It's hardly surprising that reality tv editing can fudge facts sometimes, but Top Chef really pulled a switcheroo on everyone tonight. Ads for this season's Restaurant Wars episode focused on the ladies' team butchering service and being catty towards each other, and the episode itself hardly shied away from the internal conflicts. The men's team had a much more successful service (though not perfect, this is Restaurant Wars after all) and the agreement seemed seemed to be that it went well enough and the dishes just needed to be worked on a little more. At Judge's Table, however, the women took home the win for their superior food while Tom seemed ready to send all of the guys home. I don't mind selective editing, but this felt like I was being lied to.
1. Paul At the top by default. As uninspiring as his performance was, there's no reason anyone else is noticeably better.
2. Grayson Cooked some solid dishes without getting involved in drama.
3. Sarah The only reason she didn't torpedo the women's team was because Lindsay was just as bitchy as she was, and both were using Bev as a whipping girl.
4. Beverly Doesn't work well with others (see her earlier clash with Heather). Is this the beginning of a redemption arc or a momentary blip?
5. Lindsay Her cooking isn't attracting anyone's attention but as a Mean Girl... watch out!
6. Edward Meh.
7. Chris Double meh.
PYKAG'd: Ty-Lor. No chef of the night was demonstrably the worst, but he had it coming.
Showing posts with label Top Chef. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Top Chef. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Top Chef: Texas week 7 power rankings
You know how bad things are for the current crop of cheftestants? I had to construct this list from the bottom up.
1. Paul There's a noticeable drop-off in quality between Paul and the other seven chefs. But let's be honest, Paul isn't even as head-and-shoulders above the pack as Angelo was in Top Chef: DC.
2. Sarah Due to the current season's predilection for group/team challenges, there are only two remaining chefs with solo Elimination Challenge wins. Paul is one; Sarah is the other.
3. Grayson Ranks higher than Edward due to a Quickfire win. Otherwise they have identical records.
4. Edward See above.
5. Lindsay Has managed to avoid elimination since the first episode, but this week was the first where she was eligible for an Elimination Challenge win. Not sure what to expect out of her going forward.
6. Beverly Not terrible, just erratic, so it's possible she could become a dark horse condtender a la Carla in Top Chef: New York.
7. Ty-Lor Ty-Lor is certainly a capable chef. However, this week he had immunity, deliberately sought to make amends for his poor performance in the steak challenge (which I believe he would have been PYKAG'd for if he hadn't fallen on his sword sufficiently), and ended up cooking poorly anyway.
8. Chris J. Did you know that Chris works at Moto? Because he works at Moto. He cooks the Moto way. Moto.
PYKAG'd: Chris C. Farewell, Malibu.
Next week: Restaurant Wars, which seems to have lost its original luster in my mind. Judging from the previews, the cheftestants find ample ways to screw up service again despite Restaurant Wars being the one thing other than the finale that they all look forward to. You'd think by know they'd all know going into the competition that they have to know a couple dessert recipes, and how not to screw up Restaurant Wars. Speaking of favorite challenges: when do we get the mise en place relay Quickfire?
1. Paul There's a noticeable drop-off in quality between Paul and the other seven chefs. But let's be honest, Paul isn't even as head-and-shoulders above the pack as Angelo was in Top Chef: DC.
2. Sarah Due to the current season's predilection for group/team challenges, there are only two remaining chefs with solo Elimination Challenge wins. Paul is one; Sarah is the other.
3. Grayson Ranks higher than Edward due to a Quickfire win. Otherwise they have identical records.
4. Edward See above.
5. Lindsay Has managed to avoid elimination since the first episode, but this week was the first where she was eligible for an Elimination Challenge win. Not sure what to expect out of her going forward.
6. Beverly Not terrible, just erratic, so it's possible she could become a dark horse condtender a la Carla in Top Chef: New York.
7. Ty-Lor Ty-Lor is certainly a capable chef. However, this week he had immunity, deliberately sought to make amends for his poor performance in the steak challenge (which I believe he would have been PYKAG'd for if he hadn't fallen on his sword sufficiently), and ended up cooking poorly anyway.
8. Chris J. Did you know that Chris works at Moto? Because he works at Moto. He cooks the Moto way. Moto.
PYKAG'd: Chris C. Farewell, Malibu.
Next week: Restaurant Wars, which seems to have lost its original luster in my mind. Judging from the previews, the cheftestants find ample ways to screw up service again despite Restaurant Wars being the one thing other than the finale that they all look forward to. You'd think by know they'd all know going into the competition that they have to know a couple dessert recipes, and how not to screw up Restaurant Wars. Speaking of favorite challenges: when do we get the mise en place relay Quickfire?
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Premiere League: Top Chef, "Everything's Bigger in Texas"
I skipped out on Top Chef franchise overkill this year. Other than the odd episode here and there of Masters and Just Desserts (which to be fair, was much improved on the terrible first season), I haven't watched regularly since the all-star season. As Top Chef seasons go, it was excellent, but it was an anomaly given that all the contestants - even Mike Isabella! - were the real deal. It was all wheat and no chaff, as opposed to most seasons where the first five episodes (minimum) are devoted to eliminating the schmos. Compare All-Stars to the especially woeful DC season, with only two or three half-decent chefs and a total non-entity as champion and you'll see why I'm nervous about this season.
Even the producers knew they had to shake things up, so this season starts with a staggering 29 chefs, who are whittled down to 16 in a process reminiscent of the audition episodes of MasterChef. I'm not particularly a fan of the new gimmick - too many cooks spoil the broth, ho ho ho. And some chefs aren't even eliminated outright but rather live to cook another day for a final chance at a spot in the final (initial?) 16. But it does lead to satisfying moments like the world's smuggest babyfaced jerkwad being PYKAG'd by Tom before he even plates a dish. The rest of the preliminary eliminations, "preliminations" if you will, are more in line with your usual episode, but it's nice to see some spontaneity in a now-familiar format.
