Top Chef All Stars - Season 8

[Ferret Herder]

I meant to ask this earlier and your post reminded me but, how in HELL do you cook 100 eggs over easy and hold them properly? Wtf? Antonia should have been given a medal, if not the win, just for that.
Yeah, that is tough as hell. Sounds like Antonia excels at simple foods done perfectly, which is a thing of beauty in itself.

[flickster]

Was never a big Angelo fan, so even thought the Target challenge was goofy, it pains me not that he is gone.

[aceplace57]

I was somewhat offended by the judges remarks about the Creole seasoning that Tiffany used. I'm pretty sure she used Tony's. That's a staple in Louisiana and Texas home cooking & restaurants. It's a big part of my heritage. The judges remarks were hurtful to a lot of people. Tony's means as much to us as Old Bay does to people in the Washington area.

If this had been a fine dining challenge I'd agree seasonings like Tony's & Old Bay aren't used.

Bourdain even attacked Tony's in his blog.
Tiffany, falling back on some hideous prepared seasoning from childhood as if drowning -- grabbing for it like a life preserver. Angelo and Mike seeking solace and security in each other's company, clinging to their fellow inmate for solace.
http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/season-8/blogs/anthony-bourdain/the-center-will-not-hold

[markdash]

I was somewhat offended by the judges remarks about the Creole seasoning that Tiffany used. I'm pretty sure she used Tony's. That's a staple in Louisiana and Texas home cooking & restaurants. It's a big part of my heritage. The judges remarks were hurtful to a lot of people. Tony's means as much to us as Old Bay does to people in the Washington area.

If this had been a fine dining challenge I'd agree seasonings like Tony's & Old Bay aren't used.

Bourdain even attacked Tony's in his blog.

http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/season-8/blogs/anthony-bourdain/the-center-will-not-hold

I've never had Tony's before. But I think what the Judges are saying, and I happen to agree with, is that using a pre-made seasoning mix is lazy cooking. Instead of tasting the food and seeing exactly what spices it needs, and how much, you just grab a bottle of something that may not fit your food at all. Your food ends up tasting like the spice mix (for better or for worse) instead of the food itself.

In many cases this is a good thing; I like to steal Tabasco from babies and use it liberally, but it really should have no place in a prepared dish from an actual chef.

[drastic_quench]

It's gross that they quite apparently didn't wash any utensils or cooking surfaces before cooking. When you unwrap pans and skillets, they're covered in cardboard bits and factory dust and grit.

[enalzi]

It's gross that they quite apparently didn't wash any utensils or cooking surfaces before cooking. When you unwrap pans and skillets, they're covered in cardboard bits and factory dust and grit.

Yeah, I was thinking that too. They might have wiped them down real fast, but I wash everything for my kitchen before I use it the first time.

[wolfman]

I'm glad Angelo is gone. He had some talent but it is so annoying to watch someone How made it 95%of the way to the top, then just crowned himself king and thinks has nothing more to learn.

He really reminds me of the old Joke, "I'm only almost perfect, I though I was wrong once but I was mistaken" He tasted his soup and knew it was boring and salty. But Then apparently his ego made him think, "No that's not possible, I am Angelo, the soup is perfect". Then he served it to the judges and was floored that they thought it was salty and bland.

[Fair Rarity]

I really liked both challenges. My Elmo-loving kid was cracking up, even though she didn't get the jokes. When I explained cow chips, she howled like a loon. I'm glad she has a sick sense of humor and seemed to think it was funnier because it was Elmo.

I liked the Target challenge in theory, but I don't know if it was the limits of the challenge itself or over-tired, non-thinking contestants that made it suck so bad. I would think that cooking your food first should have been priority. Slap a few tablecloths down while your NON-SOUP is chugging away in a pressure cooker or broiler in a toaster oven.

And yeah, that stuff totally didn't look washed off first. And Angelo appeared to take a sip of his soup OVER the soup and probably put the spoon back in the pot. Double ew.

[Zjestika]

I was all ew over the not-washed stuff too. And I swear I saw Dale taste something and put the spoon back in. Not that I don't know that chefs might do that, but I thought they'd make some sort of deal over it like they did at the beginning of a past season.

What I really love is the camaraderie that forms as time goes on. I laughed my ass of when the 3 losers walked into the stew room for deliberation and Carla deadpanned "Beaumont cried again." Or Isabella proclaiming his intentions to be besties with Angelo after the show is over. I actually start to root less for people who have more negative things to say about each other (even though I know it's just editing)- lookin' at you, Antonia.

Edit- missed that the person before me noticed the sip from the pot, too.

[Leiko]

I still don't understand why so many of them picked soup. The tomato soup with the grilled cheese made sense for the time of night, but the other soups did not scream "3 am" to me.

I loved Elmo shouting out "cow chips!" and Tiffany's reaction ("Did Elmo just say my cookies looked like cow shit!?")

Even though I think Kevin Clash is an awesome guy (I love when he does radio interviews on Tavis Smiley's show) I've always been not just pro-Grover buy anti-Elmo. But after that comment, it's improved my opinion of Elmo ten-fold.

(Sesame Street monster muppets are still ranked Grover, Cookie, Telly, Elmo, though. Elmo's too much a glory-hog.)

[YWalker]

I'd feel sadder if it weren't for those knee socks. There are some fashion mistakes for which there is no excuse.
Ha! My thoughts exactly. I told my son that he deserved to go home for wearing black knee socks with shorts regardless of the quality of his food. Although I think Angelo is a better cook than a couple of the folks still left, I imagine that a few folks in earlier seasons who took Angelo's advice and then ended up going home were laughing their heads off that Angelo decided to oversalt his soup based on Mike Isabella's critique.

I thought it was sort of nasty that they were just using the bowls and utensils and stuff straight off the shelf without having had the opportunity to wash any of that stuff. :eek:

[tim314]

I'm just stunned. Over salting food has always been the absolute cardinal sin on Top Chef. Over salt food and you are sent home. Dozens of chefs have been sent home for this. It's one of Tom's pet peeves.

I can't believe Dale got away with this. It's the first time I seriously wonder if the judging was influenced by something other than the food.I don't think Dale's food was quite as oversalted as the editing might have suggested. (Multiple inclusions of Jimmy's "salt monster" comment, etc.) Tom's blog this week was revealing:
Unlike Dale's dish last week, which was saltier than it should have been thus yielding diminished returns as we continued to eat it, but was still tasty and otherwise well-seasoned, Angelo's was simply inedible. Its level of saltiness far exceeded that of Dale's.http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/season-8/blogs/tom-colicchio/monsters-and-a-monster-store?page=0,1

[Lightsaber]

We even saw Angelo add extra water to his soup to try to dilute it. I'm surprised that he could mess up so badly. But I've never been convinced he could be consistent and mentally tough to make it all the way through the competition.

[lisacurl]

I'm surprised at the number of cheftestants who make the too-salty mistake. It has to be a function of the time pressure, right? Or is it that chefs in the real world can simply throw out a dish that went too salty and start over?

[eenerms]

I'm surprised at the number of cheftestants who make the too-salty mistake. It has to be a function of the time pressure, right? Or is it that chefs in the real world can simply throw out a dish that went too salty and start over?

This is where Dale should have gone home two weeks ago. They let him stay even after Jimmy Kimmel said ' too salty you go home right?'

[Tangent]

This is where Dale should have gone home two weeks ago. They let him stay even after Jimmy Kimmel said ' too salty you go home right?'

Fallon?

[tim314]

This is where Dale should have gone home two weeks ago. They let him stay even after Jimmy Kimmel said ' too salty you go home right?'

Did you see what I quoted in post #262. Sounds like it wasn't all that much too salty, at least not the same order of magnitude as Angelo's gaffe.

[garygnu]

I would have been more excited to be able to meet Kevin Clash than Elmo. Muppeteer is a dream job of mine, and Clash got his start as Goriddle Gorilla on "my" show, The Great Space Coaster. Baking cookies for Cookie Monster would be such an honor I'd probably faint.

