Top Chef: Charleston finale: Was Brooke Williamson, Shirley Chung season 14 winner?
Let’s start here with a little honesty: We picked Brooke to win the season before it started, so obviously we were invested in her coming through on top. This wasn’t much of a slam on Shirley, though, given that she’s extremely likable and someone who you could see doing great things with the title.
Is our response here the equivalent of everyone doing a happy conga line through a field of daisies? Probably, but this is one of the most-likable finales ever. It’s also one of the most accomplished. It’s a bummer that Sheldon’s not there, but it’s hard to justify replacing either of the two parties who are present. Last Chance Kitchen is a key part of the competition at this point, so we don’t fault Brooke for using it to get back in after being eliminated previously.
The two chefs were tasked tonight with making one of the most complex, elaborate means to date for an esteemed panel tonight, and of course, only one could emerge the victor. Who was it? Of course, we’re going to be spoiling that answer below.
After the judges’ feedback (which was excruciating and went all across the board in terms of analyzing the overall quality of the dishes), the final winner was announced. It was … Brooke! This was certainly a deserving winner for the season, someone who was strong throughout — even when she was eliminated, you still felt like she had the potential to come back and win this. Through two seasons, she is right up there with Richard Blais as one of the best Top Chef competitors of all time.
Now, the long hiatus until season 15 officially begins. Head over here to read about that and when it should premiere.
What did you think about the Top Chef finale tonight, and did the right person win? Share in the comments, or in the poll below! (Photo: Bravo.)