Chef-in-Residence
Kristen Kish

Get to know Kristen Kish – Escoffier Chef-in-Residence, Emmy-nominated Top Chef host, and New York Times best-selling author.

Kristen Kish and Escoffier Unite to Mentor Aspiring Culinarians

Kristen Kish has served as Escoffier’s Chef-in-Residence since 2024. Chef Kish aims to help inspire Escoffier students’ culinary confidence and curiosity through virtual office hours, campus events, exclusive content, and other engagement activities.

Keeping Up with Kristen Kish

Kristen Kish standing with Escoffier graduates outside a school building.
Connecting with Graduates
Kristen catches up with Escoffier grads about their signature dishes and plans for the future.
Kristen Kish working alongside an Escoffier student in a teaching kitchen.
Mentorship and Education
“Having as many people in your corner that understand what you’re going through … is really important.”
Kristen Kish seated on stage during an Escoffier interview.
Kristen in the Hot Seat
Kristen faces down tough questions in a round of culinary quick-fire.
Kristen Kish wearing an Escoffier chef apron.

About Kristen

In addition to her position as Escoffier’s Chef-in-Residence and her Top Chef role, Kristen is also the chef/partner of Arlo Grey in Austin, TX, the host/producer of Restaurants at the End of the World on National Geographic/Disney+, and creator of KISH Aperitif.

A Korean adoptee raised in Michigan, Kristen discovered her passion for cooking at a young age. After working her way through various kitchens in Boston, she competed on season 10 of Top Chef, ultimately winning the coveted title. Following her win, she published her first cookbook and starred in several other hit shows including Fast Foodies on TruTV and Iron Chef on Netflix.

In 2023, Kristen became the host of Top Chef for its 21st season. Both she and the show received nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards in Outstanding Host and Best Reality Competition Series, respectively.

Kristen has been recognized on influential lists, including TIME100’s Next, AdWeek’s Creative 100, and Marie Claire’s Power list.

Favorite Dish: Takeout chicken fingers with French fries, ranch dressing, and mayonnaise

Get to Know Chef Kristen Kish

Professional Experience

  • Chef & Partner, Arlo Grey, Austin, TX
  • Emmy-Nominated Host, Top Chef
  • Co-Host, Fast Foodies
  • Co-host, Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend
  • Host & Producer, Restaurants at the End of the World
  • Creator, KISH Aperitif
Kristen Kish in conversation with an Escoffier chef instructor and student.

Honors & Awards

  • Top Chef Winner
  • TIME 100’s Next
  • AdWeek’s Creative 100
  • Marie Claire’s Power List
  • The Critics Choice Associations (CCA) Inaugural Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television TV Host Award for Top Chef
Kristen Kish smiling against an Escoffier-branded interior.

Publications

Read Blog Articles Written by Kristen Kish
Kristen Kish on stage during an Escoffier interview.

Education

  • Associate of Culinary Arts Degree, Le Cordon Bleu, Chicago, IL
Kristen Kish leading a kitchen demonstration for Escoffier students.

Kristen in the Escoffier Community

  • Kristen Kish posing with a group of Escoffier culinary students in a teaching kitchen.
  • Kristen Kish in conversation with an Escoffier chef instructor outdoors on campus.
  • Kristen Kish standing beside an Escoffier student in front of a "Hail to the Chef" poster.
  • Kristen Kish working alongside an Escoffier pastry student in a teaching kitchen.
  • Kristen Kish mentoring two Escoffier students at the kitchen station.
  • Kristen Kish standing with an Escoffier chef instructor inside the school.

Upcoming Events

  • Virtual Seminar with Kristen Kish

  • Kristen Kish Virtual Office Hours

“Always be the parsley leaf, not the chopped parsley.”
Kristen Kish Escoffier Chef-in-Residence

In the News