Bravo Media renews 'Top Chef' for season 15

Sets out on a nationwide call for chefs

Current season of 'Top Chef' in Charleston continues with new episodes airing Thursdays

Bravo Media's Emmy and James Beard Award-winning series "Top Chef" is embarking on a nationwide search for the most talented and emerging chefs to compete on season 15 of the high-stakes culinary competition series. This year's chef meet and greets will take place by appointment at restaurants of alumni and friends of "Top Chef" in Chicago, Dallas, New Orleans, New York, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Interested chefs looking to vie for the coveted title should email [email protected] to make an appointment, or go to Bravotv.com/topchefcasting.com for more information.

Currently in its 14th season and airing Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET, "Top Chef" is averaging more than 2 million total viewers, up 4 percent versus the prior season. The season premiere (Dec. 1, 2016) was the most watched season premiere in more than five years in total viewers.

The competition in Charleston continues on a nostalgic, brand-new episode of "Top Chef" airing this week, when season six winner Michael Voltaggio puts the seven remaining chefs' palates to the test with a blindfolded taste experiment.  For the elimination challenge, the chefs are asked to draw inspiration from their own childhood memories to create dishes for the MUSC Children's Hospital Fund charity gala on the ultra-exclusive Kiawah Island.  The chefs will need to impress 100 guests in order to stay in the competition.

For a sneak peek, visit: http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/season-14/episode-9/videos/a-blind-taste-test.