"Top Chef" Is Back, But Toby Isn't...

It’s always good news when Bravo announces that “Top Chef” is coming back. But it’s even better news when they announce that Toby Young won’t be coming back with it.

The always charming Eric Ripert is joining the judges panel this season for “Top Chef: Washington, D.C.”

Host Padma Lakshmi, Head Judge Tom Colicchio, and Gail Simmons will all be back.

The press release labels Ripert as a “regular guest judge” so I’m not sure how many appearances he will actually make. But as long as Toby Young doesn’t make any, I’m happy…

“Top Chef: Washington, D.C.” premieres Wednesday, June 16th at 9 p.m. on Bravo…