Sorry everyone, I really wanted to write up an article on every contestant for this season of Top Chef All-Stars, but needless to say, I ran out of time. Instead, here are some final thoughts about the remaining chefs:
· Tiffani Faison: She's got spunk to her and I like that. Tiffani isn't there to make any friends, she's only worried about winning over the judges. If I had to guess, I'd say she feels that there is a lack of respect for Season 1 contestants. Look for her to finish as one of the top four women.
· Stephen Asprinio: A lot of people write Stephen off as gimmicky and overrated. This will be his chance to prove his naysayers wrong and produce top of the line food for the judges...but I don't think he will. My guess is one of the first two eliminated.
· Elia Aboumrad: I wish I had some deep insight about Elia, but I really don't remember her from Season 2. All I can say is I get confused when I see a picture of her because I think I am looking at Carla.
· Dale Levitski: Dale has great personality and it comes across in his food. In Season 3, he was constantly exceeding expectations and I don't expect that to change this time around. Bold prediction: Watch for Dale to make some sort of parsnip purée within the first two episodes (Ok fine, that wasn't bold at all).
· Casey Thompson: Casey was introduced to us as a sweet Southern girl, but was quickly turned into a villain when she seemingly took control of Carla's food during the Season 5 finale. I wouldn't be surprised if Casey won back a lot of fans this year and even made a nod to the Season 5 "incident" by serving some sort of sous-vide beef dish early on in the competition.
· Spike Mendelsohn: It's time for Spike to show that you can have fun in the kitchen and be respected at the same time. With no filter on his creativity or his personality, look for some more great moments inside the stew room.
· Fabio Viviani: After his season finished filming, Fabio went through a lot of ups and downs, both inside the kitchen and out of it. A positive was all of the attention and endorsement deals (San Pellegrino, Bertolli, etc.) he received since the show, but those came at a price. Fabio went through a divorce with his wife and also split with his business partner at Café Firenze. Watch for Fabio to "re-find himself" as he stays grounded in the things that made him successful in the first place.
· Carla Hall: Speaking about "finding one's self" during her season, Carla grew in front of our eyes and found herself in the finale. As mentioned earlier, she had a meltdown in the kitchen and wasn't even in the running by the end of the episode. A big question this year is will Carla stick to her style of cooking and will it be enough to impress the judges amidst the sea of all-stars?
· Mike Isabella: Is there such a thing as Jersey pride? You betcha. Mike Isabella is already convinced in his mind that he will win this competition hands down, now he just has to convince everyone else. Also, is it just me, or do you think we'll see Mike doing a Fabio impersonation within the first 10 minutes of the premiere?
· Tiffany Derry: It is a great advantage to roll straight from Season 7 to Season 8. Tiffany is going to keep on trucking as if this were a double elimination tournament.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Why Dale Talde Will Win
When I think back on the drama that has happened in the past seasons, Dale seems to come to mind more often than not. Whether it was a blow-up in the stew room with Lisa, or going toe-to-toe with Michael Chiarello on Top Chef Masters, Dale never asked you for your respect, he demanded it.
Winner of one Quickfire Challenge and three Elimination Challenges, Dale made his presence known quickly. Alas, Dale was a casualty of Restaurant Wars as he was the executive chef for the losing team and his dish (Butterscotch Miso Scallops) left a bad taste in the judges' mouths.
But this post isn't about who he was in Season 4, it is about why he will win Season 8. Dale was known for his Asian cooking style in Season 4, but don't label him as a one-trick pony. In an interview I had with Dale earlier this month, he told me that his background and training is in Classical French cuisine, while also feeling very strong in Italian and Indian cuisines. Being able to pull out these different flavor profiles and precise techniques throughout the competition is going to give Dale a leg up on his competition. Watch for him to catch a lot of people off-guard early in this season and prove that he is a real contender.
