Colombian Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos Returns To Telemundo For 2nd TV Season

Colombian Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos (above, in blue), founder of the El Cielo restaurants in Bogotá, Medellín, Miami & Washington DC, has been selected to return as a judge in the next season of Top Chef from TV network & NBC Universal subsidiary Telemundo. Barrientos is known for his experience in Latin American cuisine and has been recognized as one of Colombia’s best chefs, with Michelin stars at his stateside restaurants.

“For me as a Colombian who has taken on the United States market with my restaurants El Cielo Washington at La Cosecha (Union Market area) and Miami (Brickell), it is a tribute to be present in this reality show that Telemundo broadcasts nationwide in the United States, and in many other Latin American countries,” said Barrientos.

Barrientos will be one of the 3 jurors of the contest, along with the chefs Antonio de Livier and Adria Marina Montaño. 16 contestants will compete to have their dishes judged by the three chefs to win the ultimate prize of $100,000 USD. The season premier will be Tuesday, August 9 at 7pm Eastern on Telemundo’s US and select Latin American channels.