News Summary
Top Chef is set to film its 23rd season primarily in Charlotte, North Carolina, with some episodes in Greenville, South Carolina. The season aims to highlight the region’s culinary strengths, featuring host Kristen Kish and judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons. Contestants will engage in various cooking challenges that showcase local ingredients and creativity, with a cash prize of $250,000 for the winner. This installment comes as both cities emphasize their growing and diverse culinary scenes.
Charlotte to Host Filming for Top Chef Season 23
The Emmy-winning culinary competition series Top Chef is returning to the Carolinas for its 23rd season, with production primarily based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and several episodes filmed in Greenville, South Carolina. Filming is scheduled to commence this summer, with the season expected to premiere in 2026.
This announcement was recently made in collaboration with the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority and Visit Greenville SC, underscoring the strategic partnership to highlight the region’s culinary strengths. Returning to the series are host Kristen Kish, head judge Tom Colicchio, and judge Gail Simmons.
Ryan Flynn, Senior Vice President of NBCUniversal, noted that both Charlotte and Greenville offer ideal locations for the series due to their rich selection of local ingredients, distinctive flavors, robust agricultural foundations, and renowned Southern hospitality.
Emerging Culinary Scene
Greenville has gained national attention for its dynamic culinary scene in recent years. Notably, it will host the 2025 Michelin Guide ceremony for the American South, which recognizes excellence in dining. Additionally, the city has earned accolades such as a James Beard Award and celebrates the 20th anniversary of its popular food festival, Euphoria.
Competition Details
Contestants will engage in quickfire and elimination challenges throughout the competition. They will utilize regional ingredients to showcase their culinary skills and creativity, which is a hallmark of the Top Chef series. Typically, contestants visit Whole Foods before competitions, providing local fans an opportunity to engage with them before the challenges begin.
The competition generally features 16 chefs contending for the top spot, with a cash prize of $250,000 awarded to the winner, along with various commercial opportunities. The competition aims to highlight the growing and diverse culinary scene of Charlotte, blending global influences with Southern heritage and local cuisine.
Background on Top Chef
This is not the first time Top Chef has showcased the Carolinas; the series previously filmed its 14th season in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2016. The production has garnered multiple Emmy nominations and awards over the years, signifying its influence on the culinary community and its role in elevating the profile of various regions’ food scenes.
As the filming period approaches, both Charlotte and Greenville are gearing up to embrace the excitement and buzz that comes with hosting such a prestigious culinary competition. This season of Top Chef is set to not only entertain but also celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors and culinary traditions available in the Carolinas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bravo’s Top Chef to Film New Season in Greenville, S.C.
Top Chef Announces Filming in Greenville and Charlotte
New Dining Destination STIR to Open in Downtown Greenville
Greenville to Welcome STIR Restaurant
Michelin Guide Expands to the American South
Michelin Guide Expands to the American South
New Fine Dining Restaurant Set to Open in Downtown Greenville
Leo’s Pizza Opens in Greenville’s The Commons Food Hall
New French-Inspired Restaurant Opening in Greenville
New Michelin-Level Restaurant Opens in Greenville
Additional Resources
- Axios: Top Chef Charlotte
- Charlotte Observer: Top Chef News
- Greenville Online: Top Chef Season 23
- Wikipedia: Top Chef
- WYFF4: Top Chef in Greenville and Charlotte
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