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Top Chef is among the Bravo TV series which have proved "reality shows" can still be classy. From the challenges to the quality of show filming, Top Chef guarantees to have a large fan base of more than just foodies. The judges and guest judges on the show prove to be the largest names in the food industry. Regular judges include Tom Colicchio (founder and former executive chef of Gramercy Tavern, most popular restaurant award in New York City), Gail Simmons (Food & Wine Magazine editor), Ted Allen (TV Host and Author), and the famous host Padma Lakshmi (cookbook author and model).

Season 1 of Top Chef featured more simplistic, classic challenges and the food seemed to showcase fine dining. Some notable chefs included Dave and Tiffani (chefs of the final three contestants), Stephen (the "know-it-all" sommelier), and Lee Anne Wong (chef of the final four contestants, went on to be involved in production of the Top Chef show).

The winner of Top Chef Season 1 is Harold Dieterle who opened Perilla Restaurant in New York City. His winning meal cooked in the five course finale included pan roasted quail and a duo of kobe beef.

Season 2 of Top Chef expanded to feature a more diverse set of challenges including less fine dining cooking. Some of the cooking tests including creating an original ice cream flavor and preparing a Thanksgiving dinner. Notable chefs included Michael (laid back cook with a surfer accent), Elia (strong female competitor among final four contestants), Sam (among final three contestants), and Marcel (runner up to the title of Top Chef, created various foams for his dishes and other cooking experimentation).

The winner of Top Chef Season 2 is Ilan Hall who continues to cook in New York City. The finale was filmed in Hawaii and featured local ingredients including fresh moi fish and taro root.

Season 3 of Top Chef took on the title "Top Chef Miami" and the early episodes were filmed in South Florida. The tone of the newest season seemed to take on a mix of both Season 1 and Season 2 including both fine dining and some quirky challenges including making frozen pasta meals, creating airline dinners, and pairing a cooked appetizer with a specialty martini. The talent level of Season 3 chefs was noted as very high by the judges.

Top Chef fans would definitely know Howie (passionate chef appeared a bit abrasive), Tre (promising chef thought to be guaranteed to make the final four, had an unlucky challenge), Brian (of the top four contestants, noted seafood

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