Fairfield University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts and Center for Arts & Minds will present “An Evening with Padma Lakshmi” on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 p.m. Part of the Philip I. Eliasoph Open VISIONS Forum, the event will feature insights from the Emmy-nominated producer, television host, and New York Times best-selling author, who has been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.

Currently the creator and host of the critically acclaimed Hulu series Taste the Nation, which has been nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special, Lakshmi was the host and executive producer of Bravo’s two-time Emmy-winning series Top Chef for 19 seasons. That show has been nominated for 47 Emmys, including her five nominations as Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program.

Lakshmi is an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) artist ambassador for immigrants’ rights and women’s rights and has been appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for the United National Development Programme (UNDP). Born in India, she grew up in the United States and was known as India’s first supermodel, working as both an actress and model in the United States and Europe.

A prolific author, she has written both cookbooks (Easy Exotic; Tangy, Tart, Hot & Sweet) and a best-selling memoir, Love, Loss, and What We Ate, as well as The Encyclopedia of Spices & Herbs. In August 2021, she published her first children’s book, Tomatoes for Neela, also a New York Times best-seller.

Lakshmi’s appearance is part of Fairfield University’s thought-provoking America250: The Promise and Paradox initiative—a yearlong series of arts and cultural programming to mark the U.S. semiquincentennial. Events include performances presented by the Quick Center, as well as talks and productions sponsored by departments and programs across campus.

This presentation with Padma Lakshmi is supported, in part, by the Delamar Westport, Delamar Spa, Moffly Media, Wealthspire Advisors, WSHU, and Westport Journal. Tickets for the lecture include the speaker’s new book, Padma’s All American, and can be purchased for $70 or $55 for Quick Members, with a $125 VIP experience ticket available as well. 

To learn more about performances or becoming a Quick Center member, visit quickcenter.com. 

To purchase tickets, contact the Quick Center Box Office at 203-254-4010, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.