These 3 Chicago chefs compete on the new season of ‘Top Chef'
Viewers can root for Zubair Mohajir (founder and executive chef of Lilac Tiger, Coach House and Mirra), César Murillo (executive chef at North Pond) and Bailey Sullivan (executive chef at Monteverde) when the season premieres March 13.
This time the competition took place in Canada. Over the course of the season, viewers will see 15 chefs be whittled down episode by episode until only one remains. 'Top Chef' Season 10 winner Kristen Kish is the host for a second season, joined by judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons. Chicago chef Stephanie Izard was the fourth season's winner and parlayed that into a successful run of local restaurants.
New for the winner this year, alongside a $250,000 cash prize and other perks, is the opportunity to present at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards on June 16 in Chicago.
This year's Chicago contestants have a long list of industry accolades and experience working at some of the best restaurants in the world. Mohajir, Murillo and Sullivan were honored and energized to be included but had different strategies for and relationships to the long-running series.
A week before the season premiere, the three chefs said that on the show they focused on presenting the food they personally loved.
For Sullivan, that meant food 'rooted in Italian tradition but taking seasonal produce and global flavors and putting an atypical twist on traditional cuisine.' For Mohajir, it was a 'multidimensional approach to flavor' using his skill with spices and pulling inspiration from a variety of influences, from his mother to history to many Asian and French cooking techniques. For Murillo, it was about seasonal and local produce.
Sullivan grew up in the hospitality industry — her father owns beer garden Goldyburgers — and has fond memories of watching the show with her mother.
'At that point, there wasn't a whole ton of cooking on TV,' Sullivan said. 'I was glued to the TV. I loved it. It's something in the back of my head I've wanted.'
Quickfire Challenges are a consistent segment in the show in which chefs are given a task and a time limit while competing for prizes or other benefits. The segments test a specific skill set, and many chefs struggle with them — so turning to alumni for tips can help.
Sarah Grueneberg, head chef and owner of Monteverde, finished in second place on 'Top Chef' Season 9. Grueneberg helped Sullivan prepare for the high-stakes environment, setting up timed challenges for practice. Sullivan also brushed up on some skill sets she thought she might be tested on.
Mohajir, who worked his way up the restaurant industry after getting laid off from his finance job following the 2008 financial crisis, said he never had much time to watch 'Top Chef.' He wasn't very familiar with the show's format until he was cast.
'I love walking in blind,' Mohajir said. 'I like to cook what I like to cook… We're there to cook. We're there to have fun. Can't take it too seriously.'
Mohajir called the Quickfire Challenges 'one of the most adrenaline-producing things I've ever done.'
Murillo said he spent most of his time before the show prepping his staff for his absence. But the week before he left, North Pond Chef de Cuisine John Brandon did test Murillo with two timed challenges.
He reflected on his long journey, which began with coming to the U.S. as an undocumented immigrant from Chihuahua, Mexico, at age 4. Now, he'll be seen on 'Top Chef.'
'You start thinking about the important things in life,' Murillo said. He spoke of his family and friends who supported him, including his mother and some of his colleagues at North Pond. 'There were too many surreal moments. I wanted to do well and I wanted to represent myself well and make my people proud.'
Murillo and Sullivan knew each other through their 2021 recognition as StarChefs Rising Stars, but grew closer to each other and to Mohajir during the show.
'We were rooting for each other,' Murillo said.
The chefs represented not only themselves and their restaurants, but their city as well.
'Chicago is the best food city in America,' Mohajir said. 'Chicago is quality over quantity and I think you'll see that represented in that season.'
'I was incredibly excited to represent the food I cook every day at Monteverde on 'Top Chef,'' Sullivan said. 'Hopefully I make Chicago proud.'
Though the season had finished filming, the chefs were mum about how they performed. Mohajir came away feeling that the show and the intense challenges were a good representation of restaurant life.
