For the first time, Bravo TV’s popular—and often emotional—“Top Chef” competition includes a Palm Beach chef as the show’s ninth season debuts next week.
Tune in to Bravo on Nov. 2 at 10 p.m., and you’ll see Lindsay Autry (right), executive chef of Michelle Bernstein’s at The Omphoy Ocean Resort, contending against more than two dozen chefs vying to out-do each other to ultimately take home the $125,000 grand prize and the title of “Top Chef.”
Years ago, the inaugural season of “Top Chef” included a chef from Wellington, but it will be a whole new ballgame for 29-year-old Autry (see her “Top Chef” casting video at http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/season-9/videos/casting-videos) when Season 9 starts next week.
Twenty-nine chefs—nearly twice the number of chefs in “Top Chef” seasons past—will see if they have what it takes just to become one of 16 “official” chef-testants, who then will be seen weekly as they compete across the Lone Star State (in Austin, Dallas and San Antonio) as part of Season 9’s Texas theme.
Autry already is a “top chef” among Palm Beach gourmands, but if she can prevail week after week in “Top Chef” challenges, she’ll not only inch closer to the winner loot, but also meet an interesting cast of household-namers in the food, music and entertainment industries.
Guests making appearances on upcoming Season 9 “Top Chef” episodes, which air Wednesdays at 10 p.m., include Charlize Theron, Pee-Wee Herman, Cat Cora, John Besh, Tim Love and Patti LaBelle.
Of course, show host Padma Lakshmi and head judge Chef Tom Colicchio will preside, alongside guest judge Gail Simmons. New guest judges include Emeril Lagasse and acclaimed Chef Hugh Acheson.
Good luck to Chef Autry, who was not available for comment earlier today at The Omphoy.
For more information, visit http://www.bravotv.com.