Forecasted Rivalry: Dale vs. Mike Isabella
Two type-A personalities that will either be best friends or worst enemies inside of the house. I expect the two to be aligned in the early stages of the competition, but as soon as they stand side-by-side in the bottom three, look for one to throw the other under the bus.
Winner of one Quickfire Challenge and three Elimination Challenges, Dale made his presence known quickly. Alas, Dale was a casualty of Restaurant Wars as he was the executive chef for the losing team and his dish (Butterscotch Miso Scallops) left a bad taste in the judges' mouths.
But this post isn't about who he was in Season 4, it is about why he will win Season 8. Dale was known for his Asian cooking style in Season 4, but don't label him as a one-trick pony. In an interview I had with Dale earlier this month, he told me that his background and training is in Classical French cuisine, while also feeling very strong in Italian and Indian cuisines. Being able to pull out these different flavor profiles and precise techniques throughout the competition is going to give Dale a leg up on his competition. Watch for him to catch a lot of people off-guard early in this season and prove that he is a real contender.
Forecasted Rivalry: Dale vs. Mike Isabella
Two type-A personalities that will either be best friends or worst enemies inside of the house. I expect the two to be aligned in the early stages of the competition, but as soon as they stand side-by-side in the bottom three, look for one to throw the other under the bus.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Interview with Dale Talde
A big shout out and thank you to Dale Talde for taking the time to answer these questions. The season premiere is coming up soon and we are all excited to see how many all-stars you can take out!
Interview Questions:
Interview Questions:
- What was your favorite Quickfire or Elimination challenge from Season 4?
- Dale: My favorite Quickfire was the skills challenge, to meet Daniel [Boulud] and to show my true technical ability was an honor and really fun.
- What was the one thing you learned in your first season that you worked on and carried over as an advantage into Season 8?
- Dale: I really just worked on making tasty food, seasoning food well, and trying to be more well-rounded as a chef. I think [in my] season, I was the chef that only did Asian food. My training was in Classical French and when not cooking professionally, I love to make Italian, Spanish, and Indian food. So I really wanted to work on those cuisines before going back.
- If I remember correctly, cheftestants are allowed to bring several "secret ingredients" with them to the competition. What did you bring for Season 8?
- Dale: I brought Franks Red Hot sauce, which is a super versatile ingredient that has a nice acidity and isn't too spicy.
- After being asked to be a part of Season 8, how long did you have to prepare before the season started to shoot?
- Dale: I had a couple of months before I went back.
- From watching the other seasons, who were you most looking forward to cook against?
- Any past cast members that you expected to be a part of All-Stars that you think got snubbed?
- Dale: I don't think it was a snub, but I would have liked to see Eli from Season 6 so he could go against [his mentor] Richard Blais. I would have also liked to see Andrew or Jen from Season 4. I've got a little Season 4 bias.
- I'm sure your under a strict NDA, but can you vaguely describe something that fans can look forward to in the upcoming season?
- Dale: Without a doubt this was the hardest season, but expect us cooking in a lot of strange places.
- Fill in the Blank: I would've been blown away if they brought __________ in as a guest judge.
- Dale: I know to expect anything from the Magical Elves [production company], but Michael Jordan.
- Favorite ingredient:
- Dale: The lonely egg, my favorite and most versatile ingredient.
- Harshest judge:
- Dale: Tom. A straight shooter that tells you exactly what went wrong and has the experience and knowledge to back it up.
- Favorite guest judge:
- Dale: Padma. Nothing against anybody else but can you blame me? She's just so beautiful!
- Biggest regret from your first season:
- Dale: Those stupid butterscotch scallops.
- Who wins in an arm wrestling contest, you or Michael Chiarello?
- Dale: Micheal would probably woop me in an arm wrestling contest, but I'd love to see him on the basketball court.
