Mary Frances Andrews wrote:

Mr. Bourdain,
I saw your show when you were in Italy cooking for the Italians. You are funny. I guess every chef has a bad day, but you redeemed yourself (with a little help from your friend Ceasar). I'm very happy that Hung won Top Chef , Yeah! I believe he deserves it since his food is being critiqued by fine culinary chefs . Thanks for listening.
Mary Fran

posted on October 4, 2007 at 2:30 AM

stef cohen wrote:

i think the final episode was an insult to Casie. Although she did not fair as well as expected in this final challenge, she was completely ignored in all of the final evaluations, not only did the panel have nothing negitive to say, they said nothing at all, as if she wasnt part of the final compittition. I feel the producers used her and us, knowing she was the favorite, to watch the final , knowing we would not have watched if the the final two were Hung and Dale. She is clearly the Top Chef in her ability to not only produce great food, but has alwalys been a team player, shown respect for her fellow chefs, and above all been a professional, unlike the disrespect Hung has shown.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 3:01 AM

Kristel wrote:

Lets see it Bourdain!!!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 3:09 AM

Me fIrst wrote:

HUNG you ROCK! sorry to casey for falling flat, dale... inconsistency

posted on October 4, 2007 at 6:02 AM

jay wrote:

HUNG? Say what?
That must have been some mind blowing duck.

HUNG? Say what?

posted on October 4, 2007 at 6:29 AM

Carm Anthony wrote:

Bravo, Hung! But boo, "Bravo". The finale for "Top Chef: Miami" was far weaker than previous seasons, and - are you listening? - the LIVE FROM CHICAGO STUFF was needless, gratuitous, and just plain stupid.

Let me get this straight: "Top Chef: Miami" ended up in Chicago via Aspen and New York. Huh? We need a map to keep track of who was where, when, and for gosh sake's, why? Just a bizarre series of travels.

Padma NEVER EXPLAINED why they were in Chicago. A simple "The Top Chef team is in Chicago, preparing for our next exciting season, and so we're bringing you the finale live from the Windy City" would have sufficed.

That would have explained, but wouldn't have justified, the live end to the season. By announcing the winner live, we actually got less reaction and insight from the winner/losers than in previous seasons. Hung's excitement was genuine and nice to see, but having the finale on TAPE - as in seasons past - would have given the producers the chance to "craft" a much more informative and - ultimately - emotional end to the season.

I HATED having the professional chefs as sous chefs on prep day. The viewers had NO INVESTMENT in these people, and giving Casey, Dale, and Hung "stars" to go ga-ga over, rather than former competitors to work and potentially clash with - well, just a bad call.

FInally, having THREE chefs compete in the finale was a bad move. It diluted the intensity of the competition, trying to keep track of three chefs cooking four dishes each. As much as I was cheering for Casey, she clearly didn't belong in the finale.

All in all, this didn't come close to topping the Ilan/Marcel finale in emotion, intensity, or enjoyment.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 7:09 AM

Bob wrote:

I did NOT see the Casey collapse coming. Wow. Whether she could have won or not... she was never in this contest.

Not surprised by the Hung victory, but can only wonder what Dale might have done if the dish that bombed hadn't been so bad.

Can't wait to see what Bourdain has to say...

posted on October 4, 2007 at 7:41 AM

art wrote:

Over the "Top"...

well, from the first episode Hung looked like a contender and he certainly proved it throughout the season. Kudos go to Bravo for coming up with fun challenges, making even these uber-talented young chefs fall flat on their face and titles ("Snacks on a Plane")..The finale looked like something produced by the Nickelodeon..why wear all the judges wearing the same clothes they had in Aspen? what was the purpose of having the final show live? Did Padma time the silence before she shouted out Hung's name? and the confetti and balloons? Was Bravo trying to appeal to the "tweeners" demographic?

posted on October 4, 2007 at 8:38 AM

Hilltop Jeff wrote:

Congratulations, Hung…….great job, Dale and Casey. We are GLAD for all of you! Now, onto more important matters………….Bourdain, in a world where made-for-TV celebuchefs reap obscene rewards for cultivating a following of food-bots mesmerized by pun-cuisine (“today, we’re making enchilasagne!”) or the finely-tuned craft of making crap with 70% store-bought items so that the crapification of food leaves one semi-scratching their head, you are a hero to true foodies. And as such, we need you to influence the creative geniuses at Bravo to spend less time on the not-so-subliminal advertising angles (what next, a RAV-ioli Challenge?) and more time creating meaningful culinary challenges to test the Top Chef contestants. No more Vending Machine Challenges!
What next?? The Otto Borsich Challenge, where each chef gets thirty minutes to shop with no money, and then they have two hours to prepare a dish using only items that they pilfer from the local Whole Foods? Or maybe a Tear Duct Challenge, where the chefs have to prepare a dish using only onions while a video loop of Dave (Season 1) and Joey (Season 3) crying uncontrollably plays in the background? Or maybe a Pet Food Aisle Challenge, where each contestant gets $5 and has to prepare 3 square meals to be sampled and judged by impoverished senior citizens? Or, in honor of Brian’s infamous “turd on a plate” entry in the French CIA Elimination Challenge, maybe a Quickfire where the chef’s must create a delicious but horrifically unappetizing dish, with Hung as the celebrity judge (because Hung knows dung)? And if the appearance of the food makes anyone sick, they can barf into a GLAD Food Storage Bag, with the innovative double-seal protection system? Turn to GLAD for help around the kitchen!
Bottom line, Season Four should put its creative direction in the hands of someone who embodies “Chef” in every respect of the word…..skill, passion, and attitude. That is you, Bourdain. It is tragic…..tragic!.........that you don’t have a prime-time slot to compete with the Bammers and the boobies on other network, but that novelty will wear off. In the meantime, please carry the torch for the foodies out there. It’s about the food, dammit!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 9:26 AM

Henrietta Snodgrass wrote:

I knew who had won the competition before they said it just by the expression on the contestants faces. I know they knew the outcome. Dale seemed upset, Casey was out of the running based on not winning any of the dish favorites and Huang had a calm, relaxed look to his face.

I was cheering for all of them. I loved seeing Dale's face light up when he got compliments, so his winning probably would have been more enjoyable to watch. But I totally liked Huang too. He was sincere and sweet also.

It would have been great to have had more of analysis of why they choose Huang over Dale.

Great show! Hope Bravo has more of them.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 11:01 AM

Sarah wrote:

Mr. Bourdain I can't wait to hear what you have to say about this finale. As someone who never minces words, and doesn't seem to care much about winning any popularity contests, I'm guessing that you'll feel the judges made the right decision. The public may have been rooting for Casey (I was too), but she had a bad night. Dale was good, but Hung was better (or at least didn't have any single dish as bad as Dale's curry). So, the unpopular but correct choice? Better than Elan winning last season at least!! Sam was robbed.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 11:09 AM

Paula wrote:

Tony, you son of a bitch. Don't you know that the number one job of a blogger is to get the blog out on time, every time? That is why I only use Ecuadoran bloggers.

Last night was great but it would have been 100% better if you had been one of the 3 celeb sous-chefs. (Note to Bravo)

posted on October 4, 2007 at 11:19 AM

Angelique wrote:

Bravo, BRAVO and TOPCHEF! That was a fantastic last episode! Well, almost 100% fantastic. I enjoyed the surprise of having renowned chefs working as sous chefs to the contestants. I'm sure it was an honor for the TCC to work with such great chefs. Did you see Hung almost explode with excitement? So cute. Dale should have his own blog as his best remark of the night was so classic: "[Todd English] may have more restaurants than you can remember, but chop my garlic." Loved it!!! I also enjoyed the fact that the contestants were finally able to make their own recipes with any and all ingredients at their disposal. So the show is fine and well and I'm smiling along all excited, when lo and behold, I must've hit the rewind button by accident. The show went waaaaayyy back. What were those eliminated chefs doing back on the show? Haven't we had enough of this "working together" drama? Weren't they eliminated for a reason? I shared the pain on the remaining three contestants' faces when they learned of their "luck." They would've have been better off getting an extra half an hour to prepare an extra dish rather than having to work with a previous contestant. Completely unnecessary, unnecessary TV. The show was doing quite excellently up until that point.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 11:23 AM

Donita Sanders wrote:

I can't believe the least favorite chef won? He should have been eliminated long ago. I think you left him in there just for the drama he would bring. When Hong was told his food had no soul, all of a sudden he started talking about how he put his heart and soul into his food, who is he kidding??? He always said he was in it to win, at any cost. I think he proved that, he's not the epitome of a Top Chef, he's the epitome of a back-stabbing, me first, souless, cook. Not a chef, but mearly a cook. Dale and Casey came so far in the competition, especially Dale. I hope Dale goes back to cooking and does well. What is up with Hong being "friends" with last season's most hated chef Marcelle? Don't you have a bigger pool of chefs to chose from? I won't watch Marcelle or Hong, if they're on, I'll change channels.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 11:31 AM

J.J. wrote:

Thank you to Top Chef for maintaining its integrity and NOT awarding Casey the title just for the sake of being PC or to give into the temptation of tokenism (the first FEMALE chef blah blah blah). While Casey fared well throughout the competition, she BOTCHED the final challenge. Period, end of sentence, stef cohen. To boot, her ego during the critique was really off-putting; it SEEMS that she, like many folks, were suckered into thinking she had it in the bag just because she was a woman, and not on the strength of her performance during the last elimination. As we all know, the judgings often aren't cumulative, and it's often right in the minute (refer to Tre & CJ's eliminations). Hung was milquetoast as a villain, unlike his buddy Marcel, but bottom line is, highly decorated chefs, Chef Bourdain included, were wowed by his technical acumen, palate, flavor, and presentation throughout the season, save for that cereal and salmon-on-a-cracker episode. I commend Hung for a job well done, and Dale too! Casey, while a capable chef, let the hubris of expectation (or entitlement) get in the way of really putting out a great meal.
PS> I LOVE YOU ANTHONY!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 11:41 AM

Dottie wrote:

