Graham Elliot left MasterChef in 2015, and fans understandably inquired, “Why did Graham Elliot quit MasterChef?” The cookery show’s judge was Elliot, a chef and restaurateur. Fans responded so positively to him that he was requested to be a part of the main program, MasterChef Junior, which debuted in 2013. However, he departed the series after many seasons. His departure happened after five years with the brand, and fans were outraged. As a consequence, many admirers are still perplexed as to why he departed.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Graham Elliot |
| Nick Name | Graham |
| Birthdate | January 4, 1977 |
| Birthplace | Seattle, Washington, United States |
| Age | 46 years old |
| Famous as | Chef |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Tippett-Bowles, John Bowles |
| Spouse | Allie Elliot |
| Children | Mylo Elliot, Conrad Elliot, Jedediah Lindsay Elliot |
Graham Elliot left MasterChef for what reason?
Elliot never explicitly said why he quit the franchise. In a statement announcing his resignation, he said that he had really enjoyed his time on the program and had learned a great deal from it. “It’s been a genuine pleasure to share my passion for cooking with the audiences who have welcomed me into their homes over the previous six years,” he added.
He also said that he would continue to pursue his love for cooking and utilize it to amuse and educate people of all ages. Speaking of his intentions, he said that he will make big news in the new year. Ramsay, another co-star, said that he enjoyed having Graham on the program and was eager about his forthcoming trip. Aarón Sánchez, who is still on the program now, took over as the judge. If Graham’s comment is any indication, he was just getting ready for the next major event in his life.
What happened to Graham Elliot?
A few months after his departure, Bravo announced on June 5, 2016, that Graham would be joining the Top Chef judges’ panel for Season 14 of Top Chef. According to the publication, he will assist presenter Padma Lakshmi, head judge Tom Colicchio, and judges Gail Simmons and Richard Blais in determining the next Top Chef champion. But it wasn’t the only thing.
The chef has served as a judge on Food Network’s Cooks vs. Cons, which is hosted by Iron Chef champion Geoffrey Zakarian. In a series of contests, the program included two competitors: home cooks and professional chefs. In a blind taste test, Elliot and the other panel of rotating judges, who included Kardea Brown, Josh Elkin, and Daphne Oz, had to determine a winner between a professional and an amateur chef.
What Is Graham Elliot Up To These Days?
The judge continues to participate in other programs, but according to Hawaii Magazine, he has been named Executive Chef of Pounders Restaurant at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii. This revelation surprised foodies and fans, who believed the position was beneath Graham, who has a lengthy record of accomplishments. He said that COVID was the cause. He relocated to Hawaii after selling his Chicago restaurant to surf, skate, and spearfish. The chef had planned to provide culinary seminars and cooking demonstrations when he ran across Felix Tai, the cultural center’s chief chef. The two hit it off right away, and the rest is history. He told the site that he still intended to hold culinary lessons and launch a food truck.
