Top Chef - S5E10 Postmortem

Hey, all! I’m traveling and working on a project that has me pretty tied up at the moment, so I couldn’t watch tonight’s show or get the postmortem up. I’ll be back for the Power Rankings in a few days, but in the meantime, my buddy Jake is taking over postmortem duties so we can get the discussion rolling.

(Note: I'm filling in for Dom for the night -- he'll be back soon! Be gentle with me, Stefan.)

Well, that was a weird challenge, wasn't it? I mean, I can't quibble too much with the outcome, although it looked for a bit like it could have gone really badly.

Based on the editing, I think it's being implied that Jeff, while a creative and hard-working chef, just hasn't been hitting on all flavor cylinders. As Stefan pointed out, I can't actually tell from licking my television (it's a little dusty anyway). But that's what a lot of the comments from Tom, the guest judge, and Jeff himself seem to imply. Maybe he's the anti-Ariane.

That said, I was sure it was going to be Fabio going home based on the overcooked venison. It seemed like everyone else, Fabio included, thought so too. Looks like we can get a monkeyass comment for three weeks in a row, so that's a plus.

Although I'm going based on impressions again, it felt like Stefan's dish was pretty solid. It didn't get criticized much, and it sounded like a lot of the comments that were spoken while they were showing Stefan's salads were actually about Fabio's. Tricksy editors.

Here's my problem with the elimination challenge: Stefan and Jamie both split the judges' votes. Jamie won an extra "fan" or two, so ended up on the winner's side where Stefan ended up a loser. That seems like a pretty arbitrary distinction to me, especially since some of the winners' dishes didn't seem all that great.

Props to Carla for knocking this one out of the park. It was kind of a quirky challenge even aside from the winning/losing criteria, with only 20 minutes of actual cooking time and the constraints of cooking to a specific regional theme. It looks like they may also have been limited to, or in some way constrained by, a basket of "thematic" ingredients. Not positive how that worked though. "Sometimes you gotta have quick love," she said. I'm so with you on that one, Hootie hoo. Enjoy watching the Steelers wreck the Cardinals on Sunday.

How does this affect your personal rankings? I'm not knocking Stefan down in mine -- dude dropped one after winning five in a row. I'm not worried. Plus, I'm guessing he was responsible for the "Top Chef / Douches" scorecard, which made my night. But now I'll get out of the way and let you discuss.

UPDATE : Waheeeeey! I disappear for one freaking episode and all Top Chef hell breaks loose? (Dom again, BTW) The Florida chef who spent years on a fishing boat goes down for ceviche? Hootie wins a solo elimination? Stefan is beaten by Andrea?!?!?!?! I can't even imagine how this all went down, and I can't watch the episode until very late Friday night. Crazy. Anyway, talk amongst yourselves. I'll just have to sit back and watch for now.

Comments

[Jake]

That post was me, by the way. I have plenty more thoughts that I'll share later, and we'll get a pretty picture up at the top of the post soon. For now, have at it!

[canasian]

I'm a little scared to say this knowing Stefan is lurking around here, but... It was nice to see him on the bottom just once. Sorry, dude, but it would be TOO obvious if you were never in the bottom three the entire season. Still rooting for ya, though, and the quickfire dish did sound awesome.

And time for the superficial comment of the week. Not Jeff! No! He's too pretty! In all seriousness, though, I feel like the season just got a lot less interesting without him.

[aaalex]

I kind of thought Jeff might go this way and it's terribly sad. It feels like a weaker field, now, with Hosea on track to make the finals. The thing that stunned me, though, is that Stefan might well have gone home if he'd been the only loser. Kind of made me realize how much this season depends on his quirky energy and self-love.

[Anne]

I was terrified that Stefan was going to go home. I was worried at one point he would be the only one on the "bottom," or that it would be him and Jamie. And I think Carla should have won just based on the comment about Jeff being unable to quiet the creative monkeys.

[Jake]

"Stefan might well have gone home if he'd been the only loser."

... I was thinking that, too. I wonder what would have happened if they'd all won, though?

[Independent George]

The scoring confused the heck out of me, too. Stefan and Jeff both split the judges evenly, and then we jump directly to JT where half of the judges evidently forgot that they should have won the challenge. Huh?

I hated the 20 minute time limit on the elimination. At this stage, the challenges should be growing more refined as the competition gets whittled down; instead, we get more gimmicks. Once again, I think the producers completely misunderstand their audience - we want to be wowed by skilled artists succeeding, not a bunch of wannabe celebrities crash and burn.

[Jotham K]

I had really mixed feelings about this challenge. On the one hand, everyone was competing with the same constraints, so winning should have been a straightforward 'just cook better' issue. On the other hand, something kind of squirrely about three of my personal top four in the loosing team. I also thought Fabio was going home. I don't think he is going to win this season, but I would love to see him in the finals. I guess I just feel like the contestants either did not get the challenge (Stefan, Jeff) or just did not execute well. Actually, that went for the All Stars as well. Oh, and did anyone else REALLY not think that was a bunch of all starts? I may be wrong, but I don't think any of them made it to the finals... Who got the furthest? Spike?

[Esben]

Tom looked rather irritated, almost embarrassed to be judging what football enthusiasts might categorize as a "muffed punt" episode.

[Doug]

I was screaming at my television at one point, because I miscounted and thought the bottom three was being set up to be Stefan, Jaime, and Jeff. That would be SO wrong!

This wasn't much better.

We all new Jeff would eventually go home for trying to do too much for whatever the challenge limits were. This just felt... like it cheated us. Jeff was supposed to flame out in a grand attempt. Not a 20 minute attempt to cash in on Super Bowl attention. Also... please don't try to tell me that if Josie was still in competition she wouldn't have been NAILED for calling a hot served dish "cerviche." She totally would. Especially by Collechio.

That aside, bad contest design for this stage of the contest. Did Carla actually have the best dish of the night? Or did one of the "visiting team" winners? We don't know.

Another note: Toby Young can go now, please. A Brit's opinion of "more authentic feel" to regional American cuisine is now the winning factor here? Please. It was bad enough when we just had to suffer through his horridly strained metaphors.

[Jon Olsen]

As I've already mentioned: Booooo!

That said, Hoootieee. Hootie hooo! That recipe looked tight, too. She pulled that together with a quickness. Kind of risky? Sounded and looks delicious.

Jake, I also totally said "they're talking about Fabio's salad." Lame. Atrocious editing this week, imho. Nothing about Stefan's critiques made it sound like Padma thought what he made was "abominable." Abominable? As the kids say, desi, please!

Based on his exit, if he's framing it as "Josie's was nacho ceviche" and "I did more" Jeff still doesn't get why he lost, in the sense that they simply liked hers better. The thing that caught my ear was when he said he "had a pretty good idea why" nobody would look him in the eye or whatever. What does THAT mean? Does he think there were Other reasons? Like they wanted to keep Fabio on for "good tv?" I dunno. Plus, he sounds like he was checking out—the whole negative energy thing is a real drain on people and it broke him.

I'm mad because it sure as HELL sounded like Fabio was on the block and should have gone. But they continue to jerk us around. And prolong having Leah on the show. I'm just glad it wasn't Leah in the winner's circle at the end. I'm also tired of shots of Hosea talking about how much he wants Stefan to lose. We GET it. He still has the best shirts of the bunch though.

[Dom's cousin]

Can I just say it's KILLING me that Dom is not watching this until Friday. Culinary prowess doesn't run in my branch of the family tree so I'm usually pretty content to hang back and just read the commentary, but in terms of reality contest upsets alone this was a killer.

From the minute Stefan lost to Andrea I was holding my breath. Once the bottom three were at JT, I also thought Fabio would be the one going home but was much relieved when Jeff got the PPYKAG (and it's going to take him a decade to get over it?...really, a whole decade?). Even though it's Top Chef and not Top Monkeyass, that guy cracks me up. I'm glad he'll be around to entertain a little longer even though his food has not been that impressive. But culinarily speaking, Stefan is now my favorite to win with Jamie a close second.

Dom! Hurry up and get home!! :)

[Steve]

Looks like Leah did an Ariane dish. I still feel that the "farm fresh" challenge should have come later - a much more challenging test that should have been reserved for perhaps the top four.

I'm disappointed. While it was doubtful that Jeff could have won, he was obviously the third best chef in the competition, though hampered by a view of food that doesn't quite fully comport with the culinary experts'. His creativity will be missed.

Go Fabio, and go Carla...having them in the final would be fun! Again, I can't quite care for either Hosea or Leah. But I'm afraid that Carla's fish skills could be lacking enough that it sends her home next week. But then...she is classically trained...

[aaalex]

I thought it would be Fabio as well. The grated cheese on top of his salad greens turned me off completely. Plus the over cooked meat...but I agree with the poster above (Jotham K) that these weren't exactly the most impressive cooks from previous seasons. So, it's hard to get a sense where Season 5's cooks fit in the scheme of things.

[donny]

Seeing all the top chef "all stars" reminds me of the combination of cool people, attractive brilliant people, slightly douchey people, and disturbingly ADD people who were seniors when you were a freshman. They will always think you are not interesting whatsoever and that you embody some sort of contrived normalizing force that is to come in the world. Whether thats true, well, its an interpretation I guess. Permanently banish Toby from the show and all is forgiven.

Stefan is really entertaining to watch even when he loses, and I knew that they wouldn't cut him by a long shot. Jeff made a gracious and classy exit, though I hope it doesn't take him a decade to get over the loss. Fabio had reason to be kicked off, might I say, as it is looking more and more apparent that Fabio's greatest hits may have come way earlier in the season.

In the end, it's Stefan vs. Jamie all the way. It was the final made for primetime. I could see Carla making it further than we think now because she still has a lot of energy to spare, unlike aw-shucks Hosea.

I'll say it again till she leaves: Leah's only unique attribute is that she likes to lie down.

[Independent George]

"Leah's only unique attribute is that she likes to lie down. "

Double entendre intended?

[Scott]

I'm not trying to diss or anything, but I never saw Jeff as a top chef. I feel bad for people who really like him perhaps because he's very modest, or because of his creativity (or looks *cough*), but he just isn't that talented. He never executed his ideas well enough to convince me of anything else. Creativity needs to be backed up with actual cooking skills and I feel like he's just digging his own grave. ON another note, I feel like so is Fabio. I think if I had a cool website like this, my own personal rankings would be:

1. Stefan
2. Jamie
3. Hosea

4. Leah
5. Fabio
6. Carla

Anyway, this episode wasn't very good. I feel like these challenges don't explore "cooking" anymore. 20 minute presentation of a dish against past season allstars just isn't what I had in mind this late in the game.

I also don't dig this up with the times style of filming. It really bothers me to know that they're faking the timing of eveyr episode and people might actually believe it.

[Jason]

I lost my first post after an error, but it can be summed up this way.

It's my least favorite episode of Top Chef ever. I'm totally disappointed in the direction they took this episode.

[Dreamboat]

20 minutes?? They had 20 minutes to completely prepare and cook a dish...WTF?? Sorry, but it takes me 20 minutes to cook mac&cheese from a box! I could maybe make nachos in 20 minutes, or make a veggie tray (if I am thinking super bowl party food...)

With what was presented, I agree that jeff should have gone home. He almost always over complicates his dishes. That is probably good in an executive chef position where you have time to try try again until you get it right, but not at top chef.

Kudos to Carla for pulling out the win. And I have to say that I am liking Stefan more and more -- wasn't it great to see his interview about the loss?? :)

[Nikki D]

I sort of want to die right now. I'm so upset that Fabio got a pass and Jeff went down for being too complicated AGAIN! Plus the fact that Leah is still there...but Hosea's smarmy comments about Leah's fish = hilarious!

That being said, I've always had Jamie and Stefan at the top of my list, so at least they're still in it. Even so, Carla sort of won me over tonight ("creative monkeys"?!? Superbowl victory chant?!?) and after all of the horrible injustices of this season, I kinda hope she takes it all. The perfect ending to a thoroughly confusing season.

