'Get ready to eat': Kamin excited to have 'Top Chef' host Lakshmi as Twitter follower, guest in Houston

Like anyone with a Twitter account, Houston City Councilwoman Abbie Kamin gets excited when a she gains a new follower.

But one of Kamin’s latest followers isn’t just an ordinary Joe or Jane behind a screen, but Bravo personality Padma Lakshmi, who hosts the network’s widely popular "Top Chef" program.

“.@PadmaLakshmi just followed me. Life goals. #foodiedreams. Cannot wait to welcome you to Houston!!!! Get ready to EAT," Kamin tweeted on Sept. 22.

Kamin and Lakshmi became Twitter buds just after Bravo’s announcement that Houston will serve as the filming location for the newest season of "Top Chef."

PR Newswire reported that the season will feature chefs from all over Texas's largest and the nation's fourth-largest city competing in front of head judge Tom Colicchio, judge Gail Simmons and Lakshmi herself.

“‘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 Houston season, Variety reported, will bring back the show's all-star judging panel, featuring alumni serving as guest judges and mentors, which made its debut the previous season.

The panel’s popularity with viewers was a factor in its return.

The Houston Daily reported that the money earned from "Top Chef’s" public relations could help Houston’s restaurants that were adversely affected by the pandemic and recent natural disasters.

Houston’s ethnically diverse and vibrant culinary scene was a deal maker for Bravo, which will air the show next year.

“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.”