Favorite Chef: A Legitimate Culinary Competition
Colossal is proud to announce the return of the Favorite Chef for 2025! This exciting culinary competition brings together top chefs, passionate home cooks, and creative food artists to showcase their skills—all while supporting a great cause. If you love cooking and dream of making your mark in the culinary world, this competition offers an incredible opportunity to do just that.
What Is the Favorite Chef Competition?
The Favorite Chef Competition is an annual online event designed to highlight culinary excellence while raising funds for the James Beard Foundation. Hosted by Colossal, the leading professional fundraiser, this competition has gained a reputation for providing life-changing opportunities to chefs and food enthusiasts alike.
Since 2023, this competition has raised over $9.5 million for JBF, a foundation dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and elevating the people behind America’s food culture.
What’s at Stake?
This year’s Favorite Chef winner will enjoy a prize package designed to elevate their culinary career to new heights:
$25,000 Cash Prize – A life-changing amount that can be used for culinary education, opening a restaurant, or funding a dream project.
Appear in Taste of Home Magazine – The winner will be showcased in America’s premier cooking publication, providing nationwide exposure.
Exclusive Cooking Experience with Chef Carla Hall – The winner will cook alongside the legendary Carla Hall, gaining invaluable mentorship and insight.
More Ways to Win!
Beyond the People’s Choice champion, this year’s competition introduces even more opportunities for recognition. Acclaimed chefs Aarón Sánchez and Andrew Zimmern join chef Carla Hall as 2025 Chef’s Picks, each selecting one standout participant to receive a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience.
Chef Carla Hall with the last years Favorite Chef, Keyana Jadail
Meet the Renowned Chefs
Carla Hall – Rising to fame on Top Chef and The Chew, Hall is now the host of her own HBO show, Chasing Flavor, and presenter of Favorite Chef. She continues to inspire with diverse cuisines, making cooking an irresistible adventure for all.
Aarón Sánchez – An award-winning chef and TV personality, Sánchez co-stars on MasterChef and hosts El Toque de Aarón. A James Beard award winner, he’s recognized as a leader for the Hispanic community by major organizations.
Andrew Zimmern – A celebrated chef, TV personality, and James Beard Award-winning host, Zimmern is known for his adventurous palate and cultural curiosity. Best known for Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, he has traveled the globe showcasing unique cuisines.
Is Favorite Chef Legitimate? Absolutely!
Some ask if the Favorite Chef Competition is a scam. Rest assured—it is a legitimate and impactful event. Since 2023, Colossal has raised over $9.5 million to benefit the James Beard Foundation.
Each year, thousands of aspiring chefs enter, and the public votes to determine the final winner. Previous champions include Chef Karen Jenkins (2023) and Chef Keyana Jadali (2024), both of whom have leveraged their winnings to further their culinary dreams.
How Does It Work?
Colossal’s competitions follow a transparent and well-organized process; read more here:
Is My Donation Tax-Deductible?
Yes! Donations made through the Colossal platform go directly to DTCare, a recognized nonprofit organization, making your contribution 100% tax-deductible. DTCare ensures that all donations are distributed safely and effectively to charitable organizations, like the James Beard Foundation. Read more here.
Last year through the competition, Colossal helped raise 7.7 million dollars for James Beard Foundation!
Favorite Chef: Ready to Compete?
If you’re an aspiring chef looking to make your mark, the Favorite Chef Competition 2025 is your chance! Sign up, showcase your culinary skills, and you might just be the next big name in the food world.
Follow Colossal and the Favorite Chef Competition on social media to stay updated and support this exciting event.
2023 Favorite Chef, Karen Jenkins hosting this year’s competition!
