Bravo’s Top Chef spin-off, Top Chef Masters, kicked off last week and I know I’m not the only one glued to the television (or DVR) when it’s on. I’m waiting for Roy Yamaguchi’s episode to come on, since I’m curious to see what sort of Japanese/Hawaiian touch he can put on those quickfire challenges but hey, host Kelly Choi is hot enough to keep me occupied for a while.
But can I just be outright and say she’s pretty horrible as a host? Okay, she’s a well known tv presenter with numerous Emmy nominations under her belt, but she’s clearly no Padma Lakshmi, who manages to challenge, sample and judge the delicious concoctions from Top Chef with the graciousness and warmth of a perfect host. Choi, on the other hand, is so made up, blow-dried, manicured and bejeweled with a giant bobble head that her looks seem to overshadow her lack of personality.
In a fun cooking challenge show, Kelly comes across as fake, proper and robotic, reciting her lines like she’s reading aloud to a group of preschoolers (just like Giada from the Food Network) or reporting on a local news station. Kelly! Stop! These are well-known and established chefs you are dealing with. You’re hosting a show tied to people like Tom Colicchio and Anthony Bourdain, not Guy Fieri in a TGIFridays commercial. Let’s bring out some personality and warmth.
Kelly has undoubtably earned her accomplished television career, but I can’t wait until the next season of Top Chef returns with Padma. Please come back soon. We need you.
