Top Chef Review

I've enjoyed the Bravo TV series, Top Chef for years. Basically, they start out with a bunch of aspiring chefs, run them through a number of culinary challenges, eliminating one a week until the wonner is crowned. The winner receives $100,000 worth of equipment in order to start a restaurant.

This year, they have been competing in Chicago, with Chicago-based challenger such as tailgating for a Bears game, feeding some Chicago policemen and the like. My wife and I have been enjoying the Chicago locale, even seeing the Whole paycheck (err... Whole Foods) stores that the aspiring Top Chefs shop at.

However, this show is more than just the culinary challenges. There is a lot of human drama involved. Some of the contenders are more likeable than others, and some are more talented. The last person eliminated was a very strong chef, but got saddled with a team of poor team players. He may have been set up by his teammates, who are both real weasels. The other team had 2 of the better chefs (out of three) but also had the three people who work best with others. It was no surprise that they won.

Another piece of local flavor came from the local guest chefs. My favorite this season has been the local pastry guru, Gale Gand.

After the challenges, they line up the people who did the worst and the judges panel criticizes them and then one of the hosts tells the loser to "pack your knives and go". I think the judges are meaner than they have to be, but the reality genre involves a certain amount of nastiness.

So, it's Wednesday and it's on tonight. My wife and I are both hoping that the two biggest weasels are the ones kicked off. there are only 5 left as the show builds toward the final.