'Top Chef Masters' review

Bravo whips up a 'Top Chef' spinoff—with surprisingly tasty results

By Amir Kenan

Posted June 5, 2009

Metromix

A few months back, the food-obsessed blogosphere was abuzz over news that Bravo's popular cooking competition was getting a pint-sized spinoff dubbed "Top Chef Junior."

Until "Junior" rears its teeny tiny head (somehow, little kids + sharp blades = lawsuit waiting to happen), or at least the newest season of "Top Chef" arrives, Bravo gives us "Top Chef Masters," in which 24 of the country's best and most photogenic chefs go head-to-head for their favorite charity.

The buzz: These "Masters" truly are among the country's best and brightest, and it's a treat to watch these James Beard winners cook with limited budgets and resources. In the season opener, they cook in a cramped dorm room and must please a panel of girl scout judges who'd make Simon Cowell blush.

The verdict: We were admittedly skeptical at first, but the high level at which these master chefs are working makes for a surprisingly watchable show. The biggest flaw of "TCM" is the absence of "Top Chef" personalities Colicchio and Lakshmi, though a slew of celebrity guests and judges—from Neil Patrick Harris to Zooey Deschanel—should more than make up for the M.I.A. hosts.

Did you know? This is "Top Chef Masters," not "Top Scallop Masters." (Any Fabio fans in the crowd...?)

"Top Chef Masters" premieres Wednesday, June 10, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo.