| Top Chef: New Orleans | |
|---|---|
| Season 11 | |
 | |
| Hosted by | Padma Lakshmi |
| Judges | Tom Colicchio Gail Simmons Emeril Lagasse Hugh Acheson |
| No. of contestants | 19 |
| Winner | Nicholas Elmi |
| Runner-up | Nina Compton |
| Location | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Finals venue | Maui |
| Fan Favorite | Nina Compton |
| No. of episodes | 17 |
| Release | |
| Original network | Bravo |
| Original release | October 2, 2013 – February 5, 2014 |
| Season chronology | |
Top Chef: New Orleans is the eleventh season of the American reality television series Top Chef. The season was announced on May 10, 2013.[1] Filming took place from early May through late July, beginning in New Orleans, Louisiana and concluding in Maui.[2][3] The season premiered on October 2, 2013.[4] State and local tourism offices in Louisiana sponsored the season, paying a total of $375,000. The state contribution came from a recovery fund established by BP after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.[5] In addition to the return of the Last Chance Kitchen, Bravo launched a new web series called Padma's Picks. Debuting on August 14, 2013, the competition, presided over by host Padma Lakshmi, featured ten New Orleans chefs competing for the chance to join the official lineup of contestants and represent the city.[6]
The final episode of the season generated controversy after head judge Tom Colicchio appeared to successfully sway the other judges into awarding the title of Top Chef to Nicholas Elmi, a contestant who had been nearly eliminated in several episodes and had temper control issues.[7] Fan outrage led Colicchio to release the judges' scores on Twitter to justify their decision to give Elmi the victory over eventual runner-up Nina Compton, who was considered a front runner in the competition.[7] Compton was later voted Fan Favorite.[8]
- ^ Reyhani, Monica A. (May 10, 2013). "'Top Chef' Season 11 Heads to..." Bravo. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
- ^ Walker, Dave (August 12, 2013). "'Top Chef: New Orleans' to premiere Oct. 2, season guests to include Leah Chase, Kermit Ruffins". The Times-Picayune. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
- ^ Conrad, Marissa (2014-01-06). "EXCLUSIVE: Top Chef Goes Tropical! See Where the Finale Will Be Held". People. Retrieved 2014-01-09.
- ^ Bricker, Tierney (August 12, 2013). "Top Chef: New Orleans Premiere Date Announced: Watch Season 11 Promo Featuring Lea Michele Now!". E! Online. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
- ^ Walker, Dave (May 13, 2013). "State, local tourism offices paying $375,000 to underwrite 'Top Chef: New Orleans'". The Times-Picayune. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
- ^ Walker, Dave (August 9, 2013). "New Orleans chefs to compete for 'Top Chef' role in online competition". The Times-Picayune. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
- ^ a b Chan, Anna (February 6, 2014). "'Top Chef' judges defend shocking finale decision". Today. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
- ^ Doss, Laine (March 3, 2014). "Nina Compton on Life After Top Chef". Miami New Times. Retrieved March 9, 2017.