It seemed to me the Muppets were acting more like The Muppet Show than Sesame Street, and Angelo deserved to go home for his clothing choice. Good episode.

[enalzi]

Damn.

Dale nearly had me in tears at the end there. If anyone has redeem him/herself this season, it was definitely Dale. Bums me out to not see him in the final. I think he went out at the final six last time as well.

Now, back to the beginning. Here's how my thoughts went during the quickfire:

"Hey, fried chicken oysters, that's a pretty clever idea. I'm surprised that Mike came up with-"
"Yeah, Richard showed me his idea for it this morning."
"Nevermind."

Pretty cheap move. Shows that he's pretty much outclassed by everyone else. Didn't Tiffany give him the idea for his elimination challenge too?

Random thoughts time:

Carla picking Tre assuming he would know all about Southern food: Hilarious.

The producers had to have given Marcel the best protein on purpose.

Surprised Rich won just based on initial reactions. Felt like the first opinion from the judges was "not bad."

I want a box set of all Top Chef seasons with a special feature of Carla's face in a pop-up box reacting to everything that happens. And Fabio providing commentaries.

Chef Law!

[aceplace57]

Southern fried food. Oh Yeah!!! Best of all, it's for a great cause, the Gulf Coast fishermen that lost so much during the oil spill.

Fatigue is certainly a factor. These chefs are absolutely exhausted. I don't think they've gotten even one day off this entire season. That was painfully obvious seeing Dale stagger around like a zombie. Carla and Tiffany both "southern chefs" screw up a southern menu. Crazy stuff that only happens when you push people all the way past the edge of the cliff. This isn't Top Chef anymore. It's about survival and not great food. :( Even a couple days off would make a big difference in these chefs performance.

Tiffani sure saved Mike I. this time. Man, did he luck out getting a chef that had lived in New Orleans for 2 years. Richard is turning into a dick. His attitude is getting worse as the episodes go by. Probably fatigue and exhaustion.

[MilTan]

How is Tiffany still on this show? I would say that at least the last three chefs eliminated outclassed her (and actually, you know, won challenges). Her main skill seems to be being consistently mediocre.

[aceplace57]

/Shallow Padma looked really nice in her QF top. She's benefited from the baby boobs this season. Plus, I like a woman that doesn't look like a toothpick.

She's practically popping out of a top at Judges Table. I'll miss her assets next season. ;) /EndShallow

[enalzi]

/Shallow Padma looked really nice in her QF top. She's benefited from the baby boobs this season. Plus, I like a woman that doesn't look like a toothpick.

She's practically popping out of a top at Judges Table. I'll miss her assets next season. ;) /EndShallow

I was thinking the same thing. Also, she's not going to be on next season?

[aceplace57]

FAIK Padma will be there next season. But, the baby boobs probably will have disappeared unless she's breast feeding her daughter.

[Diogenes the Cynic]

Mike is an asshole. You don't steal recipes, man.

[eenerms]

Fallon?
oops:D

[IvoryTowerDenizen]

The White Shrimp, as Marcel is standing there shorter than everyone else. Snerk.

Poor Dale, but I'm glad Richard and Carla made it through.

Paula Deen threatening to whip Antonio's ass? Hah!

[drastic_quench]

Padma schmadma. When's Gail returning? I can't get enough of her.

[shiftless]

/Shallow Padma looked really nice in her QF top. She's benefited from the baby boobs this season. Plus, I like a woman that doesn't look like a toothpick.

She's practically popping out of a top at Judges Table. I'll miss her assets next season. ;) /EndShallow

That's not shallow, Padma is half the reason I watch the show.

Perviously Dale seemed like a bit of a dick. I've liked him a lot more this season and was kind of rooting for him. My rooting for someone is the kiss of death apparently.

[LavenderBlue]

The White Shrimp, as Marcel is standing there shorter than everyone else. Snerk.

Poor Dale, but I'm glad Richard and Carla made it through.



Ha ha. I wonder if they did that deliberately?

Dale's elimination was a shock. He's won so many challenges. I really thought it was going to be Carla. Mike cannot get off my screen fast enough. He's a childish jerk.

[lisacurl]

The producers had to have given Marcel the best protein on purpose.
have to tie a pork chop around his neck to get the dog to play with him. :D

[Kolak of Twilo]

My rooting for someone is the kiss of death apparently.

Then it's well past time for you to start rooting for Mike I.

[flickster]

I was shocked nobody did a gumbo. it would have been pushed due to time limits, but still could have been possible, and with better results than some of what was served.

As for Dale - good talent, but I won't miss his smugness of late.

Richard's continued overuse of liquid nitrogen is getting as tiresome as Marcel's foam

[enalzi]

I was shocked nobody did a gumbo. it would have been pushed due to time limits, but still could have been possible, and with better results than some of what was served.

As for Dale - good talent, but I won't miss his smugness of late.

Richard's continued overuse of liquid nitrogen is getting as tiresome as Marcel's foam

At least it's not just liquid nitrogen for liquid nitrogen sake. For example, in this episode, he used to to solidify the mayo so he could fry it. A lot of his stuff you could imagine a recipe saying "stick in the freezer overnight." But he doesn't have the time for that so he uses the nitrogen.

[markdash]

So sad to see often brilliant cooks like Dale and Angelo go, while mediocrity like Mike and Tiffany continue on. I'm guessing nothing will happen since the formula is what it is (and the ever-present thread of elimination hangs over everyone, increasing the drama), but I would like it if there was some consideration given to those chefs who have performed well throughout the competition.

[aceplace57]

All Stars has pretty much proven the best or most creative chefs don't necessarily win. It takes a special personality to pull together a menu in 15 minutes and execute it reasonably well in only a few hours. That skill set really doesn't apply in the real restaurant world. TC chefs also need the grit of a Survivor contestant. A lot of luck helps too. ;)

I recall speculating about the Top 5 in All Stars. Richard is the only chef left from my preseason list. We've seen powerful chefs that dominated their seasons fall on their faces in All Stars. It has been bittersweet.

[TheFifthYear]

Really sorry to see Dale go. I thought he was likely to contend right up to the end.

I can't believe I live in a world where Paula Deen is popular. She is like nails on a chalkboard to me. It was very hard to watch the quickfire with that voice/accent constantly assaulting me. I just don't understand what people like about her at all. Well, her hair is pretty kick ass, but I hate that style of food and if I ever have to hear her speak again, it will be too soon.

[Sattua]

Does anyone else see what I see in Angelo--a snake who sabotages everyone he's allowed to get near? It was obvious on his first season on the show, but so far this season I've seen him sabotage both Spike and Dale, but nobody's talked about it. Frankly, I thought it was pretty sweet that Dale sabotaged *him* last episode... told him his soup needed more salt... maybe not intentional, but still, Angelo's well-meaning "help" has invariably gotten the recipient eliminated. It was so sweet to see it happen to him.

Also, where's the Russian fiancee now Angelo? Huh?

[jonesj2205]

Sorry to see Dale go, but I can't say I was surprised. It is refreshing to see the bottom three saying "I know I screwed up and here's where" and it's obvious the judges are hating to see anyone go home.
Dale definitely grew as a person between his two appearances. I was happy to see him go home in his season, but this time I wouldn't have minded having him stick around.

[saje]

I cannot abide Paula Deen, and deep fried mayo sounds beyond disgusting.

[shiftless]

Richard's continued overuse of liquid nitrogen is getting as tiresome as Marcel's foam

I can't believe nobody has combined the two somehow. Once someone perfects the "frozen foam of ceviche" the show will have jumped the shark.

[Athena]

Richard's continued overuse of liquid nitrogen is getting as tiresome as Marcel's foam

I don't agree at all. Richard uses liquid nitrogen and other molecular cuisine techniques when they make sense - as enalzi pointed out, he just did it to quick freeze the mayo, nothing you couldn't do in the freezer if you had enough time. Marcel, on the other hand, is a one-trick pony with the foam, and uses it even when the dish doesn't call for it.

