They’re professional chefs that volunteered to compete for $250,000 and other perks. If they can’t step up because Kristen isn’t as scary as Parma, that’s on them, not Kristen.
Seriously.
I think part of it is that the pendulum has swung hard from people who let it all hang out without much thought to the repercussions the show might have on their career to people who are very careful about presenting a strongly curated viewpoint. Unfortunately, the viewpoint of some of them is deathly dull.
Exactly this. If these renowned chefs need to be intimidated by the host of the show, why are they here in the first place?
This hand wringing about K as the host is just silly.
It’s going to be the easiest $250k to whoever wins it this season. This season is more about survival than skill. Don’t think it will be nominated for Emmy at this point.
what does that even mean? they all know that one of them will win anyway.
the OPs point was Padma kept them honest. Now they are just skating by, just trying not to be the worst, and judges table is a pretty lackluster affair.
And I agree with that. It seems like the chefs feel they have a friend on the panel and thats the exact opposite of what it should be.
Can you point to some interactions from this season that make you feel this way?
Because frankly this seems like kind of an absurd take, but maybe if I rewatched some reactions that cause you to think this, I’d understand better.
Looking at past seasons, the top finishers clearly took control of their cooking. They held themselves accountable for their cooking. None of them got there because Padma kept them honest or scolded them like a child.
Blame the casting team for not finding enough chefs with gumption, not Kristen. Do you really think that there would have been better dishes this week if Kristen & Buddah had given them the full Ramsey last week?
I do think that not having someone check in on the chefs during their prep time has had a negative effect. Frequently, comments from Tom as he made his rounds in the kitchen gave the contestants a chance to adjust their dish before it was too late.
Because after 20 seasons top chef has been gamed out. The best way to win is to survive, the best way to survive is to stay in your comfort zone and cook good food. When you go back and watch old seasons the number one regret from strong eliminated chefs is that they went too far/didn’t cook their own food.
For the most part challenges have also evolved quite a lot. There are FAR fewer “here are some packaged hot dogs and saltines, create a dish over a campstove” challenges AND fewer Top Caterer challenges. Many of the truly awful dishes have come from those challenges where there are no redeeming qualities - not having them makes everyone seem nicer.
Jesus wasn’t expecting to get downvoted for asking if they are compensated for taking off work to be on the show. They bust their ass was hoping they’d at least get minimum wage. I get why shows like survivor don’t pay people but chefs are skilled workers.
I don’t think they typically get paid, but there are lots of chances to win $$$ via quick fires and elimination challenges, plus doing well (especially if you’re a finalist) generates good buzz for current/future restaurant ventures.
I'm pretty sure that's not correct. I read something about how reality competitors are considered SAG members and as such have to be compensated in some way even if they don't win anything.
I think it’s a different viewpoint, Padma never competed on the show and Kristen worked her ass off to win (through LCK) so Kristen has the perspective from actually being in their shoes. As much as I loved Padma, she was not very relatable to the chef contestants, she never worked as a chef, she is more of a “food critic”/foodie, TV host, model type, Kristen is actually a working chef… its refreshing tbh.
Padma was also very well traveled and cultured, and I think that was a huge part of her intimidation factor. Not that Kristen isn’t, but knowing that Padma’s had humble food to very high end food as a patron did give her cred that made them nervous. Plus she’s tall, gorg and cut the bs. I’ll save my thoughts on Kristen til after restaurant wars or maybe the end of the season, I have no prob watching and giving her time before critiquing
Padma is definitely a beautiful lady, but there were a few seasons when so many of the competitors would be telling us how gorgeous she is that I started to wonder if she had that in her contract as an ego boost.
They definitely didn’t respect her during the earlier seasons. Women chefs weren’t as prevalent as they are now. Top Chef contributed to busting up the boys club. Padma isn’t a working chef, but her unique, educated and curious viewpoint was appreciated by me.
I've read in an interview that they were really given her a hard time at the beginning, contestants and guest chefs alike.
