# Top Chef Season 7 discussion \[edited title\] **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 8, 2010, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029 "2010-07-08T23:13:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 9
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2010, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029/161 "2010-08-25T04:13:53Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Tiffany continues to surprise me with a QF-EC double win. Where did she get those skills? Her bio doesn’t show much training. She cooks at some seafood place called Go Fish Ocean Club. She’s never worked for a major chef. Somehow she’s kicking culinary butt. Yeah she does keep getting better as the season goes on and I would really enjoy seeing her win. I don’t know anything about the restaurant she works at but [from the website](http://www.gofishoceanclub.com/index.php) it looks to be a pretty upscale place. Plus, on their website it says she was an instructer at a culinary school there in Dallas so she must have some qualifications from somewhere. ---
**Author:** ![Lamar\_Mundane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2010, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029/162 "2010-08-26T03:53:10Z")
Another completely unsurprising cut this week, while Ed and Tiffany continue their rise to the top. I thought Ed had screwed himself when he came up with neat bit of calculation: “I decided three cakes for a serving, so with 150 customers, that’s 550 cakes.” Another revelation: Angelo is a Tony Robbins disciple, and has a mail-order bride who he’s only met a couple of times. Kevin looks like the pressure has really gotten to him. My guess is the final three will be Ed, Tiffany, and either Kelly or Angelo. Not at all what I would have predicted at the beginning of the season. ---
**Author:** ![brossa](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brossa/32/3040_2.png) [@brossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brossa)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2010, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029/163 "2010-08-26T04:24:26Z")
> [@Lamar\_Mundane](#): > > I thought Ed had screwed himself when he came up with neat bit of calculation: “I decided three cakes for a serving, so with 150 customers, that’s 550 cakes.” I just assumed that he was allowing overage for getting the frying time right, allowing for spillage, etc. It would be kinda foolish to prepare only exactly as many as you would need to serve. 100 extra sounds like a lot, but it’s probably less than a full sheet pan worth, and gives you wiggle room. Plus, is it clear whether they have to feed 150 people \*and \*the judges, or does the 150 _include_ the judges? ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2010, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029/164 "2010-08-26T05:51:59Z")
Angelo should have toasted the hot dog buns. Toasted bread won’t get soggy as quick. Richard Blais made a pulled duck sandwich on this weeks Bravo Chef Trek. He toasted the sour dough bread on a grill. It gave a nice crunch to the sandwich. Ed did a good job. Top Recipe showed in detail how much work it took. Making several hundred fritters is tough work. Ed earned that trip to Australia. Tom mentions in his blog that Amanda could have saved her dish by cooking the tartar. A easy fix that she never thought of. > [@](#): > > But since she didn’t, once she saw that her tuna was oxidizing she could have switched over to something like a tuna burger, where the oxidation would no longer have been apparent. Eric says in his blog that he refused to eat the gray tartar. He was worried about safety. I wondered if they (the shows staff) considered not serving Amanda’s fish? If there was even a chance of GI upsets they wouldn’t want the liability of serving a dish that might have problems. Giving 150 people the runs isn’t what Top Chef wants to be remembered for. I thought the editors were having a bit of fun by including comments about the long skewer in the judge’s mouths. Especially when the lady complained the skewer hit the back of her throat. That gave me a chuckle. Brought me right back to age 12. ---
**Author:** ![pepperlandgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f17d59/32.png) [@pepperlandgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pepperlandgirl)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2010, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029/165 "2010-08-26T15:23:35Z")
Amanda has such an attitude problem for somebody so very clearly stupid. She’s not only got issues understanding what’s appropriate (I can’t decide if the sherry chicken is worse than the ballpark tuna) but she can’t even prepare it properly. What fool _grinds_ tuna anyway, let alone a full day in advance? I can’t believe that was the only solution she could think of. Also, Angelo isn’t going to make it to the top 3. He was an early favorite, but he’s not winning challenges lately, and his sandwich was almost as much of a fuck up as his beef wellington in disguise. Ed and Tiffany will be in the top two, and I suppose it just comes down to who has the better day. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2010, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029/166 "2010-08-26T16:20:21Z")
I suspect that Angelo got some sort of bad news regarding his child or girlfriend right before last weeks taping. His complete change of demeanor and focus reminds me of Kevin Gillespie in the Season Six finale. It turned out that his wife had asked for a divorce during the break. ---
**Author:** ![Enderw24](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ba9def/32.png) [@Enderw24](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enderw24)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2010, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029/167 "2010-08-26T16:57:08Z")
I’m sure the tuna tartare was fine. Fresh fish under refrigeration isn’t going to go bad after one day. That said, it takes some serious balls to want to serve raw fish to 150+ people at a ball park. Still, Amanda didn’t know how to save her fish from oxidation. It points to such a basic lack of understanding in how to properly prepare the ingredients she chose, that even though I’m sure it was safe to eat, the very fact that it was allowed to happen points to the reason she should should never have been allowed to serve it in the first place. If I’m a diner, I’m trusting my eyes first and my eyes don’t get the benefit of sourcing that tuna. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2010, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029/168 "2010-08-26T17:41:08Z")
Kelly asks you to give up your dessert budget so she can buy sherry for elementary kids and you say yes and get eliminated. oice Kelly asks you to not use crab so she can make crab cakes and you say yes and get eliminated. When will contestants learn that when your in competition with someone and they want a favor to improve their chances, sometimes “Fuck off! I’m cooking my food.” is a choice. ---
**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:** [August 26, 2010, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029/169 "2010-08-26T17:51:18Z")
Or at least learn not to listen to Kelly. ---