These new techniques are good, in their place, and when done well. But they don't make up for general technique or skill. From what I've seen of Richard, he's got both, and it shows.

[garygnu]

Does anyone else see what I see in Angelo--a snake who sabotages everyone he's allowed to get near? It was obvious on his first season on the show, but so far this season I've seen him sabotage both Spike and Dale, but nobody's talked about it. Frankly, I thought it was pretty sweet that Dale sabotaged *him* last episode... told him his soup needed more salt... maybe not intentional, but still, Angelo's well-meaning "help" has invariably gotten the recipient eliminated. It was so sweet to see it happen to him.

Also, where's the Russian fiancee now Angelo? Huh?

It was Mike Isabela that told Angelo his soup was missing something, not Dale. And what, exactly did Angelo do to Dale this episode? Marcel did far more to send Beaumont to the bottom three than anything I saw from Angelo.

[Sattua]

It was Mike Isabela that told Angelo his soup was missing something, not Dale. And what, exactly did Angelo do to Dale this episode? Marcel did far more to send Beaumont to the bottom three than anything I saw from Angelo.

Okay, my bad about the soup. A week ago is... a long time for my brain right now.

About Dale in this episode, Angelo was there. That's all it takes.

[Great Antibob]

I don't agree at all. Richard uses liquid nitrogen and other molecular cuisine techniques when they make sense - as enalzi pointed out, he just did it to quick freeze the mayo, nothing you couldn't do in the freezer if you had enough time. Marcel, on the other hand, is a one-trick pony with the foam, and uses it even when the dish doesn't call for it.

These new techniques are good, in their place, and when done well. But they don't make up for general technique or skill. From what I've seen of Richard, he's got both, and it shows.

I'd agree.

Jimmy Fallon's knock on Richard's dish was it didn't involve liquid nitrogen or new techniques (though it was apparently still pretty tasty), and now other people don't like other dishes because they do use liquid nitrogen.

Sounds like the guy can't get a break, either way. Might as well keep doing the normal chef thing - making stuff that tastes good.

[enalzi]

A) Antonia and Mike: Cousins? Best. Season. Ever.

B) Totally called the judge's decision.

C) Not cool with the psych-outs Padma.

D) Cool with the bikini Padma.

E) Won't spoil anything, but I'm excited for next week's (Quickfire?) challenge. I had a feeling they might do something like that.

[aceplace57]

I saw the judges decision coming too.

This episode was one of the best I can ever recall. I couldn't stop grinning and tearing up at the same time. Bringing in the families seemed to focus the chefs more than I 've ever seen. They did the same thing in Season 6's final. Except, in All Stars it was more powerful because the chefs had been away from family for a couple months.

I'm not sure the judges did themselves any favors. All they've done is delay a tough decision they still have to make. Somehow they have to pick a single winner. Never the less, it's pretty cool that all five get to visit Bermuda.
Padma certainly rocks that bikini doesn't she. :D Hard to believe she had a baby less than one year ago.

[IvoryTowerDenizen]

Excellent episode. Antonia won something! Yay! She and Mike are related? Love it!

Bahamas, I think.

[LVBoPeep]

Great episode, really had me at the edge of my seat (although I kinda thought it would end up being the five) and I really couldn't decide between Tiffany and Carla who should go home. Tiffany probably because she's had some bad ECs lately but Carla was the only one they had slightly negative comments about (i.e. the veggies).

For a minute, I thought Richard was going to lose it and I thought he was going home just based on the fact that everyone else had very personal stories to tell while his was just "nice", "perfect", "right" but didn't feel like a story of himself like the others. And that was just mean of them to tell him to pack his knifes. He looked like he might pull a Seth (from the Just Desserts series) and end up going home in an ambulance.

Still, great show and glad to see Top Chef hasn't jumped the shark yet. Must...learn...to...make...osso...bucco..

[Diogenes the Cynic]

I thought it was a really lame episode myself. First of all, I never like seeing families on the show. It's sappy, cornball sentiment. Famlies should never be seen on the show. Secondly, the editing made it obvious from Jump Street that no one was going home. The fact that the families were there meant the judges weren't going to say anything critical no matter how shitty the food was, so it was pretty clear they never intended to send anyone home in the firts place. It was just a filler episode. Bring in the families. let them cook smack within their confort zones, flatter everybody and send them all through. I thought the whole episode seemed phony and staged.

I'm starting to get a little tired of Carla, by the way. She's just so precious all the time, and that wide-eyed look of surprise about every little compliment is starting to wear a little thin.

Mike's an even bigger loser than I thought. Pretty sad when his SO has to be his mom at his age. Doesn't he even have a girlfriend?

[aceplace57]

Man, Riichard procreates at the worst times. ;) During his season finale he was distracted because his wife was days away from giving birth. So, now in All Stars his wife is ready for baby #2. The news reported Feb 5, that the baby girl was born.
http://www.usmagazine.com/momsbabies/news/top-chefs-richard-blais-welcomes-baby-no-2-201152

That's pretty close to when they filmed the All Stars finale. I "think" it was filmed in January. Eric Ripert tweeted a pic of him and Jenn in the surf about 5 weeks ago (I posted the link in this thread back then). So it's Deja Vu all over again for Richard and the finale.

[Glory]

Mike's an even bigger loser than I thought. Pretty sad when his SO has to be his mom at his age. Doesn't he even have a girlfriend?

I think moms were the main choice from the producers - 3 moms vs 2 spouses (Richard mentioned in the voiceover his mom died 2 months previously, I don't remember Carla mentioning her mom).

[Kolak of Twilo]

I really loved this episode. I had a strong feeling they were going to put them all through when it was obvious the food was so good across the board. Maybe Diogenes is right and the whole thing is phony but I don't buy it. There was genuine emotion going on in this episode and the family members being there seemed to inspire each of the chefs. Gail Simmons says as much in her blog (http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/03/03/gail-simmons-top-chef-all-stars-episode-12-blog/) entry about this episode.

She also has some comments about Blais that may be telling about where things are going:
I’ve never met a more stressed-out chef than Richard Blais. I wish he would have some more self-confidence because his food is so good and he’s such a confident cook, but he’s such a struggling soul. He’s wrestling with his demons at all times. Poor man.

Also, I get the impression next week isn't the Final episode. Isn't the finale usually two episodes? So someone gets eliminated next week (maybe 2 since we have a Final 5) and then the following episode is the actual FINALE. Or have I misunderstood something?

[aceplace57]

Last season they had a two part finale in Singapore (one got eliminated and then 3 went to the final). I'm pretty sure they are doing a 2 part finale in the Bahamas for All Stars. Probably 2 eliminated in the semi and then 3 in the final.

[Shark Sandwich]

The judges did a poor job of hiding the fact that no one was getting eliminated. As soon as Padma said, "I think we've made our decision," they showed all the other judges and they were all smiling. That nailed it right there for me.

And Padma pulling the fake-out on Richard? Man, that was painful to watch. If the judges already know he's mentally fragile (as Gail mentioned in her blog), then that was bordering on cruel. I was ready for Richard to just spout out a, "What the fuck, Padma?!?!"

Yeah, I'm going to call a double-elimination on next weeks show too.

[drastic_quench]

The judges did a poor job of hiding the fact that no one was getting eliminated. As soon as Padma said, "I think we've made our decision," they showed all the other judges and they were all smiling. That nailed it right there for me.

And Padma pulling the fake-out on Richard? Man, that was painful to watch. If the judges already know he's mentally fragile (as Gail mentioned in her blog), then that was bordering on cruel. I was ready for Richard to just spout out a, "What the fuck, Padma?!?!"

Yeah, I'm going to call a double-elimination on next weeks show too.

Hehe. When he knew he'd been had, he did get out an under-his-breath "Why would you...' before he simply said thank you and took his leave. Their was definitely potential for a rant there.

[Tully Mars]

I enjoyed watching an episode where the contestants were able to cook food of their choosing without any silly constraints. It demonstrates what they are capable of. It also shows why they sometimes have those silly constraints. Without them, they would have a much more difficult time eliminating anyone.

