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Top Chef Quiz: Cheftestant Reunion

YumSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:15:34 -0700

All season I've been asking if you pay attention to Top Chef. Each week I expect you to score well on our quizzes, and this week is no exception. So did you check out last night's reunion special? How well did you watch? Find out and take our quiz!

Photo courtesy of Bravo.

Let's Dish: Top Chef Season 4 Reunion

YumSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 01:47:31 -0700

Well folks with last night's reunion show, the fourth season of Top Chef has finally come to a close. What did you think of the reunion? Check out all of my questions and thoughts, and let us know what you thought of the special, as well as the whole season! All you have to do is,

Top Chef Coming to a City Near You

partysugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:15:21 -0700

Missing Top Chef already? Don't worry: Starting June 21 the show is coming to a town near you with Top Chef: The Tour. This morning Bravo announced the 20 dates and cities of the tour. In each city, four cheftestants will lead cooking demonstrations, host food tastings, and reveal secrets from the show. Fans can participate in the programs and will have the chance to meet and greet their favorite TC alum. Although Bravo has yet to publicize which chefs will take part in the tour, I'm positive the event will be fun, interesting, and informative. I plan to go when they come to San Francisco!

To check out the complete list of stops on the TC tour,

Oh Hey, Lisa Fernandes Doesn't Really Hate on Bloggers

YumSugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:30:04 -0700

Love her or hate her — and I have a feeling I know where most of you stand on this one — Lisa Fernandes is a passionate chef. She showed that her fiery personality and kitchen skills could put her on the path to becoming a Top Chef. Unfortunately for her, she fell just short and had to settle for a runner-up prize.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Lisa. We spoke about bloggers, her bad reputation, and things she would have done differently. Is she rude, or was she just portrayed that way? Find out when you

Top Chef Quiz: That's a Wrap

YumSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:15:24 -0700

Well the latest season of Top Chef has finally come to a close. We've seen a bunch of amazing folks pack their knives and go, and we saw one person get crowned the new winner. Were you watching? Find out how closely you've been paying attention when you take our quiz.

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Let's Dish: Top Chef 4.14 — In It for the Win

YumSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 01:03:33 -0700

Alright folks, let's just get down to it. Top Chef Season 4 has drawn to a close, and we now have a new chef to join Harold, Ilan, and Hung. What did you think of this season? Are you happy with the outcome? Spoilers after the jump. Tell us all your thoughts in the comments! Answer my questions when you,

Will You Watch Top Chef Junior?

partysugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:15:48 -0700

This morning Bravo announced its plans for Top Chef Junior. Similar to Top Chef, the eight-episode series will feature teens battling it out in the kitchen and competing in culinary challenges. Frances Berwick, the general manager of Bravo Media, explains the network's decision to expand the Top Chef brand:

With Top Chef as the No. 1 food show on cable comes the natural expansion in our food domain. With Top Chef Junior we're reaching a growing market and are developing a series that will teach and test the skills of younger aspiring chefs and appeal to the whole family.

Bravo is also planning another untitled, food-related reality series highlighting the life of "the world's sexiest chef," Jean-Christophe Novelli.

Knowing Bravo's track record, these shows have the potential to be smashing hits. Will you watch?

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Girl Talk With Top Chef Antonia Lofaso

YumSugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:00:08 -0700

On this week's Top Chef, we saw final-four contestant Antonia Lofaso leave Puerto Rico. When I spoke to her yesterday, she was in New York lunching with fellow finalist Stephanie. The two chefs were in town for Bravo's A-List Awards, and Antonia was nice enough to take a break from her meal of gnocchi and sweetbreads to chat about her time on the show.

Antonia isn't just a Top Chef contestant; she's also a fan who has watched the series since the first season. To hear how her experience compared to what she'd seen on TV and find out what her 8-year-old daughter thought of it all,

Top Chef Quiz: Pigging Out

YumSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:15:59 -0700

There's one last episode between us and the discovery of this season's Top Chef. It's been a roller coaster of a season, and I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would. Have you been watching? Did you see last night's episode? Take our quiz and see how well you were paying attention.

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Let's Dish: Top Chef 4.13 — Going Whole Hog

YumSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 02:02:33 -0700

In the first half of this season's finale, we went from four Top Chef contestants, to three. It was a real treat of a challenge with loads of fresh Puerto Rican produce, and some high stakes drama. It was a fun watch, but the end might not please a lot of you, so let's start talking about it. Did you watch? Tell us what you thought in the comments! To check out my talking points,

Top Chef Quiz: Raising the Steaks

YumSugar — Thu, 29 May 2008 11:15:55 -0700

The latest episode of Top Chef has brought us down to the final four. Yet before that happened there was one final challenge and a lot of steaks. Were you paying close attention? Find out when you take our quiz.

