Last week, amidst the bustling set of “Top Chef” in Milwaukee, Kristen Kish found solace in a gift from Padma Lakshmi, the iconic former host of the show. A vase filled with beautiful white lilies and roses arrived in Kristen’s dressing room, accompanied by a heartwarming note wishing her luck and expressing pride in her accomplishments. The sight of the flowers provided comfort to Kristen, who was overwhelmed with nerves on her first day as Padma’s successor.
Kristen Kish, a 39-year-old chef, represents a new wave of culinary celebrities that deviate from the conventional expectations of the industry. Unlike the famous pioneers such as Emeril Lagasse and Bobby Flay, or the younger generation of tattooed white male chefs that followed, Kristen embodies diversity and authenticity. She is a gay Korean adoptee hailing from the Midwest who not only co-wrote a cookbook and opened a successful restaurant but also excels in front of the camera. Her social media presence seamlessly blends charming brand promotions, food tips, and genuine personal reflections that resonate with her audience.
However, beneath Kristen’s casual confidence lies a profound sense of insecurity. Despite her severe social anxiety, she courageously performs on television, creating a poignant contradiction. Yet, when she enters the set with the grace of a model, it’s evident that Kristen possesses a commanding presence. The show’s stylist carefully selects her outfits to project authority, opting for heeled boots and wide pants that accentuate her tall, lean figure. Her ability to effortlessly transition from goofy dancing to hitting her marks flawlessly is a testament to her versatility. The moment she uttered the iconic phrase, “Please pack your knives and go,” the crew erupted in applause.
Dana Cowin, the former editor-in-chief of Food & Wine and a judge on “Top Chef” for seven seasons, describes Kristen as a megawatt personality. Dana was struck by Kristen’s vulnerability and openness during her demonstration of Korean-style corn dogs at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado. Kristen’s trademark millennial pink aesthetic and her embodiment of values such as earnestness, diversity, and kindness have solidified her brand.
Kristen’s journey to become the host of “Top Chef” began when she won the competition in 2013. According to Francis Lam, the vice president and editor-in-chief of Clarkson Potter, which published Kristen’s cookbook, she is intricately tied to the franchise. However, she also becomes a blank slate upon which people project their assumptions. When Padma Lakshmi decided not to renew her contract, the executives at Magical Elves, the production company behind the show, unanimously chose Kristen as her replacement. She perfectly fit the criteria, checking all the boxes for the ideal host.
The news of being chosen as the new host of “Top Chef” came as a shock to Kristen. While flying back to the East Coast with her wife, Bianca Dusic, after a promotional trip to Thailand, the unexpected offer left her astounded. The first person she called to share the news was Padma Lakshmi, who had been a mentor figure throughout their decade-long friendship. Kristen hopes to focus on the work rather than get entangled in politics. Unlike other personalities in the industry, she doesn’t seek the spotlight. Tom Colicchio, the head judge of “Top Chef,” expresses his excitement about Kristen’s inclusion due to her culinary expertise, and Gail Simmons, another judge and close friend, believes that Kristen only needs to overcome her self-doubt.
Kristen Kish is known for her precision and meticulousness in the kitchen, which helps to counter her anxiety. Growing up in Michigan, she relied on organization and kept a whiteboard to manage her schoolwork, piano lessons, and sports activities. Even now, as she embarks on a new chapter in her life, Kristen remains organized as a coping mechanism. She prefers hoodies and casually dresses, never hesitating to enjoy simple comfort foods like chicken tenders, sour candy, and presliced Colby-Jack cheese on a saltine. Her childhood love for Hamburger Helper inspired a pasta dish at her Austin restaurant, Arlo Grey, which features mafaldine pasta tossed with mushrooms and pearl onions.
Kristen’s upbringing as a Korean adoptee in a Midwestern family played a significant role in shaping her identity. Her parents made sure she remained connected to her Korean roots, introducing her to Korean cuisine, literature, and cultural experiences. Adorning her wrist with a tattoo of her Korean name and adoption case number, Kristen embraced her heritage after winning “Top Chef” and acknowledged the importance of her background. Despite initially pushing aside her Korean roots out of fear, Kristen embarked on a journey to reclaim her identity. An enriching trip to Seoul sponsored by Netflix allowed her to immerse herself in Korean food and culture.
The question of whether Kristen, as someone who didn’t grow up in a Korean family, can legitimately cook Korean cuisine weighs on her mind. As she navigates this complex topic, Kristen strives to honor and respect the culture without appropriating it. Her mission extends beyond being a celebrity chef; she seeks to redefine what it means to be a chef in a world shifting away from the celebrity-driven era and towards a global community that values diversity and inclusivity. With her vulnerability and determination, Kristen Kish is poised to make her mark as the new face of “Top Chef.”
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