I know we just talked about Natalie Portman yesterday, but let's face it, she's kinda magical. How magical? Enough to make a steakhouse go vegetarian—at least for one night.

It all went down on last night's episode of Top Chef. (Warning: Spoilers ahead for those who haven't seen it yet.) Like my fellow PETA Files blogger, Missy—who gave us a heads-up about this treat back in July—I'm a fan of the show despite its constant emphasis on serving up, well, dead animals (which the contestants bizarrely insist on calling "protein," as if they're nutritionists instead of chefs).

True to form, the opening "Quickfire Challenge" involved creating TV dinners inspired by iconic TV shows, and all of them ended up meat-centered. So when the chefs were told that the "Elimination Challenge" would take place at judge Tom Colicchio's Vegas steakhouse, Craftsteak, they eagerly began planning which cut of meat to use and how to cook it.

But Top Chef loves its surprises, and this week's came in the lovely form of guest judge Natalie Portman, who told the cheftestants, "I love food. I love eating. I'm pretty adventurous with flavors and different cuisines, and the one thing is, I'm a vegetarian." Cue the dramatic music and shocked faces.

Some of the chefs, like Robin and Mike I., professed confidence in handling a veggie challenge, while others were apprehensive, including Kevin, who had earlier proclaimed, "Cooking meat is me in my element!" But more surprises were in store, as meat-loving Kevin won the challenge with his hearty ensemble of mushrooms, smoked kale, candied garlic, and turnip purée.

I hope this episode provides aspiring chefs—both on and off the show—with food for thought (sorry).

Written by Jeff Mackey

Normally, I channel surf right through competitive food shows (nobody wants to eat trout ice cream, Iron Chef )—but ever since I found out that vegan Natalie Portman will be a guest judge in the upcoming season of Top Chef, I've been counting down the days until the premiere. Well, it looks like we vegans won't have to wait as long as we thought for our moment in the food TV limelight! Top Chef Masters (a Top Chef spin off) has just announced that next week, its contestants will be preparing food for a dinner party hosted by vegan actor and musician Zooey Deschanel. Check out a sneak peek of the episode, which will air Wednesday at 10 p.m.:

Ah, Mr. Smith, it looks like this'll be an especially good exercise for you if your specialty is greasy, unhealthy fried chicken and mac and cheese!

Big thanks to the folks over at Ecorazzi for shooting this our way.

Written by Liz Graffeo

Finally, I'll be able to watch Top Chef with a clear conscience! Have you heard the deliciously good news? The Bravo show has announced its list of guest judges for the upcoming season, and on the roster is none other than the stunning vegan actor Ms. Natalie Portman!

realitywanted / CC

I can't not love this show!

While it crushes my little heart each time the show's chefs spotlight animal unfriendly cuisine, you and I both know what must be in store if they're open to featuring Natalie. Given that the gal won't even wear leather for a big-screen role (instead ensuring that producers find her cruelty-free synthetics) and is an ethical vegan, we can be sure that the show's contestants will cook up some dishes that we'll all want to devour.

Written by Missy Lane