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In a whirlwind of emotions, chef Danny Garcia celebrates his Top Chef Season 21 victory while mourning the unexpected loss of his close friend and mentor, chef James Kent. Garcia's triumph on the Bravo competition series is tinged with grief, as Kent, who played an instrumental role in his culinary journey, passed away at 45.

Kent's influence on Garcia's career cannot be overstated. From hiring him at The NoMad to supporting his Bocuse d'Or bid, Kent nurtured Garcia's talent and paved the way for his success. Their shared dream of opening a restaurant together, with Garcia as executive chef, was tragically cut short.

Garcia vows to honor Kent's legacy by continuing their culinary vision. "His goal was to give everybody around him the limelight to shine," Garcia reflects. "We're going to continue to do everything that he envisioned and planned for us, because that's what he would have wanted."

Garcia's Top Chef win is a testament to Kent's mentorship. Garcia's culinary voice, honed under Kent's guidance, captivated judges with its thoughtful, daring approach. His dishes, like cranberry-poached sea bass and scallop mousse with zucchini and Green Chartreuse, showcased his restaurant-worthy creativity and earned him the largest prize in Top Chef history.

Garcia's path to victory was not without challenges. Balancing his culinary career with training for the New York City Marathon, which he ran alongside his Saga Hospitality colleagues, Garcia's determination mirrored his approach to Top Chef. "Mentally, I was like, 'Oh, nothing can stop me,'" he recalls.

This resilience guided him through the finale, where he crafted a seafood-focused four-course meal inspired by his upcoming restaurant, Time & Tide. Each dish held personal significance, including a scallop crudo that harked back to his interview with Kent.

Despite the emotional rollercoaster, Garcia's dedication to his craft and the memory of his mentor shines through. He plans to open Time & Tide this fall, a seafood-centric New York City steakhouse that embodies Kent's vision of sustainability and generosity.

In honoring his Top Chef win, Garcia also honors Kent's legacy. "He gave everybody the time of day. He treated everybody like they were his best friend," Garcia remembers. By leading with grace and investing in others, Garcia ensures that Kent's spirit lives on through his culinary endeavors.