Top Chef - S8E12 Postmortem

Perfect.

As they were leaving the table, my exact thought was, "Send them all."

What a great episode. So great was it to see all five chefs cooking from the heart and bringing everything they had that the elves couldn't even screw it up with one of the stupidest quickfires in the history of the show and some really shameful head-faking at Judges' Table.

Put me in the camp that thinks this was the right call. Sooo much I want to write about. Thoughts on the contestants, thoughts on what I bet happened at JT... but I'm going to save it for the rankings.

Great episode.

Discuss!

Comments

[garik16]

Matthew's been lying about not knowing who got eliminated for a while, I see.

[jh]

He's an attorney, what else do you expect? :-P

[Cousin Sam]

but we have a face to go with his postings, how cool is that? ;)

[garik16]

Okay Padma with three fake outs in this episode. And in all honesty, I can't complain.

I hope Matthew will give us a full breakdown of all the dishes in the comments here.

[noob]

That was a performance worthy of the finals.
Well done chefs.

[Krazikarl]

Man, they really like messing with Richard - they did the headfake in the finals of his season and then this. You could tell that he was pretty mad at first about the fake out this time.

[irine]

All I kept thinking the whole episode is what awesome Filipino dish that Dale would have made. It would have been nice to see...but great elimination challenge.

[Amanda P.]

MATTHEW! *fist shake*

:)

I have to admit on Padma's 2nd fake out (I'm still trying to be circumspect in case people come to the comments too soon), my jaw dropped. My husband called the outcome with about 10 minutes left, though - too much smiling.

[Bart]

This is easily the best episode of the whole season. I even enjoyed the quickfire, even though it was ridiculously gimmicky. Richard kind of unfairly oversimplified Carla's dish - just because a dish has fewer components doesn't make it any less sophisticated.

I loved, loved, loved all the family members/lovers. Mama Isabella is great - and that was a really touching moment, seeing Mike open up about his grandmother. Carla was spot on when she said that he gave the diners a gift. I couldn't have expressed it better myself.

I also loved the reactions of the others - the moms were all ready with sharpened knives at the first instance of slight criticism - all bristled and ready to leap over the table and choke Tom or Padma and say "YOU WILL LIKE THIS DISH DAMMIT!" but glowed with pride when everybody praised their dishes.

I also liked how Blais's wife and Matthew (Yay! We finally get to put a face to that name!!) seemed soooo tense but melted with pure, pure relief when the other diners began talking about their dishes.

By the way, Matthew, I have to say, since I know you're reading this - you and Carla looked like you had a lot of genuine affection for each other, and it was really cool to see.

This was a beautiful elimination challenge, made all the better because the chefs executed nearly flawlessly, which is, of course, exactly what all the viewers hope to see. And it's really gratifying to see it happen, and even more gratifying to see everyone rewarded for their efforts.

Brilliant episode.

[Karen B]

I just loved it, start to finish. I thought the elimination challenge was terrific- cook a great meal that has personal significance- with no gimmicks....would have been happy to see a couple folks go, but would much rather see them all at the finals than one of my faves get eliminated. And I saw someone I "know'-Matthew-very cool to see you and Carla. You are just as handsome as I thought you would be:-)Interesting to have no negative comments- will be interested in other folks' take on that.

[Dreamboat]

Now THIS was the episode I have been wanting from TCAS all season. An episode where the chefs cooked from the heart and made the judges job so hard because all the food was so good.

I am from ATL and a big Blais fan. When Padma said "Richard, pack..." I started screaming "NO NO NO" I was throwing stuff at the TV before I realized that he was safe and going to the finale. Then watching Tiffany and Carla, I felt like I was gonna puke. I am so glad that no one got eliminated for cooking great food!

matthew, it was great to "meet" you. You can keep a secret as well as your wife :D

Discovering that Antonia and Mikey are related was funny. It explains a lot!

[Independent George]

1. I LOVED the EC.
2. For seven seasons, I've wanted to see one challenge where everyone knocked it out of the park. It was everything I hoped it to be.
3. Double elimination next week? Four in the finale? Or a three-part finals?
4. Matthew - just how tall are you? You dwarfed everyone there. I wish we could see Bourdain next to you just for scale.
5. Again - what I've always wanted to see on this show was everyone at the top of their game. I hate seeing people fail; I'm glad they pulled through.
6. I realize this belongs on the other thread, but apparently, Nick Mangold is a TC fan.

[JJH2]

Interesting twist. I was really hoping to ditch either Mike (who earned a bit of redemption this episode) or Tiffany. I'm not sure how I feel about a five person finale, but I LOVE the idea of the chefs competing against the winners of their season. Michael Voltaggio is the only season winner competing that I think is heads and shoulders above his competition from the season. Actually, I'd love to see a Blais v. Voltaggio showdown. I'm also interested in seeing how Stephanie has grown as a chef.

[KinderJ]

Oh man, I was on pins and needles for that Judges Table. Seriously nerve wracking. That being said, I think the way they resolved this speaks very well for Colicchio as head judge. I am reminded of that RW (season 2? 3?) where no one won, and they made them re-do it. I seem to recall other ties, where an extra person moved into the next round, though none immediately spring to mind.

Man did Mike I have a moment on this ep or what? Who would have thought he would cry over family before Tiffani? That dish looked beautiful. My grandmother was a terrible cook for most of her life. It's only just recently that she started getting good. Oddly, it's because my grandfather never let her cook, on the basis that he was from Italy and found Anglo-American food dull beyond words.

And yes, Richard looked like he was about to cry, have a heart attack and deck someone all at the same time. Nasty.

[Cousin Sam]

so much more satisfying when everyone does well. my only complaint - nothing for Carla for winning the quickfire! no prize, no advantage going into the EC...what's up with that?

it was nice to see everyone with their families. have to say though Matthew, the smiles and pride on your face when Carla's dish came around was really cool. and too funny that you met on match.com! :D

[matthew]

@garlk16 - As I said on twitter, the only thing I've know is that Carla made it to this episode. I was legally restricted from saying anything. So call me a liar, but I was not about to violate a confidentiality agreement. Other than this episodeI was just much in the dark week-to-week as the rest of you. In fact, I had no idea how the judging went for this episode.

Antonia's risotto was definitely a winner. Mike's dish was really tasty. I was a little surprised that Carla was one of the last to make it through. I was pretty confident that hers was one of the best dishes. There was really no bad dish there. I can see why they broke the mold and put all five through.

[Elaine]

Dammit, Guybrush.

[garik16]

matthew, not a problem, just poking fun at you.

[Cousin Sam]

oh yeah, IG just reminded me - Matthew, you are way taller than what I pictured in my head.

[KinderJ]

Matthew- I had kind of a funny moment watching this episode. My ears, and possibly my brain, had apparently disconnected for a couple of minutes, because when I saw you and Carla sitting on the bench I thought to my self 'No way. He is way too young to be her dad. Who the hell...? Ooooh!' You looked really proud, and I think you have every reason to be. Congratulations.

[Redpoint]

Fantastic episode.

I was sure Carla would win the QF with the oranges. All she really had to do would be peel them, compared to the rest of those dishes. !Hot dog buns as a soup base!

So I'd love to know how closely Mikey and Antonia are related! Anyone?

Great to see you Matthew!

[matthew]

I'm 6'3" It's funny, because I think all of the women (chefs) were taller than the men.

I'm happy to share as much as I can, but I have to be careful about what I say because I'm not supposed to talk about things that didn't get aired. I will say this. The judges and all the crew associated with the show are really nice. Oh...Jazmin and all the moms were great to hang out with while there taping. You can definitely fit the personalities of the chefs with the family members. I can't believe that I say "nugget of love." Oy!

That fake out of Richard was cold. I'm sure he just about sh*t a brick when Padma called his name.

@garlk16 - No worries. I'm sorry if I got a little defensive.

@Kinder J - You had Carla and me on the floor with that brain fart.

[Independent George]

Bourdain is blogging again, and is still hilarious.

Watching poor Dan -- who's all about freshness -- poke unenthusiastically at the scrapings from a ferry snack bar, most of which looked like baby vomit -- was but one of the many entertainments of this week's Top Chef. Frankly, I thought the Quickfire was pointless and cruel. Ferry snack bars have, perhaps, the very worst food on earth -- they make one yearn for airports... But watching the inappropriate match up of one of the nation's premier advocates for healthy, green, and socially-responsible food sources with the foodie equivelant of Chernobyl was Comedy Gold.

[Cousin Sam]

also was really impressed with Antonia and the risk she took with the risotto. as she was plating it I was remembering all that was said after Tre's about how risotto should spread out on the plate and was like, ah, so *that's* what it's supposed to look like. another cool moment.

[Danielle]

Vicious, dramatic concept for the next EC. That's got to be scary for the Top Cheves, no? Show you're still on top?

I expect to see a Carla/Matthew match.com commercial any day now :)

[berz]

Finally Antonia won a prize! (and it's a great one!) I was sad for her when the other challenge she won did not come with a trip or signed cookbook or anything at all, and she missed out on the 5,000 when she forgot to plate a second dish for the Paula Deen QF. This Ferry Boat quickfire was a silly challenge and Carla has won plenty so I think it's fine that she didn't "get" anythign for the QF win. I love Antonia and would enjoy eating any dish she made this season. She's my top pick.

[Cousin Sam]

thanks again IG - favorite line from Bourdain: "Would have served the judges right had [Richard] blown chunks over Judges' Table."

[Cousin Sam]

but don't they always get something for the QF, even if it's just a you get to pick first or go first kind of thing? never just a 'good job, ok moving on now...' there was no point to it except to keep them freaked out on the ferry.

[KinderJ]

Amazing line from Colicchio's blog:

"Everyone did an outstanding job and it was such a great evening that it was just unacceptable to send anyone home."

I really, really approve of that sort of thinking, and I really like that the Elves, for all we complain about them, were willing to run with it. I know that the judges keep saying that the producers have no impact on their decisions- I think this proves it beyond a doubt. Be ruthless, be perfectionist, but since it's not the finals... send them all. I am really excited to see how this turns out.

Matthew, this may be outside the NDA at this point, but was that Carla dancing with some Junkanoo (sp?) performers in the preview? I've seen Junkanoo in Nassau, and it's wild.

[Cousin Sam]

same story from Gail's blog:

"We were really happy that Antonia won and we were thrilled that, after much begging and pleading with our producers, we were able to convince them to let us bring all five of them to the Bahamas with us. At first when Antonia's mother asked if we could bring five chefs we laughed it off, but when we sat down at that Judges' Table, we realized they all were really deserving."

[pottymouth princess]

Matthew, thanks for posting your impressions about the competitors, relatives, crew and especially the food. You were almost exactly what I pictured. :) The food all looked so good, so good that even I (like Tom) would have tried (and maybe even liked) Tiffany's okra.

I guess that's why they had to kick Dale and Angelo out; no family backgrounds; not sure how meticulous they are in the Phi lippines and Cuba? Fuggetabouit. They would have had to boot me at that stage as well since I am a child of a closed adoption. The elves might have been at work more than we thought during the last two episodes, especially since Tom all of a sudden starts saying "One bad dish can send you home." Nice in theory, but seeing this challenge, can see why Angelo and Dale had to go. They would have had to likely jettison Hung as well if he was competing. /end rant

I called it before Tom said they were truly nitpicking. While I'm glad all five went because they deserved it (knew Mikey was through with the quick turnaround redemption arc), but that means we get another two-fer next week.

Congrats to Antonia for FINALLY winning something.

Poor Blais; he looked like he was going to stroke out at JT, but man, he's still so bitter about, well, everything that I find him hard to take, except in small doses.

