‘Top Chef’ Hits Road in California for Season 13

Bravo Media’s Emmy and James Beard Award-winning “Top Chef” embarks on an epic gastronomic road trip through California for season 13. Returning to San Francisco and Los Angeles where the series began, the culinary competition will also make stops in San Diego, Santa Barbara, Oakland and the Greater Palm Springs area. Set to premiere this fall, cheftestants will battle it out in iconic destinations across the Golden State to see if they have what it takes to earn the title and culinary bragging rights. Production begins this spring with host Padma Lakshmi, head judge Tom Colicchio as well as judges Gail Simmons and Richard Blais. The competition will also feature California-based chefs, culinary stars and celebrities as guest judges throughout the season. “Top Chef” is the #1 food competition show on cable among adults 18-49 and adults 25-54 year to-date, according to Nielsen. The announcement was made today in partnership with Visit California

“The entire food landscape has transformed in the 10 years since ‘Top Chef’ first launched,” said Shari Levine, Executive Vice President, Current Production, Bravo Media. “What better way to explore where it all started then to head out to California, one of the top culinary destinations in the world, for an unprecedented six-city expedition.”

Caroline Beteta, president & CEO of Visit California adds, “The Golden State truly is the ‘land of wine and food.’ California is the ultimate destination and viewers will see first-hand the abundance and diversity of the state’s fresh produce offerings, world-class chefs and renowned dining experiences within our iconic cities, wine regions and agricultural communities.”

“Top Chef” is produced by the Emmy Award-winning Magical Elves with Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz serving as executive producers.