Bravo, chef!

Austin chef Kristen Kish replaces Padma Lakshmi as Top Chef host on Bravo

Kristen Kish started her journey on Top Chef, and now she'll be a host.

Courtesy National Geographic

Austin's own Kristen Kish is set to take the reigns from host Padma Lakshmi for the next season of Top Chef. The head chef at upscale downtown restaurant Arlo Grey, Kish is also a former Top Chef contestant and won Season 10 of the series in 2013.

Kish reacted to the exciting news in a statement on the Bravo website, also acknowledging that head judge Tom Colicchio and perennial judge Gail Simmons will both return to the judges’ table for Season 21 as well.

“Top Chef is where I started my journey — first as a competing chef, then a guest judge, and now as host, I have the honor of helping to continue to build this brand,” Kish said. “I’m thrilled to sit alongside Gail and Tom as we get to know new incredible chefs and see what they cook up. It feels like coming home.”

Lakshmi announced she was stepping away as host in June 2023 after 19 seasons. Since winning Season 10 in 2013, Kish went on to open Arlo Grey at the Line Hotel in Austin in 2018 and recently debuted a National Geographic series during SXSW.

The Season 21 "cheftestants" will be taking on Quickfire Challenges and Elimination Challenges in Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin, the first time the show has filmed in that state.

In the Bravo statement, Tony Evers, the governor of Wisconsin, expressed his excitement for the culinary competition to head to Wisconsin for the first time in the show’s storied history.

“We are honored to be able to welcome Top Chef to Wisconsin for its upcoming season. We’re proud to be known here for our rich food culture, talented chefs, and exceptional local ingredients,” he said. “I know our diverse culinary traditions will help inspire the participants, captivate viewers, and showcase all of the great things Wisconsin has to offer.”

Doctor's Orders

Taco Flats, Bésame teams unite in Cedar Park coffee and cocktail concept

Photo courtesy of La Dosis

La Dosis has made over a Cedar Park space.

There's almost nothing more Austin than an all-day coffee shop-cocktail bar hybrid, but the city doesn't have a monopoly on the trend. A new Cedar Park concept called La Dosis Coffee and Cocktails, by the proprietor behind Austin's La Holly and Taco Flats, is soft opening for newsletter subscribers January 31. It'll officially celebrate its grand opening on February 9.

The new daily hangout spot is located at 300 W. Whitestone Blvd., the former home of the rustic J&J BBQ & Burgers. It'll serve locally roasted Merit Coffee, cocktails, and Tex-Mex snacks like kolaches.

Bésame, the tiny Austin ice cream shop serving adventurous blends — like a current limited-edition blend of Biscoff and passion fruit ice creams swirled with shortbread-toasted coconut gravel and salted caramel — is also debuting its second location here.

La Dosis Cedar Park interior La Dosis will be serving customers from as early as 6 am to as late as 10 pm.La Dosis/Instagram

"Opening La Dosis feels like bringing a dream to life," said owner Simon Madera in a press release. "We've poured our hearts into refining this concept and remodeling a unique space where our community can gather, connect, and enjoy delicious food and drink. We're thrilled to finally open our doors and become part of this neighborhood's daily dose of coffee, pastries, whatever it is they need daily."

There are only a few photos of the renovated space available on social media, but the release credits Liz MacPhail Interiors for the "stunning transformation." The interior design has gone from a standard country barbecue joint to something blending "[W]estern kitsch, Texas nostalgia, and psychedelic elements" with materials ranging from steel to terracotta. The exterior is also getting a makeover by landscape architecture firm Word + Carr Design Group.

La Dosis Cedar Park interior The interior is unrecognizable from its recent past.La Dosis/Instagram

Two patios serving different purposes will be open year-round: one offers TVs for sports fans, and the other will stay a bit quieter for "communal gatherings." There will also be a bar and event space fashioned out of a shipping container that will host live music, karaoke, and private bookings.

Hours of operation at La Dosis are Mondays through Wednesdays from 6:30 am to 9 pm, Thursdays and Fridays from 6:30 am to 10 pm, Saturdays from 8 am to 10 pm, and Sundays from 8 am to 9 pm.