Recent sightings point to Top Chef in San Antonio

Is the ninth season of Top Chef going to be filmed in the Alamo City? Signs point to “yes,” based on the rumor mill and recent sightings. Last week, Top Chef judges Tom Colicchio, Padma Lakshmi, and Gail Simmons were spotted at Biga on the Banks and The Esquire Tavern with chef Emeril Lagasse and past cheftestant Tre Wilcox. Local food blogger SymiGoddess tweeted and blogged about what happened when she spied them while enjoying an Esquire cocktail.

Given the presence of the Culinary Institute of America at the Pearl Brewery, it makes sense for Top Chef to use its space and presence. If the show is filming here, steer clear of Whole Foods for a few weeks. From what I’ve witnessed on the show, the white-coated chefs tend to bowl over octogenarians and children and could cause a crush in search of the last black truffle in the city.

Oh and Bravo? If you need any local food writers to be guest judges, give me a call. I’m available.

In local “top chef” news, Andrew Weissman’s shipping containers for his new comfort food restaurant The Luxury have arrived. The containers will set across the river from the San Antonio Museum of Art. Weissman promises The Luxury will be open soon. So plan to take a walk down from the Pearl soon to check out the space.