Christine Kish
Courtesy of Natalie Engel
top chef He found his new host – and he didn’t have to go far to do it.
Kristen Kish, who won season 10 of Bravo’s cooking competition and has served as a guest judge several times since then, will replace Padma Lakshmi in season 21. top chef She will base her kitchen in Wisconsin for the upcoming season, with a focus on Milwaukee and Madison. Tom Colicchio and Gil Simmons will once again sit at the referees’ table.
Lakshmi, who hosted top chef Since its second season in 2006-07, she announced on June 2 that she is leaving the show. “Having completed this glorious 20th season as host and executive producer, I feel incredibly honored to have been a part of building such a successful show and the impact it has had on the worlds of television and food,” she said. “After 17 years, many of the cast and crew are like family, and I will miss working with them very much.”
Sources say the search for a new host is focused on the past top chef Competitors who also have other camera experience. Kish quickly became the frontrunner for the position.
“top chef It is where my journey began – first as a competition chef, then as a guest judge. Now as a host, I am honored to help continue to build this brand,” Kish said in a statement. “I am thrilled to sit next to Jill and Tom as we get to know new amazing chefs and see what they cook. I feel like I’m going home.”
Casey Creeley and Joe Sharon, co-CEOs of the Magical Elves series producer, said, “Kristen is a beloved part of top chef Her family, and we are thrilled that she will join the competition and bring her unique, fresh, and international culinary perspective to the competition, as well as her genuine passion for food. We look forward to Season 21 and know that our next chefs will draw inspiration from the Burgundy culinary scene in Milwaukee and Madison known for blending tradition with innovation and using farm-fresh ingredients.”
As Lakshmi gave his choice with his thumbs up, Writing on Twitter“I’m so proud of you @KristenLKish and I’m over the moon that you’re going to take over the reins for me!!! I’m going to be rooting for you and our entire crew next season.”
In addition to her time top chef, Kish — who owns Arlo Gray’s Austin’s Line hotel — has fronted many other food and travel deals across several platforms. She’s the host and producer of Nat Geo’s Restaurants at the end of the world and co-host of Netflix’s Iron Chef: The Quest for the Iron Legend and TruTV Fast food lovers. She also previously hosted the Travel Channel 36 hoursBased on The New York Times column with the same title.
Creeley & Sharon Executive Produced top chef With Doneen Arquines, Hillary Olsen, and Tracy Tong.
July 11, 12:30 p.m Updated with a comment from Padma Lakshmi.
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