Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
International chef blending global flavors with Southern soul, using food with purpose to bring comfort, culture, and people together.
Valerie Knight is in the Top 1% of all chefs in the competition! Voting to determine this year's Favorite Chef resumes Monday!
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My signature dish is a soulful fusion of international flavor and Southern comfort—slow-braised, boldly seasoned, and made with purpose. Inspired by cultures around the world and rooted in Southern tradition, every bite tells a story of passion, family, and connection. It’s more than a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together through flavor, love, and creativity.
Who is your culinary inspiration?My culinary inspiration is B. Smith. She showed the world how food, culture, elegance, and hospitality could come together with purpose. Her grace, creativity, and passion inspire me to blend international flavors with Southern soul while creating meals that bring people together and leave a lasting impression.
What would you do with the $25,000?With the $25,000, I would give back to the community by creating opportunities through food, culture, and mentorship. I want to host community meals, support families in need, mentor young aspiring chefs, and create programs that inspire connection and purpose through cooking. Food has the power to heal and bring people together, and I would use this opportunity to make a lasting impact.
