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

Quarter-Finalist

PJ Lemoncelli

Honestly, I simply love food! Cooking is such an art form. I’m a culinary arts teacher, it’s been humbling to pass along my knowledge.

Currently 3

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?

I would have to say my mushroom risotto with marinated and grilled octopus… a very close second would be my grandfather’s porketta, passed along to me from my dad. Every time I make it, it just brings back childhood memories and I love that I get to share it.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

Definitely growing up, my grandmas and my dad. There are so many amazing chefs across the world from the past and currently, but I’ve always been drawn to Sam Choy from when I began my culinary journey. I love his approach to simplistic food with his cultural authenticity, and his character and humility.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Easy, pay a few bills and stash some away for the future. Lastly, take my wife, Shelly, on a culinary journey to Greece or Spain (two places we talked about) or anywhere with a rich food culture. She’s a foodie like me, and she’s always been my biggest advocate throughout my culinary career, and I’d want to enjoy the $25K with her.

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