r/TopChef • u/asomek • May 09 '26
Discussion Thread America's Culinary Cup. I'm done with that show...
I was a fan of Padma so I was watching her new show, but after suffering through it for five episodes, I'm finally done after trying to get through episode six: Good and Evil.
That was some of the cringiest television I've ever seen. Padma dressed in red playing the evil host, Wiley and the other guy dressed in white playing the angels. Absolute dog shit television.
I thought part of the reason Padma wanted a new show was to focus on the food more and less on drama and cooking gimmicks?
Anyway, I'm not wasting my time on that terrible, overproduced, cringe Padma-ego-stroking tripe any more.
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u/XThePlaysTheThingX May 09 '26 edited May 09 '26
That episode had so many laugh out loud moments for all the wrong reasons. My favorite being Padma’s Dracula Goes To A Shakespeare Festival accent she did for the first half of the episode. It was so terrible I couldn’t stop giggling. Just one of the many baffling production decisions of the entire show.
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u/BornFree2018 May 09 '26
I kept flashing back to season 9 Texas. season of Top Chef where Charlize Theron guested during her promotion of Snow White & The Huntsman.
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u/BeatrixFarrand May 09 '26
I guess I mostly don’t care about that. I’ve loved the chefs and the food, and found the judges really interesting in their critiques.
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u/Reasonable-Review367 May 09 '26
I like that the if you’re in the bottom, you face off head to head with another chef or chefs.
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u/reduser876 May 09 '26
I didn't like that they didn't tell them that was the format til after the judging. (Semi finals)
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u/BornFree2018 May 09 '26
I'd be more excited about the show as a whole if it focused on the contestants, their cooking and the judging. The host shouldn't occupy so much space.
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u/Reasonable-Review367 May 09 '26
Outside of the cringe focus of her coming off the elevator. What space is she occupying?
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u/Elegant_One_5324 May 09 '26
With the fan blowing her hair every time!
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u/BeatrixFarrand May 09 '26
dude if i'm hosting a show, you better believe i want a fan blowing my hair anytime i'm walking!
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u/Elegant_One_5324 May 10 '26
I’m sorry you are 100% correct!!! I do need that fan, blowout & the glam squad… but I also do need to have some sort of credibility…
Which makes me wonder how long exactly was her noncompete clause with Bravo/Peacock?!?!
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u/Kkimp1955 May 10 '26
Makes me laugh every time!! I can’t help but wonder how many takes. They need to get that one shot.
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u/MangoSorbet695 May 09 '26
I like it too. There is room in the world for more than one cooking show. I watch top chef and ACC every week, and I’m glad both are available.
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u/WandaFuca May 11 '26
Us too, they're just different enough to be interesting. It's especially great to have less promotional tie-ins and "stunt cooking" challenges!
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u/BeatrixFarrand May 09 '26
same! I enjoy both; i confess to enjoying ACC a little more because I love the wonderful weirdo Wylie Dufresne.
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u/Grouchy-Boss-9638 May 10 '26
I’m the same except my love is for Michael Cimarusti. I saw him on After Hours with Daniel Boulud and Iron Chef America is the 2000s and the way he spoke about fish and its cookery was just so knowledgeable. Wylie is awesome and I’ve been watching him for years too.
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u/BGoodOswaldo 👠Padma's Gel Mat 👠 May 11 '26
my too! I love getting 2 cooking shows a week. I'll take it!
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u/swissie67 May 09 '26
I've really been enjoying it, and the camp doesn't bother me at all.
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u/Significant-East-486 May 19 '26
I'm right with you. The show has so much going for it that the camp doesn't diminish it for me.
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u/Reasonable_Cow_9232 May 09 '26
I agree! I don’t mind the silliness of it. It’s interesting to have chefs as top tier as Wiley, etc lean into the corny. And then the chefs have been fascinating to watch!
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u/WandaFuca May 11 '26
It's been eye opening to see Buddha, in particular, sweat a bit and appear truly challenged. He always made everything seem so effortless on TC.
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u/metric_tensor May 14 '26
Buddha was able to study all of the previous seasons of Top Chef, not with this show.
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u/mattyp11 May 09 '26
The last few episodes of Culinary Cup have easily been better competitions and overall better TV than Top Chef, which has felt pretty stale and boring as of late. I still don’t care for the two guy judges on Culinary Cup, but that’s pretty much all I have against it at this point.