Make sure to tune in and cheer on Dale during Top Chef Season 8: Reaching for the Stars! Also, make sure to stop by and try Dale's food at Buddakan next time you are in New York City.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Why Richard Will Win
Of all the past contestants, no one was more of a fan of the show than Richard Blais. Whenever there was an opportunity to compete on the show, whether as a guest sous-chef on Top Chef Masters, or during holiday specials, you could always count on Blais being a part of it. I'd like to imagine him asking his own sous-chefs to create Top Chef-like challenges for him back home during the off-hours.
Whether it was liquid nitrogen, smoke guns, or sodium alginate, Richard had fans running to their computers after every episode so we could all try and learn can how to utilize these tools in our own kitchen. The things he did in the Top Chef kitchen amazed not only his competition and his fans, but also the judges.
Richard made it to the finale of Season 4, but fell short and admitted that he choked.
But this post isn't about who he was in Season 4, it is about why he will win Season 8. During a season of Little League, I had a chance to win the championship game for my team with one swing of the bat. I wound up grounding out to end the game and I sat on the sidelines and watched the other team celebrate. After all of these years, I still think back to that moment and replay it in my mind with all the different possible outcomes. I can only imagine that this is the feeling that Richard had when he watched Stephanie win Season 4. A grateful loser, he would've given anything for a second chance. And now he gets it.
Forecasted Rivalry: Richard vs. Marcel
Everyone knows Richard as the "molecular gastronomist" of Top Chef. But one thing we can't forget is that he wasn't the first to bring this new culinary technique to the show. Marcel of Season 2 wowed viewers with his "weird" textures and flavored foams. We may have forgotten that he was the original M.G., but I can assure you that he hasn't forgotten that. Look for a season of "one-up-manship" between these two.
Whether it was liquid nitrogen, smoke guns, or sodium alginate, Richard had fans running to their computers after every episode so we could all try and learn can how to utilize these tools in our own kitchen. The things he did in the Top Chef kitchen amazed not only his competition and his fans, but also the judges.
Richard made it to the finale of Season 4, but fell short and admitted that he choked.
But this post isn't about who he was in Season 4, it is about why he will win Season 8. During a season of Little League, I had a chance to win the championship game for my team with one swing of the bat. I wound up grounding out to end the game and I sat on the sidelines and watched the other team celebrate. After all of these years, I still think back to that moment and replay it in my mind with all the different possible outcomes. I can only imagine that this is the feeling that Richard had when he watched Stephanie win Season 4. A grateful loser, he would've given anything for a second chance. And now he gets it.
Forecasted Rivalry: Richard vs. Marcel
Everyone knows Richard as the "molecular gastronomist" of Top Chef. But one thing we can't forget is that he wasn't the first to bring this new culinary technique to the show. Marcel of Season 2 wowed viewers with his "weird" textures and flavored foams. We may have forgotten that he was the original M.G., but I can assure you that he hasn't forgotten that. Look for a season of "one-up-manship" between these two.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Why Angelo Will Win
Season 7 seems like it ended just yesterday and we all remember the finale, which had Angelo bedridden for the first 12 hours of the competition.
I remember having a mix of emotions about the whole situation. Part of me agreed with Ed, in that if $125k were on the line, I'd force my corpse out of bed and get the job done, while another part of me felt bad for him that he was blowing his chance at the title, while yet another part of me thought it was unfair that his sous-chef Hung (a past Top Chef champion) was in charge.
When it was all said and done, Angelo was up-ended by Kevin and was left with a "if only..." expression on his face.
How do you not get angry and bitter about the fact that a stomach virus crippled your chances at the title of Top Chef? Well one thing that may have kept Angelo positive is that fact that he is a big fan of the self-help guru Tony Robbins'.
But this post isn't about who he was in Season 7, it is about why he will win Season 8. We've seen many past competitors let this competition get the best of them. Trying to cook your best food day-in and day-out against some of the other best chefs in America can stress you out and break you down mentally. As mentioned earlier, Angelo follows the guidelines of Tony Robbins and also spends time each morning meditating about the day ahead of him. It's going to be this focus that allows him to treat each competition as a brand new opportunity and will allow him to cook his best food at any given time.