'Every day is different,' he said. 'Every service is an adrenaline rush. And that's exactly what this show puts on its forefront.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Elle
an hour ago
- Elle
Want to Look Like You Just Stepped Off the Amalfi Coast? Try the Retro Dolce Vita Bob
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. From claw clips to finger waves, French twists and Bardot bangs, retro hairstyles have been making a major resurgence of late. And the latest one rising to the top of our mood boards, signaling the return of polished and glamorous styles, is the 'dolce vita' bob. Popularized in the 1950s, and reemerging thanks to celebrities like singer-songwriter Raye, whose sculpted, coiffed bob is now something of a signature, this retro bob is officially trending. Everyone from Sabrina Carpenter to Cardi B and Zendaya are making a strong case for the bouncy, polished curls and short crop. Think of it as the new, more modern iteration of the 'old money' bob, which went viral last year and saw the return of rather expensive-looking, shiny lengths and the signature 'tucked under' crop from the '50s take shape. Drawing inspiration from the voluminous silhouette of old, the 'dolce vita' bob is all about achieving an ultra-polished finish and bouncy volume. 'This longer bob length shape shares the same luxurious and glamorous texture of the old money bob, but with extra volume and a more cushioned, weightless finish,' shares trend forecaster and hair expert, Tom Smith. How to make it work for your hair type? 'This is for those who like volume and who have thick hair or who want to create that illusion,' shares Smith. 'The long, soft, and fluid layers help to give movement to finer hair and manage the bulk of thicker hair,' he adds. Though it's best suited to those with naturally wavy or curly hair, anyone with straighter lengths can also achieve the look using heated rollers or a classic curling wand. If you haven't mastered the art of rollers yet, fear not—there are plenty of tools, tips, and techniques at your disposal to recreate this hairstyle too, like ghd's Duet Blowdry to Dyson's Airwrap. 'The look can be achieved with a blow-dry using a round brush, but you can also use heated rollers, or tools such as the Dyson Airwrap with the curl attachments,' Smith agrees. Finally, don't forget copious hairspray and a smoothing cream for that polished finish. From: ELLE UK
Los Angeles Times
an hour ago
- Los Angeles Times
New ‘Project Runway' judge Law Roach shares his thoughts on criticism, plus what to stream this weekend
Welcome to Screen Gab, the newsletter for everyone who likes a dramatic comeback. Remember when Heidi Klum drilled into our reality TV heads that, in fashion, one day you're in, and the next day you're out? Well, even she knows the past can come back in style. After a 16-season run on 'Project Runway' as host and judge, Klum departed the fashion competition series in 2018 and, along with the show's original mentor Tim Gunn, went on to create 'Making the Cut,' their version of a fashion tournament for Prime Video that ran for three seasons. (Model Karlie Kloss assumed Klum's 'Project Runway' duties in subsequent seasons.) Now, as 'Project Runway' launches its 21st season, moving homes yet again (to Freeform from Bravo), Klum brings the nostalgia factor to the show's revamping, which includes the addition of super stylist Law Roach to the judges panel. Roach stopped by Guest Spot to discuss joining the ranks of the long-running reality competition. Also in this week's Screen Gab, our streaming recommendations include an illuminating documentary that explains how 'The Ed Sullivan Show' amplified Black music and culture, and a collection of '90s films that defined an era through their soundtracks. Must-read stories you might have missed For Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán, 'Wednesday' proves 'weird is beautiful': The actors return for Season 2 of Netflix's hit YA series, which brings Gomez and Morticia Addams into focus. 