New ‘Top Chef’ Features Three NYC Chefs

New York chefs head to Top Chef Colorado

Bravo’s cooking competition Top Chef returns in December for a 15th season, this time set in Colorado, and three people from New York City are on the roster for the show. It’s quite a crew: Fatima Ali was most recently at upscale tapas restaurant La Fonda Del Sol and now plans on opening her own place. Another chef named Adrienne Cheatham has worked at places like Le Bernardin and Red Rooster in Harlem. And Christopher Scott, owner of Windsor Terrace soul food restaurant Butterfunk, is on the show as well. The season debuts on Thursday, December 10 at 10 p.m. Check out a trailer here:

Some openings and closings

The Starbucks at First Avenue and 13th Street has been closed temporarily by the Department of Health. A space at 320 East Sixth Street that has housed five restaurants in one year is now available for rent once again. Look out tomorrow for the grand opening day of Mr Bing, the Chinese street food purveyor popping up on St. Mark’s Place. The first 100 customers will get a free jianbing. And Brooklyn-based ice cream favorite Van Leeuwen has a new location on the Lower East Side, now open at 172 Ludlow Street.

NYC bartender’s Jeopardy winning halted

The goofy New York bartender who’s been slaying on Jeopardy finally ended his winning streak. Austin Rogers, who’s won more than $400,000 on the show so far, had as 12-game streak — making him the fifth highest winner on the show ever. Though he was beaten this round, he will be back next month to compete in a tournament of champions. Rogers also was on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, who used to be a regular at Gaf, where Rogers works. Check out the clip:

Another detail from the Eleven Madison Park renovation

The obsessive (and sentimental) team behind tasting menu destination Eleven Madison Park saved some of the old kitchen when they were renovating the space and commissioned an artist to turn it into a step for the stairs on the way to the dining room. Gothamist takes a closer look at the step, which is 1,000 pounds and sixteen-feet long.

Tacos outdoors for Mexico

Popular local taco chain Tacombi is teaming up with idyllic Williamsburg waterfront space North Brooklyn Farms for a party on Sunday, October 22 to raise money for the earthquake damage in Mexico. The event, which costs $60, will include barbacoa and beverages, and all proceeds will go to a nonprofit. Tickets may be purchased here.

With temperatures finally cooling, maybe make a fall cocktail this weekend