Top Chef All Stars LA Season 17 episode 12 preview: Got a Peroni?

TOP CHEF -- "Lucca" Episode 1712 -- Pictured: Kevin Gillespie -- (Photo by: Ernesto Ruscio/Bravo)
TOP CHEF -- "Lucca" Episode 1712 -- Pictured: Kevin Gillespie -- (Photo by: Ernesto Ruscio/Bravo) /
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Top Chef All Stars LA is living la dolce vita in Italy, but where’s that Peroni?

California dream is a faded memory as Top Chef All Stars LA has landed in Italy. While Italy might be one of the most iconic culinary destinations, the chefs are not on holiday. Who will be on the hunt for another victory?

According to Bravo, this week’s Top Chef All Stars LA episode, “Lucca,” features the following:

"In a Top Chef first, the final five travel to one of the top culinary destinations in the world – Italy. First the chefs must make an apertivo for 30 locals from the town of Lucca that pairs perfectly with a Peroni beer. Then, they have the experience of a chef’s lifetime, hunting the elusive white truffle which they must use in a dish for a Tuscan food festival. There’s no room for error, as the chefs are making dishes for not just Tom, Padma and Gail but avant-garde Italian Chef Cristiano Tomei, Truffle expert Cristiano Savini and a host of locals."

Looking at the challenges, the Peroni beer pairing could be quite interesting. While everyone thinks that beer pairings can be difficult, beer pairings can be quite easy. Truth be told, it is easier to pair cheese with beer than wine.

The interesting part of this challenge will be the choices that the chefs make. An apertivo needs to be a perfect little bite. More importantly, it needs to be balanced. Lastly, there are 30 dishes. The dish cannot be complicated (but Bryan Voltaggio might not get the memo).

As for the main part of this episode, a truffle hunt is a foodie bucket list moment. Those precious little fungi are the tastiest treasurers.

Given that the chefs get to use this special ingredient, the chefs need to highlight it. While the chefs may not be shaving copious amounts of truffle on every plate, the dish needs to be truffle forward. This challenge is not meant for subtle flavors.

With truffles as the star, it will be interesting to see what the chefs make. While not a panna cotta curse, risotto is rarely a good idea on Top Chef. Even though truffles and risotto are classic combination, risotto is never a good idea on Top Chef.

Which chef will have to say Arrivederci to the Top Chef competition? Here is how to watch.

Date: Thursday, May 28, 2020

Start Time: 10 p.m. ET

Episode: “Michael’s Santa Monica”

TV Channel: Bravo

Live Stream: Watch live on Fubo TV. Sign up now for a free seven-day trial. You can also watch on Bravo’s website or app.

Top Chef All Stars LA will air on Bravo on Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT.