I'd been waiting for last night's Top Chef all season long. Restaurant wars is definitely one of my favorite challenges, and the latest incarnation didn't disappoint. There was drama, cheesy decor, botched meals, and chefs all dressed up. Were you watching? What did you think of the outcome? To find out what I thought, read more.
- What did you think of the quickfire challenge? I liked having to see them do a kitchen staple.
- Bourdain quotes aside, my favorite quote of the night came from Dale. Did you laugh when he said, "Not to say that Nikki's personality was horrible, but it's one less to deal with."?
- I know Lisa comes across as a bit whiny, but seriously, did they really think they could find all their ethnic food needs at Whole Foods?
- When Chef Tom said he wouldn't be there, I was trying to figure out what they would do instead. I was surprised and then kicked myself for not guessing the Bourdain fill-in. How about you?
- Speaking of Bourdain, what was your favorite Bourdain quote of the night? I think mine was, "Silver and purple? I don't know, I feel like I'm in the back of Prince's van."
- Spike in a suit: Love it or Hate it? And don't tell me you missed the hat.
- Which of the former contestants would you have chosen as your sous chef?
- Were you glad Stephanie won?
- Discuss Dale and Lisa's fighting. Do you think their relationship ruined the challenge from the start?
- Do you think Dale should have gone home? Wasn't his teary-eyed goodbye sweet?
Photos courtesy of Bravo






Vince
Miu Miu
Marshall Ward
1. It's about darn time they were back in a restaurant kitchen! No more catering, no more boxed lunches, no wedding. This - the challenge of inserting yourself into a preexisting team and getting stuff done right - is what this show ought to be about.
2. I did laugh when Dale said that. He's got a really quick wit and a sharp mind. I'm absolutely pissed off he's gone.
3. Sticky rice isn't so exotic! I've found it on the shelves of Kroger for goodness sake. I'm willing to bet that the purchasers for Whole Foods are, as we speak, procuring sticky rice. They're not letting this slip through their fingers.
4. I knew it was going to be someone big. Bourdain wasn't on my list, but Eric Ripert and his perma-sneer was.
5. Of all the guest judges, Bourdain is probably the most likely to have been in the back of Prince's van. A lot of his witticisms come across either as rehearsed or just not very good. I was muy enamored of them a few years ago when he burst onto the cable TV scene with No Reservations, but now they seem tired. He needs new writers, a vacation from TV, anything.
6. Spike in a suit - he cleaned up OK, though I'm not a fan of the stubble look. Thank God he wasn't wearing that idiotic hat. Stephanie, on the other hand, cleaned up brilliantly and looked really cute last night.
7. For the Asian kitchen, I would have chosen Mark. But I have to say, this whole 'pan-Asian' thing is absurd and has been for ages. Japanese miso, Filipino dessert, Chinese pot stickers, Malaysian soup, soy and mango? Bourdain's right - Asia is big. There's no way you can do all of it well. Might as well throw in a satay, a dhosa, borscht, and some falafel. That's Asian too! lame. The so-called gastropub chose well. Nice work.
8. I was SO glad that Stephanie won. I have a lot of respect for her and Richard. Probably the only two I'm actually pulling for still. I dislike all of the other chefs. Spike probably the most, then Lisa, then Antonia. They ought to be replaced by Jen, Andrew, and Manuel.
9. Dale and Lisa's prior fight did really doom their restaurant from the beginning. Antonia couldn't have picked a more dysfunctional team to oppose - she chose amazingly well, but I think that the producers need to scale back that advantage for next season, since she by definition gets to choose *both* teams and can both play to win by picking the best people and play the game by shoving the conflicting personalities onto one team.
10. NO. Absolutely not. I think that Restaurant Wars has again eliminated a fine competitor before his time: remember Tre? I think the judges place too much emphasis on falling short in the leadership spot and not enough about whether someone cooked the food properly. His teary goodbye was really touching, and I'm not happy he's gone. Especially when Lisa, the other proprietor of the perma-sneer, is still in it.
I stopped myself before from saying that this was 'back to Top Chef's roots' because I've managed to find some videos online of seasons 1 and 2, and it's refreshed my memory as to how BAD the former seasons were. Good lord - some of them are painful!
1Okay, I only have about 2 min before I have to run out the door.. but I do have one thing to comment on.. Lisa needs to lose that awful facial expression she consistently uses during the judges table...
Does anyone else notice this? She just looks so extremely angry..
2OH. I've noticed it.
I think they commented on it too b/c they were like "she has this posture when she's receiving criticism"
Um hello why havent you mentioned José Andrés? I love him!
I have been to all of his restaurants including Minibar. I have Minibar pictures on my page!
I'm just really mad Dale is gone. He is way better than Spike and Lisa combined.
I feel like this happened last season, where a more talented chef got the boot before some of the sh*ttier ones. It makes me mad!
So what if he made some weird scallops, the other two havent been able to make sh*t all season!
I cant believe one of them is going to be in the final four.
3I haven't seen yesterday's episode, but lmors I agree... her facial expression is completely annoying. She looks angry that she is going to receive negative feedback from the judges - which hello, this is what the competition is about. She thinks she is much better than she really is and I hope she and Spike get to go home soon. I would have rather seen either one of them leave before Dale. He had some personality issues, but he is a really good chef even though he basically only stuck to the asian theme throughout the competition.
4First of all, two things:
LOVE Bourdain.
HATE Jose Andres' restaurant Jaleo, here in the DC Area. Ugh, so incredibly overrated. The only thing good was the serrano laid on bread with tomatoes which, I'm sorry, but anyone can make. It's a good thing I was half asleep watching and didn't make the connection because that would have ruined my watching experience.
As for Lisa's expression, I totally agree. I was really hoping she'd go home last night, I've grown tired of her.
Oh, and the sous chefs? I'd pick Jen, hands down. Also, I know they're not in the competition anymore, but I was kind of surprised that they didn't really show them at all after throwing them in.
5Lara16, I agree with you as well! Dale had skill, and drive and yeah was a little eccentric, but being an artist and chefs being an artist of sorts as well, there is always some quirk that really accentuates their passion and makes them the unique individual they are. His outbursts of anger are harsh and alarming, but under the given situation it seems understandable. With Lisa it was almost constant attitude and negativity.. definitely self centered.
6I wish that Dale would have staid, and that high and mighty Lisa could go home for a bit to realize that the attitude could be replaced with a willingness to learn new things from others and accept their critiques as well..
1. As an old hash-slinger, I have nothing but respect for breakfast line cooks. Pans and flattop all going at once, the key is to stay cool and pay attention. It might not be the most gourmet of kitchen tasks but it's a show of presence and skill.
2. Dale's Nikki comment was spot on, and yes, we laughed!
3. I thought Lisa whining about not finding sticky rice at Whole Foods was questionable. I can buy sticky rice at my Publix. I've never looked at Whole Foods, but if an ingredient isn't there or you can't find a suitable substitute, time to change the plan, right?
4. I wasn't sure what twist they were planning but Bourdain walking in was a really nice surprise. Do you think maybe they are grooming him to replace Chef Tom, who seems to be diong quite well opening up Craft restaurants all over the place.
5. Wasn't he responsible for the "Baby vomit and wood chips" description of the sticky rice? Cold, man, cold!
6. Spike looked really nice this week, not so wannabe gangsta. Maybe since Andrew is gone he dialed it back. He is an attractive guy without the hat and the crappy posturing.
7. Jen. Andrew is too spazzy, Mark is a hot mess, Nikki whines and whines. But they knew what they wanted her for, she seemed to take direction well.
8. I'm always happy when Stephanie wins.
9. Both of them seem to have a nasty passive-aggressive streak that undermines any leadership qualities they might have. No matter who was the sous chef, that team was going down. And Spike was dead right, stay the hell away from that whole mess.
10. I would have rather seen Lisa go home. She had two vile dishes to Dale's one. But he was the sous chef, thus responsible for the dishes as well. It's fair, I suppose, but I don't really like it.
7I thought last night was a great episode. When I saw the teams assemble: Antonia, Stephanie, and Richard on one team and Dale, Lisa, and Spike on the other...it seemed pretty clear which one would come up on top. It seems as though Dale excelled at working by himself, but really could not handle team efforts. With that, I don't think Dale should have gotten kicked off. He is such a talented chef! Spike NEEDS TO GO HOME! He seems like such a jerk and stated in the episode that he chose to do front of house in order to save his ass. UGH. I really dislike him. On another note, I am really happy Stephanie won! She is great, and I hope she takes this competition!
8i turned off the show right before the judges table but i'm going to watch it tonight. i did get to see most of the show and now that i know that dale was voted out rather than lisa-- i'm irritated! she should have gone. she's got a horrible attitude and i can't stand her facial expressions! dale wasn't exactly mr. happy go lucky but he cooked circles around lisa and certainly had more moments of positivity. grrr. i was rolling my eyes when they said they were doing asian cuisine. puhlease, don't they know how to cook anything else??? and lisa really doesn't know how to cook it at all! the fact that dale and spike BOTH said her soup sucked and then she nearly screwed up the rice again. don't they have rice cookers in that kitchen???? okay enough rambling. i am super happy that stephanie won and my favorites are richard, stephanie and anotonia (though she irritates me sometimes too). i'm going to go home tonight and watch the show again and will report more later.
9I can't stand Lisa, I want her gone. She drops blame on people a lot and I'm glad Anthony Bourdain mentioned that she doesn't take responsibilty for her misteps.
And can I just say Anthony Bourdain, yeaaa, I love him.
10I am sorry but I dislike Lisa's expressions very much. She really thinks she is the best chef in the world and well Dale was far better than her. She should have been sent home three times now and it makes me more mad each week. Last week when she did throw whats his name under the bus when she did the exact same thing on the polish sausage challenge. I think the fighting totally hinder the whole thing and if Dale would have just taken the high road, I think Lisa would have probably gone home.
I do love the other team though, they work well together and have good attitudes.
next week looks like Lisa is causing trouble again.
11Ugh why can't we get rid of Lisa!!!!!!! She annoys me so badly.
The other thing I can't believe is that the judges didn't say anything to Spike about only being in the front. Stephanie did all that and made two dishes. I kept waiting for the "it's Top Chef, not top waiter" or something. Why do they love him?
12Dale was being a total jerk but I still don't think he should of gone home. But then again I have a soft spot for him.
13I cannot believe that happened!!! I am still mad about the outcome this morning. Sure, Dale had his issues, but he could cook and the last time I checked this was TOP CHEF, not "Top Greasy Hair and b*tch Face" or "Top Avoid all Responsibility by not Cooking and hanging buddas in the front of the House." What were those judges smoking? Lisa and Spike are consistently in the bottom 3 without balancing that out with wins and Dale is a regular in the top 3, yet he goes?!?! He made one bad dish with a few good ones while Lisa made 2 bad dishes and Spike didn't even cook?!?! I don't know if I can continue to watch this show--it really lost a lot of integrity last night. I'm so mad at the judges. I loved Anthony Bourdain except for the fact that he was part of last night's awful judging. And the guest judge? Yeah, I may have to boycott Jaleo, Oyamel, or Zaytinya in response to that terrible judging. (And I LOVE Zaytinya)
I liked Dale. I didn't want him to win (Go, Stephanie, Go!!!), but he should have been in the final 3. Lisa should have gone home last week & Spike the following week. Neither one of them deserve to go to PR.
