I've watched the first couple episodes. I feel like there are fewer creeps this season than last season. . . which is nice. I do however feel like the pool of competitors has become less talented with each season that comes out.

That said, I dig the fact that this season is based in Chicago. As a recent California transplant who grew up near Chicago as a kid, I enjoy seeing familiar sites when I watch Top Chef. . . although watching the competitors butcher deep dish pizza made me said.