FOT Forum
FOT Community => General Discussion => Topic started by: senorcorazon on May 13, 2010, 04:15:28 PM
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Here we go again. Most importantly, No Info Pick'Em. Look at the pictures and pick your Top 5, 3, and winner WITHOUT READING ABOUT THEM.
http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/bios
Mine:
Bowtie (http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Arnold_Small.png)
Vanilla (http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Stephen_Small.png)
Dr. Dontplay (http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Tamesha_Small.png)
Beardo (http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Kenny_Small.png)
Nicknamelessa (http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Lynne_125x125.png)
Vanilla, Beardo, Nicknamelessa
Beardo
I look forward to reading about these people now and realizing how bad I am at Cheftestant profiling.
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My guys, top 5:
Nondescript:
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Kelly_Small.png)
FinGerSwiss Jr:
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Alex_Small.png)
Bowtie:
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Arnold_Small.png)
Annoying:
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Ed_Small.png)
Solid:
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Timothy_Small.png)
Top 3: Nondescript, Solid, Bowtie
Winner: Nondescript
NO NEED TO WATCH THE SHOW NOW.
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NO NEED TO WATCH THE SHOW NOW.
There really should be a spoiler warning in the thread title.
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My top 5:
Serioso
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Ed_Small.png)
Big Girl
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Andrea_Small.png)
No Hats in the Kitchen
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Arnold_Small.png)
Dick
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Alex_Small.png)
No More Mister Nice Guy
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Kevin_Small.png)
Top 3
Serioso, Dick and Big Girl
Winner
Serioso
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Field Hockey
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Lynne_125x125.png)
Bowtie
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Arnold_Small.png)
Pet Mice
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Tracy_Small.png)
Piccolo
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Alex_Small.png)
Die Already
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/John_Small.png)
TOP THREE:
Pet Mice, Piccolo, Bowtie
WINNER:
Piccolo
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(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Arnold_Small.png)
Pork-free Menu
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Jaquelin_Small.png)
Scary Cleanse
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Kenny_Small.png)
Hot Buttered Everything
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Angelo_Small.png)
I Thought This Was Survivor
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Eric_Small.png)
"You're Going Back...to Missoula... MONTANA!"
No opinion on the results.
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I'm only picking the winner:
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/images/persons/Stephen_Full.png)
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I've been enjoying Top Chef Masters, but am just glad Padma is back. And is Gail back full time as a judge? I adore her.
I would pick my list but I am too dumb too figure out how to post multiple jpgs here.
The winner of my heart is Gail Simmons.
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I don't have the right kind of imagination to play this game. But I'm looking forward to June 16.
Later: Just noticed that Eric Ripert is going to be one of the regular judges. This make me happy.
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I don't have the right kind of imagination to play this game. But I'm looking forward to June 16.
Later: Just noticed that Eric Ripert is going to be one of the regular judges. This make me happy.
Sure you do. Go the random route and we'll see how that pays off. Besides, Omar is going to beat us all anyway.
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No.
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omg, Eric Ripert is going to be there all season long?????
Martin, I know how you feel about Gail and her gifts. I feel the same way about Eric Ripert. I am so excited.
I say Mr. Nondescript wins it all:
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Ed_Small.png)
Bowtie stays around for a good long while:
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Arnold_Small.png)
And so do these guys:
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Timothy_Small.png)
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Stephen_Small.png)
And this lady is probably in the top 3:
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Andrea_Small.png)
Stinky Dreads and Blondie are the first two to go home, obvs.
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/John_Small.png)
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Jaquelin_Small.png)
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Ripert is to "serve as a recurring guest judge," Laurie.
Here's a selection of comments inspired by the bios on the Bravo site (i.e., SPOILERS):
According to the bios, Omar's pick is "over-the-top and without a filter."
Bravo also says that this broad:
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Lynne_125x125.png)
is fifty-one. Very well-preserved, n'est-ce pas?
Sadly, though, this guy:
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/John_Small.png)
is forty-two.
Bow-tie was one a "competitive professional figure skater." I've checked: he skated with someone named Christina Connally in the junior competition in 1997. They placed eighth in the short program and fifth in the free skate. Bravo says his life is "colorful."
Finally, Bravo informs us that "food was an integral part of [FinGerSwiss, Jr.]'s early life," which is awfully good to know. (Bravo also spells "Lutèce" "Lutecé," by the way.) Unlike almost everyone else, he has received no awards; the only thing Bravo could come up with was "[FinGerSwiss, Jr.]'s passion for his craft is lauded by loyal customers and critics alike." Doesn't bode well. Plus his jeans are very carefully slashed.
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Ripert is currently serving as a guest star... in my dreams. :o :o
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And on Treme.
Later . . .
Ha, I just came across this article (http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/mar/28/jamie-oliver-americans-pushy-brits) by Toby Young in the Guardian. I had no idea I didn't like him as a judge because he's British, not because his insights were nonexistent and his labored jokes painful.
Read the comments section. He has a nice tussle with Jay Rayner.
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(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Ed_Small.png)
I've been trying to place who this guy reminds me of. Feels like someone shitty from the news. He might also be Pete Campbell from Mad Men's no-good grandson.
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(http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2008/03/07/CH_080307015559833_wideweb__300x375.jpg)
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Don't bitch to the Hitch; you're just cutting your switch.
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Ha, I just came across this article (http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/mar/28/jamie-oliver-americans-pushy-brits) by Toby Young in the Guardian. I had no idea I didn't like him as a judge because he's British, not because his insights were nonexistent and his labored jokes painful.
Read the comments section. He has a nice tussle with Jay Rayner.
I'm saying this before I read the article and comments section: I like Jay Rayner.
Edit: I like him even more now.
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There are moments where Young and Rayner both come across as arrogant, unlikeable jerks. Jay Rayner has a smile on his face at times though, and seems far less one dimensional and unpleasant. I've definitely warmed to him, though he has laboured jokes as well.
Who is most respected, Young, Rayner, or Gael Greene? I'm assuming Gael Greene because she is old and wears silly hats. But she comes across as a lovely indivual - then again she has not been on the regular Top Chef, has she? Maybe as a guest judge once in a while?
Ha, I just came across this article (http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/mar/28/jamie-oliver-americans-pushy-brits) by Toby Young in the Guardian. I had no idea I didn't like him as a judge because he's British, not because his insights were nonexistent and his labored jokes painful.
Read the comments section. He has a nice tussle with Jay Rayner.
I'm saying this before I read the article and comments section: I like Jay Rayner.
Edit: I like him even more now.
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Rayner's jokes are not as labored, and, more important, they do not take as long to tell. Toby Young always reminded me of the kind of bore who deliberately draws out his every utterance in order to keep the attention on himself as long as possible.
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James Oseland really came off poorly tonight. Insufferable even.
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James Oseland really came off poorly tonight. Insufferable even.
It was the highlight of the season watching James striving and failing to relate to the "Tailgaters". The scene where he tries to stir up the crowd was pure comedy gold. I wonder how many hours it took him to dress down appropriately for the challenge. I enjoy Masters a lot more this season, it seems the judges and Kelly are less stiff.