Finally, for those who said this season is the weakest ever, they did beat the "all-stars" tonight. Sure, they weren't Blais, Steph, Sam and Hung (some of my favs), but a win's a win. Obviously, one is all it takes on this show...

[Gilby]

Worst. Episode. Ever.

Fabio gets voted off by the judges, and the producers veto the decision.

I've not seen any reason to think there was any sort of funny business with the judge's decisions before now, in any of the seasons--indeed, I think that the judges had previously made some decisions that obviously made future shows less interesting and would have made great places for some funny business. But this time, it's clear that it was not about the food.

[Nikki D]

Gilby, Tom has posted his blog and he says that Jeff's was the overall worst dish.

Whatever, I'm joining your conspiracy theory anyway!

[Sebastian]

I wish people would stop saying the producers chose who went home. Tom has said several times that the producers have no say in what goes on at the judges table (IIRC it has been mentioned in other blogs as well). Saying "the producers made them choose this" invalidates the judges and is very disrespectful. Top Chef has some fantastic editors that are excellent at making things come across in a certain fashion and THAT is where the producers may have their say. Many people hated Lisa and Hung when they are, by all first hand accounts (except by their competitors during the competition), good people.

I'm sad to see Jeff go but it was pretty obvious that he would end up doing too much and choking on it eventually. It would have been fantastic if he had focused himself a bit more. I hope to see him in the next All-Stars episode.

It really seemed as if Fabio was sure to go down this episode, which would have been a shame as he is very entertaining. Am I the only one who got the feeling that the guest judge is the one who instigated the shouting match at the end? Fabio usually makes his frustrations known in the interviews rather than directly confronting people so seeing him 'talking back' like that seems out of character or provoked. (PS, this is the best blog)

[Steph]

I needed to watch this more closely but didn't Fabio win the field goal part of his challenge? I have a feeling that was the only thing that saved him. It's like that weird red-ribbon EC again, where in the end who gets to stay and who has to pack their knives is decided by petty things that weren't mentioned as important in the intro.

[Angie]

Interesting challenge this week - with a series of one-on-one competitions, it's not an entirely fair challenge, but I suppose it's equally unfair to all the chefs, but the concept needs a little tweaking. ( How much of the "field goal" judging was really a popularity contest, and how much was about the food ?)

Carla rocked ! First, almost winning the QF, and then, a gumbo in 20 minutes? Her most impressive showing so far, especially after last week's debacle.

Stefan in the bottom three? Best thing that could happen to him. His Dallas plate wasn't bad, but with his skills, he seems to have been coasting a bit, though his desserts were phenomenal. Maybe this will light a fire under him so he shows us what he's capable of when he really goes all out.

Leah gave us a steak and salad - I'm sure it tasted great, but this is Top Chef, not Ponderosa. Also, where was the NY theme here?

As entertaining as Fabio is, overcooked venison is almost inedible, even if buried under a good sauce. And getting overdone by sitting on top of warm veg - Tom's expression said it all.

Sorry to see Jeff go - I though he showed flashes of real expertise when he didn't let himself overdo things. With a split decision amongst the judges, I can't believe the flavors were terrible. And Toby telling him it wasn't authentic Miami cuisine - where does he think Jeff lives, and works, and cooks ? I hadn't minded Toby all that much before, but now I can't take anything he says seriously.

With Jeff out of the picture, I'm guessing the finals come down to Stefan, Jamie, and who-cares-they-don't-stand-a-chance. Unless, of course, the final features monkey ass ! Andrew Zimmern to guest judge that one?

[Eric]

I can't say that I fault the judges for sending Jeff home over Fabio.

What I can say is that at this point in the competition they should not have what is essentially a "quick fire" challenge as the elimination challenge.

The chefs at this point should also be competing with each other directly. I mean really...the only reason Lazy Leah's blah dish was on the "winning" side was because Nikki decided to cook...get this...CHICKEN LIVER. Gee folks...which one tastes better...steak...or chicken liver.

I knew Jeff was in trouble when he drew Josie. One of the more underrated chefs from earlier seasons. Another thing I didn't like about this competition was the clearly uneven talent of the so called "opposition" which added another layer of pure luck to an elimination challenge.

I'm extremely frustrated at the numerous number of "gimicky" challenges this year. They seem to be designed to randomly eliminate the contestants instead of actually eliminating the weaker chefs.

Not to mention the fact that the judges this year have rewarded do nothing take no risks chefs like Leah and Hosea, and eliminated other chefs who work hard, try to stretch themselves and fail.

Even "Restaurant Wars" result was awful because clearly the worst of the lot was Leah's cold cod. Hello. You don't HAVE to have a winner. Why should Leah get by on the performance of Stefan and to some degree Fabio? This seemed to plague the "Foo Fighters" challenge as well.

I have to agree with donny's earlier post about Leah's talent. so now on i'll refer to her as...

Lazy Leah Laysalot

Hope I wasn't too long in voicing my frustrations. Thanks for the site Dom.

[canasian]

I can sum up Leah's approach to this competition with this one quote:

"Guest Judge: And why did you choose to include the bacon in the greens?"
"Leah: Um, uhhhh...I just like bacon"

[aaalex]

Umm ... I actually quite liked this episode. I wish the competition between chefs had been for 1 hour instead of 20 minutes. For one thing, it would have given a little more time to remember the other chefs ... Spike ... oh yeah, he was the "Richard Cranium" last year (Richard Cranium being Australian for Dick Head) And Nikki ... she wasn't that creative or interesting. The other down side is that a chef like Andrea's flaws can be hidden at 20 minutes in a way they can't when there's time for real thoughtfulness and creativity. What I liked is the sense of camaraderie this brought to the Season 5 group. (With the exception of Hosea who just has a thing about Stefan.) Nice to see them cheering for each other. It gives you a sense of just how stressful this show must be, how much these 15 strangers are thrown into a pit together and, so, develop real liking for their fellow competitors. (With the exception of Hosea who just has a thing about Stefan.)

[Bart]

I have to disagree with those who said that this was the "worst episode ever."

While the length of time they had to cook certainly set a few up for failure, these chefs should have been able to adjust.

I don't feel sorry for Jeff's going home. All season long, judges and contestants alike have been telling him, "Stop doing so much. Stop doing so much." And what does he do? He ignores them.

The thing I had the biggest problem with was his sneering disdain for simpler dishes. I agree with the person who said that he's the anti-Ariane. And if I had to choose between pretentious, snobby food and hearty, basic food, I'd choose the latter. The flavors will generally be better there.

And that's what got Jeff the boot. And that's what he doesn't understand - it's all about the flavors.

[stefan]

Hi everybody ;-).

Yes it is me, Stefan. I know i know it was horrible last night. I haven't even watched it ha ha. Im in florida visiting Jeff. And somehow the Hotel doasn't have Bravo. This is the challange what really f... me up. We all did not like it. And thank you for all sticking up for me. I have to go and find a place where i can watch it. My Dessert was Sexy and my FOODBALL food was suck ie. not my best sorry to the cowboys. Will go to Texas and improve on it ;-). Thank god this one is over. Dom come back DOM DOM ;-)

Happy Thursday

Stefan

[babyarm]

I think people are overstating the "20 minutes issue". Jeff came in with his shrimp already poached as the judges say and everything was prepped. 20 minutes is plenty of time to get a prepped dish together. Plenty.

Another soup from Jamie. Shocking.

I want to know the contents of the losing chef's baskets. I guess I could freeze frame on each of them, but it looks like there was more there than what was on the tables. Being from Dallas I wonder why they assumed a latin flavor was implied? If I had to have one inspiration that is Dallas or at least Texas I think smoked meats and sausages stemming from the German heritage brought in long before tex-mex made it's mark.

[Polybus]

Is Top Chef a great show or what?

It's amazing how much debate the show engenders, how deeply people feel about the competitors, the cooking, the personalities, the time constraints and the detractions.

After going off on last weeks show, I really enjoyed this one.

[DaveP]

The episode as a whole was okay until the end. The judging formatting was rather flawed since you were on the block for potentially being up against a stronger head-to-head chef than another competitor facing off against a weaker chef. Plus, the whole score distribution scheme was awful (in case of tie, the peanut gallery decides all?).

And the fact that Fabio, who I like btw, got off w/overcooked venison and a wretched looking salad... I mean, overcooked meat is usually the kiss of death anyway, but to do it to something as unforgiving as venison? Also, didn't 2 of the 4 judges like Jeff's dish vs only 1 of 4 for Fabio (yeah, I know they weren't up against each other, but still)?

As for the "all stars"... please. Forget Hung & Blaise level, we didn't even have Brian Malarkey level. Did we have a single chef who'd made it to their respective final fours? Hell, we even had a couple of bottom feeders in that crowd. You would have expected the top 7 chefs of this season to sweep (and for a while, I thought they might), yet they barely squeaked by w/a win. Wonder how they would've done against Antonia, Malarkey, Sam, Elia, Dave & LeeAnn (all the runners up to the finals), plus either Tre or Dale T for the 7th. Actually, I'd put in both Tre & Dale T and remove Elia for the strongest non-finalist team you could field.

Anyway, good for Carla for winning (I expected Hosea's dish to win). Her husband & son-in-law will be ecstatic, I'm sure, w/those tickets, though there might be some fireworks if she decides she wants to go instead (SB being about a non-sports event as you'll get in sports). I'd prolly ebay them for a few grand myself and watch the game on my big screen TV. :)

Next week, chef Ripert makes his seasonal appearance! And holy carp, are they cooking at Le Bernadin?! I was holding out some very faint hope we'd see this this season since it was set in NYC and all and Ripert is an obvious fan of the show. What a treat!

--
Dave

[paula]

That was so disappointing. I understand why they sent Jeff home (I guess), but I wasn't ready for him to leave. I really wanted to see what he would do given free rein in the finals. And I'm definitely going to his restaurant next time I'm in Miami.

I don't buy the argument that the fact that Fabio drew Green Bay was a handicap, especially since it was a head-to-head challenge. They got a cooler full of "local" ingredients to work with, so clearly as long as they used what was in the cooler, they could hardly be blamed for not sticking to the region. That salad with cheddar cheese looked disgusting.

And the judging criteria was all over the place! At one point Toby said something about how so-and-so's dish would be easier to eat while watching the Super Bowl. WTF?! Who cares? That wasn't part of the challenge. Bleh. I'm irritated by this episode.

[paula]

OK, I just went to Toby Young's blog on Bravo's site, where he posted this link: http://timesnews.typepad.com/news/2009/01/apparently-sir-richard-branson-thevirgin-bossthought-this-was-the-funniestletter-of-complaint-hed-ever-received------dear.html. This totally cheered me up.

[anon man]

Spike gave a pretty well-composed plate, so I could totally see how even though head to head Fabio looked to be toast, he could be judged objectively to be better than Jeff. Fabio's JT defense was borderline idiotic.
But, Jeff's plate looked bad (Josie's looked worse, Stone fruit and chedder in salad? Ack. Sounds vomitous to me.

IMHO), but his real kiss of death was Tom's observation that it wasn't really ceviche either. I think Jeff was ultimately doomed to fail because his food is very light, nearly health food (as someone else pointed out). Lots of sorbets, and "tomato water" and prissy little touches to his food. Tom hates that.

As a throw away, I'm not sure whate Stefan thought, but for me, it looked like he was never in any danger of going home.

I'll miss Jeff. Not sure he's my favorite, but definately someone I liked watching. His subtle arrogance when people dissed his food (See the Today Show episode and this one) was funny. That said, I would have mised Fabio more. He has all of my favorite comments this season: 1. "Not Top Scallop" 2. "Could serve monkey ass in clam shell..." 3. The Italian interplay with Dave Grohl; and 4. The "Fabian, no I'm not French" comment this week.

[Jon Olsen]

Yeah, next week they cook in Le Bernardin. Gawd I can just see Leah shuffling around that temple of cooking half assing it. And WINNING just to confound us all. I'm going to go see a doc about some blood pressure medication, just as a pecautionary measure.

Prediction: the seafood guy (Hosea) falls because of the eel. (it looks like live eel in the end of show preview--not a spoiler). And the Europeans, cool with an ingredient most of us don't ever see or use, plus the American Italian gal, all do great. Carla almost drops but I bet it's Hosea.

