Get your hunger in check and your DVR set — season nine of Bravo's Top Chef returns Nov. 2, which begs the question: which cheftestants made the cut? It goes without question that New York City's wide range of chef talent will be well represented on TV this Fall, so of course, we're curious to find out which city cooking personalities will compete in the Lone Star state for Bravo's greatest in-the-kitchen honors. Meet the four hometown hopefuls sharpening their knives and prepping for an epic battle of spices, reduction, and stove time. Hey, maybe you've even tasted the fruits of their labor before?

  • Ty-lör Boring of Spasso (651 Hudson St., 212-858-3838) At this West Village Italian spot, Boring has fashioned his skills as Top Chef-in-training. Would you want him to whip you up a Spasso signature dish like the fusilli with spicy pork ragu (pictured below)?

  • Chaz Brown of Fatty Crab (643 Hudson St., 212-352-3592; 2170 Broadway, 212-496-2722, pictured below) Trained at the French Culinary Institute, Brown has worked with the Malaysian-inspired cuisine restaurant since December 2010.
  • Kimberly Calichio of Fishtail by David Burke (135 E. 62nd St., 212-754-1300, pictured at top) No doubt Calichio learned a thing or two at this new uptown innovative seafood restaurant. Burke's latest venture into the sustainable seafood movement means that the cheftestant had to perfect and execute a menu with both integrity and the freshest ingredients.

  • Grayson Schmitz, listed as an executive chef, seems to have curated her chops at the likes of Fiamma, Villa Pacri (55 Gansevoort St., 212-924-5559), and most recently with renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Source: Fishtail by David Burke