Bluffton pastry chef campaigns for national cooking competition votes

BLUFFTON, SC. (WTOC) - A Lowcountry pastry chef is asking for public votes as he advances to the semifinals of the Favorite Chef competition, where the prize includes a magazine feature, $25,000, and a chance to cook with celebrity chef Carla Hall.

Duane Copeland, who has worked in the culinary industry for two decades and received a Michelin star rating in Washington, D.C., is currently in third place in the competition. The contest is judged entirely by the public, with votes accepted until Thursday night to determine who makes it into the quarter-finals.

Rooted in Lowcountry flavors

Copeland’s recipes are built around natural Lowcountry ingredients, with Carolina gold rice at the base of his beloved sourdough loaves.

“We like to use all local ingredients as much as possible and be able to share some of the same products that we’re using that makes this area special — for them to use it and showcase it again on a national level,” Copeland said.

Two decades in the culinary industry

Copeland said he entered the culinary industry knowing that everyone needed to eat. He described his community support as a key factor in his competition run.

“Just telling him you can do it — it’s that time, let’s go. It’s been that moment in the making and you have a lot of support from the community, so just having that support it makes everything a little bit easier,” Copeland said.

What a win would mean

Copeland said the grand prize money would help him open a storefront for his bakery business and put his kids through college.

“To come out on top would be absolutely amazing and I have a lot of plans that can happen with this top prize,” he said.

Copeland said votes from the public are his top priority heading into the final stretch of the competition.

“Our voters is actually the most important right now for me,” Copeland said.

Click here to cast your vote for the Quarter Finals. Voting closes Thursday.