Let the food fight begin. Top Chef returns once again to New York City for the ultimate food fight. They have picked some of the best contestants from the last seven season, and certainly some of the most notorious, to make up an all-star contestant pool that promises plenty of excellence and drama as each of these near-champions vie for redemption. Padma Lakshmi continues as host, head judge Tom Colicchio and judge Gail Simmons return, and Anthony Bourdain joins as a new regular judge. This season's title includes a feature in Food & Wine magazine, the opportunity for the winner to showcase his or her skills at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado, and $200,000 to help turn the winner's culinary dreams into reality (up from $125,000). A creation of Magical Elves Productions. Broadcast History: Seasons 1-6 – Wednesday, 10:00 pm E/P (9:00 pm CT) Season 7, Episodes 1-9 – Wednesday, 9:00 pm E/P (8:00 pm CT) Season 7, Episodes 10-14 – Wednesday, 10:00 pm E/P (9:00 pm CT) Seasons 8 – Wednesday, 10:00 pm E/P (9:00 pm CT) Awards: 2010 Emmy Awards • Winner – Outstanding Reality Competition Program 2009 Emmy Awards • Nominated – Outstanding Reality Competition Program, Outstanding Reality Hosts (Padma and Tom) 2008 Emmy Awards • Nominated – Outstanding Reality Competition Program 2008 James Beard • Won – Television Food Special ("Top Chef Holiday Special") • Nominated – Television Food Show, National and Local (Season Three) 2007 Emmy Awards • Nominated – Outstanding Reality Competition Program • Nominated – Outstanding Cinematography for Reality Programming