[Brent]

It occurs to me that Fabio is Lisa 2.0. Lisa with a smile, Lisa with a sunny disposition. Both of them have their food trashed on an almost weekly basis, yet somehow manage to avoid being sent home. At least Lisa can claim that no guest judge ever laughed at what she put out.

[paula]

Sorry, one more post from me (and then I really have to get to work!). Reading the rest of Toby's blog, he actually says the challenge was to cook something that could be eaten during the Super Bowl. It was?! Or was he the only one judging on that basis? So, if that was one of the rules, this challenge was to:
1) Cook something true to the city/state's culinary profile
2) Use the provided ingredients to do so
3) Take two hours to prep, but you have just 20 minutes to cook it...
4) ...head-to-head, in front of an audience that has the power to decide your fate based on how entertaining you are while cooking
5) and it also has to be something people can eat while watching the Super Bowl.

Seriously? Just idiotic at this stage of the game.

[DaveP]

"I think Jeff was ultimately doomed to fail because his food is very light, nearly health food (as someone else pointed out). Lots of sorbets, and "tomato water" and prissy little touches to his food. Tom hates that."

Spot on. The JT this season, more than others IMO, seems to be dominated by Tom's decisions. As head judge, he should have more weight, but he certainly favors a certain style of cuisine, and Jeff's wan't it.

--
Dave

[Jake]

Stefan, I'm hurt! I'm no Dom, but I'd hoped I could tide you over for a couple days as guest poster ...

I didn't think this episode was one of the worst ever. I didn't love the challenge, though I thought it was actually pretty entertaining. Some great quotes this week:

"There is no reason to eat vegetable when there is meat and fish around" (Fabio, pre-quickfire)
Jeff can't "quiet the creative monkeys" (Carla)
Leah's "I just love bacon", as Canasian pointed out
When the guest judge said Fabio's quickfire dish "speaks for itself". Ouch.
Hosea pointing out that "Stefan's head just got an inch bigger" after the QF win ... it occurs to me that Hosea's head could charitably be called large.
"I'm 30 years old and I have to sleep in the bunky bed" (Fabio again)
"Sometimes you gotta have quick love" (Hootie)
Stefan on his loss to Andrea: "I'm a douchebag. I can't cook."
... and Fabio went to the monkeyass well for the second week in a row, though I forget the exact quote.

I also enjoyed:
Stefan making Andrea drink beer with him
Ariane looked like she was not wearing pants with her jersey
Padma's referee outfit that was probably from Lover's Lane

I want to point out that Carla did very well in the QF, too, and added tofu to oats and nuts. Seriously, that sounds like something I would not want to eat but she apparently pulled it off.

I also have been enjoying this season's selection of t-shirts. Hosea has sported a couple from Busted Tees, one of my faves, and I would really like to find Stefan's "I Make Good Babies" shirt. I would rock that.

Anyway, I was entertained. I liked Jeff, but he was a distant third for me. I think Hosea's better than people are giving him credit for here, and we're seeing that Carla, like Ariane, absolutely has chops in the right challenges. She's been moving in the right direction while Fabio and Leah haven't. Can she sneak into the finals?

[craig]

I'm just about fed up with the gimicky challenges. The producers have lost sight of who their core audience is. I have felt that for most of the way, but now especially. The deeper it gets into the season, the more refined the challenges should be, so the contestants can be judged accordingly. That said, I still think that only Stefan, and maybe, maybe Jaime could compete with any of the past seasons finalists. Overall a very weak field.

[august_west]

I was disappointed to see Jeff go, primarily because I feel he would have produced more interesting and refined dishes in the context of the final. I don't think you can really fault the decision, a "ceviche" with poached shrimp does not sound very appetizing.

I agree with those that are critical of this episode. My biggest gripe with this challenge would be the quasi-next food network star feel. The live audience seemed forced and contrived; the judging/scoring seemed far too arbitrary for this late in the season. I really really really hope Toby Young's services are not retained for the finals and/or future seasons.

[Independent George]

Paula - thanks for the info; unfortunately, it makes me hate this episode even more. I have no problem with the elimination, but I have a huge with the design of the challenge. We're three challenges away from the finals - why do a gimmicky challenge almost guaranteed to give us mediocre food? That is, why besides the planned air date?

I don't recall TC ever trying to play games with the seasonality of the episodes; why start now? We know it was filmed over the summer in NYC; heck, you can tell that from the outdoor shots. Why screw with the competition just to maintain a fiction nobody believes? Is anybody more interested in this show because the episodes are related to the season in which it's aired? Why, when we're down to the last 7 chefs, do they pull a gimmicky theme challenge almost guaranteed to produce lousy food?

Colicchio & co. like to say that it's all about the food - and when it comes to JT, I believe them. But in this case, that focus was compromised by a challenge clearly designed for television than any culinary concerns. At that point, it stops being a cooking competition structured for television, and devolves into just another television show with a cooking theme.

[Qbot]

*small voice*

I really, really liked this episode.

*runs*

[paula]

Dear Qbot: PPYKAG.

(Just kidding. Your post made me laugh.)

[Tim]

I didn't care much for this episode. I would rather have seen an elegant 7 course meal over football food. The most interesting dish was the humble pie for three. No one is immune to elimination. Whereas Stefan has demonstrated the top chops for cuisine, he has also demonstrated the brassiest balls. He picked the seemingly weakest chef (whom he incorrectly believes to be a vegetarian), picked the beefiest region, ... and then makes not one salad, but two!! For TEXAS!!!!!! A right minded Texan would take one look at a salad and say, "My rabbits don't eat rabbit food." So as much as I respect his preivous cooking feats, at this point I think he deserves to go home, if not for extremely poor judgement than for obnoxious arrogance. Did he bet someone that he could beat Andrea with a salad?
I was upset to see Jeff go home. I would have been upset to see any of the three go home right now. But I trust the judges, and believe they were all there for authentic reasons. Krudos /sic/ to Carla for winning with something other than a tart crust. But as I said earlier, at this point I am epecting some classier dishes and some classier challenges.

[Danny]

I actually enjoyed the episode too. Season 5 vs. the All Stars if by All Stars you mean people who have been on the show before. The prepping didn't count in the 20 minutes - clearly the time elapsed while Padma chit chatted with them was not part of the time.

Fabio infuriated me when he whined that the judges didn't take the resting time into consideration. No Fabio, you didn't take the resting time into consideration. The other chefs did and knew not to put protein on top of hot food. And he certainly was aware that the challenger's food would be eaten first.

Fabio, as he so often does, had a good conception but missed in the execution. Jeff, on the other hand, didn't have a very appealing conception. I have never eaten ceviche in my life and thought, gee...I sure wish there was a glob of melting sorbet on top of this. Also Jeff, served hot or cold, heat cooked shrimp does not a true ceviche make.

Thrilled for Carla's win. I was born in New Orleans and that looked like a perfect gumbo.

Spike and Andrew have not grown more endearing over time.

My rankings:
Stephan
Jamie
Hosea
Carla
Leah
Fabio
and I predict that Carla will be in the top 3.

[Bill]

I'm sorry to see Jeff and his creative monkeys go. I think we've lost two of the top 4 in the past two weeks.
Leah may surprise us, while lacking enthusiasm she seems to have the skills and a good understanding of flavor. As she gets closer to the finals she may pick up some energy.
Carla showed this week that she is more than desserts and one liners. I was impressed with the way she put that gumbo together. Sign me up for the tofu, nuts and oats.
I have to say Hosea's egg rolls looked very good.
Based on what we could determine on TV I thought Fabio should have been sent packing.

[DaveP]

I'm no expert on SA cuisine, but I don't think you can't make a proper ceviche in 20min. The acid takes time to "cook" the seafood w/o heat (actually pickles it). You can throw something together for a light marinade and call it a modern ceviche, but really, it's just a sashimi salad (which, btw, can still be really good).

I think to simulate a traditional ceviche (which I think call for a 2-3 hours of pickling), both chefs decided to cook the shrimp, but Jeff chose to cook the shrimp ahead of time to serve cold. He likely took exception to Josie's "ceviche" being served warm, not that she heated the shrimp.

My prediction for the rest of the season:

Stefan
Jamie
Hosea
Leah
Fabio
Carla

--
Dave

[rab01]

Have to join those who basically liked the episode. I'd have preferred if they had 30-40 minutes to cook but then I remembered that they had an audience that was sitting through 7 presentations -- 2 1/2 to 4 hours (allowing time for judging and changes in cooking setups before each round starts) could easily become 5 1/2 to 7 hours. To mitigate this time crunch they did give each cook two hours of experimentation and prep time. (I have to admit that I thought the audience's presence helped add some excitement to the episode and made the competition between the seasons seem more real, even to the competitors.)

I also would have preferred that Jeff stayed but it was clear that Tom has rarely liked Jeff's food (or flavor profiles to use last season's buzz word) so he wasn't going to win and no matter how much I lick the screen I still can't tell whether Tom is wrong to dislike it.

As for the challenge being too gimmicky for this late stage of the game, this was actually almost the least gimmicky challenge for 7 chefs the show has ever had.
S1 -- cook 7-course dinner but then they forced the chefs to randomly switch and cook each other's recipes.
S3 -- cater a party on a boat for fashionistas with practically no money
S4 -- bring box lunches to cops
Season 2 was the only one without a gimmicky challenge -- the 7 deadly sins dinner.

[Bart]

SPOILER ALERT

------------------------------------------------

At the end of Tom's blog, he dropped a huge hint:

"A post-script: This is the second time that Top Chef has worked with the NFL and it won't be the last ... keep your eyes peeled ... and enjoy the Super Bowl."

I'm going to be watching for Top Chef-related stuff at the Super Bowl. Who knows!

[biebs]

The solution for judges ties were completely idiotic. Wouldn't the logical thing be that each person gets a field goal (3 points) and then another 3 for winning the student vote.

Or, even better - for Judges voting:

Unanimous - 7 points
3-1 - 3 points
2-2 - 3 Points each

Other thoughts

Brent - I reached the same conclusion as you - Fabio is Lisa with charm at this point. He hasn't cooked a good dish in something like 6 weeks, the only top finish he's had is due to his charm. As irriataiting as Leah has been, at least she cooked decent food (if not ridiculously simple).

Was there any reason to only give each person 20 minutes to cook? Doesn't seem like a whole lot of time, everyone had the same, so that's fine, but meh let them cook longer.

I like Jeff, I think he got screwed, but didn't sound like his dish was good at all. Just sounds like both sides were okay. But, they were killing Fabio's dish during the taste, then adding that the greens were wilted also. That's a large component. The only two chefs who interest me are Stafan and Jamie. Everyone else is hit or miss, though Hosea has been pretty solid the last few weeks (kissing Leah aside)

[jsd]

The "I Make Good Babies" t-shirt is available from Urban Outfitters.

Go Stefan!!

[El Paso Mark]

"... and Fabio went to the monkeyass well for the second week in a row, though I forget the exact quote. Jake"

Jake, it was "Monkey ass and fried bananas."

Way to go Carla!

Was sure hoping that half the "Hosea & Leah Show" would get sent packing. Wow, what a shocker to have Fabio-Stefan-Jeff on the bottom instead! I'll miss ya Jeff. Good luck.

In (Somewhat of a) defence of Fabio, I wonder (Again) how much of his apparent floundering is due to the language barrier, not knowing Americanisms, etc.? Of "Team-Euro" Stefan certainly appears to have a better grasp of the language and culture. Fabio stated he didn't pick Green Bay, he was left with it because he didn't know anything about any of the teams and so didn't make a selection. I wonder how long Stefan and Fabio have been here? Is Fabio muffing things because he doesn't quite understand? Is he just a mediocre chef? Or can he cook? Inquiring minds want to know.

Cheers,

Mark

[cw]

So, I'm in Arkansas where an ice storm has knocked out power, so unlike Dom, I don't even have the promise of a TIVOed episode. Could anyone maybe do me a huge favor and give me a run-down or summary or whatever of what happened last night? What were the challenges, what exactly do some of these major talking points refer to (Stefan on the bottom despite making a good dish? Super Bowl food? Etc?)

