Bravo’s Top Chef has been renewed and is heading to Portland for Season 18.
The network announced the plans for the new season yesterday (September 28) in an official press release following the Season 17 finale.
Padma Lakshmi is set to return as host, and Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons are both back as judges. The new season marks a new partnership between Bravo, Travel Portland, and Travel Oregon.
In a Top Chef first, the network also announced that there will be a rotating panel of judges featuring personalities like Richard Blais, Melissa King, Amar Santana, Brooke Williamson, Carrie Baird, and more.
“Portland has been on our radar for the last few years as a burgeoning culinary destination known for its innovative dining scene driven by independent, chef-owned restaurants, local farms and purveyors,” said Shari Levine, the Executive Vice President of Current Production at Bravo.
Bravo has renewed Top Chef for Season 18 and the show is already filming in Portland, Oregon.
She continued, “The city’s unique culture alongside Oregon’s natural pantry of indigenous ingredients and incredible scenic beauty makes it the ultimate chef’s playground and an ideal destination for Top Chef to explore.”
According to the release, the show is already in production in Portland with added precautions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Top Chef is a critical darling for Bravo, having picked up Emmys and James Beard awards during its lengthly run. It is produced by Magical Elves with Casey Kriley, Jo Sharon, Doneen Arquines and Hillary Olsen serving as executive producers.
Season 18 will premiere on Bravo in 2021.
