Bravo Media's Emmy and James Beard Award-winning TOP CHEF crowned its thirteenth season winner Jeremy Ford (Miami, FL) last night after an epic gastronomic showdown in Las Vegas, Nevada. On the heels of the finale, the network just announced that the hit culinary competition series will pack its knives and head to Charleston, South Carolina for season fourteen. Set to premiere later this year, production will begin this spring with host Padma Lakshmi, head judge Tom Colicchio along with Gail Simmons and Richard Blais returning to the judges table.
Speaking about the finale, Colicchio said, "The final two chefs are extremely talented and cooked their hearts out. In the end, Jeremy pulled through with the stronger meal. He showed a ton of talent throughout the season and we couldn't be happier to name him this season's 'Top Chef."
Regarding season 14, Shari Levine, Executive Vice President, Current Production,
Bravo Media said, "Charleston is the perfect location to inject our next batch of chefs. We know Charleston and are excited by the food, people and possibility it brings with its rich cultural and historical background which has played an important role in shaping South Carolina's unique cuisine."
Helen T. Hill, Chief Executive Officer of Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau adds, "We are thrilled that 'Top Chef' has chosen Charleston, South Carolina as the site for season fourteen. As the Southeast's premier dining destination, we look forward to sharing our 300 year culinary heritage with 'Top Chef's' passionate and devoted viewers."
Last night's finale brought Ford face-to-face with "Last Chance Kitchen" winner Amar Santana (Orange County, CA). Each chef was challenged to make the meal of their lives with help from their culinary mentors Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Charlie Palmer, as well as their fallen comrades to impress a room full of judges and important diners including Emeril Lagasse, Dominique Crenn, Jonathan Benno, Hubert Keller, and the Chefs' families. In a nail biting and close deliberation, Ford was awarded the coveted title of "Top Chef" and will receive $125,000 furnished by S. Pellegrino®, a feature in FOOD & WINE magazine and a showcase at the annual FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen.
In addition, on last night's episode of "Watch What Happens Live," Andy Cohen announced Isaac Toups as the winner of the "Top Chef Fan Favorite" online poll, awarding him $10,000, furnished by S. Pellegrino®.
Chef Jeremy Ford began his career in the culinary industry at 16-years-old as Garde Manger at Mathews, a four-star Mediterranean style restaurant. A year later, he packed up and moved to Los Angeles to work at the world-renowned restaurant L'Orangerie under the helm of Executive Chef Christophe Eme. He later moved on to work with Master Chef Joachim Splichal at Patina. Ford beat out 30 other chefs in a two-day competition to get his current Executive Chef position at Matador Room by Jean-Georges located in Miami Florida. Now, at age 30, Ford beat out 16 chefs from across the country to earn the title of "Top Chef."
Recently celebrating 10 years on the air, "Top Chef" is the #1 food program on cable in 2016 among P18-49 and P25-54. Season 13 is averaging 1.0 million P18-49, 1.2 million P25-54 and 1.9 million total viewers, up 5 percent, up 10 percent and 7 percent respectively from the prior season.
Image courtesy of BRAVO
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