Top Chef 5/28 ***Spoilers!!!***

[Terri_A]

So...a really great episode I thought. I loved that steak was the final exam, so to speak. I loved that they brought back all the previous Top Chefs to taste the food.

I think that Stephanie truly deserved the win. She's really stood out more and more and I think she has a great shot at winning the whole thing! I think Richard has been solid all season and am glad to see him moving on as well. Antonio is my personal fave, so, of course I'm thrilled she's going to Puerto Rico. As for Lisa, I don't like her and can't believe that she beat Spike out of the finale!!!

So...3 girls and 1 boy, a first for Top Chef. It's gonna be interesting, that's for certain!

[KristiB]

GO STEPHANIE!!!!!!!

I was excited for Richard and Antonia too!

Bye bye Spike!!! Although i truly wish it had been Lisa who got the axe

Man those grey pants Padma was wearing in the Quickfire made her look lumpy!

Usually it's pretty obvious who's going home but this one had me in suspense till the end.

I can imagine sweet potatoes and peanut butter working but not russet potatoes. The judges seemed to like it though.

Seeing Ilan pissed me off all over again.

Thank God Antonia didn't send Gayle on another egg rant.

[jjsooner73]

Well, I at first thought it would be Spike, but then changed my mind to Lisa when the comment was made, "but this is a cooking show" after it was pointed out that she had a great palette but wasn't strong on technique.
I'm still really surprise they sent Spike over Lisa, but I guess that those frozen scallops were pretty bad!

I think Stephanie is awesome, and I really like Antonia as well. They are both so humble, and I find that endearing. Richard is an awesome chef. I think the last episodes will really be great to watch.

[MKSquared]

I almost want to talk about their little text-message-poll that asked which chef was sent home too early.

I still wish I'd seen what Jen could do. And I believe that Dale is a better chef than Lisa.

[Robyncz]

That was a GREAT challenge. It ALMOST makes up for the silly pre-made rice challenge several weeks back.

I think there are really three finalists. Lisa is the throw aw. She's been in the bottom three, what? 5 times?!? But between Stephanie, Richard, and Antonia, it could be anybody's game. They've all got their strengths. Stephanie is my favorite, I think, because of her phenomenal attitude and her humble confidence. It's such a surprise to see someone as talented as she is behave with such understatement and modesty.

[Hammster]

AAARRRRGGGHHHHHH!!! What does it take for Lisa to go home? Yeesh!!!

Spike's conniving ways got him sent home. He really should have concentrated more on cooking and less on playing games.

Congratulations to Stephanie, Richard and Antonia. Great job you 3. It's gonna be a tough finale for sure.

Did Stephanie try to compare sweetbreads to chicken nuggets? That was hilarious but disturbing at the same time. No way are they even similar. Oh well, maybe it was a joke?

I also just wanted to jump into the tv and slap Ilan. I still don't care for him.

This really was a great episode.

[KristiB]

Tony Bourdain blogged abot last wee. Just not on Bravo's site.

http://anthony-bourdain-blog.travelc...post.html#more

[newtricks]

I don't get it! Lisa has been on the chopping block so many times - although I was surprised to hear that Spike had been in the bottom 3 seven times and Lisa five - for bad technique. and then she displays a bad attitude but they never send her home.

But Spike was really stupid to blame the guest judge for the scallops because he had them in the walk-in! That shows a real misunderstanding of the kitchen hierarchy.

[Robyncz]

Tony Bourdain blogged abot last wee. Just not on Bravo's site.

http://anthony-bourdain-blog.travelc...post.html#more

Kristi,
Thanks for posting Bourdain's blog entry. That was interesting reading!

[Hammster]

But Spike was really stupid to blame the guest judge for the scallops because he had them in the walk-in!

What the heck was Spike thinking!! Insult the guest judge who might just hold your fate in his hands. Good idea, not!
Although the guest judge did willingly take the hit, but his comeback was priceless. Basically telling Spike that Spike didn't have to use them so it was Spike's choice. Awesome.

[SDMomChef]

Seeing Ilan pissed me off all over again.

LOL!!! I had the same thought!

Fun challenge - and I loved to see Tom Collicio in the kitchen as the (forgot the term) - executive chef. That was fun.

I also can't imagine peanut butter and potatoes, but it clearly worked. Interesting.

I was hoping it was going to be a double elimination! All I can say is that if for any reason Lisa ends up as the Top Chef, I am going to have sour grapes! Don't think it is possible....but then, look at what happened to Sam and Casey (although, Hung was tough competition).

Fun episode - can't wait until next week!

[Robyn1007]

LOL!!! I had the same thought!

Fun challenge - and I loved to see Tom Collicio in the kitchen as the (forgot the term) - executive chef. That was fun.

Tom was the expediter.

And I think the frozen scallops were put there as a set up to see if whoever initially went for them would decide they weren't acceptable and choose something else. So for Spike who had the first shot at everything to refuse to change his path and then to say later he didn't mind using frozen scallops, well that along with the accusation at the guest judge closed the book on himself.

[TravelingJ]

AAARRRRGGGHHHHHH!!! What does it take for Lisa to go home? Yeesh!!!

