# Top Chef 12/10 **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 11, 2008, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675 "2008-12-11T04:25:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Captain\_Amazing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2008, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675/21 "2008-12-11T21:37:07Z")
> [@DanBlather](#): > > Question: what is the ‘vuh du vahn’ that Jamie was talking about? Vadouvan. It’s a seasoning…basically it’s a French version of a South Indian spice blend…onion, chilli pepper, cumin, mustard, tumeric, curry powder, cloves, and a few other things. ---
**Author:** ![JeffB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jeffb/32/188_2.png) [@JeffB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JeffB)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2008, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675/22 "2008-12-11T21:39:24Z")
> [@DanBlather](#): > > Question: what is the ‘vuh du vahn’ that Jamie was talking about? Vadouvan is a spice mix; exact ingredients can vary. [Here’s](http://studiokitchen.typepad.com/studiokitchen/2007/05/post_2.html) one version. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2008, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675/23 "2008-12-11T21:39:47Z")
> [@Flutterby](#): > > I loved how Fabio couldn’t think of blue food. The first thing that hits my mind is.. blueberries. > > I’m not a chef or anything but I’m sure I’ve seen entree recipes with blueberries, and maybe they could come up with one of their own even! > [@AlsoNamedBort](#): > > Cochliccio (AKA The Pope) said blueberries are purple. I think they were both alluding to the George Carlin routine about how there is no blue food. Carlin specifically dismisses blueberries as blue on the vine, but purple on the plate. ---
**Author:** ![Billdo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/billdo/32/315_2.png) [@Billdo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Billdo)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2008, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675/24 "2008-12-11T22:15:00Z")
> [@Hippy\_Hollow](#): > > I want to send that blonde with the straight-cut bangs home based on her haircut alone. As heinous as her haircut is, I think it is – just barely – not cause for immediate termination. On the other hand, when she showed up for the first day of the elimination challenge this week wearing a trucker cap diagonally backwards on her head, summary execution was called for. ---
**Author:** ![Siege](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dbc845/32.png) [@Siege](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siege)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2008, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675/25 "2008-12-11T23:18:44Z")
> [@Wile\_E](#): > > I got a chuckle over them praising Jeff’s sorbet when Stefan was so against it. It’s always nice to see guys/gals who act douchey get knocked down a peg. I got a chuckle out of that, too. I didn’t mind Stefan at first, but what they showed of him last night was a bit irritating, especially his hitting one Jaime. Someone needs to tell him that if a girl says she’s not interested in you, leave her alone, especially if you’re a man and she’s a lesbian. I get the impression he thinks he can beat the odds, but some odds are a little too long. His trying to get a kiss from her in what looked like close quarters (a bunk bed?) was too far over the line from me. I was wondering last night if Daniel was attempting to indulge in a little sabotage. They showed Eugene telling him he was putting too much vinegar on something and, of course, there are the mushrooms he added to Carla’s salad. I wish she’d either called him on it at the time or said something about it at the judges’ table. Wasn’t he also the guy who made the al dente potatoes two weeks ago during the Thanksgiving challenge? Anyway, I’m glad he’s gone. As far as blue food goes, I have an Austrian cook book which talks about blue trout and has a picture of it. It really is blue. _Cook’s Illustrated_ also found out years ago that if French onion soup is alkaline, pigment in red onions turns blue. While I wouldn’t try blue French onion soup for Sunday dinner, for a challenge like that at the level these chefs are at, it might be worth a try. Right now, my money’s on Leah for the win, with Jaime and Hosea in the final. Ariane could continue to surprise us, and I’m rooting for Radhika, Eugene and Fabio because I like them. Stefan has got talent and could make the final three, but I don’t know how he’ll do on other team challenges. ---
