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Chew on This: Top Chef Challenges

What challenges do you want to see on the DC season of 'Top Chef'?

By Kate Nerenberg

Last week, we got confirmation that the next season of Top Chef will be filmed in DC—the cameras start rolling April 4. Our city is full of homegrown and celebrity chefs, historic eateries, and of course the First Family. We want to know what quick-fire and elimination challenges you think Bravo should dream up for the cheftestants. A twist on the half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl? A deconstructed crabcake? Let us know your idea for a challenge in the comments.

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Comments

I’d like to see them serve lunch to a school tour either in one of the Capitol Cafeterias or on the mall.

Posted by: shawna, Mar 25, 2010 08:46:14 AM

the crabcake? really?
DC needs to get off BMore’s turf, and get its own thing.
But that’s always been DC’s prob, right? not really a city full of its own culture (other than the half smoke)

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Posted by: jianlan, Mar 20, 2010 09:01:35 AM

I happen to know one local chef who will be on the show, and said chef is not a pastry chef. I’d like to see a food court challenge on U street 9 pm or later.

Posted by: Aaron, Mar 18, 2010 08:38:40 PM

How about reinventing the menu at the Barns at Wolf Trap before one of their performances.

Posted by: Mary, Mar 18, 2010 05:44:27 AM

I heard this next season was going to be Top Chef - Pastry. If that is true, I’d love to see anything that encompasses Washingtonian fare- but with a Charlie Trotter twist. Traditional savory courses made with sweet elements and traditional sweet courses with savory ingredients. But everything would most definitely have to reflect our regional ingredients and style of cooking.

Posted by: Pastrygirl, Mar 17, 2010 11:32:09 AM

All local food from the White House garden that’s kid-friendly for the kids who planted it.

Posted by: Jenn, Mar 16, 2010 01:45:27 PM

I think they should do a fish/seafood challenge at the fish markets at the southwest waterfront.

Posted by: HSS, Mar 16, 2010 11:16:59 AM

How about aomething Cherry Blossom festival related since they start rolling in the middle of the festival.

Posted by: Lynne, Mar 16, 2010 11:02:57 AM

They really should do a challenge either working with or in or for DC Central Kitchen.

If filming had started earlier, I’d have loved to see them do something for Taste of the Nation, but that’s happening almost immediately after they start filming.

Posted by: Prin, Mar 16, 2010 10:47:59 AM

I think doing a reception that abides by all of the rules for lobbists would be interesting. The 4th of July one would be great. Also, it would be fun to see a "power" luncheon that is vegetarian. That’s something lacking in this city and would be interesting to see done well.

Posted by: JK, Mar 16, 2010 10:36:20 AM

They should do a challenge here at the National Archives. Because there are so many regulations on burning items because of the documents the chefs should have to create meals or cocktail reception food without the use of heat or flames or with only using sternos!

Posted by: Krista, Mar 16, 2010 10:29:29 AM

Let’s see them shop for groceries at the Dupont Farmers Market during "rush hour" (i.e. 11am).

Posted by: Mike, Mar 16, 2010 10:22:13 AM

street cart food!

Posted by: ustreetgirl, Mar 16, 2010 09:48:29 AM

I agree with that July 4th challenge (and let mall-walkers taste and judge). Also: appetizers for the hungry Capitol Hill interns, catering a smaller-than-State-Dinner White House reception or lunch for the Supreme Court (!), running a food truck for tourists on the mall.

Posted by: Denise, Mar 16, 2010 09:47:21 AM

Ethiopian food is big here - I’d love to see them do that. Or try to cook for a state dinner (although with security who knows if that could even go off). I’m sure they’ll have some connection to Michelle Obama’s big push to get kids healthy. It’d be great if they had to work as line cooks at some place like Good Stuff or Ben’s Chili Bowl.

Posted by: Carrie, Mar 16, 2010 09:34:13 AM

4th of july. on the mall. abiding by all restrictions and rules, (e.g. no grills, no glass, no alcohol, etc.) create a meal that will last in the heat throughout the day for consuming by nightfall in the company of sweaty americans under the loud and colorful sky.

Posted by: liv, Mar 16, 2010 09:27:24 AM

Baby food for Padma’s baby!!!

Posted by: Isha, Mar 16, 2010 09:27:22 AM

Will this be Top Chef Desserts that they’re filming since they were recently casting for that? Whether savory or sweet, I’d love to see a challenge using Virginia wines - either the dish has to be made with a select Virginia wine or the dish has to be made to pair with it.

Posted by: M, Mar 16, 2010 09:16:25 AM

Updating Senate Bean Soup!

http://www.senate.gov/reference/reference_item/bean_soup.htm

Posted by: Thea, Mar 16, 2010 09:14:38 AM

I have always wanted them to do an Afghan food challenge. Since they didn’t do it in the San Francisco or LA seasons they can do it in the DC season as Virginia is the second largest pop. of Afghans in the U.S. (the first being Fremont, CA)

Posted by: alibomaye, Mar 16, 2010 09:14:30 AM