I wonder how they're going to pit Stephanie against the two S4 contestants; will she only have to make one dish to compete against both Antonia and Blais? Lucky Carla gets Hosea, but I'm not counting out Kevin, since IIRC, he's originally from the Caribbean, so he could eke out a win. No way Isabella can out cook Voltaggio, so I guess that's my outster prediction for next week.

[Anon man]

Hey, don't harsh on matthew for being an attorney. He just has a good poker face. And, to be fair, there's no evidence he knew (yes, I'm an "A" too) that it was five to the final. But, he knew who the final five were. If he invites me for cards, I'll decline.

A five-way final will be interesting, I see a double elimination next week. Re-engage teeth gnashing.

For the record (again, with the legal blather), I actually thought Carla was going home, based on the interview clips they've been running for a couple weeks. Mike was happy, Antonia was happy, Tiffany was well-coifed, Richard was Richard and Carla seemed down. Ok, Elves, you got me.

[KinderJ]

Aaaaand a follow up from the Gail interview/blog that really puts the finale of this episode into context:

"We were really happy that Antonia won and we were thrilled that, after much begging and pleading with our producers, we were able to convince them to let us bring all five of them to the Bahamas with us. At first when Antonia's mother asked if we could bring five chefs we laughed it off, but when we sat down at that Judges' Table, we realized they all were really deserving. "

Good for the Judges for sticking up for the competitors. Good for the Producers for agreeing. And good for us, because the Finale looks mental.

[matthew]

@KinderJ - Beats me. I need to go back and look again. You all might not believe me, but Carla hasn't said a peep since then. Trust me. I've been looking for facial cues about the finale. We had dinner with Tiffany Derry last night, and both of them were talking in code.

[KinderJ]

Cousin Sam- sorry, did not refresh the page before posting. Totally missed you got there first.

[Independent George]

Is all this talk about the Final Five reminding anybody else thinking about Battlestar Galactica?

It's Ellen Tigh!!!

[Bawdy George]

Matthew - my wife and I were watching together and we loved the match.com reference because we met there as well. Congrats to you two (we were both yelling at the TV to send Tiffany home). The blow of the kiss and the look on your face during Carla's service was easily our favorite thing about this great episode.

[KinderJ]

IG- There's a final challenge for you. "Chefs, please cook for us the dish you would make when the fleet finally finds Earth. Also, no angels, skinjobs or flying bio-ships by pulling the appropriate ganglions. Good Luck!"

[irine]

@Independent George - I was just telling my boyfriend that Padma could totally be a cylon...

[ally]

been said but...

matthew you are so busted!

[Sweet Sue]

Perfection.

[Skillet Doux]

Hey, hey, hey... no Battlestar Galactica spoilers either... I'm only on season three!!!

:-)

[Cousin Sam]

KinderJ, no prob. the joy from this ep has made us all eager. I think I've posted more in this thread already than I have all season long. :)

[matthew]

LOL @ ally I hope you all don't throw me out of the Skillet Doux family. ;-)

[Lon]

Add my voice to the total enjoyment of this episode. One of my all-time favorites.

I also was wondering about who Richard & Antonia will be paired against because both are from season 4. The other finalist that season was Lisa Fernandes.

If you want to compare season to season, season 4 survived the longest because three (Richard, Antonia & Dale) of the final six chefs were from season 4. Not bad.

I know there have been comments about Richard's gloom status, but I think I'd be pretty upset about results if I were him. He puts so much thought into the food and just misses time after time.

Will be interesting to be sure.

[Maria]

The first thing I thought after this episode was, "Matthew has been so coy the past few weeks!"

SUCH a good poker face, er keyboard?

[Sweet Sue]

Matthew, you are so handsome and should always wear warm colors like orange, peach and gold.

[Jon Olsen]

Okay that was cool. Except "Richard, pack your knives..." That was ridoucheulous. the only thing worse than that was S6's "Kevin, you are not top chef." just...no. No no inappropriate no.

Holy crap Matthew, you are hawwwt! you're a hottie from hottingham. Are you guys gonna have babies? You need to make like so many babies. 400 BABIES

This felt like a final. Damn. Glad it wasn't tho. TeamRichard! TeamHootie!

[Cousin Sam]

@Jon, lol! Carla has a hard enough time making 300 plates, how in the world do you expect her to make 400 babies (even with help from her hawwwt husband)? :D

[anne]

I just adored how absolutely proud matthew looked, he seemed beyond words. You and Carla must be quite a pair together.

[jbb]

So the Watch What Happens wrap-up is on March 30th, according to the commercial that aired at the end of the episode. There are 3 separate Wednesdays between now and then. I think we now get two weeks of single eliminations then a 3-person finale, they just kept the schedule under wraps so as not to spoil tonight.

[mncharm]

Great episode. Full stop.

[timothy]

Such good food! Such good television! Such good blog commentary! All is well in the Top Chef universe. For at least a week, anyways...

[Nsam]

"Poor Blais; he looked like he was going to stroke out at JT, but man, he's still so bitter about, well, everything that I find him hard to take, except in small doses."

Matthew gives good poker face, Blais has bitter beer face. You want to tell him to relax a bit, it's just a made-for-TV title, after all. And they did him like that at JT because, well, sadism is a tried-and-true ingredient of reality TV.

But for me, that's just a quibble with Blais. I love that he cares, much better than the alternative. Say, much of Season 5, like Jamie. Whatev.

[redpoint]

It's nice to wake up Thursday morning happy.

[berz]

While I agree all were deserving, I felt the judges should have been forced to make a decision as to who would pack their knives and go. I was happy for the cheftestants but felt disappointed in the game. It felt like a let down, like they all tried so hard, and except for Antonia no one "won". The MOP should have earned the satisfaction by eliminating a competitor. If they were all so good then the same thing can happen endlessly. At what point are the judges forced to eliminate someone. I thought Carla had the weakest dish (from comments) The compliments seemed a bit gratuitous (Gail about the biscuits) but since she wont the quickfore that could have given her a pass, meaning Tiffany had to go.

[redpoint]

I disagree Berz. Tom said Carla's broth was incredible, and many praised her grits cakes (though not Tom). The only criticism was about a lack of flavor in some side vegetables. I'll agree this was one of the only things criticized about any contestant (aside from something of Antonia's being overly salted).

I wouldn't discount the power of a fine biscuit, either.

[Anon man]

I do have one knock on the episode: why even bother with the QF? As best I could tell, there was no prize. None. No immunity, no extra five minutes to cook or and extra $50 to shop. Zero.

[paula]

That QF was a complete throwaway space filler, and Dan Barber may have been the worst possible judge for that. (Excepting, of course, Alice Waters. :))

But I loved this episode. Loooooved it. Matthew, gotta admit: I felt a little played when I saw you up there, what with how nervous you've been playing it in the comments in the last few eps. But all is forgiven. I felt like I was watching a friend on TV, and you and Carla are a wonderful pair. Your pride was transparent. What an awesome experience that must have been for you! I'm deeply jealous you got to eat all those dishes that sounded completely amazing.

Can't wait to see the match-ups against the season winners. That's a FANTASTIC idea, even better than "Cook the dish that sent you home."

But despite Mike's nice story this week, I still hope Michael V. mops the floor with him.

[paula]

Actually, I hope they give the season winners a pretty compelling incentive to put forth their very best efforts. I have to wonder if some of them might hold back juuuuust a bit to help a friend move on to the finale (Michael V and Mike I are pretty chummy, aren't they?).

[Cousin Sam]

berz, I have to disagree as well. what's so bad about an occasional tie? so they all keep playing a little bit longer, just like in any other game. it's hardly going to last *endlessly*. in fact, more from Gail's blog:

"But rest assured, the Bahamas is where the madness ensues. As you can see in the preview, there's good food and bad food, there's bad hair, there are fires, there's drama – basically everything you could ask for from a finale and more... but only one of them will make it to the very end. That I can promise."

[KinderJ]

Paula- I remember them being reasonably friendly, but Mike V. was also intensely competitive. My bet is that there's a warm welcome, a couple of laughs, and Mike V. bounces Mike I off the wall for the rest of the episode.

Dom- Just FYI? They have a plan.

[Independent George]

You know, now I really regret bringing up Battlestar Galactica - an absolutely wonderful show that took me on a magnificent journey for several years, and ending in utter disappointment. I'm still bitter about the space hippies, and this just brings back all that anguish. I guess even TV food is a gateway to memory...

[Elise]

@ KinderJ

LOL on the two Mikes competing.

Can't wait to see the season four rematch. Unless one of them blows up that should be an amazing fight.

[Naomi]

Great episode!

When the family members started walking out, I yelled to my husband "It's my friend, Matthew!" (yeah, I elevated our status from 2-people-who-share-the-same-commenting-space-on-a-blog to friends LOL)

when I saw you and Carla sitting on the bench I thought to my self 'No way. He is way too young to be her dad. Who the hell...? Ooooh!

That's like when, after showing a couple of moms, they showed Richie making out with the missus and I (jokingly) said to my husband "Wow, he really likes his mom".

When Antonia's mom first asked if there'd ever been a 5 person finale I thought "Ah ha! Foreshadowing." When they decided to show her saying it again to Antonia, I was pretty certain it was happening.

There have been other times on both Top Chef and Project Runway when I've felt that decisions like that were made in advance of the actual judging but this was an instance where it really seemed to be a decision they reached organically.

[matthew]

@Paula - I did have to play things down a bit over the last few weeks, but I was serious when I said that I was nervous about Carla. While I knew she survived, I was really nervous about how bad the episodes would/could turn out. Some of my fears were confirmed. I know Carla was really embarrassed after last week's challenge. In fact, she only shared last night why the heritage challenge was worrisome for her -- because she nearly got the boot on the southern food challenge.

Whew! Now it's back to honest-to-goodness nail biting.

[matthew]

Oh...after thinking about the show a little more, I was rather surprised that they didn't bring Carla's mother in for the show. I kept calling Carla's mom, cryptically asking for family information. She would have been great on the show.

[KinderJ]

Matthew- I can imagine my mom turning up on this challenge. "One little folder? No no no. I have here some enormous ring binders, tracing family lines back hundreds of years. That should get you started. Also we have these CD's with extra info, and you may find these newspaper clippings/journals/probate records relevant. Of course that's only my grandmothers' line of the family..."

[Canuck]

I absolutely loved this episode. So much so that I skipped class to rewatch it! (I hope this doesn't show up on my GPA)

Really, I would have found it impossible to find a loser out of the lot. Every single dish looked so delicious and inspired. And I absolutely loved when Richard found out that he had a chemist in his family...it just made so much sense. It just doesn't seem fair to send someone home for cooking something so utterly delicious. The judges came out of this one looking good too, for sticking to what they felt was right and not what they were supposed to do.

[Bill G]

I thought they should have sent someone packing. If it was really so close they couldn't decide it would have been a good opportunity to consider the entire season. As I see it, they didn't do their job as judges.
What are they going to do in the finals if everyone does well again; give everyone $200K?

[Amanda P.]

Dom - I think that you need to have a guest writer for the power rankings (or maybe the post-mortem) this week, since we have someone who actually DID get to taste the food this time. :) I think it could be pretty cool if the NDA allows! (but that's just my opinion)

[Canuck]

Seconded, Amanda. Should we start up a chant? ;-)

[mncharm]

I don't think the fact that there was a tie in this episode sets any sort of precedent for a tie in the finale. I assume the judges were well aware prior to the finale that a tie was not an option.

Gail's blog confirms that.

[nomnomnom]

I think anyone that watches the tea leaves knew before this episode that nobody was going home for any reason. I didn't want to spoil that for anyone as Bravo again clumsily let that out of the bag about 3 weeks back. A few of the other fan sites made this point as well.