I was very disappointed to see Casey choke under the pressure.
I thought Dale was the clear winner. Hung is a great technical chef but he only showed warmth and emotion towards the end at that was for the benefit of the judges.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 11:54 AM

mark wrote:

Congrats to HUNG.... nice job BRAVO... you guys r great in producing this show, my wife and I never miss your show, really enjoy it,.... one comment I like to share in the Final.... when the Judge's asked Dale about his Scallop dish why did he tell them it was a 50/50 with CJ, when it was clear to everyone that this dish was clearly all CJ's.... Dale completely lied to everyone.... what is up with that....

posted on October 4, 2007 at 11:57 AM

Jamie wrote:

I have mixed feelings about this final episode of Top Chef. Poor Casey! Was her food not even worth the time to discuss it? I dont think that Dale received enough "points" for trying a new recipe (lamb) during this competation and have the guts to do it, and have it turn out so well.
I cannot believe Hung won and his add on dish was only a chocolate cake! He admitted to playing it safe. Is that a top chef?
Although I knew deep down it would probably be Hung that won, (expecially after last week and Toms comment on how Hung was technically the best chef) I was very sorry that Dale didnt receive this honor. I think Dale's style maybe different but just as good. Marcel should have won season 2 (where was your saffron Marcel?!). Dale should have won season 3 (Where was your boring chocolate cake Dale?!). They might as well have sent Casey and Dale home and not had them show up for this final show. Hung was technically the best chef- right?

posted on October 4, 2007 at 11:57 AM

Jamie wrote:

I have mixed feelings about this final episode of Top Chef. Poor Casey! Was her food not even worth the time to discuss it? I dont think that Dale received enough "points" for trying a new recipe (lamb) during this competation and have the guts to do it, and have it turn out so well.
I cannot believe Hung won and his add on dish was only a chocolate cake! He admitted to playing it safe. Is that a top chef?
Although I knew deep down it would probably be Hung that won, (expecially after last week and Toms comment on how Hung was technically the best chef) I was very sorry that Dale didnt receive this honor. I think Dale's style maybe different but just as good. Marcel should have won season 2 (where was your saffron Marcel?!). Dale should have won season 3 (Where was your boring chocolate cake Dale?!). They might as well have sent Casey and Dale home and not had them show up for this final show. Hung was technically the best chef- right?

posted on October 4, 2007 at 12:00 PM

Sandy wrote:

Technique took the day once again. I wish Dale would learn to lay off the cayenne, curry and pepper when he cant properly judge how strong it is. I believe it may have cost him the championship this time. Casey? So sorry, such a disappointment. She just seemed out of sorts all along, altitude or something. Really, really sorry for you Dale and Casey fans. Tough night.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 12:10 PM

David wrote:

Congrats to Hung. For those of you on here who discuss things like "team player" and "class" in a finale, get a life or learn what the word "competition" really means. Hung scored and sorry for those of you who are upset, but when Michelle Berstein said she was "jealous" about the skill, flavor and beauty of Hung's duck, then I guess you don't know who she is and what she is really about. Bottom line is, Casey fell flat. Get over it.

It's not about how someone did throughout the competition. Its about the finished product of THEIR choosing. It was a free for all. A battle royal smackdown of culinary artisanship without boundaries. If you fail, you failed yourself. To be truthful though, none of contestants really failed, it's just when you have someone serving three star michelin duck, you better be great, or it might as well be CJ's broccolini.

Casey did not get my on looks and a rack, she crushed everybody all season long. Hung was also right there most of the time. Neither one really on the chopping block, ever. Dale found his inner chef. He was the most pleasant surprise and made for a really really interesting competition. When Tom says "the culinary world benefits with you in it" you take that to heart.

Finally, as someone who had a Cambodian refugee family live in my house when I was a child, I was overwhelmingly happy for Hung. I grew up on the west coast eating Vietnamese and Cambodian food all the time. If you have ever had a perfect bowl of Pho(pronounced fu not fo) you know that simplicity has an unbelievable amount of soul. He is the "American Dream" and scored a victory for his generation of young Vietnamese who are flourishing in our country. Bravo!!!!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 12:12 PM

rlaneaz wrote:

The pearl to remember is never cook lobster for these judges.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 12:17 PM

Jillian wrote:

I was actually relieved to see the sous chefs were famously talented. I have never felt it was fair to expect the top chefs of the series to have to utilize cast offs from the series in the finale. There is enough stress without making them work with former roommates who were eliminated because of poor judgment, time management issues and lack of developed skill and/or talent. We know the initial prep help they had was stellar. Producers then once again muddied the results, though, bringing back the eliminated for final cooking. For example, the beef dish that succeeded for Casey was really Howie's, but he allegedly didn't plate the prawns well. Last season we saw Marcell, "villain" or not, work with sous chefs who were unmotivated to help him. The celebrity chefs did prep, but did not collaborate. We've seen the returnees try to insert themselves into the final results a little too much it seems.

In the end, Hung was on game no matter the circumstances. For all of the Hung bashing, in watching the season again in rebroadcasts, aside from some silly interviewer-prompted arrogance, he's done nothing to deserve all of the negative response to him. His is really a classic American success story and his dedication and technique are obvious. And, of course, ultimately the judges are right -- it all comes down to the food, which not one of us in TV land can actually taste, so we can only leave it to their expert taste buds.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 12:18 PM

NMW wrote:

HUNG SCHMUNG! I'm SO disappointed with TC. I was pulling for Casey and she had a bad day. It totally sucked for her but she just didn't pull it off. I get the whole elevation issue and I'm sure she was super nervous but she just didn't come through. I thought for sure Dale was going to win. I've had enough with Hung's foam. Who wants to see what looks like soap bubbles on their plate? On 2 dishes too? Yuck. And I'm sorry but the duck dish did not look appealing at all. it looks like flabby skin. Eww. I get Hung's technical ability but I could care less if the chef in the kitchen can chiffonade like a pro- I want good tasting food. It's not about who finishes first. Hung cooks like he's in a race. They all had their one bad dish but I couldn't believe they picked Hung. Did he put his heart and soul into his cooking or did he just want to win this competition. AND Please Padma- no more "Live from Chicago" nonsense. She got on my nerves last night. I'm interested to read Bourdain's blog. Bring it on!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 12:20 PM

Kathy wrote:

Carm Anthony- Are you kidding me?! What did it matter that the last episode was from Chicago and live...at least it wasn't spoiled for viewers (like the previous season). Also, I LOVED having the professional chefs as sous chefs...at least we got good opinions about the food, and not biased opinions about chefs' personalities. It also didn't matter that there were three chefs- because it really was only two chefs in the end anyways. I actually really disliked the Ilan/Marcel finale, should have had Sam in it, to really make it a true competition among the best. Guess Bravo can't pleased everybody.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 12:21 PM

jan wrote:

Top Chef isn't just preparing for the next season in Chicago, it's being filmed now, even as we speak.
I imagine the reason Bravo decided to broadcast the final announcement live is that for each taped competition final announcement, spoilers have been posted on the internet. Project Runway, earlier Top Chef seasons, all those winners were cited the day of the televised announcement or before. Bravo made the right decision doing it LIVE FROM CHICAGO.
kudos to all

posted on October 4, 2007 at 12:24 PM

Jeff wrote:

CONGRATULATIONS TO ........ Harold Dieterle for remaining the one true Top Chef.

Tom, Padma, Ted and Gail must still have been dizzy from the high altitude to hand the win over to Monkeyboy. Note to future contestants: All you have to do is steal dishes from your restaurant, and you, too can win Top Chef like Ilan and Hung.

Guy Savoy deserves half the winnings because all Monkeyboy did was do a riff on his Sous Vide Chicken and Lemongrass dish, using duck. So of course it was a 3-Star Michelin dish - it was created by a 3-Star Michelin chef. Just not Hung. The only brilliance in that dish was that he switched the proteins. Otherwise, it was Savoy's creation, his technique and flavor profiles. Nice stealing there, Monkeyboy.

Chocalate cake? Is that a DISH? No, it's a dessert. It was worse than not making a 4th dish at all. My cousin's monkey can make a cake. Frankly, the cheftestants should have anticipated being thrown a curveball and planned for additional dishes. Casey and Dale won that one just by making a freaking dish.

I loved it when Dale called Todd English his prep bitch. Dale won yesterday. He just got bamboozled by a panel of judges that frankly, need to retire. Bourdain and Ripert need to replace Colicchio and Simmons. Can I get an Amen? Padma can stay, she'd do much better under Anthony's head judging.

And Casey, sweet, beautiful and kind Casey ... she might not be Top Chef of Bravo, but she will always be Top Chef of our hearts. She should have been given 2 or more days to acclimate to the altitude before being thrown into the fire. It was clear she wasn't feeling well, and the final challenge should have been postponed. Remember, Casey - 58% of America voted for you. You're like Gore to Hung's Bush ... and we all know how well that turned out. Nice going, judges.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 12:25 PM

Chris wrote:

you people are haters. Casey was a pure middle of the road contestant until the final few shows. She disappeared a LOT! You couldn't honestly tell yourself that she would beat Hung when all the B S smoke and mirrors were withdrawn.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 12:33 PM

Casey wrote:

Casey pulled a full circle in the competition. I think she is a much better chef for being on this show but the started mediocre and finished mediocre. It is disappointing because a third strong chef would have but the finale over the top.

To me, I felt Dale never belonged there. He never was a strong contender the entire show.

I knew Hung would take it from Day 1. It was great to see him in full form.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 12:35 PM

RO wrote:

Congrats Hung - a much wiser choice than Ilan last year!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 12:35 PM

PROUD TO BE HUNG'S FELLOW-VIETNAMESE AMERICAN wrote:

Yayyyyyy...HUNG is my man!!! Can't wait to see what Anothny says about this.

Ohh, and I also can't wait to see what Jeff and other HUNG's haters express their hatred towards this winner. Maybe they stop watching Top Chef???? or never go to GUY again?

Feel bad if I were you watching the show last night, Jeff!!!Casey knows exactly she can't be the winner with all those comments and whatever she cooks. She KNOWS it and with all due respects, Casey and Dale are still great chefs, but NOT TOP CHEFs.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 12:37 PM

Kate wrote:

How has anyone yet to mention that this blog got a shout out from Hung?

