Tonight on BRAVO (10 P.M. EDT) the final contestants for the title of TOP CHEF (and $200,000) will face off in the season finale. Richard (Season 4 Runner-up, top left) is the most gifted (but neurotic) chef. Antonia (Season 4 fourth place finish, top right) is excellent, but within a limited range of menus. Mike (Season 6, finished 7th, middle) resembles Homer Simpson: crude, clownish, and surprisingly talented. But, Mike has grown on me during this competition. He’s had a troubled past, struggled to perfect his craft, and has displayed an indomitable attitude in this arena. All three superb chefs will be vying for the prize tonight. I’ll be watching and listening for the lovely Padma (bottom) to announce: “Mike, you’re TOP CHEF!”
We’ve been watching CHOPPED. I like the quick resolution, I guess. Although I still wish all these shows didn’t emphasize time so much.
Speed is an allegory of competition, Patti. It’s easy to film and it works most of the time. But, after all these weeks, I must admit I’m a bit “cooked-out.”
Nice picture of Padma…uh, what were we talking about?
Padma has that effect on me, too, Jeff.
That always amazes me on DINERS, DRIVE-INS and DIVES: how much time these people take to make various items…daily…in what some people would consider a dive. They leave stuff overnight, make homemade pasta daily, etc.
I must admit some of them are pretty impressive.
The best segments on DINER, DRIVE-INS & DIVES are when Guy tries to get the cook to reveal their “secrets” of whatever dish they’re making, Jeff.
I’m rooting for Antonia. Carla was my gal but she got bumped a couple shows ago.
Frankly a lot of the stuff the Top Chefs create I wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole.
There was a sidebar article in TV Guide a couple weeks ago. Anthony Bourdain was asked what the five worst things he’d ever eaten were. His 5th choice was Top Chef competitor Dale T’s butterscotch scallops. Yuck!
Ah, I remember those butterscotch scallops well, Beth. You’re right: double yuck! At this point, I’d be happy if Antonia or Richard won. They’ve worked hard to get where they are. I’m just a little more sympathetic about Mike because I started out not liking him much, but this competition changed my mind. I had tears in my eyes when Mike made that dish of his Grandmother’s.
Butterscotch scallops? Ick.
Butterscotch scallops sound truly hideous, Jeff. They didn’t look much better on TOP CHEF ALL-STARS.
You only watch this for the chick, George. Me, I’ll skip it, thanks. I got “cooking show-ed out” about 3 years ago, though I do occasionally watch a re-run of Triple-D.
I confess I have a thing for Padma, Rick (just like Bill Crider & Paris Hilton, or Art Scott & any redhead).
I love Triple-D. Jackie complains that all they make is fattening food but what’s wrong with that?
Besides, I’ve seen the occasional tofu or salad on there.
I enjoy the people who create such diverse food, Jeff. Triple-D highlights their stories and Guy does a great job showcasing their talents. It’s Americana at its best.
Yawn.
I was faked out, Bob. This episode was not the finale. That will be broadcast next week. In previous seasons, the top three contenders went to the finale. For TOP CHEF ALL STARS, the Powers That Be decided that TWO chefs will compete for the $200,000 and the TOP CHEF title.
I say again: Yawn! Watching someone cook bores me senseless.
I’m surprised, Bob. I thought you’d be an IRON CHEF kind of guy. Or at least a DINERS, DRIVE-INS & DIVES aficionado.
Okay, one exception: Benni Hana (or however it’s spelled), but only because I get to eat it when it’s ready.
I do see DD&D sometimes, but not to watch them cook. I hope to see them feature a place I can reach.
If you ever visit Western NY, Bob, I can take you to four restaurants that have been featured on Triple-D. Next time Art Scott visits, he wants to check out Grover’s which claims to have the best hamburger in the world.