Bravo’s popular Top Chef franchise is getting some Latin flavor, thanks to NBC Universo.
Top Chef Mexico, the South of the Border version of the reality competition TV series, will debut on the Spanish-language cable network on Feb. 18 at 9 p.m. Mexican model and actress Ana Claudia Talancón hosts the 13-episode series,
produced by Cinemateli Content.
Top Chef Mexico, like the franchise’s other iterations, pits 16 professional chefs against each other in various cooking-themed challenges. Judges will eliminate one contestant until the last chef standing wins the title of “Top Chef México.”
The 16 “cheftestants” in Top Chef Mexico will live together for six weeks, isolated from their homes, restaurants and social life. They will share rooms in an exclusive hotel adjacent to Mexico City’s Alameda Central.
Serving as judges are Mexican celebrity chefs Guillermo González Beristain, Aquiles Chávez, Juantxo Sánchez and Martha Ortíz.
“I am proud to be part of this exquisite project that shows México in a better light,” Talancón said. “Top Chef México showcases our culture, our traditions and the love we have for Mexican cuisine. Viewers will be delighted with the contestants’ talent, professionalism, their passion and will get to know first class chefs.”
The winning chef is selected based on several factors including flavor, technique, presentation and concept development, based on the challenge requirements. They are also judged on their ability to collaborate with the other participants. Top Chef México chefs will compete for a cash prize of $1 million Mexican pesos ($55,215) and a feature in Travel & Leisure Mexico magazine.
Episodes will also be available via video-on-demand and on the NBC Universo Now app on an authenticated basis.