[hijack] The wife and I ate at Casey Thompson's restaraunt (Brownstone) in Fort Worth a few weeks ago. The food was suprisingly and enjoyable simple and very well prepared. We will definitely try it again. [\hijack]

[MaxTheVool]

The other thing about the fakeout on Richard, of course, is that it's also a fakeout on Tiffany and Carla... who go from stressed to "oh thank God it's not me" back to stressed... I really think that's just mean.


But the episode as a whole was great fun, aside from the Quickfire, which was pretty lame.

But are they going this whole season without doing my absolute favorite Quickfire, the tag team cooking? Damn it!

[jonesj2205]

The second time watching the previews I caught that there was more to the finals than Padma in a bikini. Not that there needs to be.
But there was a voice over that the chefs would be competing head to head against the winners of their season. Which seems to give Carla a huge leg up since middle of the road Hosea won her season. But....
Antonio and Richard were in the same season won by Stephanie. Wonder if that means one of them is eliminated before that competition.

[aceplace57]

The first episode filmed in the Bahamas. Pretty major clusterfuck all the way around for the production and the chefs. Tom had to pick a winner from dishes he obviously hated. It pisses me off that they bring the original TC season winners together and then waste their talents making them cook on hotplates.

The QF burner things they set up outside didn't work. That pretty much screwed up all the chefs food. Then in the EC the restaurant had a defective fryer that overheated the oil until it caught fire. The chefs lost all their original food and had to start over and redo everything the same night. It's not surprising the food was not very good.

Mike deserves a lot of credit for delivering a really good dish with many layers of flavor. He stayed focused in spite of all the production issues.

It's a shame Carla let the QF mess up her confidence. I hate seeing anyone go when clearly the whole night was screwed up.

[Kolak of Twilo]

I agree this was a serious mess of an episode. But then Top Chef has become more about who can make good food while having poo flung at you than really about who can make a really amazing meal.

Last week pretty much showed us all of these people are incredibly talented and under normal working conditions can put together great food.

[enalzi]

Yeah, I'm not a "Every challenge should just be cook good food" person, but this episode was pretty lame. I get the feeling that after last weeks episode and the upcoming finale, the producers decided just to completely put them in shitty conditions. Even before the fire that was a pretty crappy kitchen.

Also, sucks for Antonia to lose the Quickfire to Steph. Stephanie is a great chef but I remember always being horrible in the Quickfires in her season.

[Dag Otto]

Then in the EC the restaurant had a defective fryer that overheated the oil until it caught fire.

I'm trying to figure out if that was a set up or not. It first I figured the kitchen hood fire suppression system would activate. When it didn't, I thought that maybe that kitchen didn't have one. Then in the next shot where they zoom out a little, I see the nozzles of the kitchen hood fire suppression system.

Sometimes I get tired of the bullshit gimmicks the chefs have to deal with: Induction heaters that crap out, having to cook with equipment they in a Target store, cook a meal using nothing but sawdust, a styrofoam cup, and a candle, etc..

[MLS]

One of the blogs on bravotv.com says
Sooo they start cooking, and while they're only a little way into the process, a fryer catches on fire, and everyone has to evacuate. We couldn't plan this s--- if we tried, so I can't believe this actually happened. This must've been a nightmare for the producers as well, not knowing if they'd need to scout out a new location, but who knows..

[TheFifthYear]

This really was a crappy episode, and it made me realize how disappointed I am in how this season has turned out. I believe that three or four of the strongest chefs this season didn't make it to the final, and we're left with a group of really mediocre finalists with maybe one or two exceptions. It doesn't help that the two I think arguably deserve their spot in the finale (Richard, Antonia) each have a major flaw: Richard that he has the oddest and most annoying combination of enormous ego and self doubt Ive ever seen, and Antonia that her food is apprently very well executed, but it's also very simple which doesn't make for compelling tv. I'd love to eat her food, but unlike, say, Richard or Mike Voltaggio, there's nothing interesting about just looking at it, which after all is all we can do as viewers.

Unlike past finales, i realized i didnt care who they sent home last night because there are still so many weak contestants. I cant remember a season where i felt like at least 3 of the finalists were much, much worse than multiple people who went home earlier. It made for great viewing when there was that feeling that anyone could go home anytime and we lost Jen, then Angelo, then Dale the downside to that excitement is that you get to the end and only mediocrity remains

I also thought they really wasted the season winners in that lake quickfire.

[Tamerlane]

I believe that three or four of the strongest chefs this season didn't make it to the final, and we're left with a group of really mediocre finalists with maybe one or two exceptions.

Eh, if Mopey McScallop was still around I'd be annoyed, but otherwise I think the only relative "mediocrity" ( an ugly word for someone who can no doubt outcook me 100x over ) in the final five, now four, is Tiffany.

Richard was the odds on favorite from day one, so he hardly falls into that category. And the other three have generally won me over with solid wins throughout the competition. As good as Dale? Not from what I saw. But better than mediocre.

I was rooting for Dale, but Angelo was always inconsistent and won't be missed in my eyes. I don't care for Mike personality-wise ( as massaged by the producers, anyway ) and you accurately summed up Richard, who swings from mildly endearing ( notice how consistently helpful he is to the other cooks, whatever his ego is ) to insufferable with every tick. But if Richard or Antonia win I won't be disappointed.

[Palo Verde]

Waaahhhh! Carla was the best thing about that show. I agree that raw pork is unforgivable, and it seems that the flavors were off as well, but I just love her.

[Diogenes the Cynic]

Anybody but Mike Isabella. That guy irritates the shit out of me.

[Zjestika]

Waaahhhh! Carla was the best thing about that show. I agree that raw pork is unforgivable, and it seems that the flavors were off as well, but I just love her.

Me, too. Having a temper tantrum over here.

Does Gail look like she had a little work done? Here face looked so weird to me.

[IvoryTowerDenizen]

Anybody but Mike Isabella. That guy irritates the shit out of me.

Ditto, Dio. (:D)

It's irrational, but he's just so... smarmy.

I lived Carla and was sad to see her go. She brought a certain lightness and kindness to the show.

[JeffB]

Does Gail look like she had a little work done? Here face looked so weird to me.It looked to me like she had some uneven sunburn, so her color was off.

[jonesj2205]

Anybody but Mike Isabella. That guy irritates the shit out of me.

Yes, yes, yes.

[Sattua]

Does Gail look like she had a little work done? Here face looked so weird to me.

On top of the uneven tan, I think she's lost a lot of weight. She wasn't as luscious-looking as usual. Boo.

Padma looked like a coathanger.

[TruCelt]

I have the impression that Padma's little trick may have broken something in Richard. I mean, it was fragile to begin with, but he does not seem to have recovered. Maybe it's just the impending birth, but he seems really changed to me. And I hate the new hair color/length.

Same with Mike V - a normal haircut just doesn't work for him. ;-)

I love Carla. Of all the chefs from all the seasons, she'd be my number one choice if I could travel to sample her cooking.

The production quality on this show is just pathetic. WTF is wrong with a freakin' cooking show that consistently, year ofter year, provides faulty equipment? If they aren't going to fire somebody over the inability to provide a working frickin' burner then when the frick are they going to fire someone? I don't use those words lightly, I've had to fire people and it's really horrid. But this is ridiculous. Now they failed to even check the safety of the equipment, before allowing the whole crew in there. I mean, how many gallons of burning oil?

That could have been a real tragedy. Thank goodness for Richard's quick thinking in getting it covered and preventing any dumb responses. He showed real leadership there, and I didn't see it acknowledged at all.

At least there's been no cheating crap this time around. That's one thing I'm glad to see gone and if it comes back I will drop the series. Well, there was the plagiarISm, but it was out in the open, and the judges addressed it.

[aceplace57]

I've watched every season of Top Chef. I still prefer season 6 because it had the most fine dining challenges. It did have a few weak ones too (cooking in the desert, the room service challenge). They set the bar very high as a genuine cooking show. Season 3 is my favorite because it was the most drama free and I really liked the chefs personalities.

