****OFFICIAL**** TOP CHEF THREAD (1 Viewer)

[snitwitch]

To some extent now they will regret having it in NY. Not since the Casey leak in season 3 has anything of substance gotten out. Looks like pretty much the whole season has been leaked already. Please keep the spoilers out of this thread even in spoiler tags. Thanks.

Thanks for the heads up, will make avoiding said spoilers a priority.

 

[krista4]

To some extent now they will regret having it in NY. Not since the Casey leak in season 3 has anything of substance gotten out. Looks like pretty much the whole season has been leaked already. Please keep the spoilers out of this thread even in spoiler tags. Thanks.

A few shows in last year I happened to read an article in Time Out Chicago about the season, and they correctly reported the final three as well as some other key items. Apparently some photographers stationed themselves near the house where they lived and based all of this on who was coming and going. Will be more careful this year--thanks for the warning.

 

[culdeus]

Show last night was pretty weak. There are 4-5 people that are just exposed as being hacks. Will be till 2009 till any remote controversy shows up. All they'll be able to feed us is the Euro v US thing. It's like the ryder cup except with immersion circulators.

 

[krista4]

Show last night was pretty weak. There are 4-5 people that are just exposed as being hacks. Will be till 2009 till any remote controversy shows up. All they'll be able to feed us is the Euro v US thing. It's like the ryder cup except with immersion circulators.

I thought it was pretty boring last night as well.

 

[saintfool]

Show last night was pretty weak. There are 4-5 people that are just exposed as being hacks. Will be till 2009 till any remote controversy shows up. All they'll be able to feed us is the Euro v US thing. It's like the ryder cup except with immersion circulators.

they're just separating the wheat from the chaff at this point in the season. the plebe should have left Episode 1. ariane should have left this week, imo. the euros look very strong but i still think there is room for others to stand out.

 

[krista4]

Show last night was pretty weak. There are 4-5 people that are just exposed as being hacks. Will be till 2009 till any remote controversy shows up. All they'll be able to feed us is the Euro v US thing. It's like the ryder cup except with immersion circulators.

they're just separating the wheat from the chaff at this point in the season. the plebe should have left Episode 1. ariane should have left this week, imo. the euros look very strong but i still think there is room for others to stand out.

saintfool (and other Chicagoans), the Indian woman at the show worked for Vermilion, which is worth trying if you haven't been there. Not many Indian/Latin American fusion restaurants around. The boyfriend used to wait on her a lot when she'd come into his bar after work. Apparently a nice woman who had a habit on getting wasted and blatantly hitting on one of the bartenders despite having a boyfriend.

 

[saintfool]

Show last night was pretty weak. There are 4-5 people that are just exposed as being hacks. Will be till 2009 till any remote controversy shows up. All they'll be able to feed us is the Euro v US thing. It's like the ryder cup except with immersion circulators.

they're just separating the wheat from the chaff at this point in the season. the plebe should have left Episode 1. ariane should have left this week, imo. the euros look very strong but i still think there is room for others to stand out.

saintfool (and other Chicagoans), the Indian woman at the show worked for Vermilion, which is worth trying if you haven't been there. Not many Indian/Latin American fusion restaurants around. The boyfriend used to wait on her a lot when she'd come into his bar after work. Apparently a nice woman who had a habit on getting wasted and blatantly hitting on one of the bartenders despite having a boyfriend.

your man owns a bar?:notebookopen:

 

[krista4]

Show last night was pretty weak. There are 4-5 people that are just exposed as being hacks. Will be till 2009 till any remote controversy shows up. All they'll be able to feed us is the Euro v US thing. It's like the ryder cup except with immersion circulators.

they're just separating the wheat from the chaff at this point in the season. the plebe should have left Episode 1. ariane should have left this week, imo. the euros look very strong but i still think there is room for others to stand out.

saintfool (and other Chicagoans), the Indian woman at the show worked for Vermilion, which is worth trying if you haven't been there. Not many Indian/Latin American fusion restaurants around. The boyfriend used to wait on her a lot when she'd come into his bar after work. Apparently a nice woman who had a habit on getting wasted and blatantly hitting on one of the bartenders despite having a boyfriend.

your man owns a bar?:notebookopen:

Poorly worded. He is a tender of bars. Or, rather, used to be.

