Bye, Padma, bye

Oh, Padma. I think I’m going to miss you most of all. “Top Chef” closes out its fourth season tonight with the grand finale featuring adorable honorary chefbian Stephanie, real-life chefbian Lisa and faux-hawk connoisseur Richard. I’m Team Stephanie all the way. But, regardless, they’re all winners for having spent so much time in the presence of The Ultimate Kitchen Goddess herself, Padma Lakshmi. (SEE UPDATE BELOW, plus YAY STEPHANIE!)

To quote dearly departed (from the show, not this mortal coil) chef Antonia from Eater LA:

“(Padma) really looked like a goddess. I was so excited to see a woman so beautiful, knew so much about a food, ate like a rock star and looks like a super model. It’s what everyone wants to be.”

You said it, sister. Let’s take a look back, in wonder, at the many faces (not to mention the rest of her) of Padma. [Click any and, I highly recommend, all to enlarge]

The Cook & The AuthorThe EaterThe HostThe Fashion MavenThe Proud Scar BearerThe Men’s Wear EnthusiastThe Same-Sex CanoodlerThe Funny Gal

The Sexy

Yep, I will definitely miss Padma most of all. Mmm, Padma, mmm.

UPDATE: Oh. My. God. Did you read the LA Times piece on Padma yesterday? If so, this is the most perfect quote in the history of the world:

“My greatest pleasure is to put a plate before you and watch you,” said Lakshmi. “But you know it’s true! I long to hear you say, ‘Mmmmm.’”

Padma, I will “Mmmmm’” for you anytime. Call me! Feed me!