Even more than ticking-clock chaos — with its shouts of “behind!” “hot!” “time!” — the patter of “Top Chef” is one of mutual respect. “Top Chef: Portland” has been built around a rotating cast of alumni judges, including Gregory Gourdet, left, Brooke Williamson, Kristen Kish and Dale Talde. Less forbidding than the bold-faced names of seasons past — Anthony Bourdain among them — they are authoritative nonetheless, speaking with the assurance of having walked in these shoes. No reality series in its 18th season has any business shifting into a new gear like this. AdvertisementMelissa King, left, Gail Simmons, Tom Colicchio and Richard Blais on “Top Chef: Portland.” (David Moir / Bravo)That suggests “Top Chef: Portland” is the TV series that not only handled COVID-19 restrictions to finest effect but may also be the perfect objective correlative of our pandemic year more broadly.

Source: Los Angeles Times June 24, 2021 12:56 UTC