yumsugar -- To die for.

Top Chef Season 5: Meet The Contestants!

partysugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:15:40 -0700

Get excited Top Chef fans. Bravo has announced the latest set of 17 cheftestants who will unpack their knives on the upcoming season of Top Chef. Mark your calendar: the competition kicks off on Nov. 12 at 10 p.m. Shot in New York City, this season promises to be the biggest yet. So without further ado, here are the competing chefs and judges. Photos courtesy of Bravo.

Yummy Links: From Party Palettes to Marcel's DUI

partysugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 06:45:55 -0700

Black, white, and yellow makes for a sophisticated party motif. — Simply Stated
The top 10 ways to chop onions without crying.— The Epi-Log
Get a virtual taste of Starbucks mocha dark chocolate. — Baking Bites
Free ice cream! 90210 helps you cool off. — Serious Eats
Lucid absinthe is a tasty way to get acquainted with the green fairy. — Chow
Interesting tip! Use a serrated knife to slice tomatoes. — The Kitchn
Krispy Kreme cheeseburgers surface at the Google cafeteria. — Slashfood
Plan a patriotic beach party for Labor Day. — Hostess With the Mostess
In case you missed it, Top Chef's Marcel arrested on suspicion of DUI. — TMZ

Source

What's Cooking With Top Chef 5

partysugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 07:45:05 -0700

Currently the fifth season of Top Chef is filming in New York City. Although the competing chefs are still unknown, details of the upcoming season are being released.

Last week Tom Colicchio went on the Today Show with three dishes created by 13 of the current contestants. The female hosts of the show tasted the dishes (Kathie Lee spit one out she hated it so much!) and chose one as their favorite. The winner will present the dish on the Today Show when the TC episode airs in December.

In other TC news, rumor has it that the Foo Fighters will appear in an episode of the competition. While I'm looking forward to another season of TC, I can't help but wonder if the mania surrounding the filming (complete with images of the contestants moving into their house) will spoil the show's excitement. What do you think? Do you like to know about the competition before it airs?

Source

Noteworthy Nibbles — July 31-Aug. 6, 2008

YumSugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:00:22 -0700

This week, there are things going on all over the map.

Beer lovers unite in both Honolulu and California. Colorado's busting out the buttered corn (and the sounds of country star Travis Tritt) as well as hosting a festival for tea enthusiasts. At Vermont's Fresh Network forum, locals can partake in workshops such as "Terroir of Cheese" and "Understanding Honey." Tri-State fans of Top Chef can hone their cooking skills by taking a master class with contestant and CIA alum Marcel Vigneron.

Here's a look at some of our choice events going on this week:

Seattle, WA: Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation Seattle — July 31
Mammoth Lakes, CA: Mammoth Festival of Beers & Bluesapalooza — Aug. 1-2
Olathe, CO: Olathe Sweet Corn Festival — Aug. 1-2
Lake County, OH: Vintage Ohio — Aug. 1-2
Natchez, MS: Natchez Food & Wine Festival — Aug. 1-3

To see the rest,

In the Kitchen With Ryan Scott

partysugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:15:39 -0700

Last week I had the wonderful opportunity of going into the kitchen at San Francisco's Mission Beach Cafe. Chef Ryan Scott, a competitor on this season's Top Chef, invited me in for a crouton cooking lesson. The friendly, good-looking chef told me about his re-creation of the menu and his hopes to build the restaurant's status. With his TC experience behind him, Scott is busy focusing on cooking and making culinary appearances.
His delicious food is comforting yet sophisticated, familiar yet complex. If you're in the Bay Area, I highly recommend checking out the cafe. His homemade croutons (found in everything from soups to salads) are the best I've ever tasted. If you aren't in the area, bring a little bit of Ryan into your home with this amazing crouton recipe.
Instead of writing out the recipe, Scott, a hands on chef, preferred to teach me personally how to make them. To go behind the scenes and learn how to make Chef Scott's scrumptious croutons, take a look at our exclusive video, and

Bravo Announces Top Chef: Masters Series

partysugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 03:00:48 -0700

From teens to tours, Bravo's been busy announcing Top Chef spin offs. Yesterday at the TCA press tour in Los Angeles, they publicized another: Top Chef: Masters. 2009 will bring us a culinary competition that unites some of the brightest stars of the food world. Award winning, widely known chefs, some who have been guest judges on TC, will compete against each other in weekly challenges.

Although it sounds a bit like Food Network's Next Iron Chef, I'm excited to find out which chefs will be involved. How about you? Will you watch Top Chef: Masters?

Is Top Chef's Lisa More Likable Now?

partysugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:15:17 -0700

In an attempt to make herself more likable, Lisa Fernandes, the Top Chef runner-up who everyone loves to hate, has made her first cooking video for Time Out New York. Sporting her fabulously boyish haircut, Lisa takes viewers inside the kitchen of the New York City restaurant where she works, Mai House. She promises to teach us how to make an entire Asian meal, complete with five dishes, for less than $20.

