Having heard lots of great buzz on Chef Carmen Gonzalez, I just watched reruns of the first two shows. Chef Carmen's a class act, a team player, and wish I could have tasted her dishes -- people were loving them! But, hey, what's with a show that gives top prize to a chef who makes Mush Meat? A chef who works against the team instead of with it? Too frustrating to watch a show that makes no sense. Let me know when you bring Chef Carmen back. She was great to watch and I see what the buzz was about.

All three top chef masters are winners. However thinking back did Chef Michael only deserve 3 1/2 stars?It just didn't compute. Having thought that, Rick Bayless did deserve to win. He's terriffic.

James, I have tasted Michael's polenta on several occasions and I can agree with the other guests at the finale....it is AMAZING and I can't wait to have it again!

For you to have made a pointed negative statement regarding the polenta and to have graded his performance as you did it appears to me (and to many others as I read the blogs) that you have a personal grudge against Michael. Could this be payback for his doily fun?

Rick Bayless is a fine chef but in this particular competition Michael showed his talent and artistry in cooking and grace under continual slander from immature young chefs and the occasional judge. Michael deserved to win.

Bravo Chef Chiarello!

I was amazed at how nasty and judgemental the former TC contestants were, not just Spike & Dale. Their egos could blow up the room. I applaud the Masters for their professionalism, good sportsmanship and comradeship- it could have been cut-throat, but never sunk to that level. And for that reason the show was a joy to watch, whereas, I stopped watching other Bravo shows when the nastiness and bitchiness took over the purpose of the show.

I liked your judging best of all, although you downgraded Michael all the time, your explained your reasons.

I found it interesting that during the finale, they showed how you never gave Michael more than 3.5 stars throughout the whole season - and low and behold you give him 3.5 stars again for the finale. Considering how Michael lost by .5 star, I personally think you had something against him the whole season.

James, thank you for you insight, genuineness, and wonderful way with words. 5 stars!

Why was it so difficult for Micheal to get no get more than 3/1/2 stars from you?It's amazing that he never amassed more from you. Pretty obvious you did not want him to win! Personal huh?

Why was it that for Michael Chiarello you always gave him 3 or 3and1/2 stars when everyone else on the panel gave him 4 or more? Do you have a problem with him? Everyone said that polento was superb but you had criticism on the seasoning and did not give him the stars he deserved, causing him to lose. Not that Rick Bayless isn't just as deserving or more. If you look back on your ratings for Michael, they were always lower than everyone else's.Why would that be?

3 1/2 stars for Chiarello!!! Give me a break.
Jimmy had it in for Chef C. from the start!

Ok, I have to admit I laughed pretty hard at 'I make frowny faces at your food.' Good stuff! I wasn't too sure what to make of this spin-off including the fact there were brand new judges. But I'm sold now, I am actually pretty sad that it is ending tonight.

All three of you were great and the blogs have added extra insight, it's been a fun season. I hope that a 2nd season of Masters happens or at the very least you make an appearance as a guest judge on the regular Top Chef!

You are such a gentleman! It has been so refreshing to hear critique rather than criticism; collegial discourse rather than cocky disgust. You always find something to praise, and even when you are sending someone packing, you do it with empathy and tact.

If the regular season had more judges like you, maybe a higher quality cheftestant would audition. I think the last season showed how far the show had fallen, when the "chefs" seemed to consist of people more than willing to suffer abuse in order to jump start faltering careers.

What a pleasure to experience the humility and humor of true artists, and the respectful yet honest reviews of an equally humble and adorable judge.

I have watched every episode of Top Chef and now Top Chef Masters and I'd gladly see all of the TC judges replaced by all the TC Masters judges. Even though you nitpicked (that's why it's called "judging" and not "admiring"), you treated all the contestants with respect. I've grown tired of Tom C's scolding, blustering, and badgering. I'm dismayed that the sneering British judge from TC is returning (a whole season, and I still haven't bothered to remember his name).

I have loved this season. My husband laughs every time I remark, "Rick Bayless is a genius."

I have really enjoyed the masters show and will miss it when it's over. I watch all of the Top Chef shows, but this is by far my favorite. It's fun watching chefs compete at this level in a dignified and respectful manner. If there is a next season - hopefully BRAVO will be more selective in selecting TC sous chefs - Dale and Spike were just embarrassing to watch.