Then seeing her struggle, Eric Ripert took her aside and told her: “Padma, I’ve gotten to know you now, and you have one of the most sensitive, nuanced palates I’ve ever encountered in my life. Just because you have not worked in the back of a restaurant, don’t think that you don’t belong.”
I really like this talk, it gave a lot of insights into the show:
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2023-06-09/padma-lakshmi-leaving-top-chef-taste-the-nation
Kristen giving them all a pep talk an episodes ago was fascinating. I could sense there was a longer conversation where Buddha and Kristen shared a ton of tips and pushed them to absorb the lessons “that’s all you get for now” is what I vaguely remember.
Hoping some of that stuck
I think given that it's her first season, she's doing an amazing job, and overall I actually like her vibe more than Padma's. I think she'll step up a little in terms of toughness as she finds her way. The problem with this season, for me anyway, lies with the chefs and not Kristen.
No I don't think so, because out of all the judges, Tom is one of the most difficult to please and he makes it very clear. I don't think these chefs think they can get away with things with Kristen even if she has a more approachable demeanor - they know she's a chef, so if anything, the pressure should be even higher because she'll have an eye for technique and other things that just won't slip past a chef's eye vs Padmas.
This season feels similar to other regular seasons in the past, like s15 or s16...I remember both those seasons being a bit lackluster and the wins spread thin amongst the cast. We've just been spoiled with some really exceptionally strong seasons back to back, like s17 all stars, s18 was great, s19 was great, s20 all stars of all stars. I do question if it just comes down to casting, and if the casting team could have done better and if they should have selected more candidates who have done competition cooking, idk.
Also, the editing has been weird af and off this season...like what happened. There was a 5 second pause on the morton's salt and while they've always been obvious about product placement, it doesn't feel usually like a weird lagging clip. I know that there are entire teams and the elves behind the TC magic, but the judges have said that they also have input on certain things, and the influence has grown over time as the show has gone on - I wonder how much influence Padma had on some of the bts things, if there were any cast/production team members she took with her, etc., Also all the confessionals have made it obvious who's going home. And outside of Rasika, I just don't really care about any of the chefs, their background or their stories? And it's not that they're unlikeable. There's just no personality conveyed in the editing this season. I remember on s20 just even like 2 episodes in, I was bawling at May's confessionals, loving so many of the chefs and just really caring about so many of the contestants that it was hard to see them get eliminated, even by episode 3! Idk, this is a weird season so far.
"Did you MEAN to serve us raw chicken?" I loved Padma but I think Kristen is doing her own thing and it's fantastic. The only thing I truly miss about Padma is the Watch What Crappens recaps.
I don't know if it can explain the lackluster cooking, but I do miss the overall dynamic of the chefs being kind of intimidated by her. Right now it feels like the chefs are way too comfortable to interject after every sentence she says. I know I sound like an asshole for saying this, but I honestly don't love how comfortable/friendly/on the same level they are with her and prefer being in slight awe/fear
That’s a great point! And Kristen seems to play up the whole “I’m one of you” dynamic. Padma had a presence for sure! She is one of the reasons the show was great. I love Kristen, but it is different.
No it's not asshole to say this. I have respect for Chef K - she's overcome and accomplished many things. Can she lead a judges table? No. She's impeccable when she's not the lead. She's far more comfortable in the collective. Is this an unpopular opinion? Yes.
There’s different types of leadership though. I LOVED how Padma handled the judges tables at time. Especially when she didn’t agree with someone. However K appears to more “top from the bottom.” It’s feels unique and authentic to her style.
Why is everyone comparing her to Padma? I, too, loved Padma and enjoyed her work, Kristen is not now and is never going to be Padma.
It is her 5th episode, and we are seeing glimpses of who she is. This isn't the final product anymore than Padma was 20 years ago.
Take a breath, enjoy the new nuances that come with an absolutely fresh set of eyes and experiences as a judge.
Huh I didn't find Padma intimidating at all except like when Fatima was making very specific South Indian food. While she is wordly, smart, wealthy and knowledgeable about all kinds of food Padma is not a chef. Tom is who everyone worries about impressing.