**Author:** ![YWalker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/6f9a4e/32.png) [@YWalker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YWalker)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2010, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029/170 "2010-08-27T22:39:25Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > Kelly asks you to give up your dessert budget so she can buy sherry for elementary kids and you say yes and get eliminated. > oice > Kelly asks you to not use crab so she can make crab cakes and you say yes and get eliminated. > > When will contestants learn that when your in competition with someone and they want a favor to improve their chances, sometimes “Fuck off! I’m cooking my food.” is a choice. I believe Amanda was the one insisting on buying the sherry, not Kelly. That said, I agree, though. Had I been Amanda, I would have said “I have dibs on crab. I mentioned it first.” Or, at the very least, I would have ignore her request to do a seafood, and just do whatever the hell I wanted. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2010, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029/171 "2010-08-28T01:37:55Z")
> [@Captain\_Amazing](#): > > Or at least learn not to listen to Kelly. It was really Angelo’s advice that did her in though. Don’t miss Eric Ripert’s blog on this one, it’s priceless! I wish they were doing abetter job of showing the food. When we got to judge’s table I wasn’t quite sure what Ed had made, or what it looked like. Were the shrimp whole or Minced? etc. The producers need a good whoopin’! ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2010, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029/172 "2010-09-02T03:26:28Z")
Wow. I so did not see that coming.I’m sure going to miss the auffed contestant. StG ---
**Author:** ![Nzinga\_Seated](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b5ac83/32.png) [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2010, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029/173 "2010-09-02T04:02:02Z")
Sadness. Tiffany was my favorite Top Chef contestant,\* ever.\* ---
**Author:** ![Tangent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tangent/32/3098_2.png) [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2010, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029/174 "2010-09-02T04:33:00Z")
Yeah, I am really sorry to see Tiffany go. I sensed from the critiques, though, that it would be her. I would have preferred Kevin pack his knives. Bourdain’s comments to Ripert during the tasting/judging were funny. I couldn’t tell for sure if it was just good-natured ribbing or what. ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2010, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029/175 "2010-09-02T04:43:47Z")
Well that was a serious letdown. I really was hoping Tiffany could pull it off and win this thing and from the comments already posted it seems like there were a bunch of people who felt the same. How about we all go to Bravo and vote for her as Fan Favorite? I know that’s what I’m going to do. As for the rest…well, this season has grown on me and now that Tiffany is gone I am curious to see how both Ed and Kelly do. I don’t have any really strong feeling for or against Kevin but the other two have become more likable over time. Angelo is just weird and annoying. ---
**Author:** ![pepperlandgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f17d59/32.png) [@pepperlandgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pepperlandgirl)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2010, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029/176 "2010-09-02T05:37:00Z")
I wish that we could have a show starring Tony Bourdain and Eric Ripert. Or Ripert could just join him on No Reservations. Whatever, as long as Tony is snarking and Eric is being good-natured and adorable, and they’re both being hot with their silver hair. Also, I think it’s a real shame that Tiffany was sent home. Sane, talented, good-humored, definitely one of the most pleasant cheftestants in long time. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2010, 6:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029/177 "2010-09-02T06:15:05Z")
I noticed the chefs seemed to support each other and got along tonight. Maybe they’ve finally developed some mutual respect? I thought the final 5 were actually the best this season. There was no shock eliminations this season (I’m ignoring delusional self-proclaimed master chef Kenny.). I don’t recall a semi-final so close. The judges indicated this was almost a tie. No one screwed up. But, someone had to go and Tiffany got the nod. That’s borne out by her bio. Tiffany is incredibly talented and creative. But she’s never worked under a major chef. For example Ed is a protege of Todd English.I hope Tiffany gets that chance for advanced training. A couple years in a Michelin rated kitchen is all she needs. Tiffany has the potential to become a world class chef if she works under the right chef. > [@](#): > > Actually, I think that Tiffany and her background, even if she did seem to be a competent and even creative cook, didn’t really fit the idea of a “Top Chef” in the eyes of the judges. Personality wise this final 4 is a weird, strange bunch. Angelo is the original space cadet. Kelly has zero personality. Kevin reminds me of a foul mouthed Baby Huey. Ed is the only one I still like. I suspect Bourdain and Ripert were having a bit of fun during the judging. I can easily see Bourdain suggest that they switch. Ripert would be snarky and harsh. Bourdain smiling and nice. It’s exactly the off beat joke these two old friends would play. That doesn’t mean the judging wasn’t honest. Ripert could have said the same things in his usual nice way. I bet those two had a blast pulling this off. I caught Tom giving Bourdain the stink eye during the meal. He knew something was up. ---
**Author:** ![MovieMogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f08c70/32.png) [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2010, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029/178 "2010-09-02T06:29:20Z")
NNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Really too bad. It looks like it’s Angelo’s to lose, with Ed his only real competition. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2010, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029/179 "2010-09-02T14:21:14Z")
I predict Kelly for the win. Angelo is going to freak out. It’s just too soon for me to talk about Tiffany. I need time to mourn. . . ---
**Author:** ![eenerms](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/cdc98d/32.png) [@eenerms](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eenerms)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2010, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029/180 "2010-09-02T16:47:18Z")
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo:mad: I’ll miss her dimples and her class!! She is one classy talented chef! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-chef-season-7-discussion-edited-title/546029.md?page=10)