There’s no question that Padma Lakshmi has had a multifaceted career. After working as a model in Europe—walking in runways for designers like Gianni Versace and shooting with photographers like Helmut Newton—she went on to rack up a multitude of acting and hosting credits. Throughout her life and travels, she kept coming back to her love of food. In 2006, she stepped into the role of host on Top Chef, and in her 19 seasons on the competition show, she received four Emmy nominations for Outstanding Host and became an executive producer. But earlier this year, Lakshmi announced her exit from the show and her plan to embark on a new path. Today, she’s focusing on her documentary series, Taste the Nation, where she travels to immigrant communities across the United States to learn about their food.

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