"TOP CHEF: NEW YORK" DELIVERS RECORD RATINGS AS THE SEASONED CONTESTANTS PREPARE FOR A SPICY FINALE

Over 3.6 Million Viewers Tune-In To Say Arrivederci To Fabio

NEW YORK - February 19, 2009 - Bravo's "Top Chef: New York," the No. 1 food show on cable, continues to deliver record ratings with its most recent supersized original episode scoring a season high 3.63 million total viewers and 2.57 million adults 18-49, according to Nielsen Media Research. Bravo was the No. 1 cable network in the time period (10-11:15 p.m.) in all demographics and the series was the No. 1 cable telecast for the day among adults 18-49. The penultimate episode, where viewers said goodbye to chef'testant Fabio Viviani, was the highest rated "Top Chef" non-finale telecast ever among adults 18-49 and total viewers.

"Top Chef: New York" is on pace to record its highest rated season ever averaging 2.1 million viewers adults 18-49 and 2.97 million total viewers leading into next week's season finale. Versus season four, the show is up 20 percent in both adults 18-49 (vs. 1.76 million) and total viewers (vs. 2.47 million).

It's getting hot in here and it's down to the final three on next week's episode of "Top Chef: New York," airing Wednesday, February 25 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, where the final chef'testants - Carla, Hosea and Stefan - duke it out in New Orleans to cook the best meal of their lives in the sizzling season finale. Will Carla continue her winning streak? Can Hosea beat out his nemesis Stefan? Will Stefan's over-confidence help him? It all comes down to the wire as only one will be named the next "Top Chef."

For the first time ever, fans will have a say in the ingredients used in a future episode of "Top Chef." Viewers are asked to vote on which exotic ingredient they would like to see the chefs cook with in a Quickfire challenge featured in season six of "Top Chef." They can choose from snake, cactus or kangaroo and can vote at www.BravoTV.com, and or text EXOTIC to 27286. Voting closes at noon on Wednesday, February 25.

"Top Chef: New York" is produced by the Emmy-nominated Magical Elves. Dan Cutforth, Jane Lipsitz ("Project Runway," "Top Design") and Shauna Minoprio serve as executive producers.

Source: Nielsen Media Research, Live + Same Day through 2/18/09.

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