While many thought Antonia would be the last chef standing in the competition on Top Chef, the Los Angeles-based contestant was sent packing for her poorly executed peas on part one of the two-part season finale last night. The executive chef at the popular L.A. restaurant Foxtail spoke to PEOPLE about her ouster, her daughter’s pep talk and which remaining chef gets her winning endorsement. –Emmet Sullivan
On leaving the show
It’s disappointing, but we have off days. You take responsibility for that. I wasn’t competing at 100 percent, and I have to respect what the decision was.
On if she would change anything about her final dish
I’m not displeased with what I was trying to do, but in the end, I think they understood where I was conceptually, but the execution just fell short.
On her daughter’s reaction to her leaving
I think I took it much harder than she took it. She said, ‘Don’t worry, Mommy, you did really good. At least you tried.’ That’s what we tell kids all the time–it’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game. It was very sweet.
On her favorite part of the show
It’s just very invigorating and very exciting. We’re all fired up, and we get in there, we have no idea what’s in store for us. And it’s like that knot in your stomach of what’s going to happen next. After you’re finished, you’re like, ‘Wow, I just did that in thirty minutes.’ You gotta pat yourself on the back.
On Lisa, the “villain” of the series
What you guys see on TV is only a very small percentage of what people are. She is an amazing chef and person, and I feel bad that she’s gotten such a bad rap. I talk to her still on a weekly basis and I wish her the best in everything she does.
On if Stephanie will be the first woman winner of Top Chef
I would love to see her be the first woman. She’s got a huge heart and a lot of integrity. She is an amazing chef and a good friend and competitor.
Chuck Hodes/Bravo
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