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Where should I watch Top Chef online? Bravo only allows certain shows to air on Hulu, and I don't know if this will be one of them.
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You might have to download it (as I do).
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I figured you'd have the answer to this, Martin. I will happily break the law for the cause.
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Why are there only 9 people (cheftestants, ugh) on the subway/bus ads?
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Notes upon my first viewing:
QUICKFIRE
* This is a pretty old bunch of contestants.
* Padma's heels during the Quickfire were ridiculous.
* Kenny was pretty speedy, although his arrogance makes me want to punch him in the face.
* Angelo is an ass, too, but I'm still glad he beat Kenny.
ELIMINATION
* When Kenny selected "the young lady at the end," my desire to punch him increased.
* Later, however, I wished to punch said young lady (Tracy) for her ridiculous snootiness about Ohio Boy (Stephen).
* As soon as this round started, I thought, "Old hippy John should go home; this is just going to make him cry." Later, sure enough, he did both.
* The statement "A little bit risky but also a safe bet" made me shake my head.
* Timothy Dean said, "Are you joking me?" The first time I ever heard that construction was when Julie said it to Tom during a call.
* The fifty-one-year-old said she was from the Culinary Institute of America. That's even worse than when someone says, "My name is Dr. So-and-so."
* How does one deconstruct char? I mean, short of boning it? Or, I guess, dissolving it in acid.
* Speaking of which, Gail's obsession with acid continues.
* We're going to get to see Mike I. again. Ain't that grand?
* Based on this first episode, my favorite is Alex. Could be because I want the arrogant Americans to be whupped by a Russian.
There. Not terribly insightful (and strangely obsessed with language).
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Oh, one more thing: lots more bosoms for the boys this season, now that Padma is all postbaby voluptuous. Hubba hubba, right?
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As usual, I agree 100% with Sarah's recap. My pick for the winner (Ohio Boy) needs to step it up.
Alex was also my fave; while Angelo is indeed an Ash Ole, I don't mind that trait on Top Chef as long as it is backed up with culinary skillz.
Tracy seems like the worst (other than, I guess, Hippy Dessert Boy, who obviously will never get a chance to redeem himself). An Atlanta chef who can't make shrimp and grits? Disturbing to say the least.
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I like Kevin, the Jersey guy.
Kenny was a bit obnoxious but at least looked like he could back it up. He aced that quickfire, which I did not expect. Angelo has a ridiculous way about him that makes me wanna punch him in the face. Needs to be put in his place. The way he threw Monte Carlo around and namedropped a bunch of places/people annoyed me.
As been mentioned elsewhere (maybe in this thread), many cheftestants are not only "old" but also surprisingly accomplished already. Not exactly young beginners finding their way in the culinary world. Not sure I dislike that or not, it's just interesting.
The top four in this episode looks like a possible final four, based on pretty much nothing. Tracy early candidate for Villain. Classless. No sympathies for Ohio dude either. Hippie John(ny?) felt completely out of place.
Yes, bosoms.
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So glad this is back.
Beardo, don't let me down.
Sorry, you can't win one of the highest awards in chefdom and THEN GO ON A REALITY SHOW.
Agreed, bosoms. It's like she was threatened by Gail last year and grew additional bosom power in order to fight and win.
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* Pretty boring episode, I thought. Gimmicky QF with boring results and an uninspired elimination challenge.
* My thoughts as people were brainstorming their lunch menus: "Gnocchi?!?" "Feta?!?" "Pickled onions?!?" "Sherry jus?!?"
* Angelo is a sleazy bastard. Watching him schmooze Tracey was painful. Watching her respond to it hurt even more.
* Two pounds of sugar in a dessert meant to serve fifty-four (including the judges)? Crikey.
* I have never seen contestants go at it so ferociously at judges' table.
* Current me would probably have liked the taco lunch the best. Kid me would have had problems with all of them:
** Braised Chicken Thigh in a Sherry Jus; Bean & Tomato Salad with Pickled Red Onions & Apple Cider Vinaigrette; Sweet Onion Rice & Tomato, Carrots & Green Onions, Banana Pudding with Skim Milk; Strawberries & Strawberry Sauce -- I might have deigned to pick at the chicken, and, if I'd been in the right mood, I would have separated the rice from all the contaminants and eaten that (I was a great sorter of my food). I would have refused the salad (tomatoes, green beans, etc.) and the dessert (bananas)
** Grilled Apple Cider BBQ Chicken & Picnic Coleslaw with Yogurt; Mac & Cheese with Whole Wheat Crust, Skim Milk & Low-Fat Cheese; Fresh Melon Kebab with Orange Chantilly Dipped in Yogurt - Again, I would have tried the chicken. Possibly the mac and cheese, although if I could have perceived onions in it, I would have snubbed it. Coleslaw? Never (mayonnaise). The dessert? Never (melon).
** Chicken Burger with Fiesta Rice; “Peanut Butter and Celery Crudite” with Crispy Tuile; Sweet Potato Puree with Cinnamon; Apple Bread Pudding with Cinnamon Yogurt - Oddly, here I might have eaten the peanut butter-celery mess, because I grew up tolerating the delicacy called by some "bugs on a raft." If I'd known there was yogurt on the dessert, I would have refused it. I would have fled screaming from the burger and the sweet potato glop.
** Braised Pork Carnitas Tacos with Pickled Onions & Cilantro; Roasted Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette, Chili Oil, Sugar, Salt & Lime Juice; Black Bean Cake with Whole Grain & Sweet Crispy Potatoes; Caramelized Sweet Potatoes & Sherbert - I would have hated every single thing on this tray.
There. I'm sure you found fascinating this peek at the fussy brat I was as a child.
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P.S. I loathe Kelly and Amanda.
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Per usual, there is little left to add to Sarah's assessment. In general, I don't care for the budget-crunch and kids-focused (Spike certainly didn't cook up that EC!) challenges, especially when the latter is just an anonymous throng (I don't even think they showed more than about three kid comments on the food). As Sarah noted, the conjoined twins QF was dumb.
The Top Chef kid challenges always seem very problematic to me. As Sarah noted, the younger palates are likely to reject most of the stuff that would impress the judges, and when you throw in the nutrition angle, you end up with a cooking challenge reduced to replacing mayo with yogurt in coleslaw (oddly dubbed "brilliant" by White House Dude -- that seems like a no-brainer to me) or a clump of rice with vegetables (way to not redeem yourself the chump I picked to win). Both items are, in theory, good, healthy components of a cafeteria lunch, but not exactly riveting viewing. Team Pork Carnitas was clearly the best. I was surprised none of the teams attempted a play on pizza, perhaps with some kind of flatbread application. I'm not sure if this was universal, but I recall that on taco days at school, the tray always included a cinnamon roll. I probably would have recreated that surprisingly good union.
Through two episodes, I think all of these cheftestants are complete clowns. I've been much more intrigued by Work of Art -- last night's episode gave use Mary Shelley speed-reading and "Jane Austin."
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In a sick way, I kind of enjoyed Angelo's possible attempt at throwing the challenge to get Kenny booted. The chefs this season seem so dull that an injection of villainy might keep things interesting.
