"Top Chef All-Stars": Is it December Yet?

When the Bravo promos started promising a shocking announcement about the new season, I was really hoping that meant we would finally get an all-stars version. So I was thrilled when Andy Cohen confirmed that at the beginning of the “Top Chef: DC Reunion.”

I was even more thrilled when Andy announced my two favorite cheftestants of all time would be participating—Season 4’s Richard Blais and Season 3’s Dale Levitski.

And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, it did…

Two words: Bourdain, baby!

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Anthony Bourdain has signed on to be a judge along with regulars Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons and host Padma Lakshmi.

Is it December yet?

If you missed it, here are the chefs who will compete on “Top Chef: All-Stars”:

Elia Aboumrad; Season two, final four



Stephen Asprinio; Season one, top five

Richard Blais; Season four finalist



Jennifer Carroll; Season six, final four

Tiffany Derry; Season seven, top five



Tiffani Faison; Season one finalist

Carla Hall; Season five finalist



Mike Isabella; Season six, top seven

Jamie Lauren; Season five, top seven

Dale Levitski; Season three finalist



Antonia Lofaso; Season four, final four

Spike Mendelsohn; Season four, top five

Angelo Sosa; Season seven finalist

Dale Talde; Season four, top six

Casey Thompson; Season three finalist and fan favorite

Marcel Vigneron; Season two finalist

Fabio Viviani; Season five final four and fan favorite

Tre Wilcox; Season three, top eight

I’m a little disappointed that Angelo is back because I was never a fan (How in the world did he place second in the fan favorite voting?). And I’m always disappointed to see Marcel since he always finds a way to make everything about him. And, it’s sad to have Carla and Fabio without Stefan.

But overall, this is an outstanding cast and I am SERIOUSLY looking forward to what’s going to happen.

Let the flames begin…

“Top Chef All-Stars” premieres December 1st at 10 p.m. on Bravo…

Photo Credit: Matthias Clamer/Bravo