Chefs Announced for Top Chef 3; Premieres June 6th  5/11/07

BRAVO'S 'TOP CHEF 3 MIAMI' PREMIERES WITH 15 HOT NEW CHEFS WED, JUNE 13 AT 10:00 P.M. ET/PT

Whet Your Palate For Season Three With Hour-Long Special "Top Chef: 4-Star All-Stars" On Wed, June 6 at 10:00 P.M. ET/PT

Bravo Adds "Queer Eye's" Culinary Expert Ted Allen As Judge Joining Host Padma Lakshmi, Head Chef/Judge Tom Colicchio, And Returning Judge Gail Simmons

NEW YORK - Just when you thought it safe to go back in the kitchen, Bravo's hit culinary competition series "Top Chef 3 Miami" returns with an hour-long special "Top Chef: 4-Star All-Stars" on Wednesday, June 6 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. "Top Chef: 4-Star All-Stars" reunites four of the finalists from season's one and two - team one's inaugural winner Harold Dieterle, Stephen Asprinio, Tiffani Faison, and Dave Martin compete against season two's winner Ilan Hall, Fan Favorite Sam Talbot, Elia Aboumrad, and molecular gastronomist Marcel Vigneron in a $20,000 cook-off for charity. The cook-off concludes with the two teams serving their meals to "Top Chef 3 Miami's" 15 new chefs.

Set your kitchen timers for the premiere of "Top Chef 3 Miami" on Wednesday, June 13 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, as the latest crop of 15 of the country's most impressive rising chefs hit beautiful Miami Beach - where the sun is hot and the competition hotter - in this third tropical season. "Queer Eye's" culinary expert Ted Allen brings his expertise to the judges table this season, joining cookbook author, actress and host Padma Lakshmi; Tom Colicchio, celebrated culinary figure and co-founder of Craft Restaurants; and returning judge Gail Simmons of Food & Wine.

"The new chefs bring an undeniably high level of talent and expertise to the table this season," said Colicchio. "It'll be very interesting to see what they can do with Miami's flavorful fruits, fresh seafood, and cultural influences."

The 15 contestants will reside in the luxurious beachfront Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach, where the season's production activity will be centered. The "Top Chef 3 Miami" chefs are:

Brian, 34 - San Diego, Calif.

Camille, 34 - Brooklyn, N.Y.

Casey, 29 - Dallas, Texas

Chris, 31 - Venice, Calif.

Clay, 27 - Santa Barbara, Calif.

Dale, 33 - Chicago, Ill.

Howie, 31 - Miami, Fla.

Hung, 29 - Las Vegas, Nev.

Joey, 29 - Franklin Square, N.Y.

Lia, 28 - Brooklyn, N.Y.

Micah, 33 - Boca Raton, Fla.

Sandee, 39 – Miami Beach, Fla.

Sara M., 34 - Miami, Fla.

Sara N., 28 - New York, N.Y.

Tre, 30 - Cedar Hill, Texas

**See chef bios below.

The winning chef receives $100,000 in seed money to help open a restaurant, be featured in Food & Wine and earn the title of "Top Chef." "Top Chef" season one winner Dieterle recently opened his new restaurant Perilla in Manhattan's trendy West Village, and plans are underway for season two winner Hall to open his NYC-based restaurant later this year.

BravoTV.com will be home to a robust food and drink destination dedicated to "Top Chef" fans and foodies. Fans will feast on contestant profiles featuring bios, video interviews, questionnaires and photo galleries. The site will also be bringing back blogs from Colicchio, Lakshmi and Simmons, in addition to introducing new blogs from Allen and season two's runner-up Vigneron. Visitors can also "Rate The Plate" and vote for the dish they think deserves top honors each week, in addition to getting weekly cooking tips from Lakshmi and Colicchio. Those with an insatiable "Top Chef" appetite can catch interviews with special series guests in the return of "Watch What Happens," a weekly, live-streaming, online program hosted by Bravo's own pop culture pundit Andy Cohen, Senior Vice President, Production and Programming and writer of the popular Andy's Blog. Still hungry? "Top Chef" season one star Lee Anne Wong returns with weekly online exclusive cooking webisodes entitled "The Wong Way To Cook," teaching viewers how to make the winning recipe at home.

"Chef" fans can also visit wap.bravotv.com from their web-enabled phone for exclusive contestant and judge Q & As, photo diaries, foodie favorites, video tips, wallpapers, and ringtones. Fans also can text CHEF to 27286 to get the spicy behind-the-scenes dish (three in-show text messages every week). Also, devotees can use their cell phones for exclusive mobisodes featuring interviews with the "Top Chef" special guest judges.