All Stars has been pretty good. But, overall there's been way too many casual dining challenges. This season seems more like Survivor than a cooking competition. I have enjoyed getting reacquainted with cheftestants from prior seasons. Some like Richard have been a shock. He was a lot more confidant in his original season. Carla and Antonia have been much more impressive in All Stars. I like Mike I. better this season too.

[Palo Verde]

Once they sign up for something, I tell them they can't quit until the natural end of the season/year. So when my son got on a soccer team, he had to finish the season, but he certainly doesn't have to sign up to do it again next year. I think this is a good in between from the kids who want to quit something because they had a bad day, to being forced to do it forever because they signed up once. My neighbor is constantly signing her daughters up for activities and then quitting them after a few weeks because they don't' want to do it anymore. That's just stupid.

[markdash]

Once they sign up for something, I tell them they can't quit until the natural end of the season/year. So when my son got on a soccer team, he had to finish the season, but he certainly doesn't have to sign up to do it again next year. I think this is a good in between from the kids who want to quit something because they had a bad day, to being forced to do it forever because they signed up once. My neighbor is constantly signing her daughters up for activities and then quitting them after a few weeks because they don't' want to do it anymore. That's just stupid.

I wonder how this post ended up in the Top Chef thread. :)

[IvoryTowerDenizen]

Once they sign up for something, I tell them they can't quit until the natural end of the season/year. So when my son got on a soccer team, he had to finish the season, but he certainly doesn't have to sign up to do it again next year. I think this is a good in between from the kids who want to quit something because they had a bad day, to being forced to do it forever because they signed up once. My neighbor is constantly signing her daughters up for activities and then quitting them after a few weeks because they don't' want to do it anymore. That's just stupid.

So you're saying you'll keep watching Top Chef because you committed to it, but won't sign up to watch it next year?

:D

[Palo Verde]

Oops. that was supposed to go in the thread about should you let your kids quit activities they no longer enjoy. Sorry.

[tim314]

I hope they aren't really making the contestants on Top Chef Masters cook worms and bugs, as the promo seemed to suggest.

video here:
http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef-masters/season-3/videos/for-culinary-glory

[aceplace57]

The Black Widow struck again. :D Never partner with Antonio. Tiffany should have known that.
I had to laugh at the bikini shot of Padma. It was so obviously posed. They must have spent hours getting just the right light and pose. They kept cutting back and forth between her posed shot and the shot with the chefs. It was the Bahamas. Topless would have been better. :D :D

This was a fun episode. I'm a little jealous of that private island. I'd love to spend a few days there myself, snorkeling, harvesting conchs, and grilling on an open file. <sigh>

Mike spent a lot of time training and preparing for the finale. It shows. He was the only one that had spent time testing conch recipes before filming.

Blais is just so over stressed. It's affecting his cooking. The faces he's been making. He looks so miserable.

[Diogenes the Cynic]

Poor Blaise hates himself and second guesses himself so much. Mike is a self-satisfied jackass, but at least he's never self-sabotaging like that. he always thinks he hit a homerun no matter what. he doesn't agonize and dicker over his dishes. He just knocks them out.

I don't think Richard has won an elimination challenge yet. I'd like to see him really step up and hammer it in the finale.

[enalzi]

Poor Blaise hates himself and second guesses himself so much. Mike is a self-satisfied jackass, but at least he's never self-sabotaging like that. he always thinks he hit a homerun no matter what. he doesn't agonize and dicker over his dishes. He just knocks them out.

I don't think Richard has won an elimination challenge yet. I'd like to see him really step up and hammer it in the finale.

Richard's won three (tied for the most with Carla and Dale), Antonia and Mike have both won two. Richard reminds me of every artist I know, including myself. Totally cocky regarding your work compared to everyone else's, and then full of self-doubt about everything you make until someone reassures that it's good. I can tell Mike's last two wins are really getting to him, since he was clearly in second place each time.

Also regarding the preview:

It doesn't look that next week is the finale. So we'll be back down to just two in the finale.

[enalzi]

The Black Widow struck again. :D Never partner with Antonio. Tiffany should have known that..

Black Hammer, not Black Widow.

[aceplace57]

The extended judges tables adds some insight about the person sent home.
***spoilers***
http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/season-8/videos/extended-judges-table-whos-moving-on

I wonder if we'll get to see the former winners again? It seems silly to fly them out to the Bahamas for only the QF last week. I'm hoping they'll be the sous chefs in the Finale. Just a guess on my part.

We still have two more episodes. I'm a little nervous because I recall last season Ed rocked the semi-final. Then got beat in the Final. Mike I. has rocked the last two episodes. I sure hope he can keep it up and doesn't slip.

[Ferret Herder]

Poor Richard. That fakeout was a really mean thing to do to him, especially in his emotional state. My dad died when I was in college and I was dragging myself through first semester senior year classes. I probably would have come apart if I'd had to do anything half as intense, much less have your loved ones - oh yes, minus a very important one for you - right there for it. He's so talented and so helpful, and I completely recognize the whole artist/performer's second thoughts about their work.

I actually loathed Mike during his previous season but find I like him more now. Yes, he's smarmy and cocky, but I can get where he's coming from.

I wish Carla hadn't been voted off the previous episode, but she just fell down on the job. Not surprised at all about the latest person to get the boot.

[Wile E]

I cannot stand Mike I. maybe he's more annoying this time around because he's hung around longer. It's how he has to knock everyone else's dishes and abilities to build himself up that gets to me. If he wins his head will be bigger than the rest of him.

[WordMan]

FYI: interview with Tom Colicchio from The Onion's AV Club (http://www.avclub.com/articles/tom-colicchio,53253/).

<for those of you who know me by my posts, I am a big guitar geek; Tom plays and was featured on the cover of Guitar Aficionado. Near as I can tell, he has a great collection of guitars, but I have no idea if he is any good as a player...>

[TruCelt]

From Gail's blog: http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/season-8/blogs/gail-simmons

But Richard has to lay-off of the self-loathing. I know it's sincere, and I know the poor guy can't help himself, but come on! Have some confidence or pretend to have some confidence. That's how you get confidence. Fake it till you make it, because if anyone has to see him make a great dish and complain about it one more time, I cannot be responsible for the actions taken by our viewers. And I don't blame them if they're exasperated by it. He's so talented and so awesome, he needs to stop all the worrying. I love him, but I think he could use a therapist.



Also, for those wondering, Colicchio's blog says there are two more episodes to come.

I really don't know how they kept the sand out of those dishes, especially with the wind blowing. I can't unwrap a sadnwich at the beach without it ending up sandy.

[eenerms]

I liked it in the stew room Blaise is grousing about his dish and Antonia says, Yes you are right about making pasta out of sweet potateos, then saying What's wrong with you?!

[aceplace57]

I never realized how painful some of these eliminations would be. I was already seeing chefs that I really liked in their seasons. I grew to like them even more in All Stars. Tonights elimination was going to cut deep no matter who left.

I loved all three of these chefs. Reluctantly, I'd have to agree Antonio was the weaker chef of the three. Not by very much, but her food just isn't as creative or refined. This was tough to watch. Mike actually beat her twice. At least, it sounded like the judges preferred Mike's last supper better, and they also picked him for the best surprise last bite dish. I keep reminding myself that somebody had to go home. Sometimes competitions just aren't fun to watch when you like everybody.

[Lamar Mundane]

In retrospect, they've been telegraphing this final two for a few weeks, with all the drama between Mike and Blaise.

[StGermain]

Richard Blais looks even more on the ragged edge. wonder why they didn't tell hm at Judge's Table that he'd won the challenge? They picked hm first, and he should realize it, but it would've been awfully nice for him to hear "Richard, you're the winner of this challenge!" Tom knows Richard feels like Mike I has the upper hand.

StG

[aceplace57]

I hate it when the EC winner doesn't get a prize.

