Colossal is excited to announce that Favorite Chef 2024 is here, and the prize package for this year’s champion has risen to new heights. Culinary creators, professional chefs and home cooks are invited to show off their skills all while supporting the James Beard Foundation (JBF).
The Favorite Chef Prize Package
This year’s Favorite Chef will receive $25,000, appear on the cover of Taste of Home magazine, and enjoy a cooking experience with celebrity chef Carla Hall in the bustling culinary hub of New York City. What makes this year’s prize so delectable?
- A cash prize of $25,000 is sure to have anyone’s mouth water, whether the champion anticipates furthering their culinary education or opening their own restaurant.
- A passionate chef will take the spotlight on the cover of Taste of Home and be featured in an exclusive interview, sharing their culinary journey in the pages of a publication cherished by cooking enthusiasts everywhere. What better platform to showcase their story than in a magazine dedicated to celebrating the world of food?
- An exclusive cooking experience with Chef Hall will be held at Platform by JBF, a modern kitchen and educational space in the city that never sleeps.
Carla Hall Presents Colossal’s Favorite Chef
Chef Carla Hall, a Food Network fan favorite and host of the new HBO Max series “Chasing Flavor,” has graciously returned as the presenter of the 2024 competition. And guess what? Competitors have the chance to win the coveted title of “Carla’s Pick” by showcasing their plated presentation skills. It’s a showdown of flavor, finesse, and a dash of flair!
Industry-Pro Workshops
Participants will also feast on a smorgasbord of culinary wisdom with workshops tailored to chefs, including the art of plating with Chef Hall, leadership with Kris Moon, catering secrets with Chef Terry Matthews, and social media strategies with Melissa Anaya. These workshops are sure to tantalize taste buds and ignite creativity!
Colossal x James Beard Foundation
The allure of this competition extends beyond just the prizes and workshops. Colossal has proudly raised over $4.7M for the James Beard Foundation (JBF) through the annual Favorite Chef competition. This campaign cultivates a community of chefs supporting chefs—bolstering JBF’s transformative programs that promote inclusivity and sustainability. The James Beard Foundation provides critical resources and initiatives such as mentorships, leadership programs and advocacy efforts for America’s food and beverage professionals.
Favorite Chef is operated by Colossal as a fundraiser on behalf of DTCare, a nationally registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Funds raised during the Favorite Chef competition go to DTCare, which will subsequently issue a grant to the James Beard Foundation after the conclusion of the competition.
2023 Favorite Chef – Karen ‘Chef Kay’ Jenkins
Chef Kay is not your typical home cook; she’s a culinary artist who believes in the power of food to heal the soul and bring people together. The lifelong Virginian‘s journey has been marked by challenges and triumphs, but her love for cooking has been a constant source of comfort and joy. Chef Kay’s passion for Southern cuisine shines through in her cooking style, which centers on dishes that warms the soul.
“It’s about the impact we’ve been able to have on others, including up-and-coming cooks.”
Along with pocketing $25,000, Chef Kay shared the kitchen with Chef Hall in New York City as the 2023 champion.
Colossal has turned up the heat this year by adding the cover of Taste of Home to the prize package. Who will be the next Favorite Chef? The kitchen is calling!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Colossal?
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Favorite Chef, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact. Who’s Next?
To learn more, visit colossal.org.
Does Taste of Home magazine operate Favorite Chef?
No. Colossal Management, LLC operates Favorite Chef on behalf of charitable grantmaker DTCare.
How is the winner selected?
The “People’s Choice” winner of the Favorite Chef competition is determined through public voting. Carla Hall will also select one eligible competitor’s plated presentation submission as “Carla’s Pick.”
Where does the competition money go?
The grant to the James Beard Foundation will come from “Donation Votes” cast through the competition. 100% of donations go directly to DTCare, which will subsequently grant the donation (minus competition fees/costs) to the James Beard Foundation at the end of the competition.
If you have questions about Favorite Chef, please learn more here.
