Tom Colicchio: 'I've Heard Patti LaBelle Can Throw Down'

Everything’s bigger in Texas, even the guest judges. "They're not cooking for us so it's hard to say, but they all talk a really good game," Top Chef's Tom Colicchio tells People magazine about this season's celebrity judges' chops.

One soulful diva in particular had his stomach grumbling for her signature spices. "I've heard that Patti LaBelle can throw down pretty good." As for an A-list face whose slicing and dicing Tom can actually attest to, look no further than fellow guest judge Charlize Theron. "I've actually cooked with Charlize. And she's a serious, serious foodie and loves to cook."

Then again, some judges aren't exactly making cameos for their culinary smarts. Pee-wee Herman earned his chair this season because in Pee-wee's Big Adventure, his bike is hidden in the basement of the Alamo. And that's it. "Do you need any other reason?" Tom jokes.

Which celebrity judge will best critique the cheftestants? Start a Tweet Battle, and make your case.