‘Top Chef’ Judges Never ‘Spit Things Out’ During Filming: ‘It Hasn’t Been That Bad’ (Exclusive)

The Judges’ Perspective: Tasting and Testing on Top Chef

For the judges of Top Chef, the journey of tasting dishes is not just about savoring gourmet meals; it’s also about enduring the occasional less-than-stellar creations. Gail Simmons, a long-standing judge on the show, shared her insights in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly. She revealed that while the early seasons did have their fair share of questionable dishes, the current crop of chefs is so talented that bad food is a rare occurrence. Simmons emphasized that the contestants are professional chefs at the highest level, making the judges’ task more challenging as they have to discern subtle differences in exceptional dishes.

The Evolution of Top Chef: From Amateur to Elite Chefs

Simmons, who has been part of the Top Chef family since its premiere in 2006, noted that the show has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, the judges had to navigate through a mix of skill levels, but now, the competition is fierce, with contestants showcasing high-level culinary expertise. This shift has made the judging process more demanding, as the margin between good and great is razor-thin. Simmons pointed out that the judges no longer eliminate chefs based solely on a bad dish but instead focus on nuanced differences in technique and creativity.

Tom Colicchio’s Take on the Challenges of Judging

Fellow judge Tom Colicchio echoed Simmons’ sentiments, acknowledging that while most dishes are of high quality, the sheer volume of food the judges have to taste can be overwhelming, especially in the early stages of the competition when there are more contestants. Colicchio highlighted that challenges designed to test the chefs’ skills and creativity often result in more variable outcomes, making the judges’ task of identifying the best dishes more complex. Despite the challenges, Colicchio emphasized that the high caliber of contestants ensures that the judges are consistently impressed.

Kristen Kish on the Challenges of Hosting and Judging

Kristen Kish, now in her second season as host and a former Top Chef winner, shared her perspective on the immense amount of food the judges encounter. She recalled a particularly daunting quickfire challenge involving poutine, where the starchy, cheesy dishes left her feeling exceptionally full. Kish’s experience highlights the physical and mental demands of judging, as the hosts and judges must maintain their composure and critical faculties despite the abundance of rich and varied foods.

The New Season of Top Chef: Celebrating Canada and Exceptional Talent

The latest season of Top Chef is set against the backdrop of Canada, adding a fresh cultural dimension to the competition. Simmons expressed her excitement about bringing the show to her home country, emphasizing the unique flavor and diversity it brings. The new season also boasts a particularly talented group of contestants, with Simmons noting that their self-awareness, skill, and distinct culinary perspectives have elevated the competition from the outset. This season’s challenges are designed to push the chefs to their limits, testing their endurance and creativity.

The Enduring Appeal of Top Chef

Reflecting on why Top Chef has remained a staple of food television for nearly two decades, Colicchio attributed its longevity to its continuous improvement and the high level of talent it attracts. The show’s ability to evolve while maintaining its core format has kept it relevant and engaging. As the competition progresses, the remaining chefs will continue to face rigorous challenges, proving that the title of Top Chef is not just about culinary prowess but also about perseverance and adaptability. The new season of Top Chef airs on Bravo every Thursday at 9 p.m. ET, followed by Last Chance Kitchen, with episodes available on Peacock the following day.