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Let's Dish: Top Chef 4.12 — Off to the Butchers

YumSugar — Thu, 29 May 2008 01:18:57 -0700

After last night's Top Chef we are finally down to the final four. However before we can head to Puerto Rico, we have to chat about the final elimination. Unlike some of the previous challenges, I was really excited to see the chefs in the kitchen. Watching them work in their natural environment was refreshing and fun, and seeing Chef Tom come help them was also exciting. So what did you think of it? Find out what I have to ask when you

Come Holler at Top Chef's Dale Talde

YumSugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 08:00:46 -0700

A lot of you were disappointed with the outcome of last night's Top Chef. While you were thrilled to see restaurant wars return, you weren't all ready to say goodbye to Dale Talde. The frustrating interaction between Lisa and him may have ended on the screen, but that doesn't mean Dale likes the gal. I spoke with Dale yesterday and there's no love lost between them, there just was never any to begin with. To read what he had to say about his time on Top Chef, and what he's working on next, just

Yummy Link: Spike and Lisa Swap Jobs

partysugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:05:00 -0700

In a surprising turn of events, Spike from this season's Top Chef was recently fired from his day job at New York City's Mai House. Who will replace him? None other than his competitor and TC resident villain Lisa. — Eater

Waking Up With Top Chef's Andrew D'Ambrosi

YumSugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 08:00:45 -0700

Yesterday morning, I got up pretty early to chat with outgoing Top Chef contestant Andrew D'Ambrosi. Just like the last time I chatted with him, he was delightful, fun, and full of energy. I wasn't fully awake yet, but talking to Andrew was like getting a shot of adrenaline. I went from nearly asleep to wide awake as I tried to keep up with everything he was saying.

I know a lot of your were rooting for him — he's got words for those of you who were! — and those that weren't, you have to admit he was enjoyable to watch right? To find out what we chatted about,

Top Chef Quiz: Lighten Up

YumSugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:31:02 -0700

This season Top Chef really takes us into the catering world. This time the contestants had to make light and healthy box lunches for Chicago's finest. You may have caught who won and lost, but did you catch the details? Find out when you take our quiz!

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Let's Dish: Top Chef 4.10 — Light n' Healthy

YumSugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 03:01:33 -0700

This week's Top Chef took another turn towards the catering when the cheftestants had to cook for the folks at the Chicago Policy Academy. In the end we traded in last week's wedding wars for lunchbox wars. We also got a nice dose of against the grain drama. Did you watch? What did you think? Check out my thoughts and tell me yours when you

Back Off Bloggers, Nikki Cascone Doesn't Want to Fight

YumSugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 07:16:00 -0700

Say what you will about Nikki Cascone, the girl has got heart. She was the latest chef to leave the Top Chef kitchen, but you've not heard the last of her. With one successful restaurant under her belt, she's got another one in the works, as well as a line of service hospitality wear on the way.

If you're wondering what she thought of her time on Top Chef, and more importantly, what she thought about all the comments on the internet, then you're in luck. I got to chat with her yesterday morning, and while she was a bit defensive — did you know her cooking style isn't rustic Italian? — she was definitely lovely. To hear what she had to say,

Top Chef Quiz: Wedding Season

YumSugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:32:29 -0700

This year Top Chef caught the wedding bug, and forced the cheftestants to stay up all night. There was a lot of emotion, and a lot of hard work. It was a fun episode to watch — although I still missed restaurant wars — but were you paying close attention? Find out when you take our quiz!

Photos courtesy of Bravo

Let's Dish: Top Chef 4.9 — Wedding Wars

YumSugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:01:33 -0700

Now that the super-sized wedding themed episode of Top Chef is over — hope your TiVo didn't cut it off! — I want to know what you thought of it. Were you excited by the wedding wars? How about the relay? What about all the drama at the end? Let's dish all about it when you

Mark Simmons Monotonously Packs His Knives and Goes

YumSugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 07:14:28 -0700

On the last episode of Top Chef, we said farewell to Mark Simmons. All of his midnight musical serenades and bubble bath hi-jinks couldn't convince the judges to keep him there.

Yesterday I was lucky enough to engage in a funny conversation in which Mark told me what he's been up to and what he thought of the whole process. He's not bitter, but he's not rooting for anyone, only himself. To find out what he had to say,

Top Chef Quiz: Caring About Young Folks

YumSugar — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:30:40 -0700

We learned who had the knowledge to create a delicious meal fit for a family, and we got to see some adorable sous-chefs help out with the whole process. I had a lot of fun watching it, but had even more fun coming up with the quiz questions. Were you paying attention? Find out when you take our Top Chef quiz!

