BDB

Jamie is funny

Superboy

It was obvious Jen was going to go home. Too salty = inedible.

I loved the camaraderie and hardcore competition that took place this season.

Superboy

You know, I just realized that the final four won all the elimination challenges. What a season...

LurkerDan

Tom said something interesting in his blog:
Makes me think of all the previous seasons' finalists seeing that and wondering "was I the one who snuck in the side door?"

Superboy

It certainly was the case in season 1 and 4.

Season 2, 3, and 5 definitely had the top chefs.

On an unrelated note, the finale might have been spoiled.

Unclejosh

Well according to Gail Simmons blog on Bravo, they only filmed the finale 6 weeks ago which given the date of the article seems impossible for it to be correct, but who knows.

mugwump

If the position of the chefs in the snippet from the finale is accurate then you can tell who doesn't win by watching Padma's eyes as she makes the announcement. The direction in which she's looking clearly leaves out one of the three although I'm not 100% sure which of the other two she's looking at although I have a hunch. I'm hoping it was purposely edited that way to telegraph the wrong choice but I highly doubt they're that smart.

LurkerDan

I wish I could remember who was in which seasons, but one of the years you say had the top chefs includes Ilan's year, and I don't think that year's finalists were the best chefs at all. And even last year, much as Hosea is a local boy and I wish him well, I'm not sure that he was any better than Jamie or Fabio or Jeff.

DJariya

Just watched this tonight. Very entertaining season finale part I.

I wonder how much time passed from Las Vegas to Napa Valley. I know the Vegas scenes were shot earlier this summer, so I assume Napa was shot maybe a month or so ago since Padma's baby bump was now showing.

I always enjoyed Michael C even during Masters from the summer. Very articulate chef and I respect his criticisms of the contenstants.

It was wasn't surprising to see Jen go. She started out so strong, but the last 4-5 episodes, she was so down on her confidence and even with the long layoff since Vegas, I still think she wasn't really in it mentally.

I've enjoyed watching Kevin and think he's done good work, but I think Bryan is the clear cut favorite at this point. Michael is a little bit of a dark horse.

Superboy

Yes, the season with Ilan was season 2. The final four were Sam, Elia, Ilan, and Marcel. I could argue for Cliff being in the finale, but considering his behavior... and how badly he usually did in the elimination challenges, he most definitely did not deserve to be in the finale. I'm curious though, who do you think deserved to be in the finale that didn't make it? You could make an argument for Josie, but I can't really think of anyone else.

I really liked Hosea. His food always had a unique stamp on it that was difficult to put a label on. That's the sign of someone who usually goes on to the finale. And the food he cooked in the finale was an indicator of how strong of a contestant he was.

davidh777

Sorry to see Jen leave, but she's been on borrowed time for the last few weeks.

Only 11% of viewers vote for Michael as the one they'd least like to see leave

Wazootyman

So there are a lot of Michael fans... or is it most like to see leave?

As I said earlier in the thread, my gf and I pick two that we think will win. I had Jen and Bryan, so it looks like I'm going Bryan all the way. She still has Kevin, so it should be an interesting final.

Funny thing is, Jen was my first choice, Kevin was her first choice. If she hadn't picked him, I would have definitely chosen Kev. Maybe my "dark horse" will pull it out.

DRG

It was who you would least like to see eliminated. Kevin had something like ~45% of the votes, Jen had around ~25%, Bryan had 18% and Michael only had 11%.

SoSpacey

Very surprised they have 3 men in the finale. I thought they would keep Jen there just for some female representation. Glad they didn't fall into that trap and picked the 3 strongest chefs.

I usually have someone I am rooting hard for. Not this year. I would be happy with either Bryan or Kevin winning, and I would understand if Michael did. Although I think the fact hat he is Bryan's brother will hurt him. Bryan is just the better chef and more polished.

Original Desmond

all quality chefs, i'm not rooting for anyone, just enjoying the show

SexualPudding

I almost want to see Bryan win just because of how much it will eat Michael up. Bryan seems like he would be fine with Michael winning, but it seems like exactly the opposite for Michael if Bryan won.

davidh777

Sorry, that was unclear. As DRG said, the actual question was: "Who would you be saddest to see leave," and Michael finished last.

scoot95

No mention of Padma's pregnant boobs?

Sweet Baby James

I will say that her haircut and red granny boots were pretty silly.

mugwump

I think Gail was trying to one up her in that department.

SexualPudding

Indeed. Gail's were looking quite....full.

FantasticVSDoom

Yeah, I agree...

Still pulling for Kevin, but hard to root against Bryan....Even Michael is still a great chef, just a douche.

Mok

We need some Gail caps now, she looked hot.

Superboy

Her gazoongas looked HUUUUUUUUGE during Season 5, and I thought they were going to rip out of her dress during the finale.

*ahem*

I'm really excited for this finale. However, my expectations are really high. I got into Iron Chef again and after seeing Top Chef Masters, I really hope they pull out something fucking amazing.

ckw4b

I've really enjoyed this season so far and am so glad that the strongest chefs all made it to the finale.

I really like Kevin and he looks to make great food, but he seems to be playing it safe in the last few challenges. He's not messing anything up, but he's not making anything that would wow me. I can see him winning Top Chef just by not fucking up the last supper (pun intended), but I wish he'd get a bit more creative.

Michael seems to be dropping the ball lately. He comes up with amazingly creative ideas on paper, but when the dishes pop out, they look like shit. His vegetarian egg dish looked disgusting.

I'm rooting for Bryan because he just seems like a cool guy. Yes, he doesn't have the best personality in the world, but he's right up there with Michael in terms of technique and creativity. I also really liked how he help Kevin during the last challenge in Vegas by telling how to properly sous vide a dish.

GO BRYAN!