Lakshmi Bio: Actress, model, food expert, and award-winning cookbook writer, Lakshmi returns as host of "Top Chef 3 Miami," introducing the challenges to the contestants and presiding over judges' table each week. Lakshmi's second cookbook, "Tangy, Tart, Hot & Sweet," is a culinary endeavor of over 120 recipes from around the world and intriguing personal memoirs and is due in October 2007 from Weinstein Books. This is a follow up to her successful first cookbook, "Easy Exotic," for which she won the International Versailles Event for best cookbook by a first time writer. Lakshmi hosted "Padma's Passport" on The Food Network, cooking diverse and low-fat cuisine based on those recipes from her first cookbook. Lakshmi also hosted the documentary series "Planet Food" for The Food Network and worldwide Discovery Channel, in which she journeyed the world for exotic cuisine.

Colicchio Bio: Colicchio is the chef and owner of Craft, Craftbar and Craftsteak in New York; Craft Dallas; Craftsteak Las Vegas; and 'wichcraft in New York, San Francisco and Las Vegas. He's the former chef and co-owner of Gramercy Tavern in New York, and is soon opening Craft Los Angeles (2007) and Craft at the Mansion on Peachtree in Atlanta (2008). Colicchio is the recipient of a three-star review for Craft restaurant from The New York Times and three James Beard Awards. He is the author of two cookbooks and is currently at work on a 'wichcraft sandwich book.

Simmons Bio: Simmons lends her strong culinary expertise as a judge and critic for Bravo's "Top Chef," and will taste and critique the competing chefs' creations each week alongside judge Colicchio. Simmons has been with Food & Wine since 2004, currently in charge of special projects for the epicurean magazine. In this role, Simmons oversees the brand's signature event, the Food & Wine Magazine Classic in Aspen, which will celebrate its 25th year next June. In addition, she works on the magazine's chef-related events and programs.

Allen Bio: Allen is the food and wine specialist on the Emmy Award-winning Bravo hit "Queer Eye," where he helps guests and viewers sharpen their cooking and entertaining skills. He is also the host/narrator of a new wine show on PBS, "Uncorked: Wine Made Simple," due out this summer, and is author of "The Food You Want to Eat: 100 Smart, Simple Recipes" (Clarkson-Potter), a cookbook for beginners that features easy, all-natural recipes for everything from steak to cocktails. Allen also appears regularly as a judge on Food Network's "Iron Chef America."

Bravo's hit reality competition series "Top Chef" offers a fascinating window into the competitive, pressure-filled environment of world-class cookery and the restaurant business at the highest level. A delight for all the senses, each episode holds two challenges for the chefs. The first is a quickfire test of their basic abilities and the second is a more involved elimination challenge designed to test the versatility and invention 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 heat is on in Miami as 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. In addition, each week will feature a special guest judge, some of the most respected figures in the culinary industry.

"Top Chef" debuted in March 2006 to critical acclaim and ratings success, only to return with season two in August 2006, which averaged over 2 million total viewers, ranking as the top food series on cable among adults18-49. The "Top Chef" season two finale was cable's most-watched entertainment telecast of the month among adults 18-49.

Magical Elves returns to produce "Top Chef 3 Miami." Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz, who also produced "Project Runway" and "Project Greenlight" for Bravo, return as executive producers. Shauna Minoprio also serves as executive producer.

Following are the 15 candidates of Bravo's "Top Chef 3 Miami." Cast photos are available to download at www.nbcumv.com.

BRIAN AGE: 34 HOMETOWN: Bend, Ore. – currently resides in San Diego, Calif. PROFESSION: Executive Chef, The Oceanaire Seafood Room CULINARY EDUCATION: Western Culinary Institute FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Cold Beer, Cold Wine & Cold Seafood

A native of Oregon, Brian grew up inspired by his grandmother's cooking and by all the fresh seafood and produce the area offered. He soon set his sights on California, where he was recently voted 2007 Best Chef in San Diego for his work as Executive Chef at the Oceanaire Seafood Room. He's in constant competition with everyone in San Diego and makes it a point to do everything bigger and better in his restaurant. At the top of his game, Brian's high-energy makes him a whirlwind in the kitchen. Stay-tuned to see just how long he can live by his motto, "Love, peace and happiness."

CAMILLE AGE: 34 HOMETOWN: Elizabeth, N.J. - currently resides in Brooklyn, N.Y. PROFESSION: Owner/Chef, Paloma CULINARY EDUCATION: Culinary School, Academy of Culinary Arts FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Mixed Greens Salad with Baby Grains

Camille hails from Puerto Rico, and is the proud owner of Paloma Restaurant in Brooklyn, New York. She incorporates Latin spice into her kitchen, and is all business when it comes to her cooking. Camille has a 5-year-old daughter, and attempts to stay positive and balanced by meditating with a 100-year-old Zen Master. She has worked in all aspects of the restaurant business, and often surprises people by her occupation. Camille says the world would be a better place if everyone knew how to cook.

