This past Halloween, “Top Chef” ex-host, Padma Lakshmi, and beloved past contestant, Melissa King, donned a coordinating costume — Lakshmi as the scintillating Morticia Addams and King as her besotted husband, Gomez.
And taking a spin through their timeline, one could classify their outfits as a couple’s costume.
Their History
GettyLakshmi was a host of “Top Chef” for 19 seasons, from season 2 through season 20. King was a contestant on season 12 of “Top Chef,” and again on season 17, which she won. She then returned as a guest judge on seasons 18 and 19.
The two have maintained a close bond ever since, which Lakshmi has been very open about. In fact, she told People in October, “She’s fun and we enjoy each other’s company. She tends to be my plus one sometimes so people will see us on the red carpet together.”
In that same People interview, she noted that she’s also close with former contestants Gregory Gourdet, Kwame Onwuachi, and Kristin Kish. Though she’s never dressed in coordinating Halloween costumes with any of them, as far as we know.
Where Things Stand Now
GettyThese days, King is based in San Francisco. She runs a company focused on culinary partnerships and experiences, and just released a new cookbook in September, “Cook Like a King: Recipes from My California Chinese Kitchen.” Per the title, and her Instagram, the book is a love letter to both her roots in California cuisine and her Chinese culture. King is also the founder of King Sauce, a small batch sauce and spice line.
Since leaving Top Chef in 2023, Lakshmi has kept herself very busy. She’s hosting a new cooking competition, “America’s Culinary Cup,” that’s set to air next year on CBS. And not only is she the host, but she’s also the creative architect behind the program. As she told bon appétit in October, “I spent a lot of time talking about the cinematography and visual language of the show.” Lakshmi will also release a cookbook this month called, “Padma’s All American,” and will continue to host her popular food and travel show, “Taste the Nation,” on Hulu.
Outside of her hosting and writing duties, Lakshmi and her 15-year-old daughter, Krishna Lakshmi-Dell, star in a holiday-themed campaign for Soma, a pajama line. And just last month, they were Vogue India’s cover stars.
Whether the rumored romance between Lakshmi and King is reality or just fan wish fulfillment, their dynamic continues to captivate audiences either way.