I'm having a hard time finding a site that just summarizes the episode...so a link to one if you know one would be great too.

Thanks in advance.

[Adam]

Obviously we are at the mercy of the editors, so it's hard to judge things, but:

- Props to Carla for what appears to be an entirely deserved win.

- Jeff being eliminated over Fabio looks like the worst elimination of the season.

What I can say with confidence is that, like everyone else, I thought this was a horribly designed challenge for this late in the season. Head-to-head works in episode 1 because there are certain to be a handful of really terrible dishes, and because the worst dish is guaranteed to lose head-to-head. But with 7 chefs left? With half the participants essentially immune? It's a horrible idea.

What if Jeff and Fabio had both knocked it out of the park? Does Stefan go home based on the vote of some culinary students? If season 5 sweeps (and really, given that the "best" all-star scraped by to finish 5th in his season, that wasn't out of the question) does nobody go home? The structure of the challenge took things out of the judge's hands and made it potentially very arbitrary.

Add to that the 20 minute constraint, and the Food Network-style presentation, and yes, this was the worst challenge we've seen in a while. It belongs near the bottom of Indy George's challenge rankings.

I've never been one who thought this season had worse chefs, on the whole, than previous seasons, but I now fear we are headed toward a fairly mediocre finale. I was really looking forward to a Jeff/Stefan/Jaime smackdown in the final challenge, but I don't think anyone else has as high a ceiling as those three.

[Malik]

I love having discovered this blog. Thanks for all the detailed review of the goings on. First time post but a few thoughts.

- Everyone except Stefan and Hosea look exhausted. Blais' blog talked a bit how tired the contestants get toward the end of primary filming. It's possible that one of the underachievers (I'm looking at you, Leah) could surprise in the finale with a few months rest.

- It amazes me how often the chefs miss the spirit of the challenges and Tom and Toby's blogs mention this. The challenge was to make Superbowl food using regional flavors. Carla won because she nailed New Orleans flavors in a way that worked as Superbowl snack. Jeff's ceviche by all accounts was bland and could you ever imagine eating that delicate salad at Halftime?

Again, so glad to have found this awesome Top Chef and foodie blog.

[jse91]

I am thrilled with Carla's win! I have hoped that she had a lot more in her than what has been displayed so far. Maybe she will pick up some more speed, kind of like Dale. I am keeping my fingers crossed that she makes the final three. I know it is a long shot, but a few more dished like that gumbo and who knows.

I agree that these were not stars, all or otherwise. Couple of those folks I don't even remember. Though I always like Andrea's attitude, so good for her.

I was sad to see Jeff go, with Fabio and Leah still around, but he often seemed to confuse lots of food with good food. Making several things that are so-so isn't a better option than making one dish that is spectacular.

[anon man]

Adam,

Per Tom's blog, Fabio's venison was over-cooked, but his sauce was apparently awesome. Typical Fabio, wow with one part of the dish, bomb another.

I had the same thought about what if only one person loses, they go home automatically? Stefan was the first to lose, in theory it could have been him going home without any discussion. I kind of like the idea of the challenge as an episode 4 challenge, not epidose 10.

[Gilby]

I read Tom's blog before posting above. It didn't convince me--not with the comments about the two dishes during the competition. There was something else, and the producers wanting Fabio around seems apt.

Though there is another possibility--Tom just didn't like Jeff, or at least what styles and types of food he does. And, to be honest, that suggests the show isn't about what is good, but rather what Tom likes. That, to be honest, is about as bad.

[stefan]

Sorry DAVE i did not mean to offend you. I like ur post as much as i like Dom's stuff. I was more playing a Gail Carla moment. And PAULA let me tell u something. People like u must be so f... bitter. When was i arrogant on the last episode or in any other. I'm CONFIDENT thats it. It is a cooking competition and i picked Andrea because she got kicked off twice for veggies. SO HOW ABOUT THAT. Suck it up. Did i cook bad food?? No.! was it my best far not. But geez i should go home for my Dish, i was never on the bottom in 18 challanges you sound like Radika. Geeez grow up. Paula and to the Salad comment> Corn salad with peppers, chipotle and cumin and a coleslaw with cilantro and poblanos and doasn't sound Texan to you. Then i have no clue if you ever had food in Texas because i had.

So eat it ;-)

Happy Blogging

[paula]

Eek! That wasn't me, Stefan! I'm a fan. Ok, I do think you're arrogant, but I also don't care because you back up your arrogance with great food. If you read my other posts about you, you'll see that I'm not a hater.

[Charles]

I hate to see Jeff go. His food seemed a little more creative, a little more technically difficult than what most of the other chefs are putting out.

For me, if I'm looking for a Top Chef, that is a high quality culinary experience, the simple, hearty, but cooked perfectly approach just isn't enough. Obviously if it's not good, it's not good, but I personally would rather try something creative that failed than tried-and-true, tired-and-over-done.

Every season kind of takes on a theme and simple, fresh, true to the protein, seems to be this season's calling card. I don't think Jeff ever really understood that.

It makes me wonder how would Richard Blais have done on this season?

[DPP]

Gilby
If I were to rely on the show as edited, I'd be inclined to agree with you. It sure looked like Fabio's dish was indedfensible and Jeff's above average. What we're basically seeing is a 24-hour day condensed into about 55 minutes (1 hr, 15-commercials), giving the editors a lot of liberty to alter what may be reality. Remember, we can't taste the food. Just because Jeff says his food is awesome doesn't necessarily mean that it is. And when Fabio's venison is talking about being "overcooked", I don't think we're talking about extra well done shoe leather here, I think we're talking medium-medium well: still edible but not as optimal for prime flavor as medium rare.
Also to all the Hosea haters yeah I know that it's icky he kissed that girl and all but he put out what I thought were two very solid dishes last night. I felt that his quickfire was the most creative use of the oats out of anyone, going not on taste of course but appearance and description.

[Jake]

"The "I Make Good Babies" t-shirt is available from Urban Outfitters."
Thanks, jsd! Ordered. Because I do.

'Jake, it was "Monkey ass and fried bananas."'
Good catch, Mark. I took a lot of notes but missed that one. Fried bananas are of course the traditional pairing with monkey ass.

Gotcha, Stefan. I'm a fan. Let's be facebook friends?

[Dave]

Honestly, all this Jeff love. How is he any different than Fabio? When was the last time he made something anybody liked? And unlike Fabio, he seems to have no humility or ability to incorporate criticism. He may have the most refined presentation, but that really only goes so far.

All this time I've been smacking my head with this Stefan, Jamie, and Jeff stuff. It's just Stefan and Jamie and then the rest, and that has been evident for many weeks.

[anon man]

Ok, Stefan, if you do indeed respond to comments on this blog, did it occur to you after you lost that you alone could be on the chopping block and thus automatically go home? I'm not saying that's fair, it actually looked like decent food, but it seemed to fit the "rules" of the challenge. Did you, at least for an hour or so think that it would be you alone up there, especially once Carla won?

Still a fan of yours....

[Dom's cousin]

Stefan - you are so funny, almost as much as Fabio. :) I was really worried for you when you got put on the chopping block, but very glad you escaped the PPYKAG (not that it even seemed that close, really). Sometimes the arbitrariness of these challenges makes no sense at all, but having a cumulatively-scored show probably wouldn't be half as interesting.

So tell us, how is Jeff? Is he ok? Has he recovered from his ceviche/not ceviche nightmare yet? :)

[Qbot]

"I'm no expert on SA cuisine, but I don't think you can't make a proper ceviche in 20min. The acid takes time to "cook" the seafood w/o heat (actually pickles it). You can throw something together for a light marinade and call it a modern ceviche, but really, it's just a sashimi salad (which, btw, can still be really good)."

I agree, why did Jeff (and Josie) need to get hung up on ceviche? There must have been other, more sensible paths they could have chosen.

[jse91]

I fear the wrath of Stefan, but I have to say for the record that the dish he cooked last night does not represent Dallas well. Texas has several different kinds of regional food, various cities have different specialties. But Dallas isn't know for Tex-Mex. Instead, it is known for BEEF. Fort Worth was a major center for the cattle industry and Dallas is all about grilling and steaks and such. Someone argued above that perhaps German influences would be appropriate, and I think you could make that case, though the influence would be stronger in Central Texas.

That said, it doesn't seem that he was in the losing group for authenticity and several others we equally off.

And yes, I am from Texas.

[Sebastian]

Stefan, I don't think you should feel insulted when people call you arrogant. Arrogance is absolutely fine when it is backed up with skill like yours. I would argue that "arrogant" does not always mean "overconfident", but that's just getting into semantics =) Your playful "remember when I won because I am awesome?" comments are far better than the "I hope he fails because I'm better" comments by the other contestants. So, shine on you diamond, hope you win.

After watching the exit interviews and sequester house videos on the Top Chef website, it surprises me how aggressive and bitter people are after they have been eliminated. I do understand that they essentially got told that they wasted their time there since they didn't win, but some very rude and hateful things get said. "Ho fo sho"? Wishing people would get eliminated just so that you can hang out with them? If you KNOW you are being recorded, why would you say things like that out loud when you can be pretty sure that it will get taken out of context and plastered everywhere?

[kit]

Sebastian says: "If you KNOW you are being recorded, why would you say things like that out loud when you can be pretty sure that it will get taken out of context and plastered everywhere?"

*plastered* indeed :)

I get the sense they're deprived of alot of things (contact with the outside world, sleep, etc.), but definitely not of alcohol. Generally, it seems alcohol plays a pivotal role in many a reality show these days. Would we have had half the stewroom fights if not for the freely flowing booze? Dale's crotch-grabbing harangue comes to mind. Even if someone doesn't appear totally drunk, it doesn't mean alcohol hasn't played a role in removing whatever filter they normally have between what they're thinking and what comes out of their mouth. (Though I don't know if this excuses any "accidental" tongue hockey :) )

[paula]

I don't watch the exit interviews...who said "ho fo sho"?? And about whom?

Also, I'd just like to reiterate: Stefan, I am NOT the one who posted that stuff you took issue with. You scare the crap out of me, man.

You arrogant d**che.

[paula]

Oh my god, there was supposed to be a "tee hee" after that "arrogant d**che" comment, and it didn't show up. I'm totally dead now, aren't I?

[karenology]

Stefan: we love you, the haters are just jesting or too busy licking their tv screens :) Please give Jeff a big hug, cause I just watched his exit interview and he looked so sad. I hope it doesn't really take him a whole decade to get over Top Chef! Though of course he is still the head chef at a fancy restaurant, in Miami, and so probably doesn't need the sympathy of no-name bloggers living in cold tundra.

[Tim]

Lighten up, Ubermensch! Don't go brow beating Paula. I think my comments were more caustic. That doesn't mean I don't respect your talent. By my rankings you still are the favorite. I was simply expressing my opinion, (which by the way is a big American staple)about this one episode. As repeatedly stated by all the judges, each chef-testant is judged soley by his/her current dish without regard to any previous track record. I'm glad you didn't go home because it would have sucked the life out of the finals. You do come across as being arrogant, but at least you have the chops to back it up. You also come across as being rude - which isn't professional. You have strong opinions, respect others with strong opinions. You could disagree with someone without berating them to level of idiot. Perhaps you ought to try meditation. I know, you could ask Carla. You remember her. She's the one that you were making fun of who then went on to win.

[Sebastian]

(Discussion of this doesn't count as spoilers, does it? Since it's not discussing future episodes but kinda behind-the-scenes stuff? )

The "ho fo sho" comment was about Leah, said by Alex. He said something like 'that's her nickname', which makes it seem as if others had called her that previously.

