Anti-War Protesters Rally In Federal Plaza
Expiration Date: An interview with Undateable’s Anne Coyle
Review: Revolution Brewing
Where Are You Going? Hyde Park Mural Asks Big Questions
Bookstores We Love: The Book Cellar
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.
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I've officially changed Padma Lakshmi's name to Padma LikesMe.
okay, that's pretty hot.
I am OK with this image.
That shot reminds me of my twenties.
Yeah, I usually reserve comments about this kind of picture for my inner monologue ... but thanks.
Also, as it is my second-to-last day as a Chicagoist, I want to say thanks for the fun posts, debates, and arguments. I'm sure I'll lurk, as Bostonist is severely lacking in the comments (and therefore personality) department ... it's a little depressing, but it's home as of Saturday.
Whoops, third-to-last day. WTF, it's still Wednesday?
Chuck, you just made my day.
By the way, L, I think instead of Padma LikesMe, I think I'll name her Padma LicksMe.
What about "lucky me, lukshmi and me"
Y'know...when it's reality TV i really prefer not knowing plot points of the season before the premier airs. just sayin'
That picture rocks.
And I'll be rooting for Stephanie due to my lust for her dishes at Scylla.
The Meteorologist - Damn, I should have thought of that!
gross
This photograph illustrates the point that a woman's attractiveness has nothing to do with large breasts (no sarcasm). Small is fine.
However, my guess is that Ladies who comment on Chicagoist are too smart to get fake knockers anyway.
In summary, balloons are bad.
I initially started watching this show b/c I saw a picture of her and said "I gotta see her on this show."
I started watching the show, quickly got annoyed w/ her, and now watch the show hoping she won't get much attention.