There’s a new host in the “Top Chef” kitchen and it’s a former cheftestant-turned-champion.
Season 10 winner Kristen Kish, who competed on the Emmy-winning Bravo series’ stint in Seattle in 2013, will replace former host Padma Lakshmi when Season 21 sets up shop in Wisconsin.
Kish will join head judge Tom Colicchio and longtime judge Gail Simmons at the deliberation table this season, which will be set in Milwaukee and Madison, Wis. — two growing culinary hubs known for blending tradition with innovation and utilizing farm-fresh ingredients, producers said Tuesday in a statement.
After Kish was asked to pack her knives and go early during her season, she sliced and diced her way back into the competition through the show’s accompanying “Last Chance Kitchen.” Back on the main show, she beat LA chef Brooke Williamson to earn the title of Top Chef. She has since returned to the series as a guest judge and meal attendee.