Posted by The Chicago Tribune on December 10, 2009 at 11:56:14:
'Top Chef: Las Vegas' declares a winner
It came down to two brothers, Michael and Bryan Voltaggio, and Southern boy Kevin Gillespie on the "Top Chef: Las Vegas" finale. The chefs, who rose to the top from arguably the most-talented group of contestants in the Bravo show's history, had one final challenge: to cook a three-course meal. But, as with every episode, Wednesday night's came with a catch.
After a surprise appearance by their mothers, the chefs were told they had to create a fourth course inspired by their favorite childhood memories. They were also required to create a dessert and use the same ingredients--rockfish, crab, squash and matsutake mushrooms--from a "mystery box" for their second course. It was their third course where they could really shine and show their style. And it was this course that likely lead the judges to their decision of naming Michael Voltaggio the season six winner.
During the elimination challenge dinner, no clear front-runner emerged. Kevin got props for his crispy chicken skin and squash starter. Bryan's first two dishes were called out for being too bland, while Michael's first course didn't exactly wow the judges either. For the third course, the judges felt Kevin's pork belly didn't showcase his pork passion or skill. The Voltaggio brothers won the chefs over with their third courses, venison from Bryan and squab from Michael.
At the judges' table, Kevin was sent packing first, leaving the two brothers. When Padma Lakshmi announced Michael as the winner, he looked surprised and became emotional, tearing up and hugging Bryan.
Michael goes home with $125,000 to jumpstart his career, but he told Bravo that he plans to put some of the prize money aside for his two daughters.
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