There's not much else to say about the episode, since it's largely a bunch of chefs we don't know and barely care about presenting one after another. New guest judge Emeril Lagasse adds some schlubby authority to the proceedings, whereas other new judge Hugh Acheson won't appear until the second episode. Given how sparingly Eric Ripert and Anthony Bourdain were used in previous seasons, though, they likely won't make much of an impression overall.
Of course, I'm pleased that Chicago is doing well; five chefs from the Windy City presented dishes this episode and all five advanced. Suck it, East/West Coast!
No power rankings yet, of course, and I'm hard pressed to even come up with an early favorite. It's good to see Top Chef back, but will the good vibes last once the new gimmickry is over?
Even the producers knew they had to shake things up, so this season starts with a staggering 29 chefs, who are whittled down to 16 in a process reminiscent of the audition episodes of MasterChef. I'm not particularly a fan of the new gimmick - too many cooks spoil the broth, ho ho ho. And some chefs aren't even eliminated outright but rather live to cook another day for a final chance at a spot in the final (initial?) 16. But it does lead to satisfying moments like the world's smuggest babyfaced jerkwad being PYKAG'd by Tom before he even plates a dish. The rest of the preliminary eliminations, "preliminations" if you will, are more in line with your usual episode, but it's nice to see some spontaneity in a now-familiar format.
There's not much else to say about the episode, since it's largely a bunch of chefs we don't know and barely care about presenting one after another. New guest judge Emeril Lagasse adds some schlubby authority to the proceedings, whereas other new judge Hugh Acheson won't appear until the second episode. Given how sparingly Eric Ripert and Anthony Bourdain were used in previous seasons, though, they likely won't make much of an impression overall.
Of course, I'm pleased that Chicago is doing well; five chefs from the Windy City presented dishes this episode and all five advanced. Suck it, East/West Coast!
No power rankings yet, of course, and I'm hard pressed to even come up with an early favorite. It's good to see Top Chef back, but will the good vibes last once the new gimmickry is over?
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Top Chef All-Stars final power rankings
How do all 18 cheftestants compare now that the season is over?
1. Richard
Win the competition, get crowned #1. It's not rocket science. And besides, Blais deserves it.
2. Antonia
Was screwed out of a Quickfire win on a technicality and could've picked up another Elimination Challenge win if her teammates hadn't been terrible. Otherwise she measures up equally to the season's runner-up...
3. Mike
Too bad nobody likes Mike (albeit for good reason) because he could've been named Top Chef. He's certainly improved since his season - I had him pegged as one of the first to go. Sure, he never sparkled, and only started winning Elimination Challenges once stronger chefs had been kicked out, but he made it to the final episode. That's an achievement.
4. Dale T.
Amassed a lot of wins, and showed maturity since being his season's resident hot-head.
5. Carla
Still maddeningly flighty.
6. Angelo
Peaked too early by winning the first two Elimination Challenges but none after that.
7. Tiffany
Like Mike, she had the luck of outlasting more talented cheftestants. Unlike Mike, she didn't have the chops to back it up. She didn't win a single Elimination Challenge. Even Marcel had an Elimination Challenge win.
8. Fabio
Fabio ran red hot or ice cold, placing in either the top or the bottom of every Elimination Challenge.
9. Tre
Solid middle-of-the-pack contestant.
10. Marcel
Got an Elimination Challenge win, but shared it with teammates Richard and Angelo. One of these chefs is not like the other.
11. Spike
Managed to not be a total asshat, which was accomplishment enough, and somehow proved to be Richard's ideal sous chef. Who knew?
12. Tiffani
13. Casey
14. Dale L.
15. Stephen
16. Jamie
17. Jennifer
18. Elia
The bottom three are two who clearly didn't want to be there, and one who self-destructed. I had Jennifer as #5 in my preseason rankings, but even then I knew that she didn't perform well under pressure.
1. Richard
Win the competition, get crowned #1. It's not rocket science. And besides, Blais deserves it.
2. Antonia
Was screwed out of a Quickfire win on a technicality and could've picked up another Elimination Challenge win if her teammates hadn't been terrible. Otherwise she measures up equally to the season's runner-up...
3. Mike
Too bad nobody likes Mike (albeit for good reason) because he could've been named Top Chef. He's certainly improved since his season - I had him pegged as one of the first to go. Sure, he never sparkled, and only started winning Elimination Challenges once stronger chefs had been kicked out, but he made it to the final episode. That's an achievement.
4. Dale T.
Amassed a lot of wins, and showed maturity since being his season's resident hot-head.
5. Carla
Still maddeningly flighty.
6. Angelo
Peaked too early by winning the first two Elimination Challenges but none after that.
7. Tiffany
Like Mike, she had the luck of outlasting more talented cheftestants. Unlike Mike, she didn't have the chops to back it up. She didn't win a single Elimination Challenge. Even Marcel had an Elimination Challenge win.
8. Fabio
Fabio ran red hot or ice cold, placing in either the top or the bottom of every Elimination Challenge.
9. Tre
Solid middle-of-the-pack contestant.
10. Marcel
Got an Elimination Challenge win, but shared it with teammates Richard and Angelo. One of these chefs is not like the other.
11. Spike
Managed to not be a total asshat, which was accomplishment enough, and somehow proved to be Richard's ideal sous chef. Who knew?
12. Tiffani
13. Casey
14. Dale L.
15. Stephen
16. Jamie
17. Jennifer
18. Elia
The bottom three are two who clearly didn't want to be there, and one who self-destructed. I had Jennifer as #5 in my preseason rankings, but even then I knew that she didn't perform well under pressure.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Top Chef All-Stars: week 13 power rankings
A lot of people crapped on last week's Top Chef for keeping all five cheftestants to go into the finale, but I fell for the sentimental approach hook, line, and sinker. Every competitor brought his or her A-game, everyone's family was present, and we even found out that Mike and Antonia are distant relatives. What's not to love? I can forgive a cop-out on the judges' part (and quite possibly the producers' part) in not eliminating anyone.
Too bad this episode was a total suckfest. Having the remaining chefs cook against the winners of their respective seasons should've been highly entertaining, but it turned out to be a worthless gimmick. At least we know that Hosea is still a dick, only this time he's a dick with a horrible beard. Even worse, nothing in the Elimination Challenge stood out. You know it's a sorry slate when Mike cooks the best dish.
