Latest news with #KristenKish
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Top Chef Season 23: Filming locations, host, judges and other key details
It's official! Top Chef Season 23 is heading south, with Charlotte, North Carolina as its primary backdrop. Also, additional episodes will be set in Greenville, South Carolina. The new season of the culinary show promises to showcase the South's evolving food scene, steeped in history, hospitality, and fresh produce, according to an official release. Bravo's Top Chef is returning with its Season 23 soon(Instagram/bravotopchef) Bravo has dubbed Charlotte as the 'emerging and diverse culinary hub,' People magazine reported. The network states that the next season will feature the 'finest in southern hospitality, embracing the rich history, agriculture and outdoors, as a new batch of accomplished and renowned chefs vie for the ultimate Top Chef title.' Top Chef Season 23: Key details Headed to Carolinas, the all-new season of Top Chef will start production this summer and is eying a premiere next year. Fans can expect the return of host Kristen Kish along with judges Gail Simmons and Tom Colicchio. 'When we go to a new city on Top Chef, it becomes the backdrop of the season, inspiring our challenges and motivating the chefs to spotlight local ingredients,' Kish said. As per the official release, the latest group of 'cheftestants' will be seen working with 'the region's freshest ingredients' in the next season. Wisconsin served as the location for Top Chef Season 21, while Season 19 was based in Houston and Season 18 in Portland. Also Read: Flavours of home: 4 celebrity chefs share how their cultural roots and tradition inspire their cooking Tristen Epps was crowned as the winner for Top Chef Season 22. Tristen bagged the grand prize of $250,000 as well as Delta SkyMiles Diamond Medallion Status, a coveted feature in Food & Wine magazine, and the honor of headlining a dinner at the iconic James Beard House. The final episode, which was shot in Milan, saw Tristen pitted against Bailey Sullivan and Shuai Wang. Top Chef Season 23: Release date As of now, the official launch date for Bravo's culinary reality show has not been announced yet. FAQs Where is Top Chef Season 23 being filmed? Season 23 is primarily set in Charlotte, North Carolina, while few episodes have been filmed in Greenville, South Carolina. Who are the judges and host for Season 23? Host Kristen Kish is returning for the new season, along with judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons. When will Top Chef Season 23 premiere? The new season of Top Chef is set to premiere in 2026.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Top Chef' Season 23 Set in the Carolinas, Bravo Confirms
Kristen Kish, Tom Colicchio, and Gail Simmons return for Top Chef Season 23, set in Charlotte, NC ... More and Greenville, SC. Production begins summer 2025. Top Chef is heading south. Bravo announced on July 23 that Season 23 will be filmed in Charlotte, North Carolina, with episodes also set in Greenville, South Carolina. Production starts this summer, and the season is expected to premiere in 2026. Kristen Kish returns as host alongside judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons, and the new setting promises a spotlight on Southern ingredients, regional hospitality, and two fast-growing food cities. The move follows the show's recent Emmy nominations and its continued evolution post–Padma Lakshmi. Where is Top Chef Season 23 filming? Season 23 is centered in Charlotte, North Carolina, with select episodes taking place in Greenville, South Carolina. Bravo described the two locations as 'perfect chefs' playgrounds' known for their bold flavors, agricultural abundance, and 'warm, genuine hospitality.' The show is partnering with the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority and VisitGreenvilleSC to produce the season. Both tourism boards praised the opportunity to showcase their region's culinary scenes. 