The Carolinas, including two chefs from NC, are featured in “Top Chef” Season 23.
In September 2025, I was one of eight journalists from around the country gathered in a secret location in Charlotte to watch a portion of “Top Chef” Season 23 being filmed. We were brought into the Top Chef Kitchen, two at a time, to observe silently as the chefs prepped for a 45-minute Quickfire Challenge.
“Cheftestants” raced around the room, following the rules outlined within the challenge. They had access to the Pantry, an area stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, and other essentials needed for the dishes they were creating. Although the chefs worked fast, camaraderie and calm prevailed as they worked together to complete the challenge.
Since 2006, when the first episode of “Top Chef” aired, the focus has been on up-and-coming chefs. Through timed competitions in high-pressure environments, the cheftestants have the opportunity to show off their culinary skills and creativity in the kitchen.
Season 23 is centered in Charlotte, with a few episodes in Greenville, South Carolina, and the finale filmed in Asheville. NASCAR legends Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch, Charlotte-raised comedian Fortune Feimster, media personality Liza Koshy, and Southern Charmers Madison LeCroy and Craig Conover make appearances during the season. Melissa Benoist also attends a celebration in honor of Queen Charlotte’s birthday and the 20th anniversary of “Top Chef.”
Cheering section
Fifteen cheftestants from all over the United States compete for the $250,000 grand prize provided by Graza Olive Oil, a profile in Food & Wine magazine, and an appearance at the annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado. The winner is also featured at an exclusive dinner at the historic James Beard House in New York and has the opportunity to present at The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards in Chicago, Illinois.
This season, North Carolinians have local chefs to cheer on:
Brittany Cochran serves as the executive chef at Stagioni, an Italian restaurant in Charlotte’s Eastover neighborhood. Cochran, born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, earned her degree in culinary arts and food service management from Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte.
Oscar Diaz is the chef and owner of Aaktun Coffee + Bar, Little Bull, and TaTaco in Durham. In 2025, Little Bull was selected for a Michelin Guide recommendation. Born and raised in Chicago, Diaz is a two-time James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast.
Small bites
We asked the judges to weigh in on their time in the Carolinas, without giving any spoilers.
Kristen Kish
Kristen Kish, Top Chef in Season 10 winner, hosts Top Chef for the third year. Kish has been on “Fast Foodies,” “Iron Chef,” and “Restaurants at the End of the World.” Catch Kish now on Season 4 of “The Traitors,” a high-stakes reality game show on Peacock.
Anything unexpected while filming in the Carolinas?
“Snakes. There’s a snake that went right across the judge’s table. I ran into several snakes I was not prepared for. I wasn’t expecting to see so many black rat snakes.”
What were your expectations for Season 23?
“I like to think I have a very open mind. I like to think I am curious, and when I get to a new place, I am going to explore it in all the different ways I can.”
What’s your takeaway from Season 23?
“I had a great time. I have no qualms about spending two months in the Carolinas.”
Tom Colicchio
Tom Colicchio, an eight-time James Beard Award-winning chef and the owner of Crafted Hospitality, has been with “Top Chef” since 2006, when the cooking show first aired. Colicchio advocates for access, affordability, and nutrition through his podcast, “Citizen Chef,” and his restaurants partner with nonprofits such as Children of Bellevue, City Harvest, and Southern Smoke Foundation.
Were there any shops that captured your attention while in Charlotte?
“I was staying in (Plaza) Midwood, and there was this great little store, Social Status. It was a small boutique, and they had hoodies and sneakers. I found a great pair of sneakers, light blue Adidas that are pretty sweet. I don’t think they’re used to people my age buying stuff.”
Any time when you wish you had a do-over?
“For me, no. I am sure the contestants wanted plenty of do-overs. We eat and just have a good time.”
What’s your connection to North Carolina?
“Thirty years ago, I got to know Dean Smith (University of North Carolina’s college basketball head coach) pretty well. I was a fan before that. I dated a woman whose father played for Carolina in 1957 when they won the national championship. He introduced me to Coach Smith, and I stayed close. When they’d play in New York, I’d get great seats. I’ve just always been a fan.”
Gail Simmons
Since Top Chef’s inception, Gail Simmons, a cookbook author, culinary expert, and TV personality from Canada, has served as a judge. Simmons has hosted shows such as “Top Chef Amateurs” and “Iron Chef Canada.” She’s authored “Bringing It Home: Favorite Recipes from a Life of Adventurous Eating” and “Talking With My Mouth Full.” Her third book, “Guesting,” will be released in late 2026.
What were your expectations for Season 23?
“I try to go everywhere without expectations, be open to discovering the chefs and the ingredients and the immigrant pathways that make the city special and make the city all their own. There’s plenty of that here.”
What about barbecue?
“I loved learning the nuances of barbecue, in all different regions of the state.”
What restaurant stood out?
“I had amazing meals at Lang Van. They’re so friendly and generous—delicious Vietnamese food. A lovely family-owned business. We were so happy to be there. It’s easy and casual, come as you are; there was no pretense. It’s just the kind of place we want to eat after a day of eating.”
How to watch
If “Top Chef” fans are wondering what shenanigans the cheftestants in Season 23 will have to endure, the wait is over.
- March 3: Early access for the first episode begins on Peacock, Bravo’s YouTube channel, and Video on Demand (VOD).
- March 9: Watch on Bravo at 9 p.m.
- March 16: Continue watching at 9:30 p.m. on Bravo. Episodes are available the next day on Peacock.
- Grab a Cheerwine and popcorn: Episodes are 75-minutes.