Poor Carla. She had faltered a bit in the preceding weeks, but unlike other contestants in this episode she kept her spirits high and cooked food she believed in. So long, hootie.
1. Richard
Despite second-guessing himself at every turn, Richard is still making good food. The specter of his Top Chef: Chicago choke job has loomed over him all season long, and advancing to the finale has only made him more neurotic instead of more confident. He's also increasingly becoming more of a dick. It's a real shame.
2. Mike
It only took thirteen episodes, but Mike finally won his first Elimination Challenge of the season. It helps to finish strong, I guess, but we're talking about Mike. This is the first Elimination Challenge he's won on Top Chef, period. And beating Michael Voltaggio in the Quickfire - what was that all about? I am not afraid to give credit where credit is due, and Mike has shown definite improvement since Top Chef: Las Vegas. But he should be thanking his lucky stars that Dale and Angelo aren't his competition anymore.
3. Antonia
Antonia is clearly superior to Mike as a chef, but she clearly could've been sent home for tonight's dish. Cooking in the final episodes is a skill in and of itself - that's how we got Top Chefs Kevin and Hosea, and almost got Top Chef Lisa in the fourth season. In the finale, you either have it or you don't, and right now Antonia looks like she doesn't have it.
4. Tiffany
In five of the last seven weeks, Tiffany has placed in the bottom group at Judge's Table. She hasn't won an Elimination Challenge, and tonight was her first Quickfire win - a win she split with four other chefs. Enough already!
Too bad this episode was a total suckfest. Having the remaining chefs cook against the winners of their respective seasons should've been highly entertaining, but it turned out to be a worthless gimmick. At least we know that Hosea is still a dick, only this time he's a dick with a horrible beard. Even worse, nothing in the Elimination Challenge stood out. You know it's a sorry slate when Mike cooks the best dish.
Poor Carla. She had faltered a bit in the preceding weeks, but unlike other contestants in this episode she kept her spirits high and cooked food she believed in. So long, hootie.
1. Richard
Despite second-guessing himself at every turn, Richard is still making good food. The specter of his Top Chef: Chicago choke job has loomed over him all season long, and advancing to the finale has only made him more neurotic instead of more confident. He's also increasingly becoming more of a dick. It's a real shame.
2. Mike
It only took thirteen episodes, but Mike finally won his first Elimination Challenge of the season. It helps to finish strong, I guess, but we're talking about Mike. This is the first Elimination Challenge he's won on Top Chef, period. And beating Michael Voltaggio in the Quickfire - what was that all about? I am not afraid to give credit where credit is due, and Mike has shown definite improvement since Top Chef: Las Vegas. But he should be thanking his lucky stars that Dale and Angelo aren't his competition anymore.
3. Antonia
Antonia is clearly superior to Mike as a chef, but she clearly could've been sent home for tonight's dish. Cooking in the final episodes is a skill in and of itself - that's how we got Top Chefs Kevin and Hosea, and almost got Top Chef Lisa in the fourth season. In the finale, you either have it or you don't, and right now Antonia looks like she doesn't have it.
4. Tiffany
In five of the last seven weeks, Tiffany has placed in the bottom group at Judge's Table. She hasn't won an Elimination Challenge, and tonight was her first Quickfire win - a win she split with four other chefs. Enough already!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Top Chef All-Stars: week 11 power rankings
Top Chef clearly isn't afraid of letting good chefs go home if they cook a bum dish. First Angelo, now Dale. Either one of them could've won this competition. Honestly, after last week Dale looked like the odds-on favorite. And call me easily manipulated, but it's good to see Dale admit that he was a jerk in his first go-round as a cheftestant.
On a side note, anyone drooling due to the deep frying Quickfire should check out Wiener and Still Champion in Evanston, IL. It's a fried foods paradise.
1. Antonia
Poor Antonia keeps getting screwed over. She could've won an Elimination Challenge if her teammates hadn't flunked their dishes, and now she forgets to plate an additional portion for her Quickfire. Her resume should look much stronger. Otherwise she's cooking like a champ.
2. Richard
Richard and Fabio vacationing together? Comedy gold. Is this the season of bromances or what?
3. Mike
"Plagiarized" dish aside, Mike is cooking competently down the stretch. He's not hitting anything out of the park, but he's not letting the pressure get to him either, which is more than can be said of some of his competitors. Just making it this far is an accomplishment for him - I thought he'd be one of the first to go.
4. Carla
If Carla can stay focused and keep her head on straight, she makes the finale. Knowing Carla, of course, this is easier said than done.
5. Tiffany
Being saddled with Marcel as a sous chef is unfortunate. That said, she should've known to keep a tighter leash on him.
On a side note, anyone drooling due to the deep frying Quickfire should check out Wiener and Still Champion in Evanston, IL. It's a fried foods paradise.
1. Antonia
Poor Antonia keeps getting screwed over. She could've won an Elimination Challenge if her teammates hadn't flunked their dishes, and now she forgets to plate an additional portion for her Quickfire. Her resume should look much stronger. Otherwise she's cooking like a champ.
2. Richard
Richard and Fabio vacationing together? Comedy gold. Is this the season of bromances or what?
3. Mike
"Plagiarized" dish aside, Mike is cooking competently down the stretch. He's not hitting anything out of the park, but he's not letting the pressure get to him either, which is more than can be said of some of his competitors. Just making it this far is an accomplishment for him - I thought he'd be one of the first to go.
4. Carla
If Carla can stay focused and keep her head on straight, she makes the finale. Knowing Carla, of course, this is easier said than done.
5. Tiffany
Being saddled with Marcel as a sous chef is unfortunate. That said, she should've known to keep a tighter leash on him.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Top Chef All-Stars: week 10 power rankings
Angelo, gone so soon? I thought they would've chucked Tiffany (one of the lesser of the remaining chefs) or Carla (honestly, she deserved it more), but Angelo? Admittedly, he peaked early, but he deserved to last a few episodes longer - certainly longer than his partner in bromance, Mike, who looked heartbroken that his new bestie would no longer be on the show. Ten bucks says he starts the next episode shedding some man tears.
