After roughing it while camping last week, this time around we saw the cheftestants get magical. Again. Oh wait, I'm confusing this challenge with one we saw on Top Chef Masters! The chefs deconstructed classic dishes like clam chowder and pot roast. Penn & Teller guest starred, while Michelle Bernstein was the guest judge. Did you watch? Do you say pie-eh-ya or pie-elle-a? Want to discuss in detail? Read more.
How Well Do You Know the Top Chef Judges & Contestants?
Hey Top Chef fans, get excited: the new season debuts this Wednesday night at 9 p.m.! To get everyone in the mood for the next round in Las Vegas, I put together a fun quiz that tests your knowledge of the judges and past contestants. I'll list a judge's quote, and you have to guess which cheftestant it's about. So, what are you waiting for? Play away!
Yummy Links: From Epi's iPhone App to Swine Flu Cocktails
- Epicurious' just-launched free iPhone application makes me want to trade in my BlackBerry.
- Epicurious' just-launched free iPhone application makes me want to trade in my BlackBerry. — Epicurious
- Roasted beef tenderloin and cheesy baked rice is the perfect Kentucky Derby meal. — Chow
- Lavish restaurant openings have been replaced with low-key charity events. — Eater
- Top Chef judge Toby Young was recently in a face-smashing bike accident. — Eat me daily
- What is the ideal menu for serving at a bridal shower? — Simply Stated
- Gourmet's editor in chief, Ruth Reichl, goes undercover. — Serious Eats
- Troubled times call for drinks: consider mixing up a swine flu cocktail. — The Examiner
Toby Young on Board For Top Chef 6
While we're busy trying to guess where the sixth season of Top Chef will take place, one rumor concerning the reality competition has been confirmed: the infamous Toby Young will be back as a judge.
Earlier today, the British food critic told The Feedbag, "Yup. I’ll be a regular, alternating with the lovely Gail. I can’t blame you for hating me. If I was a viewer I’d much prefer to watch Gail, too."
I've always enjoyed Gail as a judge and found Toby's crazy metaphors to be pretentious and annoying. Still, I will be watching when it debuts next Fall!
How do you feel about Young's return to the show?
Top Chef 5.15: The Reunion
One of my favorite episodes of any season of Top Chef is the reunion show. It's refreshing and fun to see the chefs out of the kitchen and away from the competition. I also love the intrusive questions host Andy Cohen inevitably asks. To discuss the get-together and find out who won fan favorite, read more
Hosea: "I Am Not Going to Apologize For Winning"
The fifth season of Top Chef is officially over, and in an interesting turn of events the new winner was neither Carla nor Stefan, but the strapping young baldy from Boulder, CO, Hosea. Since speaking with Hosea on the phone last Friday, I have a new perspective on the somewhat misunderstood chef. He actually has a degree in engineering and looks at the kitchen with a scientific mind. His last meal, humbly, would be the perfect BLT. To find out what Hosea had to say about winning and his relationship with fellow contestant, Leah, read more
Stefan: "I'm Not a Villain, I'm a Softy!"
Although many people thought Stefan was a cocky bastard, I happened to like the quick-witted chef. Sure he was arrogant, but he had the skills to back up the ego. However, his impressive culinary expertise wasn't good enough for him to earn the title of Top Chef. When I spoke with Stefan yesterday, I was surprised at how funny he was. He happily endorses bloggers and is coming out with a clothing line. To find out what he had to say — yes he is still madly in love with Jamie! — read more
Carla: "I Do Not Consider My Loss Casey's Fault"
In an upsetting turn of events, Carla lost her cool during the final challenge of Top Chef. Like many people, I was totally disappointed! It was tough to see the normally cheery chef get teary-eyed during judges' table, but you'll be happy to know that when I spoke with her yesterday, "Hootie" was back to her fabulously spirited self. The passionate chef had a lot to say about her experience, and to find out her thoughts on Casey and the competition, read more
Leah: "I Didn't Really Like the Way They Made Me Look"
I think it's safe to say that the majority of viewers weren't surprised to see Leah pack up her knives and go on the latest installment of Top Chef. Since restaurant wars and the infamous kiss, it was obvious that her heart wasn't in it to win it. I spoke to Leah yesterday and as is to be expected, she's no longer with her boyfriend. To see what she had to say about Hosea, and her experience, read more
Top Chef Quiz: The Last New York Supper
Last night's Top Chef was the final episode filmed in New York City. The remaining five cheftestants created glorified egg dishes and cooked for the culinary elite. Famed French chef Jacques Pepin was the guest judge. Did you watch? More importantly, how well did you pay attention? Find out now when you take my quiz.