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View All PostsBurning Questions
Kevin Gillespie: Second Time's a Charm
The winning chef talks mole, Eli, and others' resentment towards Robin.
September 23, 2009Bravotv.com: First the Quickfire, What was the inspiration behind your dish?
I believe that frankly, I didn’t understand the Quickfire as well as I would have wanted. I needed to make a dish that had contrasting elements or themes and unfortunately I jumbled that up in my head. I wanted to show a dynamic between the way elements work against something, but instead, my dish came across as a disconnected duo that didn’t really make sense to me.
Bravotv.com: People seemed pretty upset by Robin’s Quickfire win. What was your take on it?
I have had many family members struggle through the hardships of cancer, and many haven’t made it out on the other side. I understand the sense of triumph and joy one must have to be able to overcome such a crippling disease and feel as if they have been given a renewed opportunity at life. Considering all of these things, I feel as though many of my competitors felt that Robin used her story as leverage to win with a dish that wasn’t as imaginative or well executed as others. I hesitate to believe that simply a good story is enough to win, and feel that her dish must have brought something else to the table in order to arrive victorious. I don’t believe that we can ever tell what impact her personal situation has had on her longevity in the competition.
Bravotv.com: It kinda seemed like everyone was just so against Robin at this point. What was it like in the house? Was everyone just against her? Or just resentful that she was still there and won immunity?
I believe that for whatever reason many people where resentful of her still being in the house. I feel that people had seen her struggle and narrowly avoid being sent home many times, only to somehow remain unscathed. I think that due to this, and the considerable other stresses of the show, people began to project their disdain on Robin as a means of coping with there own duress. I like to remember that this is a competition and its not just a matter of winning, often times it is a matter of not losing. In this Robin did quite well.
Bravotv.com: Onto the Elimination, you got a second chance at the mole. How did you go about it differently this time?
I really didn’t approach it any differently. I was obviously asked to deconstruct the dish and thus it changed the overall product, but the methodology and techniques were much the same.
Bravotv.com: Were you nervous that it could send you home if you couldn’t do it again?
I guess I felt like I did it correctly the first time, and it was simply a matter of not having the best dish. I wasn’t worried about going home, but I did feel like I had been given a second chance to refine a dish. My only concern was to prepare a dish that I could be proud of, and whatever the outcome of that may be, I would be happy.
Bravotv.com: What Who do you think are your biggest competition at this point?
I think that the show has certainly defined some of the people who may be in the top, but I also feel like the contest is full of surprises and no one can count on victory just yet.
Bravotv.com: What did you think of the other chefs’ dishes?
Like most challenges, I didn’t get to see my other competitor’s dishes, or taste them. I did taste Eli’s dish and thought it was tasty.
Bravotv.com: You and Eli are a bit of a dynamic duo ... Does it help to have someone you know there with you?
I think that it is nice to have friends in the house. However, it is also inconvenient. Its hard to compete against friends and to see them go home.
Hey Kevin,
We are sooo proud of you here in Walhalla, S.C. I go to work on Thurs and tell brag to all my coworkers how my famous cousin is doing on Top Chef. They along with us are hoping you go all the way. It is so sweet to hear you talk about the family and what is important. Thanks for showing people what southerners are really like. Hope to see you at Christmas.
love Sandy
Kevin, from the moment I saw your arctic char from the first episode, I knew you were the one to beat! But it's the way you carry yourself, with class and humility, that separate you from the others. Good Luck!
Kevin--
You seem like a great person, very gracious and sincere. Lose that loser Eli. He is a creep, not worthy of your friendship. Would you even be friends in a normal situation?
Kevin, I'm really rooting for you. Your dishes look excellent and you are a true gentleman.
Thank you for your respect, courtesy and compassion toward those of us who have fought cancer being able to present our lives in our own way, and your respect for the judges. I so look forward to seeing you in the finale, where I truly think you will be.
living in Seattle, I'd like to see those girls do well. Being born and raised in Texas however, it's nice to see someone doing the South proud!
Thanks for making me love Top Chef again! And making me miss horseshoe-playing facilities.
Keep. Being. Awesome.
Kevin - it was nice to see that you are a man with class. You are mature, talented and obviously have a kind soul.
I hope to see you go far this season and I appreciate your support of Robin.
I think the POV that you and the V Brothers exhibit is something the Masters and the past Top Chefs (most of them) have also- it's all about how you do and stand up over time to the pressure. Good for you for pointing that out- it does seem like Eli and Mike I have some insecurities and make themselves feel better by talking trash. I feel kind of sorry for Eli at this point, because he's taking a lot of flak for one comment (ill-advised, but still rooted in the competition). Nobody's immune to it...but it seems like a waste of energy and focus. Stay out of the fray and keep trucking!
Kevin, you are first class. I love your creativity with food, but your grace and humility put me in your corner even more! I hope to watch you make it all the way. Thank you for being a fierce competitor that is also a great human being!!
Kevin - You are such a great Chef and you obviously have alot of class. Good for you - hope you win the whole thing!! You are hands down my favorite.
Kevin shows what a real Southern Gentleman is all about. Your food skills are amazing, but you manage to couple that with a bit of humility, humor and charm. Thank God we have people like Kevin in the house to root for when some of the babies are whining! Along those lines, I wonder whether Kevin could tell us whether the cheftestants had been aware that Mattin's ceviche made judges actually physically sick and whether they felt a little embarrassed about wearing his bandanas (apparently emphasizing that they thought he shouldn't have been sent home)after seeing the episode?
Kevin you are a true gentleman and an amazing chef! (unlike Eli) Good luck you are one of my favorites.
Congratulations on your win! I've been a fan since day 1 and always interested in what you're going to pull out. A comment about the Robin issue though. I can get why some of the chefs may not like her - but what really irritates me - is Eli's comment that she won the quickfire because of her cancer story. Really - Michelle selected her as winner solely on the backstory? Eli is thinking way too much of himself and thinking way too little of Robin. It's about the food and I'm going to assume that's what got her the quickfire win.
Also, while it appears that the V brothers seem to be strong competitors, I would definitely say the same about you. Keep up the great work!
Kevin, you absolutely ROOOOOOOOOCK! I watch every week and cheer you on--if you don't win, I will be devastatingly disappointed. Your face was priceless at dinner w Joel Robuchon and Co. I don't recall ever seeing a grown man, complete with beard and tattoos, blushing on TV....how cute!!! Even though the show is cut and edited for TV, it is obvious that you exemplify what a Top Chef is made of. Jen and the V/Bros, I think, are your toughest competitors, but you bring something they don't. I think its your authenticity, your humble yet confident attitude--that sparkling southern charm and grace that Im sure, is winning viewers over left and right!
Peace, Love,& Bacon Brother!
I really appreciate Kevin's class, here. He's been my favorite chef for his intelligence and creativity, and the personal qualities he shows here make me want to marry him.
Dear Kevin,
Congrats on your win! You are a true gentleman and wonderful chef. Best of luck!
Kevin, I was so thrilled to see you win. You're my favorite in the competition, always creating dishes I'd love to be able to eat. If ever I'm in Atlanta, I'll make a point of doing so.
And, by the way, you're also a gentleman.
Grats Kevin you are making Atlanta and southern foodies proud. Keep up the great work, look forward to seeing you at the Woodfire Grill one day and if you ever need a helping hand around the kitchen would love to work with you. Take care.
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