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Top Chef Quiz: Penn & Teller

partysugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:30:19 -0700

Last night's Top Chef was an entertaining episode. It was interesting to see some of the chefs struggle with the deconstructed dishes and fun to see others triumph with original creativity. Guest judge Michelle Bernstein told Toby Young off and Padma discussed her experience with bulls testicles. Did you watch? More importantly, did you pay attention? Find out now and take my Top Chef quiz!

Photo courtesy of Bravo

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Top Chef Vegas: Episode Six

partysugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:30:51 -0700

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.

Bravo Announces Judge Lineup For Top Chef: Masters

YumSugar — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:17:10 -0800

Last month, news broke that Kelly Choi would host the upcoming Top Chef spinoff, Top Chef: Masters. In a statement released this morning, Bravo has confirmed this as fact and also revealed the star lineup of judges for the new show.

Joining Choi on the judging panel will be former New York magazine restaurant critic Gael Greene, British food critic Jay Rayner, and Saveur editor-in-chief James Oseland. The culinary competition will follow the format of the original Top Chef series, but its contestants will be award-winning, widely known chefs, competing head to head for the title of Top Chef Master. As for the cheftestant lineup, The Feedbag has reported rumors of participating chefs.

Many have appeared on Top Chef as judges: Wylie Dufresne of WD-50, Scott Conant of Scarpetta, celebrity chef Todd English, and Michelle Bernstein of Michy's. Other possible competitors include seafood czar Rick Moonen, Hawaiian cuisine titan Roy Yamaguchi, Chris Lee of Aureole, Florida vet Norm Van Aken, Texas chef Tim Love, and possibly even Tom himself.

I'm getting excited about the lineup of both the judges and the rumored cheftestants. Do you feel the same way? Which chefs would you love to see on the show?

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Top Chef Quiz: It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas

partysugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:15:57 -0800

Although I found last night's episode of Top Chef to be disappointing, I paid pretty close attention to the details. How well were you watching the Christmas-themed show? Find out now when you take my quiz.

Photo courtesy of Bravo

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Top Chef 5.6: 12 Days of Christmas

partysugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:01:43 -0800

Every week before I watch Top Chef, I head to Bravo.com to find out who won. Since I'm on the West Coast, the episode has already aired and the recaps, photos, and losing contestant can be found on the website. However, this week when I went to check out the exit interview, I couldn't find one. If you watched the holiday-themed episode, which had Martha Stewart as one of the guest judges, you know why! To discuss in more depth (warning: spoilers ahead), read more.

Isn't it weird to think the contestants had to shoot these holiday themed episodes in the middle of August?
Ariane: Love her or hate her? She's totally grown on me!
What's your go to one-pot dish?
Wasn't it nice to see the chefs tasting each other's dishes?
Was the gospel choir really necessary?
Which of the 12 days was the hardest?
Didn't you feel all warm and fuzzy when the entire crew got into the holiday spirit and came together to make Radhika and Hosea's ruined dishes work?
Which dish looked the best to you?
Were you surprised no one was sent home?
Who do you think will go next?

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Top Chef 3.14 - Finale Part 2 Recap

YumSugar — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 07:59:33 -0700

Well, oh well, oh well. We finally made it to the end. Did the right cheftestant win? What did you think of the challenge and didn't you just want to reach right into your TV screens and eat some of those dishes?!? To check out what happened in the finale, read more

When the episode begins, the cheftestants are presented lift tickets and are whisked away to the top of the mountain where Padma and Tom are waiting for them. At this point they're told to use the protein and produce provided and create the best meal they have ever cooked in their lives. Oh and the twist? They're all going to be cooking at the same time, in the same kitchen. They're also going to serve at the same time.

They're given 35 minutes to prepare their menus - which I'm surprised they didn't already have planned - and then they draw knives to determine their sous chefs. Everyone assumes it will be former cheftestants, so they're ecstatic to find out that their sous chefs are actually famous chefs. Hung is paired with Rocco DiSpirito, Casey is paired with Michelle Bernstein and Dale is paired with Todd English.

With their sous chefs in order, they head straight to the kitchen. From my point of view, it seemed like the cheftestants were a bit star struck at first, but then buckled down and got to work. The celebrity sous chefs do as they're told, but you can tell they don't always agree. After three hours of chopping and prepping, the cheftestants say farewell to their sous chefs and call it a night.

