Tv & Film

'Buddha Lo Makes History as First Ever Back-to-Back Winner on 'Top Chef: World All-Stars''

Published 1 years ago on Jun 10, 2023

"Buddha Lo secures his place in culinary history by winning 'Top Chef: World All-Stars' back-to-back. Learn about his remarkable journey, Padma Lakshmi's final season as host, and his thoughts on the intense competition and potential future themes."

Buddha Lo emerged as the victor on the Paris-set Season 20 finale of "Top Chef: World All-Stars," making television history as the first contestant to win two consecutive seasons. Having previously claimed the championship title in Season 19, dubbed "Top Chef: Houston," Lo's achievements transcend the special 20th anniversary season. Additionally, his win holds significance as Padma Lakshmi, the esteemed host of the show for 19 seasons, bid farewell in this momentous season finale. In an exclusive interview with Variety, Lo delves into his exhilarating victory, bidding adieu to Lakshmi, and why he believes he's not fit to replace her at the judges' table alongside Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons.

Celebrating Back-to-Back Victories and the All-Star Edition: Reflecting on his extraordinary achievement of winning two consecutive seasons, Lo describes the experience as a singular journey rather than two distinct triumphs. The honor of becoming the first-ever "World All-Star" holds immense significance, and Lo believes that the show should consider more seasons with this format. The global representation of different culinary traditions and cultures, such as Middle Eastern and Polish cuisines, added a unique and special touch to the competition. Lo expresses his gratitude for being part of such an exceptional season that resonated with contestants and viewers worldwide.

Approaching the Finale Challenge: The "Top Chef" finale challenge always demands contestants to create the best meal of their lives. Lo reveals that this particular challenge was especially challenging as he sought to surpass his previous winning menu from Season 19. Despite encountering sleepless nights and the dilemma of bringing back previously successful dishes, Lo persevered. He shares his insights into the meticulous planning and preparation required, even before reaching the finale, given the inclusion of special ingredients that may not be readily available in the location of the final cook-off.

The Final Showdown and Controversy: During the intense deliberation by the judging panel, which included Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, and guest judge Hélène Darroze, Lo's competitors, Sara Bradley and Gabri Rodriguez, presented compelling menus. Sara's undercooked liver became the focal point of the discussion, with Padma even describing it as "raw." Lo acknowledges that had Sara executed that element flawlessly, the outcome might have been different. However, he emphasizes the importance of meticulous attention to detail in protein cookery and the need to check each component thoroughly. In the end, the competition is determined by the dishes presented on the day, rather than speculation about what could have been.

Future Participation and the Departure of Padma Lakshmi: Lo expresses his enthusiasm for participating in the competition again if given the opportunity. However, he acknowledges the rarity of such a chance, especially considering the unique circumstances of his back-to-back victories. While he thoroughly enjoys the experience of the competition, he doesn't anticipate being invited back due to the unprecedented nature of his success. As for Padma Lakshmi's departure, Lo considers himself fortunate to have won her final season as host. He recognizes the significant impact Lakshmi has had on the show and looks forward to witnessing the new era of "Top Chef" under different leadership. Lo hopes that the show continues to push chefs to be creative, diverse, and daring in their culinary pursuits.

Speculations on the Next Host: When asked about his suggestions for the next host of "Top Chef," Lo confesses that there are too many potential candidates to single out just one. While he refrains from naming any specific individuals, he believes that every viewer likely has their own ideal candidate in mind. Ultimately, he expresses confidence in the show's ability to select a suitable replacement and maintain the prestigious reputation and format that have made "Top Chef" an enduring success.

Buddha Lo's triumph on "Top Chef: World All-Stars" marks a remarkable feat in the show's history, as he becomes the first-ever back-to-back winner. His victory holds significance not only for the special 20th anniversary season but also as the final contestant to be declared winner by Padma Lakshmi before her departure as host. In his interview with Variety, Lo reflects on his extraordinary journey, the intense finale challenge, and the potential for future "Top Chef" seasons. While uncertain about his return to the competition, Lo remains grateful for the opportunity and eagerly anticipates the next chapter of "Top Chef" under new leadership.

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