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Top Chef Producers to Create NBC Restaurateur Show

YumSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:10:49 -0800

From Magical Elves, the producers of Bravo's Top Chef, Top Chef Masters, and the soon-to-air Top Chef: Just Desserts, comes yet another reality TV show, tentatively titled United Plates of America.

Unlike its sister productions, United Plates will air on NBC. The premise: aspiring restaurateurs compete in a number of challenges involving the restaurant's concept, cuisine, management, and marketability. The judges' panel will include wealthy investors in the culinary and business world.The prize is being called "among the biggest in reality show history" - the winner will receive a restaurant chain that opens in four locations across the US - funded by the investors themselves. "It's a culinary competition that anybody can take part in," said executive producer Dan Cutforth. "All you need is a great idea for a restaurant."

Finally, a different foodie reality TV concept. This show could be wildly captivating and educational, because the average American viewer doesn't have an inkling of knowledge about the operations behind a restaurant. I would definitely tune in to check out the show. What about you?

Top Chef Quiz: Strip Around the World

partysugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:15:58 -0800

From breakfast in bed to big top-inspired soup, last night's episode of Top Chef had the chefs cooking up some crazy casino-inspired dishes, but not everyone's gamble paid off.

Emotions were high, and, of course, someone went home. Did you get too wrapped up in the drama to pay attention to the details? Take my quiz and test your savvy.

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Top Chef Vegas: Episode 11

partysugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:00:55 -0800

After a brief hiatus with last week's Fabio-hosted reunion dinner, we went back to Vegas - and into Padma's hotel room - for this week's episode of Top Chef.

The final six chefs started things off by cooking breakfast in bed for their fearless hostess and her celebrity chef friend Nigella Lawson. For the elimination challenge, each contestant created a dish for a party, drawing inspiration from different casinos on the strip. Who was playing to win? Let's talk about it when you read more.

I love how Nigella said Eli's dish "would be" good hangover food - you know, in theory. Whose quickfire dish would you want to eat if you were hungover?
How did you feel about Nigella as a guest judge?
What casino do you think would be hardest to base a dish around?
Kevin's dish looked great, but can anyone explain what it had to do with the Mirage?
Why do you think Jennifer has seemingly lost so much of her confidence?
With all the focus on Bryan's son and family life, did you think he might get kicked off?
Isn't it odd that the remaining guys are sharing a room? Shouldn't they be able to spread out by now?
What was up with the wind in that party venue?
Are buffalo wings something you associate with New York City? What iconic NYC food would you riff on in Michael's position?
How do you feel about who won and lost?

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Gordon Ramsay to Bring Masterchef to America

YumSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:15:19 -0800

Gordon Ramsay sure is busy. Besides joining Tony Bourdain on the animated series circuit, the reigning king of chef empires will play a key role in a new show, Masterchef, airing soon on Fox.

The Masterchef series was first a hit in the UK in 1990 and has recently garnered high ratings in Australia. It's being described as a culinary American Idol. The show goes on a "nationwide search for the best amateur chef in America." While Ramsay will coproduce and be on air, it's unclear what role he will play in the new show. Scheduling hasn't been announced. Precisely what America needs! Another amateur cooking competition.

Do you think the show will appeal to the mainstream? Or has the TV cooking space reached its saturation point?

Bravo Turns to Pastry For Next Top Chef Spinoff

YumSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:15:59 -0700

First Top Chef Junior, then Top Chef Masters , Top Chef Wine, and Top Chef, the Magazine. What's next: Top Chef Desserts? Actually, yes. This week, Bravo begins casting calls for a new TC spinoff airing in 2010, Top Chef: Just Desserts. In a move that means year-round Top Chef programming, the show will feature pastry chefs living together and facing off in - you guessed it! - a weekly elimination. No word yet on who the host or judges will be.

Calling pastry "a different skill," Bravo exec Frances Berwick added, "We're finding people really love this franchise, and there seems to be no end to the interest in it." Really? I beg to differ and, like PartySugar, I am tiring of the Top Chef brand - not to mention all the cake competitions that have become so prolific on TV.

What say you? Will you watch Top Chef: Just Desserts?

Photos courtesy of Bravo

Top Chef Masters: Love It or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 04:00:54 -0700

On Thursday, Bravo announced a second season of Top Chef Masters. When I heard the news, I had mixed feelings. While I'm a huge fan of Top Chef, the first season of Masters seemed to drag on. Kelly Choi was annoying and the critics lackluster. Although the participating chefs have not been announced, I'm not sure I want to watch. How about you? Am I the only one who is starting to tire of the Top Chef brand?

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Bravo Picks Up Second Season of Top Chef Masters

YumSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:30:52 -0700

As Bravo's Top Chef Las Vegas reaches the halfway mark, the network continues to expand its Top Chef empire. First it released plans to shoot Top Chef 7, and now the network has announced that it's bringing back Top Chef Masters for a sophomore season.

The second season of Masters, which was the highest-rated first season competition series in Bravo history, will see the return of Gael Greene, James Oseland, and Jay Rayner as critics, as well as bubbly (and slightly bubbleheaded) host Kelly Choi. This time, however, Top Chef veteran judge Gail Simmons will also have a place at the Critics' Table.

Now for the fun part. Guessing who will star on the show next. Any takers? Here are my guesses: While it sounds like Ming Tsai probably won't be a contender, what about Marcus Samuelsson, Tom Douglas, Kent Rathbun, and Charlie Palmer?

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Top Chef Quiz: Restaurant Wars

partysugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:15:32 -0700

Last night's Top Chef was a good one; the majority of the of the show focused on restaurant wars. It was the first time we saw some of the major players serve bad dishes and one of the few times that the judges were impressed with desserts. Were you paying attention? Find out now and take the quiz!

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Top Chef Vegas: Episode 9

partysugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:50:37 -0700

On the latest Top Chef, the remaining eight cheftestants have to prove they can work as a team. The quickfire involves blindfolds and the elimination challenge is everyone's favorite, what Padma dubs the "most anticipated episode of the season," restaurant wars. To discuss all the delicious details, read more.

How cute was it when Michael picked his bro?
What did you think of the quickfire? Did the blue team win because Jen set them up with a specific dish?
Were you excited for restaurant wars? I was bummed they didn't have to do decor!
Michael V. says that winning restaurant wars is about the execution. Do you agree?
For some reason, I really enjoyed Jen in this episode. I identified with her when she told Tom she was stressed because she thinks she's superwoman and takes on too much. Did you see a different side of her as well?
During restaurant wars, in past seasons, did they have more time to cook?
What exactly is a billi-bi?
Are the producers keeping Robin around because she is the only person who causes drama?
Who worked the front of the house better? Eli or Laurine?
Were you surprised that Tom said Revolt was the best restaurant restaurant wars had ever seen?

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Top Chef Quiz: Pigs and Pinot

partysugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:15:13 -0700

Last night's Top Chef highlighted the love story between a chef and a pig. The contestants had to create dishes using a specific piece of pork, and then pair their creations with wine. I enjoyed seeing Dana Cowin, the editor of Food & Wine, compare Laurine's dish to cat food. Want to find out how well you were watching? Take my quiz now!

Photo courtesy of Bravo

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