The San Fernando Valley has its share of Top Chef stars: Antonia Lofaso (Black Market Liquor Bar), Alex Eusebio (Sweetsalt) and CJ Jacobson (Girasol). And now there is another 818 contender taking on the challenge: Aaron Grissom of Bow & Truss in North Hollywood.

“As we were going through the challenges, a few dishes from Bow and Truss certainly came to my mind as 'go-to' ingredient pairings,” said Aaron. “I think diners at Bow and Truss will see some of the influences and ingredients from the show come to the table—and it will be a surprise as to which ones!”

The 12^th season premieres next Wednesday, October 15 at 10 p.m. on Bravo, with the “chef-testants” going for the top prize of $125,000. Head judge Tom Colicchio returns, along with host Padma Lakshmi and judges Gail Simmons and Hugh Acheson. Top Chef winner Richard Blais is also joining the panel as a recurring judge. Even if you aren’t into food, you might want to watch just to see the sights of Boston, Fenway Park, Plimoth Plantation and The Bull and Finch Pub  (famed as the inspiration for Cheers). 

Guest judges include: actress Emmy Rossum, Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski of the New England Patriots, MLB Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley, actor George Wendt (Norm from Cheers) and Watch What Happens Live host Andy Cohen. Others will include some of the biggest names in cooking: Todd English, Barbara Lynch, Jasper White, Ming Tsai, Jacques Pépin, Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette.