by Gina Scarpa

In a first for Top Chef, their finale will take place in front of a live studio audience as Brooke Williamson and Kristen Kish battle it out to be the last cheftestant standing. Sitting in the crowd are their families, the judges, all nine previous winners of Top Chef, and members of the media. Talk about pressure! They've assembled teams with Kristen taking Sheldon, Lizzie, and Josh and Brooke working with CJ, Stefan, and Kuniko. Now, their challenge is to create the five best dishes of their lives and the first to win three rounds is the winner. The whole thing has a very Iron Chef feel to it.

For their first course, Kristen serves chicken liver mousse which Gail called "absolutely perfect" and Brooke prepares cripsy pig ear and chicory salad, which Tom said had great flavor and worked nicely. The only problem with Brooke's dish is that some people felt components on their dish was burned. With that, Kristen takes the first round.

In round two, Brooke goes with a seared scallop over a salt cod puree and Emeril, in particular, seemed to be a huge fan of it. Kristen decides on a citrus and lavender cured scallop, and Padma said she did the scallops proud... well, if scallops felt pride, that is. The round comes down to a tie breaking vote by Hugh, but it goes to Brooke, and it's now an even playing field.

In the third round, Brook forgot to serve wet naps with her fried chicken which proved to be a bit messy for the diners. Tom said he isn't totally sure why she did this dish, and isn't sure all components work together. Do we even need to hear feedback on Kristen's celery root puree with mushrooms? Oh wait, we do. Tom doesn't look happy with it at all, and Padma expressed that she wished it was hot. Kristen takes the second round, and it looks like we're about to see the story of an underdog coming out on top.

In round four, Brooke serves a braised pork cheek with snapper, and Gail said she really loved the combinations of flavors. Kristen does red snapper with leeks and Hugh called it a really good dish. Is really good enough to win the whole thing? According to the panel, yes. Kristen Kish is the new Top Chef! Do you agree with the judges' decision?

On a positive note, we have another female winner FINALLY!

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

Follow Gina @ginascarpa