And I must say I felt a slight pang of disappointment when you didn't step out of the ski lift, Tony.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 12:38 PM

Katara Watanabe wrote:

I for one am sick of all the comments that Casey should win just so that there'd be at least one female top chef winner. Picking someone solely on gender is not only insulting to Casey's talent but to women everywhere...this is what equal treatment feels like, people. Giving preferential treatment would mean her skills are not as good, which is definitely not the case here. Casey, who I'm convinced is a great chef, was clearly off her game this episode and you could tell she was frazzled. Blaming Howie just added to her demise -- she's in charge, not the sous chef. If there was a problem with the dish, it's the chef's fault.. She knew going in that she needed to cook the best meal of her life, and things didn't turn out so great. I feel the judging has always been unbiased here, and am convinced that if a blind tasting of the dishes was conducted by the judges, you'd get the same results.

I am not a Hung hater -- he is clearly talented and deserved to win (and yeah, you totally called that one, Anthony). I have to admit that I was a little sad that Dale did not win. In part 1 of the finale, you could tell that Dale was born again hard and had his act together. I was thrilled to see that carry over to part 2. In the eyes of the judges, screwing up his lobster dish was a bigger culinary sin than serving a cookie cutter dessert and I have to agree. Nonetheless, that didn't stop me from wishing the underdog would win out. On a personal note, I found It interesting that Dale's impromptu dishes scored better than the one's he had time to plan out.

I am going to miss your blogging sessions here, Anthony -- you provide valuable insight for those of us who aren't chefs (like who knew it was a sin to use chicken instead of an old rooster for coq au vin?). I hope this is something you will continue with next season's TC. BTW...if you came all the way to South Carolina and left without having a piece of Sweet Potato Pie, you were totally robbed, dude.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 12:39 PM

Sk Waller wrote:

The finale was so anticlimactic. The only thing really entertaining about this season was your blog entries. I'd watch the next season for that alone.

Hey, when are we going to get a show where we get to see you in the kitchen? I love No Res, but I'd love to see you in action!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 12:47 PM

kelly wrote:

Was it just me or did Casey step way out of her niche on this one? I think she froze at menu selection. Foie? I've been a Casey fan throughout because of her "soulful" cooking. She makes classic, elegant dishes that the viewers are dying to eat. She has a deep sense of classic cuisine and an amazing palette. However, in this episode she jumped right on the 20 ingredients or more bandwagon making delicacies with her first and second courses...which are interesting and exotic to taste, but not very Casey. She deserved to be in the final three because she brings to the culinary world what most foodies really want to eat and indulge in... not just look at and taste. Perhaps she failed to channel her French grandmother during this last challenge... Monsieur Bourdain?

posted on October 4, 2007 at 12:47 PM

Patricia wrote:

Hung won because the guy can cook though you may disagree with his attitude, I don't like some of the stuff he did either. It's not Survivor or a popularity contest, it's about the food. Doubtless all 3 of them will still have great opportunities to come in the next chapter of their careers. I do hope though that they'll have partipants that are more focused, competitive and experienced like Seasons 1 & 2.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 12:49 PM

Rach wrote:

i was thrilled to hear hung announced as the winner last night! i thought all was for naught when i saw that most viewers had picked casey to win, but the judges came through. casey is a good chef, but she had quite a nasty attitude last night at judges table. these guys know what they're talking about, and i wish i could've been there to munch on hung's food. it got soooo old hearing the contestants accusing hung of "having no heart" and the like. people, when your dad ESCAPES vietnam and miraculously gets you out as well, you no doubt have soul in your cooking, as well as a fierce drive to succeed. he deserved it! dale is a sweet guy with alot of passion, but i think tre should've been there instead. that would have made for one tough decision. i'm sure we'll see more of him though!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 12:49 PM

Jeff wrote:

Hey Bourdain, type faster!!!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 12:56 PM

Adele wrote:

Can't wait for your blog, Tony. I, too, was baffled as to why the live part of TC was in Chicago -- a little explanation would have been nice. At first I thought it meant that Dale won, since he's a Chicago boy.

I was never a huge fan of Hung, but that was based on personality. Certainly, his technique was fabulous, and I think last night, he won through the consistency of his presentations, which is as it should be. I expect I'd like eating either Casey's or Dale's food more, but there's no questioning Hung's skill.

I wondered if Casey was thrown by the altitude, and by that I mean physically. She seemed to be having a hard time breathing, and I understand altitude sickness can cause confusion.

I ended up being touched by all three of the contenders, and I have one word about Rocco's appearance - botox.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 1:16 PM

judge envy wrote:

Bravo Hung. All those comments about not cooking with your soul. Customers don't see the chef cook and don't think about whether they're nice or cute or have passion, they just care about the food and its taste. From what I've seen so far, I'd love to eat all of the food Hung's cooked up. How do I get to be on the panel of judges? I would love some of that chocolate cake.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 1:45 PM

Dottie wrote:

Casey seemed to choke under the pressure and it was sad and disappointing to watch. I was sure the Dale would win. He's got guts and talent and was robbed of the title. I like Hung but he played the judges with his show of "emotion". To me, it was too little too late. Oh well, bring on season 4!!!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 1:50 PM

Alex wrote:

Can't wait to see Bourdain's take on last night's perplexing finale. The concept of having them cook whatever they wanted seemed promising, but I had mixed feelings about the celebrity chefs. I think it was a bit distracting and uncomfortable for the contestants. Maybe that is what put Casey off her stride, along with having to work with Howie, though I hate to admit, he seemed to rise to the occasion. I felt terrible for her last night, no less to have the agony dragged out the way it was. Hung really showed me something last night. He seemed much warmer, more generous, more human, and just downright amazing in the kitchen. Congrats to him and his family. I felt thrilled for Dale, too. He nearly pulled off the upset, and he was a joy to watch in the kitchen. It was lovely to see Sara, CJ and Brian again. Brian conducted himself with a lot of grace last night. Good for him.

Note to producers: don't do another live finale, no less in yet another city. There was too much jumping around last night, and WTF was that idiot Marcel doing there, still sporting that absurd mushroom on his head and sucking up attention from Hung and his family like the parasite he is. Move on, Marcel; get a freakin' life, career, whatever! I loathed him as a contestant, so I certainly don't want his leering puss all over succeeding seasons. There are some former contestants I welcome, such as Sam or Elia, but never Dave, Stephen or Marcel! Yuck! Even Joey seemed less objectionable when he returned. The live show seemed gratuitous and cruel to the contestants. I missed hearing the interviews with them after the fact. Too much time was wasted on that studio audience.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 1:55 PM

hyperqube714 wrote:

Is it just me or was dale a little loose with the truth concerning his fourth dish? maybe I missed something but from what I remember the dish was entirely left up to CJ.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 1:55 PM

K.J. wrote:

I was truly disapointed in the finale of Top Chef. I can only hope that someone will sit down with all 3 season's and really watch what we the viewer's get to see. There is no consistency!! I get it, I get it, I get it that each challenge is taken individually, but please treat us viewer's as if we have a little intellegenc. To eliminate a chef in one challenge because of a major failure to do something and then the following week have that same failure become completely acceptable is hard to grasp as a viewer. And not to change the subject mid-stream but what's up with the guest sous chef's? All I can say is WHY were they guest sous chef's??? terrible move. To the Top Chef producer's start listening to your viewer's. You can keep making excuses for the judges decisions week after week but your viewers really are trying to tell you something that you should be listening to. Here's hoping for a better, much more consistent season 4.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 1:59 PM

Andy wrote:

Carm Anthony - Why the live finale? Two words: VE GAS. If somebody leaked the winner, the odds would have been all screwed up! (This happened with Hell's Kitchen last season)

I agree that the live finale was gratuitous, but I guess it goes along with some kind of formula that makes other reality competitions successful (a la Survivor, Apprentice, etc...). It was a bit awkward watching Gail Simmons stumble on her words during the live broadcast.

Anyway... Hung deserved it and got it. He was clearly the most consistent chef throughout the entire competition, and he capped it off exactly that way - with a menu that was more consistent than the rest.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 2:17 PM

M wrote:

Top Chef HUNG! The producers and judges have made a WONDERFUL, and ABSOLUTELY smart decision! Congrats Hung! You should open a restaurant in California, my family's your dedicated customer. Glad to see a Viet guy win! Chuc Mung Hung!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 2:22 PM

5000! wrote:

Hung can suck it. Dale was robbed.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 2:37 PM

Hart wrote:

Last night my response to the show was "Outrage, I am outraged!". But having had time to think things through and realize my attachment to Casey was that she's a she, and from Texas, and my attachment to Dale was the fact that he called himself a "Big gay kid", I understood the judges decision to pick Hung.
I mean, really people, this show is ultimately about the food and we don't get to taste that so all of our opinions are based on the purposefully biasing cuts sewn together for the public broadcasting.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 2:58 PM

Miapocca wrote:

Hung deserved to win

Casey was a better contender all along than Dale, she proved herself from the get go..BUT THE ONION..OH THAT ONION

Dale, I dont know if it was strategy but his explanation about just coming up with that dish is SO A LIE..Too many weak spots throughout the show to make a believable top chef

Whearas HUNG had skills and he listened to his criticisms and worked steadily throughtout and Casey acknowledged that when she bowed out of the competition, that a top chef was one who was consistent, and I only started watching from the episode when the Talented texan guy got kicked out..but Hung was the only one who impressed me with his kitchen skills and consistency..I dont know the Hung pre those shows, but I judged him based on what he offered on the plate, his resolve to just keep on trucking despite the others always crying in teh background about him not helping them....

