Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
I love learning people's stories through food. Every culture, meal, and conversation expands my world and inspires my cooking.
Want to learn more about our competition?
Learn MoreWant to be notified if their position changes?
Receive Text Updates
Korean-fusion Udon-Ara -a Korean and Japanese fusion with the classic carbonara. Gochujang-Miso Custard, Scallion, Nori, Crispy Smoked Pork Belly, Sesame Soy Cured Egg Yolk
Who is your culinary inspiration?My mother was my first culinary inspiration. She taught me that food is one of the ways we show love, build community, and bring people together. Years later, I saw many of those same values reflected in Nigella Lawson's approach to food as culture, memory, and storytelling. Rachel Ray inspired me to pursue cooking professionally because she made cooking feel approachable, joyful, and accessible, showing me there was room in the kitchen for personality as well as technique.
What would you do with the $25,000?I'd expand the part of my career I love most: teaching. Food literacy goes far beyond recipes. I'd create community classes that help people understand ingredients, techniques, nutrition, and culture so they can cook with confidence and adapt what they learn to their own traditions, tastes, and lives. Food may look different from table to table, but the desire to nourish, celebrate, and connect is universal.
Vote for Sterling Lamarsh 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.
