Gregory Gourdet is a renowned chef, restaurateur, and television personality. He is best known for his appearances on the hit cooking competition show Top Chef, where he was a runner-up in the show's twelfth season. He is also the executive chef of Departure Restaurant + Lounge in Portland, Oregon, where he has been since 2013. Gourdet was born in Queens, New York, and raised in the Dominican Republic. He attended the Culinary Institute of America and has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the world, including Jean-Georges in New York City and Le Cirque in Las Vegas. Gourdet is a passionate advocate for diversity in the culinary world. He has been featured in numerous publications, including Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, and The New York Times. He has also been a guest judge on the Food Network's Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay. Gourdet is a master of global flavors, combining his Caribbean roots with Asian and Pacific Northwest influences. His dishes are creative, flavorful, and always full of surprises. He is a leader in the culinary world, inspiring others to explore new flavors and techniques.