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16 surprising things you didn't know about 'Top Chef'
16 surprising things you didn't know about 'Top Chef'
Taylor Tobin,Fiona ClairJul 25, 2020, 03:28 IST
The most recent season of "Top Chef" took place in Los Angeles.Bravo
Season 17 of Bravo's "Top Chef" ended in June, and contestant Melissa King took home the prize.
During season 16, "Top Chef" producers wanted to shed light on an "underdog" culinary region, which led them to choose the unlikely destination of Kentucky.
Host Padma Lakshmi once appeared in the 2000s Mariah Carey film "Glitter."
The contestants can't use phones, laptops, or cookbooks throughout filming, and they get their bags inspected by the show's producers.
Every foodie's favorite reality show, "Top Chef," finished up its 17th season on Bravo in June.
For those of you who can't wait for season 18, here are some behind-the-scenes about "Top Chef" to tide you over.
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Host Padma Lakshmi appeared in the cult-classic film "Glitter" (2001).
Padma Lakshmi in "Glitter."
20th Century Fox
During the show, the "Top Chef" team feeds Lakshmi "legally approved" information through an earpiece.
Padma Lakshmi wears an earpiece when filming.
Theo Wargo/Getty Images
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Lakshmi said she usually gains between 10 and 17 pounds every season.
"Top Chef" host Padma Lakshmi walked the red carpet at the 2018 Emmys.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Contestants cite physical fitness as one of the most important elements to succeeding on the show.
It helps to be fit on set.
Bravo
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After competing on season one, Lee Anne Wong became the show's culinary producer for the next six seasons.
Lee Anne Wong returned to compete on seasons 15 and 17.
Henny Ray Abrams/AP
When Wong returned as a contestant on season 15, she was the first chef to compete while pregnant.
Lee Anne Wong also recently competed on season 17.
Nicole Weingart/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
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"Top Chef: All-Stars" champ Richard Blais got his culinary career started at McDonald’s.
Richard Blais started off at McDonald's.
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
On season 16, "Top Chef" producers wanted to shed light on an "underdog" culinary region, which led them to choose Kentucky.
Season 16 of "Top Chef" was set in Kentucky.
Bravo
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The judges have to eat anything that's presented to them, even if it's unappetizing.
There have been some interesting flavor combinations that "Top Chef" judges had to eat.
Bravo
Judging can take hours, even though they only show minutes of it on TV.
The judges can take hours to deliberate.
Bravo
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When the judges really can't decide, they sometimes turn to their cameraman for help.
A camera operator they call "T-Bone" is the secret fifth judge.
Bravo
The contestants are cut off from the outside world during filming.
The contestants get their bags checked.
Bravo
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Even though the chefs are making incredible dishes throughout the competition, they tend to eat pretty terribly themselves.
Some chefs resort to eating instant ramen throughout filming.
Bravo
One judge likes when the contestants challenge them during the judges' table.
Tom Colicchio appreciates when the chefs fight for their dishes.
Bravo
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Several contestants agreed that the meat challenge is among the hardest.
Time is very limited in the meat challenge on "Top Chef."
Bravo
Fans aren't imagining all the product placement on "Top Chef."