Sam Talbot

Infobox Chef
name = Sam Talbot


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birthdate = birth date and age|1977|12|27|mf=y
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deathdate =
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education = Johnson & Wales University
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television = "Top Chef"

Sam Talbot (born December 27, 1977) is a Sicilian-American chef from Charlotte, North Carolina, best known as a semi-finalist on Season 2 of Bravo's Top Chef, eventually placing third. He also became the fan favorite for the season. Sam received his education from Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina. After working his way up to production chef at Dean and DeLuca, he worked under James Burns, the acclaimed head chef at Charleston’s J. Bistro. In Charleston, he also met Sarah Vida who later became his business partner in Williamsburgh Cafe after he moved to New York City. In New York City, he has held the position of executive chef at several restaurants, such as the Black Duck, Williamsburgh Cafe, and Punch. Recently, he was planning on opening a restaurant named Spitzer's Corner, but when he could not agree with business partners Will and Rob Shamlian with the direction of the restaurant, they separated. Talbot is a diabetic and wears an insulin pump attached to his leg.

Talbot returned to Top Chef for a special "Four Star All Stars" episode along with Elia Aboumrad, Marcel Vigneron, and Ilan Hall. Talbot and the other three were defeated by season 1 (Tiffani Faison, Harold Dieterle, Stephen Asprinio, and Dave Martin).

Talbot has since opened up a restaurant called [http://www.thesurflodge.com/ The Surf Lodge] .

On July 30, 2008 People Weekly reported Talbot's engagement to Colombian model and t-shirt designer Paola Guerro. [http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20215772,00.html]