'Charlotte's rapidly evolving culinary landscape blends global influences [with] This Southern setting follows the show's regional focus in recent years—from Wisconsin's hearty farm-driven season to the international turn planned for Season 22 in Canada. What does this mean for the Carolinas' food scenes? Top Chef has a long track record of boosting visibility for local chefs and ingredients. Past seasons have helped launch restaurants into national attention, increased food tourism, and brought new eyes to under-the-radar cities. Charlotte and Greenville have both seen rapid culinary growth in the last five years, with buzzy openings, James Beard attention, and farm-to-table emphasis. Being featured on Top Chef could accelerate that momentum. As VisitGreenvilleSC's Heath Dillard put it: 'Hosting Top Chef here is both validation and a celebration.' Who's returning for Season 23? Kristen Kish continues as host after stepping into the role in Season 21. Judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons also return, keeping the core judging panel consistent as the series continues its evolution. When Kish debuted as the new Top Chef host in the Wisconsin season, she brought a calm, collaborative energy to the competition—a shift some viewers welcomed after nearly two decades of Padma Lakshmi's sharper edge. When will Season 23 of Top Chef premiere? No official air date has been announced, but Season 23 will debut sometime in 2026. Based on previous seasons, a spring premiere—likely March or April—is the safest bet. Production kicks off this summer across both cities, and Bravo's announcement confirms the locations were secured in partnership with local tourism agencies. Why does this setting shift matter? This marks the show's first full return to the American South since Top Chef: Charleston in 2016–2017. But while that season focused on a more traditional vision of Southern cooking, the 2026 Carolina setting hints at something broader: international influence, evolving regional identity, and next-gen talent grounded in place. Social media response was immediate—and intense. Within an hour of the season 23 announcement on Instagram, comments poured in from chefs, locals, and longtime fans. 'Welcome to my hood besties!' wrote Charleston-based chef Shuai Wang. 'So excited!! You guys should definitely consider doing an episode in Asheville too!' one commenter added. Others begged for long-overdue Philly and Atlanta seasons, while local voices chimed in with challenge suggestions: seafood on the coast, pimento cheese, and even a Cheerwine cook-off. Greenville's tourism board and the Euphoria festival also celebrated the spotlight. With its 19th consecutive Emmy nomination and its Carolina location locked, Top Chef is entering its next phase with local flavor—and plenty of national attention.
Axios
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
"Top Chef" is coming to Charlotte
" Top Chef," a popular cooking competition show, will film its upcoming season in Charlotte. Why it matters: Charlotte is hungry for culinary clout, and " Top Chef" filming here will put a spotlight on the city and its food scene. State of play: Season 23 will also be filmed in Greenville, S.C., which is just under two hours from Charlotte. What to expect: Bravo's Emmy, James Beard and Critics' Choice Award-winning show will focus on Southern hospitality. Chefs will compete for the title of Top Chef through various challenges. Keep an eye out for host Kristen Kish, head judge Tom Colicchio and judge Gail Simmons around town. What's next: Production begins this summer. The show will air in 2026. Zoom in: Church & Union chef Jamie Lynch of Charlotte competed in Season 14 of "Top Chef" in Charleston — the only other season that was filmed in the Carolinas.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Top Chef' Season 22 finale: Kristen Kish brought to tears as chefs present their final dishes in Italy
We've come to the end of Top Chef Season 22 (on Hayu in Canada), which started by featuring Canada's robust culinary scene. But moving to Milan, Italy, it was a tense finale to finish a unique season. Up for grabs was the $250,000 grand prize, provided by Saratoga Spring Water, the official water of Top Chef; Delta SkyMiles Diamond Medallion Status, and a $125,000 flight credit to spend on travel with Delta Air Lines. The chef were also competing for a feature in Food & Wine magazine and an appearance at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. As the finale began, the three remaining competitors chose sous chefs for their last challenge. They had to make "the best four course progressive meal." Bailey worked with Lana, Shuai chose Paula, and Tristen had Zubair on his side. They had seven hours to prep and cook in total, split with five hours on the first day, and two hours before service the next day. After their first day of prep, the competitors got to enjoy a meal prepared by Kristen Kish, Tom Colicchio, and Gail Simmons. They also got to open up to each other about the experience of being in the competition, from both the competitors and judges perspective. Just hours away from presenting their final dishes, each chef really felt the pressure of the clock. Joining the judges table was Italian chef Carlo Cracco, Sarah Cicolini of SantoPalato in Rome, Top Chef alums Richard Blais and Gregory Gourdet, Food & Wine Editor in Chief Hunter Lewis, Santiago Lastra of Kol restaurant, Genie Kwon and Tim Flores from Kasama, and chef Clare Smyth from the restaurant Core by Clare Smyth. Bailey — Polpo e mozz, tomato dashi and giardiniera — Richard said it was "dumb and brilliant" to put mozzarella and octopus together Shuai — Panpuri with scarlet shrimp, aji verde, salsa macha and gazpacho verde — Clare said the dish was a "flavour explosion" Tristen — Monkfish with pickled turnips, tempura broccoli and baccalà mbongo — Tom said the fish looked undercooked, but didn't eat undercooked, it was just on the line The first course dishes were so impressive, Tom went into the kitchen to give the chefs some encouragement. Bailey — Porcini and robiola anolini alpini with cabbage, pecan and brodo — Clare said the dish was "wholesome" and Kristen said the pecans give it something unique Shuai — Soup dumpling raviolo with pork and king crab, charred leek vinaigrette and lardo — Hunter said it had great balance, but the dumpling needed more soup Tristen — Pollo "dorengo" with injera shrimp toast and shellfish jus — Santiago said it was "next level" and Genie said the star was the shrimp toast, while Tom added that it was perfectly seasoned Bailey — Blacked orata with calabrian chili crunch, whipped tahini, brussels sprouts and beets — Genie said her fish was a little overcooked, but appreciated the creaminess of the tahini, and Gail said it was missing a brightness Shuai — Tangcu ossobuco with sweet and sour sauce, radicchio, long beans and grits — Clare said it was "rustic" and Kristen said the amount of dairy in the grits took over Tristen — Oxtail milanese crépinette with carolina gold rice grits, curry butter and bone marrow gremolata — Gregory highlight the great oxtail and Carlo said it was "perfect" Bailey — Torta di pizzelle with zucca, mascarpone cream and espresso stracciatella gelato — Clare said Bailey "brought it home" and she got a real sense of Bailey's style Shuai — Ambrosia pear and orange jello, pistachio, Italian meringue and coconut — Gregory was impressed by how light this "cool" dessert was Tristen — Tropical root vegetable cake with chutney, charred plantain cream and cassareep sorbet — Carlo called Tristen "a chef," but Richard said this dish "got off the tracks" and was too spicy, while others at the table enjoyed the dish more Kristen got emotional after the final course, getting choked up, with tears in her eyes, as she told the chefs to "embrace it all, feel it all and celebrate all of your accomplishments." After the judges deliberated, Tristen was crown the winner of Top Chef Season 22, really telling a story with his food and his dishes, with the goal of progressing Afro-Caribbean cuisine. "I'm essentially trying to un-colonize colonized dishes," Tristen said as he went into crafting his final menu on the show. In a tearful ending, Tristen said he misses his dad so much, after his step-father died while he was on the show, but concluded the season by saying how happy he is that he stayed in the competition.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kristen Kish dishes on Season 22 of ‘Top Chef,' Emmys, and the show's global impact: ‘It's all driven by the fans'
Kristen Kish, the Emmy-nominated host of Bravo's Top Chef, returned for her second season at the helm, offering a fresh perspective shaped by her experience as both a former contestant and a champion of the iconic reality TV cooking competition. The Season 10 winner stepped into Padma Lakshmi's shoes as the host of Top Chef last year — and wasted no time proving she was up to the task. Her debut earned her a 2024 Emmy nomination for Best Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program. More from GoldDerby Tramell Tillman could make Emmy history as the first Black Best Drama Supporting Actor winner New 'Freakier Friday' trailer, Mia Goth set for 'Star Wars: Starfighter,' Samuel L. Jackson heads to Taylor Sheridan's 'NOLA,' and the rest of today's top stories 'Survivor 50' spoilers: Jeff Probst on the 'competitive, dramatic' first challenge and what the 24 players told him at the marooning Now, as Season 22 nears its spicy finale on June 12, Kish dishes on everything from her favorite moments in the kitchen to her dream guest judges: "My parents! They're the classic Midwest mom and dad—I'd be highly entertained by their commentary.' Plus, she reveals why she's settling into hosting —'The joints are looser, I feel more at ease' — and breaks down what makes Top Chef an unstoppable force in the culinary world. Gold Derby: How was it filming Season 22 in Canada? Kristen Kish: I love filming up north. It's not a drastic departure from the U.S., but I