Kristen Kish, the host of Bravo’s reality cooking competition series “Top Chef,” recently reflected on her experiences filming the Asheville-focused episode of Season 23, which aired on May 25 and is available to stream on Peacock. The episode, titled “Appalachian Celebration,” highlighted the culinary traditions of Asheville and the broader Appalachian region, while also exploring the community’s resilience in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene in 2024.
During the episode, the contestant chefs were introduced to Asheville’s culinary scene by local figures such as William Dissen of The Market Place, Meherwan Irani of Chai Pani/Botiwalla, and Ashleigh Shanti, an alum of “Top Chef” Season 19. They learned not only about the region’s distinctive ingredients and cooking techniques but also about how the storm had affected Western North Carolina and the community’s efforts to recover. In the Elimination Challenge, the chefs returned to Charlotte to prepare meals for 200 guests using Appalachian ingredients, showcasing the area’s culinary resilience and cultural richness.
Kish, who is also a chef and partner at Arlo Grey in Austin, Texas, and a two-time Emmy Award-nominated host, shared insights into her journey from competing on Season 10 of “Top Chef” to becoming the show’s host starting with Season 21. She described the experience of sitting on the other side of the judges’ table as exhilarating, highlighting the excitement of engaging with diverse foods, meeting talented chefs, and immersing herself in each city during filming. Kish emphasized that each season allows her to learn about a city’s culture and culinary landscape in an intense, condensed timeframe.
Maintaining balance while traveling and filming, Kish revealed, requires careful routines. As a natural introvert and homebody, she manages the demands of being extroverted on set by waking extremely early, engaging in quiet reflection, and preparing herself mentally before the day’s events. She explained that these habits help her recharge and maintain focus despite the hectic production schedule.
Reflecting on the Asheville episode, Kish noted the importance of the show’s broader context beyond just competition. “Top Chef” aims to introduce audiences to perspectives they might not otherwise encounter, including the historical and cultural factors shaping a region. Kish praised the resilience and community spirit of Asheville, emphasizing the role local chefs and restaurant staff played in supporting the community during the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. She encouraged viewers to recognize Asheville as a vibrant destination that has overcome challenges while maintaining its unique character.
Kish also reminisced about her prior visit to Asheville in 2017 or 2018, where she dined at Katie Button’s restaurant Cúrate and participated in local activities such as glassblowing. The recent experience allowed her to further explore local ingredients, including some she had never encountered before, such as leather britches and fresh pawpaw. She described the process of discovering these ingredients and incorporating them into her culinary knowledge as both exciting and educational.
Despite her professional commitments, Kish continues to cook at home. She is the primary cook for her family, preparing practical meals rather than gourmet creations. At her restaurant, she enjoys cooking alongside her team, balancing the intense eating experiences during filming with hands-on culinary practice for the majority of the year. This dual role as both a chef and host reinforces her love for food and the craft of cooking.
Kish highlighted that viewers might be surprised to learn how much “Top Chef” prioritizes authenticity. She asserted that the chefs and the food always come first, maintaining the integrity that has sustained the show’s reputation over time. Her own experience as a competitor and now as a host has been life-changing, allowing her to witness firsthand how the program continues to celebrate culinary talent while telling meaningful regional stories. The Asheville episode exemplifies this approach, combining competitive challenges with a rich exploration of culture, resilience, and the power of food to bring communities together.
Overall, Kristen Kish’s reflections underscore how “Top Chef” Season 23 merges culinary excellence with storytelling, offering audiences not only intense competition but also a deeper understanding of regional food traditions and the communities that sustain them. Her journey from contestant to host highlights the show’s enduring commitment to celebrating chefs, ingredients, and the stories behind the dishes that define America’s diverse culinary landscape.