The next day they're on their own as they finish up the meal. They have two hours to get their three dishes ready and are halfway through when Tom tells them to stop what they're doing and come outside. Peeved, they all head outside only to find out that they each need to do a fourth dish. They also learn that they'll have some assistance from former cheftestants. Hung is paired with Sara, Dale is paired with CJ and Casey is paired with Howie.

Once they get back into the kitchen, the chefs get down to business and prepare their four dishes. Each course is presented to the eight judges - the four main judges, the three celebrity sous chefs and former contestant Brian - and it's clear that some of the dishes are really blowing others out of the water. Courses one and three are awarded to Hung - they even thought his duck was "three star Michelin" caliber - while courses two and four go to Dale. Unfortunately there can only be one winner and after much deliberation - according to Rocco's blog, the judges debated for nine hours - Hung is declared the next Top Chef!

Now for some things to ponder:

Did you think Hung was going to win? Do you agree with it?
Which dish did you want to eat the most? Personally I wanted that duck!
People have been complaining that this season lacked personality compared to the last two. After the finale, do you still think that's true?
Which celebrity sous chef would you want to work with?

Were you surprised that Hung went with a chocolate cake? Especially in the high altitude?
Did you notice that the judges were wearing the same clothing during both the Aspen panel and the live panel?
Dale said the scallop dish was a 50/50 collaboration with CJ. Do you think this was true?
Overall, what did you think of this season?

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Bravo (Finally) Announces Top Chef 3 Contestants

YumSugar — Tue, 08 May 2007 17:53:46 -0700

On the heels of yesterday's random, miscellaneous Top Chef related news, comes official TC Season 3 news! Bravo TV has finally announced contestants and judges (don't worry, Padma's still the host). They've also let us in on this elusive mystery "special." As mentioned before, season 3 starts on Wednesday, June 13, but the June 6 special 4-Star All-Stars, which pits chefs from Season 1 and Season 2 against each other, sounds fantastic!

In addition to 15 new contestants, this season also has a new judge. That's right, Ted "Queer Eye" Allen is now officially a full-time TC judge! I don't know about you guys, but I am honestly excited about this - I love that guy. But enough of my blather, let's check out the contestants. To see the 15 hopeful contestants (8 guys and 7 ladies), read more

BRIAN
AGE: 34
HOMETOWN: Bend, Ore. currently resides in San Diego, Calif.
PROFESSION: Executive Chef, The Oceanaire Seafood Room
CULINARY EDUCATION: Western Culinary Institute
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Cold Beer, Cold Wine & Cold Seafood

A native of Oregon, Brian grew up inspired by his grandmother's cooking and by all the fresh seafood and produce the area offered. He soon set his sights on California, where he was recently voted 2007 Best Chef in San Diego for his work as Executive Chef at the Oceanaire Seafood Room. He's in constant competition with everyone in San Diego and makes it a point to do everything bigger and better in his restaurant. At the top of his game, Brian's high-energy makes him a whirlwind in the kitchen. Stay-tuned to see just how long he can live by his motto, "Love, peace and happiness."

CAMILLE
AGE: 34
HOMETOWN: Elizabeth, N.J. - currently resides in Brooklyn, N.Y.
PROFESSION: Owner/Chef, Paloma
CULINARY EDUCATION: Culinary School, Academy of Culinary Arts
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Mixed Greens Salad with Baby Grains

Camille hails from Puerto Rico, and is the proud owner of Paloma Restaurant in Brooklyn, New York. She incorporates Latin spice into her kitchen, and is all business when it comes to her cooking. Camille has a 5-year-old daughter, and attempts to stay positive and balanced by meditating with a 100-year-old Zen Master. She has worked in all aspects of the restaurant business, and often surprises people by her occupation. Camille says the world would be a better place if everyone knew how to cook.

CASEY
AGE: 29
HOMETOWN: Cedar Hills, Texas currently resides in Dallas, Texas
PROFESSION: Executive Chef, Shinsei Restaurant
CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Big Burgers

The executive chef at Shinsei Restaurant in Dallas, one of the most successful in the state, Casey's cuisine incorporates Asian and Mexican cultural influences. This rising star lives by her simple yet time-tested cooking philosophy - serve food that people want more of. Casey names tartare the most romantic dish because it's raw, risky, ice cold and delicious. Her outgoing and confident manner will "serve" her well in the competition.

