Bruce Kalman and Incoming Cal Mare Chef Represent LA in Top Chef Colorado

Bravo’s Top Chef is the show that’s launched many chef’s careers in Los Angeles. This time around, two LA chefs star in season 15: Bruce Kalman of Union; and Joe Sasto, chef de cuisine at Adam Sobel’s upcoming Beverly Center restaurant, Cal Mare.

Kalman boasts a strong local presence as the chef of Union in Pasadena, and as co-owner of the Knead & Co Pasta Bar + Market at Grand Central Market. Kalman received a nod from the James Beard Award Foundation with a nomination for Rising Star Chef. This Top Chef is not Kalman’s first time on television, as he appeared on Bravo's Best New Restaurant, Chopped, and won an episode of Knife Fight. This time, the drama is amped up, a Top Chef trailer reveals Kalman’s adopted son born during the competition.

Sasto recently arrived to LA from Northern California. Sasto worked under chef Sobel for a number of years, and with acclaimed chef Michael Tusk. Sasto also appeared on the Food Network’s “Chopped.”

Past LA Top Chef winners include Ilan Hall, Mei Lin, and Michael Voltaggio. Top Chef’s star power can translate to restaurant success. A single appearance in second place, or outright elimination is not a culinary death sentence. Just look at Antonia Lofaso, Brooke Williamson, Katsuji Tanabe, Betty Fraser, and many others.

Top Chef’s season 15 starts on December 7.

• Union's Bruce Kalman: Why Chefs Should Also Be Owners [ELA]
• Michael Mina’s Massive Beverly Center Restaurant Will Play the Coastal Italian Hits [ELA]
• Michael and Bryan Voltaggio to Open Fast-Casual Sandwich Spot in Santa Monica [ELA]
• Top Chef Brooke Williamson Surprise Opens Mar Vista Ice Cream Shop Today [ELA]