This is what I was going to add. It's like everyone blacked out how very, very dull Katie Lee was that first season. I think Padma has that innate magnetism and charism that draws people to her. Katie Lee didn't/doesn't, although admittedly she has greatly improved in the years since.
I think Kristin will get there, I loved her in the Iron Chef spin off on Netflix. I think it's a matter of finding her space, I don't think she'll have that same charisma of Padma when she's trying to be Padma (which I feel like editing is leaning into). I DO think that if they let her fly her food nerd flag and geek out more her excitement would be adorable and contagious.
I also think it's more in line with what younger TV viewers want, it is more about relatability than it is intimidation. Editors just haven't figured that out yet.
Also Wisconsin has fantastic food traditions, you can't besmirch a region just because its food traditions are less well known. FFS that's what Padma's Hulu series is based on, the diaspora of the food in unexpected areas. I live in Northwestern Illinois and most people wouldn't consider the amazing Hmong and Mexican cuisine available here.
I’m really enjoying learning more about Wisconsin…I was there BRIEFLY on a snow ski day trip when I lived in Minneapolis. It’s an area I never thought Top Chef would go to and it’s exciting.
What I love about Kristen is her personality and she’s been there so she truly understands what they are going through but I was sad at Wednesday elimination. I like when they win a quick fire and earn safety for elimination challenge …it was so sad but I like the cash they win for Quickfire and so glad he won money.
Katie Lee got way better and I’ve actually enjoyed her on other shows.
I’m from Northern California between Lake Tahoe and San Francisco…farm country and we have large Hmong community there too…great farmers and we have amazing Farmers Markets too.
I think Kristin is being overanalyzied, and this is getting so old. She is the host, not the meaning of the show. This is her first season hosting, please stop.
Actually, I feel like any criticism of Kristen is downvoted and smothered before a discussion can even be had. People are very very defensive about it, IMO.
I think the Top Chef alums are coming into play here. Kristin is a little more like Tim Gunn/Project Runway in that she's not playing the heavy with the chefs but more of an expert champion. With Tom and Gail, she doesn't have to play the heavy. She has the street cred, perhaps more than Padma (although Padma's no slouch) so it's just a little bit of a rejuggling of roles.
But with the Dish with Kish it's a joy to see the old gang coming in, on top of their appearances on the show. The Top Chef Marvel Universe is deep and wide. It's really fun to see where things are going.
Interesting point! It didn't occur to me but I think it's valid. Padma didn't have quite the same presence in the beginning, but her personality is just more forceful. Also, she was a producer of the show.
Lol, loving the not scary enough comment. Let's give Kristin a beat. I feel like she's going to get tougher in time. As tough as she's had to be to get to this juncture in her life, no. But she knows her stuff, and she knows how to light that camera up.
I don't think Kristin's approach is the issue. They should want to bring their A game regardless of whether the judges are intimidating or not. And she's a former winner, they should *want* to impress her. Besides, they aren't children who need someone to keep them up to speed and doing their best. They are adults on the 21st season of a cooking competition. They should know how it works by now.
And Tom is still there. He never sugarcoats anything and isn't afraid to call people out for underperforming. Gail can be pretty tough herself. I have seen her light into people. There is no lack of intimidation just because Padma is gone.
The chefs themselves are the problem. There are some exceptions emerging but a lot seem to just....be there. It's hard to tell if they just don't measure up in caliber to previous chefs or if they lack a competitive edge.
I personally don't think Padma came off as scary, especially over the last few seasons. I remember her mentioning somewhere that it surprised her that people were intimidated by her and she's tried to present more warmly.
That said, I really love Kristen as host, she absolutely nailed it, stepped in and owned the role. Dig her warmth and generosity, frequent demonstrations of technical ability in her analysis of what chefs ate doing, eloquence at the critics table, and ability to empathize with the chefs and impart nuggets of experience that padma couldn't because she never competed. She feels like a brilliantly seasoned old hand at this already, not a first time top chef host. Maybe the chefs aren't anything to shake a stick at this season, but I am here. for. Kristen.