 

[pantagrapher]

Show last night was pretty weak. There are 4-5 people that are just exposed as being hacks. Will be till 2009 till any remote controversy shows up. All they'll be able to feed us is the Euro v US thing. It's like the ryder cup except with immersion circulators.

they're just separating the wheat from the chaff at this point in the season. the plebe should have left Episode 1. ariane should have left this week, imo. the euros look very strong but i still think there is room for others to stand out.

saintfool (and other Chicagoans), the Indian woman at the show worked for Vermilion, which is worth trying if you haven't been there. Not many Indian/Latin American fusion restaurants around. The boyfriend used to wait on her a lot when she'd come into his bar after work. Apparently a nice woman who had a habit on getting wasted and blatantly hitting on one of the bartenders despite having a boyfriend.

Rossi's?

 

[sjacksonfan]

Down season for the show due to poor casting. Most boring group yet.

 

[saintfool]

Poorly worded. He is a tender of bars. Or, rather, used to be.

now he's just your eyecandy and/or trophyfella?as for vermillion, i was checking Yelp and found this in a review...

Waitress - snotty and kept mentioning how Padma from top chef eats loves their restaurant. I guess some people care about this.

 

[culdeus]

Down season for the show due to poor casting. Most boring group yet.

I dunno. First few shows usually flow like this. Can't concentrate on more than a couple of people much. And the ones they do are the ones that usually go out. Not till they get down to about 10 do you get a feel for them.Still it's stunning that in this situation people don't think survive and advance. Just steal some dish from a restaurant you work at and put it out. That's all Fabio did and it worked. He even said so.

 

[pantagrapher]

Down season for the show due to poor casting. Most boring group yet.

I dunno. First few shows usually flow like this. Can't concentrate on more than a couple of people much. And the ones they do are the ones that usually go out. Not till they get down to about 10 do you get a feel for them.Still it's stunning that in this situation people don't think survive and advance. Just steal some dish from a restaurant you work at and put it out. That's all Fabio did and it worked. He even said so.

I was surprised he admitted that, though at the time he misunderstood Padma and thought he was in the bottom three.

 

[Bonzai]

Down season for the show due to poor casting. Most boring group yet.

I dunno. First few shows usually flow like this. Can't concentrate on more than a couple of people much. And the ones they do are the ones that usually go out. Not till they get down to about 10 do you get a feel for them.Still it's stunning that in this situation people don't think survive and advance. Just steal some dish from a restaurant you work at and put it out. That's all Fabio did and it worked. He even said so.

I was surprised he admitted that, though at the time he misunderstood Padma and thought he was in the bottom three.

Yeah, he went into full defense mode as soon as they mentioned his name. I hate that goob.

 

[krista4]

Poorly worded. He is a tender of bars. Or, rather, used to be.

now he's just your eyecandy and/or trophyfella?as for vermillion, i was checking Yelp and found this in a review...

Waitress - snotty and kept mentioning how Padma from top chef eats loves their restaurant. I guess some people care about this.

Verrrrry interesting. Guess that's how she made it on the show. As for the bf, errrr, ummmm...you can determine if he's eye-candy when we have the Ethiopian Cornhole? But no, he no longer works outside the house.

 

[BuddyKnuckles]

The girl that got eliminated had me for almost the whole show. Especially when they asked her to explain her thinking and she was just

It reminded me of the simpsons episode where they zoom in on Homer's brain and its just a sleeping monkey with flies buzzing all around

 

[saintfool]

The girl that got eliminated had me for almost the whole show. Especially when they asked her to explain her thinking and she was just

that's what got her eliminated, i think. ariane should have been given the boot.

 

[culdeus]

Weeks like these make me wonder why the don't double kill only to have two week/one elimination shows later on. Last week was genius in that regard.

 

[BuddyKnuckles]

The girl that got eliminated had me for almost the whole show. Especially when they asked her to explain her thinking and she was just

that's what got her eliminated, i think. ariane should have been given the boot.

Shes high drama though and the producers have a say in who gets eliminated. We're almost guaranteed another disaster of epic proportions from Ariane next week. IMO.

