The newest season of Top Chef kicked off last week, bringing some of the nation’s top culinary talents to our neighbor up north, Wisconsin. And while it was originally announced that two Chicago chefs would be competing on the 21st season, it turns out a third contestant will be joining them this week.
Soo Ahn, executive chef of Adalina, will make his Top Chef debut after the second episode airs on Wednesday, March 27. He’ll enter the competition as part of Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen, which sees eliminated chefs battling it out head-to-head for the opportunity to return to the main show. Hosted by head judge Tom Colicchio, Last Chance Kitchen has previously featured three chefs who have gone on to earn their way back into the competition and win it all: new Top Chef host Kristen Kish, Brooke Williamson and Chicago’s own Joe Flamm, owner of Rose Mary.
Hailing from Seoul, South Korea and Tacoma, Washington, Ahn leads one of the city’s best Italian restaurants. Prior to Adalina, Ahn worked at Band of Bohemia, where he helped the team retain a Michelin star. His arrival rounds out the cast at 16 chefs—three of which (Ahn included) are currently working in Chicago. Kaleena Bliss, the executive chef of the Chicago Athletic Association and Cindy’s Rooftop, and James Beard nominee and Jean Banchet Award winner Alisha Elenz are also representing the Windy City this season. Dan Jacobs, owner of EsterEv and Dandan in Milwaukee, is a Chicago native as well.
Top Chef airs Wednesdays at 8pm on Bravo, and is available for streaming the following day on Peacock.