I think Antonia should have picked one person and then Dale as the QF runner-up should have picked someone & then back to Antonia. Those teams just weren't fair. Basically it was Dale vs. Stephanie, Richard, & Antonia...only Dale had an additional challenge of Lisa pulling him down. And sure Dale has some responsibility as EC, but trying to get Lisa & Spike to cook good food is like herding cats. It just wasn't fair. If Lisa pulls a Wendy Pepper and ends up in the final 3, I will will absolutely lose it.
Vent over.
141. That quickfire challenge was pretty cool. Spike's right. Doing eggs correctly is probably one of the hardest things to master.
153. I SO SO SO wish Lisa had gone home. She's just WAY too whiny.
4. Not surprised, since he was in teh previews and all.
5. Bourdain's hilarious. They need him on more.
6. Spike in a suit: Love it or Hate it? And don't tell me you missed the hat. Hate it. Looks so bad on him. He needs a haircut.
7. Definitely Nikki or Jen.
8. I was so happy that Stephanie won. She totally deserved it.
9. Definitely ruined the challenge. Man, that was the most dysfunctional team ever.
10. I think Lisa should have gone home. TWO of the TWO dishes she made were AWFUL. Doesn't that say something about her ability to cook? But, I guess it's the leader at fault. Boy, was Spike either super lucky or clever to not be caught with any responsibility of the food. I'm going to miss Dale. I'm still rooting for my favorites. But I hope that Spike or Lisa go next.
Lisa should have gone home instead of Dale - she complains about everything!!
So cool that Jose Andres was there; I'm from DC and he has a bunch of fantastic restaurants here!
16I agree Jillz1128!
He did the shopping and decorating and was their waiter.
Oh and he "gave Dale the recipe for shortribs"
I was thinking the same thing, this is not Top Maitre D!
I hate him!
17javsmav - I am still mad about Dale leaving this morning too...I just can't get over it! I know he wasn't always the most mature one out of the group, but his attitude never bothered me because 9 out of 10 times he would back it up with talent. There is no way he should of gone home last night.
As far as Lisa is concerned - I can't even express how much I dislike her. She is so nasty and on top of that...she can't cook! Having her still on the show really makes me not want to watch anymore!
18I was wondering why the judges were praising his lack of contribution and lying low in the competition instead of commenting on how he didn't take a stronger lead.. Wierd..
19I wonder what Tom would've commented on..
1) The quickfire was cool. I'm surprised Dale did so well, he is so high strung. I thought this might break him alittle.
202) I didn't laugh I just thought "Another a-hole quote from the douchebag"
6) Spike in a suit was HOT. Never looked at him in that way before last night. Very nice.
7) Would have brought back Andrew cause he is hilarious. He makes such good commentary.
10) YAY DALE IS GONE! the best part of the night. I actually did a little happy dance at the end. Talent or not he is a whiny biotch and he needed to go.
I cannot believe Dale got booted! He is way more talented than Lisa and Spike combined x 10! I want to boycott the show now but of course I won't because I'm still rooting for Stephanie or Richard. Spike just avoided the kitchen and Lisa doesn't even know how to cook. All she does is whine and blame other people for mistakes. I'm so mad! It's completely absurd that Lisa and Spike continue to advance in this competition. Dale may throw temper tantrums but he has consistently shown that he's a strong chef and he sooo deserved be part of the top 4. What were the judges thinking?!
BTW, is anyone surprised that the pasta turned out OK after how many times Nikki botched the pasta on this show?
21ailinamei- yes! When they picked her I was shocked since she'd screwed up so many times in the past. I was certain no one would pick her.
221) I like seeing people have to think on thier feet, and eggs are not easy!
2)I like the diners comment on Mai Buddhas dessert "it tasted like baby food with potpourri
3) Lisa isnt only whiny, she is one angry chef, NOTHING is ever her fault or problem
4)When Tom said he wouldnt be there, i had hoped maybe Bourdain would drop by, I heart him.
5)I liked his comments on "i have never been a big fan of the smear"
6)it looked okay on him, like a kid playing dress up
7) I would have picked nikki as well and whomever would make the least stink.
