‘Top Chef: Portland’: Photos Of The Season Shot During The Pandemic

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June 18, 2021 11:00AM EDT

Season 18 of the hit Bravo show was filmed during the COVID-19 crisis but the competition has been just as fierce.

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‘Top Chef: Portland’

‘Top Chef: Portland’ — Filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Season 18 of ‘Top Chef’ is based in – and showcased the cuisine of – Portland, Oregon. Resident judges Tom Colicchio, Padma Lakshmi and Gail Simmons resumed their roles but they were joined by an array of former contestants to critique the food. Guest judges included Chefs Gregory Gourdet, Kwame Onwuachi, Melissa King, Nina Compton and Brooke Williamson as part of a more diverse chorus of voices.
The contestants also presented a wide variety of cultures and flavors from the Dominican-Republic, Japan and Mexico, to Haiti, Vietnam and, of course, regions throughout America.
This season the contestants stayed in a hotel, rather than a big house as one of many safety measures to make sure that the cast and crew remained safe amid the pandemic. Each contestant had his or her own room. Contestants also ordered their ingredients online before going to Whole Foods to pick it up in person.

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‘Top Chef: Portland’ – The Final Four

‘Top Chef: Portland’ – The Final Four — Chefs Dawn Burrell, Jamie Tran, Gabe Erales and Shota Nakajima pose while filming the June 17, 2021 episode of ‘Top Chef: Portland.’ The chefs were the final four contestants remaining. The season began with 15.

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Padma Lakshmi & Gail Simmons

Padma Lakshmi & Gail Simmons — Padma Lakshimi and Gail Simmons are all smiles on the set of ‘Top Chef: Portland.’ The season was filmed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Dawn Burrell Presents Her Cheesy Dish

Dawn Burrell Presents Her Cheesy Dish — During the June 17, 2021 episode of ‘Top Chef’ – dubbed ‘The Cheesier The Better’ – the contestants were asked to make cheese the focus of their dish. Chef Dawn Burrell is pictured walking the judges through the food that she prepared.

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Gail Simmons & Tom Colicchio

Gail Simmons & Tom Colicchio — Resident judges Gail Simmons and Tom Colicchio are joined by guests Naomi Pomeroy, Kwame Onwuachi and Gregory Gourdet. Season 18 of ‘Top Chef’ featured a more diverse cast of guest judges and food critics.

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‘Top Chef: Portland’ Contestants

‘Top Chef: Portland’ Contestants — Jamie Tran, Dawn Burrell, Shota Nakajima and Gabe Erales waiting to hear what their challenge will be during the June 17, 2021 episode of ‘Top Chef.’

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