The Watch

‘Mindhunter’ Rumors, ‘100 Foot Wave’ Season 3, and Gail Simmons on the ‘Top Chef’ Finale

Jun 19, 2025
Gail Simmons, a judge and executive producer of 'Top Chef', shares behind-the-scenes secrets from the finale of 'Top Chef: Destination Canada'. She discusses the pressure contestants faced and the unique challenges of producing a cooking show in Canada. The conversation touches on cultural representation in culinary competition and the vibrant Montreal food scene. Fans of the show will enjoy her personal anecdotes and insights into the evolving nature of modern cooking shows, making for an engaging discussion!
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ANECDOTE

Early Recognition of Tristan

  • Gail Simmons noticed Tristan Epslong's strong skills early in season 22.
  • However, she never predicted the winner from the start due to the competitive nature of the show.
INSIGHT

Cooking Plus Adaptability Needed

  • Success on Top Chef requires both great cooking and adaptability under pressure.
  • Some top chefs excel with careful prep; others thrive improvising on the fly.
ANECDOTE

Tristan's Signature Winning Dish

  • Tristan impressed judges with his figgy duff inspired dish using pepper pot and lamb fat Madeleine.
  • This showed his deep flavor knowledge despite claiming inexperience with some ingredients.
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