Is the next season of ‘Top Chef’ taking place in Las Vegas or Seattle?

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Last month’s ‘Top Chef’ rumor was that the sixth season would be shooting in Las Vegas.

But hold on. Now there’s news that production is getting underway in Seattle, a city that sees an average of 58 non-rainy days a year. Which is it? Depends on whom you believe.

This morning, last season’s British judge and barb-slinger Toby Young announced on his official Twitter that he had begun filming the next installment of the cooking competition show in Seattle.

Young also added this bonus detail: ‘Tom Colicchio has grown a huge beard! Looks like Joaquin Phoenix. Will tweet pic shortly.’

Asked to confirm the new location, a rep for Bravo said, ‘Don’t believe everything you hear.’ Asked if Young was lying on his Twitter, the rep replied, ‘Again, we haven’t announced anything at this time. Sorry.’ Could it be a roving season? Shot in several locations? It would be an expensive move. ‘Top Chef’ did host casting calls in both cities this year (see some of the potential Seattle contestants here). Guess we’ll have some confirmation once Young gets around to tweeting that picture of Coliccio a la Phoenix. (And I really hope at least that part of the news isn’t an April Fool’s Joke!)

No word on an air date for the sixth season yet, but ‘Top Chef’ viewers will be treated to ‘Top Chef Masters,’ the spinoff featuring ’24 world-renowned’ chef contestants, this summer. Kelly Choi will host. New York Magazine food critic Gael Greene, Saveur magazine Editor in Chief James Oseland and British food critic Jay Rayner will judge.

-- Denise Martin

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