Hot Chef Semifinals: Howell, Walczyk, Connolly, Howell

Today, the Hottest Chef in Seattle semifinals begin . The response to this competition has been insane, and it appears that we truly care who is named the best-looking cook in the Emerald City. So, let's keep this thing going.

Here are the eight remaining contestants our readers voted in as the hottest in Seattle: Makini Howell of Plum, Brian Walczyk of Brave Horse Tavern, John Connolly of Bitterroot BBQ, Christopher Howell of Smith, Dana Tough of Spur, Matthew Lewis of Where Ya At Matt, Jake Varonno of La Bete, and Jason Stratton of Spinasse.

We vote today on the first semifinals bracket, which pits the first four chefs against each other. Polls close at 10 am Pacific tomorrow.