WHY THE HECK should he help you..if you consider yourself good enough to be a top chef it means you are his equal and should not be relying on him to finish up early so he can help you..is it me or it the tin-tin looking dude just a cry baby pretending to be a genius when in actually fact he has been rehearsing that dish for god knows how many years before he came on the show..ahahahahhaha...

posted on October 4, 2007 at 3:05 PM

Gabby wrote:

Congratulations to Hung.
I loved having the professional chefs as sous chefs. I don't think it is amusing to have peoples chances dashed because of sabatoge by fellow contestants. This was well structured and fair, unlike other seasons. These contestants have worked hard and deserve to win or lose on their own merit.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 3:08 PM

CC wrote:

Well that will be the last season I ever watch of Top Chef! The judges and I'm sure the producers wanted Hung to win from day one! What was the problem? Did someone complain that an immigrant hasnt won Top Chef yet so you all decided to just give it to him? Hung was chosen to win from the very first episode by the producers and the Judges, which leads me to believe this show is fixed! Though I will miss some of the judges on Top Chef.....I am sorry to say, I will not watch another season....this last one left a sour taste in my mouth!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 3:12 PM

Dean wrote:

It's not over until I read Bourdain's take on last night.
Can't wait ! It's always better than the show itself.
Go Bourdain !
... and oh, congratulations Hung ;)
You deserve it, nice to see Dale in the final and he obviously deserve to be there. Unlike Casey.
I wish it would've have been Hung and Tre though. It would've been an awesome competition.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 3:13 PM

Jeff wrote:

CONGRATULATIONS TO ........ Harold Dieterle for remaining the one true Top Chef.

Tom, Padma, Ted and Gail must still have been dizzy from the high altitude to hand the win over to Monkeyboy. Note to future contestants: All you have to do is steal dishes from your restaurant, and you, too can win Top Chef like Ilan and Hung.

Guy Savoy deserves half the winnings because all Monkeyboy did was do a riff on his Sous Vide Chicken and Lemongrass dish, using duck. So of course it was a 3-Star Michelin dish - it was created by a 3-Star Michelin chef. Just not Hung. The only brilliance in that dish was that he switched the proteins. Otherwise, it was Savoy's creation, his technique and flavor profiles. Nice stealing there, Monkeyboy.

Chocalate cake? Is that a DISH? No, it's a dessert. It was worse than not making a 4th dish at all. My cousin's monkey can make a cake. Frankly, the cheftestants should have anticipated being thrown a curveball and planned for additional dishes. Casey and Dale won that one just by making a freaking dish.

I loved it when Dale called Todd English his prep bitch. Dale won yesterday. He just got bamboozled by a panel of judges that frankly, need to retire. Bourdain and Ripert need to replace Colicchio and Simmons. Can I get an Amen? Padma can stay, she'd do much better under Anthony's head judging.

And Casey, sweet, beautiful and kind Casey ... she might not be Top Chef of Bravo, but she will always be Top Chef of our hearts. She should have been given 2 or more days to acclimate to the altitude before being thrown into the fire. It was clear she wasn't feeling well, and the final challenge should have been postponed. Remember, Casey - 58% of America voted for you. You're like Gore to Hung's Bush ... and we all know how well that turned out. Nice going, judges.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 3:15 PM

Jeff wrote:

Hey Proud To Be Hung,

It's kinda sad you take more pleasure in Casey's loss than hung's win. But what else to expect from a MonkeyFan?

Regards,

Jeff

posted on October 4, 2007 at 3:17 PM

karen kelley wrote:

the "FINALE', wow, left me thinking "what the****. I don't want to question the esteemed judges panel, but, come on Hung--Please, who would want to go that chefs kitchen? I am left thinking that the high altitude must have been doing a number on not only poor Casey, but chef Tom and company as well. Two of Hung's dishes had what looked like spit on the plate,but,then when you see the "live audience" and there sits the even more obnoxious "marcel" and his foolish foams. I was waiting to see the pairing up of past contestants with the finalists, it was a distraction to have the professional chefs in the mix. Hung should have had to work with those toes he had stepped on all season. I will look forward to chef tom and padma in the next season after some oxygen revives them-- looking forward to comments from the panel and of course the "BAD BOY" Anthony B.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 3:26 PM

Sean wrote:

Im glad Hung won, He was defenitely the most consistent chef thorughout the entire top chef series, he also was disliked by most of the other chefs. THIS IS A COMPETITION! Why would you help out the person who could possibly beat you. It could have been your assistance that gave them the edge over you to win. I remember in the 3rd or 2nd to last episode where Hung was not helped by anyone despite the fact everyone else was helping each other out...who won?..HUNG won both quickfire and elimination challenge. All by himself. He even said it himself, in a normal resturaunt he would be glad to help out his fellow chefs, but this is a COMPETITION! Key word there folks. And also Dale lied about the 50/50 collaboration. That was more like a 20/80 with Dale's idea the 20 % and CJ with 80% cooking skills. So we can knock that off one of his good dishes which leaves him only with the lamb..which i also believed he cooked before, if not something similar to, he spoke of his experience with game protein. Hung truley deserved to win and unlike Marcel, he showed professionalism despite all the haters. And so what if he sometimes said hes knows hes better, most good chefs have some type of ego but clearly not attitude like that of Marcels. We all know Marcel should have won but his attitude and hatred from other chefs probably caused him to lose.

Only thing is that it would have been nice to see Hung vs. Tre, which would probably be pretty cool. Also think that Rocco and Hung should open up a resturaunt together, i'm there for sure!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 3:33 PM

Kathleen wrote:

I loved the outcome!
It seemed to me the show lost it's way midseason when strong contenders fell by the wayside as they started to build Casey. It looked from here like pandering to the audience.
Hung was clearly a frontrunner from the getgo. People like Tre and Leah got shaken out prematurely, while Casey and Brian somehow made it as far as they did confused me.
But in the end there were 2 strong contenders at the table. Better than nothing! Guess I will tune in to Season 4, the show redeemed itself.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 3:33 PM

John L. wrote:

Unlike season 2..justice has been served alas! Hung, whether you like him or not or if you've been parroting the "no soul/heart/warmth/insert warm-and-fuzzy-description-here", deserved this win. Eat it whiners! Deal with it you jealous and envious swine! This was Top Chef, a legitimate cooking competition, NOT "Top Chef Persona".

posted on October 4, 2007 at 3:35 PM

jlazyk wrote:

I wonder if poor Casey had altitude sickness. She probably wasn't getting enough O2 to the noggin', and that will make you muddleheaded.

I thought putting them on top of a mountain was a little "over the top".

I was cheering for Dale......mainly because he is funny, but no one can deny Hung is like a machine.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 3:56 PM

Jeff wrote:

Even I have to admit Casey was overwhelmed by the circumstances, and Dale should have won, simply because he created a 4th DISH and not a friggin cake.

I can't wait to see what Bourdain says - of all the bloggers, his opinion is the most qualified. I don't see why Rocco was bashing Casey - I have a feeling he made a move on her and she shot him down. Which means her taste in men is as good as her taste in food.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 3:57 PM

Bob wrote:

This is my first posting, so I thought I would do it on my favorites blog. For all of those who don't understand Hung, maybe none of you have ever spent allot of time with first generation Americans. They for the most part are driven people. This is a guy whose family fled Viet Nam (and what a success story that was!) and came here. I forget if if was Mr. Bourdain or Mr. Allen who said, he was probably raised in a family that did not have time for the luxery of too much introspection. It was make your way in the new world or get run over by it. I liked Casy but yes, she just choked this episode. As for Dale he always, from a personal standpoint, made me slightly queasy. We watched Top Chef as a family, so Dale's frequent "bleeps" (from a dad's perspective) started to get old. As my 14-year old said, get that guy some soap for his potty mouth. We did find out the Dale had a compelling story, and I like everyone else felt good for him when he said he felt like a chef again. But, even with that, his food and technique were not as good as Hung's. Yes, Hung has spent his life striving as have countelss generations of children of immigrants, and you know what, that has been good for our country. Hung's children will have time for the touchy feely BS so many of you think is important. In the mean time Hung is Top Chef! Good work Hung!!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 4:00 PM

jacky wrote:

I wonder if poor Casey had altitude sickness. Probably no getting enough O2 to the noggin.....that will make you muddleheaded.

I thought putting them on top of a mountain in a mountain range is was a little "over the top". Why handicap them in the finale.

I was cheering for Dale, but can't deny Hung is a machine.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 4:00 PM

annie wrote:

Hyperqube714 is correct Dale told CJ to do what he wanted with the scallops it was not a 50/50 decision. Since it was the dish that got rave reviews CJ should get full credit.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 4:22 PM

freefoo wrote:

Hey Bravo,

What's up with the Survivor-type cheese factor? Making the announcement live? Judges in their same clothes? (Seeing womenn in short-sleeves in Chicago in October, yeah, that makes a lot of sense). Family members there, who you don't even see up close or identify. AND, it was only during the last credits when I noticed in the background that the other season's contestants were all sitting there too. Why drag them all into this if they're not even going to get shown on camera. Like Dale's final gnocci, it just felt heavy and uninspired.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 4:36 PM

Bill wrote:

Congrulations Hung, clearly the best chef won.
I keep hearing about the "boring" choclate cake and frankly dont understand the problem with it.
Hung pulled off the dessert, in a hour, at altitude, from scratch, and kept focused.
Bravo Hung

posted on October 4, 2007 at 4:40 PM

Dana wrote:

I just wanted to say Top Chef is my favorite show. However, I was very dissapointed that Dale didn't win. Hung is an arrogant jerk who didn't put heart and soul in his food. Casey was my favorite, but she was clearly rattled in the finale. Dale you should have won!!!!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 4:46 PM

Mags wrote:

Seems to me like Casey overthought and overdid her menu. I also wonder how much the altitude affected her mentally. 11,000 feet is high enough to give you headaches, make you short of breath, etc. if you're prone to that sort of thing, which she seemed to be. Between that and the nerves, it seems like her focus was just shot. A real shame--I'd have liked her to be a real player in the final. She's impressed enough experts with her food on previous challenges that I think it's clear that she can make some great food.

I think Hung deserved it over Dale. Dale won one elimination challenge--Hung performed reasonably well through most of the competition. In terms of overall performance, Hung and Casey had similar performances--but, last night, Hung was very steady and Casey had a meltdown. Ouch. But as obnoxious as Hung can be, it would have been very unfair to have given the title to Dale.

Looking forward to your comments, Mr. Bourdain.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 5:07 PM

AG wrote:

I'm glad Hung won -- overall, I think he's shown the most skill and plenty of spirit. He treated the show like a competition, and he won -- take notes, future contestants.

