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

Quarter-Finalist

Tina McCard

South Carolina native from Greenville, rooted in Charleston for 30 years. Yacht chef & hospitality professional with 33 years’ experience.

Currently 6

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 say my Thai food. As soon as I mention it to my clients, they jump on it. I love everything about Thai food. It’s so full of flavor, you always feel good after you eat it, and it’s so healthy!

Who is your culinary inspiration?

Anthony Bourdain! I remember the first time I met him — it was when he came to Charleston to film an episode of No Reservations with the Lee Bros. The city was already buzzing with word of his arrival, and in our little corner of the culinary world, it felt like royalty had stepped into town. Watching him engage with local chefs, cooks, and regulars around town was something I’ll never forget. There was no ego, no posturing — just this deep, reverent curiosity.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would further expand a mission I created here in Charleston last May, Our Table Chefs is a storytelling and visibility initiative dedicated to empowering female chefs—one headshot at a time. We believe that every woman behind the apron deserves to be seen, celebrated, and remembered not just for her culinary skill, but for the strength, culture, and creativity she brings to the table. Because visibility isn’t vanity-it’s power. And it starts with being seen.

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