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View All PostsBurning Questions
Kevin Sbraga: "The bottom line is I won."
Top Chef D.C.'s winner talks Angelo, Michael Voltaggio, and what he'll do with the money.
September 16, 2010Bravotv.com: When Padma called you all back to the Judges’ Table, what did you think the surprise would be?
I was certain they were going to have another judges table and either bring Kelly back or eliminate another chef.
Bravotv.com: What was your reaction to pulling Michael’s name? He alludes to you working together previously. What was that experience?
I was elated! I felt Go'ds blessing over me. Mike and I worked togther for three years at the Ritz-Carlton Resort in Naples Florida. It was such an adrenaline rush. Mike and I working togther again, but this time on Top Chef. It doesn't get any better.
Bravotv.com: What was the inspiration behind your menu? How much influence did Michael have on it, if any?
My menu was based on a style of cooking that I absolutley adore. It has no boundaries, it is about great product, flavors, technique, execution, and presentation. Having worked with Mike before he very well knew where I wanted to go with the menu. When I said I want to marinate the duck, he knew exactly what I was talking about. When I said cook the rouget, he knew to cook it skin side only "a point." Mike's major influence came on helping me execute my menu.
Bravotv.com: What was your reaction to Angelo’s sickness?
I was so dissappointed to see him sick. I wanted to battle him and Ed at their bests. But everything happens for a reason. Angelo has been a great competitor all season long.
Bravotv.com: Do you think he was at a disadvantage?
No, I don't think he was at a disadvantage. I think he should have been given the choice to cook or go home. Hung did all of his shopping and mise en place on day. If anything that was an advantage for Angelo. But in any case Angelo was sick, and I was sad for him.
Bravotv.com: Looked like Ed and Ilan had a little power struggle — what was it like with Michael as sous-chef?
I think Ed and Ilan were fine. Ed has a unique sense of humor, and maybe some people just don't understand. As far as Mike and I it was like the old days, except I was in charge this time. Mike is a great chef, and I have an amazing amount of respect for him.
Bravotv.com: Did you agree or disagree with the judges’ comments? What would you have changed if you had the chance? I always respect the judges opinion, but I don't always agree. I happened to agree with them on their comments this go round. I would refine my execution on all of my dishes, and I would make sure I didn't overcook my pork belly.
Bravotv.com: People were pretty upset when Kenny went home and you two were close. Was there any thought about winning for him?
Winning Top Chef was not just for me, but my wife and children, family and close friends, also for Kenny and all the other chefs that may have gone home to early. Winning Top Chef was for so many people.
Bravotv.com: You seemed genuinely shocked to win — what went through your mind when Padma announced that you won?
YES! My dreams came true that moment. Yes I was shocked, I was numb. I wasn't sure if this was really happening. I have been waiting for a moment like this for 15 years, ever since my first competition at BCIT. Also last season, Padma told Kevin G. that he would not be Top Chef and sent him on his way, leaving the Voltaggio Brothers. I wasn't sure if she was saying the same thing to me. Again I was shocked, not because I won, because my dreams really came true that night.
Bravotv.com: What was your family’s reaction?
They have no clue. I can't wait to see their reactions. It's going to be crazy in Jersey and Philly.
Bravotv.com: What’s next for you?! What are you going to do with the money?
I am going to use the money to open my own restaurant. It would irresponisble of me to blow the money on "things" and not invest it into my future. This is one of the reasons why I went on the show.
Bravotv.com: What were your favorite/least favorite aspects of being on Top Chef?
Top Chef was a real reality check. I am not as good as I thought or as bad as I think I am at times. Top Chef evoked an emotion that I have not had since I left Arnaud's kitchen at the Ritz-Carlton Naples. It brought me back to the roots of my cooking, and I promised myself after winning Top Chef that I would never stray from those roots again.
Bravotv.com: How has the fan reaction been to you?
I have gotten an amazing amount of LOVE from fans across the country, especially New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Wisconsin, and even international love from the Bahamas. Now there are always the critics with their negative comments, I respect their opinions but don't agree with their comments. The bottom line is I won.
angelo should have won! kevin sucked. how can someone be top chef when they only win one challenge throughout the whole competition. so disappointed!
Kevin you did I must admit that this was the best Top Chef yet I am so very Happy for you and your family. Kevin you showed great talent and surperb cooking skills which deeply impressed us all yes you were the correct winner may all your dreams come forth .
What an upset!!!..I think Ed should have one hands down. He is way better than angelo & Angelo is better than Kevin. I dont know how Kevin made it into the finals. I guess that gives me hope..that anybody can win Top Chef!!
Congradualtions Kevin! You truely showed improvement and stepped out of your comfort zone this season! You deserve it!
