‘Top Chef’ Heads to Wisconsin with New Host Kristen Kish

If you’re a queer foodie or fan of the Bravo TV series Top Chef, then you’ll be happy to know that Kristen Kish will join as the host for Season 21, set to premiere on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.  Vacationer interviewed the out-and-proud chef two years ago and followed her appearance at Blue Apple Beach in Colombia and her National Geographic docuseries that debuted last year (2023), Restaurants at the End of the Earth.  

Well, now she’s making a return to Bravo where she won her Top Chef title on Season 10. The new season will serve up new flavors with head judge Tom Colicchio and perennial judge Gail Simmons at the judges’ table as they head to the Midwest to call Wisconsin for the new season!

The Emmy, James Beard, and Critics’ Choice Award-winning series, produced by Magical Elves, lands in the energetic culinary scenes of Milwaukee and Madison before embarking on a special high-seas finale aboard the award-winning cruise line Holland America Line. 

Kristen Kish takes the helm bringing a fresh perspective, new rules, and unexpected twists. A new batch of 15 talented, rising star chefs and James Beard nominees from across the country vie for the coveted title, bringing their unique skillsets, culinary heritage, and innovative flavors. Check out the chef-testants in the slideshow below!

Meet the chef-testants on Top Chef Season 21!

Season 21 of Top Chef premieres Wednesday, March 20 on Bravo with an entire season of supersized episodes every Wednesday night from 9 to 10:15 pm ET. Episodes will be available the next day on Peacock.  You can also follow Top Chef on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter).

And if you’re looking for a reason to visit Wisconsin, make sure you check out this article about two LGBTQ+ craft breweries in queer-friendly Madison, Wisconsin!