But what is up with the Casey-haters? Attitude of entitlement? Huh? We see far worse from the men all the time, and it passes unnoticed for the most part. So who really has the problem here?

posted on October 4, 2007 at 5:15 PM

Carol Olsen wrote:

I was rooting for Dale, but very happy for Hung!!! It was very close. In the final editing they did mention more positives than negatives for Dale's food. Every season I watch Top Chef I always consider what I would be willing to eat (ixnay on the 1st challenge and the elk). I can't eat seafood and Dale's choices always looked delicious (with or without the honey sauce, lol).

Tony, I have this creepy mental picture of that Bravo producer/host guy holding you hostage with your mouth stuffed with bags from the Glad Family of Products, topped with a healthy strip of duct tape in a dark, forgotten green room; restrained on some lonely mountaintop, out of reach of Chef DiSpirito. Hope to hear from you soon!!!
Long Time Fan,
Carol in Cleveland
(wanted to come out and meet ya, but it was freakin' COLD!!)

posted on October 4, 2007 at 5:30 PM

Davey B wrote:

Bourdain is either hatching the mother-of-all-blog entries or in a vodka-induced coma. I am looking forward to an explanation either way.

I thought the live portion of the broadcast was a piece of poorly produced garbage that really distracted from the finale. The sound sucked, the lighting sucked, the crowd of 17 people sucked. It sucked.

like hyperqube714, I was struck by the fact that Dale claimed the scallop dish was a 50/50 collaboration when CJ was responsible for most of it. Perhaps they conceptualized together, but CJ executed it (from what I saw of the footage). On the other hand, Casey was honest in crediting the Bulldog with her best dish. Thus far, none of the bloggers (Rocco, Ted, Gail) have mentioned that.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 5:32 PM

Christina wrote:

let's see
raw seafood
slow cooked duck

are things you can cook at that altitude without much error. without extensive altitude experience everything else is a crap shoot.

sorry to say it sounds rigged and that the audience was misled. again. just like clippergate last year. i don't want to think it because i liked this season up until the finale, but sadly i do. producers you suck.

dissapointing finale that did not allow the chefs to showcase their talents.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 5:37 PM

Hung Fan wrote:

I thought it was interesting that one of Dale's best dishes was not his; it was CJ's. And Casey's only good dish was not hers; it was Howie's. So now for those still think Dale should have won -- he only cooked up one (or 1.5 as he claimed) great dishes and two not so great dishes.

I actually don't understand the whole think about not seeing Hung in his food. It's there all along, simple, elegant, restrianed, and technically perfect. That is his food. Since when technical perfection a flaw - isn't that a bit oxy-moronic?

Says who a Vietnamese must show asian influence in cooking. Vietnam was a french colony that's why many can speak French. So what's wrong with a vietnamese boy loving french cooking. I am chinese and I hate it whenever people expect me to eat chow mien or rice everyday. I love Italian and Japanese food.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 5:48 PM

mandym wrote:

Anthony - having a new baby means you stay up at night with time to write blogs! Congratulations on your new daughter but can't wait to hear waht you thought of last night. Why is Tom always such a downer? Did you get his "two in a row/roe" comment about Casey. Casey seemed the proverbial third wheel last night - no menage here...

posted on October 4, 2007 at 5:50 PM

Ellen wrote:

Why are you guys wondering what Bourdain has to say? Eventhough is doesn't mince words, and I like his Travel Channel show (although it seems to be les about food this season) he makes his money in television so it's good PR to stay in cahoots with the judges so that he can get back on the show next year. So you know that he is going to agree, he's a calucated punk. He knows when to jab and knows when not to, how clever. NOT. He will be swinging from Tom's and Hung's nuts at some point in his comments. I will respect it a whole lot more if he would speak up and say that Dale deserved it a whole lot better.
Ripping a chicken in a technical way like Hung can do is great but playing it save when serving salmon mousse over cucumber and have 1 raw dish and a raspberry cake in the finale and win over the amazing type of ingredients that dale use, is unbelievable. Not caring for customers and instead cook for the judges palet instead of Dale, who was daring, took risks, took his audience in consideration.
Eventough it is a competition, Dale would have helped Hung in a time crunch, what that says about Dale is that he has a healthy ego and is not intimidated by his competition. Instead Hung was hanging around and counting down the clock and not lift a finger.
Dale was robbed.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 5:50 PM

Linda wrote:

I'm glad Hung won, especially since the overwhelming fan favorite was Casey. I'm glad BRAVO didn't buckle to public opinion. Like him or hate him, Hung was the best, although Dale came close. Casey seemed to choke a little under the pressure. I think Hung is far better than last winner, Ilan.
I wonder how Tre would have fared in the finals.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 5:52 PM

Patricia Learnard wrote:

10-3-07

Congratulations to Hung! I loved the finale, the scenery and the other "top chefs". Sorry that Casey did not perform up to standard. The three to them truly did a great job.

I am looking forward to the reunion next week! Anthony, you were missed at the Judge;s table!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 6:15 PM

Paula wrote:

Bourdain, we are tired of keeping ourselves amused on here! We await your final analysis with anticipation.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 6:19 PM

robin wrote:

Hello All:

I know how hard a decision it was to choose the top chef. They all made it to the final three and we know how difficult it was. I agree that Hung's dishes were perfected for the final challenge, and we actually got to see some of himself in them. However, I thought Dale showed true inspiration, talent, heart, soul and showed himself to be a passionate chef with true emotion. I feel strongly that he was robbed of the title because Hung is a relentless, classicly trained chef with superior knife skills. Hung definately knows how to find the jugular vein when he is filleting his competition.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 6:23 PM

Richard wrote:

Any monkey can sous vide. Dale is the winner in my book.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 6:35 PM

chef n wrote:

HUNG IS THE TOP CHEF!!!

Thank goodness. I too am a classically trained chef and it was a great pleasure to watch this season (product placement aside).

People, you have to remember that this is a COMPETITION FOR $100,000!!!! And Hung knew it from the beginning and stayed true to it! No, he is not cuddly, he is not the vanilla ice cream sweetness that dumb ass Americans think that a prime-time television show should have as its hero....this is REALITY! Not scripted for your enjoyment. I mean, c'mon!

If you are not in the industry, you have no right to say anything about what's going on in the kitchen. Some people say that Hung is arrogant, yes, he is...you don't think that belief in oneself is a must to be successful? He has said that if it wasn't a competition, of course he would help out, he's a team player...you do not make it very far in the kitchen if you don't play well with others and if he's working at Guy Savoy...he has to be a team player!

AND as far as his "whining" about cooking for people with no palletes and some of you insisting that he needs to cook for the "common" people...the average check at Tom Collichio, Todd English or any of the other Chefs' eateries is around $80 + per person for dinner and that's without wine! Do you really think that Hung or any of the finalists for that matter will be cooking your meal at TGIFridays? Get a grip people, this is TOP CHEF not TOP COOK...hell, if it was top cook it would be someone's mom or grandma winning it all!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 6:37 PM

matt wrote:

I'm soooo glad Hung won. I was definitely rooting for him from day 1, but I liked all three of the finalists. I'm glad Hung won and the fan favorite Casey was a distant third just because I LOVE seeing how much it pisses off the douchebags who are posting all over these blogs about how they "can't believe the decision blah blah blah."

The guy you hate won you chumps!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 6:45 PM

Joseph wrote:

Dale should not have won - one of his three dishes (CJ made the fourth) was, by general consensus, inedible. The judges agreed Hung won 2 out of the 4 courses, and all four of his dishes won raves. That, plus the fact he was consistently solid the entire season while Dale and Casey just came on strong in the second half, makes it a no-brainer.
Now come on Bourdain, get that blog entry up!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 6:49 PM

MonkeyBoy wrote:

Jeff wrote:
"And Casey, sweet, beautiful and kind Casey ... she might not be Top Chef of Bravo, but she will always be Top Chef of our hearts."

Puh-LEASE! I think she needs an order of protection against you the way you've been going on about her all season. Did you not happen to notice that she had a ton of excuses for her poor execution and an overall bad attitude when she was critiqued? "Howie messed me up, oh I've got altitude issues...." with her big weepy eyes thinking she's going to appeal to the judge's by starting the waterworks.
She also has a potty mouth as evidenced by statements such as:"I kicked their asses," i.e. "I'm a bad ass." I'm not surprised she likes to use the word "ass" since last night at judges table she acted like one.

GO HUNG!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 6:54 PM

Princess Grace wrote:

My biggest problem with Hung is that despite cynically harping on his immigrant background, he seems to be ashamed to actually cook and serve the chefs food from his heritage! I was expecting him to pull out the stops for the last challenge and serve up steaming bowls of looovvvee-infused pho, some wonderful light and subtle meat and noodle dishes, SOMETHING to show a SPARK of inspiration and originality! But nothing, no one home, not one dish I'd even like to try! Dale far surpassed him in conception on all dishes.

I really wanted Casey to win, and am not sure how much the altitude or the nerves affected her. I've gotten ill at high elevations and it's no fun, but you get over it after a short while.

I haven't seen anyone else remark on the closing credits of the show, but I read them and it says the decisions of the judges are made IN CONSULTATION with Bravo network. So I am sure a lot of the choices, especially the last one to include three finalists, are made for ratings. Well, it is a business after all.

Looking forward to AB's blog.

Princess Grace of BaaBaaDoo Farm

posted on October 4, 2007 at 6:59 PM

jan wrote:

Freefoo,
it was in the 80s here in chicago wednesday, the day of the LIVE finale for Top Chef.
and why were they all here? TOP CHEF 4 is filming in chicago right now.
and why did they make the Top Chef announcement live? So no one could leak a spoiler to the press/internet/bloggers before the announcement was made.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 7:03 PM

cyndi wrote:

Hung - you won my heart. You were the best. Anyone that criticized your lack of soul doesn't necessarily understand your background and your personality . You are a good guy and you have heart and soul. I wish you the best.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 7:07 PM

Denise wrote:

Did it bother anyone else that Brian was back AND commenting on the dishes?

posted on October 4, 2007 at 7:08 PM

Hung rules wrote:

Casey and Dale could have thought more about cooking at altitude. The gnocchi would have been better and Casey wouldn't have been freaking out.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 7:11 PM

Dana wrote:

"I just wanted to say Top Chef is my favorite show. However, I was very dissapointed that Dale didn't win. Hung is an arrogant jerk who didn't put heart and soul in his food. Casey was my favorite, but she was clearly rattled in the finale. Dale you should have won!!!!"