All and all a great episode.

[redpoint]

Question for Matthew, if you can: How big were the portions? Tasting size? Do you think it's more difficult to fairly judge the last plate you are given, when you aren't so hungry? Is it strange and noisy eating with all the cameras around, or do they try to be unobtrusive? Thanks!

[nomnomnom]

One question: Do we consider LisaF's record broken now or not?

[redpoint]

Where did you see this, nomx3? I saw no hint on the Bravo site. Thanks.

[garik16]

Well remember, a tie is incredibly less likely in the finale, because the contestants need to complete 3 or 4 dishes each.

While it's very possible that three top contestants could each put up an amazing dish that are impossible to compare, the odds of them doing it for 3-4 dishes are essentially zero.

[redpoint]

I don't believe Tiffany received any of the criticism about her food that Lisa did. Tiffany's food may be at the bottom of the All-Stars, but I don't remember the judges ever saying it was actually bad. People also remember Lisa for her attitude problem, not so much her food, I believe. Spike's food was for the most part just as badly received, but he actually made it to All-Stars, probably because of his personality. I wonder if Lisa was asked to be on All-Stars.

[redpoint]

PS I still remember Lisa winning an episode for her bacon (and yes, I know she was on a team with Dale and Stephanie). It sounded amazing. And she did great in her last run in the finale. I think she's better than people give her, and I feel badly that she gets so much criticism, though I know some she brought on herself.

[nomnomnom]

If you watch the Bravo Episode releases you saw them jumble up how the final episodes were to run. It was about 2/14 or so when they changed the last episode to a "finale" episode making it 3 episodes in the finale location. This meant they had to skip an elimination. Bravo quickly retracted the episode descriptions and only now have them as they were.

Now if you also watched other fan sites prior to the season you would have seen KevinS photographed shopping in a Jersey Whole Foods in his Top Chef outfit in September. What the hell this was about I have no idea. He never showed up during the season at all.

When the previews started stating as a fact this was the last NYC episode it was a lock nobody was going home, but really with the episode name changes and with an elimination last week the only plausible thing you could take away was that they would not eliminate anyone this episode. The only think making me just 99% certain was the KevinS shot and the fact that he did not make an appearance. As soon as they started the EC without KevinS I knew it was a no-elimination.

[timothy]

Redpoint: yeah, I remember that bacon too. I tend to always remember bacon. I think it was maple/miso? Sounded delicious. I also kind of feel bad about all the criticism Lisa gets. I mean, yeah, she probably deserved it at the time, but I wouldn't want people to endlessly view me through the lens of my worst behavior five years ago. I would like to think she has grown up a bit and is still making good bacon.

[berz]

Antonia and Mike clearly surpassed the other competitors with their dishes. They earned the move ahead to the next challenge and should have the benefit of having knocked out one competitor from the game, Because the judges could not decide between sending fan favorite and strong player Carla and low ranking Tiffany home they should have broken the tie either by Carla's record or her quick fire win or a cook off, It isn't fair if Tiffany or Carla win because one of them should have been eliminated no matter how disappointing and sad that would make us. Of course everyone made great food during a heritage challenge, Now someone will be eliminated based on a challenge that's quirky regardless of consistent cumulative skill and talent and luck.

[Cheryl]

There have been 5 in the finale before. Season 5 they let Jeff, Leah and Jamie come back for that quickfire and the winner got back in the competition. It was a double elimination at judge's table and that is probably what they'll do in part 1 of the finale this time as well.

[KinderJ]

Canuk/Amanda- This clearly calls for a slow clap.

Clap.

Clap.

Clap...

[Polybus]

@berz "Antonia and Mike clearly surpassed the other competitors with their dishes."

Where is your proof here? The way I read the episode, all dishes were so nearly equal that it was extremely difficult to choose a winner, let alone a loser.

[vizoroo]

Congrats to Antonia! I really thought Richard had won the EC, but certainly couldn't quibble with the final result. I thought the Elves set Richard up with the PPY... And since they discovered the familial relationship let Mike go with Antonia.

Matthew, nice to meet you on screen.

[vizoroo]

And how could you send someone home when their mother/husband/wife is sitting at the table?

[berz]

If that were true (that the 5 dishes were so close that the judges could not possibly determine a clear winner let alone loser) then all 5 should have won a car. The judges obviously were required to award one winner. They should have been required to determine one chef who would go home. On Project Runway when a tie occrus before the finals, another challenge is issued for the two designers to "shoot out" for the chance to advance. This is a game (all the chefs are fantastic and I love Carla) but the game is a let down when the rules change mid-stream. Several other chefs could have benefited from rule bending along the way. I am happy for Crla and Tiffany but I really feel it was unfair to the other three. Perhaps I would feel better if the top chef or top 2 or top three received a benefit the bottom two did not, to be used in the next challenge (extra time or money or choice of equipment, or something like that.) I loved Tiffany in her season and have always rooted for Carla, she's great....but this seems unfair and bothers me. It's a game, flip a coin or rock paper scissors or cook off or look back on the previosu challenges but do SOMETHING to eliminate one. Just my opinion. Also, I think it was impossible for the judges to be critical with the loved ones right there shooting daggers or welling up with tears.

[Independent George]

Berz - it wasn't just the judges; at the end, when the chefs were tasting each others' food, they also concluded that everybody's food was excellent. Hence, the 'oshit' looks on their faces as they headed to the stew room.

[redpoint]

I understand your frustration and see your point, berz, even though I'm elated Carla isn't going home. I think the comparison to Project Runway doesn't hold up though (I am trying to contain a Project Runway rant). Project Runway is grossly unfair. So many times the judges' favorite clearly had the worst dress, but the judges sent someone else home instead, based on the question "who do we want to see more from." I WISH Project Runway judges had the objectivity that Top Chef judges do. I so much more respect Tom's opinion over Nina Garcia and Michael Kors, in this aspect. He's so much more objective. (ugh, ugh, ugh--I'm still cringing over Gretchen's win.) I truly think if Tom thought it should be a tie, it should be a tie. Maybe I'm naive, but I trust him with this. He's made so many other difficult decisions in the past.

[mncharm]

For your point to be accurate, berz, we basically have to conclude that the judges are liars. They said they could not pick a better dish between Tiffany and Carla -- to me, the best solution is to do exactly what they did in an unusual situation.

If they truly felt one dish was not as good as the other, then your point is valid -- but I don't see the evidence that the judges felt that way.

Finally, JT was away from the relatives, and I don't even think the relatives learned the result at the time (Matthew, correct?) -- so I don't think we can say that affected the objectivity of the judges.

[garik16]

berz, to judge based upon the whole spectrum of a chef's work, though it might seem fair to you, is changing the rules. That's not allowed. It can't be done.

[Polybus]

Matthew, you are one lucky guy. Married to Carla, schmoozing with the other TC chefs, hanging with Padma, Tom & Gail - and on top of all that, you get to taste probably the best round of TC dishes in all seasons. Sheesh! So much good fortune on one man! (Okay, I'm happy for you.)

[matthew]

I don't get the sense that there was a clear divide between any of the chefs after Antonia was declared the winner. I don't think Carla and Tiffy being the last in front of the judges, necessarily translates to their dishes being the worst. Again, I wasn't around for the judging, nor did Carla discuss it with me, but I think a lot of what happened was for dramatic effect. Fruther, if I had to guess, the decision to keep all five was decided before cameras were rolling at JT. At that point, it was just a matter of figuring out who should get the Highlander.

[anne]

Antonia for top seed?

[mncharm]

Matthew, as always, thanks for the insight.

Very cool to see you on TV!

[paula]

Padma's fake-out to Richard was really, really appalling. You're better than that, Top Chef.

[matthew]

@Redpoint - The portion size of the plates would probably be considered on part with a "small plate." It was decent amount of food, but perfect for getting through five courses. We were all pretty hungry by the time we sat down, but I don't think it affect our ability to discern or appreciate the first plate from the last.

As for the cameras and crew. Very unobtrusive, more so with the cameras. Various members of the production team would occasionally pop in to discuss one thing or another, between dishes, but I was probably so fascinated by the whole production aspect that I didn't mind, nor pay attention to time. I actually tried to forget the cameras once I was seated.

I cracked up when I saw Jimmy Fallon talking about his mom being on the show, and the reminder to say the contestant's name first, and then comment on the dish. It was a struggle to keep that order when providing feedback. I was so focused on not saying thing stupid or seeming wooden that I'm certain the name --> dish --> comment order suffered.

Thanks for the questions, though. I am making some notes for a piece I'm going to post on my blog (probably this evening) about the experience.

[matthew]

LOL @ Polybus! I won't argue that I am, indeed, fortunate to have Carla in my life.

[berz]

I don't think past performances should factor in unless there is an outright tie with no hope of a decision. Also, since Carla won the (very silly, worthless) quickfire, that should have given her the edge. Cooking is not a timed, photo finish, it's based on judges' opinions. If they truly could not decide between 2 or 3 or 4 of the chef's dishes there should have been a cook-off. They should have had to make a dish from someone else's heritage. Antonia would be the only one to safely move on if what Matthew says his perception was is true, that everyone else was equal. I know that the family members were not at Judges Table, but the judges are human. They have to be somewhat influenced by other dinner guests' emotions and comments...whether the guests are a comedian cracking tasteless jokes (Jimmy Kimmel episode) or family members rooting for their loved ones. Why have guests if their comments and opinions don't factor in to the judges perceptions and final conclusions. I think a cook off would have been great, especially if the dishes were tasted without knowing who cooked the dish.

[Polybus]

@paula "Padma's fake-out to Richard was really, really appalling."

I thought it was particularly cruel, given how Richard has appeared to take this whole contest so deadly seriously. Not to mention that it stopped my heart for five seconds.

[redpoint]

Matthew. Thanks for answering my questions. How I wish I had been there. Can you give us the link to your blog?

[Danny]

What a great episode. The QF was horrid and yet it did point out something. There was a way to make something really delicious and creative if you took the time to think. Carla really used her noggin and saw that orange and knew that was the right center for a dish in that setting. The one thing that I really liked about the QF was the chefs having no idea how much time they had. I don't think that this has ever been a part of any other challenge and it was an exciting element.

Great comments Dom. Here is my definition of who Top Chef is: Top Chef is the person who is best at playing the game Top Chef. There are many amazing chefs in the world who could not perform if they were given all the restrictions and obstacles that the TC contestants are given. There are chefs who do well at TC who might crash and burn on Iron Chef and there are certainly IC winners who would not do well upon learning that they couldn't use lobster and a pound of white truffles and no sous chefs.

I see no problem with a tie. If they had been forced to make a cut I don't know that many viewers, the chefs or the judges would feel good about it. Carla wasn't the only one to receive a minor complaint: Tom for Carla, the corn was a little tough; Gail (I think) to Richard, not enough protein and there were others - I haven't watched the episode my usual second time.

Matthew, you are who I hoped you were. You and Carla are amazing together. Use the $10,000 for fan favorite to help pay the taxes on the other prizes. Winning big on $100,000 Name That Tune almost wiped me out financially (sure could have used the 100k!).

My ranking would be Antonia, Carla, Richard, Tiffany and then cousin Mike.

[matthew]

@redpoint - you can click on my name, but I'll make it easy.

http://www.matthewdlyons.com/blog

[bryanD]

We have just been subjected to "the producers" stepping into the process. Oh well.

[lisa]

Loved this episode and was nice to put a face to matthew ;)
I feel like Blaise is on the track he has always been on. A weird mixture of to much confidence and not having enough confidence. It can be his downfall for sure.

