Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Stephen Hopcraft became know nas the executive chef at Seablue at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. He has worked for award-winning chef and restaurateur Michael Mina for more than 12 years, establishing new chains nationwide. He has also worked alongside other noted chefs, including Thomas Keller and Charlie Trotter.
His favorite recipe is for his agholitti, a small pasta filled with goat cheese tossed in olive oil and tomato water. He says he always adds playful twists on classic dishes to create “cutting-edge” dishes. He also gained fame for becoming one of the 17 chefs competing on the seventh season of Bravo’s Top Chef. He was eliminated on the eighth episode of the show, but still he continued his work, taking part in openings of Mina's Arcadia and StripSteak restaurants.