Photos courtesy of Bravo

Let's Dish: Top Chef 4.8 — Helping Hands

YumSugar — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:57:33 -0700

It was a fun time at the Top Chef kitchens last night. The cheftestants got some helping hands from a bunch of extraordinary kids, and proved they could put together a healthy, but delicious meal. Did you watch? What did you think of the episode? There were some funny moments and I've got a full list of things to discuss. Ready to dish? Just,

What Does Jen Biesty Have to Say About Top Chef?

YumSugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 06:28:31 -0700

This week we bid farewell to the final San Francisco-based Top Chef candidate, and while it was a bit of a shock — many of you thought Jen's recent departure from Top Chef was a bit untimely — it was definitely a fun episode. The stakes are high, and there's no room for error. Yesterday I got to sit down and chat with Jen Biesty and found out what she thought of her elimination, her fellow contestants, and her new upcoming restaurant. To see what she had to say,

Top Chef Quiz: Improv Skills

YumSugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:33:18 -0700

We discovered who had the chops to improv in the kitchen, and we endured more than one ridiculous sexual innuendo, but what else did we learn? Were you paying attention to the latest episode of Top Chef? If you think you were, take our quiz and find out!

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Let's Dish: Top Chef 4.7 — Improv

YumSugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:43:19 -0700

What did you guys think of the latest episode of Top Chef? I thought it was a fun challenge, with a lot of interesting twists along the way. Incorporating Chicago's Second City Improv group was an intriguing way to liven up the challenge. In fact, I thought it was so much fun, I didn't even mind that it was a team challenge instead of a solo challenge. What did you think of it? I've got my usual full list of things to discuss, so let's dish! Get started, just

Is Ryan Scott Ready for Some Football?

YumSugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 07:28:33 -0700

Some of you are lamenting the fact that San Francisco's Ryan Scott had to leave the competition already, while others are glad to see him gone. I was actually bummed to see him leave already, I think he's a really fun guy, and besides, it was tough to see another San Franciscan say farewell. Yet, no matter what you think of the guy, he's quite charming and is a lot of fun. We had a chance to speak with him yesterday afternoon. He chatted about football, future plans and putting himself up for auction. To find out what he had to say,

Top Chef Quiz: Tailgating Chefs

YumSugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:03:19 -0700

We've discussed the ups and downs of last night's Top Chef, but now it's time to see if you were paying attention. Do you know how many beers there were and how much they had to spend? To find out the answer to these questions and more, take our weekly Top Chef quiz!

Photos courtesy of Bravo

Let's Dish: Top Chef 4.6 — Tailgaters

YumSugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:37:19 -0700

The latest episode of Top Chef had our favorite cheftestants hanging out at Chicago's Soldier Field. There they threw a huge tailgating party for loads of fans and former Bears team members. It was nice to see them finally doing a solo challenge; as much as I loved the group challenges, I was a bit over them. So what did you think? Did you agree with who should've gone home? Tell us what you had to say, plus check out my questions on the episode, just

Bravo's Schedule: Runway in July, Shows on Mondays, and Donatella Arpaia

YumSugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:11:38 -0700

Bravo's Schedule: Runway in July, Shows on Mondays, and Donatella
In addition to new Runway and shows on Monday, Bravo has created a new series focusing on Donatella Arpaia, a New York restaurateur and Zagat-dubbed "hostess with the mostess" — you may remember her as a judge from The Next Iron Chef — as she attempts to triple her culinary empire over a six-month period.

Dishing with Zoi From Top Chef

YumSugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:45:39 -0700

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to talk to Zoi, the latest Top Chef cheftestant to pack her knives and go. She was one-half of the San Francisco couple — the other half being Jen — and was sent home because of some under-flavored — or was that over-flavored — mushrooms. To find out what she had to say about everyone's angry outbursts and what she's up to these days, then

Top Chef Quiz: One With the Elements

YumSugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:23:31 -0700

You've discussed the winners and losers of last night's Top Chef, but now it's time to see how well you were paying attention. Do you know which contestants were on which team, or how many ingredients they accurately tasted? To find out take our weekly quiz!

