Meet the All Stars - Marcel Vigneron

One of the most controversial cheftestants in Top Chef history (and the reason our Senior Editor Monica Reyhani became obsessed with the show in the first place), Marcel is probably most known for his passion for molecular gastronomy and, um, rapping. Marcel went all the way to the finale, losing to Ilan Hall in Hawaii.

Marcel considers himself to be first and foremost a “cook.” He previously worked as a Sous Chef at The Bazaar by Jose Andres, as a Master Cook at Joel Robuchon, and as a line cook for Michael Mina at Aqua before becoming an Executive Chef of his own kitchen in Los Angeles. He also has his own TV series titled “Marcel’s Quantum Kitchen” which is slated to premiere on Syfy in 2011. Marcel is a curious cook who has an affinity for culinary knowledge, who uses a knife as an extension of his hand, the kitchen as an arena, the earth as a grocery store, the tasting menu as his bio, and the plate as a porcelain canvas in which to display his art.