MILWAUKEE — Wisconsin will soon be front-and-center in the culinary world when the next season of “Top Chef” premieres in 2024.
Production on the long-running Bravo series is currently underway here in the Badger State. Since the show is still in production, the judges and host were not able to reveal much about the contestants or challenges yet. However, they were able to share what they have come to appreciate about Wisconsin’s food scene.
“Top Chef” judge Gail Simmons said it has been fun getting to embrace some of the state’s best known culinary traditions. Yet, there has also been a lot to learn.
“I think on the surface people think of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and they think of beer, football, maybe cheese and brats. All good things, all true, but there is just so much more to Wisconsin, which I really didn’t know myself until I got here,” said Simmons. “People kept telling me — friends who had spent time here or are from here — how beautiful it is, how much fun it is as a place.”
Simmons and host Kristen Kish have done some culinary exploration of their own. While filming in the Milwaukee area, the two stopped by iconic frozen custard spots Leon’s and Kopp’s. Simmons shared a post on Instagram highlighting her visit. While both come from fine-dining backgrounds, getting to experience frozen custard was a must.
“I am pretty sure frozen custard was the first thing I ate when I got to Wisconsin. I feel like it is a right of passage; you have to. You are going to continuously hear about frozen custard. I need to know what is being talked about,” said Kish.
Head judge Tom Colicchio said he has seen how deep Wisconsin’s food traditions run during his time in the area.
“Wisconsin has a lot of food traditions. Whether it is beer making, cheesemaking or other traditions like a fish boil or fish fry or these supper clubs, there are a lot of different food traditions,” said Colicchio.
“Top Chef” is set to premiere in spring 2024.