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"Top Chef: D.C.," the seventh season of the popular cooking competition, starts tonight at 9 p.m. If you enjoy cooking or just eating, it's worth adding to your summer TV line-up. In addition to the "Big Brother"-type entertainment (the 17 "cheftestants" live together -- a tested recipe for drama), you'll learn plenty of culinary jargon and techniques. Sous vide, amuse-bouche, coulis, mousseline, ceviche -- there's a whole crop of people who never heard these terms before "Top Chef." Start your TV culinary education today!
While the show's format remains unchanged -- each episode the chefs compete in a short Quick Fire Challenge followed by an Elimination Challenge, after which someone packs his knives -- there are some new things to look out for this season, including a nifty local connection.
BROTHERLY LOVE
We're not talking Voltaggios (last season's pair of cutthroat brothers, Michael and Bryan). Kirk Gilbert, executive chef at The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, has a personal interest in "Top Chef: D.C.": His older brother, Kenny, is one of the 17 cheftestants competing for the "Top Chef" title and $125,000. Kirk, 35, who's been overseeing the Inn's River House Restaurant since October, said his brother was approached by the show's casting directors on the recommendation of last season's winner, Michael Voltaggio, who had worked with Kenny at several events. Kirk was also contacted -- perhaps the show was hungry for a second helping of sibling rivalry -- but, as he had only been at Palmetto Bluff for a month, he decided to pass. "I didn't think it was appropriate," Kirk said. He said he may audition in the future, but he's happy to let Kenny be the guinea pig.
Kenny, who will be cooking with Kirk in November at Palmetto Bluff's annual Music to Your Mouth Festival, seems to be an early favorite to win. Entertainment Weekly singled out the 36-year-old chef as the contestant "whose skill set seems so far beyond the rest." Kirk said Kenny is not only passionate about food, but dedicated to leadership and mentoring. "He made a point that he wouldn't make an ass of himself on TV," Kirk said. "He didn't want to be cutting people down."
So, does Kirk think he could take down Kenny in a Quick Fire Challenge? "I may be able to pull that off," Kirk said. "It would be neck and neck, but I might have a couple more tricks up my sleeve."
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
While previous seasons have transported the chefs to fun, foodie locales such as New York City, Las Vegas and Miami, this season has the chefs living it up in Washington, D.C. Though our capital city isn't particularly known for its cuisine, the location promises to produce interesting cameos and competitions. Guests will include Apollo astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, MSNBC host Joe Scarborough and CIA Director Leon Panetta. One challenge requires the chefs to take over the concession stands at the Nationals baseball stadium, while another puts them inside the CIA's headquarters. If you're a foodie who loves politics, this might be your favorite season yet.
FRENCH CONNECTION
Please pack your knives and go, Toby Young. The British writer and food critic known for his scathing critiques (he once compared an ahi tuna taco to cat food) has been replaced this season by French chef Eric Ripert, a veritable demigod in the food world. We've seen the award-winning chef and owner of New York City's Le Bernardin restaurant as a guest judge on past seasons of "Top Chef," but this will be his first stint as a permanent panel member. Though we'll miss Young's way with words, Ripert will lend a heaping spoonful of culinary cred to the show.
He joins judge/host Padma Lakshmi, head judge and recent James Beard Award-winner Tom Colicchio and judge Gail Simmons of Food & Wine magazine. Simmons, like Kenny Gilbert, will be visiting our neck of the woods in November as host of Music to Your Mouth's Culinary Festival.