 

[bigfun54]

Still one of my favorite shows on TV. I agree that at this point in the season it's always a little rough with some of them, but this group did seem particularly bad last night. I'm also interested in the one "pretty boy" chef. He seemed to have difficulty getting his food out on time, but he hasn't really mad a bad thing yet. He beat Fabio in week one and only plated about 3/4 of his dish.

 

[yahtzee]

I agree that the first few weeks of this show are always poor because there are too many people still in it. Although last night was particulary a snoozer. I sure hope it gets better.

 

[krista4]

Still one of my favorite shows on TV. I agree that at this point in the season it's always a little rough with some of them, but this group did seem particularly bad last night. I'm also interested in the one "pretty boy" chef. He seemed to have difficulty getting his food out on time, but he hasn't really mad a bad thing yet. He beat Fabio in week one and only plated about 3/4 of his dish.

I was impressed by his cutting through the cluster**** that was happening in choosing appetizer/main course/dessert and getting everyone more organized. Showed some leadership qualities--might be helpful in future challenges like the restaurant one.

 

[pantagrapher]

Still one of my favorite shows on TV. I agree that at this point in the season it's always a little rough with some of them, but this group did seem particularly bad last night. I'm also interested in the one "pretty boy" chef. He seemed to have difficulty getting his food out on time, but he hasn't really mad a bad thing yet. He beat Fabio in week one and only plated about 3/4 of his dish.

I was impressed by his cutting through the cluster**** that was happening in choosing appetizer/main course/dessert and getting everyone more organized. Showed some leadership qualities--might be helpful in future challenges like the restaurant one.

He winks in the opening credits.I want him gone.

 

[krista4]

Still one of my favorite shows on TV. I agree that at this point in the season it's always a little rough with some of them, but this group did seem particularly bad last night. I'm also interested in the one "pretty boy" chef. He seemed to have difficulty getting his food out on time, but he hasn't really mad a bad thing yet. He beat Fabio in week one and only plated about 3/4 of his dish.

I was impressed by his cutting through the cluster**** that was happening in choosing appetizer/main course/dessert and getting everyone more organized. Showed some leadership qualities--might be helpful in future challenges like the restaurant one.

He winks in the opening credits.I want him gone.

I always TiVo over the opening. If this is true, I'm in agreement!

 

[culdeus]

Congratulations! You are one of Week One's Top Chef Fantasy Game finalists. Because of a tie, there will be a – you guessed it – tie-breaker! Please answer our trivia question within the next 24 hours for the chance to win this week's prize, a copy of Top Chef: The Cookbook and an oven mitt.

This week's tie-breaker question is:

WHAT IS TOM COLICCHIO’S ALL-TIME FAVORITE TOP CHEF DISH?

Send your answer to Bravo.Prizing@nbcuni.com (DO NOT reply to this email) by 10 p.m. on Friday November 20th, 2008. If there's still a tie after this question, we'll come up with another tie-breaker (and another after that if we must) until we have a winner. If no one answers this correctly (!!) we'll send a (slightly) easier one.

Thanks for playing,

Top Chef Fantasy Game Team

 

[Third]

I'm also shocked that people are making dishes they've never done before in the first two episodes. Why would you put yourself out there - "gee, that ostrich egg looks neat," let's give that a go.

I would have a half dozen flexible dishes that were money that I would be prepared to work into the first few competitions come hell or highwater. No way I would make something I had never tried unless I had absolutely no other option.

 

[scoobygang]

Congratulations! You are one of Week One's Top Chef Fantasy Game finalists. Because of a tie, there will be a – you guessed it – tie-breaker! Please answer our trivia question within the next 24 hours for the chance to win this week's prize, a copy of Top Chef: The Cookbook and an oven mitt.This week's tie-breaker question is:WHAT IS TOM COLICCHIO’S ALL-TIME FAVORITE TOP CHEF DISH?Send your answer to Bravo.Prizing@nbcuni.com (DO NOT reply to this email) by 10 p.m. on Friday November 20th, 2008. If there's still a tie after this question, we'll come up with another tie-breaker (and another after that if we must) until we have a winner. If no one answers this correctly (!!) we'll send a (slightly) easier one.Thanks for playing,Top Chef Fantasy Game Team

I know it was a Tiffani dish from Season 1. I think it was her saltimbocca from the finale.

