'Top Chef' Grows Bigger Than 'Texas' With Season 9 Finale

Since the March 2006 debut.

PHOTOS: 'Top Chef: Texas' - Behind the Scenes of the Show's Finale

Padma Lakshmi , 41, the series' host for eight cycles, strides into the tent on stilt-high-heeled snow boots and second-skin-tight ski pants, her long black hair tucked behind a pair of cashmere earmuffs. "I'm wearing seven layers," she volunteers, and on cue, her stylist lists them: an undershirt, a silk top, a silk cashmere top, a turtleneck, a vest, a fur and a jacket. Serwatka offers Lakshmi a bar of chocolate. "Oh, yes!" she says, pointing to her open mouth with leather-gloved fingers like a slender, 5-foot-9 baby penguin.

Meanwhile, outside the tent, the three remaining "chef-testants"


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