Top Chef Suomi is a Finnish cooking reality show on Sub based on the American television series Top Chef. Auditions for the series were held in autumn 2010 and 12 contestants were chosen. The programme is hosted by model and restaurant chef Pipsa Hurmerinta The head judge for the competition is Finland’s most renowned chef Hans Välimäki. The other judge is business group manager of Royal Ravintolat Pia Kämppi. Top Chef season 5 runner up Stefan Richter has made an appearance as a special guest judge for the first four episodes. The show is produced by Solar Television Oy. The show is renewed for a second season, which is expected to premiere in either fall 2011 or in spring 2012. The winner of Top Chef Suomi Akseli Herlevi received a culinary travel grant to top restaurants worldwide worth €10,000, a contract for a cookbook with the publishing company Tammi, a Samsung flatscreen TV and home entertainment system worth €8,000.