America’s Culinary Cup is set to return audiences to the thrilling world of culinary competitions, featuring renowned host Padma Lakshmi, who gained fame through her work on “Top Chef” and her own travel series “Taste the Nation With Padma Lakshmi.” While she will not be delivering her signature catchphrase, “pack your knives and go,” Lakshmi promises an exhilarating battle of flavors in this new CBS series.
At a recent CBS presentation during the Television Critics Association Winter Tour, Lakshmi shared her motivation for stepping back into the competitive cooking arena after nearly two decades of experience. She expressed her desire for a fresh take, stating, “I thought the genre was ready for a shake-up, for a refresh, and for something new and different. And I wanted to be the one who did it.”
CBS has unveiled the roster of 16 competitors who will showcase their culinary expertise, including six Michelin-starred chefs, two James Beard Award winners, and numerous Beard nominees.
America’s Culinary Cup will premiere with a 90-minute episode on Wednesday, March 4, at 9:30/8:30c, immediately following the much-anticipated Survivor 50. Viewers can also enjoy the series on Paramount+ with live and on-demand options available for Premium subscribers, while essential members will have access the following day.
Padma Lakshmi will take the lead as host, supported by esteemed judges Michael Cimarusti and Wylie Dufresne. Executive producer Susan Rovner noted the critical importance of their casting, emphasizing that the presence of such elite chefs would create a competitive and exciting environment.
Chefs in the competition will face off in a series of challenges grounded in the “10 culinary commandments,” focusing on vital skills including meat preparation, vegetable mastery, sauce creation, dessert making, innovation, flavor combinations, sustainability, exploration of world cuisines, consistency, culinary science, and technology. Lakshmi conveyed that these principles aim to not only test the chefs’ mettle but also to be relatable to any home cook.
To ensure a top-tier competition, Lakshmi mentioned that the chefs would have access to high-quality tools, comparing the situation to a sports star competing with subpar equipment. “If you’re asking Serena Williams to play at Wimbledon, you’re not gonna give her a crappy racket,” she remarked, highlighting the high standards expected in the competition.
The excitement is building as America’s Culinary Cup promises to deliver a unique and engaging experience for both competitors and viewers alike.
More insights into the competing chefs will be revealed, making this new series a culinary event to watch.