Top Chef Season 23 Winner Rhoda Magbitang Makes History
Top Chef: Carolinas crowned its Season 23 winner during the finale on June 8 as finalists Rhoda Magbitang, Sherry Cardoso, and Laurence Louie competed for the title and the $250,000 grand prize.
The final episode featured guest judges Val Cantu, Eric Ferguson, Brandon Jew, Camari Mick, Nok Suntaranon, and former Top Chef contestants Sara Bradley, Joe Flamm, and Stephanie Izard.
Rhoda Magbitang Wins Top Chef Season 23
After preparing a four-course finale meal, Rhoda Magbitang of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, was named the winner of Top Chef: Carolinas.
Her victory marked a historic moment for the competition series.
Rhoda became the first contestant since Season 15 winner Joe Flamm to return from Last Chance Kitchen and win the entire competition. Before that, Kristen Kish accomplished the feat in Season 10 and Brooke Williamson did the same in Season 14.
She also became the first female Top Chef winner since Melissa King won Season 17 and only the seventh woman to win the competition in the show's 20-year history.
What Was the Top Chef Season 23 Finale Challenge?
The finale challenge required each chef to create a four-course progressive meal for the judges.
Each finalist was paired with a former contestant who served as a mentor throughout the challenge.
Sherry Cardoso was paired with Sara Bradley and selected Anthony as her sous chef.
Rhoda Magbitang worked alongside Joe Flamm and selected Sieger as her sous chef.
Laurence Louie was paired with Stephanie Izard and chose Jonathan as his sous chef.
The judges evaluated each course before selecting the season's winner.
Rhoda Magbitang's Winning Menu
Rhoda said her finale meal was inspired by the people who helped shape her culinary journey.
Her winning menu included:
First Course: Roasted sweet potato with miso butter, fresh uni, and charred sweet potato leaves.
Second Course: Abalone lugaw with abalone liver mousse.
Third Course: Grilled eggplant omelet with XO sauce and vinegar, crispy pork belly, and chili fish sauce.
Fourth Course: Braised short rib with liver sauce and vegetables.
Unlike the other finalists, Rhoda chose not to serve a dessert course as part of her finale menu.
Sherry Cardoso and Laurence Louie Fall Short
Sherry Cardoso and Laurence Louie entered the finale with hopes of claiming the title but ultimately finished behind Rhoda.
Both chefs included dessert courses in their final meals, but neither dessert impressed the judges enough to separate them from the competition.
While many viewers expected Laurence Louie to emerge as the winner based on his performances throughout the season, the judges ultimately selected Rhoda after evaluating the complete four-course meal.
Top Chef Renewed for Season 24
Top Chef will officially return for Season 24.
According to reports, the series has continued to perform strongly across Bravo and Peacock, delivering its best overall audience numbers since the 2021 season.
The next season of Top Chef is expected to premiere in 2027.
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