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That's right -- in what has to be one of the worst-kept secrets in a city full of them, all signs point to the nation's capital as the shooting location for the seventh season of Bravo's Top Chef. First D.C. food blog Metrocurean was all abuzz with anonymous postings of location scouting and crew lodging, and then the New York Times casually mentioned in a review of Colicchio and Sons that its celeb-chef proprietor was busy shooting in the nation's capital.
So now that it's official -- and filming has been delayed long enough for Padma to bond with her new baby daughter -- what's in store for this year's cheftestants? Considering that April isn't exactly the most fertile month for fresh veggies in D.C., we can only imagine some creative uses of pork-barrel -- although, on the other hand, we dread the thought of any tea-party themed episodes.
One thing's for certain: If Michelle Obama offers up her White House garden to the producers, you'd better believe she'll avoid a repeat of the Veggiegate incident that tarnished her appearance on this January's Iron Chef America. And maybe we'll even be graced by a cameo from last season's nearby runner-up, Bryan Voltaggio.
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3-19-2010 @3:01PM baltimoregal said... I'd like to see something with Chesapeake Bay seafood.
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3-21-2010 @6:42AM Madzi said... Forget the Voltaggios...bring on Fan Favorite Kevin Gillespie!
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3-21-2010 @6:43AM David S. said... People actually watch others cook on TV.....go figure.
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3-21-2010 @12:22PM OU812IC? said... To David S. :::Yes people really do watch others cook. For those of us that like to cook and get NEW ideas, its something we like to watch..There is nothing better then preparing good food and eating it with good friends...Now for someone like yourself, who most likely thinks eating at Mickey D's or Wendy's is fine dinning, YOU are way off. Now put down your PopTarts, wipe your mouth, tuck in your stained t-shirt and get up and close YOUR cabin door, as we are all sure the stench in side is overwhelming...Now go back to watching HEE HAW...
3-21-2010 @9:02AM joani said... Awesome---I certainly hope and expect Brian V to be involved in some way...Not that this matters an ounce, but having been born in Arlington and did time in the beltway, and first having a "real" job with a chef at the tea room at Woodies... coupled with love of food and PBS shows ala Julia, Jacques, James Barber (Urban Peasant etc.), I gained a love of food 23 years ago being around DC, as well as Gaithersburg and Frederick, Woodie's showed me everything from how to make Alfredo fresh...experienced raspberries, chicken and vinaigrette as a wonderfully tasty dish, Arnold Palmer's, mixing old school Old Fashions and Manhattans the proper way and iced coffee orders were beyond new. This was the 80's and coming from SoCal I was shocked. But moreover I was awed. Fell in love with food and ingredients and have the utmost respect for those that can ring in an element that is new and refreshing. Gob-smacked often. DC (and surrounding area) has Jose Andres, Michel Richard and even Top Chef fave Spike, and that's just the obvious.
Happy that the capitol of of America is getting recognized rather than criticized and homogenized.
One has to see and spend time there to really get it. When you do, it stays with you forever.
Cheers!
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3-21-2010 @8:58AM bronx girl said... I'm concerned that because the city is Washington, DC that the producers will find a way to drag politics into the mix. I don't want to see either of the Obamas, the White House, politicians, etc. ever featured in any of the challenges. The Iron Chef fiasco could have been avoided if they had just stayed away from the White House. The last thing we need is Michelle Obama telling us all how fat we are and to eat our vegetables. We're adults who enjoy good food. Treat us accordingly. Let us enjoy the beauty that is our Nation's Capital and the wonderful food that is cooked by these talented chefs...without a moral appetizer. PLEASE! Keep politics out of it.
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3-21-2010 @9:08AM jr819 said... Great point bronxgirl. I didn't think of the political potential because I hope I may be somewhat correct in my thinking that "Top Chef" stays focused on the food and the chefs, as opposed to outside issues.
3-22-2010 @10:13AM Chris said... I disagree. Politics is a very important part of DC. If Las Vegas had that much of a focus on casinos and gambling it would be a disservice to completely ignore politics. Yes, they should focus on the many parts of DC that make it a great city. However one of those parts is the politics.
3-31-2010 @2:50PM Rebekah said... Well said, bronxgirl! And to Chris... politics may well be a part of D.C., but it should NOT be part of D.C. cuisine, other than the fact that some politicians eat food (most, it would seem, like to eat power). If the show's producers are smart, they will steer clear of any and all politics, as the current issues in particular are just too polarizing. How smart would it be to purposely alienate a good-size portion of your viewing audience? Show us the beautiful and historical monuments, tell us about the great food and chefs coming out of our nation's capital, but the show needs to keep all political opinions and the politicians themselves OUT OF IT!
4-01-2010 @12:21PM kate said... As far as what the city represents, I think Washington D.C. represents history more than politics- not only in the buildings, but events, like the million man march.
I think the show will veer away from politics- it has not been known in the past to purposely address issues aside from what might be going on in the culinary world.
3-21-2010 @9:42AM KC said... Can't wait to see the new season of Top Chef, now that the drama of Padma & the baby ordeal is over.
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3-21-2010 @1:23PM Nita said... Quote..."If Michelle Obama offers up her White House garden to the producers, you'd better believe she'll avoid a repeat of the Veggiegate incident that tarnished her appearance on this January's Iron Chef America." End Quote.
It was not Michelle Obama's fault that Iron Chef America could not use the veggies picked from the White House garden in the shoot because they did the episode when the veggies were not still in season. What did you want them to do, use the old veggies to cook with that had been picked anyway, just for the sake of what you percieve to be Michelle's integrity? This in no way tarnished her appearance. This was the series producers who did not use the veggies for the reasons already stated! Be for real...
I love Top Chef!
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3-21-2010 @4:02PM Angela said... I'd love to see Bryan Voltaggio again. DC is not too far from where his restaurant, Volt is in
Frederick, Maryland. I'm from the Baltimore/DC area so to see Top Chef there is a great thing!
I've been hooked on the show since day one!
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3-21-2010 @3:29PM Dean said... Why in hell would anyone want to watch someone cook?
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4-01-2010 @12:21PM Kate said... If someone needs to explain it to you, then it's not worth the time to explain.
3-23-2010 @5:19PM Matt said... Can't wait for the worship the Obamas challenge...
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4-07-2010 @7:28PM Sean said... I personally would like to see Kevin Gillespie!
The man that Should have won last Season!
I thoroughly enjoyed watching Kevin way more than the Voltagio brothers fight and argue.
Although they are superb chefs and deserve recognition I
found that Kevin also is a not only a great and better chef than the brothers, he is more likeable and
entertaining!
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4-07-2010 @10:18PM C said... AMEN! Kevin not only loves the food but he loves the people he serves. He's not about showing off and being the best but he is the best because he cares so much.
4-14-2010 @10:58AM ChefErock said... Kevin was talented, however Brian V had the best overall skill level. His brother had the most creativity, yet his overall execution was a bit below Brian's. All that being said, Washington could, and I say COULD be a good venue.
As a culinary professional, I admire the level to which Top Chef has taken the challenges. The Bocuse d'or was the best yet. It's nice to see a show actually do something that has relevance with the culinary world and not just some made for TV drama that gives Chef's a bad name.
Thanks Tom C. for your vision and best of luck this season.
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4-16-2010 @7:29PM Elliot said... So, when do they expect for the new season to actually hit the air? I think the time off has been a little too much and Padma is lucky Bravo has been so kind to her and her bastard child.
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