Anyone else disappointed during last night’s episode that there wasn’t a “Restaurant Wars” competition for this season’s Top Chef?
It’s the one showdown on the reality cooking show that I most look forward to every year but instead, it was replaced by “Wedding Wars.” Lame. The remaining eight contestants had to split into two groups to cater a couple’s wedding. Yawn.
As arrogant and in-your-face Dale is, I think the guy has the talent and ability to turn it out in the kitchen. Plus, I loved when he went off on Lisa a few episodes ago. He’s unapologetic and definitely has a short fuse but I like him anyway.
At this point, my bet’s on the final two coming down to Richard and Dale. I can’t stand Spike or Lisa and Andrew is such a spaz. I wonder if he’s going to snap one of these episodes and just stab someone with a fork. Antonia is a wild card, she’s been doing well, but her food thus far just hasn’t really impressed me.
However, fellow reporter and Top Chef fan Chantal Lamers posed a pointed question: “Will a female ever win Top Chef?”
I don’t regularly watch Top Chef, but I think Dale is a jerk. A talented and effective jerk, but still an arrogant little jerk. It’s one thing to have a short fuse…it’s another thing to constantly try to deflect criticism and throw everyone else under the bus to keep your fragile ego intact. His firey personality does make for great television though.
Finally! Somewhere I can publicly profess my love for Kitchen Nightmares! I love Chef Ramsay in that show– not mean chef Ramsay in Hell’s Kitchen, nice Chef Ramsay in KN.
That show involves the whole enchilada of the restaurant business–staffing, cooking, promotion, menu selection, decor.
You can tell Chef Ramsay has a passion for what he does, that is always compelling to watch.
Whew…I feel better now.
I have to confess my affinity for Hell’s Kitchen, but, the caliber of the chefs is nowhere near the level as on Top Chef. I was happy to read your sympathetic tone towards Dale. I think he was mismatched to create the greatest drama possible. After all, not only was it their big team challenge, but, one that involved sleep deprivation and an intense pressure cooker of catering a WEDDING for two RESTAURANTEURS! EEEEK! I was amazed at Stephanie’s cake, and even if Lisa’s got more yums, she was a total mess on team loser. Dale was criticized for not taking over, but, Nikki established the lead by her professing an affinity for the groom and her experience with Italian food. It blew my mind, (and obviously the judges and her fellow contestants) when she barked out that cooking Italian certainly wasn’t her idea. Whhhhaaaaa? I almost cheered when they sent her home, except it would have been better if they sent everyone of the losing team home except for Dale. He’s always cooked well, and been pretty cool except when dealing with complete idiots. I think it was a classic moment when he punched that locker and the others were all aghast. I can’t imagine his frustration level working with that crew. It was hilarious to watch but probably a nightmare for him.
Dale won’t win–he’s a hotshot, but hotshots never go anywhere–those who do become bad-asses, and Dale’s definitely not. I say Richard or the two chicks who aren’t Lisa, who I can’t stand.
gpa,
don’t hate (on dale), congratulate. that was lame, i’m kidding.
Suzanne,
I do love the concept of Kitchen Nightmares and Gordon Ramsey is such a delicious hellraiser. I think there was some similar show on TLC or another station where a team went into a restaurant and re-hauled the decor/menu etc. but obviously it was not on as grand a scale as KN.
Michele,
You totally nailed it with the Nikki observations. I was so happy when she was sent home, it’s actually amazing she lasted that long, really. And yes, I’m glad that you get Dale’s appeal too — who wouldn’t lose their cool when constantly stuck with mediocre hacks like Nikki and Spike (even tho I sorta wanted to try his seabass) or a sourpuss like Lisa. I really liked seeing Dale and Richard work together in previous episodes, they make a good team. Richard always seems to have a really good attitude, on top of being consistently good. I thought it was cool that he shared the win with Stephanie.
Gustavo,
Ah, but remember last season’s winner Hung? That guy’s middle name could’ve been Hot Shot … his cocky, contemptuous attitude reminds me of Dale’s. But that’s maybe another reason why Dale likely won’t take it — I doubt network execs would let two Asian males take it back-to-back. Ha, I’m just still bitter from watching Kaba Modern get the boot on MTV.
I’m rooting for Richard: A fellow nerd. And he seems to be the most consistently creative.
I could be wrong, but it seems there’s still be time for a restaurant war. Maybe in two weeks when they get down to 6 contestants? Isn’t that what happened in Seasons 1 & 2 with two teams of 3?
I think my pick to win is Steph. The law of avgs says we’re about due for a woman to win it, and I think Steph has the best palette of the bunch. Her food just looks tasty, even if it isn’t whiz-bang like Richard’s (who I do like a lot). She currently has the best win record by a bunch too.
Elmo,
I’m a Richard fan too. But it almost seems so ‘in the bag’ for him with his streak of wins that I have to find someone else to root for more, ha.
Howie,
That would be awesome if there was still time to do a Restaurant Wars challenge but I thought I heard Padma say that there would be no Restaurant Wars, only Wedding Wars? Hopefully I’m wrong.
Steph could be the wild card, too. She’s been hit or miss. I think that one dish with peanut butter and couscous she did during the $10 meal challenge made me reconsider her palate …
Kat, it looks like you’re right. I just double-checked. I must have fast-forwarded past that part on my Tivo when I watched the last ep.
That is a bummer