It's redemption for Richard Blais!
On Wednesday's finale of Bravo's Top Chef All-Stars, the owner of Atlanta's Flip Burger Boutique triumphed over Mike Isabella to take this year's title.
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The show's ultimate head-to-head challenge for Isabella and Blais? Create the restaurant of their dreams on location in The Bahamas and present a four-course tasting menu to judges Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons. Isabella and Blais also had their pick of their eliminated peers to assist as sous chefs.
While the judges praised Isabella for his menu's "understated finesse," it was Blais who took top honors after presenting the most consistent dinner service.
As the final challenge played out, Blais was calm and collected in the kitchen, while his competitor's nervousness was evident.
"Mike's strengths are confidence and swagger," Blais said. "But his weakness is the same thing — his confidence, swagger and bravado."
When Lakshmi declared Blais the winner, Isabella wasn't willing to accept defeat.
"I feel like I beat him," Isabella said. "I just didn't get the prize."
For his efforts, Top Chef Blais will receive a feature in Food & Wine magazine, a showcase at the Aspen Food & Wine classic and $200,000.
"Where there's a will there's a way…and I willed this," Blais said after his victory. "I'm at a loss for words. I'm Top Chef!"
Tell Us: Did the right cheftestant win?
By Allison Corneau for UsMagazine.com. For more Channel Surfing, click here.
