As Top Chef 8 “All Stars” draws to a close, Canadian addicts of the franchise have little to wait to satisfy the TC cravings: Top Chef is coming to Canada!
Last week, Shaw Media announced that the first episode of the series would premiere April 11 at 9pm ET/10pm PT exclusively on Food Network Canada.
16 contestants will be vying for $100 000 and a $30 000 GE Monogram kitchen.
They are (links lead to their audition videos):
• Clayton Beadle, 26, Whistler, BC
• Derek Bocking, 30, Montreal, QC
• Darryl Crumb, 29, Winnipeg, MB
• Connie DeSousa, 29, Calgary, AB
• Francois Gagnon, 32, Montreal, QC
• Dustin Gallagher, 28, Toronto, ON
• Steve Gonzalez, 35, Toronto, ON
• Jamie Hertz, 31, Nelson, BC
• Chris Kanka, 34, Toronto, ON
• Dale Mackay, 30, Vancouver, BC
• Andrea Nicholson, 28, Toronto, ON
• Rebekah Pearse, 29, Calgary, AB
• Todd Perrin, 40, Quidi Vidi Village, St. John’s, NL
• Rob Rossi, 27, Toronto, ON
• Michael Stauffer, 30, Dundas, ON
• Patrick Wiese, 40, Toronto, ON
The series will be hosted by television personality Thea Andrews (at least it’s not Ben Mulroney) and head judge, chef and restaurateur, Mark McEwan. The other resident judge will be reknowned LA restaurateur (and Toronto native) Shereen Arazm.
I am very excited to see how this version will compare to the beloved original, what Canadian twists will be added to the TC formula, and what aspects of Canada’s culinary spectrum will be showcased.
Will you be watching on April 11th?
I enjoy eating.