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 a sourpuss 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.

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.

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.