BRAVO KICKS OFF NATIONWIDE CASTING CALL FOR SEASON FIVE OF "TOP CHEF"

BRAVO KICKS OFF NATIONWIDE CASTING CALL FOR SEASON FIVE OF "TOP CHEF"

NEW YORK � April 21, 2008 � As previously announced, Bravo's Emmy-nominated hit creative competition series "Top Chef" will be returning for a fifth season. Open calls for chefs interested in competing in the high-stakes culinary competition series will be held in cities across the country starting this week. Additional casting information for these series is available at www.BravoTV.com/casting.

"Top Chef" Casting Calls are as follows:

SAN FRANCISCO
Monday, April 21, 10:00 AM � 2:00 PM
Postrio Restaurant

LAS VEGAS
Sunday, May 4, 10:00 AM � 2:00 PM
Craftsteak � MGM Grand Hotel & Casino

NEW YORK � UPSTATE
Saturday, May 10, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
The Culinary Institute of America
1946 Campus Dr., Hyde Park, NY

NEW YORK � MANHATTAN
Sunday, May 11, 10:00 AM � 2:00 PM
The Culinary Institute of America
399 Lafayette St. (at East 4th street)

LOS ANGELES
Monday, May 26, 10:00 AM � 2:00 PM
Cicada Restaurant

Bravo's "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 � hosted by Padma Lakshmi and presided by head judge Chef Tom Colicchio � features sixteen aspiring chefs who compete for their shot at culinary stardom and the chance to earn the prestigious title of "Top Chef." Each episode holds two challenges for the chefs. The first is a quick-fire test of their basic abilities and the second is a more involved elimination challenge designed to test the versatility and inventiveness of the chefs as they take on unique culinary trials such as working with unusual and exotic foods or catering for a range of demanding clients. The challenges not only test their skills in the kitchen, but also uncover if they have the customer service, management and teamwork abilities required of a Top Chef. The competing chefs live and breathe the high-pressure lifestyle that comes with being a master chef, and each week someone is asked to "pack up their knives" and go home.

"Top Chef: Chicago" is produced by Magical Elves. Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz, who also produce the Emmy-Award nominated "Project Runway," "Step It Up & Dance," and "Top Design" for Bravo, return as executive producers. Shauna Minoprio also serves as executive producer.