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I have no doubt Angelo tried to throw the challenge. His manipulation of Tracey revealed him as a complete sleazebucket.
I liked last night's Work of Art way better than Top Chef. It helped that I feel competent to evaluate book covers. [preen]I correctly picked winner, runner-up, loser, and co-losers.[/preen]
What the hell, I'll ramble on about that show, too (you poor FOT--how you suffer for my hermitlike existence). Note: many, many spoilers.
* The exhibitionist girl who misspelled Austen is a pip. Pride and Prejudice is tragic? And Darby! Plus, I don't care how you slice it, a half-nude female holding a bowler hat can never cut it as a suitable cover for that book. Jaclyn is just lucky Judith's travesty was so much worse than hers.
* When I was reading up on this show last week, I came across a lot of Miles dislike. I don't know--I don't mind the kid. I particularly appreciated his choice to read the book for which he was supposed to be designing a cover. (Sidenote: I think it was the winner who could not believe someone could read Frankenstein in four hours--come on! And I got the impression most of them hadn't read most/any of the books. Shit, I'd read all of 'em by the time I was sixteen. Philistines.). And I thought he handled crazy old Judith kindly. Barely got a look at his cover design, and I thought the conceit of using an electrical fire for the burning was pretty silly (who was going to know or care that the guy who did the cover art for the book s/he's reading chose a specific kind of fire to pick up on the electrical storm in the book?), but I'm kind of liking his attitude.
* I also sort of like Nicole, who seems competent. Her cover was charming, if utterly impractical.
* I thought little of John's War of the Worlds cover at first, but when he added that little ladder, I knew it was the winner. It really is a great cover: the bright colors in the ball of abstraction pop off the page--hell, they almost seem to be roiling around--and the dinky little ladder is funny and charming and, most important, lets you know what the ball of abstraction actually is. The runner-up was slickly competent, but much more hackneyed and obvious.
* Who the hell is Bethenny and why are we supposed to care about her wedding?
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Stinky Dreads and Blondie are the first two to go home, obvs.
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/John_Small.png)
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Jaquelin_Small.png)
CLAP!
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Stinky Dreads and Blondie are the first two to go home, obvs.
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/John_Small.png)
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Jaquelin_Small.png)
CLAP!
Fly high Greenpoint. HIGH.
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Pretty dull episode. It's bad when the quickfire is more interesting than the elimination. Not that the quickfire was gripping, mind you, but the consternation so many showed at the prospect of making pie was pretty fun. All the talk of the precision and measuring involved in making desserts, and then . . . pie? Hell, you don't even really need to measure to make a crust, as long as you have a basic grip on proportion, and pie innards can be pretty much anything you want. Are we to believe these geniuses had never made at least a savory concoction that involved a crust?
About fillings, though, I suppose there are some parameters. Celery mousse, for example, is ill advised. And, yes, a pie made with juicy fruits/berries does need a bit of binder. But are these not matters of basic knowledge and common sense? Shouldn't Tracey have figured out that she needed to toss her blueberries with a little flour or cornstarch to avoid having the filling slop out all over the plate? Well, it's true that she admitted she'd never made a pie before. Which reminds me: I liked Iannuzzi's crack that his grandmother isn't a professional chef yet she can make a pie.
I can find barely anything to say about the elimination. I was amused when one of the idiots (Tracey again, I think) said, "How do you turn this grill down?" when they were using charcoal. And I was startled when Angelo not only complimented someone else's work but said he thought it was better than his.
RIP, Tracey. You were this season's Jesse, without the lip biting and tears. Was it your clairvoyance that made you so sure you were the one who was going to be booted?
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Once again, Work of Art was much better than Top Chef. Perhaps TC needs to introduce the use of bodily fluids into the culinary mix.
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Boy, I cannot stand that Jaclyn, though. I was so relieved that Abdi won.
Wish they hadn't kicked off Nao. I was enjoying seeing what she came up with, even if I didn't necessarily like it.
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Stinky Dreads and Blondie are the first two to go home, obvs.
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/John_Small.png)
(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Jaquelin_Small.png)
CLAP!
Oh man, I'm so proud of myself.
Although I didn't realize until last week that I've actually had Andrea's food. I've eaten a Talulah and she also caters my mom's place of work. Average, at best. She's not going to come close to winning.
Also, I would like to watch Disney movies with Milo Miles.
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I couldn't help but feel a bit of Nashville pride when Arnold pulled out the win. I confess I haven't tried his restaurants. I've heard good things about Suzy Wong's.
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I need to get on this Work of Art train. Missed the first couple episodes, will try and catch up. People seem to like it.
And, yes, a pie made with juicy fruits/berries does need a bit of binder.
The Alpha male's girlfriend's name, whom he got a letter from, is called Juicy. I found that amusing enough to rewind to make sure he didn't say Lucy.
Tracey's elimination definitely made me question her clairvoyance.
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Poking around the Bravo site yesterday, I discovered "After the Knife," (http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/season-7/videos?collection=After+the+Knife) a series of videos made in the limbo to which ousted contestants are consigned to serve out penance until the competition is complete. I had no idea that they all had to hang around like this, and I look forward to the future shenanigans of the failed.
I was also pleased to learn, reading Colicchio's blog, that the judges were properly horrified by the terrible tomatoes that so many contestants chose to serve up during the picnic challenge. I noticed them while watching the show and was surprised that no one mentioned them. It comforts me to know that they did not go uncriticized.
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I discovered "After the Knife",
Take it to the Anti-Christ thread.
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"This show has derailed. A "tournament" in which the "winners" are eliminated and don't advance to the next round? And the pair who was sent home arguably made a better dinner dish than people who were awful in the first round but miraculously turned things around to be spared? So the doofuses who couldn't get hollandaise or a biscuit plated are more worthy of surviving another week than the dude who won last week's challenge? Utter bullshit. And I still don't like anyone -- I also barely know half the field. Why does it feel like there are 27 contestants?" - IsoS on the AST Forum.
What a terrible show this has become. Work of Art remains a delight.
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Agreed. The elimination challenge was backward. Although it did make for more suspense than usual come judges' table, when it was clear that no matter who was sent home really wouldn't deserve it.
Also, baby food for the quickfire?
I definitely enjoyed watching Work of Art more, though I thought everything in last night's episode was pretty awful. Of course, it doesn't help that I'm so filled with loathing for Jaclyn that I can't trust my response to her work (I thought last night's offering was fairly hackneyed).
In other news, I watched an absolutely charming episode of Chopped yesterday.
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In other news, I watched an absolutely charming episode of Chopped yesterday.
Which installment? Did someone attack Scott Conant with raw onions?
