Lemon Fennel Doughnuts at Perilla

Hotels in this story

Price Dates

The Standard, High Line

Crosby Street Hotel

Soho Grand Hotel

The Jane

[Flickr / roboppy]

With the sixth season of Top Chef one episode away from crowning a new champ, we decided to take a look at where New York diners can find meals from the show’s former chef-testants. Of course, the not-so-secret problem behind the show’s premise is that the $100,000 Bravo gives winners to open the restaurant of their dreams is actually a pretty measly amount to anyone who has ever tried to open an eatery in a prime New York location.

Very few Top Chef-ers have actually been able to drop the sous from their title and open their own kitchens, at least not in Manhattan. But there are a few:

: Season three champ Hung Huynh hasn’t cashed in his winnings yet, but he is helming the kitchen at this Meatpacking District hotspot formerly known as Buddha bar. 25 Little West 12th St. Stay nearby at The Standard New York.

: Harold Dieterle, the season one winner, still sets the standard for post-TC career moves. In fact, so far he’s the only champion of all five previous seasons to actually open his own restaurant. His low-key American eatery has drawn solid reviews, including a star from Frank Bruni of The New York Times. 9 Jones St. Stay nearby at Crosby Street Hotel.

: The judges thought pasta chef Nikki Cascone was a bit of a one-trick pony, but she’s still doing just fine at her own place, where noodling options range from shrimp orecchiette to pancetta and gouda mac and cheese. 24 Prince St. Stay nearby at Soho Grand Hotel.

: Nice guy Manuel Trevino is the latest Top Chef-er to hit the NYC scene, as he’s leading the kitchen at this brand new upscale Mediterranean spot. 19 Kenmare St. Stay nearby at The Jane Hotel.

–Brendan Spiegel of Endless Simmer.