9)Both are meglomaniacs, immature, unprofessional angry people, what i really wanted Dale to do was to take his brown avacodos and throw them at lisa, see if he can hit that mid 90's eyebrow ring and her smug face.
10) I think Lisa should have gone, just for that soup and nasty sticky rice alone.
23I wish Lisa had left! I can't stand her face, her eyebrow ring, her greasy hair and her attitude. She's a total b*tch.
I love Anthony Bourdain so much! He's rad.
24Shoney BTW bourdain didnt burst onto the scene with No Reservations, he wrote a book "a cooks tour" got a show on FN than moved onto his now awesome show on Travel channel.
251. I think that they really are trying to find new and unique things for the challenges...
262. Dale's a bit rough at times, so i guess it fits with his personality
3. you'd think that they'd never shopped before. i know that whole foods has some interesting ingredients, but to think that they would find the special rice etc...come on. ...that's cooking/shopping 101
4. i actually thought that he was going to surprise them and show up at some point...but that's just how my mind works. there was so much talk about bourdain that i wasn't surprised by his role.
6. he cleans up very nice - that's for sure!
7. i would have chosen nikki - in that instance...the pasta thing - perfect choice ! if i wanted to screw myself i would have picked mark
8. yes i was very happy about that one. i'm still thinking that antonia or steph will win the whole thing.
9. they both are very strong minded and have their own opinions about EVERYTHING. i think that it was destined to be a mess once we knew what the teams were. besides, lisa's been messing up a lot over the past few episodes.
10. i think that lisa should have gone home this time, but i think that dale should also go home before the finale, so it's ok with me that he's gone now.
I knew pretty early on that dale was the one going home, it was obvious he had been crying when they would do their commentary splices.
He was obviously the strongest chef of the three, but I think he fell the most in this challenge with a poor dish and failing at EC.
One can only wonder what would have happened had Dale won the quickfire.
27I HATE LISA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
28I'm too busy to say much, but I will make one important point. Spike in a suit: Strangely hot.
29I LOVED this episode! My boyfriend and I just laughed then entire time watching Dale flip out. Spike looked like a different person in that suit, he wore it well. Poor Jennifer I felt so bad that she was stuck with their group and had to deal with Lisa and Dale bantering. I can't stand Lisa, I know that it's usually the Executive Chef that gets the axe during Restaurant Wars but come on! She can't even make rice, I think she's horrible and has really negative energy. Plus the guest judge even pointed out her bad body language.
The other team's menue looked really good, I would have eaten everything they served. I'm happy for Stephanie she works hard and sometimes it pays of and other times, well not so much. But what a great prize, a trip to Barcelona!!!
30I love that Anthony B. pointed out Lisa's body language. I only wish he had said it while she was standing there. And why can't she wash up every now and then? Her greasy hair grosses me out!
31dmtroyer - its true. You could tell. And good question re: if he'd won the quick fire. Interesting to think about that!
Before we figured out he had been crying, we thought he was drunk.
My fiance was like "wow, Dale really gets wasted on this show huh?" LOL!
321. I thought the QF was a great idea! They had to show a lot of different talents -- basic cooking, jumping on a line, being quick and clean. I thought Antonia did a truly outstanding job, and I loved Dale's face when he didn't win.
2. I was just in awe of Dale's rudeness. He almost made Lisa appear sunny by comparison!
3. You'd think with Lisa, Dale, and Spike's experience with Asian cuisine, coupled with how many times they've been to that Whole Foods, they'd realize what would and would not be available.
4. I thought Chef Tom was being a little sneaky, and that he'd pop up unexpectedly. Bourdain was a nice surprise, though.
5. The Prince quote killed me!
6. I love Spike in anything (I can't help it!!).
7. JEN JEN JEN!!!! I was soooo glad she came back, but sad that we didn't see more of her.
8. I think Antonia should have won, but their entire team was truly outstanding in their performance, but I wasn't totally feeling their menu.