Not happy to watch Hosea again.

[Scott]

I LOVED this episode.

But am I less of a man because I was more turned on by the fact that previous top chef champions are coming back to compete head to head instead of Padma in a bikini? I'm feeling emasculated here.

[Eric]

@matthew: totally cool! i pointed you out to my wife and said, "That's the guy on the food blog."

on the whole Richard fakeout thing. It has been done before. Season 2, after Cliff was evicted for hair gate, the judges agreed that he would have been sent packing anyway but threatened to send one or more of the remaining contestants home. Instead Padma said, "Please pack your knives... and go to Hawaii!" Of course, to do it to Richard, who seems to be this year's straight man at the judges table. I knew they weren't going to send him home and I knew it was a fakeout, but part of me still stopped right along with Richard's heart, until I was absolutely certain that it was the old fakeout.

I agree that they all should be sent on to the finals. During the final episode, they must pick one winner based on whose food was *best*. (Notice they were able to do that in this episode.) However, during elimination episodes they are asked to pick the contestant who made the worst errors and send them home. And as Tom points out: One mistake can send you home. But *nobody* made *any* errors. There were *no* mistakes. Nothing except what would have been completely the subjective tastes of individual judges on particular parts of the dishes.

So send them all on. One of them *has* to make a mistake sooner or later... and from the previews it looks like it's sooner.

[Cousin Sam]

berz, I really don't get your point. you say they shouldn't change the rules mid-stream by not having an elimination, yet everything you're suggesting - past performance, a coin-toss, a cook-off - are all just as contrary to the established rules. and suggesting that the judges didn't send someone home because it would make the *viewers* disappointed or sad is just silly. raise your hand if you've been disappointed or sad at some point during this season because of a JT call.

and what makes you think there won't be a cook-off as you say, just because they didn't do it right then? if they were all (or mostly, if you count Antonia alone as the winner and then everyone else together - I wouldn't count the order they were dismissed as any indication of how they felt about the individual dishes) equal, then they all cook-off in the next challenge. chances are high that a double elimination will be next. the only real gain is that someone got a brief moment in the Bahamas that they otherwise wouldn't have gotten. big deal.

[Cousin Sam]

bryanD, I don't see it as the producers stepping into the process. obviously if they are sending more people than intended to another location for the finale there is additional expense involved and I imagine the judges still need approval from someone to do that. nevertheless, it seems to me that the producers did stay out of it by allowing the judges make the call they thought was the right one and not forcing the issue.

[berz]

I just think the judges took the easy way out. I wonder if they also did not want to appear to value one cuisine heritage (Italian) over another (American Southern) Top 2 were Italian and bottom 2 were Southern Cooking yet all were prepared very wel with no mistakes and all presented equally well.

[matthew]

FWIW: I think the idea of a top 2 and bottom 2 is flawed, particularly when you think that they never planned to eliminate anyone. I think the notion of not being able to decide who to cut was not limited to Carla and Tiffany. I think them being there was a bit of unfortunate misdirection, leaving viewers with the sense that they had the worst dishes of the service.

[matthew]

Now...when I say the never planned to eliminate anyone, I'm drawing an inference that this wasn't a spur of the moment decision. There had to have been some discussion about this prior to heading to JT. This is my speculation, but I could be wrong.

[redpoint]

Matthew--if you are allowed can you tell us what you thought of the food? Any elements that stood out in deliciousness or not quite? And do you think Antonia and Mike's dishes were the best?

[mncharm]

"Here is my definition of who Top Chef is: Top Chef is the person who is best at playing the game Top Chef."

Right on.

[Scott]

I think there is more than one criteria when evaluating food. It would seem that taste is the only factor, they could've boiled it down to skill, technique, ingredients, level of difficulty. I think if they REALLY wanted to, they could find legitimate reasons to put someone on top and someone on bottom. I personally think taste is a very subjective indicator and has been an issue with chefs like Richard when he realizes his creation couldn't beat out a fruit salad.

[HF]

...that wAS AWESOME!!!

What a beautifully filmed episode, it made me want to visit NYC again so much. I didn't mind the QF at all because I was back on the ferry. Wow.

matthew, that dinner table looked unbelievable, you lucky dawg! How much food does everyone end up eating?

[Cousin Sam]

@berz - you're still inferring that the judges used how they wanted the judging to appear as one of their criteria, instead of what Tom has said ad nauseum what it's about every time: the food in front of them at that moment.

after 8 seasons of TC and all the controversial decisions they've made, do ya really think the judges give a rat's ass about whether or not it looks like they're favoring one kind of cuisine over another? come on.

what was easy about the way they took? on the contrary, they all said it was very hard. sometimes when a decision can't be reached you get a hung jury, so be it. it's not like that happens all the time. if it did, then it would be disingenuous.

[Independent George]

Oh, and Dom? No spoilers, but the 2nd half of season 3 of BSG kind of sucked. Pretty much everything after Rapture, with a few good moments thrown in.

Season 4 made up for it, though - in a big way. It's like once the writers knew they were reaching the end, they decided to cut all the BS and tell the story they wanted to. S4 was mind-blowingly awesome... right up until the finale. Not even the entire finale, just the last 15 minutes or so. I'm still a little bitter about that.

[Bawdy George]

Anyone else catch Blais mutter "why did you..." under his breath, then catch himself, after that cruel head fake? I doubt I'd have been able to exercise the restraint he did.

[Kyle]

I agree with everyone saying that we don't really have enough info to assume that there was a top 2, a number 3, and a bottom 2. It's clear to me that there was a #1 that was barely above a four-way tie for 2nd place.

Also, from a tv point of view, would the fake-out elimination have been half as interesting if it were anyone other than Richard? I don't think so. And dismissing him third was the best way to make the fake-out work.

[Kyle]

I also want to add that I loved this episode. It was easily my favorite of the season. The banner Dom has for this post looks absolutely gorgeous.

I'm interested to see whether the break time between NY and the Bahamas has a rejuvinating effect on anyone. With 5 people left, I feel like Antonia has the edge, but I think the break might jumble up the other 4 slightly.

[Natalie]

Did anyone else think that Richard started looking especially pukey once they announced the finals destination of the Bahamas? He was already tense, but after that he couldn't even look up. I wonder if it was irritation with himself at not winning, or fear of going down in flames in the Caribbean, again.

[berz]

Cousin Sam I don't think the judges care what viewers will think but I think they might have discussed amongst themselves whether or not they were bringing to the table their own prejudices for or against southern food as cuisine. Gail loved Tiffany's dish even though she didn't grow io eating that way. Tom enjoyed her okra despite being wary of it. I just think perhaps they gave some thought to whether their palates might tend to prefer Italian food. Obviously I know Padma is Indian, but Italian food is more common in fine dining establishments than Southern Home Cooking in American cities isn't it?

[redpoint]

Looking at the plates above, if I were a judge I might have sent Tiffany home. I'm not a fan of plates on which someone has smeared a small amount of sauce for artistic effect. I'd so much prefer a dish like Antonia's, a hearty braise atop a pile of homey starch.

[Bill G]

In defense of the Blais fake out: it may well go down as the single most memorable moment in Top Chef history. I put my hands to my head and screamed "Nooooo!" and afterwards thought it was incredibly funny. I guess when you grow up with a lot of brothers you appreciate a good fake out and don't take it too seriously.
Padma got me and a lot of other people pretty good, hopefully Blais will seek some (good natured) revenge.

[gilmore]

I agree with Matthew that the order after Antonia did not matter. They paired her with her cousin. They wanted to mess with Richard. That left Carla and Tiffany.

[twelden]

Terrific episode filled, for the first time in weeks, with food that gave me Willy Wonka-like dreams of eating food from my TV. And count me in with the clear majority who thought the judge's resolution was fair and equitable.

A couple of random thoughts on Mike I:

1. A lot was made of the fact that he hasn't cooked Italian food since his grandmother's death, but in the Rao's episode he certainly talked up his Italian food game, and certainly didn't give the impression it was something he avoided. I kept thinking last night that there is a bit of a disconnect between that episode and this, but feel like I should go back and watch last night's episode again to make sure I understood what was was being said about that point. Anyone else feel this way, or am I missing the context?

2. We now know of two things that will leave the usually bombastic Jersey boy speechless - memories his grandmother and a picture of his 7-year old self from his Dance Fever audition.

[anne]

Gail makes pretty clear on her blog that they worked hard to convince the producers to let them do this. Which makes sense--it's much more expensive for them to do so.

So, Matthew, has Match.com called you yet to do promos?

[wallfish]

@twelden re: Mike I; I got that he didn't cook Italian professionally because it brought back too many memories of his grandma. He mentioned her during the Rao's ep, I thought? And, honestly, when has he not talked up his game?

[bryanD]

"...nevertheless, it seems to me that the producers did stay out of it by allowing the judges make the call they thought was the right one and not forcing the issue."---Cousin Sam

I refuse to believe that the judging panel could not come to a consensus on whose food was least worthy of a cook's advancement. I refuse to believe that the judges' tongues and olfactory nerves were stuck in Windows safety mode.
(To say otherwise is to say that the judges are troglodytes, in which case, What are we doing here again?(??) Food pictures? Mags are much better for that.)

Let's face it: in hindsight, this episode was tuned to the bland key of G-major. Evidently, in The Producers' warped and closetted minds, food LITERALLY equals Family, and to dismiss The Food is to dismiss somebody's whole family tree, so no keeping score allowed. It's like all the cooks were suddenly adopted by Augustus Caesar.

P.S. To whom it may concern:
The *Richard Fake-Out* fooled no one due to its arch stupidity. Obviously, a late-night desperation move to *save* the episode.

"Blais"= English/Irish? Eh, nevermind; the *other side*. I get it. STILL: I would have *lurved* to have seen Blais do French.

[ally]

@bryanD

I agree there was an overwhelming sentimentality exuding, extruding, protruding from this episode. But I care not that it led to the inclusion of all.

Also, yes, the English/Irish "Blais" family? Lol! But again, I care not. Us American Mutts come from Who Knows Where, tbh. And a french last name could have been diluted in stock by centuries of "breeding" with those trogs from the UK. (kidding of course).

And @ nomnom, unfortunately yes, I think Tiffy gets a win, so we're at the same place as Lisa F. Whaw whaw.

Was I the only one who was holding my hands over my eyes after Richard's sadistically horrible "DNPYKAG"? I literally just listened to the revelation that everyone was IN, I couldn't watch. That, friends, is GOOD TV.

Anyways, I loved the whole thing, and I knew not what would happen, and I was riveted, and again, still, I can't wait to see what happens.

Although the preview of Richard's beard is ... how do i say... scary?

:)

p.s. matthew - you are still so busted! on national tv!!!! i'm so happy for you that you got to do that though, so we'll forgive you :)

[redpoint]

Well bryanD, it sure fooled me. My daughter and I were so shocked yelling we didn't realize Richard was in for at least half a minute. And another thing, bryanD, sometimes it's okay to be ruled by the heart, rather than the head, especially in the realm of food.

I just re-watched the show (my kids suggested it, honest). It was interesting see how miserable Richard was throughout the whole episode. He just couldn't get over himself. Contrast this to Antonia, who was having a blast and getting emotional about the family aspects simultaneously. Even more, contrast it to Carla. When the judges said Antonia was the winner, Carla's whole face lit up. She was so genuinely happy for another contestant. Blaise (and Mike, for a second) looked miserable during the same moment. He has let this game engulf him so much he can't get out of his head and be there with everyone else. He needs to get a little zen. Even (or especially) Dale grew from this situation. Richard seems like he's gotten so much worse, so much more self-involved.

