Bravo's Top Chef

[Doc]

Have you ever seen Top Chef on Bravo? they showed a marathon of them today and it was background noise to our grandbaby wandering about. What pressure they put on those chefs. Unreal. Most of the time they come through but when they don't hit it just right the fireworks start.

What do you think of the series?
When is it normally on?

[blondie]

I love the series. Personally, I think it is better than Hell's Kitchen- I think the chef's are much more talented. But you are right, they get put through a lot!!

It is on Wednesday evenings at 10 I think... I will have to double check. We always tivo it and watch it on Thursday :D

[smoke king]

I've been a faithful TC watcher since its inception. I agree, the pressure has to be phenomanal.

So who are you pulling for this year? I have to say, I love the "euro-twins". I think Stefan is the one to beat, and frankly, I like his arrogance-if you got it, flaunt it! I think its interesting that "Ken & Barbie" (aka Hosea and Leah) were complaining when he ended up on their team for restaraunt wars, but neither said a word when he single-handedly pulled their sorry asses from the fire!!

And I get a kick out of Fabio ("We could serve Monkey butt in an empty clam shell and we'll still win") what a great "front-of-the-house" guy!

[GhettoRacingKid]

Ive loved it since season 2. I missed season one except for the last 3 episodes whcih got me hooked.

I have not favorite this year. I do liek the lesbian blonde chic. I think she is kidna cute and loveable but as far as her skill I dont know they all seem pretty even unlike last year. but richard choked last year. It was his to win.

[High Cheese]

I'm with Blondie about Hell's Kitchen. I've only caught Top Chef maybe 6-8 times and liked it. Those contestants have some skills. The new show Chopped on FN seems to have some skilled chefs, too.

[joec]

Top Chef's plays this season starting at 2 PM every Wednesday with the latest show at 10 PM.

[Calicolady]

I watched every season, except this one I only saw the 1st 2 episodes. They had a woman from Montclair, NJ, who owned a restaurant, which was my old stomping grounds so I wanted to keep up with it. One thing ran into another and I was not able to get back to it.
I don't even compare this series with Hell's Kitchen. Apples and oranges to me.
I enjoy Hell's Kitchen, especially when they did the north east U.S. When you know these areas of the country, you tend to make a better connection with the show, I think.

In my area Hell's Kitchen is on 9pm, thursdays, on FOX
network. But sometimes it's pre-empted by this winter's holidays, election B.S., award ceremonies-blah,blah,blah, so I can't always count on date and time.

Top chef is on Bravo. But so many reruns play of former episodes, I don't know the correct pm time for new ones.

[smoke king]

Top chef is on Bravo. But so many reruns play of former episodes, I don't know the correct pm time for new ones.

The new episodes are on Wednesday nights-9PM CST

[Calicolady]

SK, just looked. Yup. It's on tonight here also.
From 5pm to midnight. I guess the new episode is 10pm.
I'll check it out. Thanks.

[smoke king]

Tonite its supposed to be "All-Stars"(?) from past seasons vs this years bunch in some sort of "Super Bowl" showdown.

I know, I know....I really need to get a life........

[Calicolady]

Ah, I think we all do alittle of living vicariously!

[CharlieD]

I missed one when Ariana got kicked out and the last one I only strated to watch it half way in, so I missed all the juicy stuff about Leah and what's his name, I don't know how to spell it.

[smoke king]

Yeah Charlie-i saw that one, and I still can't believe Ariane got the boot. Only thing I can think of is that the producers wanted to play up the Leah n' Hosea thing a little longer. So much for credibility.

[Calicolady]

I missed one when Ariana got kicked out and the last one I only strated to watch it half way in, so I missed all the juicy stuff about Leah and what's his name, I don't know how to spell it.

Look who just walked in the door!
Hey, get this guy a be a, he ya!

You need to do an intro thread. The more the merrier!

[CharlieD]

Oh, please there is no credibility. Just look at Padma. What does she have prety face and great legs. Doesn't make her food expert in my book. She has as much credibility as you or me. Plus the fact that she grew up vegetarian and still prefers it tells me that her food view is lump sided (is it right expreccion? I always mix them up).
It's nothing but a publicity stunt, though I have to say there are some good chefs there.

[lilylove]

I love it!!! Or loved it...since we don't get Bravo any more...sigh.

Hell's Kitchen... I like but I can't always watch Ramsey...he's too mean.

[Calicolady]

lump sided = lopsided LOL! We'll call you Ziva!
But I agree. Any judge who has a preference, and isn't that all of us, can't be totally un-biased.

[Wart]

Just look at Padma. What does she have prety face and great legs. .... the fact that she grew up vegetarian and still prefers it ...

A bit OT,

Is she in the PETA commercial that won't be shown during the Super Bowl?

Sorry, an attempt at humor , you got me curious, guess I'll watch Top Chef next time it's on.

[PanchoHambre]

Top Chef was fun.. at first.

the first two seasons I watched religiously it was fun... like most reality shows though it burned out fast for me.