Although she's a little cold to the camera, I can't help but admire her culinary expertise, cooking technique, and confidence despite what others may think. What do you think? Watch the video below and let me know, is Lisa more likable now outside of the competition?

Get Flash to see this player.

Source

Top Recipes From Top Chef 4

YumSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:00:59 -0700

The just-ended season four of Top Chef was one of my favorites so far — not just because a female chef finally won (go Stephanie!) but also because I found myself wanting to make more of the recipes than ever before. I've rounded up some of my favorites from this season's challenges; to check out my picks, just click "start," then tell me which dishes you most want to try.

YumSugar's Top 10 Things Found in Aspen

YumSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:15:15 -0700

During the three days PartySugar and I spent at this year's Food and Wine Classic, we came across a lot of amazing and tasty things. From pork to peas, we were treated to some of the best food from some of the most amazing chefs on the planet. It was a difficult task, but I've rounded up my top 10 favorite things. Read them below and then be sure to click through for all the pictures.

David Chang's Pork Party (specifically the pork buns)
We were lucky enough to attend the David Chang and friends after-party on Saturday night. The highlight was chowing down on his pork buns and wraps, and then learning that there was also crab and whole roasted piglets.
Ming Tsai with tofu on his face
During his cooking demonstration, Ming got a piece of tofu on his face. When he looked at the mirror (which was facing the crowd) he said, "I can't see it, all I see is white people."
Jose Andres cooking with his 9-year-old daughter Carlota
He has such a great personality and is so much fun to watch. Having his daughter help on stage made it even more fun.
Jeremy Fox's Best New Chef dish
I was a bit dubious about the Best New Chef's pea, mint, white chocolate, and macadamia nut concoction, but it was so delicious! I couldn't stop eating them, PartySugar practically had to pull me away from the the table.

To discover what else made my list, plus a gallery of images, just

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 Winner Stephanie Izard Keeps It Real

YumSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:00:46 -0700

I know you all were as excited as I was to see Stephanie Izard become the first female to win Top Chef. Congratulations, Stephanie!

Over the course of the show, the Chicago-based chef, 31, kept her cool while churning out creative and comforting dishes. After the finale, I was delighted to get to speak to Stephanie about her favorite parts of being on the show, how her life has changed, and what she's cooking up next. To read what Stephanie had to say,

In the Kitchen With Tom and Padma

partysugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:15:27 -0700

One memorable highlight of the Food and Wine Classic was the Top Chef demonstration. Instead of featuring the winners or cheftestants, fans watched Tom Colicchio and Padma Lakshmi cook together. He made an asparagus, mushroom butter fondue and she made flautas. The dynamic duo was incredibly entertaining as they flirted, fought, and got a little drunk. It was so wonderfully amusing that we took an exclusive video to share with you!

Get Flash to see this player.

After the demo, Tom and Padma answered audience members Top Chef questions. To find out the TC secrets they shared with the crowd,

Hanging With Hung

partysugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:25:29 -0700

Last Friday afternoon at the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen, I had the chance to hang out with Top Chef Season 3 winner Hung Huynh. As part of his prize, Hung was invited to appear at the Classic Cook-Off on Sunday. In between attending seminars and sipping wine, Hung and I met up outside the grand-tasting tent.

An approachable, friendly guy, Hung isn't afraid to say hello to fans or cook dinner for 150 people. Although he was sometimes portrayed as a villain on TC, in real life, Hung is just an ordinary guy who cooks really well. To learn more about Hung,

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,

Aspen Part Two: What Did We Learn?

YumSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 03:03:33 -0700

Yesterday the Food & Wine Classic continued. Partysugar and I learned a lot more about some of our favorite chefs. To discover what we learned, take our quiz now! And be sure to stay tuned all week while we bring you more details from this fabulous event.

Oh and if you're wondering, that's famed chef Jacques Pepin and Food & Wine magazine editor Dana Cowin.

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's Richard Blais Waves Goodbye

YumSugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:01:51 -0700

I've been rooting for Top Chef's Richard Blais ever since we interviewed him back in March. Of course, I was psyched that Stephanie won, but Richard definitely wowed me this season with his clever and cheeky approach to cooking.

Watching Wednesday's season finale, I was shocked when Richard told the judges he "choked" in the last challenge. Thankfully, I had the honor of interviewing him again yesterday and got to hear all about what was going through his head. To read what he had to say about the finale, his fauxhawk, and his next restaurant,

Yummy Links: From Tastespotting to Top Chef

partysugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 06:45:07 -0700

I regret to report that one of our favorite foodie websites, Tastespotting, has shut down. — Tastespotting
Watch this insane video of a man smashing 40 watermelons with his head! — Serious Eats
Learn how to reduce balsamic vinegar. — Cookthink
Do you know any kids who would eat scorpions for breakfast and snails for dinner? — The New York Times
To die for: BLT sandwich with basil aioli on grilled flatbread. — Family Style Food
Speaking of bacon, has anyone tried bacon salt? — Blogged Arteries
What to do with those pesky, empty pizza boxes. — CasaSugar
Ilan Hall on Los Angeles and the season finale of Top Chef. — NY Daily News
Tim Zagat talks about his experience as a judge on Top Chef. — Zagat

Source

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?

