Boston's Karen Akunowicz and Carl Dooley Will Compete in 'Top Chef' Season 13

When Bravo's 13th season of Top Chef debuts on December 2, the 17-contestant field includes two locals: Myers + Chang executive chef Karen Akunowicz and former Craigie on Main chef de cuisine Carl Dooley. According to Dooley's bio on the Top Chef website, he will open a restaurant called The Table in Cambridge early next year.

Based on The Table's website, it is affiliated with and located at the Season to Taste Catering headquarters at 2447 Massachusetts Ave. in North Cambridge. Season to Taste chef/owner Robert Harris, an alum of Rialto, East Coast Grill, Casablanca, and more, has previously offered private events, brunch, and more in that space, also under the name The Table.

The upcoming season of Top Chef won't be based in one city as usual; instead, it will hop around the California coast, hitting San Francisco, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Los Angeles, and beyond.

Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, Richard Blais, and Emeril Lagasse will be judging, and guests include MC Hammer and model Chrissy Teigen.

One challenge will reportedly be inspired by @ChefJacquesLaMerde, a parody Instagram personality that features fancily plated dishes such as "SLAB OF VELVEETA BRICK, PLANTS FROM THE DOGPARK, TINY ONION PETALS, BEEF JERKY FROM LES FERMES DU CUMBERLAND, GREEN GIANT PEAS!!!!"

Watch a preview of the season on Eater.com.