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Pregnant Chef Wins $1M in Culinary Showdown
14 May
Summary
- Cara Stadler, a pregnant chef, won the $1 million prize.
- Stadler owned restaurants in Maine before competing.
- Padma Lakshmi called Stadler's win unexpected and moving.
Cara Stadler has been crowned the first winner of America's Culinary Cup, securing the $1 million prize. The James Beard-nominated chef, who owns restaurants in Maine, triumphed over 16 decorated contestants, including finalists Chris Morgan and Matt Peters.
In the season finale, titled "Million-Dollar Menu," chefs were challenged to innovate. Stadler's final three-course meal, which featured a unique tea and dumpling dish, impressed the judges. Host Padma Lakshmi expressed surprise at Stadler's win, noting that the chef had not had a restaurant for a couple of years as she focused on her family and was pregnant during filming.
Lakshmi also reflected on surprising eliminations earlier in the season, such as Philip Tessier and Emily Yuen. She praised Stadler's win as significant for women and chefs of color, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the competition.
The season 1 finale aired on May 13, 2024, at 9:30 p.m. ET on CBS, and the series is available for streaming on Paramount+.