 

[culdeus]

Congratulations! You are one of Week One's Top Chef Fantasy Game finalists. Because of a tie, there will be a – you guessed it – tie-breaker! Please answer our trivia question within the next 24 hours for the chance to win this week's prize, a copy of Top Chef: The Cookbook and an oven mitt.This week's tie-breaker question is:WHAT IS TOM COLICCHIO’S ALL-TIME FAVORITE TOP CHEF DISH?Send your answer to Bravo.Prizing@nbcuni.com (DO NOT reply to this email) by 10 p.m. on Friday November 20th, 2008. If there's still a tie after this question, we'll come up with another tie-breaker (and another after that if we must) until we have a winner. If no one answers this correctly (!!) we'll send a (slightly) easier one.Thanks for playing,Top Chef Fantasy Game Team

I know it was a Tiffani dish from Season 1. I think it was her saltimbocca from the finale.

Google confirms this. I can out internet these people I'm up against for this.

 

[Dickies]

I'm also shocked that people are making dishes they've never done before in the first two episodes. Why would you put yourself out there - "gee, that ostrich egg looks neat," let's give that a go.I would have a half dozen flexible dishes that were money that I would be prepared to work into the first few competitions come hell or highwater. No way I would make something I had never tried unless I had absolutely no other option.

Ostrich eggs really taste no different than any chicken eggs. If anything their sheer size limits their versatility. When she elected to make quiche out of ostrich eggs, I had a feeling it wasn't going to end well. However, I disagree with people saying not to try new stuff in the opening weeks. All you had to do was cook a dish better than Ariane, and she failed. Later in the competition when things are tight, you need to go back to proven dishes.

 

[Nipsey]

I'm also shocked that people are making dishes they've never done before in the first two episodes. Why would you put yourself out there - "gee, that ostrich egg looks neat," let's give that a go.I would have a half dozen flexible dishes that were money that I would be prepared to work into the first few competitions come hell or highwater. No way I would make something I had never tried unless I had absolutely no other option.

Ostrich eggs really taste no different than any chicken eggs. If anything their sheer size limits their versatility. When she elected to make quiche out of ostrich eggs, I had a feeling it wasn't going to end well. However, I disagree with people saying not to try new stuff in the opening weeks. All you had to do was cook a dish better than Ariane, and she failed. Later in the competition when things are tight, you need to go back to proven dishes.

That chick was a dolt. Didn't have the mindset to compete in that environment.

 

[Dickies]

I'm also shocked that people are making dishes they've never done before in the first two episodes. Why would you put yourself out there - "gee, that ostrich egg looks neat," let's give that a go.I would have a half dozen flexible dishes that were money that I would be prepared to work into the first few competitions come hell or highwater. No way I would make something I had never tried unless I had absolutely no other option.

Ostrich eggs really taste no different than any chicken eggs. If anything their sheer size limits their versatility. When she elected to make quiche out of ostrich eggs, I had a feeling it wasn't going to end well. However, I disagree with people saying not to try new stuff in the opening weeks. All you had to do was cook a dish better than Ariane, and she failed. Later in the competition when things are tight, you need to go back to proven dishes.

That chick was a dolt. Didn't have the mindset to compete in that environment.

Which one?

 

[Nipsey]

I'm also shocked that people are making dishes they've never done before in the first two episodes. Why would you put yourself out there - "gee, that ostrich egg looks neat," let's give that a go.I would have a half dozen flexible dishes that were money that I would be prepared to work into the first few competitions come hell or highwater. No way I would make something I had never tried unless I had absolutely no other option.

Ostrich eggs really taste no different than any chicken eggs. If anything their sheer size limits their versatility. When she elected to make quiche out of ostrich eggs, I had a feeling it wasn't going to end well. However, I disagree with people saying not to try new stuff in the opening weeks. All you had to do was cook a dish better than Ariane, and she failed. Later in the competition when things are tight, you need to go back to proven dishes.

That chick was a dolt. Didn't have the mindset to compete in that environment.

Which one?

