I think Richard should've won. The judges should've gone throughout the season, not just base it on one meal.

At least none of the d*kes won it

I am soooo happy for her. I wanted her to win all along. I am also happy she is keeping to her roots in Chicago.

I was rooting for Stephanie and Richard from the beginning. It wasn't about whether a man or woman would take it but someone with the passion and also the leadership. They had those qualities and kept them the same throughout. As a lover of cooking they stood out above the rest. I also liked Antonia but hear that she has already opened a restaurant. CONGRATS TO STEPHANIE!! I can't wait till next season.

I too loved Stephanie and hoped she'd win from about mid-season on.
Richard also seemed very strong almost all the time.
I was major-bummed when Antonia was cut and Lisa made it to the finale.
But sadly, based on judges table comments, I don't think Steph DID have the best meal! Lisa's got better reviews from the judges - though they liked Stephanie's very much. Her cake wasn't a hit with them, and Lisa got raves for almost everything. i was so scared they would give it to Lisa; they kept saying they had to judge "this meal." It was obvious what was happening; they hated to give the top prize to Lisa, someone with such a rotten attitude, and who'd been in the bottom 3 virtually all season. Sooooo glad they didn't. But I felt bad for Richard - he's obviously a major talent, and a good, honest person. I think Tom admired Richard's honesty - just a great chef who had a less-than great meal, and was up-front about it. Richard, we love you, and if you're still in Atlanta, we'll be lookin' for your cookin'!

Yeah! Stephanie! I knew she would win or come close. I thought Antonia or Richard would win at first but the best Chef won! CONGRATS!

I am so glad that Stephanie won. I was disappointed when Antonia was sent home instead of Lisa. I enjoyed Stephanie, Antonia, and Richard. If they had been the final three, like it should have been, I don't really know who I would have wanted to win. In the end, I was rooting for Stephanie to be the first female Top Chef. Congrats to Steph!!!

I love this show and wanted her to win from the beginning. Calm, cool, and collected, and very charming. Excellent cook.

I really liked both Richard and Stephanie. Wish Richard had won, he was my fav, but stephanie was my 2nd choice. Richard you will have a great future, you are a wonderful creative chef. Good luck to you both.

Oh, so the first woman EVER won top chef? That's interesting. Who writes your headlines?

I was SO HAPPY that Stephanie won!! Her and Richard were both very talented so I was hoping for either of them to come away with the prize. I was worried there for a second that Lisa might claim it, and I thought she would have been totally undeserving. She had a bad attitude and made awful food. Stephanie worked really hard, stayed positive, and came out with some great dishes. Way to go Steph!!

From what I've heard recently, top chef winner Stephanie Izard, 31, deserved to win & also get $100,000 dollars, etc.

YEAH for Stephanie!! She was consistently the best throughout the season.
Good for her! I'll make the trip to her restaurant when it opens :) :) :)

CONGRATS!! to stephanie she was my favorite from the beginning. You worked so hard you deserve it.

I wish I could throw down in the kitchen. I love watching cooking shows, just not that interested in cooking.