The world is falling in love with summer issue cover star Padma Lakshmi all over again thanks to her critically acclaimed new Hulu television series, Taste the Nation. It seems the actress, author and activist leaves an incredible impression on everyone she meets, from Hollywood actors to renowned photographers to Top Chef contestants. We tapped some of Lakshmi’s closest friends and biggest admirers — from actress Susan Sarandon to comedian Ali Wong to photographers Inez & Vinoodh — to share their favorite stories about her.

Photography provided by the Travel Channel

Andrew Zimmern, Chef and Television Personality

I have been lucky enough to know Padma for a long time now, and there have been some great memories and moments along the way. I have to say that my favorite thing about Padma is current Padma. Right now, she’s the most brilliant, impressive and impactful version of herself — an activist, mother, storyteller, social justice warrior, home cook and human rights champion.

If I look objectively at where she is right now, at this moment, my own favorite memory of her is looking at her Instagram profile or reading an interview with her. I think as human beings, we evolve into the best version of ourselves, and I look at where Padma is in her life right now, and she is there. She has become a superhero.