Local chef makes it to quarter-finals in national Favorite Chef competition

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- 8News was visited by a local chef on Monday to talk about her journey into the quarter-finals of a national cooking competition.

8News anchors Autumn Childress and Delaney Hall were joined by local chef Mary Shaw as she spoke about making it to the quarter-finals of Carla Hall's Favorite Chef competition.

"It's an opportunity for chefs to get exposure, but it's also a fundraiser for the James Beard Foundation, which supports chefs in communities across the nation," Shaw said.

As Shaw plated up a dish of savory cornbread madeleines topped with peppered whipped goat cheese and homemade tomato jam, she explained her culinary timeline, and what being a chef means to her.

"Cooking has always afforded me the opportunity to do art, even if I didn't have a lot of money or a lot of time, or whatever was going on in my life, because no matter what we have to eat," Shaw said. "So knowing how to cook and cook well just gives you a better quality of life."

Shaw also explained that the winner of the Favorite Chef competition will get a cooking experience with Top Chef's Carla Hall, a spread in Taste of Home magazine and $25,000.

To support Shaw and vote for her to continue moving up in the competition, visit her Instagram page or Rebelle Epicurienne website.