9. Dale and Lisa just both have bad attitudes, and they've had past issues. At first, it seemed that they would work through it, but then the whole thing collapsed. Spike was smart -- he got out of the kitchen, got to shmooze the whole night, AND contributed a great recipe.
10. Dale should have gone home. His crying goodbye was scary. The man was embracing some really varied emotions that night!!
Other thoughts -- Lisa has got to go. I felt bad for Nikki that they only chose her so she could make pasta. And what's up with Richard? For the first half of the season, he was DOMINATING, and now it's like the Stephanie and Antonia show. Think they're setting us for a lady-filled finale...
33The only reason DALE was sent home is because the judges didn't want another ASIAN top chef (remember HUNG?). Dale could easily have won the whole thing. He won plenty of challenges and is a great chef.
He was unable to save LISA'S horrible Laksa and Rice Pudding, even though he really tried. Common, there is only so much the guy could have done.
And what did Spike do? Not much, while Dale was struggling in the kitchen.
Lisa, with her horrible cooking and nasty attitude, should definitely have been sent home before Dale.
34WHY OH JESUS WHY MUST LISA STILL BE ON SHOW SHE SUCKS SO HARD!!!!! yeah can u tell I'm a bit pissed that whiney lisa still on the show. I knew from the moment Antonia picker her team that dales team was going to be on the chopping bloch BUT I also thought yeah Lisa or Spike finally leave. Hopefully next episode one of them goes cuz I dont know if I can take more of her bad vibes does that girl have any friends because with that tude I wouldnt think any one would want to ahng around her.
35Personally I thought Spike should have left. He didn't do anything for the menu, which was bad - but he contributed nothing to the team. Especially when you look at what Stephanie contributed to her team. Also, I felt it should be mentioned that he kept going into the kitchen saying everything is great and perfect, but the customers didn't like the food. If he is the type of mgr that the customers feel like they need to say, it's great, just to get him off their back - that is a terrible FOH manager. Again, Spike was lazy, and got lucky. Then my vote would have been for Lisa, she is dreadful.
Loved the quickfire, too bad Dale didn't win, then it would have been interesting, and Spike or Lisa would have gone home.
361. The quickfire challenge was awesome! I wished they would have shown more of it.
372. Dale was a jerk, but his quote was funny. He made the show entertaining, but I'm glad he's gone.
3. Lisa is whiny! C'mon, use your brain a little! Although I can get sticky rice at my local grocery store, but it's run by Asians, and the Asian section is amazing!
4. I thought Bourdain was a good choice for a fill-in. He scares me a little bit, but I don't understand how a skinny chain-smoker can have an opinion on food. He obviously doesn't eat much of it, and how can he taste it?
5. I liked Bordain's quote about the sticky rice dessert looking like whatever it was he said. I don't remember it, but it was gross! ha ha
6. SPIKE NEEDS TO GO HOME! And you can't polish a turd.
7. Andrew would have been my sous chef, but I dig him!
8. Stephanie is my favorite, I want her to win! But she needs to wear a better bra with that dress!
9. Lisa and Dale's fighting was annoying. I would have rather her go home than him!
10. I wanted Lisa to go home, her whining is getting annoying, at least Dale was entertaining to watch!
I am just so upset that Dale was sent home! He was one of the best chefs there....I think Lisa should have gone home for obvious reasons.
Poor Dale! He was top chef material!
38I thought Dale was such a pompous *ss, and I'm so glad he's gone!!! I don't care if he's talented. Richard is extremely talented and also seems like a nice guy. I didn't want another winner like Hung from the last one. Yay!!
391. I liked that it wasn't catering, but my favorite quickfires will always be ingredient IDs and challenges in which cheftestants
402. Yes, laughed hard -- made me a) know Dale was going home and b). suddendly not want him to.
3. The real question is why did they continue with the dish, without the proper ingredients? Lack of sticky rice with mango isn't exactly a deal killer.
