Michael Voltaggio, 30, won Top Chef: Las Vegas, the sixth season of the Bravo's Top Chef series. Chef Michael bested 16 other chefs including his runner up, older brother Chef Bryan Voltaggio. Of the fourteen episodes this season, Chef Michael has won four of the challenges including the finale. He also won two of the quickfire challenges winning an instant $15,000 and a 2010 Toyota Prius.
This season's Top Chef started in Las Vegas, Nevada and has concluded in Napa Valley, California. Top favorites include the top four Chefs who competed in the first part of the finale in Napa Valley. These include Chefs Jennifer Carroll, Kevin Gillespie, Bryan Voltaggio and Michael Voltaggio.
Most interesting and probably the most memorable event in any of the Top Chef series is the competition between the Voltaggio brothers. Both have come out to be in the lead in most of the challenges.
Chef Michael's winning menu include Cream of Dehydrated Broccoli, Fried Broccoli and Spot Prawn for his Childhood Dish; Dashi-Glazed Rockfish, Sweet and Sour Crab Salad with Squash and Meyer Lemon for his Mystery Box Dish; Fennel-Scented Squab Breast, Pistachio Cassoulet and Textures of Mushrooms for this Chef's Choice Dish; and Chocolate Caramel Coulant, Butternut Squash Brulee and Butternut Ice Cream and Candied Pumpkin Seeds for his Dessert.
At the quickfire challenge on episode 9, Chef Rick Moonen was a guest judge. Chef Moonen is a celebrated seafood chef and an advocate for sustainable seafood. I had the chance to sample his cuisine at his Rick Moonen's RM Seafood restaurant at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. It was Kevin's treat and that made it more sumptuous.
