If you watch Top Chef long enough, you’ll get used to its occasional nonsense. You’ll shrug off the product placement, letting the car logos and airline-spon and “brought to you by our friends at Glad Trash Bags” intros roll right off your back. You’ll sometimes even grow fond of the sweaty challenges designed around celebrity guests, blockbuster movies, or a local ingredient that even the locals might tire of after trying 13 courses designed around it. Because in between all that are dozens of experts with a palpable passion for food and their craft, and if you share even an ounce of that passion, learning more about it is always going to be a pleasure.

I’ve really liked this season! It’s been far more comfortable in the slightly new groove required after Padma’s exit, both for Kristen

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