Top Chef All Stars

[Kim Kelly]

i'm gonna need a gif of that tbh

[Omar]

Stephen = Neil Handburger?!?!?!?!

[redmedicine]

Now that I've had a chance to watch a few episodes, I've been able to form a few thoughts about the cheftestants.

Stephen Handburger - I'm more convinced than ever he was supplied from a casting agency after the show producers put out notice that they were looking for a modern day Mr Howell.

Dale T and Spike - Actually seem to have matured as people and chefs, and may have a shot.

Mike - Same as above, but no way will he win.

Casey and Tre - Consistent but a little timid, both could easily make the final 4, and may actually be human beings.

Marcel - Lying low for now, but I have a feeling his craziness will pop out soon and derail him.

Carla - A bit of a wild card, but seems to still be able to produce great flavors.

Tiffany Season 1 - Gone soon.

Angelo & Tiffany Season 7 - Seem pretty burned out after last season.  Tiffany seems tired, and Angelo seems manic.  Angelo could easily crash and burn like last season, but for now his approach is paying off.

Richard Blais - Same as last time.  May win.  Bleh.

Jamie - Scallop McSouperton needs to leave soon for he own good.

Antonia - Same as last time. Probably won't win.

Fabio - Being kept for the one liners.

[Sarah]

It was a relief to have a break from melodrama (which reminds me to say how glad I am that there aren't too many "cheftestants at home" sequences).  All in all, in fact, it was a pretty straightforward episode.  I knew Richard's team was going to win the quickfire well before the cooking was done.  I was almost positive Dale T. was going to win the elimination challenge as soon as he said what he was making, and the judges' comments as they were eating made me certain.  When Stephen mentioned fennel pollen, I knew that his dish was the inspiration for Bourdain's "this tastes like a head shop" comment and that he would get the axe.  I was mildly surprised that neither Jamie nor Fabio was the other bootee, but Dale L.'s dish sounded so god-awful, his firing was hardly a shoc. 

I hope this round signals a turning point and that from here on out the show is straightforward.  But since Tiffany (whom I'm really, really disliking this season) is apparently going to accuse Angelo of sabotage next week, I have my doubts.  Of course, that could just be the editing.  On va voir.

[Kim Kelly]

I disliked Tiffany last season, and I like her even less this season.

[redmedicine]

I was perusing the blogs on Bravo's site, and this one was good.  Elia actually got The Ripper to say something negative, without qualifications!

http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/season-8/blogs/eric-ripert/a-message-for-elia

This was in response to Elia denigrating Tom's work as a cola pitchman.

http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/thestew/2010/12/top-chef-exit-interview-elia-blasts-tom-colicchio.html

Somehow, I think we all lose from this little interchange. 

[Sarah]

The participants certainly do.

[Martin]

So I guess we've just given up on this. There was a new episode the other night. Someone got sent home.

[Omar]

So I guess we've just given up on this. There was a new episode the other night. Someone got sent home.

I just rely on Bourdain's excellent recaps on the Bravo website.

[Martin]

You recappers got each other's backs.

[senorcorazon]

I waited until a couple episodes back to get on board. I think I could have waited a few more.

[Sarah]

Both of the most recent episodes were okay, but I look at my notes and feel like everything I said was boring and obvious.  Then I think, "What's the point of gussying this crap up and posting it?"  Then I make rice pudding or something.

[redmedicine]

It was amazing last night how the teams neatly divided into the people I like and the people I dislike (exept maybe for Antonia).  Good quickfire too.  See ya Marcel!

Bourdain said it better than I could on his blog ...

"I tell you, it's a mystery to me what goes on in that talented young man's head. I can only guess that in Marcel World, it's always 1998, the sky is filled with magical ponies who shit foam -- and appreciate Marcel's rap stylings -- and everybody does exactly what Marcel thinks they should do -- perfectly."

[Sarah]

1. I thought Angelo came off well in that team, too.  He seemed so grown up and sensible compared to the others (except Antonia).

2. Fabio and Richard make a cute couple.

3.  Come on, Bourdain:  Of course, a prison break is organized with more efficiency and teamwork.  A successful one, anyway.  Haven't you ever watched The Great Escape?  Or Colditz?  Or . . . PRISON BREAK?   

[Kim Kelly]

ANGRY ABOUT LAST NIGHT'S EPISODE. My sweet angel Marcel went home

Um, that bitch Tiffany needs to go.