What's Paul Qui Going To Do With His Top Chef Money?

So what's Paul "Top Chef" Qui going to do with all that money he won off the show? The folks at Food Republic graciously (or perhaps ungraciously) asked Qui--who was just named the James Beard Best Chef: Southwest last night--that very question when he, Tyson Cole and pastry chef Philip Speer stopped by the FR lounge at the W Hotel in Austin.

His response? Both practical and enigmatic. First, he'll say goodbye to student loans: "I'm gonna get rid of Sallie Mae. She's gonna be out of my life forever." But is he going to open a new restaurant in town?

Qui refuses to confirm or deny, saying only: "I think it's going to be a surprise for Austin." Qui's comments start around 1:25.

Video: What's Paul Qui Has Big Plans For His Winnings

· All Paul Qui Coverage on Eater Austin [-EATX-]
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· Video: Paul Qui Has Big Plans For His Top Chef Winnings [Food Republic]