With much love and support from a New Jersey native living in Singapore,
Katie
Congrats Kevin!! on your win & new baby!!! I was too excited when you won Top Chef, they had some really good chefs on this season. I was rooting for you & Tiffany (she won some good prizes also)glad you won to represent the East Coast. Good Luck to you & your family, I know they are sooo proud of you!!! I will honored to dine @ your new restaurant when you open it here in Philly. Thanks for representing & giving us a shout out - PHILLY LUVS U!!!
Way to go Kevin, Your Family must be very proud of you. It is always great when the underdog wins. I was so impressed when on a previous episode you talked of what you would do with the money. You were the only one who would use it for what I feel TC intended it for - to grow as a chef. I am sure we will hear great things about you in the future. Also, my mother always told me you can tell what a man is made of by how he treats and talks about his wife - if that is true you are a first class man!
OliveAnne
FloridaFan
Awesome job Kevin. There is always going to be someone who doesn't like something. All three of you guys did well, but you rocked in the finale an
Was totally behind you Kevin since the first day. Congrats and when you open th The best wins.
Well Done!!!
Congrats Kevin, I was so excited and happy for you I jumped up and down for at least 10 min. I must admit you bought your A game. Good luck in all your future endeavors.
Congrats on winning Top Chef! Thanks for positively representing our home state, New Jersey! You showed a lot of class all season and kept plugging along even when things didn't seem to be firing on all cylinders! Best of luck in your future endeavors!
Way to go Kevin! I was rooting for you from day one! This was one of the best seasons by far, and it really came down to the wire, but when they discussed the dishes at judges table, I knew it would be you! Congrats!
Kevin I knew you had it all along. You were representing my town and I just knew you couldn't lose. Hopefully you will open a restaurant locally, but remember, we only have one trash day now, so be careful when you put out your trash. LOL
kEVIN I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IVE BEEN WATCHING TOP CHEF FOR QUITE SOME TIME AND LAST WEEK OR TWO I WAS SAYING TO MYSELF IS THERE GOING TO EVER BE A AFRICAN AMERICAN TOP CHEF BECAUSE IT SEEMED AS IF THEY WERE ALWAYS SENT HOME. yOU WERE DELIGHTFUL TO WATCH AND VERY MUCH A TEAM PLAYER EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A COMPETITION WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!!!
Kevin.....I was completly floored last night when I got home and saw that you won. I loved you from the beginning and it could have not happened to a nicer guy. Keep it real.
Congratulations Kevin.
Very glad to see you as the new Top Chef. Good luck to you and I will be looking for your restaurant opening.
Kevin, I am so happy for you. I remember seeing you and Kenny G.'s picture on the contestant profile page that was posted on Bravo television before the season even aired. I picked you and Kenny out as fierce competitors. You have a fire that I love and I hope your wife won't be too mad at me but I thought your confidence was sexy. I am sure that great things are in store for your future and know you have yet to reach the pinnacle of your craft. I hope to one day sit in your restaurant, eat your delicious food, and maybe even meet you. May God bless you and your family and make all of your supporters proud.
Woo hoo! I was rooting for you and so glad you won. Where will your restaurant be? We live in NY and hope it's someplace we can visit. Best wishes to you and your family.
Go Kevin! I was rooting for you all season and was hoping for a Jersey win. I am a big fan and hope to visit your restaurant. Good luck in your future endeavors. I know you will continue to make your family, friends, and fans very proud. I want to taste your Singapore Sling!! Wish you the best always.
CONGRATS KEVIN! So happy you won. You worked so hard and totally deserved it. Good luck.
Congratulation!!!!!!!.........Been watching all the way from Australia and I wait every Wednesday night see it!!!! SO happy you won!!! Wanted you or Kenny to win!! You have heart and soul! Keep up the great work for your family. Massive Top chef fan!!!!....Can't wait for just dessert ......xx
I am so proud of you! Since I was one of the first people to try to get you to take your God given talent and run with it! You know that I love you and the rest of your family and you have made them all proud. You are deserving of all the respect that is coming to you, and I agree that this is the time to be sure to use this success to secure your future! Remember, that wife and those kids mean a great deal to me also. As your teacher, another mother, another grandparent to your children, and your friend and fan, I will be praying and watching out for all of you. Thanks for the memories!
Love,
Ms. C.
I dissagree with Top Chef's policy that the Top Chef is picked based on the meal they cooked that very day, it should be based on their performances throughout the season, had that been the case Angelo would have won.
Totally agree, it should have been Angelo!
I TOTALLY agree. Angelo should have won, I think Ed was the second best and Kevin the least of the three.