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No, no. I was being sincere. It was the one with a Japanese American Christian who cooked for a retreat in the Adirondacks, a twice-homeless Jamaican (I think, though he may have been from Trinidad) who had arisen from the ashes of his former life to cook in Michelin-starred kitchens, a jolly lady with silly hair who kept screwing up but still made some decent food, and a slightly more sour but still okay veteran who used to work and play with Bourdain back in the cocaine days. All the contestants were good-natured and supportive to one another, the judges (among whom Alex Guarnaschelli did not number--another plus) got more and more excited because the food was good, and the fellow who won (the Jamaican or Trinidadian) made consistently praised dishes (the two complaints were too many prunes in one dish and a slightly runny pudding--and only one judge thought that). Even the desserts were successful. Both of them. Scott Conant (who is such a snooty turd I would like to feed him raw red onions night and day except I wouldn't want to spend that much time with him) was actually smiling and full of kind words! It was a Chopped miracle!
Speaking of Conant, this new Restaurant in Twenty-Four Hours (or whatever it's called) looks like it could be a hoot. Or a horror. Or both.
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I'm rooting for Tamesha, though Lynn would be fine, I guess
Angelo and the bald guy are repugnant, and might just challenge Hosea's title of douchiest contestant of any season.
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No, no. I was being sincere. It was the one with a Japanese American Christian who cooked for a retreat in the Adirondacks, a twice-homeless Jamaican (I think, though he may have been from Trinidad) who had arisen from the ashes of his former life to cook in Michelin-starred kitchens, a jolly lady with silly hair who kept screwing up but still made some decent food, and a slightly more sour but still okay veteran who used to work and play with Bourdain back in the cocaine days. All the contestants were good-natured and supportive to one another, the judges (among whom Alex Guarnaschelli did not number--another plus) got more and more excited because the food was good, and the fellow who won (the Jamaican or Trinidadian) made consistently praised dishes (the two complaints were too many prunes in one dish and a slightly runny pudding--and only one judge thought that). Even the desserts were successful. Both of them. Scott Conant (who is such a snooty turd I would like to feed him raw red onions night and day except I wouldn't want to spend that much time with him) was actually smiling and full of kind words! It was a Chopped miracle!
Speaking of Conant, this new Restaurant in Twenty-Four Hours (or whatever it's called) looks like it could be a hoot. Or a horror. Or both.
That is indeed a great episode. Guarnaschelli is a creep. The only Chopped judge I consistently like is Aaron Sanchez.
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Isos' comments are spot on. This show is losing me. Caught up with Work of Art - like it a lot.
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The only Chopped judge I consistently like is Aaron Sanchez.
Yes. He plainly really wants people to do well but doesn't hesitate to criticize--kindly--when necessary.
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Another crap episode. At the seven-minute mark, I thought Kevin was for it, but then it became clear he was getting the redemption edit. Then, at thirty-two minutes past the hour, when Timothy announced he was just going to serve his cubes of vegetables, I was certain he would get the boot. What on earth possessed him? I mean, he's been pretty awful from the start, but that was some dumb choice.
I was astonished at the simplicity of most of the dishes, given the contestants had three hours to cook. A salad? A vegetable soup? Jesum.
Didn't see the point of the conceit that they were all working for the same team. Maybe it was to see whether they'd be capable of constructing a harmonious menu without direction? If that was the challenge, they sure didn't rise to it. It was painful watching all the wrangling during the planning, in particular the head-butting between Angelo and Kenny (I think no one should be allowed to call himself an "alpha male"). I suppose Bravo's producers thought the wrangling made for entertaining TV.
I was most impressed with Kelly this round. I don't like her manner, but she did competent work, stood up for herself, and gave some decent advice here and there.
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Kelly has clearly emerged as the favorite. My pre-season pick to win continues to be a complete doofus. I think the pressure of the show has rattled him beyond ... ripert. He seems completely out of his element.
Kenny is a cretin. Angelo is strange, but I like him as a character in a reality TV show, much like I enjoy Ms. Santos on Work of Art.
Due to the chilly weather, I don't think there's anything wrong with a vegetable soup as a lead-in course within the context of the larger, family-style meal. What's odd is that, as is often the case, the judges (or at least what we're shown) will focus on one aspect of the dish, and there is never any mention of the overall taste of the dish. For example, are we to assume that if Amanda cut her carrots a bit smaller, it would have been a successful soup? Who knows. In his new blog post, Colicchio praises Amanda (and Stephen) for sticking with their "strong vision" while Tim presented a "non-dish."
Hard to argue with Ripert, but I don't think a "minestrone" absolutely requires pasta, although it's certainly traditional. I guess his main point was that she should have just called it "vegetable soup." The judges tend to get annoyed by misnamed dishes, even the successful ones like Casey's so-called "coq au vin" in season 3.
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The Chopped judges are being very fussy on this score as well. I guess it's the latest talking point laid down by the powers-that-be.
I don't think there was anything wrong with Amanda making a soup, by the way. I'm just amazed it took her three hours to do it.
What makes you say Kenny is a cretin? He seems no more stupid than most of them.
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What makes you say Kenny is a cretin? He seems no more stupid than most of them.
Truth be told, I just like referring to people as cretins. In this case, it was a hyperbolic approach to expressing that I am not a big fan of BLACK LIGHTNING. Now that I think about it, his robe-clad wine sipping was a fun image. In general, he exudes a 'tude I don't care for.
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In that case, agreed on all fronts (although I find him slightly less objectionable than Angelo--who, however, is more entertaining). I was merely puzzled by "cretin."
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I'm actually enjoying this season more than last season. Last night's episode to me was a nice recovery from the bizarre food relay from last week. I think I'm enjoying it more because the contestants are less annoying on average. Last season, I found Mike I, Eli, Robin, and Voltaggio the Younger smug and insufferable, which made it harder to watch the show. Kevin, Jen and Voltaggio the Older were fine. This current group seem to be more focused on making good food than showing off, and it seems that most of them have spent time in the real world. At least Angelo vs Kenny is more of a food based disagreement than "You're not my Mom!" from last season.
We'll see though ... it is early, and some super annoying behavior can come out later on. I'm looking at you, Amanda and Alex.
Oh, and random aside - Kelly totally reminds me of Becky from the original Real World. I half expect her to say "How am I being racist, Kevin?" at any moment.
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What makes you say Kenny is a cretin? He seems no more stupid than most of them.
Truth be told, I just like referring to people as cretins. In this case, it was a hyperbolic approach to expressing that I am not a big fan of BLACK LIGHTNING. Now that I think about it, his robe-clad wine sipping was a fun image. In general, he exudes a 'tude I don't care for.
C'mon, his wife died in a car accident and he raised his daughter by himself! Plus his girlfriend goes by "Juicy".
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I thought it was a nice touch inviting Cesar Romero-era Joker to be a guest judge.
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I thought it was a nice touch inviting Cesar Romero-era Joker to be a guest judge.
And that we get to see the Old Man Orange Hair that has been frightening Tom recently.
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What makes you say Kenny is a cretin? He seems no more stupid than most of them.
Truth be told, I just like referring to people as cretins. In this case, it was a hyperbolic approach to expressing that I am not a big fan of BLACK LIGHTNING. Now that I think about it, his robe-clad wine sipping was a fun image. In general, he exudes a 'tude I don't care for.
C'mon, his wife died in a car accident and he raised his daughter by himself! Plus his girlfriend goes by "Juicy".
That doesn't give him a pass to go around describing himself as "The Alpha Male." That's one of the fastest paths to Reality Show villainhood.