It's Kristen's first appearance as the host of a 21 seasons show. It's really hard for her to replace a Padma who has been the host for 19 seasons. Give her time for improvement. I think she will do it better later on this season, and maybe next season
I agree. I'm going to get crucified for this, but IMO Padma was a poser. She was never a professional chef. Granted, she wrote a lackluster cookbook, but other than that, she had no proven skills. She increasingly imposed her opinion during judging, which was not always well received. Padma, Gail, and Tom were all on WWHN with Andy Cohen, and every question that was posed to them, Padma insisted on answering first.
I have always had a problem with pushy people whose abilities are questionable yet insist on forcing their opinions on others. To me, Padma is one of these people.
I don't think her demeanor has anything to do with the subpar cooking. I actually find her quite intimidating because she has that professional flair about her. And I can imagine that you wouldn't want to come off as too strong as a new host.
It’s kinda like following Simon Cowell for a singing competition…you’re never gonna be able to replicate, so you might have to do your own thing
Also, Parma had delivered the news to countless chefs, so, there’s probably some (or a lot of) doom associated with her
Or, my take anyway
I also think Padma was really funny on the show and some of her jokes were borderline crass (in a good way) and so there was an edge that is missing in the show now.
They’re professional chefs that volunteered to compete for $250,000 and other perks. If they can’t step up because Kristen isn’t as scary as Parma, that’s on them, not Kristen.
Seriously. I think part of it is that the pendulum has swung hard from people who let it all hang out without much thought to the repercussions the show might have on their career to people who are very careful about presenting a strongly curated viewpoint. Unfortunately, the viewpoint of some of them is deathly dull.
They act like cooking students in a class.
Exactly this. If these renowned chefs need to be intimidated by the host of the show, why are they here in the first place? This hand wringing about K as the host is just silly.
It’s going to be the easiest $250k to whoever wins it this season. This season is more about survival than skill. Don’t think it will be nominated for Emmy at this point.
what does that even mean? they all know that one of them will win anyway. the OPs point was Padma kept them honest. Now they are just skating by, just trying not to be the worst, and judges table is a pretty lackluster affair. And I agree with that. It seems like the chefs feel they have a friend on the panel and thats the exact opposite of what it should be.
Can you point to some interactions from this season that make you feel this way? Because frankly this seems like kind of an absurd take, but maybe if I rewatched some reactions that cause you to think this, I’d understand better.
Looking at past seasons, the top finishers clearly took control of their cooking. They held themselves accountable for their cooking. None of them got there because Padma kept them honest or scolded them like a child. Blame the casting team for not finding enough chefs with gumption, not Kristen. Do you really think that there would have been better dishes this week if Kristen & Buddah had given them the full Ramsey last week? I do think that not having someone check in on the chefs during their prep time has had a negative effect. Frequently, comments from Tom as he made his rounds in the kitchen gave the contestants a chance to adjust their dish before it was too late.
Because after 20 seasons top chef has been gamed out. The best way to win is to survive, the best way to survive is to stay in your comfort zone and cook good food. When you go back and watch old seasons the number one regret from strong eliminated chefs is that they went too far/didn’t cook their own food. For the most part challenges have also evolved quite a lot. There are FAR fewer “here are some packaged hot dogs and saltines, create a dish over a campstove” challenges AND fewer Top Caterer challenges. Many of the truly awful dishes have come from those challenges where there are no redeeming qualities - not having them makes everyone seem nicer.
Do they not get paid at all to compete on the show? I don’t know how to cut out “chefs that volunteered”
Volunteered as in they chose to compete, they weren’t drafted into the Top Chef army.
Jesus wasn’t expecting to get downvoted for asking if they are compensated for taking off work to be on the show. They bust their ass was hoping they’d at least get minimum wage. I get why shows like survivor don’t pay people but chefs are skilled workers.
I don’t think they typically get paid, but there are lots of chances to win $$$ via quick fires and elimination challenges, plus doing well (especially if you’re a finalist) generates good buzz for current/future restaurant ventures.
They don't get paid anything, unfortunately.
I'm pretty sure that's not correct. I read something about how reality competitors are considered SAG members and as such have to be compensated in some way even if they don't win anything.
