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When “Top Chef,” the long-running television cooking competition, filmed its most recent season in Portland, the episodes were, for the first time, filmed under coronavirus safety protocols. Instead of being able to accommodate large groups of fans for the “Restaurant Wars” challenge, or visiting local restaurants bustling with customers, for example, the show found other ways to stage challenges for the chefs. Most of the season was successful in celebrating Oregon’s food and scenery, and brought together a team of creative and diverse contenders.
All of these positive vibes made it particularly disappointing that the show ended up being clouded by controversy, as reports revealed that season 18 winner Austin-based Gabe Erales had been fired from his position as chef. executive at the Comedor restaurant. Erales was fired because of what a partner and head of Comedor told the Austin American-Statesman “repeated violations of the company’s ethical policy regarding harassment of women.”
Austin’s diary reported that Erales had “admitted to having consensual sex” with a Comedor employee in the summer of 2020, and that he had reduced his work hours “based on his performance” and stated that he continued to communicate with the employee. “In an unprofessional manner”. On Instagram, Erales wrote, in part, “To say I’m sorry I let down my family, friends, staff, supporters and Top Chef family can seem like an understatement right now.”
Today, more controversies related to “Top Chef” have been generated by the announcement that season 19 of the show will be based in Houston, Texas. Bravo’s announcement, confirming that the new season is in production in Houston, emphasizes “the racial and ethnic diversity of the people of Houston,” who are “represented in the city’s vibrant food scene … We hope to showcase the rich heritage of Houstonians, through the food that defines them.
On social media, some critics wonder why “Top Chef” is returning to Texas, a state that has made the news for Governor Greg Abbott’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, restrictive voting laws and a law that constitutes an almost total ban on abortions.
A post from a Twitter user reflected part of the backlash, addressing host Padma Lakshmi and Chief Justice Tom Colicchio, and stating: “I am more than disappointed that you choose #Texas for the next season of #Excellent chef. It is a slap in the face for women and the right to vote. Will the leaders wear their #Servant disguises? #Shameful #BoycottTopChef“
In contrast, a Tweet posted to the Houston Mayor’s Office account was more optimistic, saying, “Can’t think of a more perfect match than @BravoTopChef & @HoustonTX. Both represent a celebration of cuisine, culture and innovation! As any Top Chef competitor will tell you, the best food comes from passion, and #Houstonians exemplify that idea with every dish we create! “
Another Twitter user noted that the Texas boycott “further harms Texans who are already wronged by this law.”
The next season of “Top Chef,” which is slated to air in 2022, will bring Lakshmi, Colicchio and judge Gail Simmons back to their roles. During Portland’s season, “Top Chef” veterans – including Portland-based chef Gregory Gourdet – appeared as members of a rotating jury and a meal panel. Houston’s season will also see the return of some familiar “Top Chef” faces, including Houston-based chef Dawn Burrell, who was one of Portland’s top three season finalists, along with Tiffany Derry, Hung Huynh, Stephanie. Izard, Melissa King, Kristen Kish, Kwame Onwuachi, Sam Talbot, Brooke Williamson and Claudette Zepeda.
More from our coverage:
Gregory Gourdet from Portland on “Top Chef”: “You learn a lot about yourself no matter when you get home”
‘Top Chef’ Portland: Season’s Surprising Finalists Named, After Oregon Coast Challenge (Episode 13 Recap)
As the “Top Chef” finale in Portland approaches, locals wonder: Can the show help repair the city’s image?
How to Devour the Portland Restaurant Scene, ‘Top Chef’ Style
‘Top Chef’ returns with Portland-based season celebrating food after tough year for restaurants
‘Top Chef’ is back and the new season is based in Portland
– Kristi Turnquist
[email protected] 503-221-8227 @Kristitturnquist
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