Kristen Kish, a former champion of Top Chef, has been announced as the new host of the series after Padma Lakshmi’s departure. Kish, who previously competed and won season 10 of the show, expressed her excitement at joining as a host and being a part of the Top Chef brand. She has also hosted other food-related shows and married her partner Bianca Dusic in April 2021.
Former Top Chef champion Kristen Kish has been announced as the new host of the show, taking over from Padma Lakshmi after 20 seasons.
Top Chef has recently announced its new host, former champion Kristen Kish, as Padma Lakshmi departs the show after 20 successful seasons. Kish expressed her excitement in a press release, stating, “Top Chef is where I started my journey… I have the honor of helping to continue to build this brand… It feels like coming home.” With her extensive experience in the culinary world, let’s delve into Kish’s background and accomplishments.
Before rising to fame as a chef, Kish had an interesting journey. Originally from South Korea, she was adopted by a family in Michigan when she was just four months old. Prior to discovering her passion for cooking, Kish worked as a model during her teenage years. It was only later that she realized her true calling and decided to pursue a career in the culinary arts.
To hone her skills, Kish enrolled in Chicago’s prestigious Le Cordon Bleu and earned her A.A. degree in culinary arts. After gaining considerable experience in the field, she became an instructor at a renowned culinary demonstration kitchen called Stir in Boston, eventually earning the title of chef de cuisine. This remarkable achievement was made possible by the support and guidance of Stir’s owner, Barbara Lynch.
Kish’s breakthrough moment came when she auditioned for the Bravo competition series, Top Chef, in 2012. Initially eliminated in the 11th episode, she made a stunning comeback after securing five consecutive victories in the “Last Chance Kitchen.” This redemption led her to claim the coveted title of Top Chef, defeating Brooke Williamson in the finale. Kish became the second female winner in the show’s history, carving her name in the culinary world.
Since her Top Chef victory, Kish has enjoyed a successful career in the industry. She has hosted various food-related shows, including Travel Channel’s 36 Hours, TruTV’s Fast Foodies, Netflix’s Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend, and National Geographic’s Restaurants at the End of the World. Additionally, Kish made headlines in 2014 when she publicly came out as a lesbian. In April 2021, she got married to Bianca Dusic, the Vice President of Food & Beverage for Standard Hotels.
With her expertise, charisma, and inspiring journey, Kristen Kish is poised to make her mark as the new host of Top Chef. Her passion for food and commitment to celebrating culinary talent are sure to shine through as she takes the reins of the beloved culinary competition.