4. I thought Ted Allen, was hoping for Chicago big deals like Achatz, Cantu or Trotter. Didn't think of Bourdain.
5. "Wood chips and vomit"
6. Love it. Spike in anything other than he usually wears, I likely would love.
7. The Biesty. She's solid (and I really like her food in real life).
8. Yes - a clear win. This whole episode was too predictable.
9. If their relationship caused them to decide on crap food, then yes it ruined the restaurant. Spike was part of the bad decision making too, though. I would never eat at their place, from restaurant name to decor to menu.
10. Lisa, Lisa, Lisa. Dale may be a douche, but he can cook.
PS Doogirl, Bourdain quit smoking! Hard to believe.
41I'm totally rooting for Stephanie to win. It's time for a girl to take the title and she's got the talent to do that. But I certainly wouldn't mind seeing Antonia or Richard winning either.
And I'm not sure why but Dale nor Lisa really bother me. Spike is the only one that slightly irritates me. Not like previous seasons where I despised people. haha
42They should bring back DALE!! He was very entertaining to watch, and he's an excellent chef! Lisa should just go away!! I hate her so much, because she can't cook and just blame people. Take full responsibilities of your own actions! This episode really made me mad!
43I think was one of the most skilled chefs, but I think he probably was not fit as an executive chef. As an individual he always did well but he fell down the few times he had to work with other chefs (or direct them) unless they managed him (like when Richard managed Dale).
So, while Spike is a bad chef and Lisa has a horrible attitude, Dale definitely made the worst mistake in his role last night. I'm sad about it, but I think the decision is right.
44I agree! Lisa should have gone--for the second week in a row--it made me think that if Tom had been there maybe things would have been different??? Are the producers insisting they keep Lisa around for some reason?? So disappointing! I'm still not over it! What a whiner--I mean she is on a high horse and needs to be kicked off!
45Spike survived because he played the game to win--he knew his team wouldn't win and through"guile"(as Bourdain said) he stayed out of the hot seat.
46Dale made the tactical error of competing for Exec Chef--if he had played the game intelligently he would have let Lisa be EC and then she would be gone.
I loved Spike's alligator cufflinks. You could tell from when they first started cooking that if the gastropub people got the grit out of their clams they were the clear winners.
47I thought for sure Dale would be around longer. I thought he would be the annoying, obnoxious chef that always seems to make it to the finals. Perhaps that is Lisa's role in this season. Early on I thought that was Richard's role but as the season has progressed I have gotten to like him more and more.
48(been looking @ the site for a while, first time posting -- hi everyone!)
1. I LOVED the quickfire. Fun to watch, but honestly, I think that the restaurant owner chose Antonia only because she's a woman. I think Dale seemed to do really well.
492. I laughed, not only because it was funny, but because he was right.
3. Sticky rice isn't hard to find, I've found it in quite a few places around here.
4. Very surprised at seeing Bourdain. I figured they might just bring in some Chicago-based chef.
5. The 'Prince's van' comment had me laughing for about 5-10 minutes straight. LOL!
6. Hate it. Not a fan of his.
7. Jen. I think she was one of the more talented female chefs of the group.
8. Yes, it was well-deserved.
9. I think that because Antonia got to pick her own team, Dale's team was doomed from the beginning. You could see that Dale was trying to help Lisa fix her laksa (sp?) and trying to at least cooperate with her, but she was being the same stubborn person she always is.
10. It was not Dale's time, at all (though I may be biased, because Dale's been my fav. all season). I know ultimately, as executive chef, he was responsible for the dishes that left the kitchen, but when he tried to help Lisa, she seemed to just disregard his opinions and advice. The judges seemed to dislike Lisa's dishes more than Dale's. I had never yelled at my television until Wednesday night. I was SO angry that Lisa is still there and they sent one of the most talented chefs home. And I did tear up a bit at his goodbye. The season definitely won't be the same (for me, at least) without him in it.
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