Kevin Sbraga

Restaurant: Sbraga, The Fat Ham (Read a review) Location: Philadelphia Why He's Amazing: Because the Top Chef winner combines global influences in unexpected ways with spectacular results, as in his Greek red wine–braised octopus with African piri piri pepper sauce. Culinary School: Johnson & Wales University (North Miami) background: The Ritz-Carlton (/sites/default/files/aples, FL); Pano's & Paul's (Atlanta); Washington Square, The Ritz-Carlton, Garces Group (Philadelphia); Rat's Restaurant (Hamilton, NJ) Quintessential Dish: Roast pork with provolone pudding and long hots Kitchen Inspiration: "My father was a baker and my mom was as well. At a young age I had a passion for food and loved it. I have always loved the creative process behind cooking." On His Top Chef Win: "I wouldn't have a restaurant today with my name on it without the show. The reason I did the show was because I wanted my own place. [The show] made me look at food differently and pay more attention to what the guests like and dislike." Best-Selling Item: Foie gras soup. "People kind of die over it."