Gail Simmons has served as a permanent judge on Bravo’s Emmy-winning series Top Chef since the show’s inception in 2006. She is also a food journalist, cookbook author, mother of two, and avid global traveler.

In this episode, we hear some of Gail Simmon’s insights on judging Top Chef contestants and dishes, but she mainly talks about how travel has shaped her career and life. We learn about her time working on a kibbutz in Israel, and her firsthand knowledge of why the country has such a unique culinary scene and culture. She also talks about her love of Australia, why the country’s food scene is so exciting, and how she found the perfect neighborhood spot in Melbourne. 

Gail also shares why she goes back to South Africa again and again, and how safaris have been such an influential experience throughout her life. As for her favorite food destination, Gail goes into her love of Japan and some of her great culinary adventures in the country. She also talks about how important traveling with her family has been—and will continue to be—for her. 

In the wrap, Bruce sits down with acclaimed Israeli chef Uri Jeremias at his Efendi Hotel in the Old City of Akko. The man behind the famed restaurant Uri Buri, Uri shares his insights about what makes Israel such a special destination for food, history, and more.

To learn more about Gail Simmons or any of her projects, visit http://gailsimmons.com/.

To find out more about Uri Jeremias and his Efendi Hotel and Uri Buri restaurant in the Old City of Akko, visit https://efendi-hotel.co.il/?lang=en.  

A special thanks to Stonestreet Estate Vineyards for sponsoring the show today. Don't forget, listeners of the Master Chef series receive exclusive access to Stonestreet wines, including some unique sets chosen by Bruce, along with a complimentary Single Vineyard tasting for two at the estate. Head over to www.Stonestreetwines.com/Travel to access these incredible deals—and don’t forget to use code TRAVEL to book your complimentary tasting.

Thank you also to Accor and Raffles Doha for sponsoring this episode of the Travel That Matters’ Master Chef series. To learn more about the Raffles Doha or its new ALBA restaurant from chef Enrico Crippa, visit https://www.raffles.com/doha/dining/alba-by-enrico-crippa/. 

Kann (Portland) https://kannrestaurant.com/

ARU (Melbourne) Thai https://aru.net.au/

Cumulus (Melbourne) https://www.cumulusinc.com.au/

Kruger National Park  https://www.krugerpark.co.za/

Six Senses Shaharut https://www.sixsenses.com/en/resorts/shaharut 

Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media Production.

Host: Bruce Wallin

Producer: AJ Moseley

Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas

Music: Joey Salvia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.