L to R: Nina Compton, Aaron Cuschieri, Sara Johannes, Bret Pelaggi, Carlos Gaytan [Photos: Bravo]
At long last Bravo has revealed the final five competitors for Top Chef: New Orleans, the Times-Picayune reports. The first batch focused on East Coast competitors, the second batch on West Coast, and this third batch focuses on the Midwest and also Miami. Joining the fray are: Nina Compton (Scarpetta Miami, Miami), Aaron Cuschieri (Slurping Turtle, Chicago), Carlos Gaytan (Mexique, Chicago), Bret Pelaggi (Formerly of Chiara Bistro, Boston, now in Miami), and Sara Johannes (Shoyu, Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport). Eater Chicago accurately predicted that Aaron Cuschieri would be competing on the show.
Joining regulars like Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, Hugh Acheson, and Emeril Lagasse, local chef guest judges will include John Besh, Leah Chase, and Paul Prudhomme. There will also be appearances by Jon Favreau, Lea Michele, Anthony Mackie, Questlove, Jacques Pepin, David Chang and Eddie Huang. The show premieres on October 2nd.
· Bravo Announces Third Batch of 'Top Chef: New Orleans' chefs [Times-Pic]
· All Top Chef New Orleans Coverage on Eater [-E-]