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Let's Dish: Top Chef 4.5 — Out of Their Elements

YumSugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 03:01:51 -0700

So what did you think of the latest episode of Top Chef? Were you — based on the commercials and previews — expecting a bit more drama? I was. Yet, it was still a fun episode, and interesting to see chefs who had been so successful make mistakes. I've got a bunch of thoughts on the episode and would love to hear what you thought of it all, so let's dish! Just,

Let's Dish: Top Chef 4.4 — Movie Night

YumSugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:01:39 -0700

What did you think of last night's Top Chef? I was a little bit disappointed that they were working in pairs instead of as individuals, but I guess that's better than in groups. I also really enjoyed the movie theme and thought that was a fun idea. How about you, what were your fave and least fave parts of the episode? Answer those and my other questions, plus check out a gallery of images from the episode, just

Top Chef 4 Begins March 12

YumSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:27:17 -0800

Top Chef fans, start your ovens — or, whichever appropriate cookery device fits your skill level — season four is slated to premiere on Wed. March 12 at 10pm! This year your favorite judges — Ted Colicchio, Padma Lakshmi, Gail Simmons and Ted Allen — and sixteen new chefs have unpacked their knives in Chicago. To find out more about the cheftestants hit the "Start Slideshow" button below. Photos courtesy of Bravo.

Make Room For the Top Chef Cookbook

YumSugar — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 06:13:33 -0800

If you're one of those folks who can't get enough of Top Chef, you'll be thrilled to hear that Bravo Media is teaming up with Chronicle Books to release Top Chef: The Cookbook ($29.95). The hardcover tome is 256 pages long and features 100 recipes from the first three seasons, including Elimination and Quick-Fire challenges. There have been some pretty tasty-looking recipes, but I want to know, will it include Mikey from Season Two's weird Cheeto/Snickers concoction?

In addition to the recipes, the book will contain in-depth interviews with contestants and judges; discussion with the crew revealing the inner-workings of the show; photos from behind the scenes; and more. The foreword is not surprisingly written by head judge Tom Colicchio.

If you're excited, you're going to have to calm yourself for a while, the cookbook doesn't hit shelves until this Spring.

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2007's Favorite Foodie Reality Show Is...

YumSugar — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 05:01:01 -0800

As part of our Best of 2007 coverage, we asked you what your favorite foodie reality show of 2007 is. The response was phenomenal and Top Chef won by a huge landslide.

We debated a bit here at the YumSugar HQ, however in the end Top Chef won us over as well. This year we almost had a female winner — maybe next year it'll finally happen? — and the competition was front and center. While the other shows also entertained, I loved the way Top Chef constantly had a mix of drama — but not too much — and really delicious looking eats. Also, their guest judges constantly kept things interesting and the local Miami produce and backdrop really added to the fun.

Do you agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments!

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Pack Your Knives and Ho-Ho-Holiday Special

YumSugar — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:18:38 -0800

Top Chef fans, set your TiVos! Next Thursday, Dec. 6, Bravo is airing the Top Chef Holiday Special where a handful of TC fan favorites prepare a holiday meal for our beloved judges.

The episode will feature Stephen Aspirinio and Tiffani Faison from Season One; Betty Fraser, Marcel Vigneron, and Josie Smith-Malave from Season Two; and Chris "CJ" Jacobson, Tre Wilcox, and Sandee Birdsong from Season Three. I understand how many of these folks are fan favorites, but I have to say, I'm a bit surprised by Sandee; maybe it was her fiesty ways in the Watch What Happens special?

No word on what the actual challenge is, but the episode will have the chefs going ~~head-to-head~~ knife-to-knife for a grand prize of $20,000. They'll be judged by the usual suspects — Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio, Ted Allen, and Gail Simmons — who will also have input from culinary heavyweights Alfred Portale (chef of Gotham Bar and Grill), Eric Ripert (executive chef of Le Bernardin), Alan Wong, Elizabeth Falkner (executive pastry chef and owner of Citizen Cake) and Norman Van Aken.

I don't know about you guys, but I've already got my TiVo set.

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Do You Agree With the "Top Chef" Fan Favorite Result?

YumSugar — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:03:57 -0700

Last night, Bravo aired the "Top Chef 3" reunion special. The entire event was geared up to reveal the fan favorite [spoiler alert] and show you behind-the-scenes clips. Personally, I thought it was a bit of a snooze, but I know there are some rabid fans who eat up all that behind-the-scenes stuff. Also, I was really surprised that Casey won the fan favorite award. I totally thought it would be Tre or Dale. Speaking of Dale, he definitely had the quote of the night; when asked about his "type" he said, "Beauty's only a light switch away." Surely someone this cheeky would've been crowned fan favorite?
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Do You Agree With the "Top Chef" Fan Favorite Result?

Totally! She absolutely deserved it.

No way, it should have been _____ (fill in the blank below).

You were supposed to vote for fan favorite?

OMG, why are we still talking about this show?!?

