06-05-2011

Facebook fans chose fresh Cod for the ingredient in the Bravo’s Top Chef-The Tour 15 minute quick-fire challenge at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, Florida. That ingredient combined with cinnamon-coffee spice rub, topped with mango puree, landed Bravo’s Top Chef Kenny Gilbert a win at the event.

A large crowd (second largest in The Tour history thus far) of hungry Orlando foodies and fans of the popular Bravo series, Top Chef, braved the heat for a peek at the celebrities Chef Kenny and Chef Eli for their 15 minute quick-fire challenge.

Chef Kenny was laid-back and talkative during his prep of the cinnamon-coffee rubbed cod. His 15,000 square foot restaurant, Nippers Beach Grille, in Jacksonville, recently opened in April of 2011. Chef Eli was more wired while he prepared his fried cod with a fresh herb aioli with pickled watermelon. He’s a funny young man who loves to boast his status as a home-boy (to save on rent) while he works on his upcoming restaurant and book. Despite the pressure to win the challenge and the 90 degree heat, both Chefs remained cool while they sizzled and sautéed their fresh fish.

Congrats Chef Kenny! Sea See you at Nippers.