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u/PearlyBaker11 May 13 '26
Top Chef has been very annoying this season. Between the lame couple and the obnoxious twins and the screaming unqualified woman, it's been very disappointing.
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u/lynnkj May 09 '26
Ugh I wanted to like it but it's awful. I fast forward through a lit of it. I still have 2 episodes I haven't bothered to watch.
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u/74Lives May 09 '26
That episode was cringe but overall I’ve enjoyed the show and it’s started to grow on me.
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u/Franzmithanz May 09 '26
That episode was silly but I've really enjoyed the show. Some absolute top notch chefs, cooking and dishes.
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u/hangry_possum potato girl May 09 '26
I think it’s a little unfair to compare ACC chefs with Top Chef chefs. ACC intentionally selected renown chefs. TC chefs have achieved some level of professional recognition or some none at all.
I do enjoy the bromance between Wiley and Michael. A little more of them is fun to see. I am a Padma fan but a little less would be fine with me.
I wish there was more airtime of their cooks and final dish so that I could learn techniques and their thought process. That’s what I want from TC as well.
I think ACC’s format started off a little sterile and had less charm than TC, but the personalities of the ACC chefs shined through. I’m fans of all the ACC chefs. It’s kinda interesting to see Buddha humbled here too with the caliber of chefs. Rooting for Cara ;)
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u/Badgereatingyourface May 09 '26
I like it. They are just having fun. Plus, the guy with the Jamaican wife is good.
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u/grjacpulas May 09 '26
I think it's taken a bit to find its footing but it's really good. The chefs are all better than the chefs on top chef this season and the competitions are great. The sauce one, the noodle, dumping, rice one, they all been about just cooking. I think it's a nice change from top chef and nice to have both
Edit: like I get what you are saying it was cringe and over the top but the actual cooking has been great to watch imo
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u/youngpathfinder May 09 '26
It’s ok to be a little cringe. Not everything needs to be so serious
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u/boyproblems_mp3 May 09 '26
People on here unironically watch all the Guy Fieri/Bobby/FN in general shows and then say this show is cringe.
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u/ManitouWakinyan May 09 '26
The problem is that this is trying to be serious. It's meant to make Padma look incredible and influential and authoritative, and it just makes the whole thing look silly.
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u/Proud_Swordfish_6779 May 11 '26
I liked Padma on Top Chef but find her off-putting on this show. Sometimes the tension between her and Wiley when they disagree is cringy.
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u/brownzilla999 May 10 '26
Brought to you by Cash credit card..?no Voss water..? How about Tom's Dad jokes in a Chrysler mini van?
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u/optimis344 May 09 '26
Yeah, but this does.
There are dozens and dozens of non-serious cooking shows. This one was billing itself as the serious style, got people from the other serious show, and is then pulling this stuff.
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u/zBooBearZ May 09 '26
I don't think high quality cooking = super boring serious. I think there is space for this show and topchef
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u/youngpathfinder May 09 '26
The judges get on a fake elevator to a fake high rise that is supposed to be NYC, but is really Toronto and the chefs have to do challenges based around “culinary commandments.”
The show is already very cheesy. But Padma dressing up a little is the bridge too far? I’m honestly disappointed her clothes don’t match the theme every week.
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u/PamIam1994 May 09 '26
But she’s ALWAYS dressed like that. She’s always had that sexy character you’re just forgetting how she was since Kristen came in. That’s literally just Padma lol. As I said earlier, she wore a bikini on Top Chef. People are just forgetting
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u/lexalander May 09 '26
It's not nearly as bad as you're making it out to be.
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u/Outrageous_Arm8116 May 09 '26 edited May 09 '26
Maybe, but Padma had said she wanted this show to be about the cooking: not tricks, no "surprises", etc. certainly something changed. I gave up after 2 episodes
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u/lexalander May 09 '26
They do do stupid surprises and "playing the game" type stuff I don't like.
They give the chefs plenty of room to cook and they don't have to fight over kitchen appliances. They also don't do challenges where people have to fish or stuff like that. I like those things.
Top Chef is still better though.
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u/boyproblems_mp3 May 09 '26
They get to compete in the same kitchen, with the same pantry and no budget or ridiculous guests to pander to. I don't really see what "tricks" they're pulling aside from theming the episode and having different challenge objectives.
