HotelChatter

Unfortunately, they didn't show much of the Casa Casuarina except some sort of courtyard where the contestants mingled before being thrown into their first Quick Fire Challenge.

However, we did get a tour of the penthouse suite in the 37-story Fontainebleau Suites tower, which is blindingly white, enormous and full of unbelievable views of South Beach thanks to its 2,400 sq.ft. wrap around balcony. We got a in-depth look at the place last winter but not the penthouse. It's more like a residence, rather than a suite. There's four bedrooms which is big but not for a reality show. So we assume that some of the chefs had to slum it in the hotel's other suites.

There's also a hot tub which got one contestant super-excited, along with a fully-stocked fridge. The one downer? Hanging outside on the Penthouse did look cold and windy judging from those that went outside to bitch about the Quick Fire Challenge.

And we don't expect any crazy drunken hot tub hookups here. This culinary bunch is wickedly competitive and we doubt they would ever risk their chance at chef stardom for a threesome in the tub.

The second episode of Top Chef airs tonight at 10pm on (what else?) Bravo.

Meanwhile, if you are interested in staying at the Fontainebleau, remember some of this hotel's property is under construction as part of a mega-expansion plan. As of June 1, the Lagoon Pool area has closed but you can swim in the Fontainebleau Suites 7th floor pool. And if you want the 4-bedroom Penthouse Suite, be prepared to cough up anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000 a night. The lower end probably being offered during a hurricane.

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