"Born and raised in Florida, I have been cooking for 12 years. At 21, I moved to New Orleans, where I had the chance to work at the 5-star Windsor Court Hotel. After Hurricane Katrina, I moved to Charleston, South Carolina, with my wife, son, and daughter to work at the 4-star Charleston Place Hotel. Both cities helped form my style of cooking. I moved to the Asheville area with my family five years ago. I have worked at Posana for a year. I love hiking in the summer with my kids, and I love what this area has to offer."

Q: What secret ingredient would you like to work with?

A: I really want to get something we can use to create a wild dessert. Our pastry chef Rebekah Abrams is a real rock star. As far as what I am hoping for, I just love the surprise of walking in and getting the secret ingredient. Creating on the fly with our chefs is so much fun.

Q: What edge do you have in this competition?

A: A great team. Sous chef Ben Jordan and pastry chef Rebekah are really just a terrific pair of chefs to work with. I can't wait for the next round.

Q: If you could make one phone call during the competition, whom would you call?

A: The kids, to say goodnight!

Q: Favorite celebrity chef?

A: Daniel Boulud, no doubt.

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