**Author:** ![araminty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b5e925/32.png) [@araminty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/araminty)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675/26 "2008-12-12T00:27:18Z")
> [@Siege](#): > > As far as blue food goes, I have an Austrian cook book which talks about blue trout and has a picture of it. It really is blue. _Cook’s Illustrated_ also found out years ago that if French onion soup is alkaline, pigment in red onions turns blue. While I wouldn’t try blue French onion soup for Sunday dinner, for a challenge like that at the level these chefs are at, it might be worth a try. Red cabbage (and red onion, to a lesser extent) acts as a natural pH indicator. Add an acid, it turns pinker. Add a base, it turns bluer. It’s a fun trick to try with the red cabbage trimmings, and edutains young children a LOT. I was glad they didn’t put too much thought into the blue thing - it was just a concept idea. I thought Eugene was out, I don’t think he’ll be around much longer. ‘Fixing’ overcooked rice? For THIS crowd? ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675/27 "2008-12-12T02:29:00Z")
> [@SaharaTea](#): > > That’s why Jamie needs to chill. Yes the win probably should have been hers, but she’s proven herself to be consistent and creative. I have no doubt Jamie will be a final contender. Wasn’t Stephanie (last season’s winner) the same way? Stayed strong but didn’t really win a lot of challenges until near the end? I don’t like Jamie. I’m pretty sure nearly everything she cooks is a well practised recipie. Same with Fabio. Most of the rest seem pretty boring and sheepy or too moody and uptight to hold it together(Jeff and Carla) for much longer. Sadly I find myself still hoping for Stefan even though he has now swept the Biggest Douche in the county award, and is a threat at state level and growing every day. He just seems to be the best ‘Chef’ so far. ---
**Author:** ![gravitycrash](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/977dab/32.png) [@gravitycrash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gravitycrash)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675/28 "2008-12-12T03:03:16Z")
I agree with the undercooked or overcooked rice. How many times have we seen this already? I can even follow instructions without being a Chef and I am somehow able to cook Indian rice and other types that aren’t mushy. This also applies to Risotto. I think that Elan was the only Chef who was able to cook it correctly. I understand that they are under huge time restraints but just wing it and do Uncle Ben’s and be creative in other ways. Is Risotto really that hard to cook? I admit that I have no idea but it seems to kick almost all of their asses. I still like most of the other contestants, even camera edited Leah. Is Jeff even able to smile? He almost seems too serious, much like Tiffany in season 1. The Cougar is making a huge comeback. Yay for over 40 somethings. Jamie is rightfully pissed but the judges have noticed that she is always in the top 3. I admit that Ariane should have given the victory to her. My top 4 so far: Fabio Stephan…although I still can’t decide if I like him or not. Jamie Ariane…she has kicked ass as a soccer mom in the last three weeks, so she gets my sympathy vote. Hosea gets honorable mention. ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675/29 "2008-12-12T03:15:33Z")
I have a feeling that the problem with rice is that they have to make ginormous amounts while still doing other things in a kitchen they are not used to. And I’m pretty sure that there’s sort of a time limit where Risotto stays the right consistency, and many chefs forget about how long their food will sit. ---
**Author:** ![gravitycrash](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/977dab/32.png) [@gravitycrash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gravitycrash)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675/30 "2008-12-12T03:37:14Z")
> [@AlsoNamedBort](#): > > I have a feeling that the problem with rice is that they have to make ginormous amounts while still doing other things in a kitchen they are not used to. And I’m pretty sure that there’s sort of a time limit where Risotto stays the right consistency, and many chefs forget about how long their food will sit. I agree with this but if you read Chef Tom’s blogs he said that a Chef hardly ever cooks anymore. It is up to him to taste the dishes from his souse Chefs and decide if they are worthy of plating. ---
**Author:** ![flickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7bcc69/32.png) [@flickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flickster)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675/31 "2008-12-12T04:07:01Z")
No argument from me on Danny being placed in the ejection seat. Being wrong is understandable, being arrogantly wrong is a ticket back home. I find myself getting Stefan & Hosea confused during the episodes. Next most likely to go: Melissa Carla Gene Radhika Melissa & Carla have been saved so far by other chef’s fumbles. Gene I was pulling for, but his attitude and judgement seem to be slipping, Radhika I like but how far can she go. Maybe she has created a dish outside of her Indian culture realm but I can’t remember what it would have been. Current favorites Hosea Fabio Ariane Stefan ---
**Author:** ![flickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7bcc69/32.png) [@flickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flickster)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675/32 "2008-12-12T04:19:16Z")
On a side note, Someone should encourage Carla to make a personal contribution to the O Face database. I can’t even imagine…:eek: ---
