By Matt Mueller Culture Editor Published Jul 11, 2023 at 2:41 PM

The smash hit culinary competition "Top Chef" has something very special on the menu for its upcoming 21st season: It's coming to Wisconsin.

Indeed, in addition to announcing Kristen Kish as the show's new host, the Bravo TV show revealed that its upcoming season would take place in Wisconsin, hitting locales around Milwaukee, Madison and beyond for its culinary showcases and challenges. The show typically travels to a particular city or food scene as its focus each season, with recent examples including Houston, Portland, Kentucky, Colorado and Charleston – and now it's Wisconsin's turn.

"We look forward to season 21 and know our incoming chefs will be inspired by the bourgeoning culinary scene in Milwaukee and Madison known for blending tradition with innovation and utilizing farm fresh ingredients,” Casey Kriley and Jo Sharon, co-CEOs of Magical Elves, the show's production company. 

“We are honored to be able to welcome 'Top Chef' to Wisconsin for its upcoming season," said Gov. Tony Evers, in the release. "We’re proud to be known here for our rich food culture, talented chefs and exceptional local ingredients. I know our diverse culinary traditions will help inspire the participants, captivate viewers and showcase all of the great things Wisconsin has to offer."

To be at the center of any "Top Chef" season would be exciting news – but this one should particularly have all eyes upon it, as this newest edition marks its first since its inaugural year without long-tenured host Padma Lakshmi, who announced she was stepping down from the show in June. In her place for the Sconnie-set 21st season is Kish, a former "Top Chef" winner in season 10 and previous co-host on Netflix's take on "Iron Chef."

Neither a premiere date nor filming plans for the new Wisconsin-set season of "Top Chef" have yet to be announced – but stay tuned for more updates as they become available. And maybe keep your eyes peeled for groups of highly competitive chefs next time you're out grocery shopping ... 

Matt Mueller Culture Editor

As much as it is a gigantic cliché to say that one has always had a passion for film, Matt Mueller has always had a passion for film. Whether it was bringing in the latest movie reviews for his first grade show-and-tell or writing film reviews for the St. Norbert College Times as a high school student, Matt is way too obsessed with movies for his own good.

When he's not writing about the latest blockbuster or talking much too glowingly about "Piranha 3D," Matt can probably be found watching literally any sport (minus cricket) or working at - get this - a local movie theater. Or watching a movie. Yeah, he's probably watching a movie.