'Chief of War' centers Hawaiian history and a warrior's story: Co-creator Jason Momoa stars as the late 18th century warrior Ka'iana in a story set at the intersection of the Hawaiian island kingdoms and the arrival of European colonists. Go behind the scenes with the 'Alien: Earth' cast at Comic-Con 2025: Watch our exclusive follow-along with the cast of FX's 'Alien: Earth' cast at San Diego Comic-Con as they sign autographs, visit the show's immersive activation and more. As AI changes how movies are made, Hollywood crews ask: What's left for us?: AI is supplying powerful new tools at a fraction of the cost, forcing below-the-line artists to wonder if the future of filmmaking has a place for them. Recommendations from the film and TV experts at The Times 'Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan' (Netflix) Ed Sullivan was so famous, such an institution in his time, that his name became the text of a number in the musical 'Bye Bye, Birdie.' It's been half a century since 'The Ed Sullivan Show' ended its 24-season run, but Sullivan, who gave Elvis Presley a platform and introduced the Beatles to America, will be seen as long as they continue to matter, which is to say, forever. The 'Untold' in Sacha Jenkins' affecting documentary is the show's history with the many Black artists it presented to an audience of many millions, through years in which television networks bowed to the bigotry of what it called the Southern audience. Yet even had you taken Black acts on 'Sullivan' for granted, the extent of the host's progressivism might come as surprise. Those sharing memories include the late Harry Belafonte, Smokey Robinson and the Temptations' Otis Williams; seen in performance are Stevie Wonder, Jackie Wilson, Bo Diddley, James Brown, Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson and the Jackson 5, in all their youthful glory. — Robert Lloyd '90s Soundtrack Movies (Criterion Channel) Now they exist as relics: banged-up soundtrack cassettes that slid around in the passenger side of everyone's cars. But we all listened to them and in many cases, they ended up being more memorable than the films themselves. A lot of good was done when acts like U2, Talking Heads, Depeche Mode and Nick Cave lent their drawing power to director Wim Wenders' mystifying 1991 sci-fi art thinker 'Until the End of the World.' The songs were an adventure (though I couldn't quote you a single line from the script). More substantially, Jim Jarmusch introduced his fan base to Wu-Tang Clan's RZA, who contributed a superb head-bobbing soundtrack to 1999's 'Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai,' proving there was plenty of crossover between Soho and Shaolin. David Lynch, always plugged in musically, drew from David Bowie's underrated 'Outside' album for the white-line opening credits of 1997's 'Lost Highway.' And even when Bowie wasn't game — as with the bio-in-all-but-name 'Velvet Goldmine' — an inventive glam-saturated soundtrack could carry the day. Criterion's new series is programming you can play in the background and still enjoy. — Joshua Rothkopf A weekly chat with actors, writers, directors and more about what they're working on — and what they're watching As one of Hollywood's biggest stylists and image architects, Law Roach has bolstered the fashion profile of stars like Zendaya, Hunter Schafer and Anya Taylor-Joy and set the tone for every red carpet he's touched with his viral styling choices. Now, he's bringing his unparalleled fashion sense to the judge's panel of 'Project Runway.' The new season premiered Thursday on Freeform with two episodes; it will air weekly and also stream on Hulu and Disney+. Roach stopped by Screen Gab to discuss his feelings on constructive criticism, the fictional character he'd like to style and what he's watching. — Yvonne Villarreal As a creative in the fashion world, is 'Project Runway' a show you watched at any point over its run? What value did you see in it and how do you hope your involvement elevates the show? Yes, I watched it religiously, of course. The season that Christian won is hands down still my favorite. I think it gave me an inside look at an industry that I was craving to be a part of. I think my real-world experience and passion will come through not only to the viewers but also to the contestants. You bring a bold and direct feedback style to the judges panel from the start. How do you prefer to receive feedback on your work and when do you trust it? Criticism is a part of every job. I think it is important to hear it and if it fits you or can help you grow, take it in, and learn from it, but if it doesn't, ignore it. As a stylist and image architect, which fictional character of TV or film — past or present — would you most like to create a fashion profile for? Jessica Rabbit because we only got to see her in one look! What's your go-to 'comfort watch,' the film or TV show you return to again and again? 'Top Chef' [Peacock] or any cooking competition show. I love food and witnessing the thought that goes into making the food.