Kit, that is something I had forgotten, thank you for the reminder. Now that I think of it, just about every stew room shot as well as most of the ones in their apartment have wine or beer in them. A bit of liquid courage certainly makes things entertaining (for us, at least). Things said at judges table or just after, in the exit interviews, probably are without that mental filter you mentioned. What gets me though is that the sequester house video looks like it is 'the morning after' or so the chefs in the videos say. They usually greet the person then pour drinks while discussing the previous challenge, so one would think they weren't drunk just yet. It must be incredibly stressful,depressing, and downright frustrating to get eliminated "before your time" and sniping at someone who isn't around is probably the easiest way to make themselves feel a little bit better, but the comments they make show their personalities a little more clearly than the well-edited aired video.

[Unhappy Gilmore]

Wow! A lot of y'all predicted Jeff's demise due to his style not meshing with Tom C's.

Now, I think that Fabio and Leah will join Stefan and Jamie in the finals.

Toby Young reminds me of the evil gym teacher in a B-Movie who everyone hates from the beginning. By the end of the movie, everyone still hates the gym teacher. (Couldn't resist the stupid analogy, ala TY).

Stefan - was Toby Young as big a douche as he appears? Have they cut his stupid comments from the version we are seeing?

[jw]

Dave says: "Honestly, all this Jeff love. How is he any different than Fabio? When was the last time he made something anybody liked?"

Um...last week, the scallop dish in restaurant wars that everyone loved (ok, his QF salmon not so good)....week before fried green tomatoes were his team's "saving grace," plus the fried conch QF....

Good point, though, about incorporating criticism...if he could just quiet down those damn head monkeys!

[David]

I'm watching the show again this evening. I'm getting even more evidence that the biggest ego and arrogance (assholery) is coming from Fabio. He may make funny sidebar video commentary, but if you really hone in on his comments regarding his food, he's an ass-hole.

In the Superbowl episode QF, Fabio made that god awful oatmeal crusted eggplant roll. It looked terrible and I can't imagine it tasted any better. After Scott Conant literally chuckled about Fabio's offering, the cutaway video has Fabio taking exception of people making fun of his food--and he was serious.

Let's jump ahead to the Judges Table. Fabio was combative with Conant. I'm glad Conant told him to shut the hell up.

I honestly believe Fabio doesn't think any of his food has been lacking, and is pissed off at everyone else for not agreeing.

Perhaps needless to say, but I am NOT a fan of Fabio. I REALLY hope he gets humbled, and fear that he's going to reach the final. (Or god forbid win.)

[Megan H.]

I just got to watch the episode tonight. Two comments -

I KNEW Jeff was going home within the first five minutes, just by seeing how bummed he was during all his commentary.

I've always had a weak spot for Andrea - she put Stephan in his place in season one (anyone remember the blind taste challenge??) and now Stefan in his place in season five.

Also, Stefan's crushes on the various ladies totally cracks me up. "Call me!"

[hayamyma]

I will miss Jeff, I really wanted to see him run a kitchen. What a great contest that would have been with Jaime and Stefan ala the Season One elimination challenge! I am a Tom C. lover, but I really do not think Jeff's cooking meshed well with Colicchio's (anyone who gets rid of the pork fat? gotta go!). It was clear, though, that it took Jeff a really long time to process the idea that less was more. Props to Carla for the "creative monkeys" line. I think I agree that this was a poor challenge this late in the game, given the rules. Wow! What craziness will happen next?

[paula]

I found it interesting that they put that emphasis on Carla saying she was going to go back to basics and think about her classical training...I assumed that meant she'd do well in this week's challenge, but I wonder if it might be setting us up for the fact that she goes even farther than that. One can hope, right? Wouldn't it be cool if she started banging out amazing dishes one after the other, continuing her roll from this week?

[Omelet]

I think the guest judge's comments that he enjoyed watching Jamie work (in a good, professional way) will really boost her self-confidence. She already has the culinary skills, and his comments may give her an extra edge in her ability to trust herself and her skills as they move forward. She and Stefan are at the top of my list.

I was hoping to see Jeff succeed. But it is true that he seemed unable to understand the criticisms and make positive changes as the show progressed. I would most look forward to visiting his restaurant of all the contestants offed so far.

And - I still find Fabio charming and was glad the judges complimented his sauce despite the overcooked venison. He hasn't shown he has what it takes to win but I hope this show helps him succeed in the future.

[jse91]

I think the last thing Jamie needs is a boost of self-confidence. I think she is good, though not as good as everyone else seems to think. But she thinks she is all that. I watched most of the marathon the other day and she said in almost every episode "I should have won", "Everyone knew I should have won", "I can't believe I didn't win". I know she was in the top a lot and I am sure that can be frustrating, but it got a bit ridiculous. She seems unable to conceive of anyone else being her equal. And her poor sportsmanship when Arriane won put her over the top in unlikeablity for me.

[stefan]

Hi everybody:

so here it goes. I think i got DOUCHE back on the map ;-). I love it. And Paula not to worry all good. Dave was i sweating in the Stewroom before elimination?? Hell no. How could i go home after what i have won. SORRY. Never shed a tear. And Jeff is good had dinner last night and a few drinks and he is all good.

Have fun blogging and i love all the comments

Stefan

And look for me on facebook or e-mail me.

[anon man]

"I got douche back on the map"

That should be this season's top chef t-shirt. Bravismo, Stefan.

[David]

I don't want to a wet blanket here, but I feel inclined to put this out for thought. I have no animus toward, or issues with, Stefan, but I am a little frustrated with Stefan posting here. I feel like since he's appeared, the flow of the conversation has shifted, and not necessarily in a good way. I feel like comments have veered off into sideshow issues. It disrupts what has made this my FAVORITE Top Chef blog, adult, insightful, in depth discussion of the show, the food, assessment of talent, and very little screen space dedicated to miscellaneous "stuff." Again, I cannot, and wouldn't, tell Stefan not to post here. That's not my point. I'm just sharing that in the last two threads, I've become concerned that Stefan's dynamic/interjection-prone personality will take over yet another venue.

[DaveP]

Just so that we're clear, Stefan's talking about "David", not me, right? Cuz, ya know, I dig his work (though I have my criticisms too) and think it's cool he posts here. :)

As for why so many of us liked Jeff, well, I don't keep notes like Dom does, but I distinctly recall more successes from Jeff than from the likes of Hosea, Fabio and pretty much everyone else other than the top two. Maybe Dom can do a rundown on all his dishes like he did with Fabio's (hint, hint)? Plus, he showed some very good, positive leadership early on and seemed liked/respected by his fellow chefs. It spoke volumes to me that his teammates would give him props at JT w/o Jeff having to speak for himself.

Put it this way, I rather disliked the guy from ep 1 and was more than ready to hate "just another pretty boy." He soon won me over with his skills (that I at least saw) and demeanor. Jeff, if you're reading this, I'll miss your creations and wish you the best, though we'll no doubt see you again during the finals as a guest sous.

--
Dave

[Jake]

'It disrupts what has made this my FAVORITE Top Chef blog, adult, insightful, in depth discussion of the show, the food, assessment of talent, and very little screen space dedicated to miscellaneous "stuff."' (David)

David, I'm happy to take the blame for that as the guest poster for this episode. While I do think this episode gave us a bit less to dissect food-wise (what mishaps were made were pretty clear, I think, though there wasn't much clarity in whose dishes were better regardless of whether or not they won their matchup), I also don't have the culinary chops that Dom has. I can make some fairly obvious observations (warm ceviche does not sound appetizing, overcooked venison is not good), but a lot of my personal focus is on what the editing is trying to tell us, and what might really be going on. Maybe that's directed this thread's comments. That said, Dom will be back shortly to deliver his usual insights. I think there's a place for both approaches, but I think Dom's approach is the harder of the two to do well, and a big part of why this blog is good.

With hundreds of comments on each episode, I think we can cover a lot of ground, and I also appreciate Stefan's insights into what actually goes on behind the scenes. So blame me, but know that Dom will be back soon.

[David]

Jake, I don't blame you. I don't want to make a mountain out of a mole hill. I just became a little disjointed with Stefan posting here because the show is still happening. I would love to get his, and others, perspective on the show when it's over. The real-time comments, however, could possibly restrict the free exchange here, and that would be a shame.

I'm not assigning blame. Just sharing a thought.

[canasian]

As far as I can remember, DaveP:

-Scallop dish that everyone loved
-fish that was cooked well, but had too much tomato water
-mushy salmon
-fried green tomatoes that were his team's saving grace
-popcorn conch that made great use of the canned food
-assortment of tapas, which included a sorbet that Jean-Christophe Novelli described as "better than any sorbet I've ever made"
-frozen yogurt that nearly garnered him a win in the DDP challenge
-salad for the 12 days of Christmas that went over well and probably would have won with one less cheese.
-slightly overcooked potato risotto
-amazingly complex yet perfectly executed tomato sorbet
-malfouf roll that the judges appreciated but Kathee Lee hated
-a duo of amuse bouches that both tasted good, but was too much for an amuse
-dry spoonbread and strangely textured pumpkin parfait
-soup I don't remember
-grilled chicken and very good bacon spoonbread
-hotdog I don't remember, but with homemade lemon mustard (which I made a couple weeks ago and it makes a great chicken marinade, if anyone cares)
-coffee pork that beat Fabio, but Tom didn't like (surprise, surprise)

So, Jeff's had some of the highest peaks of anyone that's left, and his valley's come across as at worst uninspiring, but in such a narrow crowd uninspiring is enough to get sent home.

[LGeyser]

Terrible episode. Half of the professional judges felt Stefan had the better dish, but he was on the losing end because five wanna-be chefs don't like him personally. All five! Too obvious. TC, don't do this type of competition again.

[jse91]

I think this years t-shirt should be,

I can't quiet my creative monkeys.

[Rahul]

I, for one, have no problem with Stefan jumping in from time to time. But then, I've been a big fan of his from the first episode. And he's absolutely right about simply being confident in his own ability (it might seem a little heavy-handed, but look at the monkeys he had to deal with on the show). I don't remember him saying anything negative about Jeff/Jamie, who I'm guessing were the only chefs he saw as equals worthy of the TC challenge...

And this has been said quite a few times, but it needs to be said again. This was a horrible episode, the kind that belongs earlier in the show when there are more contestants with more chances for failure. I'm willing to take such contrived challenges when there are a large number of mediocre to crappy chefs still around, but not when they're about to enter the finals. And leaving the vote up to the shooting gallery was a ridiculous option (again, something to be used earlier in the show's run) that could have left Stefan out on the ledge (arguably the best chef this season). I'm also very disappointed that Jeff had to go. Yes, his performance has been spotty throughout, but given the time/resources of the finals, I think he would have put up a good fight against Stefan/Jamie. Both Stefan/Jeff had the judges split over their dishes (and why were they being rated against the failures of previous seasons?) but, in the end, it came down to foam fingers and novice chefs...

The main appeal of this show (for me) is that qualified judges (Tom and most of the guest chefs/restaurateurs) provide insightful commentary for up-and-coming chefs, based on a string of dishes they put out. Most of the challenges are fairly lame, but that's irrelevant, as long as the judges stay true to this routine. Lousy time limits, gimmicks, product placement, poor ingredients, drama, a poor pool of contestants, all irk me to some extent. But none of that makes me lose any real respect for the show...

Guess there's a first time for everything...

[Rahul]

I, for one, have no problem with Stefan jumping in from time to time. But then, I've been a big fan from the first episode. And he's absolutely right about simply being confident in his own ability (it might seem a little heavy-handed, but look at the monkeys he had to deal with on the show). I don't remember him saying anything negative about Jeff/Jamie, who I'm guessing were the only chefs he saw as equals worthy of the TC challenge...

And this has been said quite a few times, but it needs to be said again. This was a horrible episode, the kind that belongs earlier in the show when there are more contestants with more chances for failure. I'm willing to take such contrived challenges when there are a large number of mediocre to crappy chefs still around, but not when they're about to enter the finals. And leaving the vote up to the shooting gallery was a ridiculous option (again, something to be used earlier in the show's run) that could have left Stefan out on the ledge (arguably the best chef this season). I'm also very disappointed that Jeff had to go. Yes, his performance has been spotty throughout, but given the time/resources of the finals, I think he would have put up a good fight against Stefan/Jamie. Both Stefan/Jeff had the judges split over their dishes (and why were they being rated against the failures of previous seasons?), but in the end, it came down to foam fingers and novice chefs...

