In competitive shows, it often happens that the most deserving candidate fails to win the title. While the reasons for this could be many, it has always piqued the interest of fans. The same happened with Top Chef legend Bryan Voltaggio. Despite being one of the most talented chefs out there, he has failed to win the title.
He has participated in the show three times and has come close to winning, only to watch it slip through his fingers.
Not just Bryan Voltaggio, but other Top Chef greats also failed to win the prestigious title
When it comes to shows, there is a good chance that despite showcasing brilliance, certain participants just don’t have it in their cards to win. The same is true for Top Chef participant Bryan Voltaggio, who, despite participating in three seasons of the show, never walked away with the title.
One Reddit user also pointed out that not just Voltaggio, but there were other chefs as well who, despite showcasing excellence, failed to win the show.
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At the top of the list stands Angelo Sosa from Season 7. He was an undeniable force throughout the competition and even won several challenges. He stood out as a clear fan favorite, but when it mattered the most, he fell ill, and it definitely showed in his game. Due to this, the title slipped through his fingers, and for any Top Chef fan, this was definitely a big loss.
Then there was Season 12’s Gregory Gourdet, who started winning tasks very early on in the show. Not only that, but he also managed to showcase his signature cooking styles. However, after an unfortunate hit in the Thanksgiving episode, his momentum slowed down considerably. Though he still fought his way to the finals, Mei Lin found an edge in this and ultimately won the title.
But out of all the participants, Shirley Chung from Season 11 can easily be one of the most consistent contestants to ever appear on the show. She had a huge mastery over Asian flavors, and when combined with her ability to execute under pressure, it made her a serious threat on the show. But when it came to performing in the finale, the weight of the moment got to her.
She came back in Season 14 as well, but even here, she didn’t quite close the deal. These names only suggest that despite having all the talent out there, some chefs just fall short.
Top Chef was not uncharted territory for Kristen Kish
Padma Lakshmi is easily one of the most recognizable faces, thanks to her work on Top Chef. But much to the surprise of her fans, she said goodbye to the show after Season 20, following 17 long years as its host. However, the show must go on, and Kristen Kish was brought in as her replacement in Season 21.
For Kish, this was not unfamiliar territory, as she had previously won Season 10 of the show, giving her firsthand experience of the challenges and dynamics involved.
In an interview with Deadline, she stated, “Within the first few days, I was realizing that it was so much more familiar than different.” She also mentioned that addressing chefs and discussing food was something she had already done, so stepping into this role didn’t feel entirely new.
Additionally, it gave her a fresh perspective, allowing her to witness a contestant’s entire journey. While she once saw the show from a competitor’s point of view, she now has a deeper appreciation for how chefs evolve throughout the season.
For obvious reasons, filling the shoes of Padma Lakshmi was no easy task. However, Kish approaches the role with a fresh perspective, seeing it not just as another job but as a full-circle moment in her career.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
