Kristen Kish

Escoffier Chef-in-Residence, Emmy-Nominated TV Host of Top Chef

Kristen Kish, Top Chef host and Escoffier Chef-in-Residence, smiling
Favorite Dish: Takeout chicken fingers with french fries, ranch dressing, and mayonnaise

"Always be the parsley leaf, not the chopped parsley."

Kristen Kish

About

Kristen Kish is the host of Bravo’s Emmy award-winning Top Chef and Escoffier’s new Chef-in-Residence. Chef Kish will help inspire Escoffier students through a special lecture class, exclusive content, and other engagement activities. She also is the chef/partner of Arlo Grey in Austin, TX, the host/producer of Restaurants at the End of the World on National Geographic/Disney+, and creator of KISH Aperitif.

A Korean adoptee raised in Michigan, Kristen discovered her passion for cooking at a young age. After working her way through various kitchens in Boston, she competed on season 10 of Top Chef, ultimately winning the coveted title. Following her win, she published her first cookbook and starred in several other hit shows including Fast Foodies on TruTV and Iron Chef on Netflix.

In 2023, Kristen became the host of Top Chef for its 21st season. Both she and the show received nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards in Outstanding Host and Best Reality Competition Series, respectively.

Kristen has been recognized on influential lists, including TIME100’s Next, AdWeek’s Creative 100, and Marie Claire’s Power list.

Publications:

Video thumbnail

Meet Top Chef Season 21 Judge: Kristen Kish

Honors & Awards

  • Top Chef Winner
  • TIME 100's Next
  • AdWeek's Creative 100
  • Marie Claire’s Power List
  • The Critics Choice Associations (CCA) Inaugural Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television TV Host Award for Top Chef

Professional EXPERIENCE

  • Chef and Partner - Arlo Grey, Austin, TX
  • Emmy-nominated Host of Top Chef
  • Co-host of Fast Foodies
  • Co-host of Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend
  • Host and Producer of Restaurants at the End of the World
  • Creator of KISH Aperitif

Education

  • Associate of Culinary Arts Degree, Le Cordon Bleu, Chicago, IL

In The News

Kristen Kish Reflects on Career, Adoption and ‘Accidentally Finding Purpose’ in New Memoir (Exclusive)

People, 9/4/24

Top Chef Host Kristen Kish Never Wanted to Be on Television

The Cut, 3/20/24

Kristen Kish: Her Incredible Story from Culinary School to Culinary Stardom

Escoffier The Ultimate Dish Podcast, 3/19/2024

How Does Kristen Kish Feel at the Top of ‘Top Chef’? It’s Complicated.

The New York Times, 7/25/23

Facebook Twitter Instagram TikTok
Request More Information
Campus of Interest*
Program of Interest*

By clicking the "Send Request" button, I am providing my signature in accordance with the E-Sign Act, and express written consent and agreement to be contacted by, and to receive calls and texts using automated technology and/or prerecorded calls, and emails from, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts at the number and email address I provided above, regarding furthering my education and enrolling. I acknowledge that I am not required to agree to receive such calls and texts using automated technology and/or prerecorded calls as a condition of enrolling at Escoffier. I further acknowledge that I can opt-out of receiving such calls and texts by calling 888-773-8595, by submitting a request via Escoffier’s website, or by emailing [email protected].

Get the Essential Culinary School Planner & Checklist

We’ve compiled a checklist of all of the essential questions into one handy workbook: Career options, academic plans, financing your education, and more.

Get the Workbook
Campus of Interest*
Program of Interest*

By clicking the "Get the Workbook Now" button, I am providing my signature in accordance with the E-Sign Act, and express written consent and agreement to be contacted by, and to receive calls and texts using automated technology and/or prerecorded calls, and emails from, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts at the number and email address I provided above, regarding furthering my education and enrolling. I acknowledge that I am not required to agree to receive such calls and texts using automated technology and/or prerecorded calls as a condition of enrolling at Escoffier. I further acknowledge that I can opt-out of receiving such calls and texts by calling 888-773-8595, by submitting a request via Escoffier’s website, or by emailing [email protected].

Close the banner Is Culinary School Right For You?
Take This Short Quiz
Is Culinary School Right For You? Take This Short Quiz