The hit cooking competition returns, this time in Washington, D.C., with 17 new ``cheftestants'' competing for the top prize. Chef Eric Ripert joins Tom Colicchio, Padma Lakshmi and Gail Simmons at the judges' table. Other food, entertainment and government figures taking part include Buzz Aldrin, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, White House chef Sam Kass, MSNBC host Joe Scarborough and CIA Director Leon Panetta. At stake: $125,000 in seed money to help open a restaurant, a feature in Food & Wine magazine and a showcase at the Annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colo., along with the title of Top Chef.

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Finale

The final three compete; a Top Chef is chosen.

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