Forecasted Rivalry: Angelo vs. Spike
One thing that fans of Season 7 remember was the "Battle of the Alpha Males" between Angelo and Kenny. Angelo likes being the one whose in charge and dishing out orders. This isn't going to sit well with many of the out-spoken contestants, like Spike. Look for a team challenge in the future that pits these two against each other as they try and "collectively" plan a menu.
I remember having a mix of emotions about the whole situation. Part of me agreed with Ed, in that if $125k were on the line, I'd force my corpse out of bed and get the job done, while another part of me felt bad for him that he was blowing his chance at the title, while yet another part of me thought it was unfair that his sous-chef Hung (a past Top Chef champion) was in charge.
When it was all said and done, Angelo was up-ended by Kevin and was left with a "if only..." expression on his face.
How do you not get angry and bitter about the fact that a stomach virus crippled your chances at the title of Top Chef? Well one thing that may have kept Angelo positive is that fact that he is a big fan of the self-help guru Tony Robbins'.
But this post isn't about who he was in Season 7, it is about why he will win Season 8. We've seen many past competitors let this competition get the best of them. Trying to cook your best food day-in and day-out against some of the other best chefs in America can stress you out and break you down mentally. As mentioned earlier, Angelo follows the guidelines of Tony Robbins and also spends time each morning meditating about the day ahead of him. It's going to be this focus that allows him to treat each competition as a brand new opportunity and will allow him to cook his best food at any given time.
Forecasted Rivalry: Angelo vs. Spike
One thing that fans of Season 7 remember was the "Battle of the Alpha Males" between Angelo and Kenny. Angelo likes being the one whose in charge and dishing out orders. This isn't going to sit well with many of the out-spoken contestants, like Spike. Look for a team challenge in the future that pits these two against each other as they try and "collectively" plan a menu.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Why Tre Will Win
I'm not sure if I have to be unbiased on this blog, but I've decided to air something out that I've been holding on to since Season 3.
Tre is by far my favorite competitor to ever be on Top Chef and Gail Simmons was dead-on when she labeled him as the biggest upset in TC history.
I'm not saying it was the biggest upset because he didn't win. I personally think Hung was a monster in the kitchen and couldn't be stopped that season. I am saying he was upset because his team lost Restaurant Wars and Tre was sent home in 8th place!
When asked about it, Tre always responds positively and backs-up the judges decision. A constant topic for debate has always been whether or not the chefs should be judged on day-to-day performances, or if their collective performance should be taken into account. Tre takes the high road and agrees that you should be judged on the food you put on the plate for that meal and unfortunately, that challenge was not his best food.
Not his best food may be an understatement as one of the judges compared his dish to "a car wreck in Times Square." Ouch.
But this post isn't about who he was in Season 3, it is about why he will win Season 8. It all comes down to the fact the Tre must be sick and tired of all the times he's heard "you got sent home too early" from fans on the streets and at his restaurant. No matter how humble you are, that will surely get inside of your head at some point. It's Season 8 and it's time for redemption.
Forecasted Rivalry: Tre vs. Angelo
Tre said from Episode #1 that Hung was his greatest competition in the kitchen. Thinking back to the Season 7 finale, you'll remember that Angelo and Hung are in fact friends and have a very similar cooking style. From episode-to-episode, Angelo showed he has a very clean and complex style, one that will surely get noticed by Tre. Look for Tre to peg Angelo as his biggest competition of the season and watch for some great head-to-head matchups!
Tre is by far my favorite competitor to ever be on Top Chef and Gail Simmons was dead-on when she labeled him as the biggest upset in TC history.
I'm not saying it was the biggest upset because he didn't win. I personally think Hung was a monster in the kitchen and couldn't be stopped that season. I am saying he was upset because his team lost Restaurant Wars and Tre was sent home in 8th place!