Other — Tell us how you feel in the comments!

Yummy Link: Top Chef Judges Get Goofy

YumSugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 05:11:33 -0700

If you're still itching for some more "Top Chef," then be sure to check out these behind the scenes videos featuring the judges answering goofy questions. — 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,

How Well Were You Watching Top Chef?

YumSugar — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 02:21:33 -0700

Did you watch the season finale of Top Chef? If so, then you know who won, but what else do you know? Were you really paying attention, or were you too busy trying to figure out who you wanted to win? To find out, take our quiz!

And don't worry there are no real spoilers here, those will turn up later during our recap. Ready to start?
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Who Do You Want To Win Top Chef?

YumSugar — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:25:07 -0700

This season of "Top Chef" is finally coming to a close. We've had fantastic judges — including Ted Allen, whose favorite cast member was Howie — some wild characters, shocking results and droolworthy dishes. We're down to the final three, and at this point I'm not sure who I'm rooting for. How about you? Who do you want to win?Oh and if you can't wait for tonight, here's a quick clip to whet your palate.

Top Chef 3.13 - Finale Part 1 Recap

YumSugar — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 10:43:33 -0700

It was down to the final four on last night's episode of "Top Chef," and I think it was definitely a fun — Yeeha! — episode. So far, this year's finale is proving to be exciting, if not somewhat surprising. The Bravo editors didn't give away the result until the end, and neither will I. To find out who made it to the next round,

How Well Were You Watching Top Chef?

YumSugar — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 03:01:11 -0700

Did you watch last night's Top Chef? If so, you may know who packed their knives and who is going on to the finale, but what else do you know? Were you really paying attention, or were you too busy figuring out how you could ride a hot air balloon over Aspen? To find out, take our quiz! And don't worry there are no real spoilers here, those will turn up later during our recap.

You ready to start?
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Which Top Chef Judge Said It?

YumSugar — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 15:04:26 -0700

Top Chef is up for an Emmy Award this year, and to celebrate, I thought I'd run a "which judge said it" quiz. Think you know your Colicchio from your Lakshmi? If so, then test your skills! The quotes span all three seasons, so good luck!

Top Chef 3.11 - Snacks on a Plane Recap

YumSugar — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 11:22:06 -0700

Well folks, we are down to the final six cheftestants, and I must say I was slightly shocked by last night's episode. Shocked by who was eliminated, shocked by how mean guest judge Anthony Bourdain was — although I should have been expecting it — and shocked by how many folks overcooked fish. I could go on and on about my shock, but let's just start at the beginning for now.

The episode starts with Padma sneaking into the dorms and rousing the chefs from their slumber. And naturally, she has a surprise! They stagger into the (super swanky) kitchen area and are told they have 20 minutes to make her breakfast with ingredients in the kitchen. No time to change, no time to think, just make. Oh and they're endorsed by Breville's blender, so they might want to use that too.

To find out what happens next,

Top Chef 3.10 Chef Overboard Recap

YumSugar — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 11:13:19 -0700

After last episode's shocking elimination — I really thought Tre was going all the way — and a week hiatus, Top Chef lost a little luster in my book. However, I knew I couldn't let you down, so I ponied up and forced myself to turn on the tv... oh who am I kidding? You know I was going to watch it anyway!

This week's episode — entitled "Chef Overboard" — begins with the "Aisle Trial" quickfire challenge. The cheftestants are greeted by Padma and guest judge Michael Schwartz and asked to draw knives. Each knife has a number on it and that number corresponds to an aisle in the grocery store. Once numbers are chosen, the chefs head to their aisles with a $10 budget. So who won? Who bombed and who went home? To find out

Top Chef 3.9 - Second Helping (aka RWII) Recap

YumSugar — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 12:32:31 -0700

In RWII (Restaurant Wars 2), the cheftestants received a chance to correct their mistakes from last week's episode. They were still divided into two teams — Restaurant April (CJ, Brian, Tre and Casey) and The Garage (Howie, Sara, Dale and Hung) — and each team had to redecorate their restaurants and tinker with their menus in hope for a flawless evening. But before they could begin, there was (of course) a quickfire challenge. This time they were greeted by both Padma and Chef Tom. To find out what happened next,

How Well Were You Watching Top Chef?

YumSugar — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 03:18:31 -0700

Did you watch last night's Top Chef? If so then you know that it was a restaurant wars rematch between The Garage and Restaurant April. You may know who won and who lost, but what else do you know? Were you really paying attention, or were you too busy drooling over some of those dishes? To find out go ahead and take our quiz! And don't worry there are no real spoilers here, those will turn up later during our recap.

You ready to start?

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