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I can't stand self-described alpha males. Seems to me a real alpha male shouldn't need to say he's one.
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Bored, bored, bored. Is it the show's fault? Or mine?
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Bored, bored, bored. Is it the show's fault? Or mine?
This was probably the best episode of the season, but still pretty much a snooze.
Have you seen the first two installments of 24 Hour Restaurant Battle? I enjoyed both, and Conant is actually a good host. Aside from Marcus Samuelsson in Episode 2, I don't really care for any of the other judges (Geoffrey Zakarian, a woman I've seen on Iron Chef America many times, some food blogger I've seen before), but so it goes.
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Yes, I've been watching it (and very much enjoyed Conant's delight in Nonna's cooking during the battle of the Italian restaurants last night). It's "Restaurant Wars" meets Last Restaurant Standing, and I am certainly finding it more entertaining than Top Chef these days.
About Top Chef, I'm hoping from here on out it will improve. Not because all the dead weight is gone, for it surely is not, but because, with fewer contestants, more attention can be focused on the food.
Work of Art talk below; highlight to view.
[Work of Art was, as usual, more fun, though not as good as some episodes. People were surprisingly stymied by the challenge (one that reminded me of that late challenge in Top Chef Masters: cook a first course that shows how you started, a second that shows where you are, and a third that shows where you hope to be). For supposed artistes, they seem to have little imagination. Maybe they're just constipated by their need to impress.
As to the results, I was not wowed by Peregrine's piece (I preferred Nicole's), but it was certainly one of the better efforts. Miles definitely cheated. Mark was workmanlike, as usual. Abdi's paralysis was unexpected. Jacqui was pathetic, especially when she randomly threw in pipe cleaners and pom-poms because Simon liked them (at least Miles acknowledged that his rubber-band balls were added in a conscious attempt to bamboozle the judges into thinking his crossword grid had something to do with the challenge; Jacqui, as seems to be her wont, claimed her embellishments sprang from inspiration, not asskissery), and I'm sorry she lived to pout another day. But, though I will miss Ryan's combination of good nature and snark, he really did deserve to go; he's even more of a one-trick pony than the resident exhibitionist. Still, I will worry about him: estranged from his family, apparently a drinker, with only $24 (or less) to his name. Quite the little Pagliaccio, when you come down to it.
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Perhaps I missed it, but as far as I can recall there were absolutely no Kelly Liken comments aired during last night's EC. I found it very bizarre that the Quickfire winner with immunity -- and the clear frontrunner -- did not get to offer her take on the competition. Not sure why the format in which the other cheftestants were the judges meant that the other side of the table had to remain mute aside from Tom's comment that they were nuts not to detect sufficient acidity in what was eventually named the winning dish. (I like Kevin, and I think this win could be a turning point for him. I also think the near-elimination may get Kenny to drop the Alpha Male s-hit.)
Then again, these days, nothing is really that bizarre on TC. The show has gone completely off the rails. Speaking of rails, I think I'll go do some right now.
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Well, don't bogart 'em, son.
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Can we please keep the Work of Art spoilers to a minimum in the Top Chef thread? I haven't seen the latest installment of WoA yet, but I did catch the latest Top Chef. For some reason it takes forever (ie a couple of days) for new WoA episodes to show up online; Top Chef is available almost immediately after it's aired. Matter of popularity, I'm guessing.
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Sorry, Martin. I'll be careful in future. And I've camouflaged my comments above just in case someone else comes along who hasn't seen last night's show yet.
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The most exciting thing about the latest episode was Bozzi's lightshow tie.
I also liked that Angelo's lobster foam looked a lot like the scum you can sometimes see on the ocean. Very appetizing.
I do wish everyone would stop bashing Amanda's food: whatever you think about her personality, she obviously makes some pretty edible dishes.
And, Ed? Big lobsters are way easier to pick than small ones.
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Sorry, Omar!
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Sorry, Omar!
I actually thought he was going to survive after Alex's dish was referred to as a "little nightmare."
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(http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTB4Rp1ekHVB2EYRG_5oVSMBHW8lgab61EDvITkcK2PbPmtBYA&t=1&usg=__lUe1C0RIDwI5qy5hPgQ9B_t7QvE=)(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Stephen_Small.png)
Also, see the Village Voice for a pretty rough mauling of Ed's NY restaurant.
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(http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTB4Rp1ekHVB2EYRG_5oVSMBHW8lgab61EDvITkcK2PbPmtBYA&t=1&usg=__lUe1C0RIDwI5qy5hPgQ9B_t7QvE=)(http://www.bravotv.com/media/imagecache/125x90/images/persons/Stephen_Small.png)
Also, see the Village Voice for a pretty rough mauling of Ed's NY restaurant.
Those photos are pretty spot on, very similar. I'm going to miss Stephen, even though he was pretty much a disaster in most challenges, he brought some of the humor and humanity that is missing this season.
Tiffany is bringing it on, of the chefs left she is the one who has both the talent to win it, and the personality that makes me want her to win.
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So Kenny is gone, and I am very grateful, for I was very, very tired of hearing him describe himself as a beast in the kitchen or, worse, threatening to "unleash the beast." If he had such an unbeatable champion caged within him, why, one wonders, did he never avail himself of its powers? Though he blustered at the end of "After the Knife," "Now the beast is gone, it's anybody's game," he hasn't been a serious contender for weeks. Of the dishes served by his "restaurant," both of his got the worst rating. The guy's a hack with fantastic prep skills, and I'm glad he's gone, even though watching Angelo act as though he's got the competition sewn up is going to be unpleasant (but won't it be just grand if he loses?).
Confession: After weeks of trying to persuade myself that Alex was worth supporting, after watching him be an ass to the wait staff during Restaurant Wars, I give up. I could forgive his sloppy and apparently inept cooking, but bullying? Nope. At least, Omar, your loser was a sweetie pie.
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At least, Omar, your loser was a sweetie pie.
Indeed! As usual, I have nothing to add to your analysis. I recommend reading Gail's blog on the episode as she also effectively sums up the problems with the self-proclaimed "beast" who seems unable to make an edible salad.
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I thought it was nuts when that guest judge/food critic Frank Bruni complained about his glass of water being close to half empty. Close to half empty? So mostly full? What an arrogant jerk.
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I thought it was nuts when that guest judge/food critic Frank Bruni complained about his glass of water being close to half empty. Close to half empty? So mostly full? What an arrogant jerk.
Bruni is definitely a cretin.
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Blah blah blah. I'm so very annoyed that there is a wealth of mediocre in this season. SO we're supposed to pick between Angelo (read: "evil") and Tiffany? Yawn. Sure, I'm still going to watch every episode and complain until it's down to the final three, but I'm THIS CLOSE to renaming this thread "Top Chef, oh fuck it, wasn't Louie great this week?" Kenny definitely turned into a blowhard but at least I was interested in what he'd put together once the REAL cooking started on this show.
Also, time to rename Judge's Table to "Phoning It In Because This Show Should Have Ended Two Seasons Ago Table". Their attempts to concoct some justification for producer's choices is tiresome.
