This past year, I competed in Favorite Chef, an international competition and fundraiser for the James Beard Foundation.

While I didn’t make it all the way, I did reach the quarter-finals! Because of that, I was invited to submit a photo of my best dish for a separate portion of the competition called Carla’s Pick (recognizing outstanding plating presentation). I submitted a photo of my best dish and it was chosen as the winner by Carla Hall herself.

This honour came with the most amazing prize package. An all-expenses-paid “foodie trip” to NYC and, best of all, a meet and greet with none other than Carla Hall herself.