New York Post
2 hours ago
- New York Post
Fugly ‘foot condom' toe shoes are back — with celebs, fashionistas stepping into the tacky tootsie trend: ‘Everyone laughs'
After toeing the line for years, the world's most controversial shoe has found its footing — and that's quite a feat. What was once considered the most reviled footwear on the planet is now strutting down runways and racking up waitlists. 4 The world's most controversial shoe has found its footing, Getty Images The Vibram FiveFingers shoe — a glove-like creation with individual slots for each toe — has been deemed the shoe of the summer, despite sparking visceral reactions ranging from laughter to full-blown disgust. Originally launched in 2006 by Italian sport and mountaineering brand Vibram for barefoot running purists, the FiveFingers were designed to mimic the natural movement of the foot. Enthusiasts claimed benefits like improved posture, stronger foot muscles, and better balance. They first gained traction with athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, and quickly became fashion's favorite punching bag. Celebs like Prince Harry, Kate Hudson, and Scarlett Johansson were seen in them over a decade ago. Described by critics as 'foot condoms' and 'the most embarrassing footwear ever made,' the shoes remained firmly outside the style mainstream — until now. This summer, the shoes are selling out worldwide, gracing Vogue spreads, TikTok and runways. 4 The Vibram FiveFingers shoe — a glove-like creation with individual slots for each toe — has been deemed the shoe of the summer, despite sparking visceral reactions ranging from laughter to full-blown disgust. Getty Images They've recently been spotted on fashion-forward celebrities like BLACKPINK's Jennie Kim, model Paloma Elsesser and rapper Doechii; the once-ridiculed shoes are suddenly a hot commodity. Influencers are desperate to find a pair, with some scouring resale sites for months. Several styles are now sold out globally, priced between $100 and $200. Also known as barefoot shoes, the style is now being sold by Margiela Tabis, Balenciaga Crocs, and JNCO jeans. 4 Originally launched in 2006 by Italian sport and mountaineering brand Vibram for barefoot running purists, the FiveFingers were designed to mimic the natural movement of the foot. @melinaft / TikTok According to secondhand platform Depop, searches for 'barefoot toe shoes' have risen 205% this year, with demand for Vibrams specifically spiking by 296% since April. On TikTok, the shoes have become a viral phenomenon. London-based fashion advisor Emma Hope posted a TikTok video of herself riding the Tube in her pair, captioned: 'POV: people on the Tube are laughing at your freaky toe shoes.' Fashion influencer Abby Walker shared a TikTok video of herself dancing around in her shoes — only to whine, 'everyone laughs at my shoes.' Although most people on the app seem to love the accessory, someone commented that they are 'actually the hottest shoes rn,' on a TikTok video of @daisypyo styling her pair. 'Idk what it is but these feel like the mostttt cutie feminine shoe, but they are always sold out,' someone else commented on a similar video of @melinaft styling her pink pair. But the FiveFingers aren't for the faint of heart. One commuter, who goes by @feriliketheboat on TikTok, recorded a fellow passenger wearing them on the London Underground, saying, 'No, this is not acceptable on public transport. Oh my God, they're your toes. Oh, I'm going to throw up. No, get them off.' 4 Described by critics as 'foot condoms' and 'the most embarrassing footwear ever made,' the shoes remained firmly outside the style mainstream — until now. @lucymarygrace / TikTok Another TikTok user, Georgia, complained about constantly having to explain her footwear: 'Every time I wear them, I have to talk to someone about them. It's like I have to give therapy to make people okay with my shoes.' Despite the backlash, support for the shoes is growing. Enthusiasts argue that toe shoes are simply ahead of their time — and maybe always were. Celebs like Prince Harry, Kate Hudson, and Scarlett Johansson were seen in them over a decade ago. Today, it seems the FiveFingers are finally having their moment as part of the broader 'footnaissance.' The resurgence of foot-forward fashion is undeniable — British Vogue even declared in 2023 that 'toes are the new legs.' The broader cultural shift toward unconventional footwear — from Maison Margiela's tabi boots to Nike's split-toe Air Rifts — has helped normalize previously taboo silhouettes. Ballet flats and flip-flops have also walked into the fashion world. So whether you find them fascinating or nauseating, toe shoes have officially stepped into the spotlight.