Did Stephanie try to compare sweetbreads to chicken nuggets? That was hilarious but disturbing at the same time. No way are they even similar. Oh well, maybe it was a joke?

I also just wanted to jump into the tv and slap Ilan. I still don't care for him.

Even worse-she called them MacNuggets!

What's up with Ilan? I guess I missed why everyone doesn't like him ) =

We really enjoyed the episode, though. I was torn between who I wanted to go, but was ready to accept either Spike or Lisa. Certainly would have preferred her over him.

[gertdog]

On Tom Colicchio's blog, he says that Allen Bros., the company that supplied the beef and other meats for the challenge, also dropped off the frozen scallops- so they weren't something that would typically be there. A fluke, and one that was Spike's downfall.

I was so relieved when the judges were tasting the dishes and all seemed to like Stephanie's, Richard's, and Antonia's- how awesome to have so many talented AND likable people in the final for once! Lisa- well, I think she's out of her league.

Does anyone know how the final in Puerto Rico will go down? Will there be one more elimination, or two?

As for Ilan- if he could just keep his trap shut- sheesh. His advice to the cheftestants is "don't try to shave anyone's head tonight?" Idiot. You'd think he'd want people to forget about that whole incident and focus on his food...

[Cyndi L]

Richard, Stephanie, and Antonia have been my picks since the second week. The one that I was wrong about was Dale...thought he'd be in the final four for sure. It's killer what attitude (or temper?) can do to a person. I still think he is a far more talented chef than either of the two on the chopping block this week.

But I'd rather hang out with Spike that with him

[blazedog]

Interesting that for (I think) the second time, Antonia has talked about the salad with a poached egg being what she would want to eat -- and also her entree. I can't think of a salad less appealing as a starter than something with a poached egg on top.

I was thinking of hitting her restaurant in LA (Foxtail) but frankly the menu is almost completely without appeal to me -- although the cocktails look awesome. Here's the menu.

http://losangeles.menupages.com/rest...aurantId=52152

I feel the same way about Craft as it didn't ring my bells -- or more accurately once I get into the price range, there are other restaurants that I are more of a sublime experience to me.

Someone had visited a restaurant in Atlanta where Richard Blaise is consulting -- and the menu (and poster's descriptions) seemed more "interesting". I am just not a huge fan of pork belly.

I close with this rather funny review of Foxtail from Zagat

It's not easy to judge the food here when there is more meat walking around the dining room than sitting on your plate. Which is not to say that the food here is not good, because it is. Chef Lofaso's menu is fresh and her flavors are clean, sophisticated but with a lot of soul. The biggest problem with Foxtail, however, is that it is more of lounge than an actual restaurant -- more sizzle than actual steak.

ETA -- I think Spike deserved to go home. His entree was mediocre at best -- seared steak with very pedestrian sides and the sweet potato puree evidently was too sweet. And WHAT a severe lack of judgment for someone who wants to be Top CHEF to use frozen scallops -- serious chefs are FANATICAL about the quality of the ingredients they use.

Lisa's entree was supposed to be quite tasty -- and showed some imagination and flare -- she just isn't consistent enough with her technique.

[cocoa'smom]

Interesting that for (I think) the second time, Antonia has talked about the salad with a poached egg being what she would want to eat -- and also her entree. I can't think of a salad less appealing as a starter than something with a poached egg on top.

I was thinking of hitting her restaurant in LA (Foxtail) but frankly the menu is almost completely without appeal to me -- although the cocktails look awesome. Here's the menu.

http://losangeles.menupages.com/rest...aurantId=52152

$45 for a dozen oysters Are they dipped in gold???

[blazedog]

$45 for a dozen oysters Are they dipped in gold???

Crazy -- compare to what I find to be a much more appealing restaurant in LA -- pricey but not lunatic. I still dream about the Lavender Martini I had there.

http://www.fraicherestaurantla.com/m...enu_page.html#

[KristiB]

Oh snap! Spike got owned!!

http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.c...ramanto-r.html

"The frozen scallops in the walk-in freezer at Tramonto�s Steak & Seafood were part of the challenge on �Top Chef,� said Rick Tramonto, executive chef and co-owner, and not part of the restaurant's inventory.
...
�Their team purchased all the food and put it in the coolers,� he explained, saying he felt that most people realized it was part of the challenge. He just wants to set the record straight. �They put those in the mix to see ... who would use them or not.� And certainly Spike went for them. �It�s interesting that he had first choice and he obviously didn�t have to use them� but he did anyway.""

[Jazzmatazz49]

Did Stephanie try to compare sweetbreads to chicken nuggets? That was hilarious but disturbing at the same time. No way are they even similar. Oh well, maybe it was a joke?

I also just wanted to jump into the tv and slap Ilan. I still don't care for him.

This really was a great episode.

I second all of these thoughts! As a steak lover, I thought this was the best episode of the season. I really want to try the peanut butter potatoes because they sound like dreck but apparently were good.

My money is on Stephanie for the winner.