The main appeal of this show (for me) is that qualified judges (Tom and most of the guest chefs/restaurateurs) provide insightful commentary on up-and-coming chefs, based on a string of dishes they put out. Most of the challenges are fairly lame, but that's irrelevant, as long as the judges stay true to this routine. Lousy time limits, gimmicks, product placement, poor ingredients, drama, a poor pool of contestants, all irk me to some extent. But none of that makes me lose respect for the show...

Guess there's a first time for everything...

[DaveP]

Thanks for the assist, canasian!

Rereading that list, I feel more than justified in placing Jeff just a step below Stefan & a half-step below Jamie for most of the season. Not to mention he was often the only one who actually tried to stretch his creative skills when most ppl started to dumb things down in the middle of the season.

--
Dave

[Joanna]

Here's the thing: I like Jeff. I've always liked Jeff, and I dream about tomatoes being in season again so I can try to recreate his sorbet, and I generally have looked forward to seeing what he could do. (And, okay, I wouldn't have minded a few more scenes where he didn't have a shirt on... but that's beside the point.) Fabio, on the other hand, never really impressed me. He made one winning dish at the very beginning of the competition and he hasn't really done anything noteworthy since then.

With that said, I do think Jeff deserved to go home last night. His defense of his dish made me wonder if he ever really understood how the game works. Part of it is the creative monkeys and his inability to keep things simple - but what's worse is that he seemed to expect bonus points for doing more. The JT conversation sounded something like this:

Judges: Josie's dish tasted better.
Jeff: But I made sorbet!
Judges: Her dish had more flavor.
Jeff: But I used a chinois!
Judges: We wanted to eat more of hers.
Jeff: But it wasn't even ceviche!

It's like they were arguing two completely different points. Instead of defending his dish, Jeff defended his process. He's had moments like this before - in the family-style cook-whatever-you-want challenge, he made a few references to the fact that he was running around doing so much more work than everyone else. But... so what? Doing more work means nothing if the end result isn't good, and I'm not sure Jeff ever really grasped this.

I'm definitely sad to see him go, but I think it was his time. And I also don't think Fabio will be around much longer at all.

[Danny]

Dave, I understand what you are saying about Stefan posting here. I mentioned in a previous post that I am an entertainer and I avoid sites where there is discussion about me. I've performed for twenty-one years on cruise ships for a company that charters the ship and there are a bunch of places that have lots of post-mortem comments. I don't go for two reasons. First, people can be brutal and over-the-top on the internet in a way that they never would be in person and I don't want to be exposed to that. Second, I am afraid of inhibiting the discussion. "I want to say something but Danny posts here so I better not."
Of course Stefan has ever right to post here - everyone has that right. But now we have posts apologizing to Stefan for things that were written.

[Bart]

I wouldn't worry about Stefan. I think he can handle our snarky comments :)

Besides, most of us here LIKE Stefan. I'm thrilled he posts comments, because it provides an extra insight into the show.

But, really, I'm not going to change what I say about Stefan's performance because he comments here. And honestly, I doubt this is the first time he's heard people call him arrogant. I don't think it bothers him, because he can back up his talk. When he says he's a good chef, he's just speaking the truth.

When he says he's the best chef this season, well...look at the evidence. Even if he gets eliminated next week, we're going to look at Stefan this season like we look at Richard Blais from last season. Or even Tre or Tiffani.

Frankly, having someone like Stefan post comments here enriches this blog. It makes me want to read the comments more.

[canasian]

I have no problem with speaking my mind about Stefan while he's around. He's subjecting himself to it. Which is fine, and personally if I were to go on a competition show I'd search out blogs and boards about the show because I would want to know what people have to say. Going on a show like Top Chef is meant to be used for publicity. If you shelter yourself from comments how would you know that what you see from yourself as confidence on the show reads as arrogance by the rest of the viewing audience? I say good for him that Stefan is willing to go searching the web for other people's opinions. I'm sure no one would be worried about the "flow of conversation" being disturbed by Carla showing up here.

[aaalex]

Bart: couldn't agree with you more. And I think it's also important to remember that, in fact, none of us has any idea what Stefan is actually like, because we see him through Bravo-coloured glasses. It's TV. TVTVTV. Those who've apologized were simply being polite to a good (and real) chef about whom we know virtually nothing, though we comment as if we do. The thing is, when we comment on "Stefan", here, we're commenting about a TV personality, created by Bravo to keep its customers watching. Good to remember that Top Chef is not reality and that, in the end, it's not really even about the "top chef".

The one thing that has continued to bug me about the show is its refusal to take past performance into account when judging a chef. Last year, we were treated to the perverse spectacle of an inconsistent and limited chef (the horrid Lisa) making it to the finals. If consistency of invention and creativity isn't essential to making a "top chef", what is? Would you go often to a place which, usually, serves things that are drab just for the sake of the one time out of twenty you might get something interesting? There may be no easy way to include a chef's consistency in his or her staying, but wouldn't it be possible, when judging is close between two chefs, to have the one who has most consistently performed be rewarded for that performance? Create a point system, make the wins worth something? Anyway, for me, since last year and Lisa, I haven't really been able to take the name "top chef" all that seriously. It's this that makes someone like "Stefan" even more enjoyable to me. The "Stefan" on the show seems to treat this show as a version of WWF. The right attitude, I think. And pretty funny.

Sorry to ramble. But aside from certain frustrations, I really like the show.

[Polybus]

As someone who lived in San Francisco for many years before moving to the desert, I was a little surprised to hear Jamie say that she was doing a "spin" on cioppino by using crab. I've spent a lot of time down in Fisherman's Wharf and "crab cioppino" is a very common dish. In fact, for years, I thought that the only way to make cioppino was with crab.

It was a little surprising.

[Jake]

I really would have loved to see what Jeff could have done in the finals. Maybe he was hurt more by the constraints of the challenges than other chefs because his food is so complicated, but then again, it's not like they don't know coming in that they're going to have to deal with goofy challenges.

As far as past performance, consistency, etc., I think it probably does count more than they admit. That said, I would far rather keep a chef who produces brilliant food 75% of the time and total turds the other 25% than someone who produces above average but unexciting food 100% of the time. I would be far more forgiving of bad dishes if they came out of boldness and experimentation that more often than not results in success, even if it didn't in that case.

Otherwise you reward safe, consistent, but probably unexciting, cooking. But that's my personal preference -- I'm more about the wow moments than anything else.

[Caulder]

While I was shocked that Jeff was sent pre-fabio try and remember that Stefan lost to Andrea. I always like Andrea and I'm sure you all remember how she crushed everyone in the blind palate test, but I would guess that Stefan's food would be better than Andrea's 9 times out of 10. Sometimes the cook you *think* (having tasted neither one's offerings) is going to be better is not going to win. Jeff seems to have a lot of skills but his food never seemed to wow anyone with a lot of flavor. Tom's blog clearly says that aside from overcooking the meat, Fabio's food had some flavor whereas Jeff's just didn't. And yes, the studio audience bugged. Bugged all to hell and back.

[paula]

I think Jeff's dishes never hit all the marks because while he was doing every element from scratch (which is awesome in the real world), he was doing so under really constricting conditions (time limits, limited ingredients, goofy other contestants and cameras all around him). That's why I think he would have been great in the finals--less holding him back. And it's why I'll definitely check out his restaurant the next time I'm in Miami.

As for Stefan (since my defenses are probably what caused that thread to get started--sorry), I think the issue may be less that he's a current contestant and more that he doesn't play by the unspoken rules we all have set for ourselves here, which is to treat each other respectfully no matter what our opinions are. Of course, we are talking about HIM, so I can understand he takes it more personally. I was just so taken aback to be called "f**king bitter." But whatev. Stefan, Shmefan. (Still love ya, d**chebag.) As soon as Dom posts his rankings all will be right again...

[aaalex]

Jake: "total turds" 25% of the time? That's every fourth time you step into the guy/girl's restaurant the food is inedible. I just don't see how you keep yourself from killing the chef after the 3rd or 4th "total turd" he's served you. Here at home (Toronto) there was a good restaurant called Susur's run by a really inventive, fusiony chef named Susur Lee (He was on Iron Chef and tied Bobby Flay). His thing was using local ingredients but pairing them with unusual spices or putting them in unexpected surroundings. (Not that he ever served it, but if anyone was likely to give you, say, curried lavender bison Susur was the one.) When his fusions worked you wondered why other chefs didn't use his combinations. When it didn't work, you'd think "right, that's why those things don't go together. They suck." The problem was: you'd pay $100.00 whether the food was good or lousy. And, when the food was lousy, it felt like an insult, like he'd decided on spices and settings without actually trying them himself. After a couple of bad meals, I never went back, figuring I'd had his best anyway.

[Dom's cousin]

@ aaalex: I understand exactly what you mean about the frustration of past performance not being taken into consideration. I can't remember where now...I think it was on one of Collichio's blogs where he explained why they can't do it that way. The only way I can reconcile it in my own mind is that you can usually tell pretty early on who are the best chefs and who are the mediocre ones, based on how well they consistently perform from week to week. If there were not the possibility of anyone being sent home at any time, you wouldn't get the shake-ups like we did in this week's ep, but we'd just be waiting for all the chaff to fall out. Flawed design challenge or not, this week got much more interesting when two of the three chefs that most of us had at the top of our own personal rankings were all of a sudden on the chopping block. But in part, it was Jeff's past performance that got him there, in that he consistently tried to do too much. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't - and this week it didn't. And it's because they don't take past performance into account (although I think they probably do a little anyway, if it's reeeally close) that you have to nail the challenge every single time to make it to the finals. And for those who skate along longer than they should (*cough* Lisa *cough*), they'll eventually get theirs when they're up against a stronger chef. jmo...

In the end, though, it is still a reality show, right? TC is higher brow than most of them, to be sure, but the same thing happens on (please don't hurt me) AI. I have no doubt that no one here wants AI and TC to be judged on the same criteria, but they do share that pesky similarity in format.

[aaalex]

Dom's cousin: up to a point, I take your point. But a question: what would you have thought if Lisa had won? It's more than possible Stephanie and Richard could BOTH have had bad days. (Stephanie had her share of them.) Then what? Could anyone have called Lisa "top chef" with a straight face?

In a way, this is sort of like fighting in Hockey. Until someone dies, they'll never stop it. It'll take a Lisa winning to get them to reconsider, I think.

BTW: sorry, but what is AI?

[canasian]

American Idol. It took me a minute too.

[Jake]

"Jake: "total turds" 25% of the time? That's every fourth time you step into the guy/girl's restaurant the food is inedible. I just don't see how you keep yourself from killing the chef after the 3rd or 4th "total turd" he's served you." (aaalex)

I meant that in the context of Top Chef, and I stress only in cases where there are spectacular highs. I would hold a restaurant to a much higher standard because presumably they have tasted and refined each dish ahead of time, and not been forced to cook, say, in 20 minutes using a basket of ingredients they haven't seen before. Given that on Top Chef they don't always have time to go back and fix recipes that didn't work, I'm very willing to forgive the occasional flub if it's in the context of creativity that often hits.

I think the American Idol (AI) comparison is apt -- a lot of weeks are "theme" weeks, and I'd rather see someone go way out of their comfort zone and try something new. If they succeed 3 times out of 4, I'm perfectly willing to forget about the 4th.

[Dom's cousin]

@ aaalex...are you really going to make me say it? I already feel the flames coming...American Idol. Yes, I watch American Idol. I say it with shame, so please don't judge me too harshly. :)

I would have been extremely pissed if Lisa had won. But I didn't like that Ilan won over Sam in S2 either. It happens.

[aaalex]

Oh ... American Idol. (Thanks Canasian)
Dom's Cousin: Well, actually, you know, I agree with you. TC does have similar flaws to American Idol. What makes me want TC to be better is ... I really learn while watching TC: things that go together, interesting recipes, what to look out for when you're cooking scallops or soup ...I guess I feel I have a little deeper understanding of cooking when I've watched TC. American Idol tells me absolutely nothing about music or singing.

