Kristen Kish

Kristen Kish

Kristen Kish (born December 1, 1984) is a South Korean-born American chef and television personality. She gained widespread recognition as the winner of Top Chef Season 10.

Early Life and Education

Kish was born in Seoul, South Korea, and was adopted by an American family at the age of four. She grew up in Kentwood, Michigan, where her passion for cooking began at a young age. Kish attended Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Chicago, where she honed her skills and developed her unique culinary style.

Career

After completing her culinary education, Kish worked at several renowned restaurants, including Alinea and Menton. Her talent and dedication to her craft quickly earned her recognition within the culinary industry.

In 2012, Kish competed on the reality cooking show Top Chef. She showcased her culinary skills and impressed the judges with her innovative dishes throughout the competition. Kish ultimately emerged as the winner of Season 10, solidifying her status as a rising star in the culinary world.

Following her victory on Top Chef, Kish continued to make a name for herself in the industry. She worked as the chef de cuisine at Staplehouse in Atlanta, Georgia, where she received critical acclaim for her creative and refined cuisine. Kish also appeared as a guest judge on various cooking shows and made numerous television appearances, further establishing her presence in the media.

Personal Life

Kish is openly gay and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She has spoken about her experiences as a queer woman in the culinary industry and has used her platform to promote inclusivity and diversity.