The fifth season of Bravo's "Top Chef" starts on Wednesday, Nov. 12, and Chicago's well represented in the cooking competition once again. (Who could forget faux-hawked favorite Dale Levitski from season three and, of course, last year's much-loved winner, Stephanie Izard?) Chef Radhika Desai of Wicker Park's Between Boutique Cafe & Lounge will be tying on her apron and sharpening her knives as one of the "cheftestants" on the popular reality series, which filmed in New York this season.
Between's flown mostly under the radar until now; with chef Desai's star on the rise, the unassuming neighborhood restaurant is sure to benefit from the Bravo bump. What better time to try out the globally inspired spot than at the "Top Chef" premiere viewing party on Nov. 12 from 9 p.m. until midnight? Desai created a special tasting menu for the occasion featuring some of her favorite dishes, including grilled vegetable terrine with Rad's herbed goat cheese, curried lobster bisque, spice-rubbed butterfish with spinach and chorizo, braised duck samosa and ginger-chocolate mousse in a chocolate tart. Sure sounds like a winner to us.
Each course will be paired with one of Between's wines, plus a Prosecco toast will christen the new season. Here's to a Chicago "Top Chef" repeat!
