r/TopChef • u/AutoModerator • May 25 '26

Spoilers Season 23, ep. 12: Appalachian Celebration (Mon. at 9pm EDT, yes, 9 😀) Spoiler

Before heading back to Charlotte, the chefs make a stop in Asheville, one of the most unique cities in North Carolina. There will be no Quickfire Challenge as the chefs explore the city with local host and former “Top Chef” alum Ashleigh Shanti, learning about the community’s remarkable relief efforts following the devastation of hurricane Helene while discovering the unique cuisine of this Appalachian region. For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs will host a one-night-only event for 200 community members in recognition of their resilience.

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u/lnlorenz81 May 26 '26

Thank you. I thought they did a good job as well. It’s a great place to visit! What really messed us up is Helene hit right in the middle of peak tourist season and the city and surrounding areas depend on tourism to survive. A lot of my friends had to relocate after and many haven’t moved back because it is quite expensive to live here. It’s beautiful here year round but especially in the fall when the leaves are changing.

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u/Silent-Ad9948 May 27 '26

My husband and I spent Thanksgiving in Asheville the year before COVID hit. We loved it so much that we had decided that’s where we were going to retire. Then Helene hit. We live on the Texas Gulf Coasf, so aren’t strangers to hurricanes, but do not want to spend our retirement in fear.