I hate the challenges - I just wanted to watch the best chef's cook, what I got more of circus than a show... you can do better!!

Curtis- I have been a big fan of yours from takehome chef.

The season was fine, but I prefer the old format of Top Chef Masters. It made it something different from the original Top Chef. Also, I agree about the judges and would prefer it if the same judges weren't used so often. Other chefs, other critics, mix it up a little.

Isn't it interesting that when Tom Collicio shows up the man wins? Hummm...where have I seen this before?

Ditto CV. Contestants were awesome. One of the gals definitely should have won. Judges were insufferable. James and his "minion" were the worst. Top Chef judges are 1000% better. Tom is super knowledgeable and most are at least balanced. Need better judges. Awesome Show.

Ditto CV. Judges were mostly insufferable. James and his "minion" were the worst of the bunch. perception is reality especially in HD

Curtis, thank you for your blog. I also want to call you out for special mention for the warmth you exhibited personally to each of the Top Chefs this season. Your kindness and empathy toward them added greatly to the viewers' pleasure! I cannot commend you enough for the manners you showed to your guest chefs this season.

I liked each of the judges. I've always enjoyed James Oseland; he's able to express himself so clearly, and it's obvious how much he enjoys good food prepared well. The lovely lady (whose name escapes me at the moment but I think it's Gail Greene(?), the one who always smiles and wears a hat?, I love her discriminating taste, too. It's clear how much she enjoys being there. No wonder the chefs wish to cook for her!

I was slightly bothered by the other lady, the brunette, for I was hoping so much that she'd get a stylish haircut before the next week, or the next, or the next. But oh, no, she did not. Instead her bangs were so long, they almost met her eyes. Not an attractive look. But more than that, her hairstyle was a huge distraction.

I have never felt that the judges were unkind, but before firing away with some comments, perhaps they need to take a bit more notice of the time constraints imposed upon the contestants.

Surprising to me, I found Padma Lachsmi's comments about the Science Fair challenge to be way off base in this respect: The chefs were preparing foods for high school kids. She seemed to forget that part. I wonder why. Puzzling. She's usually such a kind person.

All in all, though, once again, it was a very exciting program and season.

I have some hearing loss; maybe other viewers do, also. Therefore, I wish the contestants' favorite charities could have been named more clearly or else given a subtitle for viewers to read. Just a suggestion. Maybe some of us would wish to contribute to those charities, too.

Thanks again for your kindness to others.

Floyd won the Biggest Loser challenge actually.

I appreciate your blog, Curtis...thanks for taking the time. It was a good season because of the chefs...I enjoyed all of them.

What I DIDN'T like this season, regretfully, are the judges. Absolutely hated James. He may be the nicest guy in real life (who knows?), but comes across as imperious, unlikeable, rude, cold & a know-it-all.

Never quite clicked with Ruth either...for many of the same traits.

Many of the guest judges were awful...simply worshipping at James' feet. Blah, blah, blah.

And you Curtis, who I've enjoyed over & over & over again...seemed ill at ease here...not your usual warm self. Wondering why. Spillover from James perhaps?

I've never missed a single season, or a single show, of Top Chef or Top Chef Masters...but if the franchise brings back James O....no more for me.

It's such a joy watching the manner in which professionals share their talents and really appear to love what they're doing. Most of all, unlike some other Bravo shows, we watch talented individuals who, while they're competing, are so supportive and respectful of one another!