Chefs, start your ovens.
Bravo brought its cult hit “Top Chef” to Chicago for filming over the past few months, and the finished product kicks off March 12, the network announced Wednesday. Bravo also formally introduced the 16 “cheftestants” who will vie for the top prize, including three with Chicago ties. No doubt each possesses incredible talent, passion, creativity and promise. But, quite frankly, we live in an impatient society and therefore want to know who’s the promising-est.
RedEye delved into a few of the contestants’ mini-biographies to see if there are any insights to be gleaned from them.
THE CHICAGO THREE
Dale Talde
GREW UP IN CHICAGO, LIVES IN NEW YORK
Bio says: Dale “focuses on Asian flavors” and apparently lives by the motto “expect perfection, because if you fall short you’re left with greatness.” The motto makes us suspicious, but remember that another Dale from Chicago — Dale Levitski — made the final three last season on “Top Chef: Miami.”
Stephanie Izard
GREW UP IN STAMFORD, CONN., LIVES IN CHICAGO
Bio says: The ex-chef/owner of Bucktown’s Scylla, Stephanie is described as a “risk-taker” who enjoys cooking seafood. When it comes to her dishes, she says “balance is non-negotiable.” Hmm. “Non-negotiable” usually doesn’t work on “Top Chef,” especially not during team challenges.
Valerie Bolon
GREW UP IN AND LIVES IN CHICAGO
Bio says: A personal chef, Valerie enjoys travel and “cooking cuisine with elegance and simplicity.” If there’s one thing Tom Colicchio and the rest of the show’s judging table appreciates, it’s elegance and simplicity. Oh, also, the food has to be wicked delicious.
THE OTHERS
Andrew
Hometown: Ft. Lauderdale
Bio says: He’s holding a mallet in his publicity photo. Thanks, but we’ll pass.
Antonia
Hometown: L.A.
Bio says: Antonia is a single mom who lists root beer floats with her daughter as one of her favorite indulgences. How sweet.
Jennifer
Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Bio says: If she could cook anywhere in the world, it would be Cinque Terre, Italy. That’s … specific.
Manuel
Hometown: Laredo, Texas
Bio says: He has worked with Food Network mainstay Mario Batali — certainly can’t hurt.
Mark
Hometown: Invercargill, New Zealand
Bio says: Born and raised on a sheep farm in New Zealand. Sorry, dude, this isn’t “The Hobbit.”
Nimma
Hometown: Peachtree, Ga.
Bio says: She works in Atlanta, and “her favorite thing to cook is pasta.” Ours too! Viva SpaghettiOs!
Richard
Hometown: Uniondale, N.Y.
Bio says: He’s listed as a chef and a “culinary designer.” Plus he rocks a fauxhawk. Fancy, schmancy.
Zoi
Hometown: Seattle
Bio says: Her name sounds like one of those names you could name a restaurant after. That’s our logic and we’re sticking to it.
