humble ingredients to create mouthwatering, budget-friendly fusion meals. Whether it's reinventing traditional Filipino flavors with a modern twist or utilizing my sushi background for precise execution, I transform the ordinary into something extraordinary through heart and soul.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My mother is my greatest culinary inspiration. Growing up, I watched her masterfully blend Filipino traditions with international flavors, teaching me that food is a vessel for joy and connection. She didn't just cook recipes; she infused every dish with heart and soul. Her ability to share love through food is the foundation of my career, and it's what drives me today to share that same joy with my own community.

What would you do with the $25,000?

The $25,000 winnings would be the catalyst for the next chapter of my culinary journey. I plan to invest these funds directly into scaling my food business, allowing me to share my unique blend of Filipino-fusion cuisine with a wider audience. My goal is to build a platform where my heritage and passion for food can continue to bring people together, while further expanding my professional expertise in the kitchen.

James Beard Foundation

Vote for Penelope Tabernilla 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.


1 Vote
10 Votes
25 Votes
50 Votes
100 Votes
250 Votes
Other Amount

Enter donation - $1 per vote

Make onions cry

Sharpen your knives and show the world why you’re the Favorite Chef.

Learn More