The winner has been declared for this season of Top Chef (no spoilers here). Meanwhile, some viewers feel a bit cheated because the show’s chance to infuse itself with our city’s kind of diverse food culture fell curiously flat—nothing, for example, screams NY more than a visit from French celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and a Big Easy finale. The most relevant, relatable show theme for most New Yorkers this season might have been all those frantic visits to Whole Foods for the elimination challenges. more ›

Top Chef usually has a wedding-related challenge of some sort, and this season's event was to cater the bridal shower of Top Chef judge—and Food & Wine special projects manager—Gail Simmons. Of course, Padma Lakshmi announced she was throwing the bridal shower for Gail. Cue cheftestant Danny saying that Gail would be a "hot bride." more ›

It was an episode full of corporate synergy! Sort of reminiscent of when Project Runway designers had to create an outfit for Today Show contributor Tiki Barber, last night's episode of Top Chef had contestants develop a dish they could demonstrate on TV for the Today Show. Plus there were reminders that the chefs are using...GE Monogram appliances in the kitchen! more ›

Chef Grant Achatz of Alinea in Chicago appeared alongside the Foo Fighters on last night’s Thanksgiving themed Top Chef New York episode (which was actually filmed last summer). Reached last night by telephone, Achatz himself was settling in for Thanksgiving Eve. Spoiler-free insights below. more ›

Last night, Top Chef aired its Thanksgiving-themed episode that featured a holiday meal for the Foo Fighters--and their entourage--as the Elimination Challenge. Grant Achatz, named Best Chef in the U.S. by the James Beard Foundation last year for his Chicago restaurant Alinea, was the guest judge for both the Quickfire and Elimination challenges. more ›

Last night the 2nd episode of Top Chef New York aired, beginning with an oh-so-NY-themed Quick Fire challenge: Hot Dogs! After Padma declares that New Yorkers spend $100M a year consuming the "dish," the cheftestants were put up against the Top Dog (heh) in New York, Angelina D'Angelo (from Dominick's hot dog truck in Queens) and had 45 minutes to cook up their own recipes (which season 4 cast-off Spike says is enough time "to build a cart"). more ›