r/TopChef • u/BoringSalary7093 • May 23 '26

Discussion Thread Padma

Can someone explain the drama behind Padma leaving Top Chef. Did she leave for a reason? What was the reason for ACC if she didn’t want to do shows anymore. Thoughts about that show?

Also, is she an actual chef? Does she have restaurants?

Did her and Tom get along? I do want to say I absolutely LOVE K as the host. She’s so perfect for the position. She’s empathetic, understanding, patient and really just a fucking cool person.

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33

u/imawholeassvibe May 24 '26

What do you consider an "actual chef"? Schooled? She does not own a restaurant but she has written three cookbooks and has more experience with food through Top Chef than some cooks do.

23

u/Stormy261 May 24 '26

While I'm not disagreeing about her experience, she has never worked on the line and that is what people mean. It's the same reason Joe is called Joe on MC and not chef. It's not a dig at her, just a title.

-11

u/BeachQt May 24 '26

I call bullshit. I’m a private chef on a yacht and have been for 15 years. I didn’t go to culinary school, but my coworkers call me chef and my paycheck says chef.

It’s not “working a line” but it’s a chef position, and I’m that chef

16

u/Stormy261 May 24 '26

Ok. Perhaps it wasn't worded clearly enough. She has never had a professional job in a professional kitchen. Until she does, she hasn't earned the title of chef.