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  • Time Magazine International Edition

    TURNING POINTS IN OUR LIVES

    Jun 11, 2022 5 minutes

    PADMA LAKSHMI

    TV host, producer, author

    In 2005, I was working on my second cookbook, called Tangy, Tart, Hot, and Sweet. I had hosted a couple of programs on the Food Network, but I was mostly making a living by acting and writing columns for the New York Times syndicate and fashion magazines. I had pitched a concept to Bravo about a dinner-party talk show, but the network felt my idea was too niche and highbrow. They wanted something with mass appeal in food and asked if I’d like to partner with them on that. It was Top Chef.

    I HAD INTENDED A LIFE IN THE THEATER, BUT THROUGH TOP CHEF I GET TO PLAY ON THE WORLD’S STAGE

    Because I was contracted to act in a film, I couldn’t join until the second season. I never imagined it would become a cultural behemoth, still going strong after 16 years is not just a part of pop culture. It has changed food culture around the world. My greatest pleasure has been seeing how engaged so many young people are with the culinary arts today. Tweens routinely come up to me to quiz me with culinary terms I didn’t even know the meaning of when I was their age. After 16 years, our show continues to amaze with its staying power. It airs in 176 territories, and 23 countries have produced their own local versions. ’s legacy is something I will always be proud to be a part of.

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