[ally]

redpoint, in Richard's defense, the poor guy has, I think, been thinking this whole time that he "should have" won his season. He NEEDS to win this season, I think, in his own mind, to validate himself. He has struggled because of this in my opinion. I feel like I understand where he is coming from, and I don't want to kick him while he's down. This contest means more to him than it does to many, if not all, others, I think. And I really agree that it is affecting his performance. Which is sad. We saw enthusiastic, happy to be there, eager to show us what he can do Richard in his season. Now it is like, brooding, misunderstood genius Richard. I still love him in both cloaks. But I think the first one was more successful at the game of Top Chef.

He is still the person that I would put my money on if I was rich and a restaurant investor. Of all of the TCAS contestants. Unfortunately I am not rich :)

[gilmore]

I also found it ironic the Tom C. said he was going to steal the glassworts recipe from Richard.

[Independent George]

Re: Blais - Britain was unified by the Norman conquest in 1066, though, ethnically, the English are actually Germans, with the Welsh being the 'true' English (from the Roman days).

[Anon man]

IG, are you Welsh? By happenstance, the half of me that isn't Italian is Welsh. Sadly, I won't claim to be proficient in Welsh cuisine, as I am in the Italian.

+1 on the match.com promo. If Carla wins, the win money plus the endorsement funds will open an awesome sweet shop (which I will be at, 100% certain).

[Independent George]

I actually find it endearing that Richard is so consumed with the competition. At no point has he behaved dishonorably - in fact, he's gone out of his way to help the other chefs when called upon. I don't think it's self-absorption we're seeing, but rather total dedication to his craft - he expects perfection because he puts everything into every meal.

The best analogy I can think of is Michael Jordan in 1990, after being eliminated by Detroit for the second consecutive year, stewing at the indignity of losing after putting everything he had into the game. It is ego, but not in the self-aggrandizing manner you see in Mike; rather, it's the expectation of perfection after a lifetime of work, and incomprehension as to what, exactly, he needs to do to get better.

I'm not making the comparison in terms of their relative talent, but in terms of drive and perfectionism. Michael Jordan was completely nuts.

[Independent George]

Anon man - I'm Chinese by way of East Timor. Ancient history just happens to be a hobby of mine. Europe during the Dark Ages, and feudal Japan, are my favorite periods, because there's seemingly so much bloodshed over what seems to modern eyes to be so damned little.

[bfish]

Re: "Blais" being an English/Irishman -- My family name comes from my paternal grandfather who was half-French. The name (shortened from a much longer, Frenchier name) is a very recognizable 5-letter French word. But since I'm only 1/8 French and grandfather routinely expressed the desire to be sustained by some magic vitamin that would allow him to avoid eating (and my grandmother was a great cook!) I can't identify culinarily with that part of my heritage, in spite of the family name. Though my heritage is primarily Scottish/English/German, I identify with Mexican cooking most due to growing up in SoCal and being thoroughly exposed to it.

At the beginning of the season I wanted Richard to win. His constant second-guessing and nerves are getting old however. Other (sadly departed) contestants -- Angelo and Dale T -- won my favor for the TC title. It was a big disappointment to me when Richard didn't win his season but that has passed. As others have noted, he is VERY invested in winning All Stars. If you read some of his blogs (on an Atlanta website I think) from several years ago, he lamented how much he missed Top Chef, particularly for the competitive aspect. If, in the remaining episodes, he lightens up a bit -- meaning his pure joy in cooking/creating comes through better and he can temper his scowls and muttering when another beats him or is highly complimented by judges -- I could get behind him more fully as I do think he has a ton of talent.

[Cousin Sam]

um...yeah. still not getting your point there, berz.

really, bryanD, it's totally not possible that 5 chefs could all make really good dishes at the same time on one challenge out of, what, 30-ish challenges over the course of the season? really? float your troglodyte theory over on Colicchio's twitter page and let me know what he says, 'kay?

[garik16]

@Independent George, I liked the BSG Finale. But it does seem to be polarizing.

And undoubtedly season 4 and the second half of season 3 is terrific.

[jh]

I thought it was hilarious how Antonia and Mike have been like mortal enemies in the house, but are now all cool with each other once they found out they were cousins. What would have been really awkward would be if they "liked liked" each other...though I would need to rewatch the episode to see if they mention how distant of cousins they are (guess it made it a bit easier for the genealogist).

The image of Richard puking on the judges brought back memories of that one scene from the Sopranos. Serves them right.

matthew and Tom are both rocking the bald look.

I think part of the reasons the contestants did so well this challenge was the relief and expectations of having family there. After being couped up in the house, stressed and sleep-deprived, to see a supportive, loving face makes everything all right again. Then you have the stress of having to represent your family is a real "Don't F it up" moment, but when you're cooking from the heart, it really shows through.

[OmicronPersei8]

Padma's fake was pretty transparent (though not to Richard at the time I'm sure), but Tom's "It's all right. I mean, not all right, it's ALL. RIGHT." comment was a great moment I thought. Achieved in a much better way what Padma's line intended to.

[pietranseri]

Every week, I say to my sweetie, if you make food that tastes good, you won't be sent home. And that held true this week. Hard to send somebody home for good food and I think it was the right call by the judges. I don't know who said it, but I do think that when you have to make multiple dishes, or work with unfamiliar ingredients, or some combination of the above, it is easier to make a mis-step, so I don't expect we'll see such uniformly delicious food in the upcoming challenges.

That said, I hope Carla complete annihilates the very undeserving Hosea. (Still bitter and muttering about that season ...)

[redpoint]

I seem to remember when Tiffany got out in season 7 her food was actually deemed good, just not as good as the others.

Agree, pietraseri--we are still bitter about Hosea's win in this house.

[mncharm]

I don't see any reason to criticize Richard because he wants to win and it clearly means a lot to him. It's a competition -- isn't winning kind of the point?

Even Antonia mentioned that while Carla and Tiffany have a "whatever happens, happens" attitude, she and Richard are of a different mindset.

I have no problem with either attitude. Nothing wrong with being competitive and wanting to win, as long as you compete honorably -- and I think Richard has gone above and beyond in that regard. How many times has he gone out of his way to help other chefs this season, something he had no obligation to do? Certainly (at least, from what we see on tv) more than any other.

So I disagree with the notion that he'd be more appealing if he appeared to care less.

On another Richard note, I still disagree that he has disappointed this year. To me, he's been the anti-Tiffany -- instead of consistently being slightly better than the worst dish, he's been consistently slightly off the winner's dish. To me, it's been a great run that could easily have led to many more wins.

All this said, I've been a big Richard fan since season 4, so I'm certainly biased. But I'm not seeing the ego (to the extent it is used in the pejorative sense) that some others are picking up on.

[pietranseri]

@mncharm, me either. Blaise isn't warm and cuddly, but he's a totally honorable competitor, plus he gives credit where it's due, too.

I have to admit that his constant anxiety/bitter beer face has actually grown on me, particularly in combination with his, "Why would Padma do that to me when she knows that I'm crazy already" (or something to that effect) comment.

[Jon Olsen]

inre all the "Richard's face/Richard's nerves" comments I have this to say: EDITING, people, EDITING. Not a lot of the shots of Richard's reactions are simultaneous with something else being said. Those shots of his face could have been cut in from any moment of JT. When there's a wider angle, showing both another cheft's reaction AND Richard looking sour? That I can believe—I would have to. But we see a LOT of the judges' faces then a cut to Richard, or a reaction shot of a complimented chef and then a shot of Richard with the judges' voices over it.

For god sake Mike could have farted up there and Richard looks over all downcast and they edit that look in on top of a voiceover of "Carla your broth was amazing."

While I have always been a big proponent of "if you don't like your edit, don't give the elves anything negative to work with" (see my comments on earlier seasons here on this blog), I also believe that the editing can be made to manufacture the character of a look, or tension between people that simply isn't there. Listen to him in the after-interviews: those are serious, self-aware reflections. I think he takes himself appropriately seriously and isn't afraid to admit what he's feeling. It's not like he's going "so and so is not a chef! I am Reeeshard!"

And again, I'm going to weigh a half-second shot of a facial expression—that could have come from ANY TIME—against four years of following him in various media, and I'm going to find those small moments have a lot less impact on my impressions of the guy! I have a tough time believing Richard is so disdainful of other people's success.

[Jon Olsen]

whoever said those five pictures are beautiful is right: those five plates up there are so inviting, so beautifully composed I just wanna dive right into them.

[mncharm]

Agreed, Jon.

Moreover, his reaction when others win seems to me to be more of a "uh oh, that means I might be gone" reaction than bitterness at the winning chef -- he nearly always congratulates the other chef while simultaneously looking like he's going to vomit all over himself.

[Polybus]

@redpoint "...sometimes it's okay to be ruled by the heart, rather than the head, especially in the realm of food."

Thank you for expressing this thought. It tends to get lost in the endless analysis.

@ally "We saw enthusiastic, happy to be there, eager to show us what he can do Richard in his season. Now it is like, brooding, misunderstood genius Richard. I still love him in both cloaks."

@Jon Olsen "EDITING, people, EDITING"

I don't think it's a pose, nor do I think it's completely about the editing.

Those of us who are still supportive of Richard are clearly willing to overlook Hamlet Richard this season because to some extent we feel his angst and identify with him in this quest. But I think he *has* been taking this competition too seriously. I miss Willie Wonka Richard. My hope is that he arrives at the finale refreshed, happy and ready to burn down the house.

Actually, I hope that they all arrive in that state of mind. I'd love nothing better than to see some great competition in the next few weeks.

[rab01]

Richard certainly seemed more happy go-lucky in his first season but he was also crushing the game show throughout. He was only in danger once (for scales on the salmon); I think he only had one criticized quickfire dish and was in the top for almost every EC. The only exceptions -- tailgating (but Gail really praised his dish), zoo food, $10 dinner and the box lunch -- weren't exactly fine dining challenges.

We might have seen more of "black cloud Richard" in Season 4 if he had more middle or bottom appearances back then.

[Elise]

I think the thing to keep in mind about Richard is that he's an Olympic competitor. If you watch the Olympics, those guys are completely focused on the challenge, on how they did, what they could have done different, better, etc. They look exactly like Richard.

And from what I've seen on Top Chef, he's the only one.

This isn't a game for him. This isn't a cool way to get some neat trips and a bit of publicity. He's not here for 'whatever.' He's a competitor and he's here to win.

And I love him. I love watching a perfectionist work. I love the fact that he's so analytically involved in what he's doing. And I really, really hope he wins.

[Lon]

Even after reading all the comments so far (something like 162) I feel compelled to speak again. I seldom get upset about shows like Top Chef. It's a TV show, after all, and producers and editors love controversy as a method of gaining viewership.

I still think the "fakeout" of Richard was absolutely cruel and unnecessary especially on this episode.

We had already seen several other "favorites" leave this season. My mindset at that moment was that someone had to go home and two people already were safe. Three people were left standing. So when Padma started that statement, I was already protesting. Richard is a better chef than Tiffany and at least as good as Carla. And we had the background of glowing comments by the judges. But in other episodes, better overall chefs had left for one mistake.

I suppose all those things made the situation stronger as a "gotcha," but I feel it was a comment that attacked Richard's dignity, not his food or his efforts. I expect more of the judges.

After seeing Richard with his wife, I more understand his desire to win. I can't quote his statement exactly, but he said his wife has played sports and is very competitive. To a highly competitive person, there is no reason for failure. Successful people overcome failures. And no one who cares as deeply as Richard shows he does wants to disappoint his/her loved ones.

The most powerful statement I made as a father (according to my now fully grown children) was when I said to them "I am disappointed in you."

