Top Chef’s Judges Hints at ‘Very Canadian’ Season 22 With a New Rule to Challenge Chefs (Exclusive)
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Top Chef is making its way to Canada for its 22nd season, and native Torontonian, Gail Simmons, is thrilled to have the show in her home country. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Simmons, along with long-time judge Tom Colicchio and host Kristen Kish, shared insights into what viewers can expect from the upcoming season, which premieres on Bravo on Thursday, March 13.
Describing the new season as “very Canadian”, Simmons mentioned the unique experience of having her Top Chef family alongside her real family, including her brother, parents, and kids, all gathered in one place. Reflecting on the vibrant food scene in Toronto, where most of the season was filmed, Simmons noted the city’s growth, diversity, and warm welcome to the show, giving it a fresh new vibe.
While the trailer teased references to the iconic Canadian dish, poutine, the judges revealed that it only made an appearance in one Quickfire Challenge. Both Colicchio and Simmons shared their thoughts on the dish, with Simmons acknowledging its status as a Canadian staple that often garners more attention outside of Canada.
As the culinary competition heads north for the first time, Kish returns for her second season as the show’s host. Drawing from her experience as a former winner on season 10, Kish expressed a newfound confidence in her role, highlighting the transition from feeling initial pressure to settling into her job with ease.
One of the key changes this season is a new rule introduced by Bravo for the fan-favourite Restaurant Wars challenge. This rule is aimed at challenging the chefs by putting restrictions on overused concepts, aiming to push them out of their comfort zones and encourage more creativity and collaboration within teams.
The judges were impressed by the exceptional talent of the 15 competing chefs, noting their unique individuality and consistency in staying true to their culinary styles throughout the season. Kish praised the chefs for their clear vision, purpose, and storytelling ability when presenting their dishes, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for viewers.
Colicchio and Simmons highlighted the importance of changing locations each season to keep the show fresh and engaging. They emphasised how the backdrop of each location informs the challenges, ingredients, and cultural influences, making each season a deep dive into the food and traditions of that particular place.
As Top Chef continues to evolve after nearly two decades on air, the judges credit its success to the ever-changing locations that bring new perspectives, challenges, and cultural experiences to the competition. With the upcoming season set in Canada, viewers can look forward to a unique culinary journey through the Great White North.
In conclusion, the upcoming season of Top Chef promises to deliver a fresh, Canadian twist to the beloved culinary competition, with new challenges, exceptional talent, and a celebration of Canada’s diverse and vibrant food scene. Make sure to tune in to Bravo on March 13 to catch all the action as the chefs push their limits and showcase their culinary skills in this exciting Canadian edition of Top Chef.