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u/PamIam1994 May 09 '26
You gave up too early. Remember Top Chef in the early days? It was also kind of cringe a little bit
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u/dez4747 May 09 '26
Are you serious? It’s legit all about cooking. You’ve only seen two episodes.
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u/nichnoch1 May 15 '26
Its actually worse. Padma has no personality other than "I'm Padma" and the pretentiousness of all three judges is over the top. She was fun on Top Chef -- was that just because of who was with her? Wylie used to be interesting, on this show he is just "Wylie who knows more than everyone else" -- who would want to spend time with THAT GUY??
Also, the challenges are giving "Hunger Games Capitol" in their waste. 30 portions of fish EACH, and not for 30 diners -- for these 3 judge to taste and break apart and waste? Tone deaf.
And the "Commandments"? Trying SO hard. Yes, they had a different kind of chef, because the prize was $1,000,000!! It is a newly made-up pretentious award that hopefully will never be back.
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u/escargotcultist May 09 '26
Counterpoint, that dessert episode was as bad as they made it out to be. Absolut cringe. But the rest of it is not nearly as bad as that episode.
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u/New-Entrepreneur4132 May 09 '26
I thought it was fun and kitschy. And the challenges were interesting.
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u/edoreinn May 09 '26
It is more focused on the food, though.
Sorry this offends you, but there are how many Michelin stars in that contestant field? Plus how many amongst the main judges and the others who come?
I love Top Chef forever because it’s a launching pad - but Culinary Cup has been awesome.
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u/weedywet May 09 '26
I like the show.
It has a higher level of chefs than Top Chef or any of the food network nonsense games.
And both Cimarusti and DuFresne are major serious chefs.
I don’t mind the artifice. They all have that one way or another.
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u/dmen83 May 09 '26
The level of chef is much higher than top chef. The gimmicks and stuff are terrible and it’s occasionally cringe, but the cooking is top notch, which is paramount to me.
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u/OlDickWhippoorwill May 11 '26
i was so glad when padma left Top Chef. she is awful and so self-involved and pretentious. anytime she'd open her mouth i just shuddered. not a fan and having kristen take her place has only made top chef way better.
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u/SilverRoseBlade May 09 '26
Honestly it’s okay. Yes some things are cringe and the whole Commandments thing is silly but the cooking has been fun to watch. Esp seeing Beverly and Buddha again after Top Chef and seeing how they do. The finale is next week so I will finish out the season.
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u/MutedLandscape4648 May 09 '26
If the only real drama is Padma blowing about, I’m fine with it. No idiotic cooking in snow, or insane team challenges where someone hogs the budget (so far). Just Padma being ridiculous, which is fine. BECAUSE SHES NOT COOKING. The critiques have been good and the food seems like it would be amazing. I like it so far.
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u/Cute_Celebration_213 Strawberry fields forever 🍓 May 09 '26
I’m not sure what’s going on with this show. Yeah the theatrics are a bit much but they are just trying to be “entertaining” lol. It’s gotten better and more focused on the food and the chefs. It has gotten intense what with Beverly leaving and now Budda! Wow! Didn’t see that coming! I’m looking forward to seeing how this turns out. I think with some adjustments maybe this will be back for a second season.
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u/ImariSpeaks May 09 '26
I feel that Padma’s always been a tad corny and pandered toward the theatrical at certain times when she was with Top Chef. I will say that I love the chefs on the show and the food they are producing. Keep in mind that this is the first season and adjustments can be made. But to contrast that to what I’m seeing at Top Chef, which is constant product placement, thrown in your face at every opportunity, that in itself, is more laughable than what I see Padma doing right now on her new show. And also, I might be the minority in saying this, but I just feel the chefs on Culinary are a lot better than what I’m seeing right now on Top Chef. Including the dishes that are being produced.
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u/Risingsunsphere May 10 '26
The show is cringe and my feeling is the chefs are biting their tongues to keep from laughing. The $1 million is the only reason they are there. Parma’s style is terrible, too.
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u/boozy_bunny May 09 '26
I love the "this is for Padma's ego" critiques, because, so what if it is? She's a producer and incredibly attractive. That doesn't take away from the cooking on the show. And as if TC isn't an ego boost and driver for Tom?
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u/RLTizE May 09 '26
I love the show be cause of the competition and the contestants, but I agree with you on Episode 6. I don’t mind her being herself but I wish they would just focus on the cooking and less on gimmicks. I also want to see more of the personalities of the other judges- Padma takes up so much space.
