A chef from right here in Eastern Iowa spent his summer competing on season 16 of Top Chef on Bravo! Meet Kevin Scharpf, one of 15 contestants who will be featured on the upcoming season:

Not only is Kevin a chef, but he's also a husband and father of two. He owns Brazen Open Kitchen + Bar, which is located in the Millwork District in Dubuque, Iowa. Just a few days ago, the restaurant's official Facebook page posted the big announcement, along with articles from People and Food Newsfeed.

The new season was filmed in Kentucky and will feature judges Tom Colicchio, Graham Elliot, Nilou Motamed, as well as some appearances from Gail Simmons. It will have lots of new and interesting features, including not two, but three restaurants competing in the famous Restaurant Wars challenge. Plus, the prizes this season are AWESOME. Food Newsfeed reports:

"The winning chef will earn the coveted title of “Top Chef” along with $125,000 furnished by S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, a feature in FOOD & WINE magazine and an appearance at the annual FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen, as well as a $50,000 prizing package from Williams Sonoma and a headlining slot on the Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage at BottleRock in Napa Valley."

We don't know too much more about Kevin or the upcoming season just yet, but the first trailer has been released!

We can't wait to see Kevin compete on Top Chef! The new season will premiere December 6th at 8 p.m. on Bravo.

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