Source

Who Do You Want to Win Top Chef?

partysugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:15:29 -0700

Source

Who Do You Want to Win Top Chef?

Stephanie

Richard

Lisa

Chefs Get Glamourous For Bravo's A-List Awards

partysugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 13:00:46 -0700

On Wednesday night, Bravo hosted their first-ever award show, the "A-List Awards" honoring those who have made a significant impact on the arts — beauty, design, fashion, food, pop culture — that are featured on the network's shows. Although the awards won't be televised until June 12, you're in luck because I have a sneak peek! Along with the judges Tom Collichio, Padma Lakshimi, Gale Simmons, and Ted Allen, the majority of this season's Top Chef contestants and some from seasons past were present at the event. This award show was hosted by Kathy Griffin who gave awards to the "A-List Chef" and "A-List Restaurant," but as far as I'm concerned, the highlight was seeing the chefs out of the kitchen and on the red carpet!

To take a closer look at the chefs including Daniel Boulud, Jose Andres, Rocco DiSpirito, Brian Malarkey, Dale Levistsky, Dana Corwin, and all of your faves from Top Chef Season 4 —

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,

Spike Mendelsohn Tips His Hat to Top Chef

YumSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 08:00:23 -0700

Spike Mendelsohn showed off some seriously sharp butchering skills on this week's episode of Top Chef. But in the end, he failed to make the cut for the final four.

He's certainly been one of the more colorful chefs this season, so I was excited to chat with Spike yesterday about the whole frozen scallops incident, the recent rumors about his job, and his affinity for fedoras. Oh, and in case you're curious, the 27-year-old chef is currently single. For all the juicy details on Spike,

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

Top Chef Quiz: The Battle of the Restaurants

YumSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 11:15:22 -0700

Last night's restaurant wars episode was a fun return of an old favorite. We got to watch the cheftestants flip eggs and set up their own restaurants. You may know who packed their knives and who won a trip to Spain, but what else do you know? Were you paying attention? Find out when you take our quiz!

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Let's Dish: Top Chef 4.11 — The War Is On!

YumSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 02:48:11 -0700

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,

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

Yummy Links: From Canned Cool Whip to Homemade Cakes

partysugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 10:00:56 -0700

If you're too lazy to use a spoon to scoop cool whip from the tub, you're in luck! Kraft has just released their new canned cool whip. — Serious Eats
Food and Wine celebrates their 30th anniversary with a then and now look at the magazine. — Mouthing Off
Chicago chef and cancer survivor Grant Achatz discuss how he lost and found his ability to taste. — The New Yorker
A surprising look at the health inspections of certain celebrity chefs' kitchens. Violators include Gordon Ramsay and Emeril Lagasse.— Health Inspections via Barf Blog
Can you really make Nikki's whole roasted chicken and vegetables with ingredients from Whole Foods for under $10?— Karmic Kitchen
Learn how to properly take care of wooden cooking utensils. — The Kitchn
The best way to sample a chef's food is by ordering a bunch of appetizers — it cuts calories and cost! —The Wall Street Journal
Do you remember every cake you've ever made? — New York Times

Source

Yummy Links: From Fugu to Vanilla Extract

partysugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 08:30:31 -0700

What does Fugu really taste like? — New York Magazine
Wow, Padma can cook! Her cornbread looks surprisingly delicious. — The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet via Amuse Biatch
While we are on the subject of Top Chef, find out what Season 3 contestant Casey Thompson is up to. — Slashfood
Here's a fun project: make all of the dishes on this 50 ways to use bacon list! — Start Cooking

The Food Network was nominated for 8 daytime Emmys. I don't know about you but I really hope Sandra Lee wins for Outstanding Achievement in Hairstyling! — Well Fed Network
Should vegetarians be allowed to demand meat-free environments? — Chow
Learn when it's okay to use imitation vanilla extract while baking. — Baking Bites

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

Yummy Links: From Gordon Ramsay to Ethicureans

YumSugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 07:29:33 -0700

Despite his potty mouth and over-the-top television showmanship, Gordon Ramsay really just loves the simple life. — Times Online

Don't miss your chance to vote on the Jones Soda lolcats contest. — I Can Has Cheezburger
The ELT Easy Green Living Wall will make for a fab outdoor party space.— CasaSugar
Do you have what it takes? Bravo is casting for Top Chef Season 5. — Serious Eats
Discover spotted dick and other foods that don't export well. — Slashfood
Is Stevia safe for you? — FitSugar
If you're not already familiar with it, use today to discover The Ethicurean. A website on ethical eating and more. — Ethicurean

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,