Padma Lakshmi Names Melissa King as Her ‘Plus One’ for Joint Costume
Padma Lakshmi recently highlighted her close friendship with Melissa King, the winner of Top Chef Season 17. On October 28, Lakshmi shared her admiration for King, stating, “Melissa is somebody whose cooking I always loved.” The two have developed a strong friendship, often attending events together as “plus ones.”
Joint Costume and Friendship
During Halloween, Lakshmi and King showcased their playful bond by dressing in themed costumes from The Addams Family. King channeled Gomez Addams, while Lakshmi embraced the character of Morticia Addams. Their two friends completed the group as Wednesday Addams and Lurch.
King expressed her affection for Lakshmi on social media, emphasizing their connection with heartfelt posts. On November 1, she shared a video captioned, “I would die for her. I would kill for her,” illustrating their deep friendship.
Top Chef Journey
Melissa King first appeared on Top Chef during Season 12 but secured victory in Season 17, which aired in 2020 under Lakshmi’s hosting. Recalling her winning moment, King revealed, “Everyone was bum-rushing me. So many things were going on.” She felt validated by the judges’ recognition of her culinary vision.
After King’s victory, Lakshmi congratulated her on social media, praising her growth and innovation as a chef. “You really came into your own this season,” Lakshmi expressed. “You showed us how Chinese food can be elevated.”
Melissa King’s Culinary Venture
Now based in San Francisco, King runs a culinary partnership company and recently released her first cookbook, Cook Like a King. Launched in September, the book reflects her culinary journey and features a collection of Chinese California recipes inspired by her family.
- Book Release: Cook Like a King
- Release Date: September 2023
- Inspiration: Recipes from her grandmothers and family
King expressed her excitement on Instagram, acknowledging the lengthy process of creating a cookbook. “No one talks about just how long it takes to write a cookbook,” she remarked. This project has been a labor of love for over three years.
With her book, King aims to help home cooks with flavorful dishes, blending her heritage with her culinary expertise.
