"padma lakshmi" news and stories

We're already dreaming of the challenges: Whip up some hors d'oeuvres for 100 drunken lobbyists. Design a five-course menu inspired by and served at the Watergate Hotel ("Deep Throat" ceviche, anyone?). Team up to make an entree using only cherry blossoms.

That's right -- in what has to be one of the worst-kept secrets in a city full of them, all signs point to the nation's capital as the shooting location for the seventh season of Bravo's Top Chef.

The Countess. Padma. Tabatha. If you're on a first name basis with these gals, chances are you're a Bravo junkie (like us). The cable channel just announced a new slate of shows in production and it sounds like they're going to pull us back into their clutches yet again.

In development is 'Around the World in 80 Plates.' Contestants fly around the globe to test their culinary skills in some of the world's most famous restaurants. (We're pretty sure El Bulli and The Fat Duck are getting called right now.) Of course the contestants have to adapt to local cultures and food tastes.

Padma Lakshmi, popular host of Top Chef and cookbook author, gave birth to a baby girl named Krishna Thea Lakshmi on Saturday in New York City, according to UsMagazine.com.

Before giving birth, Padma talked to People about the nature of the baby's name: It's "not a fancy name, but a name that is close to my family. It will be after someone in my family." Krishna is also the name of a Hindu god.

Padma's rep tells People, "Mother and baby are well and happy."

Related: Who's Padma's Baby Daddy?

There is just something sexy about a woman who takes big, reckless, greedy bites out of life; a woman who isn't afraid of fire, or knives, or licking her fingers. And all ten of these female chefs, food critics, bloggers, and television personalities fit these criteria. They are all leaders in their field, accomplished professionals who also happen to be fantastically attractive. Each of these women vibrates with passion, style, and authority. And we love them for it.

The one name that is not on this list is Julia Child's, that peerless pioneer of television cooking who inspired entire generations of Americans to become homegrown gourmets. Her joyful sensuality was part of her allure: she set the mold for every woman on this list. We chose not to include her because sometimes genius stands apart. Julia Child's is sexy, just re-watch the way the woman eats a pastry, breaks down a chicken, or kneads a mound of dough.

And now, the heiresses to her throne ... these goddesses are so hot, they practically sizzle.

AskMen.com released their "Top 99 Most Desirable Women" list this morning and food industry powerhouses Padma Lakshmi and Giada De Laurentiis are on it, beating out popular hotties like Kim Kardashian and Blake Lively. The Top 99 Most Desirable Women is decided by an annual poll in which readers are asked to consider more than instant sex appeal -- more than 6 million votes were cast this year.

Find out who the number one most desirable woman is, along with the complete list.

Do you think Padma and Giada belong on the 'Most Desirable List?' Tell us in the comments.