Image Credit: Michael Lavine/BravoCall it sweet justice for us fans, but after a snooze-worthy seventh season of Top Chef, the cooking competition is returning Dec. 1 (10 p.m.) for an All-Stars edition in New York City with some of our favorite past contestants, including Richard Blais (season 4), Fabio Viviani (season 5), Jennifer Carroll (season 6) and — the one I’m most excited about — Carla Hall (season 5). Judging by the full roster, Bravo went for talent in the kitchen as opposed to talent for drama, so expect a nail-biter of a season. Check out the complete list of 18 cheftestants who’ll duke it out:
- Elia Aboumrad; Season 2, final four
- Stephen Asprinio; Season 1, top five
- Richard Blais; Season 4 finalist
- Jennifer Carroll; Season 6, final four
- Tiffany Derry; Season 7, top five
- Tiffani Faison; Season 1 finalist
- Carla Hall; Season 5 finalist
- Mike Isabella; Season 6, top seven
- Jamie Lauren; Season 5, top seven
- Dale Levitski; Season 3 finalist
- Antonia Lofaso; Season 4, final four
- Spike Mendelsohn; Season 4, top five
- Angelo Sosa; Season 7 finalist
- Dale Talde; Season 4, top six
- Casey Thompson; Season 3 finalist and fan favorite
- Marcel Vigneron; Season 2 finalist
- Fabio Viviani; Season 4 final four and fan favorite
- Tre Wilcox; Season 3, top eight
And just when you thought things couldn’t get better, Anthony Bourdain will join the judges’ table, alongside Padma, Tom and Gail. The author and host of the Travel Channel’s No Reservations recently showed us just how seamlessly he fit into the panel after guesting on an episode of the D.C. season. His biting, sarcastic, no-holds barred attitude is bound to sift through the seemingly glowing crop of chefs. And we love him for it!
What do you guys think of the announcement? Do you like the lineup? And will you be tuning in Dec. 1?
More Top Chef from EW:
Top Chef: Just Desserts recap: There’s no crying in the pastry kitchen!
Fabio is season 5, not 4.
I am sad that Andrew from S4 is not on the list. I thought he was really talented, and Jeff from S5, he did really cool things.
So excited for this though! I knew this was going on but it was confirmed in Spike’s fiancee’s blog who said he had commitments this fall and she moved to the west coast for awhile.
“And we love him for it!”
Gladiator? =)
I can’t wait for All-Stars!!!
Im excited to see Mike Isabella and Tiffany D. Their interviews were always great. And super excited about Anthony Bourdain. He was a better judge than I expected. Not mean just to be mean, which was what was expected.
I don’t think Mike I should have been invited back. I hope that they tried to get Kevin and he turned them down because he is a better choice from that season. Also, I don’t think that Richard Blais should be allowed to compete anymore. He should be on Top Chef Masters. I think that they should have invited Kenny from Season 7 instead (who knows, maybe they did.) Otherwise, it’s a GREAT cast!
Agreed! They even mentioned Kenny and Tre being the biggest upsets so far, I can’t understand how they’d invite one but not the other.
Blais and Tiffany are the favorites, Jamie and Mike I are cannon fodder though I think Stephen will be 1st out.
In terms of an “All Star” cast, this is the BEST group ANY show has ever had.
I am definitely going to watch this season. Love Anthony Bourdain! Glad to see that they are going for actual talent instead of drama. It should be very intense in the kitchen.
The inclusion of Marcel made up for the inclusion of Mike I. I like my villains crazy, not just mean. And Bourdain is the icing on the cake.
I totally agree on all counts!
me too. mike, really? is he not working? what a joke he is.
I wish CJ from S3 was on the list, but otherwise, this list looks amazing. Can’t wait!
Yeah, CJ was the only person I could think of that would have made the cast complete. Exit Mike I and bring back CJ.
No Voltaggio brothers?!?!?! EPIC FAIL!!!!!
I think they’re pretty busy these days.
TOTALLY AGREE!!! where is Bryan??!!!!
I’m bummed about no Bryan as well. And there is no way Top Chef did not ask Bryan to join the All Star cast. But Bryan doesn’t need Top Chef anymore. He and Michael are doing fine on their own.
I just read somewhere that Bryan’s restaurant has a waiting list that is a year long for their special tasting menu and 3 months long for their regular menu. So I think he has better things to do.
yeah, with their restaurant and brand taking off, it does not surprise me they are not involved. Same goes for Kevin.
SO looking forward to this.
Michael wouldn’t be on it because no winners were invited to all stars. Bryan is definitely the most glaring ommision.
I’m so excited for this season! After this year’s ho-hum talent, which was expected after the high caliber Season 6 group, we should have a true cooking competition! And I always love me some Anthony Bourdain as guest judge!
Would’ve loved to see Eric Rippert as one of the permanent judges – or better yet both Eric & Anthony Bourdain together, they make a great team. I’d love to see those two host their own show.
As for the all star contestants, I’m happy to see all of these chefs returning (all except Jamie, ugh, I cannot stand her personality) and it’ll be interesting to see how the personalities of these talented people mesh. I know there was a lot made of Casey and Carla in the finale of Season 5 (with Casey getting some blame for Carla’s failed performance) & wonder if this will be brought up.
Probably can’t happen while Jen is on the show cause she’s his protege.
I agree with you . If you haven’t seen the episode of No Reservations, where he and Ripert go to Paris -you’ll enjoy it. It definetly shows what a great team they would be.
Great news, but no Stefan (season 4)? Booooo!
(I mean season 5)
Also, Anthony Bourdain is the best!
OH so completely agree!
you talking about Stefan from season 5? Him and Fabio where great together so if Fabio is gonna be there i wonder why Stefan isnt
Missing Stefan…glad that Marcel is here though…couldn’t stand the guy but he deserved to win over Ilan.
they wouldn’t bring back someone who won which is what happened with Mike V. it’s not fair to the other contestants.
And Brian lost by a hair. Was convinced he was gonna win for more consistency but Mike took more risk. Probably would lessen competition.
yes! very excited
Almost perfect list — would be quite happy to never see either Marcel or Tiffani again. If the universe is good, those two will have a b***h-slap fight on the first show and get kicked off.
*
Would MUCH rather have seen CJ from S3 and Kevin from S6.
Agree completely! I was pretty bummed about Kevin not being included on the list, and I CANNOT stand Tiffani or Marcel.
happy to see Jamie from season 5 on there i thought she was probly one of the most talented that season…Also Bourdain HELL YES he needs to stay on as a Judge also for the next few season he is gonna be amazing and it gonna be worth it to watch just for him
I forgot about her. She was one of my faves. Yah!!!
Angelo and Tiffany, eh?