Don't have cable anymore anyway... that's why I'm here... free LOL

[CharlieD]

lump sided = lopsided LOL! We'll call you Ziva!
But I agree. Any judge who has a preference, and isn't that all of us, can't be totally un-biased.

Thank you, most of the time my spelling is so bad, "word" can't fix it, and I have no clue. Shows that i never learn English in school.

[Jeff G.]

It's my favorite cooking show.
This Wed. (Feb 4th) was TOUGH... with Eric Ripert as the guest judge.. wow.. talk about pressure...

[smoke king]

It's my favorite cooking show.
This Wed. (Feb 4th) was TOUGH... with Eric Ripert as the guest judge.. wow.. talk about pressure...

Yeah, I have to agree Jeff. The pressure to cook for someone like Ripert must be unbelievable. One thing I noticed about him is that he treats the contestants in a nice way when commenting on dishes that obviously miss the mark. Maybe that doesn't make for good television, but IMHO its nice to see a chef of his caliber treating people with respect.

So what about the final? Who are you liking? I've been rooting for the euros from the outset, and Stefan seems to posses the skillset to win it, but I've been wrong every year so far, so I imagine this year will be no different!

Ya gotta love Fabio for the fan favorite-that guy cracks me up!

[Maverick2272]

I agree the pressure is phenomenal, and there is some bias to the judges which in the end will throw things off.
Also, I wonder if even the original Iron Chefs for the American series when thru this much to be Iron Chefs.
Personally I think the contestants for the next Iron Chef went thru more than the originals did.
I think it keeps people tuned in.... who's going to crack under the pressure??

:drama:

[S.Shepherd]

Best quote of the show:

"This is called Top Chef, not Top pussy"

[Maverick2272]

Best quote of the show:

"This is called Top Chef, not Top pussy"

But that's a good pos.... I mean great quote!:whistle:

[Jeff G.]

Yeah, I have to agree Jeff. The pressure to cook for someone like Ripert must be unbelievable. One thing I noticed about him is that he treats the contestants in a nice way when commenting on dishes that obviously miss the mark. Maybe that doesn't make for good television, but IMHO its nice to see a chef of his caliber treating people with respect.

So what about the final? Who are you liking? I've been rooting for the euros from the outset, and Stefan seems to posses the skillset to win it, but I've been wrong every year so far, so I imagine this year will be no different!

Ya gotta love Fabio for the fan favorite-that guy cracks me up!

Tell you what.. i would love to see Fabio take it. Great attitude, seems to have a real understanding of flavor.

Stefan is well trained, but I think it talent is narrow.
I am shocked Carla is still there.. Hosea.. don't know if can hold it together to the final. His leaning post is gone now.

[rickismom]

I've never seen this show..... and what actually constitues an IRON CHEF anyhow?? Aren't we all Iron Chef's??? lol

[joec]

You can catch Top Chef tonight on Bravo or right now for the previous shows. 10 PM will be the lastest show with everything before it the previous ones this season.

[Fisher's Mom]

Did anyone watch tonight? I was shocked they sent Fabio home, although I actually like Carla. I think what she may lack in bravado, she must make up for in skill. Her food looked amazing tonight.

[joec]

I took some sinus meds last night and crashed before it came on. I'll catch this one next Wednesday night as they always replay them.

[S.Shepherd]

Stefan is a horses ass...

[Jeff G.]

Did anyone watch tonight? I was shocked they sent Fabio home, although I actually like Carla. I think what she may lack in bravado, she must make up for in skill. Her food looked amazing tonight.
Yes.. I have to completely reverse myself on Carla... wow, what a job she did for Emeril!! I loved the line.. "you think that was good, wait until you taste the chowder"...she blew the judges away and that is hard to do!

I think they made the wrong choice.. While some of Fabio flavor structures might have been off. He was taking a bigger risk than Stephan.. They had nothing really good to say about Stephan's dishes, just nothing bad. It was a very tough call I am sure.

[Jeff G.]

I've never seen this show..... and what actually constitues an IRON CHEF anyhow?? Aren't we all Iron Chef's??? lol
Iron chef is a different animal than Top Chef.
The iron chefs are proven Top of the List chefs. I watched the competition when they were adding a new Iron Chef to the list.. wow talk about tough cooking!!!

Iron Chef is my second favorite cooking show.

[CharlieD]

I really thought they were going to send Stefan home.

