MAIN Pop Culture Reality TV Top Chef 4 Chicago

Bravo kicked off the 4th installment of it's hot cooking show Top Chef this season with a premier on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 10:00 pm ET/PT...

The finale on Wednesday June 11th lived up to the hype.

Richard, Stephanie and Lisa came together to put together a fantastic meal — including dessert — for the judges... a black tie affair for nine.

Richard and Stephanie were tied for the most Elimination wins each had 4 wins. The knife block determined the dishes.

Everyone put out dishes that impressed the judges. Minor complaints from some on each dish, but only one could win... Who took the top prize?

Bravo's hit culinary series returned with 16 of the USA's most impressive rising chefs — hitting the Windy City with all the gusto they can muster to beat out the competition.

Set your kitchen timers for this season's spicy dish and spiteful digs as culinary expert, Ted Allen, brings his expertise to the judges table joining cookbook author, actress and host Padma Lakshmi; Tom Colicchio, celebrated culinary figure and co-founder of Craft Restaurants; and returning judge Gail Simmons of Food & Wine.

Even more interesting will be the clash of personalities as quirky and creative chefs try to share a kitchen while battling against each other for the Top Chef title and prizes.

The 16 contestants will be living the good life in Chicago for as long as they remain in the competition. The winner gets $100,000 in seed money to help open a restaurant, a feature in Food & Wine magazine, a showcase at the Annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, a gourmet vacation in the French Alps ... and the coveted title of "Top Chef."

So Who Won Top Chef?

Richard, Steph and Lisa were left... who took the final honors?

First course - the judges reactions were mixed

Second course- Lisa took the judges by storm

Third course - Stephanie won

The dessert course was Lisa and Richard...

The audience vote was Steph 60%, Rich 36% and Lisa 4%

And the winner of the title of TOP CHEF IS... the first female Top Chef...

Stephanie

Stay tuned for next season as we bring you weekly updates, spoilers, and news on who's in and who's out in the running on Top Chef.

Put the flames on simmer until next season...

More about Top Chef 4 Chicago around the Web:

Top Chef Season 4 - The official and most comprehensive Top Chef site by far. Anything you ever wanted to know about the show, the chefs, and the judges including recipes, blogs, fan mashups and more insider gossip.

Top Chef 4: Chicago - Fans of Reality TV - A fast & furious forum with spoiler alerts, back-biting opinions on various chef's' cooking styles & personalities along with juicy discussions on each of the judges.

Buddy TV - Top Chef - Check out the latest season buzz, rumors and episode recaps including photos & profiles of all the chefs and judges.

Top Chef - Wikipedia - The online encycolpedia of Top Chef history, trivia and fun facts, with bios of judges and famous contestants, photos, related resources.

Top Chef Fan Club - Join the fray as Top Chef fans dish on who's hot and who's not.

also see -> Chiff Chef Recipes  Food & Wine Pairing

also see in Reality TV Hell's Kitchen