Charlize Theron, Patti LaBelle Among Celebrities to Appear on TOP CHEF TEXAS

In an interview with People Magazine, TOP CHEF TEXAS Judges Padma Lakshmi and Tom Colicchio revealed that the contestants for Season 9 of the hit Bravo cooking competition will be facing some big-name celebrities on the other side of the judges' table.

"I think everybody who comes on the show - especially if they're not in the food business - has a certain level of interest in food," host Padma Lakshmi told PEOPLE "These are cities you have to fly to, and you have to take a day or two out of your schedule."

Among the famous guest judges this season will be actress Charlize Theron and singer Patti LaBelle. "I've actually cooked with Charlize," head judge Tom Colicchio said. "And she's a serious, serious foodie and loves to cook." Collichio continued, "I've heard that Patti LaBelle can throw down pretty good. They're not cooking for us so it's hard to say, but they all talk a really good game."

Along with Lakshmi, Colicchio and Gail Simmons, Season 9 judges will include chef Emeril Lagasse and chef Hugh Acheson as well as Cat Cora, John Besh and Tim Love.

Bravo's "Top Chef: Texas," premiered on Wednesday, November 2. For the first-time ever, season nine will boast a record 29 chefs - almost double the amount of chefs in season's past - who will see if they have what it takes to become an official chef'testant and qualify to wear the Top Chef coat. Only 16 will go on to compete across the Lone Star State - in Austin, Dallas and San Antonio.

"Top Chef" offers a fascinating window into the competitive, pressure-filled environment of world-class cookery and the restaurant business at the highest level. The series features aspiring chefs who compete for their shot at culinary stardom and the chance to earn the title of "Top Chef."

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 inventiveness 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 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.

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