CHRIS
AGE: 31
HOMETOWN: El Toro, Calif. currently resides in Venice, Calif.
PROFESSION: Private Chef
CULINARY EDUCATION: Associated Culinary Arts (CSCA)
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Marinated Tomatoes with Beef and Cheese

A true Californian at heart, Chris is a private chef who has worked for the likes of author and columnist Arianna Huffington and the Marciano Family of the Guess Corporation. An ex-volleyball player standing at 6'8" it seems everyone looks up to him. Chris is motivated to live life to the fullest having overcome testicular cancer. He has a competitive spirit and the utmost confidence in his culinary skills.

CLAY
AGE: 28
HOMETOWN: Northern Mississippi currently resides in Santa Barbara, Calif.
PROFESSION: Sous Chef, Santa Barbara University Club
CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught

Clay says he is just a good ol' boy from Mississippi. Self-taught, Clay developed his skills from working his way up the ladder in various kitchens and truly feels he has an innate talent. Now living in Santa Barbara, he is a sous chef at the renowned Santa Barbara University Club. Clay has enjoyed bringing his southern style cooking to California and will definitely bring some different flavors and styles to the judge's table this third season.

DALE
AGE: 34
HOMETOWN: Chicago, Ill.
PROFESSION: Chef/Consultant
CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught
SIGNATURE DISH/CUISINE: Croque Monsieur

Chicago native Dale has been a chef for six years, with plans underway to open his own restaurant. Whether he's cooking four-star meals, diving, or doing gymnastics, Dale's competitive edge is undeniable. He has created something he calls "flavor math," where the right number of spices can bring the perfect flavor and taste. He uses French American cultural influences in his cooking, and is serious about putting his skills to the ultimate test. He loves the fact that the other contestants could be "out-cooked by a queer." Dale will say what everyone else is thinking.

HOWIE
AGE: 31
HOMETOWN: Miami, Fla.
PROFESSION: Executive Chef
CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Seared Scallops with Chorizo and Corn Emulsion

A Miami native, Howie claims home-court advantage in this competition. A true chef at heart he can't help but let his passion come through in everything he does. Due to his father's early death, Howie was raised by women and has no problem communicating his feelings. A chef for 10 years, his culinary expertise is contemporary American, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines. A "hurricane" in the kitchen, he loves to source the best products and let them speak for themselves.

HUNG
AGE: 29
HOMETOWN: Pittsfield, Mass. currently resides in Las Vegas, Nev.
PROFESSION: Sous Chef, Guy Savoy
CULINARY EDUCATION: A.O.S Culinary Arts, C.I.A
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Heirloom Tomatoes, Balsamic Vinegar, Basil, Mint & Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Hung works as the Executive Sous Chef at one of the most expensive restaurants in Las Vegas, Guy Savoy. Born in Vietnam and trained in classic French and Asian cuisine, he believes in cooking from the soul. Hung especially loves seafood because he says there are a million varieties and flavors to combine. He has traveled the world over learning different types of cuisines, and speaks four languages. He incorporates Asian, French and Spanish influences in his cooking. If he were a food, he says, "I would be spicy chili - it takes a while to get used to, but once you eat it you always come back for more."

JOEY
AGE: 29
HOMETOWN: Franklin Square, Long Island, N.Y. - currently resides in New York City
PROFESSION: Executive Chef, Caf Des Artistes EDUCATION: Peter Kump's New York Cooking School
SIGNATURE DISH: Caramelized Diver Sea Scallops with a Wild Mushroom and Truffle Risotto

A native New Yorker and four-star chef, Joey has worked at some of New York City's premiere restaurants - including Waters Edge, Jean Georges, Vong, and most currently Cafe de Artistes. His cooking is influenced by world cultures, and he loves to serve simple, light food always on a hot plate. Joey's intense passion and playful mentality make him a serious contender. His romantic self enjoys whipping up white chocolate and coconut-dipped strawberries with Veuve Clicquot Champagne - while his aggressive self lives by the motto - if you can't take the heat, get the f*** outta the kitchen.

LIA
AGE: 28
HOMETOWN: Tacoma, Wash. - currently resides in Brooklyn, N.Y.
PROFESSION: Executive Sous Chef, Jean Georges
CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Guacamole

Originally a literature major, Lia found her passion in cooking and never looked back. Currently the executive sous chef at Manhattan's elite Jean Georges restaurant, this self-taught, self-starter knew that to be the best - she had to train under the best. She has honed her skills at Jean Georges and now feels she is one of the top line cooks around. Living in New York, she has been influenced by many different types of food and calls her signature style eclectic. Lia feels it's key to always be proud of what you do.

MICAH
AGE: 33
HOMETOWN: South Africa currently resides in Boca Raton, Fla.
PROFESSION: Caterer/Owner, The Wandering Chef Caterers
CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Gazpacho Made from Sun-Almost-Ripened Tomatoes

A world-traveled single mother, Micah currently owns her own catering company. Best known for her eclectic world cuisine, her customers rave about her specialty - guava chili glazed lamb chop with passion fruit mint sauce. She thrives on usually being the only woman in the kitchen and loves when people underestimate her. For fun, she used to race sailboats and enjoys fishing if she can cook what she catches. An English Literature major, Micah was a restaurant reviewer and the editor of a boating magazine. She is currently at work on a children's book entitled "Silly Tilly Cooks Fusilli."

SANDEE
AGE: 39
HOMETOWN: Saint Simon's Islands, Ga. currently resides in Miami Beach, Fla.
PROFESSION: Executive Chef, Tantra
CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Grilled Watermelon

A Georgia native, Sandee specializes in southern soul food. Her signature dish is grilled hamachi collar with southern collard greens and soy sherry reduction with jalapeno corn bread. Enough said. Not a chef by trade, Sandee never attended Culinary School and has only worked at Tantra, a hot South Beach restaurant. Hired as a line cook, she has worked hard and studied just about every book around to become the Executive Chef. Since taking over the kitchen at Tantra, she has received 3-stars and rave reviews. Strong and independent, she is not a pushover. Sandee is aware that everyone will underestimate her, but she is adamant that while her opponents are playing it safe, she will work harder because she doesn't know any other way. Sandee says, "Dream as if you'll live forever, and live as if you'll die today."

SARA M.
AGE: 34
HOMETOWN: Kingston, Jamaica currently resides in Miami, Fla.
PROFESSION: Cheese Maker
CULINARY EDUCATION: AA Culinary Arts
FAVORITE CUISINE: Cheese

Sara M. grew up in Kingston Jamaica, and began her culinary career under Chef Mark Militello, one of the forefathers of New Florida cuisine. She then became the Sous Chef for Michelle Bernstein at Tantra in Miami, her second home. After a five-year stint as Chef de Cuisine at Ortanique in Miami, she left her comfort zone to discover her true passion for cheese. Sarah M. wants to bring cheese to her native land of Jamaica because she says there's a real need for good cheese there. She feels her passion and strong palate will shine through as she competes on her home turf. Time will tell if Sarah M. can hold true to her motto, "Do unto others as you would do unto yourself."

SARA N.
AGE: 25
HOMETOWN: Santa Monica, Calif. - currently resides in New York City
PROFESSION: Executive Sous Chef, Boucarou
CULINARY EDUCATION: Culinary Arts/Management Degree from the Institute of Culinary Education
SIGNATURE CUISINE: French-Asian Cuisine
FAVORITE SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE: Grilled Soft Shelled Crab

A native of Santa Monica, California, Sara N. attacks everything she attempts with the utmost passion. After graduating at the top of her class from culinary school, Sara N. landed an internship at the upscale Per Se in New York City. She then had the opportunity to be the sous chef at Chef & Company and moved on to work as the Executive Chef at Stone Rose. Sarah N. attributes her fast rise in the restaurant industry to her innate cooking skills and ability to manage people. She excels at fine dining, corporate and private catering, and feels that food should be simple, seasonal and satisfying. She plans to beat out the competition by saying she'll either find a way or make one.

TRE
AGE: 30
HOMETOWN: Duncanville, Texas currently resides in Cedar Hills, Texas
PROFESSION: Chef de Cuisine, Abacus Restaurant
CULINARY EDUCATION: Self-Taught
SIGNATURE CUISINE: Contemporary Global Cuisine

A self-taught chef, Tre worked his way through the ranks to become the main chef at Abacus, one of the best restaurants in Dallas. The proud father of two, he remains extremely passionate about both his family and his food. It's all in the presentation for Tre, who considers the spoon his paintbrush. He lives by the motto "make it nice or make it twice." In great shape, he loves the gym almost as much as cooking. Sure to win over America with his beautiful plates and charming dimples, Tre is ready to be nationally recognized for his culinary abilities.

So what do you guys think, you have any favorites? I think these guys look tough, experienced and fierce. I don't have a favorite yet (that usually doesn't happen until about episode 3), but I have a special place for Sara M., the lady is a cheese maker!

Source: The Futon Critic
Images Courtesy of Bravo TV

Top Chef: May the Best Chef Win (Season 2 Finale Recap)

YumSugar — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 03:29:52 -0800

Well, we reached the end of Top Chef Season 2! We can now stop speculating which chef is better than the other. Was the finale what you expected? Did you have money on the right candidate? Or did you just stop caring after last week?

