Jun 12, 2008 6:17 pm US/Central
Meet Chicago's New 'Top Chef'
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Stephanie Izard, winner of Bravo TV's "Top Chef: Chicago"
CBS
In a city known for great food there's a new "Top Chef" in town and thanks to Bravo TV, she already has millions of fans. CBS 2's Vince Gerasole talked to Chicago's own Stephanie Izard.
"It feels amazing. I am a very competitive person, so I really went into the competition to win," Izard said. With an estimated two million watching, Izard was the winner on the latest season of the popular Bravo reality series, "Top Chef," a kitchen secret she's had to keep for several weeks.
"It's weird because I found out a little while ago and have been keeping it inside and actually being able to share it and tell my parents and sister made it final," Izard said.
The show was taped in Chicago this year and through all the unexpected kitchen challenges, Izard came shining through as a graceful chef who put her ego on the back burner.
"I am an extremely laid back person. I know I am good at what I do but I don't need to shout it to everyone. Just show it in your food, that's what I went there to do, make good food," Izard said.
At Kendall College in Chicago, culinary students have been rooting for Izard and her style for months now.
Student Lorraine Nguyen said, "She always thinks ahead, always trying to be creative and use something people wouldn't expect, like pistachio. She braised pistachios and everybody loved them."
Rachel Dow said "Her food is straightforward and it's always good … creative, but not over the top."
Izard has also learned her approachable demeanor on camera is also a prime ingredient for some interesting moments with her many new fans.
"It's hilarious. The only thing is sometimes I am out walking the dog and I am holding a little poop bag and people are cheering for me," Izard said. "You definitely feel people are expecting a lot from you but that's what I signed up for."
Izard, who had a Bucktown restaurant a few years back, has been looking for a new location. The $100,000 prize will help.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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