This April, the food world’s eyes will be on Portland, Oregon, when Bravo launches the 18th season of its hit show Top Chef. An exciting roster of guest judges and cheftestants will make appearances, including actors from the cult comedy series, Portlandia. Cathy Whims isn’t among them, though it’s not overstating it to say that Portland’s food scene thrives today in large part due to her efforts.

“As we start to open up a city (and a country) thanks to the vaccine, I think that having the new season of Top Chef here in Portland will be really great for our restaurant scene as we've all been struggling this past year, as have restaurants across the country,” Whims says. “It's going to be really fun for everyone to see Portland's culinary talent in the spotlight when we could all use some brightness and hope.”