So there should be no Super Bowl or World Series? The team with the best record at the end of the season wins it all? That is ridiculous! Congrats Kevin!
kevin, im elated for u & ur family. GOD granted you the answers to your prayers & the sign he was listening was definately the reuniting of urself and micheal working together....i wish u much success on ur restaurant and i hope ur humbleness and kindred spririt continues to shine in your food and take u to even higher places!!!!
Congratulations! I'm so happy for you and your family. You and all of the Top Chef contestants cooked amazing and interesting food but someone had to be the "Winner" and that winner was YOU. JOB WELL DONE!!!!
Congratulations Kevin!!! I am so happy you won!!! You were one of my favorites!! Good luck and best wishes to you and yours!!! I so did not want Angelo to win he was just too COCKY......!!!!!
a great win for a talented but humble man. only blessings for you and your family. also you are a wonderful role model for young african-american men.
Man I was pulling for you from the start. I am in the process of graduating from Culinary school and I'm also from New Jersey. I made me proud to see someone with your passion win Top Chef. It was also excited for you as the first African American to win Top Chef, you have provided even more inspiration. Congratulations to you and your family Good Luck on your future aspirations I know you will do well.
CONGRATULATIONS KEVIN!!!!!! I am so glad you won. You spoke your mind, cooked your food, and let them underestimate you. I don't know who was happier...me or you. I guess you because you get the money.
Congratulations Kevin, well done. I actually missed the ending but I was happy to find out that you won. I was really praying you would win. I was sorry to see Kenny go home but am very happy that you won Top Chef. I was also glad to see you with Micheal, I loved last season with him and his brother. Good luck with opening your resturant. I will be praying for you and your family!!!!!!
Wow Kevin!!!! Amazing. I have been a Top Chef fan since Illan won the title. I am so glad that you did it. Especially the huge representation!!!
way to go kevin! you totally deserved to win!!!
Congratulations, Kevin! Jesmary must be so proud of you! I watched every single episode and rooting for you all the way. I am so glad you won. It is great to see a product of BCIT make it BIG! The look on your face when you won was so funny! I had to watch the show again an hour later. Congratulations on your new son too.
Congrats for what???
Everyone is giving Kevin all of these great praises. If they were watching the show, they would have heard that Kevin said that he was going to let Micheal do his dessert. Those plates were of Micheal not Kevin. During the whole season Kevin has not produce anything that looked like the plates that Micheal helped him with. So how can Kevin sit back and declear the he is Top Shef, when he was depending on Micheal(who is in a class by himself, along with his brother Brian).
Kevin made his own desserts. His wife was a pastry Chef and he said he felt comfortable with deserts. Ed handed over his desert to Ilan.
Did you watch the same show I did? Ed let Ilan make his dessert, but Kevin's dessert was ALL Kevin. And maybe in addition to watching the show, you should learn to use the spell check key...
I am sooo excited for Kevin!!! Yay, you remained focused during the final hour and persevered!! Woo hoo...congrats!! Wish I could've been there to sample lol!
Kevinnnnnnnnn, you brought the championship back to the East Coast! Congratulations....Best wishes on your future endeavors!
Congrats Kevin!
Top Chef 2010 will go down at one of my favorite seasons. I have been a fan from the very first show. This year took off like a shot, starting off with the "Beast" and ending with you. I applaud you and the other chefs for taking the show and it fans to another level.
Way to go Bro! Watch the show all the time and it was great to see YOU win! Good luck in the future.
Congratulations, Kevin! I am an avid Top Chef fan, and haven't missed a season. I was very happy to see you win. This year was the first time I was sure who would win. It was a great finale. Good luck with your new restaurant!
Congratulations Kevin on an amazing win. You went through this season with true class. You did your absolute best to make this competition about the food and NOT the power struggle that several of your competitors felt was needed. You went out there on a daily basis, performed to the absolute best of your abilities, and above all you succeeded in amazing the world. I wish you all the best with your future. Your family has much to be proud of. Good luck not only with the business, but also with the new addition to your family. God really does smile down on us doesn't he?? Bless you.
Congratulations Kevin!!
Well earned. Your teamwork with Mike V was outstanding as was your work throughout the season. I only hope your new restaurant is in the Philly area.. Come on out to the Main Line!! Kudos to you..
Congratulations Kevin on your win. Well deserved. I can tell you have a real passion for food. Despite what some others are saying I thought this was generally a good season. Didn't always agree with the judges but nevertheless I saw a lot of talent and expertise. Good luck opening your restaurant.
Kevin, Congrats to you!! You truly deserve to be Top Chef. I would enjoy eating your food. Keep up the good work.
Kevin, Congrats to you!! You and Tiffany made me a Top Chef watcher.
I am so proud that you are "Top Chef". You really deserve it. The best to you and your family.
Congratulations Kevin, you represented the team very well.
So proud of you Kevin, thanks for representing!
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