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Carolina Queen Wins Top Chef Season 23 Restaurant Wars in Charlotte

4/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Carolina Queen was declared the winner of Top Chef Season 23 Restaurant Wars in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Judges Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, host Kristen Kish, Clare Reichenbach and Michael Mina evaluated the two competing restaurants.
Judges criticized Carolina Queen for overcooked shrimp, okra slime, and long wait times for take-out orders.
Winning chefs received a Universal Orlando vacation and a meeting with Universal’s culinary team.

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Story summary

Carolina Queen was declared the winner of Top Chef Season 23 Restaurant Wars in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Judges Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, host Kristen Kish, Clare Reichenbach and Michael Mina evaluated the two competing restaurants.
Judges criticized Carolina Queen for overcooked shrimp, okra slime, and long wait times for take-out orders.
Winning chefs received a Universal Orlando vacation and a meeting with Universal’s culinary team.