NEW YORK, NY — They're back and they're ready for redemption! Bravo's "Top Chef" congregates a dream team of 18 past chef'testants who nearly won the title to return to see if they have what it takes for the premiere of "Top Chef All-Stars," on Wednesday, December 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The 2010 Primetime Emmy Award-winning "Top Chef" returns to New York City for season eight with host Padma Lakshmi and head judge chef Tom Colicchio, alongside judges Gail Simmons and new this season, best-selling author and chef, Anthony Bourdain. The powerhouse of chef'testants going head-to-head include Carla Hall (Season 5 finalist), Spike Mendelsohn (Season 4, top five), Fabio Viviani (voted fan fav, Season 5) and Marcel Vigneron (Season 2 finalist), just to mention a few (full list below).

"With seven seasons of 'Top Chef' under our belt, the timing feels right for an All-Stars edition," said Colicchio. "It has all the elements to be our best season yet. Getting Tony Bourdain to serve as a judge throughout the season was the icing on the cake."



"Top Chef" offers a fascinating window into the competitive, pressure-filled environment of world-class cookery and the restaurant business at the highest level. The series features aspiring chefs who compete for their shot at culinary stardom and the chance to earn the prestigious title of "Top Chef."

Following are the 18 "Top Chef 8" contestants:

• Elia Aboumrad - Season 2, final four
• Stephen Asprinio - Season 1, top five
• Richard Blais - Season 4 finalist
• Jennifer Carroll - Season 6, final four
• Tiffany Derry - Season 7, top five
• Tiffani Faison - Season 1 finalist
• Carla Hall - Season 5 finalist
• Michael Isabella - Season 6, top seven
• Jamie Lauren - Season 5, top seven
• Dale Levitski - Season 3 finalist
• Antonia Lofaso - Season 4, final four
• Spike Mendelsohn - Season 4, top five
• Angelo Sosa - Season 7 finalist
• Dale Talde - Season 4, top six
• Casey Thompson - Season 3 finalist and fan favorite
• Marcel Vigneron - Season 2 finalist
• Fabio Viviani - Season 5 final four and fan favorite
• Tre Wilcox - Season 3, top eight

"Top Chef All-Stars" is produced by the Emmy Award-winning Magical Elves. Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz serve as executive producers.