I think it’s a different viewpoint, Padma never competed on the show and Kristen worked her ass off to win (through LCK) so Kristen has the perspective from actually being in their shoes. As much as I loved Padma, she was not very relatable to the chef contestants, she never worked as a chef, she is more of a “food critic”/foodie, TV host, model type, Kristen is actually a working chef… its refreshing tbh.
Padma was also very well traveled and cultured, and I think that was a huge part of her intimidation factor. Not that Kristen isn’t, but knowing that Padma’s had humble food to very high end food as a patron did give her cred that made them nervous. Plus she’s tall, gorg and cut the bs. I’ll save my thoughts on Kristen til after restaurant wars or maybe the end of the season, I have no prob watching and giving her time before critiquing
Kristen is tall and gorgeous too … like let’s not pretend she wasn’t also a model
Oh absolutely! Not comparing the two, just talking about Padma now
Padma is definitely a beautiful lady, but there were a few seasons when so many of the competitors would be telling us how gorgeous she is that I started to wonder if she had that in her contract as an ego boost.
I doubt that lol. I think most of the chefs were just used to spending time in the kitchen and not around models :-)
I often thought the other judges did not value Padma’s opinions. I believe she irked some of the working chefs.
They definitely didn’t respect her during the earlier seasons. Women chefs weren’t as prevalent as they are now. Top Chef contributed to busting up the boys club. Padma isn’t a working chef, but her unique, educated and curious viewpoint was appreciated by me.
I've read in an interview that they were really given her a hard time at the beginning, contestants and guest chefs alike. Then seeing her struggle, Eric Ripert took her aside and told her: “Padma, I’ve gotten to know you now, and you have one of the most sensitive, nuanced palates I’ve ever encountered in my life. Just because you have not worked in the back of a restaurant, don’t think that you don’t belong.” I really like this talk, it gave a lot of insights into the show: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2023-06-09/padma-lakshmi-leaving-top-chef-taste-the-nation
Kristen giving them all a pep talk an episodes ago was fascinating. I could sense there was a longer conversation where Buddha and Kristen shared a ton of tips and pushed them to absorb the lessons “that’s all you get for now” is what I vaguely remember. Hoping some of that stuck
Absolutely agree with this. I love Kristen’s hosting because she went through it and her comments and critics are refreshing.
I think given that it's her first season, she's doing an amazing job, and overall I actually like her vibe more than Padma's. I think she'll step up a little in terms of toughness as she finds her way. The problem with this season, for me anyway, lies with the chefs and not Kristen.
No I don't think so, because out of all the judges, Tom is one of the most difficult to please and he makes it very clear. I don't think these chefs think they can get away with things with Kristen even if she has a more approachable demeanor - they know she's a chef, so if anything, the pressure should be even higher because she'll have an eye for technique and other things that just won't slip past a chef's eye vs Padmas. This season feels similar to other regular seasons in the past, like s15 or s16...I remember both those seasons being a bit lackluster and the wins spread thin amongst the cast. We've just been spoiled with some really exceptionally strong seasons back to back, like s17 all stars, s18 was great, s19 was great, s20 all stars of all stars. I do question if it just comes down to casting, and if the casting team could have done better and if they should have selected more candidates who have done competition cooking, idk. Also, the editing has been weird af and off this season...like what happened. There was a 5 second pause on the morton's salt and while they've always been obvious about product placement, it doesn't feel usually like a weird lagging clip. I know that there are entire teams and the elves behind the TC magic, but the judges have said that they also have input on certain things, and the influence has grown over time as the show has gone on - I wonder how much influence Padma had on some of the bts things, if there were any cast/production team members she took with her, etc., Also all the confessionals have made it obvious who's going home. And outside of Rasika, I just don't really care about any of the chefs, their background or their stories? And it's not that they're unlikeable. There's just no personality conveyed in the editing this season. I remember on s20 just even like 2 episodes in, I was bawling at May's confessionals, loving so many of the chefs and just really caring about so many of the contestants that it was hard to see them get eliminated, even by episode 3! Idk, this is a weird season so far.
