Local Chef Close To Earning National Recognition

(KNSI) — After a tour in the Marine Corps and a dream to become a police officer that was dashed due to injury, Jason Mueller was inspired by his grandmother to enter the restaurant business.

So far, it has panned out well. Mueller is now the owner and master chef at Bello Cucina Italian Steakhouse in St. Joseph and is in the running for some major national exposure.

Mueller is a finalist in a competition to be named Carla Hall’s Favorite Chef, featured on the cover of Taste of Home magazine, make an appearance with Hall, and win $25,000. Mueller says if he wins, he will make sure the money goes to a good cause. “I want to build a scholarship for young adults that are wanting to get into the culinary field and might need some help doing so.”

Mueller is grateful for the backing he has gotten so far. “I’ve had a lot of support. A lot of friends and family that have jumped in, staff that takes pride in the restaurant we have here, and former employees that believe in what we do and what I’ve done over my career for the past 30 years.”

The first cuts will be made at 9:00 p.m. Thursday. As of Wednesday afternoon, Mueller is third in his group. To vote, click here.

Bello Cucina is a concept that Mueller pioneered and refined in Minnesota. At one point, it was a chain with six locations. The others have been sold or closed as Mueller nears retirement after 30 years in the kitchen.

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