And BTW I like all of the judges on this show - you each have unique takes. I also like the hostess because she lets the chefs and the judges shine.

I like your comments because even when you're critical of someones food you're never nasty.I can imagine that some of the food can be awful, but what a great job you have and it seems you enjoy it.Hope to see more of you.

You have stated my sentiments about this series so well, and I have never found your comments overly critical. I have watched all the TC episodes and TC Masters is the most enjoyable. The Master chefs are class acts, especially Bayless and Keller. I was amazed to discover that I am usually hungry after watching TC Masters which is something that never happens after TC. This says something about the chefs and their food!

It's one thing to write a review about a chef, but quite another to sit before him, look him in the eye, and tell him how many 'stars' you've given his food. I found this to be one of the most intriguing things to watch, and I feel that you, and the rest of the judges, handled that challenge with grace and class. It couldn't have been easy to do! Thanks to my favorite judge for a great summer season.

I love what you've said and I started liking you. This show is simply fantastic. Watching the best chefs in America, putting their reputation in a line of fire for charities they are passionate about, make me create a very high opinion about them. I do not want to repeate what other viewers already said ,but want to add one comment: all chefs showed not only great class but also beautiful personalities . I would like to be surrounded by people like them. There are no loosers in this competition.I will wait for the next season. Please ,do not stop it.

James O. You have said beautifully what I think many of us have thought watching the last few weeks. It's been a sheer delight to see these truly master chefs work their hearts out with camaraderie and good humor to raise money for their charities. I have NEVER missed a TC episode, and think I've enjoyed this series the most. Not just the imaginative and passionate ways these folks cook, but the passion and compassion they have shown for their food and fellow chefs. I have gained a much greater respect for what it takes to be a chef. It might take the next 20 years and a few paychecks, but I hope to eat at each and every one of their restaurants some day. Thanks for truly enjoyable and even inspirational episodes - but ease off on those horrible "twists" - poor Anita really got the sour end of it this week - I will miss her imaginative ideas most of all!

What a great series. All I could have hoped for from Top Chef- the amazing talent, thoughtful critiques, camaraderie and respect within the competition- they were helpful but not giving anything up to do it- and I can't WAIT for next season. Thanks!!

No one on any other "reality" television show is as mature, talented and delightful as those on Top Chef Masters. I may have to stop watching television once it's over so as not to be too disappointed. Wish I could come to that meal!

Thanks for the wonderful blog. Its good to see the respect that not only exists among the chefs but between the critics and the chefs as well. All the critics have clearly stated many positive comments about each chef, so I wouldn't be too worried that you come off as nasty. What I appreciate most about this show is that the critics are clearly appreciative but not fawning and not afraid to say when something isn't done to the highest standard or disagree respectfully with the other critics. You all have been respectful of the chefs. This is one of my new favorite shows because it has such a positive attitude. THANK YOU!

John Besh is amazing; personality, great looks & Oh, la, la that man can cook!

I love what you said. One of the things that I find so joyful about this show is the lack on nastiness on the part of the chefs. They all support one another, learn from one another, and appear to truly enjoy one another.
I do appreciate your consideration of the obstacles these chefs, and previous contestants have to hurdle. I realize that the editing must cut down on the discussions you judges have concerning the food. But from a viewers stand point the lack of drama, and focus on the food has been such a pleasant surprise this time, (though the world had to intrude into this happy place with the inclusion of the previous contestants, and the ugly tirade by Dale.)

If this show has a Season 2:

1) There will truly be justice in television

2) I totally want you back at the judges' table

Thanks so much for these heartfelt comments. I too would like to cook with John Besh--he seems to have so much fun doing what he loves. I have enjoyed watching you on the show, and hopefully none of the chefs think you are a jerk!

What a class act, Mr. Oseland. I had let my subscription to Saveur expire, but knowing there are people like you behind it, I will renew. Thanks for your input here, it was very informative.

Gael might have a crush on Hubert (who doesn't), but after reading this blog, now my judge crush is James.

For the record, I never saw his critiques as too biting.