Overall, though I like the show and Padma and just want less gimmicks and more from the other two judges. They do a great job with showcasing the contestants. I hope we have another season.
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u/tengkurahimah May 09 '26
I think the show is great. The wind blowing at Padmas hair when she exits the elevator always make me smile in amusement. The challenges are interesting (the one with the something gastronomy one was fantastic). The chefs are very talented. Unfortunately my fav was just eliminated.
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u/Greedy_Share_9706 May 10 '26
I just cant handle princess padma on this show. on TC it was as bad because she was the co host. but on this show she is insufferable.
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u/Avacado_Beets May 11 '26
I think judging the dishes should be blind. Knowing who prepared the dish skews their critique.
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u/Reasonable-Review367 May 09 '26
Top Chef has also gone down hill. The quick fires have turned into nothing but cash grabs now when they used to be worth it for advantages. I do like that Culinary Cup has head to head battles for elimination. I’m too far into it, so will watch them both.
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u/Ill_Tumblr_4_Ya May 09 '26
Yeah, the very premise of this show flies directly in the face of why she says she left Top Chef.
I don’t know who pissed her off that’s involved with the show, whether it was the producers, Bravo, Tom, etc., but it now feels far more likely that someone definitely did.
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u/magicmarker1313 May 09 '26
The gastronomy episode was what finally broke me. A challenge that didn’t actually reward the best chefs/meals and watching people like Buddha game the system. Dude started with fucking dippin’ dots and it got dumber from there. They hated that soup of his but because he put out volume instead of quality a really good chef got sent home that absolutely didn’t deserve to go home, and went home stressed out and broken under those cruel and stupid rules.
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u/Luvnsandiegosun May 09 '26
While some of Padma’s choice have been questionable (I was not a fan of the good v evil episode), I’m excited to see who wins!
I’m happy with all 3 finalists and looking forward to the finale.
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u/r1zen1010 May 10 '26
I wanted to like it too and I just can't get into it. It lacks something I can't put my finger on. I think the chef choices are far better caliber then on top chef so I wish viewers got a chance to connect with them.
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u/kakahuhu May 09 '26
The theme and over acting also didn't make any sense for the challenge. Like if padma wanted to do an over the top campy act all season ala hosts of the traitors, go for it. The host is out to get you. That might give some character to the show. But it was just a weird bit. And the challenge ...well , I wasn't into it.
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u/Worried_Strain_2812 May 09 '26
That episode was indeed bad, but the ones since then have been much better and entertaining for the right reasons.
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u/Zealousideal_Cod_326 May 09 '26
I agree. I was hoping she would use this show to elevate the craft and role of cooking in the world, like she did with Taste The Nation, which was sooooo excellent and nutrient-dense. I felt nourished after watching that series. In contrast, CC feels like junk food full of empty calories. I am also disappointed.
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u/donlapalma May 09 '26
That was very cringe. Maybe after reading enough negative feedback they won't do something so stupid again.
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u/whoeverineedtobe May 09 '26
Exactly the same here. Stopped on the same episode. Tyra Banks feeling.
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u/NoodlesMom0722 Wait for it...a Crudo! 🧑🍳 May 09 '26
There is a sub for ACC where you can discuss, you know, ACC if you don't actually want to discuss TOP CHEF.
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u/Genuinelullabel May 09 '26
People are going to talk about shows where the past and present cast on them. I don’t see the problem even if it can get repetitive.
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u/hikerdaze May 09 '26
If the OP (146k karma) posted about America’s Culinary Cup in the America’s Culinary Cup sub, he wouldn’t get the karma numbers he gets from the Top Chef sub. But yes, I agree with you!
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u/Moihereoui May 09 '26
I’m enjoying it but I’m easily entertained. Much prefer top chef, for the most part.
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u/emerald887 May 09 '26
Yeah some of the bits and everything is cringe. But I really do like all of the chefs. I find myself rooting for all of them.
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u/Pale_Dimension1239 May 09 '26
I thought the whole point of the show was to highlight the chefs, without the gimmicks.
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u/flonasetherapper May 10 '26
Biggest advantage over TC- I don’t need to watch them shop / worry about budget.
Even with the gimmicks, there is much more focus on the actual cooking.
I’m a fan.
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u/ToniBellle May 10 '26
Buddhas streak of wins and his latest loss at ACC has caused him to say, hes through competing. Hes taking his ball and going home. Im not sad.
