TOP CHEF judges declare their "Mount Rushmore of Chefs"

[WillTravelForFood]

The whole article is pretty interesting about how they go about judging Top Chef in general.

But... here's who Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons say are their "Mount Rushmore" from all the Cheftestants who've competed on the show so far. As you can tell, they both had trouble picking just four names and likely would have added more if they could.

From Tom, in no particular order:

• Paul Qui *
• Michael Voltaggio *
• Kristen Kish
• Melissa King
• Mei Lin
• Brooke Williamson *
• Buddha Lo

From Gail, in no particular order:

• Stephanie Izard *
• Kristen Kish
• Brooke Williamson *
• Mei Lin
• Melissa King
• Kelsey Barnard Clark

We've eaten food from names marked with *, and are working on getting to the others at some point (some are being planned for sooner than later).

One thing all the ones we have had, all have in common? Really, really good food and worth the effort to get it.

Source: https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/rea...ticle&p=352228

[Finster]

I'm out of the loop, I guess.
I've never heard of a single one of them...including the 2 people making the lists. 🤷♂️

[WillTravelForFood]

We'll assume you don't watch TOP CHEF (now in its 20th season).

Tom Colicchio founded Gramercy Tavern in NYC (with Danny Meyer) and runs a number of restaurants in NY, Vegas and elsewhere. Was sous-chef under Thomas Keller for a time. 5 time James Beard award winner. Generally well regarded in chef circles

Gail Simmons is primarily a food writer, has worked for Food & Wine magazine and has numerous other TV/book/magazine credits.

[WillTravelForFood]

As for the chefs named, the most well known may be Izard, Voltaggio, Kish or Williamson for their restaurants in Chicago (GIRL AND THE GOAT!!), Boston/Austin, LA, San Diego...

All have been featured or won Top Chef, and also have competed on Food Network's fantastic TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS (season 4 airing now)

[texastweeter]

My top five cooks in no particular order (yes I have eaten from each of them)

Cowboy Kent Rollins
Grammy
Big Mama
Pa
Nana Aylor

[STEbbq]

Yeah…never heard of any of them. I guess I am not the right type of chef or Chef.

[WillTravelForFood]

Brooke Williamson was a judge with Rodney Scott on a Food Network BBQ comp show last year.

[Draznnl]

I’m surprised neither of them included Richard Blais. He’s always seemed to be one of their favorites.

[WillTravelForFood]

No slight to Blais at all, there have been quite a few chefs since his season.

Have eaten Blais' food a few times, its good too. But what he would choose to make today may not be as interesing as what... newer? Younger?... chefs are putting together.

Just making it onto Top Chef in general is a win by itself in terms of overall exposure.