Ostrich lady

 

[Joe Mammy]

Carla was driving me crazy because she reminded me of someone but I could not hit on who it was...we call her "big bird" but that was not nailing her likeness ---- UNTIL TONITE ---- at the end of the show I realized who she reminded me of:

LIKENESS

 

[culdeus]

Still a lot of garbage to sort out. Another catering show of sorts next week. Sigh.

 

[Binky The Doormat]

I already wanna donkey punch the little self-absorbed blonde with the severe attitude and tats in the throat.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

Very disappointed in the episode tonight

Waaay too shticky, this is Top chef not some Food Network "celeb chef" show

Dude deserved to go home for picking something he just couldn't execute in the time allowed, but I would like to see them actually prepare full dishes with some time to show teir talent rather than this TV show or catering crap

Is is Top Chef or Top Caterer?

 

[hotdogcollars]

They're taking this show in the Kitchen Nightmares direction unfortunately. By that i mean over produced, low on content, and with only ADD sized story lines. Hopefully this season gets a little more interesting once they get down to the cream

 

[TexanFan02]

I didn't appreciate the: 10 minutes of commercials - 30 seconds of Leah and Hosea flirting - Another 10 minutes of commercials.

I laughed a little when they told the angry lesbian that she looked like an angry lesbian and that wasn't good for TV. I guess they forgot about Lisa from last year. Or maybe you just have to be an ugly angry lesbian that nobody likes to provide the drama that the producers are looking for.

 

[Nipsey]

The show was poorly cast this season. So many duds. The guy who just got booted...what were they thinking having that guy on? The chick who pleaded to stay this time, total dud. You got one contestant on the show with some personality and that's Fabio. A couple others who maybe show a tiny bit of life. The rest/the majority...complete stiffs.

 

[culdeus]

The show was poorly cast this season. So many duds. The guy who just got booted...what were they thinking having that guy on? The chick who pleaded to stay this time, total dud. You got one contestant on the show with some personality and that's Fabio. A couple others who maybe show a tiny bit of life. The rest/the majority...complete stiffs.

I get the feeling they are trying to not tip their hat to who are the real strong chefs. They consistently don't linger on about the good entrants and instead spend most of the show just blasting the crappy ones. The last couple seasons the first 3-4 weeks highlighted the talented ones that were going to be around the longest while the crap just fell off to the side. I think last season was a little different in that they tipped their hand to some extent early. Was pretty clear who at least half the top 6 was after week 3. I think in an attempt to build some suspense they are bringing down the quality of the show.

 

[Nipsey]

The show was poorly cast this season. So many duds. The guy who just got booted...what were they thinking having that guy on? The chick who pleaded to stay this time, total dud. You got one contestant on the show with some personality and that's Fabio. A couple others who maybe show a tiny bit of life. The rest/the majority...complete stiffs.

I get the feeling they are trying to not tip their hat to who are the real strong chefs. They consistently don't linger on about the good entrants and instead spend most of the show just blasting the crappy ones. The last couple seasons the first 3-4 weeks highlighted the talented ones that were going to be around the longest while the crap just fell off to the side. I think last season was a little different in that they tipped their hand to some extent early. Was pretty clear who at least half the top 6 was after week 3. I think in an attempt to build some suspense they are bringing down the quality of the show.

I'm not even talking about who can cook well, I'm talking about casting contestants who are even slightly interesting on a personal level. These people are boring, hence the show is boring. Some people aren't right for a reality TV show, on Top Chef this season you have about 12 examples of those people. I'm not saying you need super dramatic people or people who are crazy-outgoing, just people who you don't have to wonder if they have a pulse. There's nothing going on with most of these people so they have to overplay little moments of flirtation between contestants to mask the clear lack of personality in the entire cast. I'm not saying these show needs to be like Hell's Kitchen and have crazy, over the top story lines either. I know this show is about the cooking first but you need to have semi-vibrant people on the show for the season to be successful. Last season you had so many distinct flavors in the cast, this season they all kind of blend together in one big glob of boredom.

 

[tdog]

The show was poorly cast this season. So many duds. The guy who just got booted...what were they thinking having that guy on? The chick who pleaded to stay this time, total dud. You got one contestant on the show with some personality and that's Fabio. A couple others who maybe show a tiny bit of life. The rest/the majority...complete stiffs.