1. Dale
Dale is back! He's taken three of the past four Quickfires, and won tonight's Elimination Challenge to boot. It's the first Quickfire/Elimination Challenge sweep since last season's penultimate episode. And he ramped up the douchiness this episode too, which is always a plus.
2. Antonia
Doing a hundred egg dishes takes guts. Antonia has them.
3. Richard
Demerits for making a Quickfire dish that was not a cookie under any current, historical, or future definition of the term. Credits for making a good dish in the Elimination Challenge that wasn't a soup. By the way, it's no coincidence that the strongest three chefs left were all in the Chicago edition of Top Chef.
4. Carla
Carla's dottiness means that when she falls, she falls big.
5. Mike
His performance tonight was identical to his performance all season: neither good enough to be up for a win nor bad enough to be up for elimination. Every remaining cheftestant has faced the judges at least twice as many times as he has.
6. Tiffany
Prolonging the inevitable.
1. Dale
Dale is back! He's taken three of the past four Quickfires, and won tonight's Elimination Challenge to boot. It's the first Quickfire/Elimination Challenge sweep since last season's penultimate episode. And he ramped up the douchiness this episode too, which is always a plus.
2. Antonia
Doing a hundred egg dishes takes guts. Antonia has them.
3. Richard
Demerits for making a Quickfire dish that was not a cookie under any current, historical, or future definition of the term. Credits for making a good dish in the Elimination Challenge that wasn't a soup. By the way, it's no coincidence that the strongest three chefs left were all in the Chicago edition of Top Chef.
4. Carla
Carla's dottiness means that when she falls, she falls big.
5. Mike
His performance tonight was identical to his performance all season: neither good enough to be up for a win nor bad enough to be up for elimination. Every remaining cheftestant has faced the judges at least twice as many times as he has.
6. Tiffany
Prolonging the inevitable.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Top Chef All-Stars: week 9 power rankings
Poor Fabio. If his dish tasted the way the judges said it did, he was justified in being PYKAG'd, but his burger sure looked good.
1. Carla
Making a huge play to be in the finale. Her three Elimination Challenge victories are the most of any chef this season and she has been in a winning group for four straight weeks, another season high. Disregard her antics: Carla is not to be underestimated.
2. Angelo
Keeping steady, but his last Elimination Challenge win came way back in the second episode.
3. Richard
Coasting. Still a favorite to be in the finale but he's been settling for base hits lately and he needs that home run.
4. Antonia
Fabio thought she didn't deserve to win last week. She gets the last laugh.
5. Dale
It's a tale of two Dales: win the Quickfire, then be up for elimination. He looked invincible for a while but now he's in the bottom group for the second week in a row - a Top Chef first for him. Still capable of making the finale if he can recover his mojo.
6. Mike
Good showing tonight to make up for last week's poor dish, but he won't be around much longer.
7. Tiffany
If she'd been sent home, I wouldn't have batted an eye. As one of the diners said, she made tortilla soup.
1. Carla
Making a huge play to be in the finale. Her three Elimination Challenge victories are the most of any chef this season and she has been in a winning group for four straight weeks, another season high. Disregard her antics: Carla is not to be underestimated.
2. Angelo
Keeping steady, but his last Elimination Challenge win came way back in the second episode.
3. Richard
Coasting. Still a favorite to be in the finale but he's been settling for base hits lately and he needs that home run.
4. Antonia
Fabio thought she didn't deserve to win last week. She gets the last laugh.
5. Dale
It's a tale of two Dales: win the Quickfire, then be up for elimination. He looked invincible for a while but now he's in the bottom group for the second week in a row - a Top Chef first for him. Still capable of making the finale if he can recover his mojo.
6. Mike
Good showing tonight to make up for last week's poor dish, but he won't be around much longer.
7. Tiffany
If she'd been sent home, I wouldn't have batted an eye. As one of the diners said, she made tortilla soup.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Top Chef All-Stars: week 8 power rankings
No major changes, just minor shuffling.
1. Richard
Now has the most Quickfire wins this season with three.
2. Angelo
Laughable performance at the Quickfire, but that challenge made everyone look silly.
3. Dale
The first time all season he's been up for elimination.
4. Carla
Just as in Season 5, she's finishing very strongly.
5. Antonia
Picks up the win, but she's been erratic lately.
6. Fabio
Also finishing very strongly. However, he - like the rest of my bottom three - hasn't won any Elimination Challenges.
7. Tiffany
Good rebound from last week, and salvaged what could've been a disaster this week.
8. Mike
Should've gone home instead of Tre.
1. Richard
Now has the most Quickfire wins this season with three.
2. Angelo
Laughable performance at the Quickfire, but that challenge made everyone look silly.
3. Dale
The first time all season he's been up for elimination.
4. Carla
Just as in Season 5, she's finishing very strongly.
5. Antonia
Picks up the win, but she's been erratic lately.
6. Fabio
Also finishing very strongly. However, he - like the rest of my bottom three - hasn't won any Elimination Challenges.
7. Tiffany
Good rebound from last week, and salvaged what could've been a disaster this week.
8. Mike
Should've gone home instead of Tre.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Top Chef All-Stars: week 7 power rankings
The post-Restaurant Wars breakdown is pretty easy this week.
1. Dale
2. Richard
3. Angelo
4. Carla
5. Fabio
6. Antonia
7. Tre
8. Mike
9. Tiffany
The top three are the top three. Duh.
Antonia has been on the losing team for three straight weeks. Last week almost shouldn't count, since the judges admitted she had one of the best dishes. But this is the second week in three where her team collapsed around her and she did nothing about it. To be fair, in the Chinatown episode everyone collapsed around her, but she still has a habit of observing chaos and staying outside of it. Tiffany cooked a bad dish and laid it on too thick as front of house. Mike did a good job at the Quickfire but couldn't handle working alongside Marcel (can't blame him, but still). Tre isn't in the bottom third because he's a bad chef, it's just that everyone else is better.
1. Dale
2. Richard
3. Angelo
4. Carla
5. Fabio
6. Antonia
7. Tre
8. Mike
9. Tiffany
The top three are the top three. Duh.
