Two of Austin's culinary talents, Chef Amanda Turner and Chef Kévin D’Andrea, are gearing up to show their kitchen prowess in the upcoming 21st season of 'Top Chef,' setting the stage in Milwaukee. Turner, celebrated for her innovative approach at the Southern restaurant Olamaie, was recognized with a James Beard Awards semifinalist nod in 2022, as Eater Austin reports. Meanwhile, D’Andrea, the French desserts wizard behind FoliePops, not only knows his sweets but also has the heat of 'Top Chef: France' under his belt from 2015.

According to CultureMap Austin, Michelle Wallace joins the duo from Texas, recognized for her innovative twists on sandwiches with her venture B’tween Sandwich Co. Having earned a Tastemaker Awards nomination for Best Pop-Up/Startup, she comes from a stint at Gatlin’s BBQ, where she garnered attention as a Rising Star Chef. The three Texans will take on 12 other chef contenders, each bringing their own mix of experience and accolades to the 'Top Chef' kitchen.

Season 21 is shaping up to bring fresh flavors and challenges to 'Top Chef,' not just from the contestants but in the form of a revamped format as well. Winning Quickfire Challenges now comes with cash prizes instead of immunity. It's a significant shift from previous seasons, aiming to spice up the competition. The stakes are high with challenges highlighting Wisconsin's culinary trademarks and a grand finale on the MS Eurodam in the Caribbean, where the winner gets a hefty $250,000 prize.

Chef Kristen Kish, crowned 'Top Chef' season 10 winner and now owner of Arlo Grey in Austin, will be stepping in place of long-standing host Padma Lakshmi, a twist that is sure to capture audiences. Loyal judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons reprise their roles at the judging table, along with a roster of guest stars that include Emeril Lagasse and Christina Tosi. Season 21 of 'Top Chef' premieres on March 20, airing on Bravo and streaming the following day on Peacock, as per Eater Austin.