Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
Because food is more than a meal—it's our history, culture, and connection. I want to help preserve it and the stories behind it.
Want to learn more about our competition?
Learn MoreWant to be notified if their position changes?
Receive Text Updates
One of my favorite dishes is grilled octopus with new potatoes, heirloom tomatoes, chanterelle mushrooms, fennel, and a fresh herb chimichurri. Another is baby back ribs cooked sous vide for 24 hours in a cocoa-coffee spice rub, then finished over wood or charcoal and served with farro and sautéed greens. I love to cook and combine bold flavors, great ingredients, mixed in with love.
Who is your culinary inspiration?Anthony Bourdain for his storytelling and humility. And also the cooks and chefs I worked with in catering kitchens who were so dedicated to their work, cranking it out day after day.
What would you do with the $25,000?I would use it to create a documentary series featuring culinary artisans from around the world—farmers, ranchers, chefs, and food producers who dedicate their lives to making extraordinary products. Many carry generations of family tradition, while others are driven purely by passion and purpose. My goal is to celebrate their craft, share their stories, and help preserve their heritage, knowledge, and traditions for future generations.
Vote for Rico Mandel 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.