Antonia has been on the losing team for three straight weeks. Last week almost shouldn't count, since the judges admitted she had one of the best dishes. But this is the second week in three where her team collapsed around her and she did nothing about it. To be fair, in the Chinatown episode everyone collapsed around her, but she still has a habit of observing chaos and staying outside of it. Tiffany cooked a bad dish and laid it on too thick as front of house. Mike did a good job at the Quickfire but couldn't handle working alongside Marcel (can't blame him, but still). Tre isn't in the bottom third because he's a bad chef, it's just that everyone else is better.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Top Chef All-Stars: week 6 power rankings
Feeling so fly like it's week six.
1. Angelo
2. Dale
3. Antonia
4. Richard
5. Carla
6. Marcel
7. Mike
8. Fabio
9. Tiffany
10. Tre
Our long national Jamie nightmare is finally over, but Tiffani? And I was just starting to get a crush on her. Mike finally gets chosen to be seen at Judge's Table, and Fabio is still wildly inconsistent. Antonia inches up for a very strong showing in a weak group. Richard inches down for a poor performance. You could tell from his body language that he was really pissed about how his team did. Tiffany and Tre aren't bad chefs - in fact, they placed high in tonight's show. But there aren't any noticeably weak links left. You could easily flip them with Mike and Fabio, but Mike does a great job of coasting under the radar and Fabio can follow up a crap performance with a brilliant one.
1. Angelo
2. Dale
3. Antonia
4. Richard
5. Carla
6. Marcel
7. Mike
8. Fabio
9. Tiffany
10. Tre
Our long national Jamie nightmare is finally over, but Tiffani? And I was just starting to get a crush on her. Mike finally gets chosen to be seen at Judge's Table, and Fabio is still wildly inconsistent. Antonia inches up for a very strong showing in a weak group. Richard inches down for a poor performance. You could tell from his body language that he was really pissed about how his team did. Tiffany and Tre aren't bad chefs - in fact, they placed high in tonight's show. But there aren't any noticeably weak links left. You could easily flip them with Mike and Fabio, but Mike does a great job of coasting under the radar and Fabio can follow up a crap performance with a brilliant one.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Top Chef All-Stars: week 5 power rankings
Had a break in the action thanks to the holidays. Back on board for week 5.
1. Angelo
2. Dale
3. Richard
4. Marcel
5. Antonia
6. Fabio
7. Carla
8. Tiffani
9. Mike
10. Tiffany
11. Tre
12. Jamie
Sure, Jamie has deserved to go home for a while now but Casey hasn't exactly been Grant Achatz this season. Mike got a big Quickfire win tonight but his season has been the definition of mediocre. Solid top three. After that, it's muddled. It doesn't help that some chefs are all over the place - for instance, Fabio, who has been in the top or bottom group in every single Elimination Challenge thus far.
1. Angelo
2. Dale
3. Richard
4. Marcel
5. Antonia
6. Fabio
7. Carla
8. Tiffani
9. Mike
10. Tiffany
11. Tre
12. Jamie
Sure, Jamie has deserved to go home for a while now but Casey hasn't exactly been Grant Achatz this season. Mike got a big Quickfire win tonight but his season has been the definition of mediocre. Solid top three. After that, it's muddled. It doesn't help that some chefs are all over the place - for instance, Fabio, who has been in the top or bottom group in every single Elimination Challenge thus far.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Top Chef All-Stars: 12/15 power rankings
1. Angelo
2. Richard
3. Dale T.
4. Antonia
5. Tre
6. Marcel
7. Carla
8. Tiffani
9. Spike
10. Casey
11. Tiffany
12. Jamie
13. Mike
14. Fabio
Angelo: still weasly, still on top. Dale's win, plus Antonia's strong showing, brings the top 4 back to the same it was after the first episode. Fabio is running hot and cold, but more cold than hot and when he's cold he's cold. Luckily for him, Dale L. had the lesser dish.
2. Richard
3. Dale T.
4. Antonia
5. Tre
6. Marcel
7. Carla
8. Tiffani
9. Spike
10. Casey
11. Tiffany
12. Jamie
13. Mike
14. Fabio
Angelo: still weasly, still on top. Dale's win, plus Antonia's strong showing, brings the top 4 back to the same it was after the first episode. Fabio is running hot and cold, but more cold than hot and when he's cold he's cold. Luckily for him, Dale L. had the lesser dish.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Top Chef All-Stars: 12/8 Power Rankings
1. Angelo
2. Richard
3. Dale T.
4. Tiffani
5. Marcel
6. Antonia
7. Tre
8. Carla
9. Dale L.
10. Spike
11. Fabio
12. Casey
13. Jamie
14. Tiffany
15. Stephen
16. Mike
Clearly, we got "second half of Top Chef: Las Vegas" Jen instead of "first half of Top Chef: Las Vegas" Jen.
Tiffani gets a huge boost this week. Jamie nosedives, although most of the drama surrounding her was a total non-event. Spike is inching his way towards respectability.
2. Richard
3. Dale T.
4. Tiffani
5. Marcel
6. Antonia
7. Tre
8. Carla
9. Dale L.
10. Spike
11. Fabio
12. Casey
13. Jamie
14. Tiffany
15. Stephen
16. Mike
Clearly, we got "second half of Top Chef: Las Vegas" Jen instead of "first half of Top Chef: Las Vegas" Jen.
Tiffani gets a huge boost this week. Jamie nosedives, although most of the drama surrounding her was a total non-event. Spike is inching his way towards respectability.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Top Chef All-Stars power rankings: 12/1
1. Angelo
2. Richard
3. Dale T.
4. Antonia
5. Jennifer
6. Jamie
7. Tre
8. Carla
9. Tiffany
10. Marcel
11. Dale L.
12. Casey
13. Spike
14. Tiffani
15. Mike
16. Fabio
17. Stephen
Not a lot of major changes to note. Spike has a good chance of doing what he did during his season; being just competent enough to not get eliminated, but never excelling. It's too soon to tell whether mid-level chefs with strong dishes (Jamie, Mike) are stronger overall, or if they simply learned from their one fatal mistake. The strong Chicago cast has a predictably strong showing. Stephen looks lost. Jennifer couldn't cook well under pressure in Las Vegas, and this season is all pressure. Fabio spent too much time shilling for Bravo and not enough time in the kitchen. Do the producers actually have the stones to paint good guy Richard as a villain, or did he just inadvertently slip up by going over his alloted time?
