5 Reasons Why Carla Hall Should Be Named Padma Lakshmi’s Replacement on ‘Top Chef’
Padma Lakshmi embodies a larger-than-life, charismatic personality, and no doubt it will be difficult to replace her as host and one of the permanent judges on “Top Chef.” The glamourous star presenter announced in early June that she was leaving Bravo’s award-winning culinary competition, and it sent shockwaves across the globe. I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing her a couple of times, most recently earlier this year.
Indeed, Lakshmi is one of a kind, nevertheless, the show must go on. I’ve thought long and hard about who should replace her, so I wanted to offer my two cents on why Carla Hall fits the bill.
Here are my top 5 reasons why Hall should be named Lakshmi’s replacement:
This role requires another larger-than-life personality, preferably someone in the culinary industry.
Literally hundreds of chefs can call themselves part of the “Top Chef” universe, yet only one delivered a catchphrase that’s immediately recognizable: Carla Hall and her inimitable "hootie hoo!" Thankfully, she can also cook, too, banging out soulful dishes inspired by her rich, Southern roots. As a trained chef, Hall knows cuisines beyond her comfort zone, which is important, so she can effectively, tactfully and eloquently discuss the diverse dishes on this show.
Also, Lakshmi, a former model, clearly had a sultry, high-fashion sense of style. Hall was also a professional model, and while her sense of style may be considered a bit quirky, it’s also done in bold colors, exciting fabrics and up-to-date looks.
Hall and Lakshmi may be polar opposites when it comes to personalities, however, it would be a disservice for Bravo to attempt to find a Lakshmi copycat. Hall has never wavered from who she is and what she represents, and her type of strong personality is what this show needs to continue to stand out from the others.
Carla Hall has “Top Chef” experience.
Again, from all the talented chefs who have ever appeared on the series, Hall has stood out because of her unique personality and exceptional cooking skills. The fact that she has "Top Chef” experience—also appearing on the first-ever “Top Chef All Stars”—gives her an edge over other considerations outside of the “Top Chef” universe because she’ll be able to relate to what the contestants are going through.
I can see her now in the kitchen—as Tom Colicchio does now—when the chefs are working on their dishes and when it’s not to her liking, she gives them a “Chillllddddd …” Right there would let them know to start over! Oh, and hey, a dish that earns her approval on the judges’ panel would certainly get a “hootie! hoo!” right?!
Carla Hall is universally likeable.
That brings me to my next point. Hall is just doggone likeable. I have attended so many events where she was a judge, keynote speaker or panelist and so many people have almost broken a heel just to get to chance to get over to chat with her. In interviews, she’s exactly how you see her on television: super nice, chatty and always personable. She always makes you feel as though you’re the most important person in the room. Also, she will personally respond when you hit her up on social media.
A person of color should be permanently represented on the judges’ panel.
Let’s be real. Before 2020—and all the social justice awakening—“Top Chef” always felt so lily white and many contestants of color had always complained that they felt like their professional culinary experiences were undermined. So much has changed for the good, and we’re happy to see it. The thing is, however, a person of color should remain on this permanent judges’ panel because we just view things in a different lens.
I also felt that in recent years, Lakshmi was finally allowed to proudly put her heritage on full display. In the season that just ended, there was an Indian Thali challenge that was indeed difficult, yet extremely educational for anyone watching. I loved the authenticity of it: from Padma’s explanation of Thali to the high-profile Indian chefs who were assembled for the judging process. It was a phenomenal episode, and I would love to see more like it with a person of color introducing the audience to little-known aspects of their heritage cuisine.
Carla Hall is a great storyteller.
As I mentioned above, Hall is a great interviewee. She relays a story like an African griot, so that’s captivating in itself. She also has a way of making you feel like she’s personally telling you that story when you could quite possibly be in an auditorium full of hundreds of people. That is a gift.
Bravo, hire Carla Hall ASAP!
5 great events this week and beyond
What: The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival debuted in 2016 and has been a sensation ever since for locals and visitors. It’s held in Philadelphia’s Historic District, and folks come for the spectacular glowing installations, plus live stage performances, festival-themed crafts by Chinese artisans, and international food and drink. Don’t miss the Dragon Beer Garden.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N 6th St., Philadelphia
When: June 21-August 13
How much/tickets: $14-$25. Get the tickets here.
What: Ramen-san Collab Dinner Series teams up with a different chef each month. For June, the Chicago-based restaurant is joining forces with D’Andre Carter of Soul & Smoke, who will crank out his version of yakamein, a noodle dish fusing Chinese and Creole cultures. Carter’s dish will feature his tender smoked brisket, alongside braised collard greens and marinated egg, served atop Ramen-san’s wavy noodles. Seats are also still available for a multicourse dinner featuring a feast of collaborative dishes.
Where: All Ramen-san locations, Chicago
When: Through June 28
How much/tickets: Special $65 dinner happens 6-8pm June 27; get tickets here.
What: Jollof Festival kicks off July 7 in Atlanta, then makes its way to Oakland, California, Washington, D.C., Chicago, plus other key cities, culminating at the Afrotech Conference in Austin, Texas, in November. It’s an opportunity to find out who makes the best jollof rice while taking in rich West African culture.
Where: Various venues throughout the country, plus the UK
When: July 7-Nov. 5
How much/tickets: Ticket prices range $28-$110; get all the details right here.
What: This year marks the 12th anniversary for the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival. It’s a chance to sample award-winning Vermont-produced cheese, plus artisan beer and wine, charcuterie, chocolate, and more.
Where: Highland Center for the Arts, 2875 Hardwick Street, Greensboro, Vermont
When: 11:30am-4pm August 13
How much/tickets: $69.50-$90; get tickets here.
What: Southern Smoke Festival returns to Houston with major names in the industry whipping up signature dishes to benefit Southern Smoke Foundation, which has distributed more than $10.6 million to F&B workers nationwide. Talent includes chefs Nina Compton (Compere Lapin), Evelyn Garcia (Jun), Sarah Grueneberg (Monteverde), Matt Horn (Horn Barbecue), Brian Jupiter (Frontier, Ina Mae’s Tavern), Chris Williams (Lucille’s), Martin Stayer (Nobie’s) and Erick Williams (Virtue).
Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St., Houston
When: Oct. 13-14
How much/tickets: $175-$500; get tickets here.
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Once again, great insight! I agree!