Local Chef Repping Jax in the 2025 Favorite Chef Challenge

Jacksonville’s own Chef Eleni, also known as Helen Karamitsos, is making waves in the culinary world as she competes in the 2025 Favorite Chef Challenge, presented by Taste of Home Magazine in collaboration with celebrity chef Carla Hall and the James Beard Foundation. With a remarkable 37-year career in hospitality, Chef Eleni has captured the hearts of many and proudly held the #1 position in the competition, thanks to overwhelming community support. The competition is fierce, and Chef Eleni needs your help to secure her spot in the next round. The top five chefs from each group will advance based on popular votes across social media platforms. Voting is open until Thursday, May 1, 2025. To support Chef Eleni, visit favchef.com/2025/chef-eleni and cast your vote! Chef Eleni is calling on her community to rally together and help her take this victory all the way to New York City. Her culinary journey began in Chicago, where she grew up in a family restaurant business that inspired her love for cooking. “I started in the restaurant business in Chicago, very much like ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding,’ prepping and cooking in the kitchen at a young age,” she shared. For over 37 years, Chef Eleni has owned and operated restaurants in Southwest Florida, deeply rooted in her Greek heritage. “This is more than a contest—it’s a chance to connect, inspire, and represent my city,” she said. “I’m honored to lead by public vote, and I’m using this platform to share not just recipes, but heart.” Chef Eleni is a nationally recognized private chef, food business consultant, and custom product developer. Her unique blend of Greek tradition, creative mixes, and Southern hospitality sets her apart in today’s food scene. Specializing in high-end catering, private culinary events, and private-label food products, her vibrant energy and deep culinary knowledge make her a standout figure. The stakes are high in the Favorite Chef Challenge, with the grand prize valued at over $83,000. The People’s Choice Winner will receive $25,000 in cash, a private cooking experience with Carla Hall at Platform by JBF in NYC, and a two-page feature in Taste of Home magazine. Additionally, there are Chef’s Pick Awards, including Chef Carla’s Pick for Best Plating & Presentation and Chef Andrew Zimmern’s Pick for Most Unique Dish, each offering exciting culinary experiences. As the competition heats up, Chef Eleni encourages her supporters to continue voting and sharing her journey. “Your votes and shares are making this dream possible,” she said. “Let’s finish strong and bring national culinary attention to Jacksonville.” Vote Here: favchef.com/2025/chef-eleni