**Author:** ![Hippy\_Hollow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hippy_hollow/32/4841_2.png) [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675/33 "2008-12-12T04:22:25Z")
> [@Billdo](#): > > As heinous as her haircut is, I think it is – just barely – not cause for immediate termination. > > On the other hand, when she showed up for the first day of the elimination challenge this week wearing a trucker cap diagonally backwards on her head, summary execution was called for. Word. She’s really testing the “don’t judge a book by its cover” dictum. With Eugune, I am flabbergasted that he can’t correctly cook rice with a freakin’ _rice cooker._ I have two of 'em and they are absolutely idiotproof: Measure rice. Measure water. Set timer. Rice done. And the ratio’s roughly 2 parts water: 1 part rice. So you don’t even need a measuring cup. Maybe it gets complicated with big batches? ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675/34 "2008-12-12T04:24:09Z")
I’m wondering if he left it in too long. The timer buzzed and he said it was fine to leave it. ---
**Author:** ![Hippy\_Hollow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hippy_hollow/32/4841_2.png) [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675/35 "2008-12-12T04:28:21Z")
> [@AlsoNamedBort](#): > > I’m wondering if he left it in too long. The timer buzzed and he said it was fine to leave it. I suppose that’s possible, but what kind of shitty rice cooker doesn’t automatically shut off once it’s done? My crappy swap meet $7.50 cooker does! You can leave the rice in there all the live long day; all it’s going to do is get cold… ---
**Author:** ![gravitycrash](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/977dab/32.png) [@gravitycrash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gravitycrash)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675/36 "2008-12-12T04:33:14Z")
> [@flickster](#): > > No argument from me on Danny being placed in the ejection seat. Being wrong is understandable, being arrogantly wrong is a ticket back home. > > I find myself getting Stefan & Hosea confused during the episodes. > > Next most likely to go: > > Melissa > Carla > Gene > Radhika > Melissa & Carla have been saved so far by other chef’s fumbles. > Gene I was pulling for, but his attitude and judgement seem to be slipping, > Radhika I like but how far can she go. Maybe she has created a dish outside of her Indian culture realm but I can’t remember what it would have been. > > Current favorites > > Hosea > Fabio > Ariane > Stefan I agree with all of that so far. It is always hard to tell with the directors editing at this point. They are still trying to weed out the top chefs. I forgot to add Jamie. She kicks ass in every challenge but never finishes first. My only criticism of Jamie is that she hasn’t won over the judges other than soup. Time for some protein Jamie. She seems qualified but is playing it safe, that is a smart thing right now. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675/37 "2008-12-12T14:15:29Z")
> [@Billdo](#): > > As heinous as her haircut is, I think it is – just barely – not cause for immediate termination. > > On the other hand, when she showed up for the first day of the elimination challenge this week wearing a trucker cap diagonally backwards on her head, summary execution was called for. We took one look at her and laughed our asses off. She is so the typical Boulder chick that it’s scary. Just a lil’ too much mountains and granola. ---
**Author:** ![Shark\_Sandwich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f04885/32.png) [@Shark\_Sandwich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shark_Sandwich)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675/38 "2008-12-12T15:23:18Z")
> [@flickster](#): > > Radhika I like but how far can she go. Maybe she has created a dish outside of her Indian culture realm but I can’t remember what it would have been. In the first episode, didn’t she say something like, “I’m Indian, but I’m going to show them that I can cook more than Indian food,” or something like that? I’m almost sure she did. ---
**Author:** ![JeffB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jeffb/32/188_2.png) [@JeffB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JeffB)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675/39 "2008-12-12T15:37:49Z")
> [@flickster](#): > > Radhika I like but how far can she go. Maybe she has created a dish outside of her Indian culture realm but I can’t remember what it would have been. To be fair, Radhika wasn’t thrilled by the idea of going the Indian route as the team’s theme precisely because she didn’t want to get pigeonholed. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2008, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675/40 "2008-12-12T15:42:10Z")
Yeah, but she keeps voluntarily cooking Indian food for every other challenge anyway. She says she doesn’t want to get pigeon holed, yet her first instinct every time is to shake up a curry mix. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-12-10/476675.md?page=3)