Redondo Beach Chef Wins Bravo's 'Top Chef'

REDONDO BEACH, CA -- A Redondo Beach chef fought her way back from a near elimination early in the season to become the winner of Bravo's cooking competition series, "Top Chef."

Brooke Williamson, who owns the gastro-pub Hudson House in Redondo Beach and Playa Provisions in Playa del Rey, beat out finalist Newport Beach's Shirley Chung in the series' finale last Thursday.

"The win felt satisfying and wonderful, but, at the same time, I felt for Shirley because I had been in her shoes and it’s a hard position to be in,” Williamson told People.com. “But it was definitely the answer I’ve been looking for many years.”

Chung is the second chef from Orange County to make it to the final round. Though Chung cooked with her heart, Williamson's food was much better, the judges said.

Williamson said the win made her feel validated. She lost in the final four years ago in another cooking competition series, "Last Chance Kitchen."

The win comes with some special perks, such as a spread in Food & Wine magazine and a showcase at the annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Williamson, however, did something special with her prize money.

"I bought my first home," she said Thursday on "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen After Show," which aired after "Top Chef." Williamson said she remodeled the kitchen into her dream kitchen.

Photo credit: Paul Cheney/Bravo