Judith Grace & Gabriel Coronel Compete for TOP CHEF ESTRELLAS Title Tonight

During last night's "Top Chef Estrellas," semifinalists Gabriela Vergara, Judith Grace and Gabriel Coronel demonstrated outstanding passion, creativity and energy as they prepared delicious dishes in the "Top Chef" kitchen. Still standing after a tough challenge, Judith was named first finalist of the evening, raising a total of $20,000 for the St. Jude Children Hospital Foundation, helping children with cancer. Being the second finalist, Gabriel secured $10,000 for Amigos for Kids, an organization that helps children in need. Gabriela became the last Sous Chef of the competition, but was able to raise $12,500 for the Ricky Martin Foundation, against children trafficking.

The "Top Chef Estrellas" semifinal episode began with a takeover of the contestants' apartment kitchen by the competition's three judges, Chefs Lorena García, Jaime Martin del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu, where they got busy cooking three exquisite meals for the contestants. The traditional flavors of Mexico and Venezuela were perfectly represented with Chef Lorena making a duo of Venezuelan arepas - part with "asado negro" and the rest filled with "reina pepiada;" Chef Jaime prepared "chiles en nogada," a classic Mexican dish, while Chef Ramiro delighted everyone with "cochinita pibil" from Yucatán, Mexico.

The evening took an unexpected turn for the contestants when host Ingrid Hoffmann announced that for the Elimination Challenge they would have to recreate the three dishes the Chefs had created. Judith was tasked with preparing "chiles en nogada," Gabriel with the "arepas" duo and Gabriela with "cochinita pibil" - all working under the scrutinizing watch of the judges who wouldn't miss a thing. The final countdown began with help from the seven Sous Chefs - and after many nerve-wracking moments, complications and praises from the judges, the results came in, revealing Judith as the winner with her "chiles en nogada."

Tonight, March 8, at 7pm/6c, Telemundo's new "Top Chef Estrellas" title holder will be unveiled after Judith Grace and Gabriel Coronel face off for one final challenge that will determine who takes $50,000 for their charity and the coveted second season winner title.

Photo courtesy of Telemundo

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