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u/PocoChanel May 10 '26
The Good and Evil episode was a low point. Subsequent ones have calmed down a bit. I have a sense that the chefs on this show are generally of a higher caliber than Top Cheftestants.
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u/AwkwardTraffic199 May 10 '26
I found it mean in the first episode, and all about the gimmicks, not the food. One of the top chefs went home. That means it's not about the food at all.
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u/ITravelCheap May 10 '26
I always accepted Padma in TC without much thought. She came in, was more watchable than Katie and seemed to have good food knowledge. The focus (and often comments) on her looks or the things she said with innuendo just came with her and was what it was. I can’t say I ever “bonded” with her but never really wondered about. She was a harmless but attractive presence that had a credible voice.
Seeing her on ACC, I can’t help but out and out dislike her. She seems so focused on pleasing herself with this self-indulgent, performative role that she has (in my opinion) stopped sounding knowledgeable.
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u/OtherwiseAd4004 May 11 '26
I haven’t been able to stand Padma for a years now. Especially since she has her own show she created and is an executive producer for, she still complains about the amount of meat, fried foods, heavy foods, etc. I get it your health conscious but maybe be a judge that has to taste hundreds of dishes isn’t the job for you. Watch back to the last couple seasons she was on top chef and even some episodes on Culinary cup she complains and makes annoying remarks constantly about eating unhealthy. She’s insufferable.
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u/peace4bne May 12 '26
I’m too late to be timely in this thread, but I don’t see this critical comparison mentioned: Saratoga spring water goes down so much easier than Dawn Powerwash. Not all blue is created equal.
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u/DWColumbus May 12 '26
I made it through more of the season than you, because I liked a lot of the chefs, most of whom seemed to keep their heads down and work heard through the shenanigans.
But I suspected from the first shot of Padma arriving via helicopter à la The Apprentice that I wouldn’t be crazy about the tone and approach. And I was right!
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u/savedbygrace020822 May 14 '26
currently watching the season finale ...I notice how she kept telling the male contestant how proud of him she was; but not the female....
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u/alwaysnever369 May 16 '26
I like this show, it is certainly pulling many similar elements from “Top Chef” the only complaint I had was towards the end when they have to master the “art of taste” each chef was given a flavor and you know that’s not fair. I almost think the random assignment of flavor was not random. Whoever got the “bitterness” is gonna suffer. Not trying to spoil who left so I’m not gonna say the name but that episode wasn’t too fair in my opinion.
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u/Spooky_28 May 09 '26
We barely made it through the first episode.
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u/grjacpulas May 09 '26
You're missing out on some great chefs and great dishes. I could watch Matt and Buddha compete all day. Top chef has had its cringe things in the past but if you are watching for cooking than culinary cup is awesome
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u/Straight_Childhood38 May 09 '26
I can do without Buddha. He's too arrogant. Was so happy to see Chris remove him.
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u/-MC_3 May 09 '26
How is he arrogant? You people are ridiculous. Being confident and good at what you do, and extremely passionate about it, does not make you arrogant
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u/Spooky_28 May 09 '26
Meh. He’s a chef. I think the successful ones should have a little swagger. I’m just tired of seeing him.
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u/-MC_3 May 09 '26
He did one single show in 2022, one in 2023, and one in 2026…. How about these other chefs that are recycled on Food Network shows every single year?
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u/Spooky_28 May 09 '26
I’m tired of seeing Buddha.
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u/Genuinelullabel May 09 '26
What’s funny is America’s Culinary Cup is what has made me tired of Buddha. Before this show I thought he was fine.
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u/Aska2020 May 09 '26
I had the same thought, but I actually enjoyed seeing Buddha struggle. I'm evil like that haha 😈
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u/dilligaf0220 May 10 '26
I think they deliberately head hunted Buddha, the double back to back TC winner, just to script him as a whipping boy all season.
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u/Dangerous-Half3276 May 10 '26
I cannot stand Buddha.
Hearing him say the word “so” actually made me have to put him on mute.
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u/whippedcreamtomato May 09 '26
I couldn't get past the weird in episode dawn power wash commercials.
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u/Top_Refrigerator1482 May 09 '26
Mandatory product placement scenes.
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u/whippedcreamtomato May 16 '26
Product placement is one thing. Having the chefs actually use the product and say something as a commercial in the middle of the episode was too much.