For Padma to smilingly say to Richard "Please pack your knives..." was totally cruel and inapproriate even on a reality, contestant type show. To someone like Richard, a statement like that is a personal attack. It's a cruel, senseless mind game.

Probably none of the other chefs this season have done as much thinking about what they're doing as Richard. Every dish is planned. Almost every dish is complex and has a twist. And if sometimes it doesn't, the judges remark on it. Quite a burden to bear. It's almost like the judges have put Richard under a handicap like is done in golf or horse racing. He has to be twice as good as everyone else to win.

It seems to me that Antonia and Carla especially cook by instinct. Richard cooks by design and mental ability. To a "striver" like Richard, his extra efforts should be able to overcome someone who cuts up an orange and adds a few seasonings or cooks mussels with few other ingredients. (Not disparing those chefs, just trying to show the reasoning.)

Not many expected Antonia or Mike or Tiffany to be standing at this point. Expectations for Carla were higher, but everyone expected Richard to win, or at least make it to the finale. I'm sure his wife did too. Having this type of "gotcha" on an episode that featured Richard's wife was wrong even for a reality show.

Sorry to rant so long. But two days later I'm still fuming.

P.S. I'm not sure the contestants had a break between this episode and the finale, or at least not the usual break of several months. Does anyone know?

[redpoint]

Interesting post Lon. I completely agree with you about the fake out. This kind of thing knocks the integrity of the show down several levels.

Lon wrote: "After seeing Richard with his wife, I more understand his desire to win. I can't quote his statement exactly, but he said his wife has played sports and is very competitive. To a highly competitive person, there is no reason for failure. Successful people overcome failures. And no one who cares as deeply as Richard shows he does wants to disappoint his/her loved ones."

This seems to be true with Richard. But there's a big catch for him. It's completely possible that he won't fail (he won't make a mistake and produce a flawed dish), but he still may not win because someone else's dish might be even better, as happened in this episode. If he still labels this a failure then his attitude is toxic, to himself.

[rabrab]

Going back to Mike's not having cooked Italian since his grandmother's death or not, for a moment, I interpreted what he said, and some of the things his mother said, as that there were certain recipes or dishes that he had not used since her death (her gravy, for one) rather than that he had completely forsworn Italian completely (since that's patently not true).

In the rest of the EC, I have one tiny quibble and it may be more with the Elves than the judges (or it may really be with the judges. I don't know who it's with.) It's this: Family background three or four generations back isn't necessarily "cooking heritage."

Where my great-greats three or four generations back came from isn't any part of why, how, or what I learned to cook. That came from my grandmother and mother, and a couple of aunts. I don't even know where my great-greats were from, beyond, 'somewhere in or around Germany'.

If I had to give a name to my cooking heritage I'd say something like "Upper Midwestern American Farm Food". That means meats were braised or pan-fried (not deep-fried), and occasionally roasted, (but most of what I learned to call "roasts" are still braises.) Dry roasting was very rare and usually limited to poultry. Broiling was for steaks, and was a special treat. Sauces are used heavily or not at all. Every meal contains a starch in some form; probably potato, possibly noodles. Rice was uncommon. Purees are baby food or what you eat after dental work. Vegetables are messed with only a little bit, or are casseroled and almost unrecognizable. Anything can be pickled. And so on.

Having a genealogy that showed my family was from Luxembourg, not Germany, dropped in my lap the night before the challenge wouldn't change my cooking heritage one bit. But it really sounded like the judges would have expected me to say "Oh, I'm German!" and whip up a German dish.

Like I said, a quibble.

[rab01]

To me, these finals have more natural suspense than any since Season 2 and it's all because of Richard. Losing would hurt him more than any other contestant we've seen. He visibly puts more pressure on himself than any other. He not only said that he "choked" in his first finals; Ted Allen wrote a blog post basically agreeing with assessment. (No disrespect to Stephanie. She might have beaten him even if he'd cooked his best but that was manifestly not Richard's best.) And now, I worry that he might be getting ready to do it again.

Ever since Richard said in an interview that he's only doing new recipes on Top Chef, I've wanted to scream at him: "snap out of it." Nobody else on this show does that -- and the show doesn't reward it. Ilan won by cooking portions of Batali's menu that he'd been executing for years. The Voltaggi used dishes from their own restaurants during Restaurant Wars. The TC Masters certainly used dishes they've worked on for years. And the list goes on. Why would Richard intentionally forego using dishes he'd perfected over the years? It's like intentionally submitting a first draft to a screenwriting competition when everyone else has polished their submissions.

[Polybus]

@Lon "I'm not sure the contestants had a break between this episode and the finale, or at least not the usual break of several months. Does anyone know?"

Richard tweeted this morning:

Jazmin Blais was 5 months pregnant last episode. Here's baby Embry Lotus Blais, one month today!

Check out Richard & baby:

http://twitpic.com/46038q

[Jse91]

I have been a big defender of Richard from way back. I could excuse almost anything he said. Until this episode. When he said he was the only "top seed" left I was appalled. It was so disrepectful to the other remaining chef. Totally classless.

[bryanD]

"And another thing, bryanD, sometimes it's okay to be ruled by the heart, rather than the head, especially in the realm of food."---redpoint

If the previews would have simply announced "A Very Special Episode of Top Chef" I would not have been nearly so annoyed. I could have watched back-to-back King of the Hill reruns.

"really, bryanD, it's totally not possible that 5 chefs could all make really good dishes at the same time on one challenge out of, what, 30-ish challenges over the course of the season? really?"---Cousin Sam

Really. And no one's saying these were not "all...good dishes". But I do say that one dish was bound to be less good than the others. The judges are prone to point out the necessity of this nitpicking cruelty often, except this time, despite this week's chewy this and no-comment that. (Go to tape.)

"float your troglodyte theory over on Colicchio's twitter page and let me know what he says, 'kay?"---Cousin Sam

You're sitting on his lap. You tell him. Say that "bryanD says Tom C was 100% discombobulated by Tiffany's okra gambit and it went downhill from there." (is that too many characters?)

"...Tom's "It's all right. I mean, not all right, it's ALL. RIGHT." comment was a great moment I thought. Achieved in a much better way what Padma's line intended to."----OmicronPersei8

Yeah, Tom-with-head-down mumbling "it's alright" til he feels evil eyes on him and then it turns into AWWWL! RIGHHHHT! Grooovy! Party in mah mouth! (slight exaggeration) Not sure how to take that that, as "all right" used in a sentence usually runs the gamut of "m'eh" to "O.K.".

OK! Done complaining. Carry on. The train ride on the Fried Green Tomatoes Express is over. Next week: Gladiators!

[mncharm]

Thing is...he's right. Of the pre-season top seeds, he's the only one left standing.

That doesn't belittle the others (Carla and Antonia, anyway) -- they have convincingly proven this year that the pre-season seeds were flawed.

But objectively speaking, of the chefs generally considered the favorites before this thing kicked off, he's the only one left.

[Cousin Sam]

maybe someone who understands zero-sum games more than I do can figure out how to apply it to this situation. IMHO it's not unrealistic that on one occasion out of 30+ rounds of competition (QF and EC counted separately), five people working independently can make five great plates of food, and that just because it's on a game show doesn't mean there always, without exception, has to be a winner *and* a loser. stars aligned, they all did great, most people here seem happy with the outcome so whoever wants to continue to polish their conspiracy theories about it, have at it.

bryanD, if I were actually sitting on Colicchio's lap I'm sure your comments about his judging would be the furthest thing from my mind.

[dc]

[I posted this in the old thread by mistake... so apologies for repost here.]

Everyone lives Carla, Richard, Antonia. Love-Hates MikeI. I thought I'd pump up home-girl Tiffany, who hasn't been 'on' this season. She got game!

Overall a very nice feel good episode. Lots of comfort food. Tom must've really enjoyed. IMO one of the great TC moments. I just wish I could taste food myself ... ;_;

Tiffany holding her own on such a strong EC showing in the pre-final reminds us her food can hit the judges square in their sweet spot. It reminds me in her season she ran hot zone hot with 6 straight EC wins and top group showings until she was abruptly eliminated right before the final 4.

She's a tremendous long shot to win, but I'm happy she showed the flavor skills that got her invited to join TCAS, and it propelled her to the finals.

As to the finale, my preference to win are either Richard or Carla. Both are creative and elevate familiar and unfamiliar food with personal twists. Unlike Mike, Antonia and Tiffany who bring more conventional, if constantly well done, dishes to the table.

[Danny]

I have trouble putting this into words but for me, I'm just not enjoying Richard in the way that I thouroughly enjoyed him during his season. He was inventive, out there and he seemed to be having fun. Now winning seems to matter so much that every time he doesn't win a challenge he seems angry, devestated and lost.

The only sane way to go into something like this is to be grateful for the opportunity, know that there is a good chance that you won't win, really want to win and win or lose, enjoy the ride.

Over the years as a performer I've been lucky enough to be nominated for a lot of awards. I've won many times and I've also lost. I always wanted to win but more than anything I wanted to enjoy the experience. The smile on my face did not mean that I didn't care if I won - of course I did - but I viewed the whole experience as nothing but a winning situation for me. My name was out there whether I won the award or not and the nomination did not affect the way that I performed on stage.

Richard may well end up winning but will he look back at this time as an enjoyable experience? I wonder. And if he loses, how hard will he take it? Regardless of what they say, I think that all the remaining contestants really want to win the title as much as Richard does. The difference is that most of them seem to be enjoying the competition in a way that Richard doesn't seem to be. Richard cooks best when he doesn't get so wrapped up in his mind and unfortunately, that is what I see him doing more and more.

[bfish]

Danny, thanks for relating to Richard's situation. Sure, there is creative editing that is playing up angst-ridden Richard but there are too many comments he's made (unless those are faked too) indicating that he's irritated that others are besting him. It is wrong to assume that others don't aspire to greatness the way he does. Obviously his behavior and approach to the competition are his business alone, but it doesn't mean that as a viewer I have to consistently give him the benefit of the doubt because he's this unique uber-perfectionist/tortured genius.

[Anon man]

@Independent George, Ah, yes, I seem to recall you being of Asian descent based on comments in other threads. I'm a history nut myself, my special interest in Italian history post Renaissance and U.S. history in the 1920s. Totally geeky, I know....

[foodiewannabe]

I started watching Top Chef -Season 5. Have seen Richard's season in repeats but really had no feel for his personality.
What strikes me this season, is that Richard seems joyless; can't think of a better word. Here's a guy with a lovely family, successful career and ongoing promotional opportunities and he is eeemingly obsessed with winning this game. I applaud his dedication, skill and creativity but I'm almost feeling guilty if he doesn't win; he seemingly has so much invested in the title.

[timothy]

It is weird to be acting as if I know someone and can comment on his personality just because I watched him on TV, but that's the weirdness that I am venturing into: I remember early in season 4, perhaps during the "salmon scales" episode, Richard said in one of the direct-to-camera interviews that Tom didn't seem to be reacting to "the Blais charm." I have thought back to that moment several times this season because the moment suggests 1) that Richard is charming and 2) that when he is vulnerable in the competition, he gets worried about losing that charm. We can say that he is too competitive and not enjoying himself this season, but I think the thing I like about Richard is that he is always genuine, and right now, with these conditions in front of him, this is the person that he is: we see the worrier more than the charmer. I would like to think, though, that charming Richard is still there. As for the guy who always makes new food, I also think that might just be who he is. I know home cooks who are like that too; some people follow recipes, and some people open up the fridge or go to the farmers' market and cook with what they see; they never make the same thing twice. I don't think Richard only makes new things to be tricky or crafty; I think as an artist he is more of an improviser than a guy who relies on repertoire. So yeah, those are just my impressions, and you can tell I like the guy as far as I can "know" him from TV. I mean, I still want Carla to win, and I want to smoke weed and eat pasta with Antonia, but after that, it's Richard all the way.

