Houston's culinary scene is about to get another moment in the spotlight as Michelle Wallace, the former executive chef of Gatlin's BBQ and now the owner of B'tween Sandwich Co., gears up to compete in the 21st season of Bravo's hit series "Top Chef." The show, which is set to premiere on March 20, will see Wallace battling it out against 14 other chefs in Wisconsin, a state known for its dairy, beer, and sausage - all potential ingredients for the challenges that lie ahead.
During her six-year tenure at Gatlin's BBQ, Wallace earned her chops expanding their menu to include breakfast and contributing significantly to Gatlin's Fins & Feathers, as reported by the Houston Chronicle. After parting ways with Gatlin's in early 2023, she decided to focus on her pop-up project, which she hopes to turn into a permanent spot serving up comfort-food driven sandwiches.
This isn't Wallace's first foray into food TV; she's graced the small screen before as a competitor on Food Network's "BBQ Brawl" in 2022. Her experience will come handy as this season of "Top Chef" promises new twists, including the chance for chefs to win cash prizes at every quickfire challenge, as per information from Eater. Episodes are also extended to a hearty 75 minutes, giving viewers more behind-the-scenes action.
With Kristen Kish taking over hosting duties, Wallace and her competitors will be subjected to the discerning tastes of judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons. "Top Chef" has cooked up a reputation for its intense culinary battles, and this season ups the stakes with an eight-course fish-tasting menu finale on a Caribbean cruise, according to the Houston Chronicle. Viewers can catch the episodes on Bravo every Wednesday night from 9-10:15 p.m., with availability on Peacock the following day, along with "The Dish with Kish" aftershow on BravoTV.com.
Whether Wallace will use her Houston-infused barbecue skills to smoke the competition or fold under the pressure of high-stakes culinary bouts remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Houston's gastronomic prowess will be on national display as Wallace brings her A-game to Wisconsin's "Top Chef" kitchens.