When asked about it, Tre always responds positively and backs-up the judges decision. A constant topic for debate has always been whether or not the chefs should be judged on day-to-day performances, or if their collective performance should be taken into account. Tre takes the high road and agrees that you should be judged on the food you put on the plate for that meal and unfortunately, that challenge was not his best food.
Not his best food may be an understatement as one of the judges compared his dish to "a car wreck in Times Square." Ouch.
But this post isn't about who he was in Season 3, it is about why he will win Season 8. It all comes down to the fact the Tre must be sick and tired of all the times he's heard "you got sent home too early" from fans on the streets and at his restaurant. No matter how humble you are, that will surely get inside of your head at some point. It's Season 8 and it's time for redemption.
Forecasted Rivalry: Tre vs. Angelo
Tre said from Episode #1 that Hung was his greatest competition in the kitchen. Thinking back to the Season 7 finale, you'll remember that Angelo and Hung are in fact friends and have a very similar cooking style. From episode-to-episode, Angelo showed he has a very clean and complex style, one that will surely get noticed by Tre. Look for Tre to peg Angelo as his biggest competition of the season and watch for some great head-to-head matchups!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Why Jamie Will Win
Easily one of the more entertaining chefs from seasons-past, Jamie (Season 5) is returning and fighting for the title of Top Chef.
Whether, it was her drunken appearance at judges' table, her scallop-centric cooking style, or her constant restraint of Stefan's advances, I found myself cheering for Jamie during each episode.
As the last remaining member of Team Rainbow, many thought that Jamie was sent home too early after finishing in 7th place. In her last Elimination Challenge, Jamie and the other chefs dined at Eric Ripert's Le Bernardin restaurant and were asked to mimic Ripert's own fish dishes. It seemed like Jamie nailed the fish, but it was her over-salted, braised celery that forced her to pack her knives.
But this post isn't about who she was in Season 5, it is about why she will win Season 8. You could tell Jamie was completely comfortable with herself and that shown through in her cooking, in fact, she was only sent home because she couldn't replicate another chef's dish. If the challenges line up and allow Jamie to cook her own food, it is quite reasonable to expect her to take home the crown (tiara?).
Forecasted Rivalry: Jamie vs. Mike Isabella
Whether it's part of his personality or whether it was thanks to editing, there were times that Mike came across as a chauvinist. In fact, Jamie wrote a blog focused on Mike that was entitled "The Douche is Back." I see these two clashing right off the bat. And I for one can't wait...
Whether, it was her drunken appearance at judges' table, her scallop-centric cooking style, or her constant restraint of Stefan's advances, I found myself cheering for Jamie during each episode.
As the last remaining member of Team Rainbow, many thought that Jamie was sent home too early after finishing in 7th place. In her last Elimination Challenge, Jamie and the other chefs dined at Eric Ripert's Le Bernardin restaurant and were asked to mimic Ripert's own fish dishes. It seemed like Jamie nailed the fish, but it was her over-salted, braised celery that forced her to pack her knives.
But this post isn't about who she was in Season 5, it is about why she will win Season 8. You could tell Jamie was completely comfortable with herself and that shown through in her cooking, in fact, she was only sent home because she couldn't replicate another chef's dish. If the challenges line up and allow Jamie to cook her own food, it is quite reasonable to expect her to take home the crown (tiara?).
Forecasted Rivalry: Jamie vs. Mike Isabella
Whether it's part of his personality or whether it was thanks to editing, there were times that Mike came across as a chauvinist. In fact, Jamie wrote a blog focused on Mike that was entitled "The Douche is Back." I see these two clashing right off the bat. And I for one can't wait...
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Why Jen Will Win
Season 6 of Top Chef is far and away my favorite season to date. When the cast was announced and you read their bios, you could tell that the producers raised their qualifications and went after some really talented chefs.
Jen was a chef from Philly, working as the chef de cuisine at Eric Ripert’s Le Bernardin who put up with no one's crap (I'm looking at you Hector).
