‘Top Chef’ cruises into Juneau for dinner at the mansion

January 1, 1970

Brooke Williamson won Juneau’s cook-off

Gold Creek Salmon Bake, Tracy’s Crab Shack, Mendenhall Glacier, Jorgenson House and the Governor’s House all played starring roles in the final two episodes of Bravo Media’s “Top Chef.” The shows were filmed in Juneau in August after the chefs cruised the Inside Passage aboard a Celebrity ship. “Top Chef” consists of 21 chefs from across the nation competing for the title of “Top Chef,” a $125,000 prize, a feature in Gourmet magazine and a showcase at a food and wine event in Aspen, Colo. Each week, the participants attempt to top the competition with various dishes that highlight their culinary specialties and craft. The Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED) successfully attracted the 10th season of the James Beard Award and Emmy-winning series to Alaska. “Alaska’s tourism and seafood marketing programs work closely with local businesses to coordinate national media events like this,” said Susan Bell, DCCED commissioner. “Alaska has long been successful in attracting this kind of national attention for Alaska, ranging from ‘Good Morning America’ and Martha Stewart, to the recent live broadcasts of Al Roker’s series for the ‘Today’ show and the ‘The Early Show’ on CBS." “Cheftestants” also used the commercial kitchens at Thunder Mountain High School, as well as many Alaska agricultural and seafood products. The production also worked with the Juneau Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Office of the Governor and many local businesses, including Alaska Airlines, AVIS Alaska, Westmark Baranof Hotel, Prospector Hotel, Aspen Suites Hotel Juneau, Temsco Helicopters, Era Alaska, Taku Smokeries, Juneau CARRS Safeway and Alaska Glacier Seafoods. The final Elimination Challenge of the season took place at the Governor’s House. Celebrity judges included Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, Gail Simmons, Tom Colicchio, host Padma Lakshmi and guest judge Roy Choi.