Antonia Lofaso has made a triumphant return to the Food Network in the sixth season of the widely popular Tournament of Champions, emerging as one of the 32 main bracket chefs. With her sights set on clinching the prestigious TOC belt and a lucrative grand prize of $150,000, she remains a strong contender.
Renowned as a professional chef and television personality, Antonia has established a remarkable career bolstered by her appearances on hit shows such as Cutthroat Kitchen, Chopped, Wildcard Kitchen, and Worst Cooks in America. As per Celebrity Net Worth, Lofaso’s estimated net worth is projected to reach $5 million by 2025, illustrating her success in the culinary world.
Beyond her presence on television, Antonia is a thriving entrepreneur based in Los Angeles, owning and operating several acclaimed restaurants. Among them are Scopa Italian Roots in Venice, Liquor Bar in Studio City, and DAMA located in Downtown Los Angeles.
Who is Antonia Lofaso?
Born in 1976 on Long Island, New York, Antonia Lofaso draws from a rich heritage that blends Italian and Jewish backgrounds. Her culinary journey began at the prestigious French Culinary Institute in New York City, where her passion for cooking flourished. During her academic pursuit, she gained valuable experience working as a manager at Justin, a renowned establishment owned by Sean Combs.
Upon graduation, Lofaso sharpened her culinary prowess in renowned kitchens throughout Los Angeles, starting as a chef at the illustrious Spago, owned by Wolfgang Puck. In 2011, she ventured into entrepreneurship by partnering with Mario Guddemi and Sal Aurora to launch her inaugural restaurant, Black Market Liquor Bar, in Studio City, famous for its diverse American cuisine and innovative cocktails.
In 2013, she expanded her culinary empire by opening Scopa – Italian Roots in Venice, celebrating her Italian roots with traditional dishes. Her latest venture, DAMA, debuted in 2018, further solidifying her reputation as a leading chef in the Los Angeles dining scene.
Antonia’s television journey kicked off in 2008 when she participated as a contestant in the fourth season of Top Chef, securing a commendable third-place finish. Her talent shone through when she returned for Top Chef: All-Stars in 2010, again taking home third place.
Following her early success, Lofaso became a prominent figure on the Food Network, serving as a judge on Cutthroat Kitchen from 2013 to 2017. She showcased her versatility as a competitor on Chopped in 2015 and showcased her skills as a judge on Guy Fieri’s various culinary game shows, including Guy’s Grocery Games. Additionally, she featured in documentaries produced by Fieri, such as Restaurant Hustle 2020: All On the Line and Restaurant Hustle 2021: Back in Business.
Antonia Lofaso in the Tournament of Champions
Antonia’s participation in Tournament of Champions dates back to its first season in 2020, where she showcased her talent and advanced to the semifinals, only to be defeated by fellow competitor Brooke Williamson. Returning for season two, Antonia once again faced Williamson in the semifinals, leading to another close loss.
Although seasons three and four brought early exits for the acclaimed chef, she rebounded strongly in season five, making her way to the finals before losing to Maneet Chauhan. Currently, in season six, Antonia is on fire, having triumphed in her initial battles, participating in episodes 1 and 6.
Set your reminders, as new episodes of Tournament of Champions season 6 air every Sunday on Food Network!