Padma Lakshmi Says the Top Chef Judges Have Spotted Front-Runners

During the After Show, Padma Lakshmi says there was definitely a Top Chef season where it was clear to all the judges who would win from the start. She explains that casting was more open in earlier seasons because the show was newer, but now restaurateurs give their chefs time off to appear on the show, which brings forth a higher caliber of chefs.