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By now, you probably know that the next season of “Top Chef” will take place in Wisconsin. The Emmy winner cooking competition show He spent about six weeks late last summer filming on locations split between Milwaukee and Madison, pushing hopeful chefs to their limits while showcasing the state’s fresh produce, world-class dairy and exceptional culinary scene.
But besides tuning in to watch our state shine on the small screen, there’s a new reason to be even more excited: A Milwaukee chef will compete on his home turf for the title of Top Chef, a $250,000 cash prize and an appearance at Food & Wine and appearance at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.
Dan Jacobs, chef and co-owner of Milwaukee’s dandan360 E. Erie St., and EsterEv (soon to open in its new space in Bay View), is among 15 “cheftestants” from across the country competing on season 21 of “Top Chef,” premiering March 20.
bravo liberated a trailer for the new season and announced the premiere date and full list of contestants on Wednesday morning.
“It’s amazing to see Milwaukee represented in such an incredible way,” Jacobs said in a statement. “As the only Wisconsin-based contestant this season, I am so proud to represent our incredible culinary community that has inspired me to be where I am today.”
Jacobs, originally from Chicago, moved to Milwaukee in 2011 and worked in kitchens at Roots, wolf peach and strange duck before opening Chinese-American restaurant DanDan with chef and co-owner Dan Van Rite in 2016. That year, the duo also opened their fine tasting menu restaurant EsterEv, located inside DanDan.
Jacobs and Van Rite recently earned their sixth James Beard semifinalist nomination for their work on EsterEv.
“Top Chef” is a notoriously grueling competition, with challenges that require contestants to create exemplary dishes under less than ideal conditions and limited time constraints. As if the pressure wasn’t enough, Jacobs competed while battling the effects of Kennedy’s disease, a neuromuscular condition he was diagnosed with in 2016 that causes muscle atrophy and slowly impairs the ability to swallow, speak, walk and use his hands to everyday tasks.
“One of the main reasons I wanted to compete on ‘Top Chef’ was to inspire people with disabilities,” Jacobs said. “I hope that this platform allows me to inspire people with different abilities to pursue their passions, especially in the culinary world where physical limitations can be a big barrier.”
On March 3, just before his “Top Chef” debut, Jacobs will host Dim Sum and Give Some, a culinary event that raises funds for Kennedy’s disease research and awareness. “Top Chef” season four winner Stephanie Izard and “Top Chef” season 15 winner Joe Flamm will be in attendance, as will Kaleena Bliss, Jacobs’ partner and season 21 competitor. “Top Chef”, from Cindy’s Rooftop restaurant in Chicago.
Challenges throughout the season will highlight Wisconsin traditions and culinary staples, including a cheese festival competition, a Door County fish boil, creating a supper club menu, and showcasing the versatility of Wisconsin-grown Door County blueberries and cherries. Even the Milwaukee Brewers’ famous racing sausages will get in on the action.
Here’s the full cast list for “Top Chef” season 21:
- Kaleena Bliss – Chicago, IL
- Kevin D’Andrea – Austin, TX
- Alisha Elenz – Chicago, IL
- Danny Garcia – New York, NY
- Valentine Howell Jr. – Boston, MA
- Dan Jacobs – Milwaukee, WI
- Manny Barella Lopez – Denver, CO
- Savannah Miller – Durham, North Carolina
- David Murphy – San Francisco, CA
- Kenny Nguyen – Athens, GA
- Laura Ozyilmaz – San Francisco, CA
- Charly Pierre – New Orleans, LA
- Amanda Turner – Austin, TX
- Rasika Venkatesa – San Francisco, CA
- Michelle Wallace – Houston, TX
Season 21 will be the first hosted by “Top Chef” Season 10 winner Kristen Kish, who took over after host Padma Lakshmi resigned last year. Judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons will return to the show.
Best Chef in Wisconsin:Kristen Kish, Gail Simmons and Tom Colicchio talk about the things they enjoyed while filming here
This season will feature some fun twists on the competition. First, each episode will be 75 minutes long (more time to show off Wisconsin!). Additionally, contestants will have the chance to win cash in each Quickfire Challenge, and immunity will be available in the Elimination Challenges, meaning the winner will automatically be safe in the next episode.
Throughout the competition, “Top Chef” winners, finalists and favorites return to provide guidance and expertise, including Sara Bradley, Joe Flamm, Jeremy Ford, Gregory Gourdet, Stephanie Izard, Carla Hall, Ed Lee, Mei Lin , Buddha Lo, Kwame. Onwuachi, Shota Najikama, Amar Santana, Justin Sutherland and Bryan Voltaggio.
An elite group of rotating judges and panelists will also appear throughout the season, including an appearance by Milwaukee’s Dane Baldwin, chef and co-owner of The diplomat; restaurateur Pablo Bartolotta; Adam Seigel, executive chef and owner of lupi and iris; Tory Miller of Madison, executive chef and co-owner of The Etoile; Itaru Nagano and Andrew Kroeger, chefs and owners of Madison’s fair boy restaurant; Joe and Shaina Papach, co-owners of Madison’s Harvey House; Elena Terry, executive chef and founder of Wisconsin Dells wild bears; Comedian and Wisconsin native Charlie Berens; and former Milwaukee brewer Ryan Braun.
Other panelists include Dominique Crenn, Curtis Duffy, Clea Duvall, Emeril Lagasse, Hunter Lewis, Bricia Lopez, Carrie Nahabedian, Justin Pichetrungsi, Sofia Roe, Sean Sherman, Helmi Smeulders, Art Smith, Brittany Snow, Christina Tosi, Erick Williams and David . Zilber.
While most of the challenges were filmed in Wisconsin, the season finale will take place aboard a Holland America cruise ship, where finalists must create a four-course meal for the judges.
“Top Chef” season 21 will premiere on Bravo at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20. Episodes will be available the next day on the Peacock streaming service.
Watch the full trailer below for a sneak peek at ‘Top Chef’ season 21.