'I can't think of a more perfect pairing': 'Top Chef' films newest season in Houston

An award-winning culinary competition sets up production in diversely-populated Houston as "Top Chef" starts filming its newest season.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said the city is proud of its diversity that attracted "Top Chef."

“I cannot think of a more perfect pairing than 'Top Chef' and the City of Houston,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a release. “Both represent a celebration of cuisine, culture and innovation. We are proud of the diverse community and unique heritage that makes our city such a hot culinary destination — from classics like Tex-Mex and barbecue to local inventions like Viet-Cajun and Japanese Tapas. As any 'Top Chef' contestant will tell you, the best food is born out of passion, and Houstonians exemplify this idea with every dish we create.”

Bravo TV, where the show will air, confirmed the news on Sept. 21 on its website.

“‘Top Chef’ Season 19 is in production in Houston, the fourth largest city in the U.S. The racial and ethnic diversity of Houston’s population is represented in the city’s vibrant culinary scene, making it a perfect backdrop to inspire our next wave of cheftestants,” the network said in a statement. “We hope to showcase the rich heritage of Houstonians through the food that defines them.”

The money earned from 'Top Chef’s' public relations may help restaurants in Houston recover after the shutdowns earlier in the pandemic and natural disasters.

“Anyone who has watched the show knows that it makes the destination look like a place you’ll want to travel to,” Michael Heckman, Houston First president and CEO, said in the Houston Chronicle.

Bravo picked Houston because of the city's ethnically diverse and vibrant culinary scene.

The new season will feature chefs from all over Texas's largest and the nation's fourth-largest city competing in front of host Padma Lakshmi, head judge Tom Colicchio and judge Gail Simmons.

Also returning is the show's all-star judging panel, featuring alumni serving as guest judges and mentors.

Bravo will air the show in 2022.