[do-lolly]

I found this on Wikipedia, and thought it was interesting. Scroll down a little bit and there is a chart which lists every episode and who won each quickfire and challenge. It also lists where the other contestants stood in each competiton. Wow, Stephanie has really won a lot. I didn't realize how many times she's been the winner.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Chef_%28season_4%29

Oh, and btw, I was really unhappy that I have to look at Lisa's snarl another week.

[cumulus]

Oh, and btw, I was really unhappy that I have to look at Lisa's snarl another week.

I think it was Bourdain that mentioned it previously, but her body language is terrible! During every judge's table (she's in the bottom three for many of them, as mentioned) she stands with her arms threateningly crossed, her head is set back like a chicken ready to poke at something (giving her horrible neck/chin roles), and that sneer you mentioned. I would hate to have to look/deal with that everytime!

I got caught up on the season yesterday--thank goodness for Top Chef marathons before the new episode!

[lindrusso]

Oh, and btw, I was really unhappy that I have to look at Lisa's snarl another week.

Me too! Darn it Spike, why'd you have to go and use those scallops??! Not a Spike fan, but he's more tolerable.......

I think it was Bourdain that mentioned it previously, but her body language is terrible! During every judge's table (she's in the bottom three for many of them, as mentioned) she stands with her arms threateningly crossed, her head is set back like a chicken ready to poke at something (giving her horrible neck/chin roles), and that sneer you mentioned.

Hopefully she's seeing all of that now that the show is airing and is taking notes!

Three women in the finals - how unusual! Not that Richard doesn't deserve to win, but it would be nice if it went to one of the ladies (except Lisa!) and I imagine it would be infinitely frustrating if there were 3 ladies in the finals and a man STILL won. I'm sure the ladies are eager to be the first female to win Top Chef.

[wwhirledpeas]

I have been dying to get here to read your takes. They are always so different than mine.

I am the only one glad that Lisa won the last spot. I knew I would be. I actually cheered when she was chosen over Spike. Technique can be acquired. Spike on the other hand, lacked imagination and creativity throughout the season. I was pleased she was rewarded for her unique abilities. It’s a cooking competition. Just because it’s televised, her horrible people skills, her poor on camera persona, not to mention those horrible facial expressions probably shouldn’t be a factor.

I too LOVED the steaks…. and the whole set up for this show. There could not be a more perfect set than what they had for this challenge. It was as if the kitchen was designed for the show rather than the show using an existing kitchen in a restaurant.

Spike had the clear advantage at the butcher site – HEIGHT. Stephanie was cutting steaks at a table that was chest high.

When I saw how the returning contestants showed up for dinner, I nearly passed out. Is that how they dress for dinner? Do you think it is possible that they did not know what their role would be when they showed up in jean jackets and t-shirts?

I have a question - How much time elapses between the leg we just watched and the final?

Go Stephanie!

[BarbaraL]

Anyone notice that the former Top Chef contestants seemed more critical than the regular judges? The guest chef in particular was very complimentary about most of the dishes.
I love Steph, Richard, and Antonia. I agree that Dale is probably a better cook than either Spike or Lisa, although I don't like his attitude. Last season, I didn't like Hung personally, but he did seem to be the most consistently good.

[stacy7272]

her head is set back like a chicken ready to poke at something

OMG! I almost lost my mouthful of tea. I have tears in my eyes this made me laugh so hard. I always thought she looked funny at judging but now with this new image I'm not going to be able to keep from laughing!

I SO hated seeing Ilan - and yeah, I was thinking he could have dressed up a bit. Geesh. Maybe the others were under dressed too but Ilan looked like he was hanging out at the frat house drinking beer just minutes before.

Yes, I think Richard has what it takes to win but I think they will give it to a woman just because they can. That is the way these things work, IMO. Anyone see America's Next Top Model? Well, this year a plus-sized model won. She was deserving but the runner-up was possibly more deserving but since they were close they could give it to the plus-sized model since who knows if they'd ever get the chance again. So, since Stephanie and Antonia have proven themselves to be great chefs and if both don't fully blow it at the end, one of them will win.

[barbara-cook]

There are more "beeps" when Lisa is talking than when anyone else is talking (there were about as many when Andrew was still there and he was talking). I wish she would either get eliminated or clean up her mouth. I guess I'm something of a prude, but why does she need to talk that way???

The camera angles certainly don't make her look very attractive either. Poor thing.....

[schuh]

I'm on the same page with the rest of you:
- Ilan was an idiot. Didn't need to see him again. Although I liked Hung. He was witty. "My monkey could..."
- Glad to see Stephanie, Richard and Antonia in the finale. I would like to see Stephanie win but if I was a betting woman, my money would be on Richard.
- I could not have cut into those steaks, like Rick Tramonto, and not taken a bite!

Looking forward to the finale!

[TravelingJ]

- Ilan was an idiot. Didn't need to see him again.

- I could not have cut into those steaks, like Rick Tramonto, and not taken a bite!

What did Ilan do that has everyone so upset? I still don't get it ) =

I'm sure Rick has had his fair chance at eating all the steaks he wants! haha

[Robyncz]

What did Ilan do that has everyone so upset? I still don't get it ) =

He's just such a little TWERP.