Gail Simmons

Gail Simmons is a trained culinary expert, food writer, and established television personality. She has been a permanent judge on BRAVO’s Emmy-winning series "Top Chef" since its inception in 2006, now entering its 21st season. In addition to "Top Chef," Simmons has hosted a variety of shows, including "Top Chef: Just Desserts," "Top Chef Amateurs," and "Iron Chef Canada." Additionally, she co-hosts "The Good Dish." Simmons also served as the head critic on "Top Chef Duels" and co-hosted "The Feed" on FYI, A+E's new lifestyle network in 2014.

Simmons published her first book, "Talking With My Mouth Full: My Life as a Professional Eater," in February 2012. Her first cookbook, "Bringing It Home: Favorite Recipes from a Life of Adventurous Eating," released in October 2017, was nominated for an IACP award for best general cookbook. As a food writer, Simmons joined Food & Wine magazine in 2004, where she directed special projects until 2019. She worked closely with the country’s top culinary talent and acted as a liaison between the marketing and editorial teams on events and chef-related initiatives.

Outside of her television and writing career, Simmons has made significant contributions to the culinary community. She frequently makes appearances at major culinary festivals such as the South Beach Wine & Food Festival and the New York City Wine & Food Festival. In addition to her appearances, Simmons is an active supporter of several nonprofit organizations, including Common Threads, City Harvest, Hot Bread Kitchen, and Children in Conflict. She serves on various boards, including City Harvest and the American Institute of Wine & Food. In 2014, Simmons and her business partner, Samantha Hanks, founded Bumble Pie Productions, an original content company dedicated to discovering and promoting new female voices in the food and lifestyle space. Their first series, "Star Plates," premiered in Fall 2016 on the Food Network. Simmons was appointed Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Babson College from 2013 through 2019, where she mentored student entrepreneurs, helping them develop food-related social enterprises.

Currently, Simmons hosts "Iron Chef Canada," "Top Chef Amateurs," and co-hosts "The Good Dish." She also frequently appears on daytime television shows including NBC’s "Today," ABC’s "Good Morning America," and CBS’s "The View." In recognition of her influential career, the New York Post named her the #1 Reality TV Judge in America, and she has received the Award of Excellence by Spoons Across America for her efforts in empowering healthy eating among young people.