Rhoda Magbitang Made Top Chef History Twice In One Season

LifestyleDiningRhoda Magbitang Made Top Chef History Twice In One SeasonByStephanie Gravalese,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about food culture—what we eat and what it says about usFollow AuthorJun 10, 2026, 06:54pm EDTRhoda Magbitang, the Kailua-Kona chef is only the fourth contestant in 23 seasons of Top Chef to win after returning from Last Chance Kitchen, and the only one who set a competition record before getting eliminated.TOP CHEF — "The Final Toast" Episode 2314 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Paul Cheney/Bravo)Paul Cheney/BravoIn 23 seasons of Top Chef, only four chefs have been eliminated, clawed back through Last Chance Kitchen, and won the title. Rhoda Magbitang, executive chef at CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani in Kailua-Kona, is the latest — and the only one of the four whose run included something no previous contestant had managed. She won back-to-back individual elimination challenges at the beginning of the season before being sent home in a later round after a challenge featuring dehydrated ingredients.Head judge Tom Colicchio had praised her opening dish, a soy-glazed Covington with miso sweet potato purée and lime crème fraîche, for how tightly her concept matched what landed on the plate. Her second win, a pepper-braised short rib with chili pickled pearl onions and blistered cayenne, drew the phrase "flavor explosion" from the panel.Magbitang returns from Last Chance KitchenIn Last Chance Kitchen, Magbitang beat three opponents before facing chef Brandon Dearden in a round requiring three single-bite courses in 45 minutes. Her menu, rooted in California produce and Mediterranean techniques, earned her a return ticket. The finale, at Charlotte's Peppervine restaurant, put her against chefs Sherry Cardoso and Laurence Louie for a four-course progressive meal judged by Kristen Kish, Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, and Michelin-starred guest judges Val Cantú and Brandon Jew....