Competition pits world-renowned chefs against each other

Bravo is taking the "Top Chef" franchise to another level with Kelly Choi.

The food journalist has been tapped as the host of the upcoming spinoff "Top Chef Masters," which will pit internationally famous chefs against each other.

"'Top Chef' lovers, rejoice. Bravo and the Magical Elves are teaming up again to bring more of what our fans love most, fabulous food and tasty competition -– and this time we're adding world-renowned chefs competing against each other to the menu," says Frances Berwick, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Bravo Media.

Choi, 33, is an Emmy-nominated host of "Secrets of New York" and producer and host of nyctv's "Eat Out NY." The journalist is a former Ford model, worked as a VJ for MTV Korea and sat in as a judge on Food Network's "Iron Chef America." She most recently finished her book "The 20 Most Delicious Dishes in New York," due in stores this spring.

Filling out the judges' panel is New York magazine's restaurant critic Gael Green, Editor-in-Chief of Saveur magazine James Oseland and British journalist, writer and broadcaster Jay Rayner.

The format mimics the original. First the chefs must participate in the Quickfire challenge to prove their mastery of basic skills. Then the Elimination challenge will test their versatility, creativity and unique twist on food. The winner of "Top Chef Masters" will have money donated to the charity of their choice.