On the other hand, I could be fooling myself about this ...

[aaalex]

Dom's cousin: I really hated that Ilan won. I was going for Marcel. But Ilan wasn't as consistently pants as Lisa.He was a credible (if unpalatable) winner. Lisa winning would have made a mockery of the show. IMO, of course.

[aaalex]

Jake: okay, yeah, in the context of the show 75/25 good to bad is probably decent. It makes me wonder, though ... given that this was Stefan's first EC bottom ... does he have the best winning/losing percentage of any of the previous contestants?

[Dom's cousin]

No, you're not fooling yourself, aaalex. I also like TC better because you learn things about food in the process, and you see the chefs learn things (at least the ones that are open to the constructive criticism). Like most people here, my favorite ep's are the ones where they really get to show their stuff without the gimmicky tricks and they get honest feedback about what worked and what didn't. You get a little bit of that on AI, but not to any appreciable degree.

To me, TC's saving grace is that it's judged by people who know what they're talking about, mostly anyway (I haven't made my mind up about Toby Young yet). We've seen all too often how disappointing it is when the chefs are put in the hands of the public at large, which is what happens on AI every week. And AI's 'judges' are occasionally questionable as well (*cough* Paula *cough*).

[aaalex]

Just to answer my own question (sort of) about Stefan. Of those, in previous seasons, who made it to the final four, Richard had the best Win to Low result. He won 4 times while being in the bottom group only once. Lisa was horrible: one win, 6 bottom. With 5 wins, Stefan has already won more than any other contestant on this show over 5 seasons. He's either really good (which I suspect) or the competition is lousy. So, Jake, you should be rooting for Stefan. Even with last episode's "loss", he's better than your 75%/25% standard. (and that not including the times he's been in the top group without winning)

[canasian]

Having not watched TC1 enough to really remember each detail (really I can tell you what the challenges were, who won or lost each week, and "I'm not your b***h, b***h", but that's the extent of what I remember of S1), I can't think who was the most consistent then, but...

Ilan, the most consistent season 2, was in the bottom twice, episodes 2 and 9
Hung was most consistent season 3, with three bottom appearances in episodes 5, 6 and 10
Richard was in the bottom only once, episode 5, in season 4.*

So Stefan has gone for the longest streak of not being in the bottom, and will tie for the record of fewest bottom appearances if he can stay out of the bottom for two more weeks. And as an aside, Stefan has already broken the record for most regular season wins.

*Only counting eliminations, because when I tried to name the top and bottom three of every. single. quickfire. it made my brain hurt.

[aaalex]

Thanks, Canasian. I'm not usually so obsessive about details.

(BTW: Richard has the record for the least bottom group finishes: 1. Stefan has 2, thanks to last night. Honestly, I have to find a life.)

[Jake]

"So, Jake, you should be rooting for Stefan. Even with last episode's "loss", he's better than your 75%/25% standard." (aaalex)

Oh, totally. And it really didn't look like this bottom finish was a turd, either.

[Naomi]

Commenter "Omelet" beat me to the punch, but I found the guest judge's comments regarding Jamie's style while cooking really interesting. It's not something we ever get to hear because the chefs are never cooking in front of the judges.

I think it offered the viewers a valuable insight.

Usually, we learn a lot about a chef's technique and style based on what goes on the plate; their knife skills, their palate etc... but we never hear about their style *while* cooking - their focus, their process - I really found that so very interesting. And I think it says a lot about Jamie as a chef; particularly since it was something the guest judge felt was important enough to mention more than once.

[canasian]

Stefan has two if we're talking about quickfires as well as eliminations, which in the above count I didn't. Because I'm anal retentive, though, I actually went to Dom's top-bottom count, which included quickfires, from the end of season 4. Richard was on the bottom of two quickfires, the farmer's market and the steak butchery quickfires, which brings his count up to three.

[canasian]

Stefan has two if we're talking about quickfires as well as eliminations, which in the above count I didn't. Because I'm anal retentive, though, I actually went to Dom's top-bottom count, which included quickfires, from the end of season 4. Richard was on the bottom of two quickfires, the farmer's market and the steak butchery quickfires, which brings his count up to three.

[paula]

Didn't Stephanie win a boatload of challenges too? I seem to remember her never winning immunity (QFs) but winning like 5 challenges...Canasian? What does your spreadsheet say? :)

[canasian]

Steph won four regular season challenges: the head-to-head classics, the block party, restaurant wars, and the steakhouse. The listings above count bottom finishings in eliminations only with no consideration for tops or wins.

[aaalex]

oh, wait. I've screwed up.

Richard has the largest number of wins, doesn't he? He won (according to the wiki) 3QFs and 4ECs, for a total of 7.

Stephanie won 2QFs and 4ECs, for a total of 6.

Stefan is in 3rd place with 3QFs and 3ECs. Well, 3rd place if you accept that ECs are more significant wins. He's got 6 wins, though, like Stephanie, and this season's not over.

Sam won 5QF and 1EC, surpassing both Marcel and Ilan. So, his total is 6 as well.

Hung won 4QFs and only 1EC.

[canasian]

Okay, I need to clarify that point. First, I said I was counting pre-finals wins, so Richard's pig win ans Steph's plantain win isn't included in that count. Second, I didn't include their team relay win or Sam's quickfire win when half the group won with him (the canned foods QF). I suppose to be fair that means I can't count Stefan's team farm win, but at that rate he still ties with Sam and Richard with five, beating Sam but losing to Richard if you want to assign uneven weight to QFs and ECs.

[Chuck]

One of the worst episodes of the season. This whole thing was concocted to hype the Super Bowl on NBC for the first time in years, as NBC owns Bravo. Can anybody please explain how that scoring was supposed to work? Both Padma and Tom looked as if they thought,'WTF? They can't even make decent ceviche at this stage of the competition?' And I am also sick of the company-sponsored QuickFire challenges. Oats are fine for breakfast once in a while, but I am not ordering anything coated with oats in any restaurant I go to. Better than the horrific Dr Pepper-sponsored QuickFire, but just barely. This show descends deeper into hell every week. I agree with those who have said that many of us who have watched all the seasons have been abandoned by the producers and editors at Bravo, who won't even allow posts like this on their message boards. It has become a different show that is seldom about the food anymore but all about the lackluster personalities and pimping for the sponsors. Like does anyone give two shits about Leah and Hosea's faux-romance? Get in the kitchen and rattle those pots and pans!

[Unhappy Gilmore]

Canasian - how are you accounting for the win (the wedding) the judges gave to Richard which he gave to Stephanie?

[canasian]

According to Dom, bravotv.com, and Padma, that win belongs to Richard; only the prize - the Crate & Barrel gift certificate - went to Stephanie, so by my tally, the win goes to Blais.

[Jason]

Chuck, The Hosea/Leah romance took on a new relevance when it affected Ariane's elimination and then factored into their performance at Restaurant Wars. I didn't like the fact that they were focusing on that aspect either, but looking back they had to show some sort of backstory there because it was obviously a big thing in terms of the "story" of the cast together. And we all complain about it, but they really didn't spend more than a minute or two in any one episode on the topic, so I think the editors made the right call.

As far as the sponsored quickfires, I'm sure most people would like to see them eliminated, but Bravo's got to pay the bills to keep the show running. So those will always be a part of TC.

Lastly, I do agree that the focus has gone away from the food this season more than I'd like, but that may have been a decision the editors have had to make since the food has been largely lackluster all season.

[Ally]

First, interesting at judges table -- clearly the guest judge was overruled b/c he wanted to give Jamie props first.

Second, where have all you Jeff haters been hiding? Suddenly everyone was right about Jeff (although clever call by those noticing Tom's Jeff -aversion).

Third wth is up with all the Stefan love now? I was reamed for sayin anything nice about him in like week 2 or three? Hilarious!

[aaalex]

Can't think of any Jeff "haters". His problem - hyper-inventiveness and a tendency to do too much - was there from the beginning and, this week (sadly) it caught up to him. It's got nothing to do with Tom's "aversion" to Jeff, either. He made a bad dish. He got sent home. Though I thought Fabio's dish looked less appealing, Jeff's wasn't all that lovely, either.

And I'm not sure there was ever more Stefan-hate than Stefan-respect. Of course, one reason for any increase in affection for him, this week, may be that the reality of one of the best chefs on the show actually being kicked off was pretty startling. As I watched the show and imagined Stefan's departure, I kind of wrestled with the question of whether or not I'd watch the rest of the season. Stefan is a great cook (maybe one of the best who's ever been on the show) and he is, along with Carla and Fabio, way more fun than Jaime, Hosea or Leah.

[Unhappy Gilmore]

Always Stefan respect. Great cook, tough attitude but always smiling and laughing - especially at himself.

As to great cooking - I have not seen pork belly, sweetbreads, truffles or other staples of prior seasons. I am sure that Lee Anne has stocked the pantry as before.

[Duffy]

Could the food seems less creative because of surprisingly short time frames? In prior seasons, it seems to me as the season wore on and the field narrowed, the time frames enlarged and the dishes got more inventive, complex, and esoteric. This time around, it seems to me the practical chefs are sticking to simpler stuff because of the time constraints imposed upon them -- and saying so.

[Dom's cousin]

this was interesting...

Jeff McInnes: ‘Top Chef’ used me as a ‘sex object’
The cook dishes on getting voted off and Tom Colicchio’s ‘boring’ food

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28931173/

[aaalex]

That really WAS interesting. Thanks. The argument over ceviche goes on and Jeff's kinda right. But the Gail or Toby thing was intriguing, in light of the fact that Toby seemed to have affection for Jeff's creativity.

[Lou in NJ]

Jeff had to go - he never edited what he was doing. With the time constraints he still seemed to over-think and over-work the challenge. Carla's win was long over do.

Stefan was critical of Leah for choosing Hosea last time for less than professional reasons and he pretty much did the same thing this week. Leah just isn't bringing it to contest - she just needs to go.

For the sake of the controversy I think the ranking should be:

1-Jamie
2-Stefan
3-Carla
4-Hosea
5-Fabio
6-Leah

[aaalex]

Lou: not at all sure what you mean by "Stefan pretty much did the same thing this week". Stefan, having won the quickfire, chose one of the weakest candidates (Andrea). It was a good choice. Who should he have chosen? Andrea managed to beat him because the audience was 5-0 for her, clearly a verdict based on something other than taste, since Stefan's dish had split the judges 50/50. But Stefan in no way acted unprofessionally. That I can see, anyway.

[Steve]

Final comments before Dom's weekly rankings:

1. Jeff's earlier than deserved elimination proves again that the judges should reserve the discretion to factor in previous performance in deciding who to eliminate. The judges do not want definitive rules, reserving for themselves the flexibility to judge as they see fit. Therefore, why should they limit themselves to a pure single elimination process? Judging can be complex; the judges should be free to choose whatever standards they believe is suitable for each test.

2. Jeff clearly proves to us why we have always had him trailing Stefan and Jamie in the contest: he is more concerned with being creative than simply cooking good food, and his views and definitions of food does not always comport with those of the judges. His definition of ceviche, case in point. While there are different styles in cooking, there are definitions and basic expectations for food that need to be met. Thinking outside the box is good, but do not call something a ceviche when it is not.

3. Leah proves that Ariane's wins were not a series of accidents. Excellent but simple cooking trumps creative but severely flawed cooking.

4. Which brings me back to my point from earlier posts that the more refined tests should be reserved for elimination rounds immediately prior to the final rounds. We have Eric Ripert this coming week - perfect. But the "farm fresh" challenge, considering that most of the chefs did not understand it, should have come after restaurant wars and especially this silly Super Bowl challenge. Ariane possibly would have survived a couple of more rounds. The higher skills should not have been asked of the contestants so early in the season.

5. Fabio comes through again with delicious sauces and sides, but messes up the main protein. Seriously, he may hang on for the final four.