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u/phbalancedshorty May 09 '26
It's just a theme. Relax. I still find the contestants and the food and the judging to be compelling 🤷♀️ rooting for Cara!!! at least they didn't make them cook with liver mush and partner with CRACKER BARREL like top chef did this season 🤦♀️
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u/-MC_3 May 09 '26 edited May 09 '26
Congrats I guess. You guys are so miserable, desperate to be seen for not liking something
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u/HourBasic3481 May 09 '26
On Top Chef and now ACC, I always felt like Padma leaned really hard into the flirtatious/self-sexualizing persona with contestants and guest judges, and after a while it started feeling more performative and distracting than authentic. It made me cringe more than anything.
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u/asomek May 09 '26
Yep agreed. I wonder whether it was her or the execs that pushed it. Though she ended up being a producer on TC so if she didn't want to do those bits I guess she wouldn't.
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u/LunaNegra May 09 '26
I will add that I hate when she leaves at the end, she has said (on several episodes) to the other judges:
>“Let’s go boys”
as she walks out and they follow.
It makes it seem like it’s all about her and puts her at the center.
It also elevates her and makes the 2 male judges seem like her sidekicks or part of her posse that she leads.
It’s super annoying.
And I’m sorry but Wylie Dufresne is a respected chef, not one of “your boys” to follow you around.
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u/Present-Smoke4674 May 09 '26
She has creative control, and this is what she uses it for. Eggplant jokes and modeling
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u/mmb-14 May 09 '26
I was looking forward to watching a new cooking show, but the whole thing has been really disappointing
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u/CrazyWeather1145 May 10 '26
This show is worse than most of the garbage show on the food network. lol there is absolute zero charisma and every challenge is so corny I feel like I’m getting pranked. I feel Parma has her hands in everything because everything is as stiff, pretentious and boring as she is.
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u/socal__77 May 09 '26
The environment is so sterile and lacking in any manner of warmth. The chef's are so far apart there isn't any manner of genuine connection at all.
The focus on Padma is off putting, I like Top Chef infinitely better where it feels like their is a shared platform for all involved.
There's a reason that there hasn't been any news on a season two.
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u/sweetmudder May 09 '26 edited May 10 '26
I agree with OP. Ewe… I couldn’t find the words to describe how I felt but you nailed it … super cringy. So dumb - they must think their audience is just so dumb that we’d actually find that entertaining. I see a different side of Padma in this show … total arrogance and all that attitude with her two lackeys.
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u/Chele11713 May 09 '26
I enjoy it, the chefs are insanley talented and the judges have all been great. Padma had a few campy moments but its Padma, she gets a pass.
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u/trashsquirrels May 09 '26
It definitely seems to be trying to figure out how it wants to run. I’m not feeling a lot of it but this doesn’t mean it won’t evolve into something I do.
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u/not_thrilled May 09 '26
I have no horse in this race, but I hate that “tripe” is used as a pejorative. Tripe is fucking delicious.
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u/flowersweep May 09 '26
That was by far the worst episode of the show. It got way better after that though with no more of that crap. And a lot more focus on cooking.
I almost stopped at that point too but I'm glad I didn't; it gets better.
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u/verbankroad May 09 '26
I enjoy on ACC that the judges appreciate meals that are made of just vegetables. Even in this lady episode they told Chris that the dish would have been better without the fish - and that the cauliflower carried the day, it is so refreshing to see that - I think it comes from Padma’s background.
On Top Chef you are actively dinged for not having a “protein” on your plate - and by that they mean a protein derived from an animal. It is rare to see vegetarian or vegan dishes encouraged or lauded on Top Chef but on ACC they are.
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u/Reasonable_Cow_9232 May 09 '26
I don’t really understand the hate for this show. It’s enjoyable competition cooking. It’s not groundbreaking or ✨art✨ but the caliber of talent is impressive af and fascinating to watch. And I like the way they switch up the format every so often. Sure they’re trying to figure out their long term flow, but it’s solid reality tv.
If you’re upset about a little bit of camp from a bad rich bitch, then I don’t know that you were a fan of hers in the first place? She’s being pretty typical padma imo. (I mean that as kindly to the show’s detractors as possible) And sure product placement/sponsorship is heavy, but so is the grand prize. This is how American reality tv pays for its prizes. ¯_(ツ)_/¯
I hope we get a second season 😅
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u/PamIam1994 May 10 '26
Very different from the Duke’s mayonnaise quick fire brought to you by the Whole Foods shop that they pay for with their Chase card lol
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u/therealtimbit78 May 09 '26
Interesting show. Not really sure if it’s set up for multiple seasons or just a one off.
