So I’m sure you know of the hit series, Top Chef from Bravo. I swear, Bravo has some fantastic shows! Season 4 takes place in Chicago. The premise is simple — 16 up and coming “cheftestants” throw down their skills in the kitchen, where they are slowly but surely eliminated one by one, week by week. Each are working hard as they try to out-cook one another, competing for the ultimate prize:

$100,000 to help start their own restaurant, furnished by Glad family products, a Food and Wine mag feature, a dream vacay in the French Alps, a showcase at the annual Food and Wine Classic in Aspen, and of course the coveted title “Top Chef”.

Top Chef is hosted by the ever lovely Padma Lakshmi, also a cookbook author and actress. The usual judges were present, Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, and Ted Allen. Along with various guest judges; my favorite being Art Smith – he’s a quirky, quirky man and I just love him.

The challenges these “cheftestants” take part in are always so interesting, some down right bizarre. From splitting up into teams and having to prepare your team‘s designated zoo animal diet {vulture, gorilla, etc} to having to prepare a healthy, simple and flavorful meal for a family of four, using only $10 – it’s always fun to see what these chefs come up with, the hurdles they overcome, and seeing who goes above and beyond…

I think my favorite episode was  Wedding Wars, where the elimination challenge had a twist, the teams had to cater a 250-guest wedding. Each team was to  prepare a different menu, one team responsible for meeting the bride’s requests, while the other for the groom. Talk about a HUGE challenge. The wedding is to take place the next day, and the teams are only given 60 minutes to talk with the couple and plan out a menu. Money is divvied up as well, $3000 to shop at a large food warehouse and $2000 at Whole Foods Market, and a grueling through the night prep ensues…. I couldn’t imagine doing that!!

There’s also the mis en place {which means “putting in place”} relay challenge, I couldn’t help but smirk a little – mis en place was a phrase I heard daily working in the restaurant

Top Chef Chicago Season 4 is definitely a great watch. I love having the ability to catch up on shows that I’ve missed by simply popping in a dvd. Plus, that way I can see the behind the scenes, never aired footage. Top Chef Chicago Season 4 was released April 13th and can be purchased at Target for $19.99.

I have a Top Chef Chicago Season 4 DVD to give away to one reader!
Open to US residents – ARV $19.99

Here’s the skinny on how to enter {leave a separate comment for each entry so blood doesn’t shoot out of my eyes} – see giveaway entry rules

• First entry {required} :: Tell me what it is you like about the Top Chef series.

• Tweet about this giveaway once daily. Leaving the direct link of your tweet. If you need a suggestion ::

• Follow/subscribe/fave me at any of these places for 1 entry each leaving the username in your comment.

• Follow me via google friend connect.
• Follow my blog via Networked Blogs.
• Become a fan of Mrs. Cox’s Slice o’ Heaven on Facebook, if you’d like you may mention on my wall which giveaway you are entering.
• Leave a relevant comment on any non giveaway post, 1 entry for each. Unlimited.
• Digg the giveaway post itself, leaving your Digg username.
• Add me to your text blog roll, leaving a link.
• Add my button to your sidebar, leaving a link.
• Boost my giveaways on Prizey for one entry {may need to give a day or two for my giveaway to be listed}.
• Take my demographic survey.
• Blog about this giveaway linking to here and the sponsor’s site – And leave a direct link for 3 entries, commenting 3 times. Savvy?

•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥..♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•

    * Giveaway will be open until Tuesday May 18th @ 9pm PST.

    * Void where prohibited by law.

    * No Purchase necessary – Nor will it increase your chances of winning.

    * See all giveaway entry rules for more details.