tvsnack: top chef season 5
According to sources, the venue and production for the next season of Top Chef has been changing almost as frequently as Padma's wardrobe. It was New York City, then Toronto, and now back to Gotham. The unofficial word is filming will begin in July and run through August. For those looking to do some Top Chef stalking, I would go back to past seasons of Project Runway and note where those reality-contestants are kept in captivity. I'd also keep eyes open for the convoy of Toyotas that will likely be parked out front of numerous restaurants and likely the green market at some point. It's Top Chef filming in NYC! I expect the Big Apple blogosphere to bring it. Bonus points for the blogger who discover the location of the Top Chef kitchen. Game on.
PS: There have been rumors that New Orleans might be a venue as well. Though I have no specific intell on that - season five finale in the Big Easy would be a good guess no?
As someone who worked closely with the casting team, I can tell you that New Orleans was in contention, but after a casting session was held there, it was ruled out. A member of the team said the energy was just, well "weird," and they would prefer another location with fewer logistical challenges.
Posted by: foodphreak | June 16, 2008 at 06:49 PM
Nice scoop! I had a lot of fun stalking Top Chef when they were filming in Chicago... I agree in hoping that the NYC top chef bloggers out there BRING US the juicy details! For anyone already missing season 4, here's all my chicago dish: www.thirdcoasttoast.com
Posted by: Third Coast Toast | June 17, 2008 at 04:38 PM
So can we guess on who the guest judges will be? Since TC tends to pull them from previous "Food and Wine Best New Chef" winners, I would throw out:
David Chang (Momofuku)
Daniel Humm (Eleven Madison Park)
Jonathan Benno (Per Se)
April Bloomfield (The Spotted Pig, won in 2007)
Daniel Boulud
There's obviously many possibilities. I believe Bloomfield and Boulud have been on Top Chef before.
Posted by: puzz | June 21, 2008 at 06:40 PM
More guesses on judges ...
- Eric Ripert (Le Bernardin) DUH
- John Schaefer (Gramercy Tavern) this would be shocking given Colicchio's past there, but the makings of GOOD television
- Gavin Kaysen (Cafe Boulud) former The Next Iron Chef contestant
- Jacques Pepin (shame on you if you don't know this one) an idol of Colicchio's
I agree with David Chang and April Bloomfield as strong contenders
Posted by: kindageeky | July 23, 2008 at 02:40 AM
I was just @ a foo fighters concert in Rochestor NY. They said that TopChef was there taping the thanksgiving special. Dave Groell (lead singer) said that had 2 cook in toaster ovens but wasn't allowed 2 say anything else but acknowledged the cast watching from the audience
Posted by: gina | July 28, 2008 at 11:39 PM
I just saw the Foo Fighters show in Rochester NY and went to Dinosaur BBQ after and Tom, Padma, Gail and what I assume was the cast were there. I tried to get a picture with Padma and Tom, but the flash didn't work, so I had to settle for a picture with just Padma (hubba hubba). I have to say, Padma and Gail are far prettier in person than they are on TV, I figured it would be quite opposite, because they look good on TV too.
Posted by: Michael | July 29, 2008 at 06:55 AM
I was at the new orleans casting call, and the talent was phenomenal. The only thing that was weird there was the energy coming from the casting crew. Snobbish bunch of weirdos.
Posted by: Billy | August 12, 2008 at 04:35 AM
Hotel Benjamin is where I heard its taking place at
Posted by: Denise | September 24, 2008 at 02:56 PM