2. Richard
3. Dale T.
4. Antonia
5. Jennifer
6. Jamie
7. Tre
8. Carla
9. Tiffany
10. Marcel
11. Dale L.
12. Casey
13. Spike
14. Tiffani
15. Mike
16. Fabio
17. Stephen
Not a lot of major changes to note. Spike has a good chance of doing what he did during his season; being just competent enough to not get eliminated, but never excelling. It's too soon to tell whether mid-level chefs with strong dishes (Jamie, Mike) are stronger overall, or if they simply learned from their one fatal mistake. The strong Chicago cast has a predictably strong showing. Stephen looks lost. Jennifer couldn't cook well under pressure in Las Vegas, and this season is all pressure. Fabio spent too much time shilling for Bravo and not enough time in the kitchen. Do the producers actually have the stones to paint good guy Richard as a villain, or did he just inadvertently slip up by going over his alloted time?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Top Chef All-Stars: Preseason Power Rankings
Bravo's Top Chef franchise is one of the network's flagship programs, but it has laid the cooking on a little thick this year. Immediately after another technically proficient but drama-free season of Top Chef: Masters, the extremely underwhelming Top Chef: DC premiered. The weakest season in the show's history was followed by another spinoff, Top Chef: Just Desserts, which had to have set a statistical record for amount of crying per episode. I've been a fervent Top Chefian for years now, but I couldn't finish Top Chef: Just Desserts. The fun wasn't there anymore. Bravo seems to feel that the series has lagged, too, hence Wednesday's premiere of Top Chef: All-Stars. If they're looking to freshen up the series, they've done a good job, since the cast is absolutely loaded with talent. Even better, they've brought on Anthony Bourdain as a judge. I'm stoked. Let's handicap this race.
1. Richard
2. Angelo
3. Carla
4. Antonia
5. Jennifer
6. Dale T.
7. Tre
8. Tiffany
9. Fabio
10. Marcel
11. Dale L.
12. Casey
13. Elia
14. Tiffani
15. Stephen
16. Jamie
17. Mike
18. Spike
Admittedly, I'm making educated guesses with Tiffani and Stephen since I never saw the first season. It's pretty clear that Mike and Spike are the lesser of the cheftestants by a country mile. Conversely, it's clear that Richard and Angelo are the cream of the crop. Virtually everyone else is a wildcard. Will Dale Talde keep his temper? Will Tre redeem himself? Can chokers like Carla and Jennifer regain their swagger?
1. Richard
2. Angelo
3. Carla
4. Antonia
5. Jennifer
6. Dale T.
7. Tre
8. Tiffany
9. Fabio
10. Marcel
11. Dale L.
12. Casey
13. Elia
14. Tiffani
15. Stephen
16. Jamie
17. Mike
18. Spike
Admittedly, I'm making educated guesses with Tiffani and Stephen since I never saw the first season. It's pretty clear that Mike and Spike are the lesser of the cheftestants by a country mile. Conversely, it's clear that Richard and Angelo are the cream of the crop. Virtually everyone else is a wildcard. Will Dale Talde keep his temper? Will Tre redeem himself? Can chokers like Carla and Jennifer regain their swagger?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Top Chef Las Vegas 11/11
First, let me acknowledge how stupid and useless last week's Top Chef reunion dinner was.
And now for this week's episode. Two words: Nigella Lawson. It's a good thing Toby was judging this week and not Gail, because if you put her and Nigella in the same room there'd be a souffle rising in my pants (HEY-O!). I'd never even heard of Nigella before this week.
(Googles her to check her credentials)
(notices that "Nigella Lawson breasts" is the second thing that comes up on Google's auto fill-in feature)
(no, I didn't select that option)
(discovers pictures on Google Image Search)
Ho-leeeee shit.
She's Gorgeous McBaberson. AND she says that a pannacotta "should quiver like a 17th century courtesan's inner thigh." That's the hottest thing that's been said on television, like, ever.
I'm sorry. I lost focus. There was actual cooking on this show, and quite a bit of controversy in my mind, because I think that not only should Michael not have won, Robin should not have gone home.
Yeah, you heard me.
Let's backtrack a little. The gimmick of the elimination challenge was that the cheftestants were supposed to create a dish inspired by a randomly-chosen casino. Michael got New York, New York. Easy enough, right? New York City evokes so many images, feelings, and flavors, that of course he'd come up with... a chicken wing. Because that's what New York firefighters eat. Seriously, his words. Of course, it's how the dish tastes that really counts, and it very well could have been the tastiest one of the night. I still think he half-assed the concept. Kevin and Bryan made much better connections between their food and their respective casinos.
Incidentally, I cannot be the only person who thought Bryan was a goner once he bought that stuffed animal for his son. The editors, it seems, are wising up to what we look for.
Now let's move onto the bottom half. At first I thought Jennifer was destined to be PYKAG'd. Her steak was tough and the dish looked very dark brown and unappealing. After hearing the judges pillory Eli's dish, I thought he was a lock for being sent home. Toby's appraisal during the challenge indicated that Eli decided to go big or go home and although his dish was a failure they respected that he at least aspired for something. During judges table, however, he got brutalized. Fair enough, if it was a terrible dish it was a terrible dish. Robin, at first, appeared to turn in another classic Robin performance - unquestionably bad, but not the worst dish of the night. Like Eli, she reached for the stars got hit by a 747, but wasn't quite as bad as he was. She got the boot anyway.
We all knew that Robin's exit was weeks overdue. But I still think she got robbed. To hear the judges say it, Eli's dish was hands-down the worst of the night. But Robin is Robin, so away she goes. I'll be the first to admit that I'm crazy for defending her, but you can sense the producers' interference in the judging of this episode to a ridiculous extent. Maybe I'm in a contrarian mood because Michael got the win for a conceptually lazy dish.