Last night was the first time they forgot to even call a winner. All they said was, "you're going to the final".. Weird

[Diogenes the Cynic]

I dislike Mike. I keep hoping to see him eliminated, and he keeps going through to the next round. It's like the Green Bay Packers all over again.

[IvoryTowerDenizen]

I was shocked he won the QF- his was the only one Wolfgang Puck had a strong criticism of- meat was not as tender and the flavor balance was "ok".

[Palo Verde]

But I think Antonia really blew the last supper dish. No one liked the tuna or the soup.

I wanted her to stay, but it looks like Mike beat her fair and square.

[Ferret Herder]

Richard Blais looks even more on the ragged edge. wonder why they didn't tell hm at Judge's Table that he'd won the challenge? They picked hm first, and he should realize it, but it would've been awfully nice for him to hear "Richard, you're the winner of this challenge!" Tom knows Richard feels like Mike I has the upper hand.
Yeah, he didn't even look happy when he found out he was going to continue on to the final. It was like he was still right in there with the other two.

[StGermain]

Ferret Herder - The only poor analogy I have is that Blais looks like a concentration camp inmate who learns he's not being gassed today, but knows that tomorrow might be his last. He's just got that look about him.

StG

[shiftless]

But I think Antonia really blew the last supper dish. No one liked the tuna or the soup.

I wanted her to stay, but it looks like Mike beat her fair and square.

I can't help but feel like Antonia's dish was a lot harder to make. There were something like 6 or 8 items on that plate, plus the soup. Mike made chicken and a biscuit. Apparently a good and interesting version of chicken and biscuit but still, I think he lucked out on that.

[Shark Sandwich]

I knew Blaise wasn't going to win that QF as soon as he decided to put that ketchup-based sauce on the hot dog he was serving to Puck.

[Ferret Herder]

Ferret Herder - The only poor analogy I have is that Blais looks like a concentration camp inmate who learns he's not being gassed today, but knows that tomorrow might be his last. He's just got that look about him.
It doesn't help that he's got a scraggly beard and looks kind of gaunt, as well. I agree with your assessment.

Plus I seem to recall him saying something about how his Top Chef time is almost over, and he sounded like he was seriously looking forward to that. I think he doesn't have his heart in cooking as a competition, and just wants out.

Contrast that with Mike Isabella, who looks like he could neatly transition onto the next season of Survivor.

[aceplace57]

The preview for the final indicates they are doing a restaurant wars type EC. I'm not thrilled about that because the sous chefs can (and probably will) cost somebody the victory.
http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/season-8/videos/down-to-two

Even worse, they pick the sous chefs blindfolded.
http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/season-8/videos/picking-sous-chefs-blindfolded

I guess just letting the chefs cook is too much to ask anymore. Who wins this thing is really luck now. So much depends on who gets sous chefs that will help and not hurt the team.

IIRC neither Mike or Richard was team leader during Restaurant Wars. So, at least neither has an advantage there.

[tim314]

IIRC neither Mike or Richard was team leader during Restaurant Wars. So, at least neither has an advantage there.True, it was Dale vs. Marcel during Restaurant Wars, but Richard ultimately got the win for that challenge, and was credited with taking a leadership role with his team. Mike was on the losing team.

I'm not really sure how much that tells us though -- Marcel's team was a complete trainwreck from the start because he couldn't get along with any of his teammates.

[Dolores Reborn]

I just watched the rerun of Sesame Street Quickfire. Still hilarious!

COOKIES!!!

:)

[enalzi]

I just watched the rerun of Sesame Street Quickfire. Still hilarious!

COOKIES!!!

:)

Cooooow chiiips!

Will probably go down as one of my favorite Top Chef episodes of all time.

[Dolores Reborn]

"Did Elmo just call my cookies $#@&?"

[enalzi]

Spoilers for the finale follow
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Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Shark Sandwich]

Awesome. But man,

did Richard look like he caught a touch of the crazy at the end.

[IvoryTowerDenizen]

Yay!!!!!!

[Diogenes the Cynic]

I'm happy for Richard.

I was impressed at how much Spike helped him during the challenge. At first it seemed like Spike didn't want to be chosen and would have rather been on the beach, but I have to say, once he was on board he was really on board and I was really impressed at the way he talked Richard through the challenge. He knew all the right things to say, reassuring him about the judges loving his dishes and then giving him a heads up about the ice cream (and doing it in a way that didn't greak Richard out) and helping him adjust it. He was a great teammate in that challenge. He could have walked through it, but went above and beyond.

I have to admit, though, pepperoni sauce sounds pretty good. So does cap'n Crunch ice cream, for that matter.

[aceplace57]

Carla Hall won fan favorite.

I wish there was a 2nd place prize. Richard gets 200 grand. Mike gets zip. That sucks consindering the millions Bravo probably made off this show.

Richard lucked out with better sous chefs. Mike got Carla (no restaurant experience) and Jaime both pretty slow on the line. But, it is what it is.

[enalzi]

How many times did Gail say "pepperoni sauce?" I think I counted at least 5.

[not what you'd expect]

Yeah! I'm so glad Richard won. I also love how Spike came thru for him.
I hope Richard will start to believe in himself now. Didn't he say he would give Mike some of his winnings? I wonder if he did...

[enalzi]

I wish there was a 2nd place prize. Richard gets 200 grand. Mike gets zip. That sucks consindering the millions Bravo probably made off this show.


He did win $15,000 and a Prius from Quickfire Challenges. I don't know what he won (if anything) from his Elimination wins.

[enalzi]

Yeah! I'm so glad Richard won. I also love how Spike came thru for him.
I hope Richard will start to believe in himself now. Didn't he say he would give Mike some of his winnings? I wonder if he did...

They talked about this during the "Watch What Happens." They were talking about him investing in the new restaurant (and apparently they had this discussion multiple times during the season), but all the investor slots filled up.

[aceplace57]

Maybe it was the editing. I've never seen Restaurant Wars execute this perfectly and drama free. The lines seemed to be cranking out perfect food for both teams. Nothing was coming back. I'd swear they'd been cooking together for months. A lot of RW's wind up as total meltdowns. Amazing they pulled this off so well.

I guess that proves these chefs can really cook together when they aren't playing the top chef game.

[enalzi]

Maybe it was the editing. I've never seen Restaurant Wars execute this perfectly and drama free. The lines seemed to be cranking out perfect food for both teams. Nothing was coming back. I'd swear they'd been cooking together for months. A lot of RW's wind up as total meltdowns. Amazing they pulled this off so well.

I guess that proves these chefs can really cook together when they aren't playing the top chef game.

They gave an idea of a restaurant, but I wouldn't really call this a restaurant wars challenge. I don't think the front house people had to do nearly as much work, and the chef came out to personally introduce the dish. Not as many diners either.

[Kolak of Twilo]

I would love to have the chance to eat either of those meals but I am so happy Blaise won. YAY!

[amarinth]

I love that he sent Spike out to spy for him. That was great.

And so happy that Blaise won. I kept thinking that they were giving Mike the redemption edit, the edit where they swear he's not a total ass and so people won't be too angry if he wins.
But yay!

[sohvan]

Which chefs do you think improved their reputation the best and the worst out of this season? Who were the winners and losers in terms of improving their reputation? For me it would be something like this:

Opinion improved
Dale T - He came out looking great both cooking skill wise and personality wise. Definitely one of the big winners this season.
Mike Isabella - This might be a surprising pick. I already knew he was an asshole, so it's not like my opinion of him worsened during this season. I did come out with more respect for his cooking skills, though. That doesn't mean I have to like him, though.
Antonia - Though she didn't quite make it to the finale, she did very well.
Richard - I already thought he was a great chef from before, and he always had some issues with being too arrogant at times, and being too paranoid about his own food at other times. Hopefully the win will give him a little more confidence.

Pretty much the same as before
Carla - Liked her before, and still like her
Fabio - He came out as mostly charming and sometimes annoying as before. He also showed both really good dishes and bad ones.
Spike
Marcel
Tre
Tiffany
Angelo
Tiffani
Stephen - While he was eliminated early, he took it very graciously.

