She’s been on the cover of countless fashion magazines, once inspired a novel by her ex-husband Salman Rushdie, and (with a little help from Tom Colicchio) has propelled Top Chef into smash-hit status since becoming the show’s fiery host in 2006. Now, add jewelry designer and ground beef paramour to Padma Lakshmi’s growing resume. Her jewelry line debuts at Bergdorf’s today, and she'll make an in-store appearance on May 8; here, the culinary bombshell discusses sex, burgers, and why she’d rather go naked.

A recent article suggested that you had dreams to build an empire. Is that the goal?
If someone else wants to call it an empire, that’s their business. I think only kings and queens have empires. But I’m lucky to have a new jewelry line. It’s a real labor of love, not at all a licensing deal. I’ve put all of my own money into it.

So, how do you devour a burger like Top Chef-ette Padma Lakshmi? Simple. (1) For starters, find a stoop to coyly perch on, (2) proceed to unhinge your jaw for the first bite, (3) then snap off a piece of bacon, (4) hike up your skirt, (5) lick your wrist, and (6) finally, proceed to ravish the cow-bits like your life depends on it. Which, given the sorry state of recessionomic romance, it sort of does. Even if it's a Hardee's slab of meat. Says the gourmand/actress/sometimes-stoner, "As a teenager, [my friends and I] would always go have burgers." About the advertisement, she further explains, "I think it's a beautiful love song to food. I think eating in itself is the act of great sensuality, so all you have to do is point the camera in the right direction." The whole juicy she-bang follows.

Professional matchmaker Amy Laurent offers advice for Hollywood's confirmed bachelors and those recently in the doghouse.

What's in store for Guy Ritchie?
Well, he was always Mr. Madonna, but he has in his own accomplishments. He needs to date someone less famous. He's been seeing actress Kelly Riley, who is great because she's not such a superstar. I really like him with Padma Lakshmi from Top Chef. She's divorced from Salman Rushdie and definitely doesn't need to be with another writer. And look, I hate to promote adultery, but I kind of like Madonna with A-Rod.

Yeah, it's pretty hot.
They are both huge, but in different industries. Plus physically I always pictured her with a darker guy.