[wallfish]

On-Topic; I agree completely with timothy. I'd really like to see "charming Richard" again, mostly because he seemed more content with the way his ideas worked. They seemed to be more for him. "Worried Richard" seems so anxious about the way his ideas will be received by the judges that he loses some of that woohoo-ness that made him fun to watch.

Off-Topic; I just got home from seeing Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert live!

[Nsam]

"I completely agree with you about the fake out. This kind of thing knocks the integrity of the show down several levels." I don't know, I shrug at that one. Was it one of the crueler/cruelest moments on TC? I guess so, but to me it seems close to par for the course. It's REALITY TV.

Incidentally, to all you Blais defenders (and I'd include myself in that category. I'm not a Richard-hater.), think about why Padma (or the elves?) chose Richard as the target for the JT fake out. Specifically BECAUSE of his taking-things-too-seriously, tortured genius stance this season. It's the one who can't take the joke who gets his chain yanked the hardest, on reality TV as in life. Is that mean? Is it one of the baser human impulses? Yes, sure, but are you really expecting to be shown the nobler human impulses on commercial TV?

"I think the thing to keep in mind about Richard is that he's an Olympic competitor." He's a competitor competing in potato sack races, an Olympian who signed up to do Battle of the Network Stars. Well, not exactly, if there was a culinary Battle of the Network Stars it would be on the Food Network. But you get my point. There IS such a thing as taking this too seriously.

[kevin]

Long time lurker, first time commenter here.

I have to agree with some of the other comments here about Richard. Top Chef is a great platform for contestants to promote themselves professionally (and win prizes), and it's without question that all 18 contestants took the competition very seriously. At the same time though, many of the quickfires and ECs throughout TC are not designed to resemble real-world culinary situations, and part of that is to allow the chefs to push their own boundaries and have fun. It's great that Richard cares so much about TC and improving himself as a chef, but from what we've seen broadcasted, it's clearly interfering with his own enjoyment on the show. Carla's well-known quote may serve as a warning: “If you’re not in a good mood, the only thing you should make is a reservation."

On the topic of Carla, I believe it's now been the 3rd or 4th time this season they've shown a clip of her saying how great it would be to have a female winner. I can't shake the feeling that the elves are foreshadowing something here.

Top Chef All Stars reunion! http://twitpic.com/460xm7

Speaking of foreshadowing, has it been tradition for the winner to sit in the middle of the couch for the reunion episode? I noticed that the final 8 are seated on the couch.

[pietranseri]

timothy, this: "I mean, I still want Carla to win, and I want to smoke weed and eat pasta with Antonia, but after that, it's Richard all the way" sums up my feelings to a T. I've been saying for weeks now that I want to go to Antonia's house, drink way too much, eat way too much, and laugh way too much.

[timothy]

pietranseri: yeah, antonia is really likable this season. maybe that is the main thing that i would say about richard; all of his behavior seems understandable and reasonable from a certain point of view, so I don't fault him for any of it. But at the end of the day (which, after all, is when I watch Top Chef) he just doesn't come across as likable in the way he did in season 4. Decent, smart, relatable, talented -- yes. But not really in the same category of hang-out-aspirational as Carla and Antonia. In my opinion, anyway.

[redpoint]

"I have been a big defender of Richard from way back. I could excuse almost anything he said. Until this episode. When he said he was the only "top seed" left I was appalled. It was so disrepectful to the other remaining chef. Totally classless."

Richard said this so quickly, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Many here defend Richard and can relate to him. They have many good reasons, all of which I understand and respect. But I, personally, can not get over his hubris and his disrespect towards his competitors, who more often than not beat him.

*******For anyone who cares: Do not look at the Reunion picture link posted above!!!!! I really really wish I did not look at it.

[Sweet Sue]

It seems to me that Antonia and Carla especially cook by instinct. Richard cooks by design and mental ability
You know, that sounds a wee bit sexist.
The old just Grandma cookin' versus manly man mad scientist real chef beast in the kitchen cuisine.

[redpoint]

I agree Sue. "Especially cook by instinct"! These are talented chefs who have years of experience!

[timothy]

Sweet Sue: That seems like a valid point. How about this?

From the way they portray themselves (or are portrayed by producers) on TV, Antonia and Carla make their preparation of excellent food seem fun, a natural extension of their personalities, and on most occasions even kind of easy, while Richard makes his preparation of excellent food seem labored, high-risk, and calculated.

To me that sounds kind of right, and maybe not so sexist?

[Sweet Sue]

timothy, makes the point without reverting to gender stereotypes. Yes.

[redpoint]

My only quibble, timothy, is the "seem . . . even kind of easy" bit. To me they look like seasoned professionals. Otherwise, you've nailed it.

[Karen B]

Re: photo of Reunion.Has the finale been filmed yet? I hope not, or I agree, don't click on link of photo.

[bfish]

There was a discussion of the reunion photo on another site, where one poster linked to reunion photos from two or three earlier seasons. The winner was in the front row each time but there was no consistent pattern of where in the front row he or she sat. So I'm not willing to infer from the seating arrangement in the reunion picture who won. As noted upthread the final eight are in the front row.

[pietranseri]

Somebody else said it, but Richard is joyless this year. It doesn't make him a bad guy. I actually feel kind of sorry for him.

If I may speak directly to Blaise -- Dude, stop and look around. You're cooking on TV, alongside/against some other wonderful chefs. You get to look at Padma regularly. You get feedback from some great culinary minds. I know you want to win, buddy, but stop and enjoy it for just a second. Not many people even get this kind of opportunity.

You get the sense with Antonia and Carla that they allow themselves that kind of perspective, that they allow themselves to really be in the moment, and that makes them fun to watch.

[Steve F.]

I am awaiting next week's episode with trepidation. Top Chef was always about new techniques and creativity for me. Otherwise, I might as well watch a basic cooking show.

Since we can't taste the food, the useful thing about the show is learning from it. Therefore, that is why, despite her wins and the judges' accolades, I am not excited about Antonia in the finals. Why cheer for a contestant whose food you can't taste and whose skills do not stray far from the basics? The same goes for Mike. (Kevin from Season 6 showed complex skills with simple-appearing food. But no mention of similar skills with these two.)

Tiffany seemed to show some creativity this past episode, but her record so far this season does not make me look forward to her upcoming performance either.

Not trying to freak out Matthew, but in the previews, Carla did not seem as energized as the other contestants. I am worried about her. Frankly, I prefer her to win over Richard, who is my second choice.

I really hope to see fantastic cooking in the finale.

SPOILER

TV Guide listings appear to indicate that there will be three episodes left

[bryanD]

"Somebody else said it, but Richard is joyless this year."---pietranseri

I am going skip several nasty theories (example: Blais raised only child?) and go Occam's Razor:

__NO ONE on TC JT is impressed by MG any more__

In light of this emergency, Blais can either:
1) do even MORE frozen LN sh!t
2) revisit spheroids with obligatory accompanying nerd storyline
3) boil something in a bag as homage to c.1974 Swanson's Boil'n'Bag ($.69)
4) go hardcore Coagulants (mmm-mmm-seppuko!)

[pietranseri]

One of my favorite things about football season is the ESPN show, the Edge NFL Match-Up, with Merrill Hoge and Ron Jaworski. In their infinite wisdom, ESPN broadcasts this genius show at like 5 am or something equally ridiculous, but, the show itself does a great job of breaking down key match-ups and parsing where the advantages lie.

Given that we know the basics of the EC this week, I was wondering if I might apply the same kind of thought to the upcoming match ups.

Based solely on what we saw in Seasons 5, I'd say that Carla has a huge edge over Hosea. Unless he became a much better chef than what he was then, and somehow, I doubt that. While we're here: Suck it, Hosea. Basically, this is a challenge that is Carla's to lose, so if she just does what she does well, she should advance. And I hope that happens. I really, really, really want Carla to advance. Please, gods of food, let Carla cook with clarity and joy, and she'll be just fine.

Mike Isabella, on the other hand, will have to prepare the dish of his life to best Voltaggio. Even though it really means nothing to Voltaggio, I just don't see him mailing this one in -- he's going to be loaded for bear, even with the MG stuff being less highly esteemed now. Voltaggio uses that stuff to his advantage really well, rather than just using it to use it. (Hello, Marcel.)

Tiffany v. Kevin is interesting. Kevin made the best finale meal they ever had, according to Colicchio and while Tiffany is capable of making really good, satisfying food, she is also capable of putting out really pedestrian food. I think this is a slight advantage to Kevin.

The toughest call is Antonia and Richard v. Stephanie. I was totally on the Stephanie bandwagon throughout season 4, but that was a long time ago and I don't know much about where Stephanie is or what she's done in recent years. Anybody have any scoop on Stephanie?

Of course, all of that is said without having actually, you know, eaten their food. So I'm no doubt completely and totally wrong. I'm really digging for input here. Anybody out there with any information or insights that might be useful?

[Jon]

With regards to Hosea, he may have won his season because Stefan and Carla messed up, but I'd like to think he grew as a chef since then. I'm fairly sure that a lot of the media blitz saw his win the same way we do, and that's gotta be a motivating factor to improve your cooking.

Granted, Carla could still easily trounce him. I'm just saying that I doubt Hosea from two years ago is exactly the same as present day Hosea.

[gilmore]

Re Blaise:
- He left a pregnant wife and kids at home. Of course he is tense - there is more on his mind than just the show.
- There is $200,000 to be won. Blaise also said in the past - there are more winners than just the winner - as far as opportunity, etc. from their exposure on the show. But, 200,00 with another baby on the way is big.
- Fried Mayonaise losing to fried avocado. Losing by a hair with creativity week in and week out is frustrating.
- the camera men pepper the chefs with questions. Do you think they just spontaneously yell out the time remaining in the challenge? Who knows what question Blaise was asked when he responded about him being the only top seed left.

[KarenF]

Is the chef vs season winner chef actually the EC though? It could just as easily be the quickfire.

[Food Blogger]

What an amazing episode! Wish I could taste all the food the chefs prepared especially that risotto.

[paula]

I was in Atlanta this weekend and ate at Blais' Flip Burger Boutique, where the burger of the day was "The Modern": a meat patty cooked sous-vide with American cheese inside, a slice of ketchup (I believe it was LN'ed and then sliced; it looked like a thick slab of sushi-grade tuna), fried mayonnaise and an "onion sphere" (LN was involved in that, too, I believe).

It looked weird as hell but tasted great, like an "ordinary" cheeseburger but better. It was such a Blaisian dish, and I'm happy he's out there cooking the way he loves to cook, taking risks and trying new things just for the fun and joy of it. I agree that he's less "fun" to watch this season, and I certainly hope he's able to snap right out of Hamlet mode (love that comparison, whoever made it) when the show's over.

[nomnomnom]

"__NO ONE on TC JT is impressed by MG any more__"

This is probably a huge factor.

[rab01]

No one at JT was ever impressed by MG. Nothing's changed on that front.

[Independent George]

No one at JT was ever impressed by MG. Nothing's changed on that front.

I agree - and Blais is not nor has he ever been dependent on MG to trick diners into liking his food - not in S4, not this season. When he's used it, it's been for very specific purposes, to do things that he otherwise couldn't do with traditional techniques - same as the Voltaggios, and quite unlike Marcel. Hence, it's why I got irritated at Jimmy Fallon for dinging him for preparing a traditional ramen (which Gail loved).

I was totally on the Stephanie bandwagon throughout season 4, but that was a long time ago and I don't know much about where Stephanie is or what she's done in recent years. Anybody have any scoop on Stephanie?