Opinion worsened:
Jaime - I was fairly neutral toward her in her original season, and consider her one of the worst contestants ever now.
Jen - While I still respect her as a chef, that meltdown sure didn't do her any favours.
Elia - Came off as childish, petulant, and a poor chef. The post-elimination interviews were painful to read.
Dale L - A very early elimination for someone who was in the finale in his season. He suffered a lot less than some of the others though, as he seemed to part on good terms.
Casey - Another early elimination

[Shark Sandwich]

They gave an idea of a restaurant, but I wouldn't really call this a restaurant wars challenge. I don't think the front house people had to do nearly as much work, and the chef came out to personally introduce the dish. Not as many diners either.

This and none of the other contestants were competing anymore. They just had to do what Mike and Richard told them.

[BottledBlondJeanie]

Richard is going to die an early death. On that Andy Cohen show immediately following he looked even worse. Brilliant food, excessive fondness for bone marrow, but sooooooooo freaking tortured. Manic depression city.

[BottledBlondJeanie]

Also, I already hate the new host of Masters.

And although fond of females on occasion, I have never had such a juvenile urge to motorboat some tittays as I do with Padma. That should be embarrassing, but c'mon, y'all agree.

[not what you'd expect]

They talked about this during the "Watch What Happens." They were talking about him investing in the new restaurant (and apparently they had this discussion multiple times during the season), but all the investor slots filled up.

Oh, thanks. I didn't watch that show. I hope the restaurant is a success.
I want to be a judge on Top Chef. Dream Job!

[Dolores Reborn]

Also, I already hate the new host of Masters.

I think he's extremely hot, though. Does anyone remember him from that show where he would surprise women in the grocery store, and they would take him home where he would teach them to cook dinner? He's on a commercial for kitchen cabinets, too - the cool ones that close slowly, and are specialized for pots and pans and spices and such.

:goes off to look for links:

ETA: Curtis Stone (http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef-masters/season-3/bio/curtis-stone)

[Enderw24]

I don't normally watch Watch what Happens, but I don't think I've ever seen another production where everyone from the host and guests down to the best boy and key grip were so completely sloshed out of their gourds.

[MovieMogul]

I think he's extremely hot, though. Does anyone remember him from that show where he would surprise women in the grocery store, and they would take him home where he would teach them to cook dinner? He's on a commercial for kitchen cabinets, too - the cool ones that close slowly, and are specialized for pots and pans and spices and such.

:goes off to look for links:

ETA: Curtis Stone (http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef-masters/season-3/bio/curtis-stone)Yeah, I don't remember the exact name of the show, but my wife and I just called MILF Hunter because he'd always zero in on the suburban hotties.
I don't normally watch Watch what Happens, but I don't think I've ever seen another production where everyone from the host and guests down to the best boy and key grip were so completely sloshed out of their gourds. Then you clearlly never saw the after-show special following the series finale of Cheers.

[Enderw24]

Then you clearlly never saw the after-show special following the series finale of Cheers.

Ha! Actually I had. And I was thinking of that when watching last night. But even though only the host thought to bring a drink on camera, I'm pretty sure the amount consumed topped the Cheers' finale.

[Fair Rarity]

I thought the selection process of the other chefs to help Richard and Mike was a really good way to do it. I was glad Richard won, but he was a little too intense sometimes, too full of sour grapes when someone else pleased the judges. I was really surprised how much more I could stand Mike and especially Dale and how obnoxious Jenn was. I enjoyed the season overall.

[not what you'd expect]

Which chefs do you think improved their reputation the best and the worst out of this season? Who were the winners and losers in terms of improving their reputation? For me it would be something like this:

Opinion improved
Dale T - He came out looking great both cooking skill wise and personality wise. Definitely one of the big winners this season.
Mike Isabella - This might be a surprising pick. I already knew he was an asshole, so it's not like my opinion of him worsened during this season. I did come out with more respect for his cooking skills, though. That doesn't mean I have to like him, though.
Antonia - Though she didn't quite make it to the finale, she did very well.
Richard - I already thought he was a great chef from before, and he always had some issues with being too arrogant at times, and being too paranoid about his own food at other times. Hopefully the win will give him a little more confidence.

Pretty much the same as before
Carla - Liked her before, and still like her
Fabio - He came out as mostly charming and sometimes annoying as before. He also showed both really good dishes and bad ones.
Spike
Marcel
Tre
Tiffany
Angelo
Tiffani
Stephen - While he was eliminated early, he took it very graciously.

Opinion worsened:
Jaime - I was fairly neutral toward her in her original season, and consider her one of the worst contestants ever now.
Jen - While I still respect her as a chef, that meltdown sure didn't do her any favours.
Elia - Came off as childish, petulant, and a poor chef. The post-elimination interviews were painful to read.
Dale L - A very early elimination for someone who was in the finale in his season. He suffered a lot less than some of the others though, as he seemed to part on good terms.
Casey - Another early elimination


Although I haven't seen every show yet, I agree almost 100% with this assessment. The only exception is Spike. I didn't have a bad impression of him in the first place since I have yet to see his season in full, but I really like him. I was sad to see him go so early.

[jonesj2205]

Opinion improved
Dale T - He came out looking great both cooking skill wise and personality wise. Definitely one of the big winners this season.
Mike Isabella - This might be a surprising pick. I already knew he was an asshole, so it's not like my opinion of him worsened during this season. I did come out with more respect for his cooking skills, though. That doesn't mean I have to like him, though.

I agree completely about Dale T. He was obnoxious his season and obviously didn't particularly like himself on TV either. He matured tremendously.
I'm a bit on the fence about Mike I. No question his cooking abilities improved considerably. I still found him obnoxious during the season, although I thought for the finals he was much better.

Antonia - Though she didn't quite make it to the finale, she did very well.
Richard - I already thought he was a great chef from before, and he always had some issues with being too arrogant at times, and being too paranoid about his own food at other times. Hopefully the win will give him a little more confidence.

I liked both of them during their season, but also think they both have improved as chefs. They were fun to watch even if Richard's angst gets a bit much.

Pretty much the same as before
Carla - Liked her before, and still like her
Fabio - He came out as mostly charming and sometimes annoying as before. He also showed both really good dishes and bad ones.
Spike
Marcel
Tre
Tiffany
Angelo
Tiffani
Stephen - While he was eliminated early, he took it very graciously.

I feel bad for Tiffani and Angelo. They basically filmed back to back seasons. That has to have taken a toll of its own on them. I liked Carla a little more this time, but she's still not my cup of tea. I didn't watch Marcel's season but from what I saw this time both his personality and his cooking are immature. I'm not entirely sure why Stephen did the show again since he isn't working as a chef and obviously knew his chances were slim.

Opinion worsened:
Jaime - I was fairly neutral toward her in her original season, and consider her one of the worst contestants ever now.
Jen - While I still respect her as a chef, that meltdown sure didn't do her any favours.
Elia - Came off as childish, petulant, and a poor chef. The post-elimination interviews were painful to read.
Dale L - A very early elimination for someone who was in the finale in his season. He suffered a lot less than some of the others though, as he seemed to part on good terms.
Casey - Another early elimination
Jen's tantrum didn't bother me all that much to be honest. I thought it was just a case of the expectations and the disappointment colliding. The rest I agree with.

I am still very glad Mike I. didn't win and perfectly happy that Richard did.

[IvoryTowerDenizen]

I thought the selection process of the other chefs to help Richard and Mike was a really good way to do it.

My husband and I both shouted at the TV "Don't pick anything with foam!"

[TruCelt]

LOL! I had the same thought re: foam. Marcel looked like the a little kid accustomed to being the last picked - so desperately hoping that someone would choose him. . . sad.

Spike deserves enormous credit. He walked right through a very bad start with Blaise, and was an amazing support to him. Very well done.

