Padma Lakshmi’s New Show Debuts March 4

Photo: CBS/Paramount

India-West News Desk

NEW YORK, NY – When Padma Lakshmi steps into the spotlight for the premiere of ‘America’s Culinary Cup,’ she does so not just as host but as the driving force behind CBS’s newest high stakes competition. The Emmy Award nominated food expert and executive producer will headline the championship style series when it debuts with a special 90-minute episode March 4, following ‘Survivor’ on CBS.

For Lakshmi, long associated with discerning palates and sharp culinary critique from her years on ‘Top Chef,’ the new series marks an evolution.

‘America’s Culinary Cup’ gathers an elite lineup of chefs to compete for a one-million-dollar prize, testing them across ten culinary commandments that define excellence in the modern kitchen. Lakshmi anchors the competition, guiding challenges, questioning decisions and ultimately helping determine who advances in what the network calls the ultimate culinary arena.

Joining her at the judges’ table are acclaimed chefs Michael Cimarusti and Wylie Dufresne. Cimarusti, the three Michelin starred force behind Providence in Los Angeles, is known for his refined seafood and commitment to sustainability. Dufresne, the innovative chef who rose to prominence with New York’s wd 50, built his reputation on boundary pushing, science driven cuisine.

Together, the trio will evaluate taste, creativity, presentation and technique as they decide which competitor can master the commandments and claim the title.