Waaahh.
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Since I've given up on Alex, I have decided to root for Amanda because everyone hates her. This is despite the fact that I hate people who pout.
You know, in seasons past, I've always watched every episode twice. I feel no such inclination this round. It comforts me, though, that everyone seems to be similarly bored with the D.C. installment. At least that way I know my lack of engagement is not symptomatic of any new joylessness in my nature. That's a relief, anyway.
And now Work of Art is done, too . . .
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The producers (and editors, assuming they have some narrative control) of Top Chef should make the fucking show be about food. They must have to sort through hours and hours of "boring food technique talk" to find a minute of bitching.
With a little stopping and thinking, the show would become an argument for why it is necessary to judge and criticize the goddamn stuff in the first place.
There is a stupid formality in the way the winners and losers are presented. I would really like to see the conversation the judges have without the winner and loser being obscured. It would be fun and new TV to see a legit argument over who gets the boot rather than editing around it and filling that time with tense heartbeat music and b-roll. And then Tom walks into a big room of everyone and points and says, "Hey Slick, your lamb rocked our faces off. Hey Goober, your foam soup was horseshit."
That, or just script the thing from start to finish and include a few murders.
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What's the deal with foam, anyway? Looks like a flavored loogie on your plate. None for me thanks.
Also the "streaking" sauces just looks like you half-assed tried to wipe something up. Not very appetizing.
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I guess someone has to say something about the last installment.
* No more Alex. He did pretty well for a guy with only six years of experience (I was unaware of that detail till this show). I will miss him slightly, because he was the only one of the remaining contestants who was occasionally vaguely entertaining. He did make my skin crawl a little bit, though, especially when I realized he has the wide-eyed stare of a chronic liar (such a damning tell that is).
* Amanda is now going to be the only reliable source of amusement, and no doubt she's next for the block. She sure said some dopey things this round. I mean, how many mystery box challenges has she faced in her life that she could describe this one as the hardest? And she wants to vamp the KGB? And how about the tasteful Helen Keller remark? (About which: since the dishes were supposed to taste like the originals, surely HK should have been able to identify them all?) She is a dum-dum who is consciously trying to be cute. Still, I hate her less than Leah of yore, and out of sheer orneriness I wish she'd trounce everyone. But she won't, 'cause she sort of sucks.
* Kelly irritated me hugely this week by putting air quotes around the "twenty thousand" of "twenty thousand dollars." What, were they virtual numbers? Stupid. And I was appalled that she had never cooked Chinese food before. And what about the whole "Yuck, I have to cook my rice on top of the stove" and "Boo hoo, how can that possibly be done in only thirty minutes?" (yeah, yeah, I know she's used to high-altitude cooking--big deal) crapola? (Why do I like convoluted and often awkward syntax so much? It's such an obnoxious affectation. Sorry.) Still, she, like Kevin with the Indian food, managed to do a good job with a cuisine with which she was totally unfamiliar, and I must acknowledge her competence.
* Could not believe Angelo used frozen puff pastry.
* Was shocked--SHOCKED!--that both Wylie Dufresne and Eric Ripert ate off their knives. What goops!
* Tiffany strikes me as a tad smug, anyway, and I think she'd better be careful: four wins in a row might go to her head.
* Important final observation: during a Stouffer's commercial I was forced to endure on Hulu, a frozen, microwaveable sub was described as being made with melted cheese.
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How can I be so long-winded over so little? Christ, imagine what I'd do if I actually had something to say. The thought makes me shudder.
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Your bravery at trying to describe this snoozefest is admirable. Trying to make Angelo seem like a possible elimination candidate was dumb, and all of the "my favorite spy was the one with the gun" meant that many of the dishes were shown for a split second. I almost wish they'd just freeze frame for a minute and cut out a lot of the shopping montages instead.
Go home Kevin, go home Amanda, and then leave Ed. TIffany, Kelly and Angelo have some real cooking to do. Or at least, to put us out of our misery. As with every season I will probably declare "never again!" and then promptly return to watching it.
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Really, I want them all to lose.
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I know. Where's the Bearded Kevin, the nice Voltaggio Brother, the FingerSwiss?! I like Tiffany okay, but C'MON.
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Was the show on last night? It's up on neither Hulu or Bravo.
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Was the show on last night? It's up on neither Hulu or Bravo.
Perhaps they have finally realized that this season is so bad, they are going to limit access to it!
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It was on, and yes, exactly what you thought was going to happen did. But the revealing of more of Angelo was worth it. So. Very. Weird.
You can tell how much this season sucks by the fact that this thread has gone lukewarm and grey. Like oxidized tuna.
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I was astonished when I saw that there were only six contestants left. The show feels like it's still in the early days when there's still so much dross muddled with the gold (?) that you can't tell what's what.
I didn't even bother to take notes when I watched the show last night. This is what I remember:
* Ed criticized Amanda using almost exactly the same slew of insults he had earlier heaped on Alex. And why did Tiffany allow him to stretch out her dress like that?
* As Angelo appears crazier, I like him more. If he keeps this up, I won't mind if he wins. Still, calling a hot dog roll a lobster roll was a pathetic attempt to class up his remarkably stupid choice of bread. And he has only met his fiancée (whom he loves so much) twice!
* Kevin came off as a petulant baby. It was obviously unfair to expect Angelo to handle all the order taking (even though he was dumb enough to volunteer); for Kevin to act as though Angelo was committing a cardinal sin by reneging on his offer was self-serving and small.
* Amanda did make me almost laugh at one point--I can't remember why--but what a dodo she was to make her tuna tartare the day before. And if leaving Top Chef was the hardest thing she'd ever done, she must have had a surprisingly easy time kicking all those drugs on which she used to be hooked.
* 3 x 150 = 550.
* Kelly is a soft-spoken bully, which may be the worst kind. As she was coercing Amanda to forgo using crab, I flash-backed to her snakiness during the school lunch episode (particularly her "who, me?" incredulity when Arnold got after her) and wanted to make her cry.
* Bonus discovery: Kenny has a tattoo on his stomach that reads "Beast in the Kitchen."
P.S. I'm listening to the latest installment of the Firesign Theater Radio Hour and caught yet another of Bronwyn's smug/snide comments about FT. Phooey on her, say I (although I must say that even I have been wincing at the enormous amount of awful fake black talk).
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Angelo's shrine.
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Anthony Robbins.
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* 3 x 150 = 550.
Classic. I was hoping he wouldn't realize his mistake until after he tried to make 550 and ran out of time.
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I look forward to Sarah's recap on this one. Best episode of the season by far. Bourdain and "The Ripper" obviously need to be on the panel every week.
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Bourdain is apparently a slut for fish sauce.
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Bourdain is apparently a slut for fish sauce.
Who isn't?!
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Bourdain is apparently a slut for fish sauce.
Who isn't?!
Fish sauce?
What kind of fish do you put in the blender with the mustard?
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I look forward to Sarah's recap on this one. Best episode of the season by far. Bourdain and "The Ripper" obviously need to be on the panel every week.
Me too! So great. Much better than the show itself. Sarah, you are Queen. They should replace Padma with you.
