Top Chef (2006 ) `Top Chef' heads to New England for the first time as the 16 "cheftestants" take their culinary battles to Boston. The challenges bring the chefs to such iconic Beantown locations as Fenway Park and the tavern that inspired the classic sitcom `Cheers.' Tasks include preparing a meal using only ingredients that were available at the first Thanksgiving, and a fan-appreciation challenge that sees the contestants cooking for a selection of the show's fans. New additions this season include sudden-death challenges that occur without warning, and former `Top Chef' winner Richard Blais becoming a recurring judge, joining returnees Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, Hugh Acheson and host Padma Lakshmi. The grand prize package includes $125,000 cash, a feature in Food & Wine magazine and a showcase at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colo.