Top Chef: New Orleans Announces Contestants For Season 11

Bravo has announced several of the chefs who will be competing in Top Chef: New Orleans. The 11th season, which is set to premiere on October 2nd, finished filming in early July, according to The Times-Picayune. 

The six confirmed Northeast contestants are: Stephanie Cmar from Boston's No.9 Park, Jason Cichonski from Philadelphia's Ela Restaurant, Patricia Vega from New York's David Burke Fishtail, Bene Bartolotta from New York's Indulge by Bene catering company, Philadelphia's Nicholas Elmi, and New York's Janine Booth.

The other contestants will be announced on Tuesday or Wednesday by region, the newspaper reported. On August 14th, Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi will reveal "Padma's Picks," which is an online competition where ten New Orleans chefs cook for a spot as a contestant in the new season, according to LA Times. Galatoire's Michael Sichel and Arnaud's Casey Morvant appear in this six-episode "prequel," but we will have to wait and see which of the ten chefs will emerge as the winner on Bravo TV.

In addition to Lakshmi, this season's returning hosts include Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, Hugh Acheson, and Emeril Lagasse. Guests judges such as Jon Favreau, Lea Michele, Anthony Mackie, Questlove, Jacques Pepin, David Chang, Eddie Huang, and New Orleans musicians Kermit Ruffins and Dr. John will appear in the show, as will New Orleans chefs John Besh, Leah Chase, and Paul Prudhomme.

For more Top Chef, viewers can look forward to the online series hosted by Colicchio, Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen. This Emmy-nominated web series continues into its third season, featuring eliminated chefs who battle it out for a chance to compete in Top Chef's finale.

Bravo, Top Chef, for building the suspense for the New Orleans season.