New Season Of 'Top Chef' Headed To Wisconsin's Culinary Scene

WISCONSIN — With a new host and some familiar judges, Bravo's Top Chef culinary competition show is coming to explore the culinary scene in Wisconsin, NBC Universal announced Tuesday.

Kristen Kish, season 10 winner of the show, is taking over for Padma Lakshmi as the new host for season 21's foray into Milwaukee and Madison. Kish will be joined at the judge's table by Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons for the newest season of the Emmy and James Beard Award-winning series.

The competition is landing in the heart of Wisconsin with a new batch of chefs from across the country to face off for the top chef title in the "energetic and unique culinary scenes" of Milwaukee and Madison, a news release from NBC Universal said.

The competition touches down with a backdrop of farmland, landscapes, shoreline and more where the "cheftestants will explore the fresh flavors and local bounty of this rising culinary destination," the news release said.

“Kristen is a beloved part of the ‘Top Chef’ family, and we’re thrilled to have her join and
bring to the competition her unique, fresh and global culinary perspective, as well as her true passion for food," read a statement from Casey Kriley and Jo Sharon, Co-CEO'S of Magical Elves, the company that produces Top Chef. "We look forward to Season 21 and know our incoming chefs will be inspired by the bourgeoning culinary scene in Milwaukee and Madison known for
blending tradition with innovation and utilizing farm fresh ingredients.”

The new host, Kish, was born in South Korea before being adopted into a family in Kentwood, Michigan. She started cooking at a young age and attended Le Cordon Blue in Chicago.

“We are honored to be able to welcome ‘Top Chef’ to Wisconsin for its upcoming season," said Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers in the news release. "We’re proud to be known here for our rich food culture, talented chefs and exceptional local ingredients. I know our diverse culinary traditions will help inspire the participants, captivate viewers and showcase all of the great things Wisconsin has to offer.”