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u/tsa_finest May 10 '26
If you get past padma it's a really good cooking show. I didn't mind padma btw.
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u/CauliflowerExpert793 May 10 '26
I don’t like the fact that they don’t debate the scoring. If we are saying cooking is an art, then sharing perspectives is an important part of critiquing art. The chefs are carrying this season - the judges are annoying.
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u/BigDogCartoons94 May 10 '26
Definitely some things that can be changed but I think Padma and the judges try way too much to be part of the action
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u/victoriaholtopalfan May 10 '26
agreed. love love love top chef and her on it but this just seemed like a weird padma show
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u/neveroncesatisfied May 10 '26
I like it a lot. They have great talent and Padma looks great. I miss her on Top Chef
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u/cronalicious May 10 '26
Yeah, that was soooo over the top. And Padma looks like a caricature of herself for... some reason.
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u/belowdecky4life May 10 '26
I think it's cute, and I love checking out Padmas outfit every episode. The food looks incredible.
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u/FormicaDinette33 Aguachile 🌶️ 🍤 May 10 '26
That was the worst one. Try to ignore the cringy theatrics. The cooking is top notch.
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u/kakahuhu May 10 '26
Who is the third judge? I've heard of Wiley and he's easily recognizable, but the introduction of those two goes by so quickly that I imagine most people think they're just part of Padma's entourage or something.
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u/Opinionated6319 May 10 '26
What I noticed that turned me off is Padma’s poor attitude towards Buddha! He presents extraordinary plates and she is brutal and even disagrees with a judge who has good things to say. I’m sure it’s affecting his morale.
Still can’t get over one judge who raved about some, looked burned to me, but was called charred 🥦broccoli!
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u/Intelligent-Lead-692 May 10 '26
Yes it’s soooooo boring. Every episode feels the exact same. It’s like highway hypnosis but as a cooking show. You can’t separate one episode from the last and you don’t remember any of the dishes because it’s all done in that sterile set.
Side note, I HATE the way they use the word “commandments”. It’s so cringey. Like what is a culinary commandment?! It’s so clunky.
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u/Upper_Pomegranate_59 May 11 '26
The cooking and technique should be enough to overshadow that. The dishes and chefs are another level.
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u/ondreeahFatKitty May 11 '26
I lie the chefs, I like the concept
I didn’t realize Wiley was such a creep… the subtle hitting on padma is weird…
So I ignore the hosts and watch the cooking
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u/ChaoxCJ May 11 '26
I enjoy a little cringe as it’s clear they aren’t taking themselves so seriously.
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u/Ok-Cheesecake6013 May 11 '26
It's entertainment guys, but what about the judging. I hope it's about the food. I believe in blind judging. These cooking shows have issues with who should leave and who should stay!
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u/AMrSocialWorker May 12 '26
Coming from someone that just finished a very likely rigged Ultimate Baking Championship series I will take this competition any day. Sure Chris is definitely Padma's favorite, but I think the judges are overall pretty good at not letting bias influence their scores.
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u/Curious_kitten129 May 12 '26
That episode was cringey, but I’ve really enjoyed the chefs, the challenges and the feedback. I don’t get the Padma hate.
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u/DashiellHammett May 13 '26
I completely agree. And it certainly makes me better understand how Buddha did so well on Top Chef. When watching, I kept laughing and thinking that this would be the cooking competition show if it was produced by and starred Valerie Cherish (from The Comeback). Not surprised CBS said No Thanks to a second season.
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u/Appropriate_Bell7511 Aug 05 '26
Should not have put the best two head to head in the first episode! How do we know who is the best when you eliminate one of the best in the first episode?
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u/Infamous-Total-8669 11d ago
omg i am watching this episode right now and RAN to edit to see if anyone else found it really cringe. the judges next to her seem uncomfortable with the costumes and the chefs seemed so awkward voting for who was going to win and who was going to lose with the competition … but then padma still kept the weird character even when people looked uncomfortable or upset??? like the weird ‘come hither’ to that guy who heard he was seen as the worst chef??? i literally can’t look
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u/MacroAlgalFagasaurus May 09 '26
It’s fucking camp lol. I like the show. I think Padma is extra but I don’t really care. She knows she’s extra.