Lisa Ray named new host for season two of Top Chef Canada

Top Chef Canada returns for a second season this spring, and a new Torontonian has been pegged to host the show: actress and model Lisa Ray. “I am a big fan of the Top Chef series and thrilled to help spotlight some of the amazing culinary talent right here in my hometown,” she said in a release. “I’m looking forward to a challenging yet delicious season.” The well-travelled actress has starred in Water, Cooking with Stella and Bollywood Hollywood and has plenty of hosting experience, including the Giller Prize gala earlier this month, the 2006 Genie Awards and her own entertainment show in India. She has also been celebrated for her fundraising to support research into multiple myeloma, a disease she was diagnosed with in 2009. Last season’s host Thea Andrews left the show to take care of her second child. Returning for season two, which premieres on March 12, will be head judge Mark McEwan, the grand prize of $100,000 and a GE Monogram kitchen and, we’re sure, a little product placement here and there. No word yet on whether horsemeat will make a comeback.