Damn, some jackass stole my name. Hung certainly did deserve to win. I didn't like him either, but there's no logical argument against his winning.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 7:27 PM

Emsie wrote:

I will say here what I will continue say on the rest of the TC blogs until the producers GET IT: The finale was completely LAME. Why do producers feel the need to change or shake things up when everything works well already?! Who's absolutely dumb idea was it to have this retarded live audience. They had no purpose and even less entertainment value. It was embarrassing to see Padma acting like "emcee whatever" trying to chat the viewers up. It was all so stupid. Knock it off Bravo. I know you think you even crap gold, but you do not. This was just crap.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 7:30 PM

quori wrote:

I crack up when I read posters comments about how Hung was the least favorite, he was a backstabber, he had no heart, he had no soul, no one likes him....blah blah.

Lets start with the heart & soul stuff...You don’t get that good without heart and soul. In fact its a necessary component to be THAT GOOD. You think Andre Soltner would have said "Id hire him" if the guy had no h&s?!? Get real! No one spends that much time and effort, blood, sweat, and tears becoming so precise, controlled, and refined in a craft WITHOUT loving it!

Second on the list…”least favorite” and no one liked him…Who’s least favorite? Clearly the judges liked his food all during the competition enough to keep him there. Clearly the other contestants liked him enough to be so happy for him that he won. Did you see Sara whine about being his sous chef? Did you not see he and Casey hug when he won? I am not saying he is an angel…we all can be rude or curt at times; but this was a competition. So long as he was not out right trying to sabotage anyone, then he was within his bounds to play fair and did so.

Which brings us to “backstabber”. Show me one iota of evidence that he deliberately sabotaged anyone or cheated in any way. This is just like last competition when Elia came out and said “Marcel cheated”. Tom C asked…”How, in what way?” “Well I don’t know..” Yeah, exactly. Unless you have some kind of proof…then SHUT IT.

This guy was consistently one of the best trained and most experienced chefs on TC3. He earned this…every bit of it.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 7:36 PM

Suzanne wrote:

Chef - Wondering what you thought of Frank Bruni's article about celebrity chefs who've strayed far from the kitchen. You address this yourself in your excellent book, but his take was interesting too. Going back to the line any time soon?

posted on October 4, 2007 at 7:39 PM

LACowboy (Gene) wrote:

To the person who accused Hung of "poaching" (pun fully intended) his "3 star Michelin" Duck from the Guy Savoy, do your research. Except for the possible cooking method (not sure if steam-baked the same method that Hung used) and the use of only 2 of the same ingredients (celery & lemongrass) the two dishes could not possibly the same. The use of the truffle oil, fois gras and basalmic vinegar in Hungs dish would have been a totally different flavor profile than the Guy Savoy's "Steam-baked Bresse chicken breast with lemon grass". And if you have ever eaten Vietnamese food before you would know that the Guy Savoy item is just a fancy form of the Vietnamese Dish Lemon Grass Chicken. Just admit it you are just trying to find a reason to diminish Hung's victory which was legitimate. Now Dale on the other hand did lie about "his" scallop dish as already been cited by others by not giving full credit to CJ so really rather than having 2 winning dishes he really only had one (the lamb). And Casey tried to blame Howie for the bad Prawn dish and did not given him credit for his contribution of the Beef dish which the panel said was the Casey's best dish. So do not say that Hung isn't deserving of the Title of Top Chef because he lacks integrity, without examining the behavior of Casy and Dale in the Finale.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 7:42 PM

Jim Bob wrote:

Congrats to Hung, you are a true American success story, and an inspiration to all immigrants coming to our great country to seek a better life.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 7:57 PM

Norbert wrote:

Since 11:15 EST I have been waiting to see your blog Mr. Bourdain! I am kind of disappointed that Dale didn't win, he just seem like he needed it the most. I bet it was the editing but in the beginning Hung was all about French food and techniques and then he was all about being Vietnamese? I don't care if the chocolate cake tasted great, it is the most hackneyed "gourmet" dessert there ever was, please!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 7:58 PM

Nat Savage wrote:

Mr. Bourdain, simply put, you are my hero.

I am glad I have stumbled upon your blog. You are Allen Ginsberg and Top Chef is... um.. a dingy coffee shop circa 1956???

Alright. Well, where I fail, you excel. Please continue to amuse millions of viewers and readers.

Addendum:
I am very happy Hung won. Also, I would like to go ahead and say my mother could whip his mother in the kitchen any day.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 7:59 PM

Robert wrote:

First off, like Sam, Tre got punked and should have been in the final three. After the first two episodes, I picked Hung and Tre to finish but never picked Hung to win during the season. These judges act like that have never worked in a kitchen before, (Tom SHOULD Know Better!) and what may seem like the best food for a single serving does NOT make a Top Chef. A chef that does not work in his kitchen is a “Former Chef ret.” As and old Kitchen Dog, I know that cooking quality food under the pressure turning tables for the theatre crowd and then slugging it through the rest of the night takes more than designing a decent menu in 30 minutes. Cooking is a team sport and a lot of those egotistical jackasses wouldn’t last ten minutes in my kitchen. Hung is just plain dangerous around others and Howie needs a sweatband, (And maybe a surgical mask for the nose sweat!) and Joey? Fugget about it. Here in the Midwest, we do not have a readily available work force of Ecuadorians so you have to work with the local talent, and I would be hard pressed to put together a working crew from that group. But lets try! Grill: Tre, Sauté: CJ, Salad/Cold table: Sara, Prep: Hung, and expediting: Casey. I would also hire Clay, as I bet he would be fun to drink with after the shift and would be a scrappy little back up in a bar fight. Bottom line: Final judging, shake their hands and send the softies home! PS. If you like No Reservations, or this blog, go out and buy ALL of Tony’s books. Go Bamboo!!!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 8:03 PM

Sue wrote:

I am not surprised Hung won. He was already told he was the most technical, all he had to do was cook using his native background. So they handed Dale a win just to look good. The Judges have been on Hung's side over and over and why? Because of his lousy childhood? Is that was this all boils down to?

The show before the finale shows that the judges knew Hung did not care about anything but them. Pretty much he did not care about the customers, just the judges. Padma knew it! Tom pointed said he was the best chef technically there (What a slap in the face to everyone else!) NEVER has any judge said something that blanant that would put all the other down at the same time to boot! On that line alone Hung should have been disqualified. Having the judges already having the Top Chef picked out before the finale... Shame on you Tom and Padma!

Casey had more dignity and grace than the judges combined had.

Dale should have won simply because he gave the judges preordained Chefpet a good run (and probly lost simply because he wasn't the Chefpet.)

Future Chef's, take a lesson from this. As long as Padma and Tom are judges, all you have to do is make up the biggest sob story and you will win!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 8:08 PM

Avi wrote:

Bourdain, dude, did you catch that part where Hung and Rocco were trashing you? You need to give them a beatdown pronto!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 8:24 PM

lk wrote:

I have to say that I'm so surprised to see so many comments about the finale. It wasn't a popularity contest it was a cooking challenge. Congratulations to Hung! He demonstrated some extreme technical abilities and a great talent for cooking. How can so many people have such strong criticism when they have never tasted ANY of the food????? Let's give Hung the congratulations due to him and show some respect for those professionals who actually tasted the food and made the final decision.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 8:34 PM

Pam wrote:

Waiting for Bourdain is much like waiting for Godot. Please let the wait be worth it. Please let at least one other person recognize that Hung won on his ability to parrot and make safe choices. Yes, he can swing a knife and mimic somebody's else's three-star delight, yes he has "technical" merit, yes, his bad boy attitude made dramatic reality television but is he a Top Chef? Hell, no.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 8:42 PM

Santa Cruz wrote:

In honor of Casey: lets go back to the Manhattan episode, chez Sirio Maccione. I realize that what we see is heavily edited, but did *anyone* notice that Maccione said that Casey's dish was "the best of any" when he tasted it. However, when denying Casey the win, he a) said that for him there is 'no such thing as the best', and b) his voice went up an octave, as if in surprise, to say "Casey, Casey too.." He then 'charmingly' complimented her appearance while denying her the win that his earlier remarks led us to expect. Who would he hire in his kitchen? Is that the criterion? Just take a look at the 100% male staff backstage at Le Cirque. Wake up, Bourdain, the man is famous but that doesn't mean he is unbiased! And now for the finale, Casey has to deal with altitude sickness and gets HOWIE as her sous chef. Casey is an inspiring, gifted chef with enormous personal integrity. Not to take anything away from Hung, but winning the competition on Bravo is no indication of who has the greatest culinary gifts.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 8:47 PM

Christine wrote:

I too feel that Casey was totally ignored and yes she was used by the network so that "we" would watch the Finale. It seems like the judges had picked the winner long before the finale. I guess they don't ever want to see a woman win. She ws never mentioned in the last cook off even to the point that somehting about her food was not good. In my mind she is Top Chef and should have won! It seems the Judges like to pick the egotistical, mouthy, self-centered individuals. He was not a team player I would never want to be in his kitchen nor a resturant he worked/owned. He thinks he is better than everyone else. Note to future contestants: Be an egotistical idiot and the Judges will pick you to win, I remain sinerely saddened and will probably not watch the show in the future...

posted on October 4, 2007 at 8:50 PM

Sherri wrote:

Hung is defintely the best TECHNICAL chef, as Chef Tom (could a man be more attractive??) pointed out previously, but by far it takes more than technical skills to be a Top Chef and my family and I disagree completely with Hung being awarded as the Top Chef. Using Hungs' own words, he cooks with all his heart, yet seems to use kissing up skills, and they are great skills, more than he uses his heart. (I am in no way suggesting his kissing up skills had any influence on the final judgment) For the love of food?! I do not buy nor believe that from him. He is not nearly as REAL as Dale or Casey. The two of them are what a Top Chef should be and I would be glad to work for them anytime, anyplace. A great boss can make a job so hard seem so simple and Casey and Dale have that naturally in them. I could easily work for and with Hung and do feel the editing is to make him look like the "bad" guy, so this isn't a "Hate Hung" post. Maybe he just does not come off good on camera. Maybe he is exactly what we see on camera.

