KAPA DJ advances in ‘Favorite Chef’ contest

KAPA DJ Darde Gamayo cleared the first of multiple elimination rounds for a chance to be named Favorite Chef.

Gamayo was among the top 20 selected out of a group of 60 home chefs from around the United States. She is in the running to win $25,000 and have one of her food dishes photographed and published in “Taste of Home” magazine.

The winner will also get a chance to cook with celebrity chef Carla Hall.

As of Monday afternoon, Gamayo was in second place. The public has until Thursday to vote for their favorite home chef and the top 15 will move on to the next round.

Gamayo is skilled at making Hawaiian home food. Some of the dishes highlighted in her contest profile online include chicken papaya soup, beef tortilla soup, chicken long rice and shrimp chow fun.

Click here to cast a vote.

Gamayo said she’s excited and hopes people keep up the momentum to support her. While she doesn’t know how many votes have been cast at this point, the DJ said votes carry over from each round.

People can cast one vote for free and up to 250 votes if they donate $250 to the James Beard Foundation, a nonprofit that celebrates and supports the people behind America’s food culture while pushing for new standards in the restaurant industry to create a future where all have the opportunity to thrive.

If she does win, Gamayo plans to donate a portion of the $25,000 to her local charity that takes food to our local kūpuna (elders).

“Then I plan on remodeling my kitchen, upgrading the appliances and buying me some new kitchen tools and essentials,” she said.

There are two titles for the taking. The first is People’s Choice and the other is Carla’s Pick.