Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
Chef and storyteller elevating everyday ingredients into bold flavors that bring people together through food and culture.
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I have many signature dishes inspired by coastal California and bold Latin flavors, but one of my favorites is my Cioppino Seafood Pasta al Fresco. Fresh seafood, rich tomato broth, handmade pasta, herbs, and fire-roasted flavors served with a rustic coastal touch.
Who is your culinary inspiration?My culinary inspiration comes from my mom, my grandmother, Jacques Pépin, and Martin Yan. As a young man, I would watch them on PBS, and they taught me what real cooking with flavor truly meant. My mom and grandma showed me food was about love and family, while Jacques Pépin taught technique and Martin Yan brought energy and creativity. Together, they inspired my passion for bold, soulful cooking.
What would you do with the $25,000?I would use the $25,000 to help support my mom and my 94-year-old aunt with everyday living and medical-related expenses while giving me the opportunity to grow my film catering business. It would help me invest in better equipment, transportation, and supplies so I can expand into larger productions and create more opportunities doing what I love—bringing people together through food, hospitality, and culture.
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