Power rankings? Not anymore, folks. There are five very good chefs left. Eli's laid a few eggs, and Jennifer is nose-diving, but it's a strong bunch all things considered. Kevin and the Brothers V make it to the final cook-off, and you can put that in the bank.
And now for this week's episode. Two words: Nigella Lawson. It's a good thing Toby was judging this week and not Gail, because if you put her and Nigella in the same room there'd be a souffle rising in my pants (HEY-O!). I'd never even heard of Nigella before this week.
(Googles her to check her credentials)
(notices that "Nigella Lawson breasts" is the second thing that comes up on Google's auto fill-in feature)
(no, I didn't select that option)
(discovers pictures on Google Image Search)
Ho-leeeee shit.
She's Gorgeous McBaberson. AND she says that a pannacotta "should quiver like a 17th century courtesan's inner thigh." That's the hottest thing that's been said on television, like, ever.
I'm sorry. I lost focus. There was actual cooking on this show, and quite a bit of controversy in my mind, because I think that not only should Michael not have won, Robin should not have gone home.
Yeah, you heard me.
Let's backtrack a little. The gimmick of the elimination challenge was that the cheftestants were supposed to create a dish inspired by a randomly-chosen casino. Michael got New York, New York. Easy enough, right? New York City evokes so many images, feelings, and flavors, that of course he'd come up with... a chicken wing. Because that's what New York firefighters eat. Seriously, his words. Of course, it's how the dish tastes that really counts, and it very well could have been the tastiest one of the night. I still think he half-assed the concept. Kevin and Bryan made much better connections between their food and their respective casinos.
Incidentally, I cannot be the only person who thought Bryan was a goner once he bought that stuffed animal for his son. The editors, it seems, are wising up to what we look for.
Now let's move onto the bottom half. At first I thought Jennifer was destined to be PYKAG'd. Her steak was tough and the dish looked very dark brown and unappealing. After hearing the judges pillory Eli's dish, I thought he was a lock for being sent home. Toby's appraisal during the challenge indicated that Eli decided to go big or go home and although his dish was a failure they respected that he at least aspired for something. During judges table, however, he got brutalized. Fair enough, if it was a terrible dish it was a terrible dish. Robin, at first, appeared to turn in another classic Robin performance - unquestionably bad, but not the worst dish of the night. Like Eli, she reached for the stars got hit by a 747, but wasn't quite as bad as he was. She got the boot anyway.
We all knew that Robin's exit was weeks overdue. But I still think she got robbed. To hear the judges say it, Eli's dish was hands-down the worst of the night. But Robin is Robin, so away she goes. I'll be the first to admit that I'm crazy for defending her, but you can sense the producers' interference in the judging of this episode to a ridiculous extent. Maybe I'm in a contrarian mood because Michael got the win for a conceptually lazy dish.
Power rankings? Not anymore, folks. There are five very good chefs left. Eli's laid a few eggs, and Jennifer is nose-diving, but it's a strong bunch all things considered. Kevin and the Brothers V make it to the final cook-off, and you can put that in the bank.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Top Chef Las Vegas 10/28
Meh.
Worst episode of the season by a long shot. It's not even close.
Take the Quickfire, for starters. The contestants were supposed to put their spin on TV dinners, using classic shows as inspirations. Only three of the dishes strongly related to the shows they were based off of. You can't blame Mike for not knowing how to do a Seinfeld-based dish, but Michael's Cheers-based dish was devoid of anything resembling pub/bar food. Only two dishes were reasonable facsimiles of what you'd find in the frozen foods section. Apparently you can put anything in a compartmentalized tray and claim that it's your take on a TV dinner. Lame.
Then comes the Elimination Challenge, which throws everyone for a loop by forcing them to cook vegetarian dishes using what's available in the kitchen of Tom Colicchio's Vegas steakhouse. Remember the vegan challenge from Top Chef Masters? That not only tested the flexibility of the chefs but also produced interesting dishes. However - I assume due to the limitations of what was in the restaurant's pantry - in this episode the dishes were by and large nothing but veggies on a plate. No fruits, no soups, no salads, barely any starches. If you enjoy watching six chefs make six vegetable dishes, boy have I got an episode for you.
Kevin sweeps, Robin survives, Jen continues her surprising self-destruction, and Mike gets the boot. Our favorite Jersey douchebag wasn't even that interesting this week, getting some half-hearted jabs at Robin in at the end and adopting a que sera sera attitude the entire time. I'll miss the scamp anyway.
Completely disinterested power rankings!
1. Kevin
2. Bryan
3. Michael
4. Eli
5. Jennifer
6. Robin
Next week: my dinner with Fabio!
Worst episode of the season by a long shot. It's not even close.
Take the Quickfire, for starters. The contestants were supposed to put their spin on TV dinners, using classic shows as inspirations. Only three of the dishes strongly related to the shows they were based off of. You can't blame Mike for not knowing how to do a Seinfeld-based dish, but Michael's Cheers-based dish was devoid of anything resembling pub/bar food. Only two dishes were reasonable facsimiles of what you'd find in the frozen foods section. Apparently you can put anything in a compartmentalized tray and claim that it's your take on a TV dinner. Lame.
Then comes the Elimination Challenge, which throws everyone for a loop by forcing them to cook vegetarian dishes using what's available in the kitchen of Tom Colicchio's Vegas steakhouse. Remember the vegan challenge from Top Chef Masters? That not only tested the flexibility of the chefs but also produced interesting dishes. However - I assume due to the limitations of what was in the restaurant's pantry - in this episode the dishes were by and large nothing but veggies on a plate. No fruits, no soups, no salads, barely any starches. If you enjoy watching six chefs make six vegetable dishes, boy have I got an episode for you.
Kevin sweeps, Robin survives, Jen continues her surprising self-destruction, and Mike gets the boot. Our favorite Jersey douchebag wasn't even that interesting this week, getting some half-hearted jabs at Robin in at the end and adopting a que sera sera attitude the entire time. I'll miss the scamp anyway.