I get the feeling they are trying to not tip their hat to who are the real strong chefs. They consistently don't linger on about the good entrants and instead spend most of the show just blasting the crappy ones. The last couple seasons the first 3-4 weeks highlighted the talented ones that were going to be around the longest while the crap just fell off to the side. I think last season was a little different in that they tipped their hand to some extent early. Was pretty clear who at least half the top 6 was after week 3. I think in an attempt to build some suspense they are bringing down the quality of the show.

I'm not even talking about who can cook well, I'm talking about casting contestants who are even slightly interesting on a personal level. These people are boring, hence the show is boring. Some people aren't right for a reality TV show, on Top Chef this season you have about 12 examples of those people. I'm not saying you need super dramatic people or people who are crazy-outgoing, just people who you don't have to wonder if they have a pulse. There's nothing going on with most of these people so they have to overplay little moments of flirtation between contestants to mask the clear lack of personality in the entire cast. I'm not saying these show needs to be like Hell's Kitchen and have crazy, over the top story lines either. I know this show is about the cooking first but you need to have semi-vibrant people on the show for the season to be successful. Last season you had so many distinct flavors in the cast, this season they all kind of blend together in one big glob of boredom.

People that work in restaurants are generally the most self-destructively entertaining individuals you can meet. Combine that with the ego and talent that goes along with being a really good cook, and you would think they could find more interesting people. I still have hope for this season though.

 

[Steve Tasker]

My brother is addicted to this show, but I never actually watched an episode until a few nights ago (Tuesday, maybe)? It was pretty interesting.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

The show was poorly cast this season. So many duds. The guy who just got booted...what were they thinking having that guy on? The chick who pleaded to stay this time, total dud. You got one contestant on the show with some personality and that's Fabio. A couple others who maybe show a tiny bit of life. The rest/the majority...complete stiffs.

I get the feeling they are trying to not tip their hat to who are the real strong chefs. They consistently don't linger on about the good entrants and instead spend most of the show just blasting the crappy ones. The last couple seasons the first 3-4 weeks highlighted the talented ones that were going to be around the longest while the crap just fell off to the side. I think last season was a little different in that they tipped their hand to some extent early. Was pretty clear who at least half the top 6 was after week 3. I think in an attempt to build some suspense they are bringing down the quality of the show.

I'm not even talking about who can cook well, I'm talking about casting contestants who are even slightly interesting on a personal level. These people are boring, hence the show is boring. Some people aren't right for a reality TV show, on Top Chef this season you have about 12 examples of those people. I'm not saying you need super dramatic people or people who are crazy-outgoing, just people who you don't have to wonder if they have a pulse. There's nothing going on with most of these people so they have to overplay little moments of flirtation between contestants to mask the clear lack of personality in the entire cast. I'm not saying these show needs to be like Hell's Kitchen and have crazy, over the top story lines either. I know this show is about the cooking first but you need to have semi-vibrant people on the show for the season to be successful. Last season you had so many distinct flavors in the cast, this season they all kind of blend together in one big glob of boredom.

YesI bet the tall blond with a self esteem problem would be awesome in the sack though.

 

[Kraft...]

looks like they cast another angry Lesbian, she seems headed for that role

 

[culdeus]

I was getting a little worried about the state of this show. Till tonight. Had all the elements that make this the best thing on TV. And it really looks like the people that are left are going to make for some solid drama as well.

 

[saintfool]

I was getting a little worried about the state of this show. Till tonight. Had all the elements that make this the best thing on TV. And it really looks like the people that are left are going to make for some solid drama as well.

i agree. we're seeing that the euros are vulnerable. we're seeing that a few of the others can acquit themselves nicely (jamie, hosea, jeff even). some chefs are living on borrowed time (ariane, for ex), regardless of the result. others (carol and the other blonde) are still merely fodder. some i can't get a bead on, like leah, and others (eugene) i am disappointed with.

 

[TexanFan02]

Stefan certainly does like a challenge. I don't think he's going to be able to convert Jamie, though.

 

[Hoos First]

[No message]

 

[BuddyKnuckles]

Stefan certainly does like a challenge. I don't think he's going to be able to convert Jamie, though.

who marries the same person twice? And then when they asked if he would go for a third time, he actually had pause and think about it