Recently crowned “Top Chef” winner Buddha Lo has nothing but praise for Padma Lakshmi, who announced last week that she is leaving the Bravo cooking competition after 17 years and 19 seasons.
“I wish her all the best,” Lo told TheWrap a day after she was crowned “Top Chef: World All Stars” champion.
“I see some of my cooks or some of my mentors who saw me go,” Lo continued. “You know, [Michelin-star chef] Claire Smith was extremely upset when I submitted my resignation because I wanted to move to a different kitchen and learn more. And then you just have to realize that you have to go away and try and do better. And it’s the same thing with Padma, she’s on fire right now.”
In addition to “Top Chef,” Lakshmi is the host and executive producer of “Taste the Nation,” a food and travel show on Hulu, and has written several cookbooks.
“After much soul searching, I have made the difficult decision to leave ‘Top Chef'” Lakshmi wrote on social media Last week. “I think it is time to move on and make room for ‘Test the Nation’, my books and other creative pursuits.”
she was also recently Featured as a model in the latest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue,
Lo said, “He has achieved what I probably could not have achieved in my lifetime.” He joked, “I don’t think I see myself in Sports Illustrated anytime soon, especially at age 50.”
As for Lo’s favorite memory with Lakshmi?
“Well, I would say two favorite memories are him saying my name twice, and not sending me home both times. So I’m extremely lucky to be able to say that,” said the back-to-back winner. said about seasons 19 and 20.
Laxmi Left a parting message on Lo’s InstagramPosting “Congratulations dear [two heart emojis] Well worth it!!”
All the episodes of “Top Chef: World All-Stars” are now streaming on Peacock.
