Former Palo Alto resident Ruiqi Chen won Season 4 of 'The Great American Baking Show' after a surprising finale. - Chen, who now lives in New York, was living in Palo Alto during casting and filming.
- She received two rare handshakes from judge Paul Hollywood in the first episode, a first in 16 years. - Chen's baking journey began during the pandemic when she craved Costco cream puffs.
- She kept her win secret for nearly a year, even hiding the trophy under a sweater during a move. Chen's victory came after she thought she had lost due to cracked meringues in the final challenge, but her relaxed attitude helped her focus and win.