My Moment with Yigit: The View from Top Chef's Victory Bash

Catherine Bergstrom

The author, in full-on gush mode with Pura.

​Since Episode 1 of Top Chef: Just Desserts, I've been rooting for San Francisco cutie-pie cheftestant Yigit Pura. We admit it: The boy's rosy cheeks, dimples, well-thought-out desserts, and overall sweetness make me gush.

So last night after the SF Indy Spirits Expo wrapped up we rushed over to attend the Just Desserts finale party at Macy's. We arrived a little late, and we were toasted as a marshmallow, but made it just in time for the finale's final 15 minutes, still hours ahead of most West Coasters. It felt fantastic to know that Yigit was the show's first winner, the first gay Top Chef, and our very first Top Chef from San Francisco. I was with a friend we'd been to the Giants parade with, and this victory felt just as sweet.

Yigit was there with a big smile on his face and a sigh of relief as finally, Top Chef's big top secret was revealed. He thanked his employer, Taste Catering, and this boy is straight-up S.F. with his Straus yogurt caviar pearls. It's such a reality-show surprise: For once, the sweet and talented guy wins!