This season has made everyone and everything look cheap. I think the host-people have ceased to enjoy the show or eachother. They don't seem to be having any fun at all. I'm embarrassed to admit that I need to feel they're somehow engaged in their work.
I know, I know; everyone loves Padma the colorful zombie. I give her big points though, for deviating from the usual carny colors this week and wearing the busboy outfit. I liked it.
If there is a God, Anthony Bourdain and Sarah will host at least one season together.
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If there is a God, Anthony Bourdain and Sarah will host at least one season together.
Indeed. Colicchio sprung to life last season with the kick-assery of The Big Four (Voltaggio Bros., Kevin, and the Jenn), but he was dreadful in s5 and he's pretty much back to that form this season. He's clearly not interested in the show anymore.
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Sarah, you are Queen.
Right-O, LJP!
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Good lord, so many kind words. And such pressure on a day when heat has laid me low. You bastards.
So, who didn't think Kevin was for the hook? Aside from the fact that he was the obvious choice, the editing tried in every way possible to make us think so. And when he was stupid enough to attempt pork belly during the Quickfire, I was ready to see him go. Then he goes and puts onion rings on a dish meant to be freeze-dried and reconstituted in space. Dumb, dumb, dumb. Still, I liked that he had the guts to go homey (apparently based on something the astronauts said that the editors for some reason chose not to let us hear--to make his choice seem misguided, perhaps?), and I thought Bourdain was a pill for curling his lip at the choice of sirloin. It was those damn onion rings that deserved his contempt.
How tired are we all of the Top Chef slogans? "Someone is going to have to outcook me!" "It's time to cook now!" "The atmosphere in the kitchen was intense!" (Twice Kelly said that. Twice.) I think part of my new liking for Angelo is that at least the clichés that come out of his mouth are not always entirely expected. Of course, his comments are frequently downright bizarre, and last night's "I played a submissive role with that short rib" qualifies. He also said he made love to it. And then spoke of glaze.
The NASA folks were among the most likable guests of the season, which I did not expect. The transmission from the space station was clunky, but space ponytail was great. And, sure, old Buzz seemed a little doddery--though I loved it when he said he didn't know how well something would work as a "space dish"--but the other two astronauts seemed sharp. Why can't they have more crunchy food, though? I mean, I get that crisp vegetables would be tricky, and frying downright dangerous, but is there no junk food in space? Although I suppose that would lead to a lot of trash.
I have never seen Anthony Bourdain so happy with the food on Top Chef. It was disappointing. Ripert may have been critical, but his comments don't bite (and tear and rend) the way Bourdain's do.
Ah well. Tiffany is gone. Many people are probably sad about this. I'm not. But then I wouldn't have been sad if any of the others had been axed, either. She was careless with her mussels, and they died for naught. So much for cooking with soul. Besides, would they have saved her curry? I think not, since it seemed she neglected to put any citrus juice in it, and who ever heard of that kind of curry made without the help of a lemon or a lime?
P.S. This was written on the page where I took my TC notes this morning: "Tout révolutionnaire finit en oppresseur ou en hérétique." I liked that quotation back in 1976/77, and I like it now.
Later: That French has been nagging me all day, the grammar seemed so off. I've now checked, and, sure enough, nineteen-year-old me made a transcription error. I've corrected the quotation above, but my youthful mistake will live on in AC's post. It's only right: transgressions should have unerasable consequences.
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P.S. This was written on the page where I took my TC notes this morning: "Tous révolutionnaires finit un oppresseur ou un hérétique." II liked that quotation back in 1976/77, and I like it now.
Quel coincidence. That's my back tattoo.
I like your reviews too - I haven't seen the show, even.
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My cup is running over. And that must have hurt, AC. What typeface?
You guys've probably already heard this rumor that the next season of Top Chef is going to be an all-stars edition, but I just read about it and am already looking forward to seeing so many contestants I dislike again. List below, disguised a little because it contains a spoiler:
Marcel Vigneron
Richard Blais
Fabio Viviani
Stephen Asprinio
Angelo Sosa
Tiffany Derry
Spike Mendelsohn
Michael Isabella
Dale Talde
Tiffani Faison
Jamie Lauren
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Harry Dean Stanton?
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The NASA thing was just begging to be filmed in that jet that simulates zero gravity for a couple minutes at a time. I agree that they could have explained the crunch problem in further detail.
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How appropriate that I'm more expected by that list of names than I am by the remaining McBarfthrowertons.
We all forgot the Rule Number One of Top Chef: No black people allowed in the finales.
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So... the final three were decided last night.
Yeah I don't care either.
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What a jerk that Kevin must be, though, not to have practiced wok cooking during the weeks before the Singapore finale.
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Is Dana Cowen a Terry Gilliam character?
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It was a drab episode, like the season as a whole. I spent most of the time watching it being annoyed at Kevin and wanting to smack Ed. Here's what little I have:
* Immunity at this stage is ridiculous. I suppose it could be argued that no one who had made it to the final five would be embarrassing as one of the final four, so it didn't matter that Ed had immunity, but to fool around with the odds at this stage of the competition was crappy.
* Although I'm glad that Ed was able to acknowledge that he was in fact being a douche to Angelo, I think it would be good for his soul if he faced up to the reality of his douchery at large. I have a high tolerance for sour humor, but his behavior in the kitchen was truly unpleasant. Winning by rattling one's competitors doesn't feel like winning to me. And the business about the four dishes was sleazy (although what lazy dopes the other three were to go along with it).
* I am very tired of the phrase "develop flavor."
* It was one thing for Kevin to be squeamish about baiting his own hook, but to shy away from even touching the catch? Isn't a cook likely to encounter odd, living critters in the kitchen, and shouldn't he or she be capable of handling and dispatching them? I can just imagine what he would have done during the eel challenge in season whatever-it-was.
* Describing something as "perfect stoner food" is pretty insulting. In my experience, people high on mary jane will eat almost anything. Now, if Ed had made something that would tempt a tweaker's palate, that would have been an achievement.
* It was nice seeing all the judges enjoy the food so much. I would have loved it, I know.
So last episode next week. Normally, I'd feel a little sad at the prospect, but this time around I don't give a hoot. Here's hoping Top Chef Desserts is better.
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I'm annoyed by the "team challenges" that only feature on team. It's just a regular "challenge" if the only competition is between the individual contestants.
It's kind of like how, on Project Runway this season, they kept referring to the first episode as an "audition round," saying that the contestants were competing for the right to appear on the show. Except, of course, that this was happening ON THE SHOW.
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Señora and I watched a copy of it on a plane and she was ready to smash a chair a la Betty Draper. How about this season of Mad Men?
Also, the promos about a mystery illness are crap. There's no chance that Hung and Angelo can lose, unless of course... Oh wait, I DON'T CARE.
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Well, a bullsh*t season ends with a bullsh*t finale!
Cook the meal of your life...in a country you've never been to with ingredients you've never worked with. Perhaps the 3 finalists rose to the challenge, and maybe any decent chef can be dropped in any alien environment and still cook a decent meal, but that doesn't negate the inherent contradiction in the challenge and circumstances here.
