Inquired about Kristen Kish's potential return to Top Chef, and found her response left no ambiguity.
Top Chef's Season 22 is nearing its finale, with host Kristen Kish presiding over the Milan-set two-parter. This wild cycle has had viewers and chefs on their toes, with standout competitors like Massimo Piedimonte and César Murillo bowing out, while Bailey Sullivan has thrived via Last Chance Kitchen. When I spoke with Kish, she admitted that this season had her second-guessing her picks for the winner more frequently than ever.
"Reflecting on this season, I've often wondered if I were one of these hopefuls, how I'd hold up," Kish shared, showing just how formidable the competition was. Given her own history as the first Top Chef contestant to take the title after being eliminated in Last Chance Kitchen, one might assume she'd be confident in her culinary prowess. However, even she confessed to feeling a bit intimidated by the Season 22 lineup.
Naturally, this brought up the question of whether Kish might ever throw her chef's hat back into the ring. Surprisingly, her response was firm and out of left field. "Nah, I'm good. I've competed, I've won, and I've got hosting gigs now," she said, shooting down any hopes of a return to the Top Chef arena, presumably for a Masters season.
Truth be told, I was taken aback by her steadfast refusal to compete again. It's understandable why she'd be reluctant to face a fresh crop of high-achieving chefs, or risk her precious high blood pressure and professional standing by taking part in another season. However, these reservations probably won't stop fans from hoping for a surprise comeback in the future.
This mindset is a stark contrast to that of Brooke Williamson, who came in second to Kish during Season 10 and returned for the newbs vs. vets lineup in Season 14. She avoided early elimination and ultimately claimed the crown. But with no pressing need for redemption, Kish seems content to keep her apron hung up and focus on her hosting duties.
Catch the Season 22 finale of Top Chef on Bravo on Thursday, June 12, at 9:00 p.m. ET. As for Kristen Kish's future competitive plans, we'll just have to wait and see.
[1] Kish, Kristen. (Host, Top Chef, Season 22). Bravo. Available online: https://www.bravotv.com/person/kristen-kish
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In a departure from competing, Kristen Kish, the host of Top Chef Season 22, has expressed no interest in returning to the culinary arena, preferring to focus on her hosting duties. Meanwhile, the daily blend of news and updates in the world of entertainment can be found in the CinemaBlend Newsletter.