CASEY AGE: 29 HOMETOWN: Cedar Hills, Texas – currently resides in Dallas, Texas PROFESSION: Executive Chef, Shinsei Restaurant CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Big Burgers

The executive chef at Shinsei Restaurant in Dallas, one of the most successful in the state, Casey's cuisine incorporates Asian and Mexican cultural influences. This rising star lives by her simple yet time-tested cooking philosophy - serve food that people want more of. Casey names tartare the most romantic dish because it's raw, risky, ice cold and delicious. Her outgoing and confident manner will "serve" her well in the competition.

CHRIS AGE: 31 HOMETOWN: El Toro, Calif. – currently resides in Venice, Calif. PROFESSION: Private Chef CULINARY EDUCATION: Associated Culinary Arts (CSCA) FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Marinated Tomatoes with Beef and Cheese

A true Californian at heart, Chris is a private chef who has worked for the likes of author and columnist Arianna Huffington and the Marciano Family of the Guess Corporation. An ex-volleyball player standing at 6'8" – it seems everyone looks up to him. Chris is motivated to live life to the fullest having overcome testicular cancer. He has a competitive spirit and the utmost confidence in his culinary skills.

CLAY AGE: 28 HOMETOWN: Northern Mississippi – currently resides in Santa Barbara, Calif. PROFESSION: Sous Chef, Santa Barbara University Club CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught

Clay says he is just a good ole' boy from Mississippi. Self-taught, Clay developed his skills from working his way up the ladder in various kitchens and truly feels he has an innate talent. Now living in Santa Barbara, he is a sous chef at the renowned Santa Barbara University Club. Clay has enjoyed bringing his southern style cooking to California and will definitely bring some different flavors and styles to the judge's table this third season.

DALE AGE: 34 HOMETOWN: Chicago, Ill. PROFESSION: Chef/Consultant CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught SIGNATURE DISH/CUISINE: Croque Monsieur

Chicago native Dale has been a chef for six years, with plans underway to open his own restaurant. Whether he's cooking four-star meals, diving, or doing gymnastics, Dale's competitive edge is undeniable. He has created something he calls "flavor math," where the right number of spices can bring the perfect flavor and taste. He uses French American cultural influences in his cooking, and is serious about putting his skills to the ultimate test. He loves the fact that the other contestants could be "out-cooked by a queer." Dale will say what everyone else is thinking.

HOWIE AGE: 31 HOMETOWN: Miami, Fla. PROFESSION: Executive Chef CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Seared Scallops with Chorizo and Corn Emulsion

A Miami native, Howie claims home-court advantage in this competition. A true chef at heart he can't help but let his passion come through in everything he does. Due to his father's early death, Howie was raised by women and has no problem communicating his feelings. A chef for 10 years, his culinary expertise is contemporary American, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines. A "hurricane" in the kitchen, he loves to source the best products and let them speak for themselves.

HUNG AGE: 29 HOMETOWN: Pittsfield, Mass. – currently resides in Las Vegas, Nev. PROFESSION: Sous Chef, Guy Savoy CULINARY EDUCATION: A.O.S Culinary Arts, C.I.A FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Heirloom Tomatoes, Balsamic Vinegar, Basil, Mint & Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Hung works as the Executive Sous Chef at one of the most expensive restaurants in Las Vegas, Guy Savoy. Born in Vietnam and trained in classic French and Asian cuisine, he believes in cooking from the soul. Hung especially loves seafood because he says there are a million varieties and flavors to combine. He has traveled the world over learning different types of cuisines, and speaks four languages. He incorporates Asian, French and Spanish influences in his cooking. If he were a food, he says, "I would be spicy chili - it takes a while to get used to, but once you eat it you always come back for more."

JOEY AGE: 29 HOMETOWN: Franklin Square, Long Island, N.Y. - currently resides in New York City PROFESSION: Executive Chef, Café Des Artistes EDUCATION: Peter Kump's New York Cooking School SIGNATURE DISH: Caramelized Diver Sea Scallops with a Wild Mushroom and Truffle Risotto

A native New Yorker and four-star chef, Joey has worked at some of New York City's premiere restaurants - including Waters Edge, Jean Georges, Vong, and most currently Cafe de Artistes. His cooking is influenced by world cultures, and he loves to serve simple, light food always on a hot plate. Joey's intense passion and playful mentality make him a serious contender. His romantic self enjoys whipping up white chocolate and coconut-dipped strawberries with Veuve Clicquot Champagne - while his aggressive self lives by the motto - if you can't take the heat, get the f*** outta the kitchen.

