Season 23
Bravo’s “Top Chef” Judges Trail
Where the Judges for Bravo’s “Top Chef” Dined during Filming
During filming for season 23 of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” the judges didn’t just indulge in delicious food on set. Host Kristen Kish and judges Gail Simmons and Tom Collichio also dined at culinary hotspots across the Queen City. Discover the flavors that impressed some of television’s most discerning palates.
Local Favorites
Gail Simmons and Tom Colicchio reunited with former “Top Chef All Stars” cheftestant, Jamie Lynch. The two had dinner at Church & Union, where Lynch is chef and partner. “It’s much more fun to cook for these legends when it’s NOT for competition!” Lynch shared on Instagram.
The judges discovered there’s never a bad time of day to visit Milkbread, with three locations in the Charlotte region. The milk bread doughnuts were favorites of Kristen Kish and Gail Simmons.
A local favorite for date night, judge Gail Simmons enjoyed an intimate dinner with her husband at Customshop, describing the restaurant as “low-key and very nice.”
While exploring the Optimist Park neighborhood, Gail Simmons made a pitstop at Substrate. This wine bar also offers pours of vermouth and amaro.
Kristen Kish and Gail Simmons both discovered the array of flavors at dining destination Optimist Hall. There, Kish shared a photo of her Harriet’s Hamburgers order, which was The Royale cheeseburger, fries and the signature sauces.
Gail Simmons visited Albertine, the newest restaurant from multiple James Beard Award semifinalist chef Joe Kindred and his wife, Katy.
Kristen Kish dined at Leluia Hall, a surf-and-turf restaurant from local restaurateurs Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown that’s housed in a refurbished centuries-old church.
All three judges made the drive north of Charlotte to Davidson to dine at Kindred. Host Kristen Kish started her meal with a mocktail and ended it with the milk bread cinnamon roll. “I loved our meal at Kindred. I do think it was exceptionally beautiful,” said Gail Simmons to CharlotteFive
Southern Staples
The judges made sure to explore the different styles of Carolina barbecue, which included a visit to Midwood Smokehouse where hickory-smoked chopped pork is dressed in Eastern-style vinegar sauce. “Generally, the Eastern style seems to be more up my alley,” Gail Simmons explained to CharlotteFive
All three judges enjoyed a meal at Supperland, described as a “Southern steakhouse meets church potluck.” In addition to the restaurant, Supperland also features a basement speakeasy and The Bar at Supperland.
Gail Simmons had dinner with her family at The Goodyear House. She described the restaurant, that showcases Southern flavors through modern dishes, as “a good vibe.”
Kristen Kish announced her arrival for filming in Charlotte by posting a photo eating a Bojangles Chicken Supremes box, complete with a fluffy signature biscuit.
International Cuisine
Lang Van, a Charlotte staple and MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restaurant, was a repeat stop for all three judges. Kristen Kish visited at least three times, ordering Vietnamese dishes like the banh xeo yellow pancake stuffed with shrimp, sliced pork and bean sprouts.
Kristen Kish immersed herself in East Charlotte’s international flavors with a meal at Euro Grill & Café. Her meal featured lepinja, which is homemade Bosnian flatbread.
At Optimist Hall, Gail Simmons ordered from Botiwalla, an Indian street food spot from James Beard-recognized chef Meherwan Irani.
Kristen Kish and Gail Simmons enjoyed a taste of France at Uptown restaurant Coquette.
Gail Simmons took a trip to the South End neighborhood for the fresh flavors of Peruvian Nikkei cuisine at Yunta. This fusion uses Japanese cooking techniques with Peruvian ingredients.
