Magical Elves, Food Network Holding Chicago Casting Calls

If you can cook and have dreams of becoming a household name, you may be in luck. Two production companies are coming to Chicago in early August to hold open casting calls for popular food-focused TV shows.

First, on Aug. 3, the Food Network Star will set up at the Affinia Hotel (166 E. Superior) between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to look for "people who are full of life, passionate about cooking, and knowledgeable about food," according to an email. You need to bring a filled-out application, a resume and two photos of yourself. More details can be found online.

Then on Aug. 11, also between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Magical Elves, which produces Top Chef, will be at the Vertigo Sky Lounge (2 W. Erie) at the top of the Dana Hotel to cast for a potentially new chef-focused Bravo show featuring professional chefs. First, to be considered, send an email with your name, phone number, city and state you live in, your current job title and restaurant name where you work, plus a recent photo. Then fill out the application and bring that along with a DVD (more on the application) and photos of your food. The website says it'll be a fast-paced show and the application has a number of questions about travel. Might this be a hybrid of Top Chef and The Amazing Race? Now that would be cool.