Re: the selection, I am always disappointed to see the element of luck brought into the last 2-3 elimination challenges. At that point I really want it to be all about creativity and skill. In fact, what I'd really like is if there were luck elements throughout only in the Quickfires, and the elimination challenges, although tricky, never involved chance. (Except the slight advantages given to the QF winners.)

[Ferret Herder]

Spike deserves enormous credit. He walked right through a very bad start with Blaise, and was an amazing support to him. Very well done.
Yeah, he really impressed me with how solidly he came through for Richard.

[jonesj2205]

I was very happy to see the loser wasn't determined by a bad performance by a sous chef. I was a little nervous Jaime would phone it in like she did as a competitor, but happy she didn't.

[MaxTheVool]

I wonder how much incentive there is for the sous chefs, both in the "get picked to be a sous chef" part that they had this episode, and in general. Do they get money if their guy wins? I'd say it was for professional pride and exposure, but they hardly get any exposure out of it.

[Tamerlane]

I wonder how much incentive there is for the sous chefs, both in the "get picked to be a sous chef" part that they had this episode, and in general. Do they get money if their guy wins? I'd say it was for professional pride and exposure, but they hardly get any exposure out of it.

I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't simply a contractual issue. By agreeing to appear on Top Chef you agree to perform as ordered in any and all episodes up through the finale, despite any eliminations.

Several, maybe most of those former contestants did NOT look like they wanted to be there. Jen in particular looked like she was about to lose it and a few others looked extremely uncomfortable. For folks like Elia, Jen and Jaimie I imagine there was a good bit of public humiliation at work on their minds.

[Tangent]

Well, they did all get a free trip to the Bahamas out of it.

I can imagine there may have been some monetary incentive in being picked to be Richard or Mike's sous chefs. I can also imagine that some of the chefs really did just want to hit the beach and threw that challenge so that they wouldn't be picked.

[Lamar Mundane]

Also, I already hate the new host of Masters.

And although fond of females on occasion, I have never had such a juvenile urge to motorboat some tittays as I do with Padma. That should be embarrassing, but c'mon, y'all agree.

Wow. BottledBlondeJeanie gets a shoutout from Padma during the reunion show! Nicely done.

[TruCelt]

Yeah, I mean, wow. That was shocking. Not that she's a lesbian, but the coarse way she worded her desires - she sounded like a frat boy.

Elia dug herself in deep. She should have been ready for that discussion, but she seemed to be shocked that it came up.

Jen Carrol's extension were awful.

Gail with the Pepperoni sauce. That was embarassing. She seemed to be having an rgaz just thinking about it. . .

But really best of all was the look on their faces when they found out that the "gift" was a fleece sheatshirt. That was just so tacky. I'm sure they were all thinking "Priuses for everybody!"

[Erdosain]

Wow. BottledBlondeJeanie gets a shoutout from Padma during the reunion show! Nicely done.

Wait, I missed the reunion. Padma seriously talked about getting motorboated by BottledBlondJeanie? I find this hard to believe.

[TruCelt]

They asked her which of three guys she would most like to date. She instead named two girls she'd like a date with, and then said "or I could just 'motorboat' so-and-so." Then she laughed and said she'd just learned the word and wanted to use it. (Hi TC Producers! Glad to know you're with us! ::snicker:: )

Sorry, I don't remember the names, I was totally shocked.

[Dolores Reborn]

I think she said Antonia!

I was shocked, too. While grinning from ear to ear!

[BottledBlondJeanie]

I wish I could take credit for the motorboating comment, but it was alive and well on many boards before me. If she actually referenced me, I'd be on a plane. Someone else said it first on a Bravo bulletin board.

But, Padma, I would in a heart beat.

[enalzi]

I have a feeling a feeling that Padma may have been a little drunk. I know, it's shocking. Maybe she had two gins and tonics.

[Erdosain]

I have a feeling a feeling that Padma may have been a little drunk. I know, it's shocking. Maybe she had two gins and tonics.

I have a niggling suspicion that she was stoned out of her mind. Like always.

[FlightlessBird]

I tuned in to see more of Padma in a bikini. So sad. The motorboat comment did make up a bit for it.

I'm still not clear what Elia's problem was/is. Maybe it's because I don't know the difference in quality between a cornfed cow and a grassfed one. But it really seemed like she accused him of something, and he denied it, and then she said, "nuh uhh, I know you did, because someone told me you did. (and you endorse Coke.)" ?!wha!? He just said he didn't do what you're accusing him of. Unless you've got proof, it's your word against his and he's bigger. (Has more clout, respect, etc)

More Muppets! "Hurry up, Elmo's gotta pee!"

[enalzi]

Elia came off even worse in her first interview, which basically boiled down to "I worked for Tom, I thought he was my friend, I can't believe he sent me home." To which Tom replied, "So you wanted special treatment?"

And then she went on about Tom pushing high fructose corn syrup on kids. To which Tom responded with "I made a commercial for DIET Coke, which I drink myself. And it was a commercial for adults, who have the right to drink whatever they want."

I'm surprised she didn't come in with her tail tucked between her leg like Jen did, seeing as how bad she came off after the whole affair. It's not like she didn't have time to think about it.

[Enderw24]

I also don't know the quality of the end result (i.e. the meat), but I can tell you the difference between corn-fed and grass-fed animals. Thanks to large subsidies in the agricultural industry, corn is wildly overgrown. That makes it cheap and plentiful and cheap. Did I mention cheap? So it's used for all sorts of applications including as a food product for cows.
The problem is that cows don't naturally eat corn. They eat grass. So (often times), you'll have to inject them with different hormones and chemicals to ensure they keep all that corn product down. They become bloated and can sometimes choke on their own internal gasses as it's not released properly. I have no doubt that Tom buys all his beef with the assurance of no hormones or other chemicals. But there's another reason why cows are fed corn: it's a lot faster. If you feed a cow grass, it'll take 4 to 5 years to have her obtain the weight that you can get in just a year and a half to two years on a diet of corn and grains. Right there, you're cutting both the time and the turnover rate in half which means your profitability skyrockets.

It's the cheap product and the increased profitability of faster turnover which makes every large scale cattle production in this country based on a diet of corn and grains. So when Tom wishes to buy large amounts of beef, he has no choice. It's expensive, low quantity grass-fed or cheaper corn-fed beef that can meet his supply demands.

[TruCelt]

I also don't know the quality of the end result (i.e. the meat), but I can tell you the difference between corn-fed and grass-fed animals. Thanks to large subsidies in the agricultural industry, corn is wildly overgrown. That makes it cheap and plentiful and cheap. Did I mention cheap? So it's used for all sorts of applications including as a food product for cows. . .

All good info. I'll add though that the primary emotion of the topic usually stems fromt he fact that grass-fed cattle are usually let out to graze, while corn-fed live horrendous penned-up lives being basically force fed. The fact that they fatten up quickly makes their lives mercifully shorter, but it's a really, really disgusting corner of the industry.

Elia should either have planned to back down, or had an intelligent response ready and rehearsed. As it is she just looked stupid and did a disservice to the cause she was trying to support.

I agree also that Padma had more than just alcohol in her. She's gonna pull a Britney here soon. . .

[StGermain]

There are also major taste differences between grain-fed and grass-fed beef. Here's an article that was on CNN.com recently. (http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/03/29/grass.grain.beef.cookinglight/index.html?iref=allsearch) Apparently, there's much less fat, which is better for you, but which also provides a lot of flavour.

StG

[Motorgirl]

I haven't rewatched the show, so I am going from memory here, but I think the gist of the corn-fed beef argument was:

Elia claimed that she was told somewhere by someone (by Tom?) that Tom's Craftsteak steakhouse in Vegas served only grass fed beef. When she ate there she saw on the menu and was told by staff that they serve only corn fed beef.

Tom responded that of course they serve corn fed beef and always have. It's a steakhouse - if they served only grass fed beef no one would come.

And he's right - grass fed beef does not have the marbling that defines prime beef. The general public expects prime grade, well marbled beef at a steakhouse, which you don't get from grass fed cows.