Would this season have been better with better cheftestants? Of course. I think I could have watched last year's cast go through the same sets of challenges in this season and been more entertained, or rather, I would not have been as annoyed with the various inconsistencies and absurdities pointed out in this thread and other places. It's never been a perfect show, but without someone to feel good about rooting for (or rooting against), the banalities of the reality format are more prominent.
And I'm not just saying that because I picked Ed to win based on his photo earlier in the thread and I'm bitter that he turfed out in the end.
Oh well. Bring on the desserts and more Gail!
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I was so bored I couldn't be bothered to write legible notes. I have Desserts queued up; let's see if it inspires me more.
Wait--remembered one exclamation: Sticky toffee pudding on a hot Singaporean night?!
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It was a decent finale. I was glad to see Kevin win it.
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I was pretty happy with the show after Amanda was eliminated. The remaining chefs may have had their eccentricities, but I didn't actively hate any of them. And the level of cooking seemed good. Once Kevin started talking about the cuttlefish noodles, I started thinking he had a chance to win.
Apparently the "big reveal" for next week is that season 8 will be an All Star season. I found this list on Eater.com, we'll see if it's true next week:
Marcel Vigneron
Richard Blais
Fabio Viviani
Stephen Asprinio
Angelo Sosa
Carla Hall
Tiffany Derry
Spike Mendelsohn
Michael Isabella
Dale Talde
Tiffani Faison
Jamie Lauren
Antonia Lofaso
Jennifer Carroll
Andrew D'Ambrosio
Lastly, Just Desserts seemed promising. I think the judges showed some first episode jitters, but hopefully they'll settle down once the season continues. Since dessert making is harder to fix at the last minute, it will be interesting to see how the chefs deal with seperated sauces, cakes that don't rise etc.
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Got around to Just Desserts yesterday. At the least, it promises to feature more ridiculous antics than Top Chef. Since antics are my least favorite component of these shows, this does not count as much of a plus for me.
* I was saddened that so many of the contestants were lispy gay men, just because I hate to see stereotypes borne out so unimaginatively.
* It will be a happy day for me when no one ever again says "It was like a party in my mouth" and variations thereof.
* Making everyone climb to the top level of that double-decker bus was one of the stupider opening gimmicks I've seen on this show. I don't know where the show was filmed, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't London. To make matters worse, it was apparently a scorcher of a day, so everyone was extremely uncomfortable as they waited for the arrival of Ms. Simmons and Mr. Hair.
* My sympathy for the sad sack who was kicked off first was tempered by my annoyance at people who say "We/my husband and I/my wife and I have been trying to get pregnant."
* How silly was it that one fellow just put his semifreddo in a cupcake-shaped bowl and hoped for the best?
* I enjoyed it when one of the primi donni said, "Making dessert is like giving birth to a baby," and Gail responded drily, "And you have a lot of experience with that?" The barb flew right over the guy's head--he just gushed "Yes!" in reply--but I appreciated it.
* "Flex Mussels"?
* The contestants are much more flamboyant than the Top Chef crowd. Do you think pastry chefs/bakers/whatever they're calling themselves suffer from inferiority complexes in relation to savory chefs and so (over)act the part of temperamental geniuses?
In conclusion: (a) My favorite right now is Yigit, solely because of his great name and, so far, good manners; I don't recall what he made for either challenge. (b) My vote for the contestant most likely to crack and commit mass murder goes to Morgan. Who is bonkers.
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P.S. We are all going to have so much fun with the next, all-star season of Top Chef.
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P.S. We are all going to have so much fun with the next, all-star season of Top Chef.
We have all earned it.
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re: all stars
Marcel Vigneron Yes!
Richard Blais Yes!
Fabio Viviani Yes!
Stephen Asprinio Yes!
Angelo Sosa Yeah, but only if he's not cocky.
Carla Hall Hootie Hoo!
Tiffany Derry Um, no.
Spike Mendelsohn NO!
Michael Isabella NO NO NO!
Dale Talde Eh.
Tiffani Faison No.
Jamie Lauren Wait, she's not FinGerSwiss, is she? No.
Antonia Lofaso Who??
Jennifer Carroll Okay.
Andrew D'Ambrosio Sure!
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I quite liked Antonia. And young Dale. Andrew was a jerk, and I'd rather not see him again. But Angelo's early arrogance gave way to nuttiness, so I have hopes for him. Not to win, mind you.
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I wouldn't have expected to be rooting for Angelo to win-- I really really didn't like him for a good part of the season, but it seemed like he stopped being as much of a jerk after he found himself on the chopping block a few times. I'm fine with Kevin winning, I guess-- I'm mostly glad Ed didn't win.
Also, re: next season. Mike Isabella? seriously? That guy was a grade-A cretin!
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Also, re: next season. Mike Isabella? seriously? That guy was a grade-A cretin!
Well said, chimp!
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I'm not going to sign off on an all-stars cast until I know Stefan is involved. Thank you.
And Sarah, Andrew's methy antics grew up on. Maybe I should watch Breaking Bad.
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If you don't mind, KK, I'd like to take a crack at All-Star free association too ...
Marcel Vigneron Evil Scientist
Richard Blais Little Blaisers
Fabio Viviani Good evening, ladies!
Stephen Asprinio French knot
Angelo Sosa Mail order bride
Carla Hall Hootie Hoo!
Tiffany Derry Future talk show host
Spike Mendelsohn Asshat
Michael Isabella Mouth breather
Dale Talde Crotch grabber
Tiffani Faison Chuckles
Jamie Lauren Chuckles Jr
Antonia Lofaso May actually be a human being
Jennifer Carroll Winning won't cheer you up
Andrew D'Ambrosio Dorf on cooking
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Laurie, I choose to believe that FinGerSwiss's absence from the lineup means he has better things to do. And you should watch Breaking Bad no matter what.
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Also, re: next season. Mike Isabella? seriously? That guy was a grade-A cretin!
Well said, chimp!
C'MON GUYS, HE DIDN'T HAVE ALL OF HIS YOGURTS!&^!!
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Just watched last week's Just Desserts.
"The red hots are for my momma!"
Only two episodes in, and they may have peaked already.
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"Mommy." Even better.
Anyone watch the reunion show? What a boring, unlikable bunch. It's no wonder the season was dreary.
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Anyone watch the reunion show? What a boring, unlikable bunch. It's no wonder the season was dreary.
I skipped it. I couldn't handle any more of that Cretten Crew.
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"Mommy." Even better.
Anyone watch the reunion show? What a boring, unlikable bunch. It's no wonder the season was dreary.
Agree w/you. The lowest. Not even entertaining in their unlikability. The ultimate show-biz crime.
I'm not going to sign off on the all-stars cast until I know you're involved, Sarah.
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Well, I'll be grumbling here, if that's what you mean.
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wait, who won "fan-favorite"? was "not applicable" the winner?
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Forgot all about that . . .
Just checked: Tiffany.
Exciting stuff.
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My mom hated her from beginning to end. HAAAAAAAAAAAATED her.
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She was very self-satisfied. And noisy.