LIA AGE: 28 HOMETOWN: Tacoma, Wash. - currently resides in Brooklyn, N.Y. PROFESSION: Executive Sous Chef, Jean Georges CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Guacamole

Originally a literature major, Lia found her passion in cooking and never looked back. Currently the executive sous chef at Manhattan's elite Jean Georges restaurant, this self-taught, self-starter knew that to be the best - she had to train under the best. She has honed her skills at Jean Georges and now feels she is one of the top line cooks around. Living in New York, she has been influenced by many different types of food and calls her signature style eclectic. Lia feels it's key to always be proud of what you do.

MICAH AGE: 33 HOMETOWN: South Africa – currently resides in Boca Raton, Fla. PROFESSION: Caterer/Owner, The Wandering Chef Caterers CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Gazpacho Made from Sun-Almost-Ripened Tomatoes

A world-traveled single mother, Micah currently owns her own catering company. Best known for her eclectic world cuisine, her customers rave about her specialty - guava chili glazed lamb chop with passion fruit mint sauce. She thrives on usually being the only woman in the kitchen and loves when people underestimate her. For fun, she used to race sailboats and enjoys fishing if she can cook what she catches. An English Literature major, Micah was a restaurant reviewer and the editor of a boating magazine. She is currently at work on a children's book entitled "Silly Tilly Cooks Fusilli."

SANDEE AGE: 39 HOMETOWN: Saint Simon's Islands, Ga.– currently resides in Miami Beach, Fla. PROFESSION: Executive Chef, Tantra CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Grilled Watermelon

A Georgia native, Sandee specializes in southern soul food. Her signature dish is grilled hamachi collar with southern collard greens and soy sherry reduction with jalapeño corn bread. Enough said. Not a chef by trade, Sandee never attended Culinary School and has only worked at Tantra, a hot South Beach restaurant. Hired as a line cook, she has worked hard and studied just about every book around to become the Executive Chef. Since taking over the kitchen at Tantra, she has received 3-stars and rave reviews. Strong and independent, she is not a pushover. Sandee is aware that everyone will underestimate her, but she is adamant that while her opponents are playing it safe, she will work harder because she doesn't know any other way. Sandee says, "Dream as if you'll live forever, and live as if you'll die today."

SARA M. AGE: 34 HOMETOWN: Kingston, Jamaica – currently resides in Miami, Fla. PROFESSION: Cheese Maker CULINARY EDUCATION: AA Culinary Arts FAVORITE CUISINE: Cheese

Sara M. grew up in Kingston Jamaica, and began her culinary career under Chef Mark Militello, one of the forefathers of New Florida cuisine. She then became the Sous Chef for Michelle Bernstein at Tantra in Miami, her second home. After a five-year stint as Chef de Cuisine at Ortanique in Miami, she left her comfort zone to discover her true passion for cheese. Sarah M. wants to bring cheese to her native land of Jamaica because she says there's a real need for good cheese there. She feels her passion and strong palate will shine through as she competes on her home turf. Time will tell if Sarah M. can hold true to her motto, "Do unto others as you would do unto yourself."

SARA N. AGE: 25 HOMETOWN: Santa Monica, Calif. - currently resides in New York City PROFESSION: Executive Sous Chef, Boucarou CULINARY EDUCATION: Culinary Arts/Management Degree from the Institute of Culinary Education SIGNATURE CUISINE: French-Asian Cuisine FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Grilled Soft Shelled Crab

A native of Santa Monica, California, Sara N. attacks everything she attempts with the utmost passion. After graduating at the top of her class from culinary school, Sara N. landed an internship at the upscale Per Se in New York City. She then had the opportunity to be the sous chef at Chef & Company and moved on to work as the Executive Chef at Stone Rose. Sarah N. attributes her fast rise in the restaurant industry to her innate cooking skills and ability to manage people. She excels at fine dining, corporate and private catering, and feels that food should be simple, seasonal and satisfying. She plans to beat out the competition by saying she'll either find a way or make one.

TRE AGE: 30 HOMETOWN: Duncanville, Texas – currently resides in Cedar Hills, Texas PROFESSION: Chef de Cuisine, Abacus Restaurant CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught SIGNATURE CUISINE: Contemporary Global Cuisine

A self-taught chef, Tre worked his way through the ranks to become the main chef at Abacus, one of the best restaurants in Dallas. The proud father of two, he remains extremely passionate about both his family and his food. It's all in the presentation for Tre, who considers the spoon his paintbrush. He lives by the motto "make it nice or make it twice." In great shape, he loves the gym almost as much as cooking. Sure to win over America with his beautiful plates and charming dimples, Tre is ready to be nationally recognized for his culinary abilities.

Source: Bravo Press Release