If you saw Chris Kimball at the Riverside Theater Nov. 3 during the "America's Test Kitchen Live" show, hang onto those memories. It's likely the last time you'll see Kimball's name associated with the popular television show.
Kimball, long-time host of "America’s Test Kitchen" and "Cook's Country," will be leaving the show according to a press release released this morning by The Board of Directors of Boston Common Press, America's Test Kitchen parent company.
Kimball, whose departure is effective immediately, will still be featured in the 2016 seasons of the "America's Test Kitchen" and "Cook's Country" television shows.
However, it remains to be seen what will happen to the popular television series, which has had Kimbell at the helm for its duration.
Kimball's persnickety geek chic has resulted in the creation of an almost cult-like following -- a factor that will inevitably deal a blow to the show moving forward.
As for the reasons for his departure, contract negotiations seem to be at least a piece of the picture.
"We made every effort to offer Chris a reasonable contract that reflected his significant contributions to the company and are disappointed that we could not reach agreement," said David Nussbaum, CEO of Boston Common Press. "We know this change will be a surprise to many, but we are confident that the ensemble cast, 50 test cooks, and support team for America's Test Kitchen will continue to offer our audiences the same high quality product going forward."
Rumor has it that Kimball is working on a new cooking venture of his own, but no details have been released at this time.
The company has indicated that he is leaving to pursue "other opportunities."
This fall, the company appointed Nussbaum as its first CEO and promoted Jack Bishop to the role of chief creative officer. In this new role, Bishop, a long-time editor at "America's Test Kitchen," continues as an on-air personality and has broad responsibility for the creative strategy of the "America's Test Kitchen" television program, "Cook's Illustrated" magazine, "Cook's Country" magazine and television show, and America's Test Kitchen's digital and book content, as well as for new projects. The company also recently named a new chief digital officer, chief financial officer and a senior vice president of human resources.
"America's Test Kitchen" expects to announce a new multi-media program focused on the science of food and cooking in early 2016, building on the company's recent best-selling book, "The Science of Good Cooking."
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