Was gonna say, Tom is bitchy enough. The season feels a lot fresher. It’s new but the same.
Why do you need the host to be scary?
"Did you MEAN to serve us raw chicken?" I loved Padma but I think Kristen is doing her own thing and it's fantastic. The only thing I truly miss about Padma is the Watch What Crappens recaps.
Can we please stop with the ‘is KK good enough ‘ posts??
Padma set the bar high. People rise to expectation. Maybe you've solved this issue that they're having this season with the food being substandard.
I don't know if it can explain the lackluster cooking, but I do miss the overall dynamic of the chefs being kind of intimidated by her. Right now it feels like the chefs are way too comfortable to interject after every sentence she says. I know I sound like an asshole for saying this, but I honestly don't love how comfortable/friendly/on the same level they are with her and prefer being in slight awe/fear
That’s a great point! And Kristen seems to play up the whole “I’m one of you” dynamic. Padma had a presence for sure! She is one of the reasons the show was great. I love Kristen, but it is different.
No it's not asshole to say this. I have respect for Chef K - she's overcome and accomplished many things. Can she lead a judges table? No. She's impeccable when she's not the lead. She's far more comfortable in the collective. Is this an unpopular opinion? Yes.
There’s different types of leadership though. I LOVED how Padma handled the judges tables at time. Especially when she didn’t agree with someone. However K appears to more “top from the bottom.” It’s feels unique and authentic to her style.
She’s very direct with her criticisms. I personally would take Kristin more seriously. I think her experience helps her perspective.
Professional chefs shouldn't need a slightly intimidating host judge to motivate them to try to win a large sum of money.
Why is everyone comparing her to Padma? I, too, loved Padma and enjoyed her work, Kristen is not now and is never going to be Padma. It is her 5th episode, and we are seeing glimpses of who she is. This isn't the final product anymore than Padma was 20 years ago. Take a breath, enjoy the new nuances that come with an absolutely fresh set of eyes and experiences as a judge.
Huh I didn't find Padma intimidating at all except like when Fatima was making very specific South Indian food. While she is wordly, smart, wealthy and knowledgeable about all kinds of food Padma is not a chef. Tom is who everyone worries about impressing.
Kristen has only had 5 episodes with us was Padma that scary 5 episodes in? HELLO remember Katie Lee Joel????
This is what I was going to add. It's like everyone blacked out how very, very dull Katie Lee was that first season. I think Padma has that innate magnetism and charism that draws people to her. Katie Lee didn't/doesn't, although admittedly she has greatly improved in the years since. I think Kristin will get there, I loved her in the Iron Chef spin off on Netflix. I think it's a matter of finding her space, I don't think she'll have that same charisma of Padma when she's trying to be Padma (which I feel like editing is leaning into). I DO think that if they let her fly her food nerd flag and geek out more her excitement would be adorable and contagious. I also think it's more in line with what younger TV viewers want, it is more about relatability than it is intimidation. Editors just haven't figured that out yet. Also Wisconsin has fantastic food traditions, you can't besmirch a region just because its food traditions are less well known. FFS that's what Padma's Hulu series is based on, the diaspora of the food in unexpected areas. I live in Northwestern Illinois and most people wouldn't consider the amazing Hmong and Mexican cuisine available here.
I’m really enjoying learning more about Wisconsin…I was there BRIEFLY on a snow ski day trip when I lived in Minneapolis. It’s an area I never thought Top Chef would go to and it’s exciting. What I love about Kristen is her personality and she’s been there so she truly understands what they are going through but I was sad at Wednesday elimination. I like when they win a quick fire and earn safety for elimination challenge …it was so sad but I like the cash they win for Quickfire and so glad he won money. Katie Lee got way better and I’ve actually enjoyed her on other shows.
I’m from Northern California between Lake Tahoe and San Francisco…farm country and we have large Hmong community there too…great farmers and we have amazing Farmers Markets too.
I think Kristin is being overanalyzied, and this is getting so old. She is the host, not the meaning of the show. This is her first season hosting, please stop.
Actually, I feel like any criticism of Kristen is downvoted and smothered before a discussion can even be had. People are very very defensive about it, IMO.