Completely disinterested power rankings!
1. Kevin
2. Bryan
3. Michael
4. Eli
5. Jennifer
6. Robin
Next week: my dinner with Fabio!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Top Chef Las Vegas 10/21
RESTAURANT WARS.
I was looking forward to this all day (it helps when you have the day off and don't need to think about important stuff). Bravo was showing the restaurant wars episodes from seasons past and I caught the one from the first season, which I hadn't seen before. They had 3 vs. 3 for that one. Crazy. Then again, there were fewer diners as well. I was surprised that Stephen survived - was a prick for the whole season, or just that episode? - but fortunately he got PYKAG'd in the next episode.
I hope they bring back the tag team quickfire, because that was a really fun and original challenge. It needs to be a staple like the relay race.
I was a little bummed that the chefs weren't in charge of the decor. Sure, the decor comes second to the food, but it allows the cheftestants to show off a different side.
This is the last time I prognosticate about what happens on Top Chef. I was certain that one of the stronger chefs would be eliminated, specifically Jennifer or a Voltaggio brother. And I was doubly certain after seeing the teams that Jennifer/Kevin/Mike/Laurine would win, given that their personalities wouldn't clash. Well the only thing I got right was that Robin would survive to die another day. The chefs for Mission didn't clash but nobody took charge, either - Michael is a domineering hardass, but he gets results and his team pulled through.
The real bone of contention is: should Laurine have been kicked off? Honestly, the judges could have sent Jennifer home and I would have understood completely. She's the better chef by a long shot, but Laurine had a slightly better showing. "Slightly" being the operative word. Hell, I would've wilted too.
Power Rankings!
1. Bryan
2. Kevin
3. Michael
4. Jennifer
5. Eli
6. Mike
7. Robin
Not that it matters anymore. With the stronger chefs surviving restaurant wars by a hair, it'll be smooth sailing for the top four until the final few episodes. It's possible that the Voltaggio Brother Death Feud could send one into a tailspin and leave a spot open for Mike or Eli, but the top four are just that damn good. Remember, it's been nine episodes and they are the only ones to have won an elimination challenge. That's ridiculous.
I was looking forward to this all day (it helps when you have the day off and don't need to think about important stuff). Bravo was showing the restaurant wars episodes from seasons past and I caught the one from the first season, which I hadn't seen before. They had 3 vs. 3 for that one. Crazy. Then again, there were fewer diners as well. I was surprised that Stephen survived - was a prick for the whole season, or just that episode? - but fortunately he got PYKAG'd in the next episode.
I hope they bring back the tag team quickfire, because that was a really fun and original challenge. It needs to be a staple like the relay race.
I was a little bummed that the chefs weren't in charge of the decor. Sure, the decor comes second to the food, but it allows the cheftestants to show off a different side.
This is the last time I prognosticate about what happens on Top Chef. I was certain that one of the stronger chefs would be eliminated, specifically Jennifer or a Voltaggio brother. And I was doubly certain after seeing the teams that Jennifer/Kevin/Mike/Laurine would win, given that their personalities wouldn't clash. Well the only thing I got right was that Robin would survive to die another day. The chefs for Mission didn't clash but nobody took charge, either - Michael is a domineering hardass, but he gets results and his team pulled through.
The real bone of contention is: should Laurine have been kicked off? Honestly, the judges could have sent Jennifer home and I would have understood completely. She's the better chef by a long shot, but Laurine had a slightly better showing. "Slightly" being the operative word. Hell, I would've wilted too.
Power Rankings!
1. Bryan
2. Kevin
3. Michael
4. Jennifer
5. Eli
6. Mike
7. Robin
Not that it matters anymore. With the stronger chefs surviving restaurant wars by a hair, it'll be smooth sailing for the top four until the final few episodes. It's possible that the Voltaggio Brother Death Feud could send one into a tailspin and leave a spot open for Mike or Eli, but the top four are just that damn good. Remember, it's been nine episodes and they are the only ones to have won an elimination challenge. That's ridiculous.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Top Chef Las Vegas 10/14
Laurine, Robin, and Ash in the bottom three and Ash gets eliminated? Yawn.
On the whole, I've preferred this batch of cheftestants to last season's group of cheftestants. Unfortunately, like I've said before, it's clear who is going home and who is making the final four. Nobody is going to make a Carla-esque run at the prize this year. Of the four chefs selected as favorites in the Elimination Challenge, three were the same. And that group of four, of course, was the Brothers Voltaggio, Kevin, and Jennifer. The bottom three were the three weakest.
Not much else to say about this episode other than the fact that Toby needs to tuck his goddamn shirt in.
Power rankings!
1. Kevin
2. Bryan
3. Jennifer
4. Michael
5. Mike
6. Eli
7. Laurine
8. Robin
The rankings could stay exactly the same for the rest of the season, if not for next week's episode: Restaurant Wars. Good chefs always lose Restaurant Wars (Radhika, Dale, Tre) and I have a premonition that Jennifer or one of the Brothers V will get the boot.
Between Kevin this season and Richard in the fourth season, it seems that the nicest chefs come from Atlanta. Damn straight.
On the whole, I've preferred this batch of cheftestants to last season's group of cheftestants. Unfortunately, like I've said before, it's clear who is going home and who is making the final four. Nobody is going to make a Carla-esque run at the prize this year. Of the four chefs selected as favorites in the Elimination Challenge, three were the same. And that group of four, of course, was the Brothers Voltaggio, Kevin, and Jennifer. The bottom three were the three weakest.
Not much else to say about this episode other than the fact that Toby needs to tuck his goddamn shirt in.
Power rankings!
1. Kevin
2. Bryan
3. Jennifer
4. Michael
5. Mike
6. Eli
7. Laurine
8. Robin
The rankings could stay exactly the same for the rest of the season, if not for next week's episode: Restaurant Wars. Good chefs always lose Restaurant Wars (Radhika, Dale, Tre) and I have a premonition that Jennifer or one of the Brothers V will get the boot.
Between Kevin this season and Richard in the fourth season, it seems that the nicest chefs come from Atlanta. Damn straight.
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