Padma Lakshmi Called Chef Melissa King Her ‘Plus One’ Before Joint Costume

Padma Lakshmi has been open about her bond with Top Chef winner Melissa King. “Melissa is somebody whose cooking I always loved,” Lakshmi, 55, told People on Tuesday, October 28. “She’s fun and we enjoy each other’s company. She tends to be my plus one sometimes so people will see us on the red carpet together.” Lakshmi noted that she is also close to former contestants Gregory Gourdet, Kwame Onwuachi and Kristen Kish. “So there’s quite a few of them, but these guys seem to be in New York the most,” she said. Padma Lakshmi Announces 'Top Chef' Exit After 17 Years: 'Time to Move On' Days later,