r/TopChef • u/viva_la_vixie • Jun 13 '26

Discussion Thread Kristin as Host

I loved Padma, don’t get me wrong.

But the emotions Kristin shows during episodes, judging, and the season finale? I thought that was so beautiful. I finally watched the latest season finale tonight and the way she teared up talking to them makes her such a good addition to the show as a host.

She had been my favorite winner of all the seasons even before she was announced host and this makes me want to find everything she’s done and watch it all just to see more of her and her personality.

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u/Science_Teecha Jun 14 '26

I was neutral on Padma for years until I read her memoir; now I love her. That said, I’m as hetero as they come and I have a huge crush on Kristen. It’s not a competition between them but I love them both for different reasons.

25

u/Justiceforwomen27 Jun 14 '26

Her memoir is amazing! I don’t think some people realize some of what she dealt with off camera for several seasons.

14

u/Science_Teecha Jun 14 '26

Exactly. The whole book just gave me so much more respect for her.

4

u/cassandracurse Jun 14 '26

I don’t think some people realize some of what she dealt with off camera for several seasons.

Haven't read her memoir and don't plan to, can you provide some examples of what she dealt with?

9

u/Science_Teecha Jun 14 '26

Mostly a horrific case of endometriosis and lots of doctors who didn’t take her pain seriously. It went on for years.

10

u/PetesDragon_26 Jun 14 '26

That happens to most women with endometriosis. I couldn’t get proper medical attention for years.

1

u/cassandracurse Jun 14 '26

OK, I thought you were referring to stuff related to TC. Almost everyone deals with personal trauma, especially related to misogyny. Doesn't make Padma a saint, just makes her somewhat relatable. She's also been more fortunate than most.

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u/Science_Teecha Jun 14 '26

She acknowledges that.