Padma Lakshmi and renowned chef Wylie Dufresne are collaborating on the new CBS cooking competition series "America's Culinary Cup," premiering in March 2026. Lakshmi hosts and executive produces, while Dufresne serves as a judge alongside Michael Cimarusti, focusing on high-stakes, professional-level culinary challenges.

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Key Details on Their Collaboration:

1. Show Format: America's Culinary Cup features 16 elite chefs competing for a $1 million prize, with a focus on innovation and technical skills.
2. Roles: Padma Lakshmi hosts and judges, while Wylie Dufresne brings his expertise as a Michelin-starred chef and molecular gastronomy pioneer to the judges' table.
3. Relationship: The pair are long-time friends, with Lakshmi noting in an Instagram post that she and Dufresne have known each other for 20 years.
4. Context: This project marks a new venture for Lakshmi following her departure from Top Chef, focusing on established chefs rather than up-and-comers

will he get a catchphrase?

nice to cash in a bit.