Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
Farm-to-table chef redefining small-town dining through creativity, relentless passion, and unforgettable guest experiences.
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My signature dish is my rotating handcrafted cheesecake program. Every week features a completely new flavor built from scratch using seasonal ingredients, house-made garnishes, and refined techniques. From brûléed lemon meringue cheesecake to burnt honey cheesecake with honeycomb toffee and fresh gelato, each dessert is designed to feel elevated, memorable, and unique while showcasing creativity, balance, and presentation.
Who is your culinary inspiration?My culinary inspiration comes from Gordon Ramsay’s intensity and standards, Massimo Bottura’s creativity and storytelling, and Sean MacDonald’s modern execution and ingredient focus. They each push boundaries differently, but all share the same passion for excellence, discipline, and creating unforgettable dining experiences. Their influence inspires me to bring elevated cuisine and innovation to a small-town community.
What would you do with the $25,000?I would use the $25,000 to give back to the people and community that supported me from the beginning. I’d host a large celebration feast featuring locally sourced food, live music, and a memorable dining experience for the community. I would also invest back into the restaurant by improving equipment, expanding creative menu opportunities, and continuing to build a destination dining experience in small-town Iowa.
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