I haven't been there yet, but Steph's restaurant is getting a lot of positive buzz. It won a Bib Gourmand from Michelin, though no stars (admittedly, it only opened about a month before the judging period began). It's gotten generally positive feedback from the LTH forum (thanks, Dom!), but has been dinged for inconsistency. There was also a very positive review from Saveur.

[Skillet Doux]

Independent George... I wrote about Girl and the Goat, albeit during opening week, last summer:

http://www.skilletdoux.com/2010/07/the-girl-and-the-goat.html

[nomnomnom]

I think few are giving the chefs credit for the shooting schedule. This season was shot very fast on a real time line. Perhaps the fastest to date. From what I can tell S3 was shot over an eternity (like a month+) which not surprisingly led to the release of the entire season of elimination spoilers more or less right up to the finale before E1 ever aired. The rest of the seasons have been roughly 3 weeks and a few days give or take.

Now they talk these guys into basically taking what? 3 weeks or so off. If you watched the way the episodes were shot it was a very fast QF in the AM, and a EC in the PM virtually every single day. On other seasons they would occasionally shoot a QF one day then a EC the next day where they would travel off-site on a field trip. There were hardly any field trips this time out. Hell, I don't even think they left the island but twice right?

I'd be interested to find out but I'm betting they knocked out the shooting of this thing right about at 21 days. Maybe even less.

I think simply they were all worn out at this point. That has a huge drain on one's ability to ham it for the camera.

I do think having the family members there at the table added nothing to the show, and eventually led to the non-elimination. Put some more guest judges out and it's a coin flip more or less between Tiffany/Carla. This is probably where the QF comes in as a semi-tiebreaker (maybe) and Tiffany walks off. Each of them were all over the place down the stretch, and now one of them gets a big shot at redemption. I'd be pissed if I was one of the top 3.

[Rahul]

@Kevin

That picture worried me so much that I had to look up reunion shots for every past season. It seems TC is pretty flexible about where the final 3/4 sit, so nothing's definite based on that. But certain people do not look pleased...

[vizoroo]

Having the final five is fine by me. With the family there and the great food served, it works for me.

Dom, just read some of your favorite posts. Now I want to go to Baltimore to eat. :-} And the review of Tadich's in SF, brought back many memories. (Although I think we just drank there most of the time.)

[vizoroo]

From the previews on Bravo, do you think the kitchen fire could be the cause of an additional episode?

[nomnomnom]

Who knows. There isn't a way to know if they intended to go 2-2 or 1-1-2 from the get go. 0-2-2 is certainly a possibility.

[LL]

Long time reader first time commenter! I think my obsession with the show has gotten to an extent that, what the hell, I watch each show like 3 times, read all the blogs...might as well start commenting!

I want to reiterate the following, as it's still coming up - Why do people think Carla and Tiffany were on the bottom?

The drama they were trying to produce is obvious enough to me. Antonia won. They sent Mike back second because the story arc of the show wasn't conducive to showing any nitpicky judgments the judges may have had about his dish at judges table, and it was fairly obvious he made it through. They wanted to screw with Richard's head, and no one really thought he was going home anyway, so they had to send him back third. As for Carla and Tiffany - there was not ONE criticism of Tiff's dish, yet they SHOWED criticism of Carla's dish. They know many viewers want Carla there and they know that many viewers are waiting for Tiff to get kicked off, and by showing criticism of Carla they set up the viewers to be disappointed that Tiff was making it through and Carla wasn't.

Notably, if you watch Extended Judges Table, Richard's dish was *not* perfect in the eyes of anyone but perhaps Tom.

Count me in, by the way, with those who loved Richard on S4 but who is entirely over him now. The "top seed" comment? The pure disdain for anyone who wins over him, even when he's nowhere near the bottom? Tortured genius = really really boring and tedious.

[bryanD]

"..and Blais is not nor has he ever been dependent on MG to trick diners into liking his food..."---Independent George

"Trick?" Anyway, from his pointed hair on down, Blais has always and constantly advertised himself as a pseudo-scientific food sorcerer-thinker. You mention being annoyed at Jimmy Fallon for dinging Blais' ramen. The fact is, Fallon was rightly expecting The Blais to easily, whimsically(tm) riff on that soup. Smoke On the Water (1972, Deep Purple) would have been good enough but instead the birthday boy had to think of it himself and what could have been. Fallon's expectations of Richard Blais comes from Richard Blais and his rather PT Barnum style of self-promotion---perhaps injected Fallon's way via Tom or Padma---OR from Fallon watching Season 4.
Blais gets tired of the upkeep from time to time, I'm sure; a large section of the MG movement is getting tired of keeping up expectations, complaining that they're misunderstood. If the MG movement were not so political at heart, there would not be the program to live up to or the dogmas to live down.
You mention the Voltaggios in the same breath as Blais.___I no you di'int!!___

"They know many viewers want Carla there and they know that many viewers are waiting for Tiff to get kicked off, and by showing criticism of Carla they set up the viewers to be disappointed that Tiff was making it through and Carla wasn't."---LL

Just another example of why the elimination-free episode was simply rotten and could well mean an asterisk next to any winner's name not named Blais or Antonia or Mike; and that wouldn't be fair to Carla or Tiffany as neither was ALLOWED to survive by the rules. The game has now crossed over into Bizarro World.

PS. Don't get me wrong. TC still kicks Wheel of Fortune's hind patootie!
And Chopped. And Food Feuds. And...

[matthew]

You know...after reading stuff across the Interwebs, I find it kind of interesting that the universal comment about the 'fake out' seems to be that it was so unfair to Richard. I would suggest that it had to be distressing to Tiffany and Carla, too. Just as Richard's heart sank when he heard his name, I can imagine the hearts of Tiffany and Carla sinking when they heard Richard was safe. Personally, I think it had to be tough on all three of the chefs standing there.

[LL]

Yeah, I agree with you, Matthew. I'm just overall as irritated with the anger over the Richard fake-out moment, as if being a tortured egocentric misunderstood artist type should for some reason be coddled. As if we should "understand" Richard is "that way" and give him special treatment for it. No one has yet noted that when Richard went back into the stew room, there was ALSO a fake-out moment in regards to Tiffany and Carla, one which was likely emotionally distressing even if Tiffany and Carla don't feel as entitled as Richard feels. Just because Tiffany and Carla act like adults doesn't mean they weren't distressed.

[bryanD]

"Just as Richard's heart sank when he heard his name, I can imagine the hearts of Tiffany and Carla sinking when they heard Richard was safe."---Matthew

Actually, you might be right.
*Muddle, muddle, toil and trouble.*

BTW my spidey senses say that Carla would have survived if played to conclusion FWIW. Yet kudos to Tiffany for DARING (...absolutely DARING..) Tom Colicchio to admit his palate simply can't abide okra, slimy or not. She (perhaps desperately) aimed squarely at Tom's conception of his own gustatory worldliness, ie pride. Swishhh!

PS. I'm amazed at the people upthread here who actually seemed to have clicked on kevin's twitpic link! Jeez. In fairness to kevin, he did everything but put skull-and-crossbones across it. And yes, the Winner always sits near the middle next to the other middle people who aren't having quite as much fun.

[ally]

Wow LL. Are you saying Richard didn't act like an adult? Seems kind of harsh. I think everyone's reactions were totally understandable, given the circumstances. It was a cruel taunt from Padma, could have done without it, but I don't think Richard was unjustified in saying "what the ...?"

idk, i have a lot of compassion for the contestants at this point in the season. Everyone is emotionally and mentally beat up, and this was the moment where they could have been denied the final.

[doktarr]

Blais isn't really dependent on MG, although he uses it a lot. His personal style is, well, "whimsical", and expressing that often but not always involves MG.

MG is a bit like CGI in movies. It's a tool that you can use - to create a dish or to tell a story. When the special effects become the star, you end up with Star Wars Episdoe 1. That doesn't mean CGI is a bad thing, though.

[mncharm]

Uh, I've never met him (or any of the other contestants), so I can't say anything with certainly but I'm going to suggest that concluding that Richard is a "tortured egocentric misunderstood artist type" is giving a just a biiiiiiiit too much credit to one's ability to divine personalities from snippets on a reality show.

[Independent George]

mncharm - It's a fair point about judging based on snippets from a reality show, but the point holds true for his detractors, as well. As far as I can tell, no other chef he's worked with (either on or off the show) has complained about him in the least. Quite to the contrary, he's been praised (or mocked) for his willingness to work with and assist others, even to his own detriment.

[Maria]

Thanks Matthew for reminding us that the fakeout stressed out Tiffany and Carla too. Just mean all the way around.
And Padma saying she could do it because they were all going to be happy in the end is lame. No one says, "Hey, your dog died...Just kidding, he's FINE!"

@LL-I think the reason that most people feel like Carla and Tiffany were the bottom two was Tom's comment at the end:
"We always say 'It's a tough decision,' and this time it was just too tough. We just couldn't say goodbye to either of you."
There also was criticism of Tiffany's dish, although it seemed, as with Carla, that they were really nitpicking.
Tom said, "I think this was Tiffany's Coco Chanel moment. She needs to lose some accessories here."

Love that they made it difficult for the judges either way.

[mncharm]

Agree completely, IG. I'm not saying we shouldn't make any judgments whatsoever, just that the nasty judgment of Richard drawn by LL is based on a few snippets and comments from Richard that are frequently without much surrounding context -- whereas the conclusion that he is more of an all around good guy (which I believe and hope he is), has a LOT more evidence.

Again, we all could be wrong, but on balance, the evidence we've seen certainly points to a much better image of Richard than a few here have suggested.

Given that at least one family member of a cheftestant posts here (who also has taken some shots -- although more to her cooking ability than personality -- that I also don't think were well-founded), I think it behooves us all to measure ourselves a bit when criticizing the chefs. That is not to say opinions or criticisms shouldn't be shared -- just that it might serve us to post thoughtfully when doing so.

[LL]

OK, I def. was being a little unfair when I called Richard what I called him. I was more trying to think about why people are getting angry at Padma for her extra-cruel Richard fake-out, while they are not noting that there was a fake-out moment for Carla and Tiffany that was, for them, likely just as emotionally distressing.

Whether it's Richard or the editors or both, lots of people have noticed that there always seems to be a cloud over Richard's head this season - and not only when he loses, but when he doesn't win! He left a bad taste in my mouth on the first episode when he said that people remember his season for him losing (not true!! I remember his season for hoping that one of the two equally talented chefs, him or Stephanie, won - it's not like he lost to Hosea....) and I really disliked his "top seed" comment. It's like he can't even conceptualize the possibility that had neither him nor Stephanie "choked" Stephanie could have still come out on top, and it's like he can't even conceptualize that Carla or Antonia are actually equal to him and that their placements alongside him are not just "luck." But my comment was more meant to communicate that comments on TC blogs, in their non-mention of the Carla/Tiffany fake-out, seem to think (or feel) Richard's own sense of himself as entitled to the title renders him more entitled than the other chefs to not have his feelings hurt.

And yeah, I'm aware the show has editors and I'm aware that Richard's just as likely to be an awesome dude in real life than any other reality tv star contestant is. Even when I sound harsh, I'm not like, condemning his soul, I'm reacting to a character in a narrative that's on my TV every week who has come to irritate me. And it's still weird to me that people keep saying Tiff and Carla's dishes had "more criticisms" - yeah, more that they SHOWED ON TV because it made sense for the tension they wanted to create!!!!

In any case I really adored this episode and I can't wait for tomorrow but I think I might feel tremendously sad when it's all over. This is my favorite season ever.