What Has Kwame Onwuachi Been Up to Since Top Chef Season 13?
The former Chef-testant is working on two restaurants and competing in the NBA's 2024 All-Star Celebrity Game.
When 26-year-old Kwame Onwuachi appeared during Season 13 of Top Chef in 2015, he was one of the two youngest cooking professionals in the game that year — which didn't stop him from making it far in the competition and thoroughly impressing judges.
"Ten years ago I was a 16-year-old kid in the Bronx, getting in trouble in school. I didn't know where I wanted to go in life," shared Kwame during Season 13, Episode 1. "Ten years, later, I'm about to start my own restaurant and I'm on Top Chef. In my wildest dreams I could never have thought that I would be here."
Nowadays, the Bravo alum is a highly sought-after chef, a published author, and a James Beard Award winner. In February 2024, it was even announced that Kwame would compete in the NBA's 2024 All-Star Celebrity Game.
"As a kid from NYC, participating in this game is a dream! Basketball culture is ever-present in New York — that competitive spirit, hustle, and heart is part of who we are. Being the only New York chef there is an honor. It's a testament to never putting limits on yourself," the chef told The Daily Dish. "It's all about passion and pushing boundaries, from late nights in the kitchen to the All-Star stage."
So, what has Kwame been up to since he first graced our screens? Keep scrolling to read all about the talented food professional.
Who is Kwame Onwuachi from Top Chef Season 13?
New York-born Chef Kwame is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, and author. He first appeared on Top Chef as a contestant in Season 13.
Since then, he's come back to the show multiple times as a guest judge, including by making a cameo on Season 21.
What is chef Kwame Onwuachi doing today?
Kwame is the chef and owner of Tatiana, an acclaimed restaurant in New York City's Lincoln Center. Named after and inspired by his older sister, Tatiana, the Kwame describes his cuisine there as "inspired by his Afro-Caribbean-by-way-of-the-Bronx heritage."
Though Tatiana only first opened in November 2022, Kwame is already looking ahead to his next projects.
"Besides the All-Star game and the new season of Top Chef, I'm looking forward to opening my new restaurant, Dōgon, in D.C.," Kwame told The Daily Dish. "Plus, I've always got new projects on the horizon — it will definitely be an exciting year ahead."
Kwame's new restaurant will honor "the West African lineage that helped draw the borders of the District of Columbia" and is slated for a spring 2024. (But read more about that below!)
Kwame also currently serves as Food & Wine's executive producer, helping to put on events like Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.
He also helms the Family Reunion, a culinary experience celebrating diversity in the industry, with BET co-founder Sheila Johnson’s Salamander Hotels & Resorts and Food & Wine.
What restaurants has chef Kwame Onwuachi owned?
Chef Kwame currently runs the Afro Caribbean-inspired Tatiana By Kwame Onwuachi in New York City, which was named The New York Times' Best New Restaurant in NYC in 2023. He's also set to open Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi in Washington D.C. in 2024.
"After yeearrrrs in the making I’m proud to announce my new restaurant, Dōgon, coming to Washington D.C. soon, honoring the legacy of the Dōgon tribe in Mali and their connection to the Capitol," he wrote via Instagram while announcing the spot in January 2024. "Benjamin Banneker was a descendant of this tribe who was hired to survey the city and create the borders. He used the stars as his guide, which was a skill of the Dōgon people."
"This restaurant will encompass all that makes D.C. special through an Afro Caribbean lens," he added. "Can’t wait for you all to come through these doors. It’s so so so so good to be back!"
He previously owned Kith/Kin at D.C.'s Wharf Intercontinental Hotel, and Shaw Bijou in D.C.
What awards has Kwame Onwuachi won?
As listed on his website, Chef Kwame's list of honors is mighty long. Besides being named one of Food & Wine's "Best New Chefs" and Esquire Magazine's "2019 Chef of the Year," he's been a "30 Under 30" honoree by both Zagat and Forbes.
He's also been featured on Time's "100 Next" list and has been named the "Most Important Chef in America" by the San Francisco Chronicle.
What books has Top Chef's Kwama Onwuachi written?
Kwame published his first memoir, Notes from a Young Black Chef, in 2019.
A companion cookbook, My America: Recipes from a Young Black Chef, was released in 2022.
The film rights to Notes from a Young Black Chef was acquired by the movie studio A24 in 2019.
What happened to Kwame Onwuachi on Top Chef Season 13?
Although he continuously impressed judges (his rock crab salad in Episode 3 was a highlight), Kwame only placed sixth in the Season 13 competition.
Kwamee was eliminated during Episode 12 when his store-bought waffles in a chicken and waffles dish failed to impress judges — they did, however, love the protein.
"The title of Top Chef means a lot, and I thought I had a chance at it. It really sucks going home like this," Kwame said after his elimination. "I just wanted to say that I've been cooking for like four, five years. I started as a waiter at [judge Tom Colicchio's] restaurant, Craft. When walking into that kitchen, it really showed me what cuisine can be. Before then I was just cooking with my mom. And I really appreciate, you know, everything."
"I came in here as one of the youngest chefs on the show and met so many influential chefs along the way and reached such a huge audience," he continued. "I feel this is just a stepping stone. I've come a long way is an understatement. I think I've done the impossible and I'm forever grateful for this experience. This is just the beginning."
With reporting by Jocelyn Vena.
