Accidentally on Purpose

Accidentally on Purpose dives into Kristen Kish’s childhood as a Korean adoptee in the Midwest, finding purpose in kitchens, and becoming the season 10 winner of—and now the Emmy-nominated host—of Top Chef, coming out in her adult years, and all the life lessons in between.

Kristen Kish could never have imagined her career trajectory—not when she was a carefree softball-tossing kid, not in high school working at a pretzel stand, not even, briefly, as a working model. And definitely not when she finally found her true calling as a chef. In those early days, becoming a chef meant tethering oneself to a restaurant, not a television set. But it happened naturally, even if it was totally unanticipated, and it had a profound effect on where and how she focused her energy.

Of course, like most things in life, the road to this full circle moment—from Top Chef season 10 winner to becoming the show’s host—was so much more winding and complicated than it may have appeared from the outside. From growing up as an adoptee in the Midwest, to trying to fit in with all the other girls who were busy dating boys, to coming out and finding love when she least expected it, Kristen learned that, unlike a map, no set of plans or definitions can dictate or explain a life. In fact, accidents happen. Curveballs will come. And they will often be consequential to one’s path.

In Accidentally on Purpose, what defines Kristen’s story aren’t the missteps or even the pleasant surprises that crop up. It’s how to respond when they do, and the decisions made at those intersections. Because while accidents may be unexpected, they don’t have to be at odds with purpose. And as Kristen approaches life’s milestones, big and small, with intention—the ones she expected, and those she didn’t—she realizes she can write her own definitions and chart her own course.