Top Chef will head to the Carolinas with host Kristen Kish, head judge Tom Colicchio and perennial judge Gail Simmons. Season 23 will be centered in the emerging and diverse culinary hub of Charlotte, North Carolina, with several episodes in Greenville, South Carolina.  

This season will showcase the finest in southern hospitality, embracing the rich history, agriculture and outdoors, as a new batch of accomplished and renowned chefs vie for the ultimate "Top Chef" title.  With the region's freshest ingredients at their fingertips and high stakes on the line, the chefs will have to cook their best as they battle through Quickfire and Elimination Challenges designed to put their skills, creativity and knowledge to the test.  

Top Chef makes Destination Canada the backdrop for Season 22 with host Kristen Kish, head judge Tom Colicchio, and perennial judge Gail Simmons who hails from Canada.  

This season, 15 rising star chefs will compete for the highly sought-after title, across the diverse and vibrant culinary scenes and ingredients of our neighbors to the north, highlighting Toronto, Calgary, Montreal and Prince Edward Island for a chance to win the largest grand prize package in "Top Chef" history.   

Epps-Long was awarded the coveted title of Top Chef, along with the largest grand prize in the history of the show. That includes $250,000 provided by Saratoga® Spring Water, the official water of "Top Chef"; Delta SkyMiles® Diamond Medallion® status and a $125,000 flight credit to spend on travel with Delta Air Lines; a feature in Food & Wine magazine and an appearance at the annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.

For the first time ever, as winner of Top Chef, Epps-Long will headline his own exclusive dinner at the historic James Beard House in New York and will present at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards in Chicago on Monday, June 16.