At the end of every season of "Top Chef," someone goes home with $100,000 and the title of "top chef," but what happens to them after that? Well, they enter back into the culinary world with varying degrees of success, and tonight at 10pm Bravo is catching up with 11 finalists from the first five seasons in a special hosted by "Top Chef: New York" fan favorite Fabio Viviani. Get a taste (pun intended) of what some of the show's most memorable cheftestants are up to now.
Tre "Gone Too Soon" Wilcox
Tre Wilcox was probably the biggest elimination upset in "Top Chef" history, being let go after a failed "Restaurant Wars" challenge during "Top Chef: Miami." As of September 25, 2009, Tre Wilcox has served as Executive Chef at Loft 610 Urban Restaurant and Lounge's Plano, TX restaurant.
Hung "King of the Mise-en-Place Relay Race" Huynh
Since "Top Chef: Miami," Hung has been trying to get his own restaurant started. He also insists he's done some self-reflection: "After watching myself on the show, I have learned a lot about myself. I'm a little calmer, not trying to answer back and just be so defensive when I'm criticized for something I believe in." Professionally, Hung has taken over the kitchen as Executive Chef of New York City's Ajna Bar (formerly Buddha Bar).
Lisa "I Am Smiling" Fernandez
Perhaps one of the most controversial contestants in "Top Chef" history, the scowling Fernandez lives in New York with the same girlfriend she had during the show. She currently works as a sous-chef at Dos Caminos on Park Avenue in New York City.
Stefan "I Love Lesbians" Richter
Well, the "Top Chef: New York" finalist may have a thing for ladies who like ladies, but he also has a new venture: He just opened his own restaurant, Stefan's at L.A. Farm, in Santa Monica.
Dave "I'm Not Your B---h, B---h" Martin
Season 1's lovable but feisty snacker has come a long way from his fights with fellow contestant Tiffani Faison. Since his last restaurant adventure as Executive Chef of Crave on 42, he has been consulting for Chow Down, Inc., owner of VYNL restaurants in the Upper East Side and Chelsea neighborhoods of New York City. He also published his first cookbook in October of 2009.
Ilan "I Wear Two Watches on One Hand" Hall
The Season 2 winner opened The Gorbals, his first restaurant in September. Although it had to close shortly after opening due to a boiler issue, Ilan has since tweeted that it will be opening again soon.
Watch a preview of the "Top Chef All Stars Dinner" special:
Talk About It: Who are your favorite "Top Chef" contestants from previous seasons?
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