[jkath]

ooooooooooooh discussion about my favorite show!
Like smoke king, I've seen every episode first run, and then again at least once throughout the week on the DVR. Out here in the west, it comes on at 7pm, so I always have to make dinner early so I can watch it ;)
Here's my take: I always liked Carla & Jeff's attitudes - they are both kind! So sad that Jeff left, and then was brought back, only for Colicchio to verify he was one of the top three, then to be sent home, since he wasn't the #1 of the day :( So with that, I say go Carla! She's just such a neat lady. Hosea seems to be a better chef now that Leah wasn't by his side anymore. I don't particularly think she had the talent to stay as long, but I'm with probably most of the public in the view that says they kept her there for entertainment purposes only. Much as Jamie (who only cooked scallops or soup) bugged, she was a fine contender and should have made it to the end. Stefan loves Stefan, always has, always will. I love Fabio's sweetness. (and his wedding photo was so nice - his wife is gorgeous!) Dh was so sad to see him go. Since we only live an hour away, if he still has his restaurant, we may go up and try it out some time.
I am still awed at the amazing chefs who frequent the top chef guest judge seats. Amazing. Can you imagine cooking for these people? I think having Emeril at the end was a fine idea - love it!
okay, that's my take. Happy watching on Wednesday, all!
Now, is there a thread for Hell's Kitchen? That's our other favorite.

[jkath]

Any thoughts as to who will win tonight?
I'm rooting for Carla.

[joec]

Carla in my opinion will win it all and she wasn't my favorite to win it at the beginning of the season either.

[CharlieD]

I'm not fond of Carla. But she has been doing really well. I was really said to see Fabio go. But I am not predicting anything. It is just imposible to guess. I wish I was on the judges panel to taste theyummy foods they will make tonight.

[Jeff G.]

Carla in my opinion will win it all and she wasn't my favorite to win it at the beginning of the season either.
I was not a Carla fan early on, I didn't think she had the chops to get it done. Luckily for her the last few challenges have fit well with her simple style.

I think that might be her downfall when it comes to non-regulated full out meal.

I don't think "down home southern" is going to take it. They will be looking a lot at technique, depth and complexity of flavors, presentation...

I hope she wins it....but I have my trepidations...

[joec]

Shucking those clams and pulling that whole thing off, especially for super pallet Emeril (known for his ability to taste what every ingredient is in food). She isn't afraid to tackle what ever is thrown at her regardless and good simple cooking style is usually better than over thinking their subjects. It is one of the reasons I didn't think she would be there at this point as I was thinking they was looking for a lot of glitz and glamor not taste. You know what I mean, the pretentious stuff you see in high dollar restaurants today that work out to $25 a bite.

The other two also have problem in the German seems to have a problem with seasoning and the other guy has a problem with the German who he can't seem to beat for what ever reason. He sure can't out cook him. I would of bet in the first of the series that both of these guys would of been gone. Two of the 3 (not the brunette) they brought back and gave them a second shot at the finals would of been the two at the end.

[GhettoRacingKid]

I realyl didnt like this cast at all.

i was found of jamie. I thought she was super cute and would love to have tried to turn her to the otehr side. wink wink.

I think stefan is very cocky and it will probably be his down fall at least i hope.

I liked fabio as the season went on.

carla aka big bird to the wife and I has grown on me. while no ones food inpresses me at all I wouldnt mind seeing her do well but I think jousa is going to pull it out in the end

[jkath]

I wish I was on the judges panel to taste the yummy foods they will make tonight.

ME TOO!!!!!

[Fisher's Mom]

WooHoo! Josea won!!!!

[joec]

I sure called that one wrong.

[Jeff G.]

I knew Carla would screw it up somehow. I can't believe she didn't cook "her" food.. I think she could have taken it.
The other two both had problem points.

[joec]

I missed it but read about it this morning. I will catch it on Sunday when they replay it. She still got the new car from last show plus some other good things over the course of the show. She still did better than I thought she would the first time I watched her.

[CharlieD]

I don't understand this show, they kept praising Stefan and then Josea won. Explain that to me. It's like Iron chef. The judges keep praising the chalanger and then iron chef wins any way. Bizare.

[Fisher's Mom]

I don't understand this show, they kept praising Stefan and then Josea won. Explain that to me. It's like Iron chef. The judges keep praising the chalanger and then iron chef wins any way. Bizare.I know what you mean. I think every challenge is a blank slate meaning it doesn't matter how great your food was yesterday or last week or ever - they judge stricly on what you plate that challenge and compare it to what everyone else plates that challenge.

I thought there was some implication by the judges that Carla might have let herself be sabataged by her sous chef. Did anyone else get that or was I just misreading it?

[jkath]

As soon as I saw Casey start inputting her ideas, I turned to DH and said "I sure hope the sous vide doesn't screw up Carla's chances".... I also thought the same when Carla said "cheese tart" (knowing she rocks the pastry) and Casey not only said souffle, but also bleu cheese?! GRRRRRR.... not good.
Yeah, it's okay that Hosea won, but, I'm still sad.

Here's the thing that really really surprised me: Stefan showed real emotion! He really choked up when Carla was in tears. I immediately saw him in a different light. He does have some "nice-guy" inside him.

SO......who will win fan favorite?
I bet it will be Fabio. Or maybe Jeff or Carla. All the nice ones.

And, what will this year's T-shirt say? Wonder if it will be Fabio's "we could serve monkey-butt on a clam shell......"

[Ralphanator]

Overall I think that Stephan was the better Chef (even though he's an Ass) but Josea was best that day!