By the close of the first episode, everyone could predict that Jen was going to be in the Final 4. But after a strong start, Jen's performance tapered off in the middle of the season and it seemed to be her own undoing. She would mentally beat herself up over little mistakes and carry them over from challenge-to-challenge and episode-to-episode.
This stumble lead to a resurgence in the kitchen and paved the way for one of my all-time favorite moments in Top Chef history. In a Quickfire Challenge that honored the Bocuse d'Or, chefs had to create their own ballotine (a.k.a. a fancy turducken). Padma took one bite of Jen's calamari dish, looked up and simply said "Welcome back."
Ultimately Jen finished in fourth place and was sent home because of an over-salted goat cheese dish.
But this post isn't about who she was in Season 6, it is about why she will win Season 8. There's no doubt in my mind that after watching her own season, Jen studied each episode as if they were NFL game tapes. Not because she thought that one day she would be on an All-Stars cast, but because she wanted to improve her own abilities. It's this quest towards perfection that is going to put Jen at the top of the class in Season 8.
Forecasted Rivalry: Jen vs. DaleT
Two chefs with A-type personalities that love to assert themselves in the kitchen. If Jen tries to shut down one of Dale's conversations in the kitchen, I can foresee a couple of damaged lockers in the future thanks (again) to Dale's fists.
Jen was a chef from Philly, working as the chef de cuisine at Eric Ripert’s Le Bernardin who put up with no one's crap (I'm looking at you Hector).
By the close of the first episode, everyone could predict that Jen was going to be in the Final 4. But after a strong start, Jen's performance tapered off in the middle of the season and it seemed to be her own undoing. She would mentally beat herself up over little mistakes and carry them over from challenge-to-challenge and episode-to-episode.
This stumble lead to a resurgence in the kitchen and paved the way for one of my all-time favorite moments in Top Chef history. In a Quickfire Challenge that honored the Bocuse d'Or, chefs had to create their own ballotine (a.k.a. a fancy turducken). Padma took one bite of Jen's calamari dish, looked up and simply said "Welcome back."
Ultimately Jen finished in fourth place and was sent home because of an over-salted goat cheese dish.
But this post isn't about who she was in Season 6, it is about why she will win Season 8. There's no doubt in my mind that after watching her own season, Jen studied each episode as if they were NFL game tapes. Not because she thought that one day she would be on an All-Stars cast, but because she wanted to improve her own abilities. It's this quest towards perfection that is going to put Jen at the top of the class in Season 8.
Forecasted Rivalry: Jen vs. DaleT
Two chefs with A-type personalities that love to assert themselves in the kitchen. If Jen tries to shut down one of Dale's conversations in the kitchen, I can foresee a couple of damaged lockers in the future thanks (again) to Dale's fists.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Why Antonia Will Win
Last time we saw Antonia, she was packing her bags and heading home from Puerto Rico as she finished in 4th place during Part 1 of the Season 4 finale.
In the season that showcased the most females in the final 4, Antonia flew under the radar a majority of the time. To be clear, it wasn't due to her lack of talent in the kitchen, it was due to the other personalty types she was up against. Lisa had been asourpuss curmudgeon stick in the mud all season, while Stephanie played the opposite role as the polite, soft-spoken, and well-liked chef.
What I do remember about Antonia is that she won a Quickfire Challenge with her rice salad and had a nice little rivalry with Spike throughout the season (who just so happens to be on Season 8!).
But this post isn't about who she was in Season 4, it is about why she will win Season 8. What it boils down to is the drive to finish something that you started. How else can you explain why Antonia left her 8-year old daughter to compete in Season 4? How else can you explain why she stayed up 48-hours straight to cater a wedding for an Elimination Challenge? It's the fact that she put her life on hold for this competition and wasn't ready to go home until she had something to show for it.
I've seen interviews with Antonia since her season on Top Chef and she swears that it wasn't about the money, it was about the title. And you know what, I believe her. It is going to be that drive to finish what she starts that is going to carry her through the finish line of Season 8.
