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.
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