Each Chef had an off-night and I cannot imagine the nerves racing through each of them. I realize it was a tough decision but coming from people that do not watch reality shows, it was the wrong decision. But, you are the professionals, so what do I know?

Cheers to Dale and Casey!! The best of luck to them both as, in my opinion, good guys/gals always finish on top.

Your show is deserving of the Emmy that Bruckheimer wins every year and my family and I will always watch your show. Keep up the great job!

Cheers!!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 9:22 PM

D&R wrote:

We love Casie but she didn't bring her "A" game. We were cheering for Dale and think his dishes had the spice and soul to bring it home. Hung, although a very technically precise chef, still didn't seem to have pulled it off with his lame dessert – come on judges! Dale you're still a winner to us. And Casie, we'll see you in Dallas.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 10:09 PM

Susan Bourbon wrote:

For the viewers who thought Hung shouldn't of won, remember this wasn't a popularity contest it was a cooking contest. Dale flopped on a few of his dishes and clearly Casey was having a bit of a meltdown. Remember the elk that she served? It was so raw that I am sure it would of knocked her out of the competition if she hadn't done so well in the other challenges. Now the pork rind dish was so overdone and she said that she didn't try it before she served it. So even though I wanted Casey to win she clearly buckled under the pressure. Dale was just coming into his own towards the end of the competition but not enough to claim Top Chef. So the clear winner was Hung. We should all respect the judges on this competition as I think it was clear, except for the elimination of Tre, I think CJ should of been eliminated as he was always watching his back and no one else's, that Hung proved himself not only through the competition but also in the finale. I wish them all well and enough of bashing Hung.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 10:26 PM

Steve wrote:

It's intersting to consider the distinct possibility that the vast majority of Top Chef losers will be more appealing and in-demand at personal appearances than the winner. Hung is a self-absorbed, tedious little twit. He refused numerous times, in a variety of segments, to help others plate their dishes, give advice etc...and then had the stones to complain that no one wanted to help him and they were out to get him. What a lil punk. I have no interest in ever watching him again...no matter how good a cook he is.

But 'hats-off" to the judges for accepting the possibility of franchise '"hari kari" in voting for the guy.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 10:43 PM

Felicia wrote:

I personally had my jaw dropped open when Bravo announced the TOP chef of Season 3. I can understand that the final two are Dale and Hung. I Voted for Casey because she has done a lot of good dishes that looks good and sounded good through out the season. And she seemed too nervous at the final and didn't fare so well at execution and presentation. I'm sure she did a lot better than i would have had in her shoes. Anyway, back to the final two, I believe Dale's presentation was a lot more appealing than Hung's dishes.. color, it has more "soul" than Hung's dishes ever could.
I just couldn't believe that the seared Scallop with grapes and the rack of lamb with ratatouille could suffer under some stupid duck with mushroom ragout. and it didn't even look appealing.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 10:45 PM

Felicia wrote:

I personally had my jaw dropped open when Bravo announced the TOP chef of Season 3. I can understand that the final two are Dale and Hung. I Voted for Casey because she has done a lot of good dishes that looks good and sounded good through out the season. And she seemed too nervous at the final and didn't fare so well at execution and presentation. I'm sure she did a lot better than i would have had in her shoes. Anyway, back to the final two, I believe Dale's presentation was a lot more appealing than Hung's dishes.. color, it has more "soul" than Hung's dishes ever could.
I just couldn't believe that the seared Scallop with grapes and the rack of lamb with ratatouille could suffer under some stupid duck with mushroom ragout. and it didn't even look appealing.

posted on October 4, 2007 at 10:45 PM

mike wrote:

Saying someone doesn't put "soul" into their food is a cop-out excuse that can't be explained with any tangible logic. Colicchio plainly stated in the prevoius episode that what he meant by "lack of soul" was lack of vietnamese inspiration and ingredients which all foodies love, but a lot of people have hijacked his statement and turned it into something completely wrong.

"No soul" - what a joke.

The rest of you people are preoccupied with sensitivity and feelings and sentiment, which has zero to do with good food. I think you'll find that in the kitchen, many of the celebrity chefs share similar no-nonsense attitudes - which is why they chose Hung as winner time and time again.

Previous commenter Bob was right on the money when he said Hung's upbringing as a refugee gave him the drive to succeed, the passion to excel, and the realistic outlook on what exactly it means to be a competitor. No touchy-feely BS!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 11:02 PM

Lou Dobbs wrote:

Stef cohen is delusional if she didn't think Casey didn't get a fair shake.. they didn't say much to her because there was NOTHING positive to say, her best dish.. WAS THE ONE HOWIE COOKED. Atleast the best chef one this year.. not like the atrocity of season 2 with iLan taking the title. It was pretty evident hung would win when the worst thing they could say about his food was " could use a little more lemon, maybe salt" and " this dessert is delicious, but so boring" .. i've been rooting for hung, the same as i rooted for marcel last year, since day one.. i'm glad hung pulled through..

posted on October 4, 2007 at 11:26 PM

Jack wrote:

This is really fascinating - 59 comments on a blog that hasn't even been posted yet. Well, I guess I'm number 60.

I'm not a Hung "fan" either but if you can look at it with even one iota of objectivity, he clearly won last night. Two of his dishes were great and two were pretty damn good. Dale had two great ones but one real stinker and at this point in the competition, if the word "inedible'' is used to describe anything you put on the table, you're done, period, end of story.

I was rooting for Casey and if she didn't win, Dale but Hung was the better chef last night (or whenever the heck it was actually taped). This is a competition and you win or lose, advance or go home on what you do that day no matter how good your season was and hey by the way, that's the same way it is handled in sports, and many other forms of competitions.

Hung came across like a jerk but I agree, as has been said, there was editing involved. I thought his heart rendering speech at judges' table on the first finale show about his mother influencing him was what he thought he needed to say, not what he felt. he is a uber-competitive guy but hey that's life. Either compete better than him or go home. It's no different in any company or sports team. The best in any field are uber-competitive, that's part of how they got to be the best. He didn't sabotage anyone else, he just didn't go out of his way to help them. Fault him for that if you want but the thing he said that I actually do believe is that he acted that way cause this was a competition, get it, one $100,000 prize, not 15 and that he is more of a team player in a real kitchen with people who are on the same team.

Well, people wouldn't want to work for him in a real restaurant because he's not a nice guy. Really? Maybe in the local TGI McFunsters that might be true (props to Tony B.) But in a $150/head per meal place, that's BS. You think newly minted cooking school grads are lining up to work as vegetable peelers for Gordon Ramsay because he's warm and fuzzy. Get a clue people, the best managers of others whether in high tech or high cooking are not the most friendly people, they are the most inspirational people and the people others can learn from and grow with. People will work with Hung because they can see the guy is talented and they will learn something and become better chefs because of the experience.

In any event, for someone who hates reality shows, I really got hooked on this one and the best chef (not the nicest chef) won.
And word to BRAVO, the product placement was aggressive enough. Do you really need to jam 15 second commercials down my throat after every 47 second video before I can weatch the next one on the website? That's just piggish!

posted on October 4, 2007 at 11:36 PM

Debra wrote:

I wonder how Marcel is doing. I bet this is really chewing him up. Hehehe

posted on October 4, 2007 at 11:37 PM

bcoleman wrote:

After the disappointment of losing Tre's talent so soon in the season, Top Chef redeemed itself by naming Huang the winner. I thank you for reviving my faith in the show. Huang was the most consistent of the remaining chefs. Along with his obvious technical skills he brought a different viewpoint to the food, but still recognizing and handling the 'classics'. I understand the need for the live feed announcing the winner; the format just needs some fine tuning. I also believe it's better to have professional chefs to work with in the finale to avoid the inevitable questions brought on by the assistance of former adversaries. Here's a suggestion, use chefs from a different season to assist. Casey really did seem to have an altitude issue and it was a shame if that prevented her from being on top of her game. Dale demonstrated talent finally, but he isn't consistent enough to win. Some of his comments also showed a lack of consideration for the sensibilities of others that don't share his lifestyle. But please, Mr Bourdain, come on with your insightful commentary. I'm looking forward to it.

posted on October 5, 2007 at 12:04 AM

Starrlight wrote:

I am SO glad Hung won. He is, hands down, the best chef. The rest are great cooks...he is a chef.

posted on October 5, 2007 at 12:04 AM

veronika wrote:

It's like Chloe winning project runway season two . Judges choose solid, dependable over erratic, creative. Whereas that seems baseless in fashion (see: bubble skirts), it makes sense in the food world where food has to be edible.

posted on October 5, 2007 at 12:06 AM

Stef wrote:

Oh please...Dale is a whiner...

He got on my last nerve when he was whining about Hung not sharing his knowledge...training that he paid a lot of good money for...like he should just hand Dale the $100,000...why?

I reminded me of people getting mad at me because I wouldn't let them cheat of me in elementary school...PLUS he it wouldn't have helped him anyway because he didn't season the food at all...and if I recall correctly, the judges at the Culinary Institute selected Hung, NOT Dale...and Hung would have been hired, NOT Dale...

...maybe you should give Dale some of Sara's cheese to go with his whine...

posted on October 5, 2007 at 12:38 AM

Sherry wrote:

"Monkeyboy," as one commentor above me called Hung, seems a bit harsh and borderline offensive...

While, I would have been happy that Dale won, I'm glad that Hung won it in the end. He may be arrogant, self-confident, and a hardcore contestant in a game, but you have to admire him for showing those traits when he knows it can ultimately harm him. He's true to himself and his own personality and I admire him for not bending to social norms. It's a very true and pure way of existing and I wish I had his courage to be the same.

