No announcement of a premiere date yet, but we just got word that the sixth season of Top Chef will take place in Vegas, Baby!

Those of you that have been to Las Vegas know that some of the most incredible, high-end restaurants are located there. It’s a city based on pampering the tourists and it should prove to be a fantastic venue for the sixth season of the series.

The usual faces will be returning; host Padma Lakshmi, head judge Chef Tom Colicchio, judge Gail Simmons and that cranky, British judge Toby Young. He certainly did mix things up a bit, didn’t he?

I love Top Chef and I love Las Vegas, so I can’t wait for this new season to begin. I’ll keep you informed of developments as they are released.

The Top Chef contestants are in for a serious challenge this week. They first have to do the traditional “name the ingredient” Quickfire Challenge. This challenge traditionally separates the discerning palates from the not-so-good ones. Here’s a preview of the Quickfire:

And who in the universe can possibly be as picky as a bride-to-be? Especially when she’s a culinary expert… The chefs have to cook for Top Chef judge Gail Simmons and her friends, for her bridal shower. And one of her closest friends, Editor-in-Chief of Food & Wine Magazine Dana Cowin will be the guest judge…YIKES! Here’s a preview:

Be sure to watch Top Chef on Bravo tonight at 10/9c.

This week, the chefs on Top Chef will have a new challenge, to try to please New york City customers! Yikes! They are some discerning diners! With guest judge for the week, New York restaurateur Donatella Arpaia, the chefs are in for a tough week ahead!! Here are a couple of clips to preview this week’s episode.

Be sure to watch Top Chef on Bravo this Wednesday at 10/9c.

I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite Bravo shows is premiering next Wednesday. I’m getting impatient, but here’s a little fun web site tool to keep me (and you) occupied for the next week. It’s the Top Chef Restaurant Finder.

It features over 250 recommendations from approx. 40 Top Chefs and judges. We can search by season, chef or any number of other criteria. Be sure to go check it out!!

Top Chef New York premieres on Bravo on Wednesday, November 12 at 10/11 p.m. ET.

[Photo: © 2008 NBC Universal, Inc.]

Get ready for season 5 of Bravo’s Top Chef. It premieres on November 12 and promises to bring another great cast of aspiring chefs with their eyes on the prize. To me, this is one of Bravo’s best reality series. I just love it! Those chefs never fail to entertain! Here’s the latest batch of “Chef-testants”:

Alex

AGE: 33
HOMETOWN: New York, N.Y. – currently resides in Los Angeles, Calif
PROFESSION: Executive Chef, Restaurant 15
CULINARY EDUCATION: The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) – New York, N.Y.
FAVORITE FALL RECIPE: Duck Confit – Duck breast, onions, carrots, celery, cloves, cinnamon, duck fat, fresh herbs
FAVORITE SIMPLE SPRING RECIPE: Red snapper with guava beurre blanc, guavaberry and sweet plantain hash

Alex currently serves as Executive Chef /Partner at a small boutique restaurant in Los Angeles, Calif., Restaurant 15. His culinary career is based primarily in small individually owned restaurants, which is fitting since he has a personal relationship with food and finds his creativity is best expressed in those intimate circumstances. Born in Madrid, raised in the Dominican Republic and then New York City, he has a very distinct cultural background that fuels his passion for cooking. Classically trained in French and Spanish cuisine, he often plays with Caribbean flair to add depth to his food. When not training for marathons, he enjoys making one of his favorite dishes, Paella. [Photo: © 2008 NBC Universal, Inc.]

(click on “Read More” for the rest of the chefs)
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