Where do I think rankings stand?:

Stefan
Jamie
Hosea
Fabio
Carla (she can make final four if she focuses.)
Leah

[Brent]

Jeff disses Tom in comments to People.com:

"My opinion about Tom Colicchio’s food is that it’s extremely boring. I’ve been to his restaurant. His chicken dish on his menu is roasted chicken with roasted potatoes, thyme and olive oil. If I want that, I’d go to my grandmother’s house. That’s just not exciting to me. I don’t know who would go out and pay exorbitant amounts of money for that food."

Guess Jeff and Tom really didn't get along (at least from Jeff's perspective) ...

[Allison]

I was originally going to post on the episode, but my comments have mostly been covered. Not a postmortem comment, but I'm watching pregame Super Bowl coverage on NBC. Tom Colicchio's there with what appears to be a tailgate challenge featuring former Top Chef contestants ... I think I spied Antonia, Blais & maybe Spike? Looks like a better cast of "All Stars" from past episodes ... check it out.

[Allison]

This must have been Tom's "hint" about working with the NFL. Teams are Antonia/Andrew for the Cardinals & Richard/Spike for the Steelers. They're to create a dish to "celebrate the cuisine of each team." Winning team gets tickets to the game.

While I wish I'd seen Richard & Antonia in the team of All Star chefs, if I were in their shoes, I think I'd opt for the chance to go to the Super Bowl over the challenge last week. And Andrew & Spike have managed to do both.

[Allison]

Richard & Spike get tickets to the game.

(Apologies for so many posts in a short time!)

[Linda]

Richard just posted in his Bravo blog a run down of what would have gone through his head during the quickfire elimination challenge.

I would be thinking like this, right before Padma said go; this is maybe a minute, maybe:

“OK, oats, crust -- no, too predictable. Gonna riff on risotto, maybe polenta, oats as mashed potato! Got it. would love to grab a steak then. Sure there is beef in the fridge? Not a lot. I gotta run to the fridge first. I can't run in these clogs, damn. Everyone’s gonna grab veg first. I’m going to the fridge for the protein. If i don’t get the beef, I could use anything as steak, fish, etc. Maybe a sauce using whiskey -- no -- scotch! Yep, that makes sense: oats, scotch, haggis -- makes sense -- salmon steak? Maybe even some maple, maple and oats, sure. I’ll grill the steak; that's quick flavor. What about acid and texture? I’ll fry some of the oats for garnish, maybe coat some of the beef fat trim and fry, tempura parsley, cilantro, needs a fresh herb, dill? Needs vinegar for acid in the sauce. Red wine, maybe sherry, garlic -- wait -- maybe steak and eggs, and oats -- no -- steak and scotch eggs, truffle oats, maple, maple foam, smoked oats, smoked scotch”

TIME STARTS NOW!

As someone who doesn't cook, I thought the creative process was fascinating. It reminded me of some of Dom's posts.

[Allison]

OK, now that the Super Bowl festivities are over, these are my thoughts on the the latest Top Chef.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I do not recall Padma explaining the rules for a tie. As others have posted (including Tom Colicchio on his blog), the "fans" casting votes was an issue I had with this challenge. In a football scenario, a tie would go into overtime. Obviously, that's not practical. But no one EVER would hand over ALL of the points to the "fans." I felt that every 10 point decision where the judges in a sense abdicated their role was unfair.

Tom also commented on the "All Star" team; as we already knew, none of the chefs made it to their final round.

Disappointing on several levels; yet this episode had its good points. I think TC has been trying too hard to create "shows in season" that we all know "aren't" & this is one. And then we get "Farm Fresh" between Xmas & the Super Bowl where there’s an issue about serving soup in 85 degree weather? Why pretend?

While there's nothing wrong with having the chefs prepare "Super Bowl" food in 20 min. (given the prep time), I'm not a fan of how this challenge played out. Carla nailed it with "quick love" & an excellent gumbo (also a nice QF) that played to her strengths. I’m concerned for her going forward because I doubt she'll luck out on location/ingredient strengths all the way. Regardless, I love her!

The "playing field" was inherently uneven due to the arbitrary head-to-head competition introducing contestants from the past. I felt that an unnecessary randomness was introduced. This challenge was dissected into individual match-ups that NO football team would consider. Unknown teams or quarterback vs. tight end, for example? It didn't make sense.

Looking forward to seeing unagi (one can hope) next week, but it doesn’t appear too likely.

Cheers!

[Darcy]

Bummer, I missed that pre-super bowl QF.

I must agree with earlier posts that some challenges should have been longer or given the proper information. However, maybe the chefs are bypassing the sweetbreads, etc, and not just for time constraints. Leah seemed to put up her nose at Niki's decision to use chicken livers.

*Thanks Dom for this blog. So love it.

[Unhappy Gilmore]

I can't believe no one posted during the Super Bowl.

[Russell]

I agree with everyone that this episode was unduly gimmicky for this late in the season, but I wanted to ask about something that I don't think has been touched on. What exactly is Padma's role in the show? Though we see her sharing her opinions at Judge's Table, it's always seemed like she was the host of the show and perhaps a facilitator of Judge's Table conversation, rather than a full-on judge. So the three judges are Tom (Head Judge), Gail or Toby, and that week's Guest Judge, with Padma acting sort of like the District of Columbia's Congressional representative (i.e. non-voting).

Now I happen to think that Padma speaks smartly about food, but by giving her a full vote in this week's challenge, isn't this changing the rules of the game mid-stream? Or was she bumped up to an equal position as judge at the start of the season, and I somehow missed it?

[Unhappy Gilmore]

1. Stefan
2. Jamie
3. Leah
4. Hosea
5. Carla
6. Fabio

[canasian]

Padma is the host and a judge. She always has been. It's a little unfair to say this, because I respect her opinion just as much as Tom or Gail's, but her role on the panel is to serve as the "common" palate. Tom is the professional, who should know every flavor inside out and be able to critique food as such. Gail (and I guess Toby to a certain extent) represents the publicity end. She is the person who spreads the word of food to masses. The guest should be someone who specializes in whatever the theme for the challenge is (i.e. Stephen Starr, successful owner of several high-end restaurants, as the Restaurant Wars guest judge). In a way, Padma is the most important opinion at the table. She represents what the regular people who will ultimately be patrons that keep a restaurant business thriving.

[paula]

Russell, I'm pretty sure Padma's always been a full judge, at least as long as I've been watching (which is since season 3).

[aaalex]

Russell: I always thought Padma was a voting judge, which is why the exchange between her and Toby about previous performance was interesting. The suggestion was that Padma had been taking Ariane's previous performance into account. Tom sided with Toby. Still, it does bring up the question: who breaks a tie, if the four judges are split?

[Darcy]

I believe it is the producers. I think there is some disclaimer in the fine print at the end of the show that says the producers blah blah are consulted or something like that.

[DaveP]

Padma has been the host & judge since S2 (S1 was the stiff-as-a-board Kathy Lee Joel). She's written some cookbooks, one of which Hung won for his breakfast QF win, so I imagine she knows something about the cooking end. Before TC, she might've been most "famous" for having married & divorced Salman Rushdie. :)

As for who has how much weight at JT, I think this season's illustrated that Tom has by far the most (I mean, obviously, since he's head judge and all). I doubt Padma has any less of a voice as the others. Guest judges prolly have varying weight as well--I'm sure they preach egalitarianism and all, but you're gonna tell me Sam Talbot's opinions carry the same weight as Andre Soltner's or Eric Ripert's?

--
Dave

[Charles]

Didn't they have someone else in Season 1 playing the role of host? I'm not sure since I started watching in Season 2 and the few episodes I saw of Season 1 I thought were horrible.

Padma's not that bad, though she can be a bit of a drama queen. For the most part she gets a bum rap.

[Hillary]

While I think Jeff needed to go eventually for his inability to edit himself, I did NOT want him to go before Hosea or Leah! Jeeeez.

[babyarm]

I just threw up in my mouth a little. The finals will be in New Orleans featuring the hack Emeril very prominently. BAM BAM BAM

[Brent]

Don't be too hard on Emeril. His shows are unwatchable, and he's very annoying, but his restaurants are generally well-regarded and he does tons and tons of charitable work. I hope they also involve John Besh, however.

[aaalex]

babyarm: the word for throwing up in your mouth is "vurp" (a combination of vomit and burp). So, to use the word in a proper sentence: "At the thought Emeril,I vurped".

[rab01]

"Still, it does bring up the question: who breaks a tie, if the four judges are split?"
"I believe it is the producers. I think there is some disclaimer in the fine print"

Tom has said in his blog that he is the head judge and he has the final decision on who goes if there is disagreement. He has also discussed the disclaimer but said that the producers do not interfere in the judging. They did step in, however, to dissuade him from kicking out all four of the contestants who participated in attempting to shave Marcel's head but I'm not sure if you would consider that a "judging" issue.

That said, there have been times when the visiting judge gets to choose the winner. (I'm not sure whether that is still the case.)

[Jon Olsen]

Emeril's a lot classier than people give credit—recall the things Bourdain said about him in his books and then moderated as he got to know the guy. Face it, he's a warhorse. Better him than a lot of people. But Besh? Hells yeah. I wanna see me some John Besh! I'd like to see more female guest judges, though. Like Asako Kishi, from Iron Chef! Try talking back to her, punks!

Need. Power Rankings. Can't. Read. More. Comments. Or. Speak. At. Normal. Rate.

[Naomi]

>>That said, there have been times when the visiting judge gets to choose the winner. (I'm not sure whether that is still the case.)<<

I may be misremembering here, so forgive me, but there have been a number of times where it appears that the guest judge has chosen the winner when actually, they've simply been given the honor of announcing the winner (rather than choosing).

[canasian]

On Project Runway and Shear Genius, judges and producers have explicitly stated that the guest judge has the exclusive right to select a winner, but in the case of a tie for loser the guest judge's vote is removed and the three regular judges' votes will be the only ones to count. However, those shows don't have a designated "head" judge like Tom. I would think that when the guest has a personal stake in the winner they get to choose the winner of the challenge (like when the winner of the Jennifer Coolidge got to cook at an event with the guest judge - can't remember the guest judge's name).

[wolfefan]

Might be worth noting that at least on Project Runway one of the producers (Heidi) IS a judge!

[Cheryl]

From what I can tell, the visiting judge gets to pick the quickfire winner, if it is a subjective challange but the winner of the elimination is based on agreement among the judges. Because of the editing, I don't think we realize how much time they spend at JT discussing the best and the worst before they arrive a their decisions. From some of the blogs of former contestents, it sounds like it can go for hours..leading to exhaustion and too much alcohol consumption as they sit in the stew room. It would be nice if they gave a little "time elapsed" info.

[canasian]

Congratulations, Dom and commenters! This is the first time in the blog's history to reach four pages of comments!

[JW]

Worth noting a connection, perhaps...the finals are evidently going to be in NOLA and guess who jumps all over the New Orleans choice in the Super Bowl competition? Hootie Hooooo!!!

[Darcy]

Speaking of producers. Have you seen this about the producers from Top Chef are creating a new reality show about arranged marriages:

"The show introduces four adults in the 25-45 age range who are eager to get married but have been unsuccessful in their search for a mate. Their friends and family select a spouse for them, and the newly paired couple exchange marital vows. The series follows their marriages.

The rest of the details for the project, whose early working title is "Arranged Marriage," are being kept under wraps.

The series is from Jane Lipsitz and Dan Cutforth of Magical Elves, which launched "Project Runway" on Bravo and produces the network's "Top Chef.""

Uhmmmm. ick.

[kit]

in case anyone wanted to apply :)

http://www.arrangedmarriagetv.com/index.html

[redpoint]

Come on, people are acting like this is really Stefan. It could be anybody, writing in a fake Finnish accent.

But if it is Stefan -- you're adorable! Way cuter than that Harold Dieterle or that overrated Sam Talbot. Loved those pants you made out of the potholder. Most girls love that stuff--I do--I don't know about lesbians.

On another note: Who are you'all voting for fan favorite. Carla's attitude is so great, I had to give 2/3 of my votes to her. I bet her food is good, too. The other 2/3 I divided up between Jamie and Stefan. My 8-year-old daughter gave most of her votes to Ariane, and a few to Fabio and Jamie.