Top Chef Host Kristen Kish: Her Incredible Story from Culinary School to Culinary Stardom

The Ultimate Dish

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In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Kristen Kish, the new host of Bravo’s Emmy Award-Winning Top Chef.* Kristen is the chef and partner of Arlo Grey in Austin, TX, as well as the founder of Kish Apéritif.
Kristen shares how remaining authentically true to herself has opened unexpected doors of opportunity, such as winning Season 10 of Top Chef and becoming the franchise’s second female winner. Now, coming full circle, Kristen is taking the helm as the host of Season 21, succeeding Padma Lakshmi. Kristen also chats about her experience authoring two cookbooks: "Kristen Kish Cooking: Recipes and Techniques: A Cookbook," and "It's All in the Sauce: Bringing Your Uniqueness to the Table."
Tune in as Kristen details her journey of being chosen as the new host of Top Chef, reflects on the invaluable lessons gleaned from culinary school, and delves into the significance of encouraging children to pursue their curiosity.
*“Top Chef” season 21 premieres on Wednesday, March 20 at 9pm ET/PT on Bravo. Episodes will be available the next day on Peacock.

Chapters

1. Top Chef Host Kristen Kish: Her Incredible Story from Culinary School to Culinary Stardom (00:00:00)

2. Happy Accidents and a Big Surprise (00:02:47)

3. "It Just Happened" (00:06:32)

4. A French Foundation (00:09:34)

5. Aligning Yourself, Picking the Right Opportunity (00:12:06)

6. A Peek at the New Season (00:15:31)

7. Influence of "Great Chefs" (00:20:03)

8. What Culinary School TeachesWhat Culinary School Teaches (00:24:05)

9. Arlo Grey and the Austin Market (00:28:50)

10. Exploring Creativity and Signature Dishes (00:32:44)

11. Necessary Ingredients and a Word for the Home Cook (00:37:20)

12. Kristen Kish's Two Ultimate Dishes (00:41:41)