Forecasted Rivalry: Antonia vs. Spike
Who can forget the Season 4 stew room spat between these two. My guess is that there will be some unfinished business between these two in Season 8.
In the season that showcased the most females in the final 4, Antonia flew under the radar a majority of the time. To be clear, it wasn't due to her lack of talent in the kitchen, it was due to the other personalty types she was up against. Lisa had been a
What I do remember about Antonia is that she won a Quickfire Challenge with her rice salad and had a nice little rivalry with Spike throughout the season (who just so happens to be on Season 8!).
But this post isn't about who she was in Season 4, it is about why she will win Season 8. What it boils down to is the drive to finish something that you started. How else can you explain why Antonia left her 8-year old daughter to compete in Season 4? How else can you explain why she stayed up 48-hours straight to cater a wedding for an Elimination Challenge? It's the fact that she put her life on hold for this competition and wasn't ready to go home until she had something to show for it.
I've seen interviews with Antonia since her season on Top Chef and she swears that it wasn't about the money, it was about the title. And you know what, I believe her. It is going to be that drive to finish what she starts that is going to carry her through the finish line of Season 8.
Forecasted Rivalry: Antonia vs. Spike
Who can forget the Season 4 stew room spat between these two. My guess is that there will be some unfinished business between these two in Season 8.
Why Marcel Will Win
The hair...the attitude...the artistic genius.
Whether you like him or not, Marcel's character and the controversy that always seems to swirl around it makes him one of the most recognizable cheftestants in Top Chef history.
Marcel figuratively and literally brings something to the table that most other contestants could only dream of. With his background in molecular gastronomy, Marcel routinely bent, broke, and re-created the culinary laws of physics as he impressed the judges all season long, leading up to the Season 2 finale, where he eventually lost to Ilan.
But with the praise comes the criticism. His constant bickering with fellow Season 2 contestants (not to mention his argument with Fabio on the Top Chef reunion dinner) and his DUI arrest in 2008 has given Marcel the label of a rebel.
But this post isn't about who he was in Season 2, it is about why he will win Season 8. With this cast of big personalities (Dale T, Spike, Mike Isabella, etc.) Marcel will have plenty of opportunities to let his attitude loose. My guess though, is that he is tired of being portrayed in this light and chooses this season to temper his attitude and focus on the food long enough to win Season 8.
Forecasted Rivalry: Marcel vs. Richard
Arguably the two most acclaimed molecular gastronomists in Top Chef history. This feud could heat up fast, especially if Wylie Dufresne appears as a guest judge again.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Top Chef Season 8: All-Stars
Just when I started to convince myself that the producers of Top Chef were out of touch with what the fans wanted, they turn around and announce an All-Star season. That's right, I said season, not a single episode as a build-up to another season, but a bonafide fight to the finish between 18 of the most talented chefs the show has ever seen.
Ok, well not the MOST talented, because this season features a cast of almost-champions. But that's the beauty of it. I know I am not the only one whose heart broke for Carla as she saw her opportunity slip away right before her eyes during the Season 5 finale. And who didn't feel a lump in their own throat when Richard admitted he choked during the Season 4 finale.
Don't get me wrong, I thought Season 7 worked and the challenges were cool, but it didn't hold a flame to Season 6. It felt too scripted and it felt like the chefs were cast to fill a template, or prix-fixe menu if you will, that has worked in years past (A handful of James Beard award winners, throw in a witty sous-chef or two, and mix in a couple of chefs who stood no chance from the beginning). I mean seriously, where were the seemingly super-talented chefs down the stretch (I'm looking at you John Somerville and Kenny Gilbert). What made Season 6 so great was the fact that you could predict the final-six cheftestants from Episode #1 and they didn't disappoint.
Well this season is all about redemption and the cast will have one more chance to prove to the judges that they indeed have what it takes to be named Top Chef. Look for some classic challenges, heated judging tables, and most importantly, some stand-out food.
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