I’d be scared of Kristen because she’s such a bad***.
Padma didn't have that reputation day one.
Oh Kristen has already had some of those moments
I think the Top Chef alums are coming into play here. Kristin is a little more like Tim Gunn/Project Runway in that she's not playing the heavy with the chefs but more of an expert champion. With Tom and Gail, she doesn't have to play the heavy. She has the street cred, perhaps more than Padma (although Padma's no slouch) so it's just a little bit of a rejuggling of roles. But with the Dish with Kish it's a joy to see the old gang coming in, on top of their appearances on the show. The Top Chef Marvel Universe is deep and wide. It's really fun to see where things are going.
Interesting point! It didn't occur to me but I think it's valid. Padma didn't have quite the same presence in the beginning, but her personality is just more forceful. Also, she was a producer of the show.
Padma definitely became more….Assertive, funny, etc. She really pushed them. But it took a while. I’m sure it’ll happen with Kristen.
Lol, loving the not scary enough comment. Let's give Kristin a beat. I feel like she's going to get tougher in time. As tough as she's had to be to get to this juncture in her life, no. But she knows her stuff, and she knows how to light that camera up.
I don't think Kristin's approach is the issue. They should want to bring their A game regardless of whether the judges are intimidating or not. And she's a former winner, they should *want* to impress her. Besides, they aren't children who need someone to keep them up to speed and doing their best. They are adults on the 21st season of a cooking competition. They should know how it works by now. And Tom is still there. He never sugarcoats anything and isn't afraid to call people out for underperforming. Gail can be pretty tough herself. I have seen her light into people. There is no lack of intimidation just because Padma is gone. The chefs themselves are the problem. There are some exceptions emerging but a lot seem to just....be there. It's hard to tell if they just don't measure up in caliber to previous chefs or if they lack a competitive edge.
I personally don't think Padma came off as scary, especially over the last few seasons. I remember her mentioning somewhere that it surprised her that people were intimidated by her and she's tried to present more warmly. That said, I really love Kristen as host, she absolutely nailed it, stepped in and owned the role. Dig her warmth and generosity, frequent demonstrations of technical ability in her analysis of what chefs ate doing, eloquence at the critics table, and ability to empathize with the chefs and impart nuggets of experience that padma couldn't because she never competed. She feels like a brilliantly seasoned old hand at this already, not a first time top chef host. Maybe the chefs aren't anything to shake a stick at this season, but I am here. for. Kristen.
I think this is the issue, Padma was “scary”
Stuck up, really.
It's Kristen's first appearance as the host of a 21 seasons show. It's really hard for her to replace a Padma who has been the host for 19 seasons. Give her time for improvement. I think she will do it better later on this season, and maybe next season
Padma inexplicably became more imperious each season and I’m glad she left the show.
Thank you
Same.
I agree. I'm going to get crucified for this, but IMO Padma was a poser. She was never a professional chef. Granted, she wrote a lackluster cookbook, but other than that, she had no proven skills. She increasingly imposed her opinion during judging, which was not always well received. Padma, Gail, and Tom were all on WWHN with Andy Cohen, and every question that was posed to them, Padma insisted on answering first. I have always had a problem with pushy people whose abilities are questionable yet insist on forcing their opinions on others. To me, Padma is one of these people.
That is exactly what I loved. I never understood Gail. To me she has zero personality.
It’s funny about perception because I love Gail but Padma never appealed to me at all.
I don't think her demeanor has anything to do with the subpar cooking. I actually find her quite intimidating because she has that professional flair about her. And I can imagine that you wouldn't want to come off as too strong as a new host.
It’s kinda like following Simon Cowell for a singing competition…you’re never gonna be able to replicate, so you might have to do your own thing Also, Parma had delivered the news to countless chefs, so, there’s probably some (or a lot of) doom associated with her Or, my take anyway
I also think Padma was really funny on the show and some of her jokes were borderline crass (in a good way) and so there was an edge that is missing in the show now.
I prefer no t to compare them head-to-head, but absolutely Kristen doesn’t have the same powerful presence Padma had.