Emmys 2012: ‘Top Chef’ judges set their own menu after 10 seasons

For judges of one of the most well-known food shows on the planet, “Top Chef,” stars Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons and Hugh Acheson sure have different ideas about what constitutes a good breakfast on Emmy morning.

“I just had a bagel and lox,” Colicchio said, shrugging.

“I had a cocktail at the hotel,” Acheson said, smiling.

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Only Simmons seemed to have really taken breakfast seriously.

“I had two poached eggs with chicken sausage, berries and yogurt,” she said.

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“Top Chef,” which is nominated for outstanding reality-competition program, pretty much set the standard for the many cooking competition shows that came in its wake.

“We’re into our 10th season,” said Simmons. “The show has been huge. We keep it fresh by changing things up. We even change cities, and a city is like a character itself. Next we’re in Seattle.”

Added Colicchio, “When the show first started, I was just concerned that it be accepted by the industry. But now it just keeps expanding. This year, we have Wolfgang Puck!”

Master chefs aside, “Top Chef” is also about discovering great unknown talent, said Acheson.

“The food landscape has changed so much over the past few years, and there are so many hot young chefs who want in on this,” he said.

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