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Story summary
- Chef Cara Stadler won the $1 million prize on America's Culinary Cup finale aired May 13, 2026.
- Padma Lakshmi, host and judge, called win unexpected because Cara Stadler was pregnant and caring for a child.
- Cara Stadler beat Michelin-starred chef Chris Morgan after reimagining dishes for judges Eric Ripert, Suzanne Goin and Daniela Soto-Innes.
- Padma Lakshmi said victory is great for women and chefs of color and proves outcomes are unpredictable.