The episode starts off with Marcel and Ilan frolicking on a beach in Hawaii. They eat fresh sea urchin for breakfast (which, although my opinion of sea urchin is not always high, I was crazy jealous of) and Marcel even gets stung by one and is forced to pee on his hand. At this point I need to stop the recap for a second and say that I have been tastefully avoiding this topic all season long, but really what was the whole Ilan wanting to pee on Marcel, how homo-erotic was that? And have you noticed it all season long?? - Okay back to recap.

The chefs are told they need to make a 5-course dinner for eight. They get to pick up their produce at a local farmer's market. They will then have four hours of prep time before heading to their respective restaurants where they will have one hour to cook. Ilan is cooking at Donatoni's Restaurant and Marcel will cook at Imari.

Full recap with big time spoilers ahead, including the WINNER, so read more

Before heading to the farmer's market, the finalists are greeted with ghosts from their past. Mike, Mia, Betty, Frank, Elia and Sam are there to be sous chefs. Surprisingly, half of them want to work with Ilan and the other half, Marcel. Marcel ends up choosing Sam, who convinces him to pick Mikey (which, no offense to Mikey, but really, you've a lot on the line and you pick the perpetually stoney-sounding Mikey??). Ilan chooses his BFF Elia and then Betty. Frank and Mia once again get sent packing.

Each chef needed to prepare a five course meal, for eight guests.
The guests were:

The three regulars (Padma, Gail and Tom)
Hubert Keller
Michelle Bernstein
Scott Conant
Roy Yamaguchi
Wylie Dufrense

The chefs both end up picking great produce (did you see those rambutans!?!) and built their recipes around what they saw. Ilan was up first and he served:

Overall the judges loved the meal, they thought the appetizer was okay, they LOVED the soup, thought the lobster sauce on the squab was great, wished they could get more from the short ribs, but were crazy for the dessert. From my vantage point, I thought the soup sounded great (I love gazpacho, so a macadamia nut gazpacho sounded even more delicious) and I definitely wanted to try the bay leaf fritter. Talk about a great infusion of sweet and savory!

Next up was Marcel. Now right from the beginning you knew this was going to be a disaster. They had talking head clips of Mikey and Sam talking about a hectic kitchen, and then the Bravo TV cameraman zoomed in on several trays left in the hotel fridge. Like I said, not a good sign. However Marcel still managed to pull out a great looking meal. He served:

Like I mentioned earlier, there were a few snafus. Marcel's ingenious encapsulated vinaigrette teardrops didn't work due to the humidity and the fish for the third dish got left behind (lucky for Marcel, Sam was able to whip up an alternate dish). The judges, however, enjoyed the meal. They liked the texture of the urchin, they thought the salad was a bit weak, loved the balanced flavor of the sea beans, thought his beef was better than Ilan's and thought the blinis were whimsical and clever. From my point of view, I also thought the blinis looked fun, I couldn't figure out why on earth he would tell the judges that he forgot the fish, and I was saddened by the fact that his tear drops didn't work out.

Now for the judge's table. They liked everything and were split on whom to declare the winner, so they got some input from the sous chefs. Elia said Ilan should win because his food was superior (even if she didn't taste or see Marcel's), Mikey and Sam confessed that Marcel's kitchen wasn't run very well. Sam also took credit for the sea beans.

After much deliberation, the judges finally have a winner.
This year's Top Chef is Ilan Hall.
Were you surprised? I wasn't really, although I wouldn't have been surprised if Marcel won either.

Now for a few things to discuss:

Marcel telling the judges he forgot the fish. Why would you do that?
Even though Sam fixed the fish dish, he takes credit for the sea beans, but weren't the sea beans actually Marcel's idea? He said he was going to do fish with palm and sea beans

Elia dissing Marcel - Really did she need to get so petty? I've lost a lot of respect for her.
Were you as weirded out as I was about the whole urchins and peeing scene?
Would you have chosen Mikey as a sous chef?
Was the fish forgotten on purpose?
At the end Marcel says, "I thought it was going to take more than saffron and paprika to beat me." My guy swears he said "f**king saffron." Did you hear it?
Before declaring the winner Tom says, "One of you may go on to be the superior chef, but in the end our decision was based on who we believe to be the best chef right now." Do you think he believes Marcel will be a better chef than Ilan?
Did you think the right person won?

Discuss!

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Source: Bravo TV