got to use my passport. I love Canada — it doesn't feel that much different. Maybe a little more "Canadian nice," but other than that, it was very familiar. Do you have a dream destination where you'd like to see go next? Korea, Japan, and Australia. You're settled into hosting for your second season — how does it feel compared to the first year? The show itself is a completely well-oiled machine. They have everything taken care of. I think for me, it feels more familiar this time around. You feel more comfortable. I definitely feel more confident and settled. The joints are looser. I feel more at ease. How has being a former contestant shaped your approach to hosting? It impacts how I communicate with the chefs, but each contestant experiences competition differently — some are excited, others nervous, or insecure. While I can relate to the enormity of the experience and the pressure, my background allows me to approach the chefs with a bit more compassion. I've stood where they are, waiting to hear whether my dish succeeded or failed. What's the hardest part of hosting? Telling someone to "pack your knives." It's hard, especially when the chef knows they've made a mistake before deliberation even starts. That feeling of knowing you didn't perform your best is tough — it's not great to send someone home. But, even if a chef doesn't win, there's hope for success afterward. You just don't know what opportunities await them. Season 21 earned you an Emmy nomination for Best Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program —what was that experience like? I was honored and surprised. It's not everything to be nominated, but it felt amazing to hold the standard that Padma Lakshmi set for so many years. I was thrilled not just for myself, but for the show as a whole—that meant so much more to me than my individual nomination. What happens if a dish contains ingredients you dislike, such as smoked salmon or lamb—how do you judge those? Personal taste doesn't matter. Judging is based on technique: Is the dish seasoned properly? Is it cooked well? Are the proportions correct? Even if a dish contains something I don't particularly enjoy, I eat it—and I can still appreciate the skill and execution behind it. Do you have a favorite dish from your time as host? Oh, yeah. César [Murillo]'s pickle tart from the "Pickle Me This" episode was outstanding. A close second would be Massimo [Piedimonte]'s winning dish from that challenge — it was incredible. Tristen [Epps] also made a mackerel dish with a burnt pickle situation, jus lié — it was amazing. All three of those dishes were absolutely outstanding. You won as a contestant. What's your perspective on its role in the competition? I'm thrilled Last Chance Kitchen exists — it's a great platform for second chances, much like the restaurant industry itself. Sometimes you just have a bad day, and this allows chefs a shot at redemption. As someone who benefitted from it, I know how valuable it is to have that opportunity to prove yourself again. What's one dish you would rather order than cook yourself? Chicken fingers, preferably from the kid's menu. I don't enjoy making them at home; the best ones are always brought to you. Same with meatloaf — my mom's meatloaf is unbeatable, and I've only attempted to make it twice. I screwed it up so badly I just refused to ever do it again. What did you enjoy the most about this season of ? This group of chefs is incredible. It's anyone's game. Each one had such strong, unique points of view in food. From César's wacky concoctions to Tristen's hot streak and Bailey [Sullivan]'s comforting Italian dishes. They were so consistent. It's been an incredible season so far. Why has had such a lasting impact in the culinary world? The show has integrity — it magnifies the beauty of the food industry without focusing on interpersonal drama. It challenges chefs in meaningful ways but mirrors real-life culinary situations. Then there's the "Top Chef effect," where fans seek out chefs' restaurants, and dining scenes transform practically overnight. It's all driven by the fans and the community around the show. Who is your dream guest judge for ? My parents! They're the classic Midwest mom and dad. I'd be highly entertained by their commentary, though I'm not sure how helpful it would be for the chefs. My mom would be terrified, but it's fun to dream about. Top Chef airs Thursday nights on Bravo and is available to stream on Peacock. This interview has been edited for clarity and length. Best of GoldDerby The 25 best 'Survivor' villains of the past 25 years 'Survivor' winners list: All seasons 'The Voice' winners: All seasons Click here to read the full article.
