"Let the Flames Begin:" Top Chef Chicago Premieres Tonight
When last we cast an eye toward the world of Top Chef Dale Levitski was robbed as Padma Lakshmi (you're welcome for the photo, by the way) declared Hung the winner of season 3. The live finale, produced right here in town, made sense as preproduction for season four was already underway.
Chicago's thriving and diverse restaurant scene has always gotten kudos from those in the know. With this evening's premiere of Top Chef Chicago viewers get to find out for themselves why chefs, critics, and gourmands all praise the depth and range of this city's restaurants. The other local angle, of course, is the participation of former Scylla owner/chef Stephanie Izard. When Izard announced the closing of Scylla last summer to "travel and study" few had any idea that she'd be participating in "TC4."
Indeed, Izard and fellow local chef Valerie Bolon get off to starts as slow as the premiere with the first quickfire challenge (involving a popular local dish) slicing her finger open thirty seconds in. But the way Izard bounces back in the elimination challenge - with guest judges Rocco Dispirito and BOURDAIN! - will have tongues wagging tomorrow morning and herself poised as the darling of this season. If Izard is to last far into the competition as we suspect, she'll be facing some stiff challenges from Atlanta-based chef Richard Blais, native Chicagoan Dale Talde and Los Angeles-based Antonia Lofaso.
Outside of the challenges there isn't much in the way of actual drama in the premiere, although early on the stage will be set for future conflicts when two chefs announce an existing relationship to the other contestants. Meanwhile, motormouth sous chef Andrew D'Ambrosi - whose skills don't quite match the level of his confidence - provides the initial comic relief with a few contenders for line of the night.
Chicagoist plans on being there the whole way. Ms. L. Stolpman, one of our new food contributors, will be providing recaps of each episode. We'll also be posting weekly Top Chef Chicago power rankings. It should be a fun season.