I had hope for Hung's win as soon as Michelle said she was a little jealous of Hung's duck. It sounds like it was awesome and that no one came close, in that course or any of the others.

And personally, I'm glad that some who is technically proficient won this competition! Having heart and soul and whatever, it probably won't amount to a dish tasting good and when you average Hung's dishes with Dale's, it seems as though Dale's one failure couldn't stand up to Hung's cake. l think of it in terms of the fact that I'll probably eat that cake (looked very yummy to me) but from what they've said about Dale's lobster, I don't think I even want to smell it, much less taste it.

So congrats to Hung and I hope he'll use that money wisely to maybe open up a restaurant in NYC (a place where he thinks there's a good level of competition), and I'll get a chance to eat there. :)

posted on October 5, 2007 at 12:55 AM

Debra wrote:

I wonder how Marcel is doing. I bet this is really chewing him up. Hehehe

posted on October 5, 2007 at 1:16 AM

Lilly Aycud wrote:

If the Jeff who called Hung "Monkey Boy" is the same Jeff who "can't wait to see what Bourdain says - of all the bloggers, his opinion is the most qualified," then I'm afraid he's going to be sad. Bourdain is going to say that Hung deserved the title. In his blog from 2 shows before, he stated that Hung's votes from the owner of Le Cirque and the deans of the French Culinary Institute were enough to convince him that Hung was the real deal; if you trust his opinion, then be prepared that he is going to agree with the judges.

If you've ever worked in a fine dining kitchen before, you can just imagine that Bourdain and most of the other celebrity chefs have probably made a few cooks cry in their time, too. And when you have a famous chef say that a dish is a "3-star Michelin" type of dish, you've gotta put your personal feelings aside for your fan fave and accept that they know better than YOU.

I really enjoyed the competition because I do think it was better than the crap that was on last season. I think Bravo tried to create drama where there wasn't much, because none of the finalists seem like awful people. As a first generation Asian-American, I get Hung's determination and competitiveness. It ain't easy growin' up as, what people like Jeff might call, yellow monkeys.

Dale was great. Happy to see him transform throughout the show.

I thought Casey was just there for her looks when I saw her try to cut an onion but, hey, like I said before, she has received so many compliments on the soulfulness of her food...I didn't taste it...I have to respect the opinions of the judges.

Anyway, this season was an improvement on last season. Can we cut out all the product placement and plugs next time?
Congrats to Hung!

posted on October 5, 2007 at 1:29 AM

Dan wrote:

I really am surprised to see how many of you are upset that the good folks at BRAVO "let" Hung win, cheated Casey or, as one person suggested, only kept Hung around to add conflict. As a first year culinary student, I have to say that I almost laugh watching Hung's knife skills and his flavor combinations seem magnificent. Not only was Hung one of the best chefs on the show but how can anyone say Casey was cheated out of the title? Her food was simply not up to par that night, her loss was no one's falt but her own.
My hat is off to BRAVO, if Hung's victory proves anything, other than him being an exceptional chef, it show's you base your decisions soley on the food not on ratings and that takes guts.

posted on October 5, 2007 at 1:36 AM

Sandra DeSano wrote:

Hurray, love you Hung and really glad you won. I like Dale as a person, but I thought you were totally inappropriate when you flat-out asked Hung how to make the dish, b/c you didn't know how to do it. Oh sure you tried to slide it in so no one would notice, but we did. I wouldn't have told anyone either. Not in a competition, no way! Back to the finale, people are saying that you lied when you said the dish done with CJ (who I can't stand b/c he is just plain ole mean...it slips right out too many times not to notice) was a 50/50 collaboration between you and CJ. People seem to think it's only CJ's and you took credit. WELL, I heard you discussing the scallop dish and how he was to do it. So as far as I am concerned, you did not lie.
Let's not forget that Casey sucked all the way up to midway in the competition. Then she perked up some, but at the finale, she was so disorganized from the time she tried to put together her menu.....then it was downhill all the way. I thought she was rude with an attitude while standing in front of the judges. When Tom was talking about her dish, she said "oh, ok, I guess it ( the roe) ruined the whole thing. I kinda think that maybe thats how Casey rolls when she doesn't get her way. Remember when she was mad b/c she had to be on a team with Joey and Howie. she was so RUDE when they wanted to talk about a menu b/c she was eating....then goes outside with them and pouts more, barely speaking, just b/c SHE was on a team that she didn't want to be on.....then just turns to go lay down. and let's not forget,,,she was not able to be eliminated,,,so she obviously did NOT care one way or the other if one of her team mates went home. That's when I started to dislike her. Also, I think having a degree, and being classically well trained from a culinary school makes all the difference in the world to your performance in every aspect in the kitchen. An education should ALWAYS trump someone with no culinary school training in my opinon.

posted on October 5, 2007 at 2:17 AM

TCHF wrote:

Hey, Jeff....HUNG WON!!! Put that in your pet monkey's pipe and smoke it. While you're at it, get some therapy. How terribly sad you are.

Congratulations, Top Chef Hung.

posted on October 5, 2007 at 2:20 AM

Kate T. wrote:

TOP CHEF GOT IT RIGHT THIS TIME!

It's simple...Hung, who was much-hated for his directness and brilliance, won the competition. It was a pleasure to watch him in action. And clearly, he works best under pressure. It's amazing how he smiled and beamed at every curve ball presented to them in the finale. A sign of a true and strong competitor.

For those who love Dale, I am so happy for him to have found himself again. Baving been on top and then bottom, Dale has won an internal battle that very few could ever conquer and no contest could ever win for him. I'm sure his experience in Top Chef will forever change him. And don't forget that he still has the opportunity to work side by side with Eric Ripert. Lastly, I applaud Dale for complimenting Hung's duck dish during JT when he clearly didn't have to. It's truly a sign of a great sport. I thought, man, Hung's duck dish must be REALLY GOOD for his main competitor (and mind you, Hung-basher) to compliment it in front of the judges.

For Casey's fans, I love her. She, by far, has the best attitude I've seen in all TC seasons. She was always cool, calm and collected and hardly heard a bad word come out of her mouth. She stayed grounded and strong even when her work was pounded with harsh criticism in the end. She took it all "like a man" - with grace. I did notice how much she and Hung bonded especially towards the end. A bond that is extremely rare to see in a competition.

Hung won because he put out the best dish during the finale (got a 3 Michelin rating from Todd English, and Michelle Berenstein wished she were Hung when she tasted this dish), and he was the most consistent of all contestants throughout the whole season. This combined with his passion, energy and rare talent, and he's TOP CHEF.

Congratulations to Hung! I can't wait to get the Food and Wine issue and find out whether he'll open up a restaurant. I'll go anywhere for his food.

posted on October 5, 2007 at 3:24 AM

Karen wrote:

No one knew the outcome but the judges. The reason the finale ending was live was someone from team Ilan leaked the result of last year's finale. Casey was clearly not in the running and just seemed out of sorts.

Commenters, before you start posting your conspiracies please use Google or just watch what is being presented to you on TV with an open mind.

posted on October 5, 2007 at 3:56 AM

Rachel wrote:

It was Casey who said that "It would be great if a woman won Top Chef." That was disingenuous. What she should have said was that "It would be great if I won Top Chef." Some of her dishes towards the end of the challenges (pre-Finale) were good: the hors d'oevres, veal medallions, and mock Coq au Vin. However, during the Telemundo episode she prepared dry chicken, overcooked rice and "bitter licoricey tasting coffee syrup" mole. Lia was sent home for the mushy polenta cake. Casey's elk was raw ("black and blue" according to the guest judge) but, they let her go to the Finale. In a prior episode, Sara was sent home for undercooked chicken. Casey served overcooked monkfish during "Restaurant Wars" and "didn't watch the chef's back", while Sara, the winner of "Restaurant Wars", never made it to the Finale. Casey's cooking technique included mashing down with her spatula her ground chuck patty during the "inventive Red Robin burger" challenge. Her tuna during the tasting menu challenge was the worst of the offerings - she had immunity - she forgot to taste it for seasonings before it went out. She had the three aforementioned tasty dishes towards the end of the competition. But, Casey was given passes along the way that allowed her to get to that point. During the Finale, Chef Tom said: "Cook the best meal you've ever cooked in your life." Casey's performance in the Top Chef Finale was the worst in the three seasons of the program. It was embarrassing. Then, on top of it, Casey was making excuses - which weren't true (example: "extra fourth course" - when all three finalists had to do it, and "no leeks" when there were plenty, and that Hung used half the saki - when that wasn't the problem with her dishes. Casey was treated more than fairly by the judges. The judges treated her extremely well. Casey was every bit as ambitious as Hung. Casey wanted the money and the title just as much. The difference is that Hung was honest about his ambition. And Hung was far more talented than Casey. The contestants were trying to make Hung into the "Marcel" of this group. I disliked Marcel, and Hung did not remind me of him. CJ said that Hung "Came off a douche." and then later on Dale critized Hung for not helping CJ. Some of the contestants took to making him the laughingstock throughout the competition. He demonstrated a lot of restraint in not answering them in kind. Hung deserved to win "Top Chef". He and his family were immigrants from Vietnam. And through courage, hard work and determination they have achieved great success. The judges did a wonderful job when they selected him as "Top Chef" for season three. I applaud them. Best wishes for success to Hung and his family. Bravo.

posted on October 5, 2007 at 4:56 AM

miss msry wrote:

Clearly the best Chef won. Love you Casey, think you're great, you too, Dale. No one is a loser here.

posted on October 5, 2007 at 8:18 AM

donna wrote:

Anthony...where are you? I need my fix!

PS- Please marry me....oxox

posted on October 5, 2007 at 8:43 AM

Laurie wrote:

Congratulations to Hung!! I love Top Chef!! I really wanted Dale to win (he really found his inner chef, he was a joy to watch and pretty funny). I agree that the finale seemed a little weird coming live from Chicago, when it was really based in Miami...but nontheless, i'm happy that Dale & Casey got that far! They'll do GREAT no matter what they do! I can't wait for Season 4, bring it on!!!!

posted on October 5, 2007 at 8:56 AM

Jeff wrote:

I love listening to Casey ta