Padma Lakshmi Reveals the Hardest Thing She Had to Do During Top Chef 17
The Top Chef judge dished on some major moments from the upcoming season — and the one thing she found particularly difficult.
Season 17 of Top Chef is almost here and we can't wait to see what the all-star cheftestants bring to the table! Luckily, Padma Lakshmi and Tom Colicchio had a lot to share about their experience — the good and the bad. The judges broke down new details about Season 17, including the cast of 15 alum chefs from previous seasons and how far they've come in recent years.
In fact, there was one specific thing that actress, model, and food expert Padma had a hard time with during the season.
In the video above, Padma explains, "They're much more confident. And also, it's harder, I think for us. I mean, it doesn't change the criteria for judging at all, but these are people I've socialized with, I've seen them in professional settings. So, it feels extra sad to tell somebody that you respect and care about as a friend to pack their knives."
Clearly, Padma has gotten to know these all-star judges pretty well throughout the years and it pained her to say goodbye to any of them during the competition. Becoming friends with the cheftestants and having to send those friends home must made her job as Top Chef judge that much harder.
But of course, Tom knew just how to make light of things during the video, asking, "So, what you're saying is when someone is anonymous, it's easier to crush their dreams?"
"Yes, that's right! That's exactly what I'm saying," Padma laughs.
Check out the entire video above to find out what else Season 17 has to offer.
Want more of Top Chef? Season 17 premieres March 19 at 10/9c, or catch up up through the Bravo app.
