Voltaggio was a contestant in season six of Bravo's "Top Chef" where he was bested by his brother, Los Angeles chef Michael Voltaggio. ("Masters" is one of Top Chef's many spin-offs.) This time around, Bryan Voltaggio competed against non-family members and his winnings went to the charity Share Our Strength, which works to end child hunger in the United States. Voltaggio won $20,000 in weekly challenges throughout the season.
This season featured a twist where the master chefs' colleagues or sous-chefs compete as well. Voltaggio was aided by Graeme Ritchie who works at Volt in Frederick. Ritchie won the companion web show "Battle of the Sous-Chefs" and gave Voltaggio an extra $10,000 toward his charity.
But Ritchie's momentum wasn't enough to seal victory for Voltaggio. The judging panel of top food critics loved Voltaggio's dishes -- including a version of Chicken Chesapeake. Yet Keane -- who also edged out Denver chef Jen Jasinski -- was the judges' top choice. Keane's charity, Green Dog Rescue Project, which helps rehabilitate dogs, will receive the $100,000 grand prize.
Known for inventive American cuisine, Voltaggio runs four restaurants in the Baltimore-Washington area including the recently opened Range in Washington.