The Winner of Top Chef New Orleans Season 11

Last night on the finale of Top Chef: New Orleans Nicholas Elmi beat out Nina Compton to win the title of "Top Chef" and $125,000. Elmi is a Philadelphia-based chef who has spent time in kitchens at Le Bec Fin, Oceana, and Lutece before opening his own restaurant Laurel last year.

Elmi's win may come as a surprise to many viewers. Half the judges heard Elmi explode at his waitstaff during the final challenge and others found some of his courses to be under-seasoned, a criticism the judges have had of Nick's food all season long. Although St. Lucia-born Scarpetta Miami chef de cuisine Nina Compton didn't take home the grand prize, she did win the title of "Fan Favorite." Here's comedian Alison Leiby's recap and Eater Philly's interview with Elmi. And watch Elmi's kitchen outburst and then watch him win in the videos below:

Video: Nick Explodes

Video: And the Top Chef Season 11 Winner Is. . .

· And the Top Chef Season 11 Winner Is. . . [Bravo]
· All Top Chef: New Orleans Coverage on Eater [-E-]