$125,000 dollars will go a long way for Kevin Sbraga, the new winner of Bravo's Top Chef. Sbraga beat out a host of culinary professionals from around the country and became the first Black chef to win the acclaimed title. Bravo is doing a lot to promote not only the show and Sbraga's story, but also to highlight his cooking prowess and magnificent creativity.
Married and the father of two beautiful children, he has worked for a number of restaurants around New Jersey including Rat's at the Grounds for Sculpture and The Grill at Philadelphia's Ritz-Carlton Hotel. His studies and practical work experience have all contributed to his win on the show. He now plans on using the winnings to open a restaurant and buy a new home.
He is motivated by the advice his mom gave him many years ago and by the support his many friends and family have offered throughout his journey. "Work hard and be the best you can be and always exercise strong work ethic." These are the words that continually inspire him to do more. He was also fortunate in that he was able to see his father own and operate a business for 44 years.
He presents himself as a man of God and owes everything to his faith and dedication to walking the path that has been laid before him. He is a mix of compassion and assertiveness that compels him to remain steadfast to his approach to cooking.
The biggest change that has come about as a result of his win is that he has developed a better understanding of how to engage people while staying focused on the task at hand. Because of his new found celebrity status, he is now surrounded by a team of committed professionals and supporters whose mission is to help him continue on his trajectory towards being highly regarded as a culinary innovator. With this team, approach and knowledge has proven that he has the required tenets for sustained success.
The judges and competitors all praised him for his unique way of layering flavors and integrating ingredients that make the palate salivate. Coupled with his perfect skills at presenting each dish, he is well positioned to quickly becoming the "one to watch" in modern culinary circles.
"People dine out because they want something that excites the palate" he said. "When I'm preparing a dish, my desire is for you to want more and it has to connect with you on an emotional level." Seems he's developed the right recipe for success as well.
His idea of a great meal is great food, great service, great atmosphere and great company all tied together to create a wonderfully tasty and memorable experience. "Wine is an extension of food given the fact it originates from the grape, so when I'm thinking about taste I factor in how the right wine will compliment the dish."
His parting words of wisdom for those contemplating their journey: "Trust God and work hard, you simply cannot quit. Keep working at it and soon you will awaken to the success and acknowledgement you are after. Walking in faith pays off."
