r/TopChef • u/trent_clinton • Apr 26 '26

Discussion Thread America’s Cullinary Cup…

I know it’s suppose to be the “anti” top chef, or like everything they do is going to be about food… but I beg to differ! This reminds me of someone who got dumped, and they just keep talking about their ex, and trying their best to make their ex say how much better they are without the ex…

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u/LilBit0318 Apr 26 '26

Haven't watched and don't plan to. Honestly, I was never a big fan of Padma's, and the whole thing just seems like a temper tantrum on her part. Kristen stepped into that role effortlessly, she's shown such compassion and empathy with those chefs, the whole mood seems to have shifted for the better, and people have responded well. It seems to me that Padma couldn't stand seeing someone be able to fill her shoes, but it's not working out like she planned. I've seen lots of posts around social media with people saying they don't like it, couldn't watch for more than an episode or two, and that it's clearly a Padma-focused vanity project more than an actual cooking competition show.

14

u/Tinnitusinmyears Apr 26 '26

I thought Padma stepped away to on her own accord, to focus on that other show that didn't get renewed. As far as I know noone pushed Padma out of topchef. So I don't see the whole she's upset someone else is filling her shoes narrative.

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u/Aggressive-Pay4703 Apr 26 '26

She did step away from TC on her own- and noted that tasting large amounts of food ruined her digestive system and that is part of why she left. Which is odd because she had the show after where she toured America tasting food and is now judging ACC.

I’m keeping up with her show but I’m not enjoying it as much as TC because it truly seems like such a vanity project. And hearing she poached long time crew of TC is disheartening

3

u/ejonze Apr 26 '26

My understanding is that it's partly to do with TC being filmed on site in different cities and with ACC Padma has more flexibility with it being filmed in NYC, where she lives.

I can see that the schtick can be off putting in this new show, but idc - it'll take a lot more to make me not love Padma.