As a loyal follower of Top Chef, I must say that Atlanta has truly made its mark on the show. Not that we needed a highly acclaimed show to tout our food glory to the nation and the world but I’ve been proud to watch to cheer for the local heroes. Here’s a tribute to those chefs on the show (and beyond) who make Atlanta put itself on the map as a culinary destination.

Obviously, Richard Blais’ recent win on Top Chef All Stars couldn’t have come at a better time for fans and Atlanta foodies. His humble attitude and ability to push the envelope (foie gras milkshake anyone?) won me over on the first season but sadly, the run ended with a lack luster last meal that gave the title elsewhere. Blais did not give up though, opening up his own gourmet burger boutique Flip after his season ended. Yes - I was a member of that 10 person party on opening night at the Howell Mill location who no one knew how they got in there (by stalking the manager, I have my moments). With now two other locations in Buckhead and Birmingham, Flip is a foodie’s paradise at reasonable prices - with everything from killer sides (sweetbread nuggets, hello) to perfectly sized gourmet spins on burger classics (try the brisket, lamb, Spanish chorizo and yes, tuna tartar burger) to his signature liquid nitrogen milkshakes (foie gras, burnt marshmallow nutella and Captain Crunch are my personal faves). Richard’s food defines comfort classics taken to a whole other level, a style certainly apparent to the judges after this season’s win. Rumor has it that Richard is opening up a take on a hot dog joint (called Haute Doggery), so the much deserved fame and creativity lives on.

Another notable Top Chef contestant, Kevin Gillespie, may not have gone all the way to the win like Blais but certainly has made his stand as a local top chef with his restaurant Woodfire Grill off Cheshire Bridge. Local, organic, seasonal and delicious can only begin to describe the wonders that come out of Kevin’s kitchen. All meals I’ve had there have been top notch - with high quality cocktails, probably the best vegetable sides I’ve ever had and a menu that changes constantly. Hats off to Kevin for creating an Atlanta standby!

Surprisingly, Hector Santiago of Pura Vida fame did not go as far as we’d hoped in Top Chef. However, that doesn’t mean he hasn’t had a successful career in the Atlanta restaurant business. A Latin American fusion tapas joint in the Poncey-Highlands area that is a sure win for special occasions (great for birthdays with large groups to share plates or a parents visit), you can’t go wrong here. I’ve loved the plantain chips, grilled steaks and of course, multiple varieties of sangria.

Finally, on the current season of Top Chef Masters, homegrown chef Hugh Acheson is a strong contender for being at the top. Little did you know that his restaurant, Five and Ten in Athens, has ranked on multiple “best of” lists both locally and nationally in addition to his 4-time nominations for the James Beard award. With his new venture in Midtown, Empire State South, Hugh is bringing Southern comfort in walking distance to the heart of Midtown. Even though I’ve only been for brunch, the charming and light atmosphere (bocce ball outside on the patio) plus the wonderful concoctions of drinks and grub will keep me a loyal believer in Hugh’s vision. The atmosphere is perfect for a fun date or Happy Hour for drinks, while the limited menu means literally everything is on there for a reason. One of my new favorites, so definitely check it out.

So while judge Tom Colicchio’s Craft did not survive in Buckhead for long, the rest of the Atlanta stars of Top Chef fame are continuing to make us proud. To many more seasons of the show with, hopefully, crowns awarded to our favorite local heroes!