'Top Chef' Fans, Did You Notice This Tiny Set Change In Season 16?
Longtime Top Chef fans: If I asked you to describe the table setting placed in front of judges, would you be able to? While it's not something even the most devoted of fans would probably notice, if you look back at old episodes, you'll see a pretty standard set: white plates, silver cutlery, clear glasses. In season 16, though, there is one tiny difference.
Top Chef added Dining Elevated's 'Uplifts' to the table. The four- to six-inch rests give judges a place to put their forks, knives, and spoons in between bites while also adding a luxe look to the tables. Each one weighs between one-third and one-half pound of solid metal and can be purchased in copper, brass, or aluminum. There are also marble, stainless steel, wood, and stone versions in a variety of shapes and sizes, like these cool beach washed wood risers.
The easy-to-miss addition serves a few practical purposes for those who use them in real life: They keep you from dirtying a table cloth mid-meal and prevent the spread of germs when used in restaurants (restaurateurs can buy them in bulk through Edward Don & Company). A study conducted by the University of Arkansas concluded this: "Flatware rests are a simple solution to prevent cross-contamination of foodborne pathogens from the tabletop to utensil, and thus, an added layer of consumer protection."
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The germ factor is how the product came about in the first place. Product creator Rebekah Green developed it after realizing just how dirty some restaurant tables can be-and noticing diners creating makeshift rests for their utensils with things like napkins, sugar packets, and paper wrappers. Fast forward to Rebekah visiting the Top Chef set to deliver Uplifts: she was told by the show's art department it was the first time they've introduced something new to their tables in 16 seasons. Wild!!
Aside from future episodes of Top Chef, you might see Uplifts while traveling, too-several restaurants and hotels have added the product to their dining rooms, including The W Hotel in Washington D.C. and the Seminole Hard Rock in Tampa, FL. You can purchase them for your home on Dining Elevated's website!
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