The rumors swirling around the local culinary scene are true: “Top Chef” is coming to Boston. The 12th season of the Bravo show, which features host Padma Lakshmi (pictured at right, who, according to People, is now dating Richard Gere) and judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons, will film here this spring and early summer. Jennifer Levy, network senior vice president of production, told us Tuesday that Boston has always been a dream destination for the reality competition, but that Bravo needed “various stars to align and things to fall into place” in order to make it happen. Levy said the cast and crew will film all over the city and at the coast. She mentioned Fenway Park and Plimoth Plantation as possible destinations. “With Boston, the great sports culture will be fun inspiration,” she said. Levy also told us that the season will involve some Boston personalities who are affiliated with the show. Past Boston-based “Top Chef” contestants include Sweet Cheeks boss Tiffani Faison, who was on the first season of the series, and restaurateur Michael Schlow, who was on “Top Chef Masters.”