After assaulting us with that crazy train disaster known as "Top Chef: Just Desserts," Bravo owes us big time.

And it looks like they know it, because tonight's debut of Season 8 of "Top Chef" is an All-Star edition that has the potential to be the show's best season ever.

Seriously, how great does this sound: The producers have brought back 18 of the best non-champion egos -- I mean, contestants -- from the past 7 seasons to compete once more for the top prize. Plus, über-grump Anthony Bourdain joins the judge's table alongside Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, and host Padma Laskshmi.