What 'Top Chef' judges said about Asheville in exclusive interview

Bravo’s *Top Chef* Season 23, filmed in the Carolinas, dedicated an episode to Asheville to showcase its culinary resilience after Tropical Storm Helene in 2024. Judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons, alongside host Kristen Kish, visited the city to highlight its food culture and recovery efforts, with filming wrapping in September 2025. The episode, *Appalachian Celebration*, aired May 25 on Bravo and Peacock, featuring an elimination challenge where contestants used local ingredients like pawpaw, sour corn, and leather britches. Simmons called the experience a learning opportunity, noting the unique flavors of Appalachian cuisine, while Colicchio admitted unfamiliarity with sour corn and leather britches despite his pickling expertise. Local chef Ashleigh Shanti, owner of Good Hot Fish and a *Top Chef* Season 19 alum, served as a guest judge, introducing the panel to Afrolachian cuisine. The event also raised funds for MANNA FoodBank and BeLoved Asheville, supporting food security and housing for storm-affected communities. Simmons emphasized restaurants’ role in disaster recovery, stating they are often the first businesses impacted and the first to aid their communities. Colicchio and Simmons praised Asheville’s ability to blend tradition with innovation, using the episode to spotlight regional ingredients and culinary creativity. The judges’ visit underscored Asheville’s significance as a food destination, blending cultural heritage with modern culinary trends. The episode’s fundraiser component reinforced the restaurant industry’s broader impact beyond dining, aligning with the city’s post-storm rebuilding efforts.