Season 6
Season 5
Season 4
Blogs

- Richard Blais
- Top Sous-Chef
- Richard Blais talks about helping Hosea to victory and the dessert controversy.
As it is in the reality of the restaurant world, no one flashed a smile at me in New Orleans and proclaimed me Top Sous-Chef. There was no physical reward. Nothing personally to play for and win. I had never met Josea prior to those moments when we were introduced. Hell, I haven’t even been able to spell his name correctly half the time here on this blog. But, in all honesty there was plenty of incentive. And it’s the same thing that drives every serious chef. Regardless of the challenge, or title, or reward. You just want to do your best and make people happy. It’s a simple driving force. And one that lies within every great sous-chef.
As we entered the yard of the museum, I’ll be honest, I was just really happy to be there. I’ve missed the competition immensely. It’s a thrill to compete, and I was going to drop any ego and push as hard as I could for whomever I got paired with. It didn’t matter to me who that was. And it may sound brash, but I knew I could help any one of them win. I wanted to win.
When Hosea picked me first, I was truly honored. It’s been awhile since I’ve played kickball, dodgeball, or any other schoolyard sports, but no one wants to be the last kid picked. To be the first chosen, that’s both thrilling and unnerving.
I was ready to be a great sous-chef. A partner in the ideation process. An editor. And quite honestly, the blue collar workhorse. As far as I was concerned, and as Hosea and I agreed early on, we were in this together. He encouraged me to contribute intellectually. And I did. He asked me to troubleshoot and consult. And I did. He asked for me to provide entry-level prep work. And I did.
Truth be told. I was ready to physically tackle either Stefan, Carla, Tom, or Padma, upon the order from my chef. Just like any quality sous.
- 04/14/2009 - 4:36pm
- Viewer
We just saw you on the Top Chef Tour in New Orleans and I just want to say you did an awesome job! Someone asked a question about what your favorite restaurant in New Orleans was and you commented on burger places. There is one down here you should definitely try. It is down in the French Quarter and is called Yo Mama's. They have a peanut butter burger that is DELICIOUS! If you get a chance you should definitely stop in. Once again, we enjoyed the tour and you did a great job!
- 03/24/2009 - 3:17am
- John
Hosea got lucky to get you as his sous chef. Richard, you're super! Hosea got lucky with the appetizer, too. Hoseas win was lucky at best. Not what Top Chef should be about. That's my humble opinion.
- 03/13/2009 - 3:37pm
- Ladybug
WHERE IN THE H DO PEOPLE THINK THAT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH CARLA GETTING TO WHERE SHE WAS? YOU PEOPLE JUST MAKE ME SICK TO THINK THAT BLACK PEOPLE CANNOT GET ANYWHERE WITH OUT IT. CARLA WAS A VERY TALENTED COOK AND SHOULD HAVE WON. NEVER SHOULD HOSEA HAVE WON BECAUSE OF HIS ATTITUDE. CARLA DID NOT WIN AND SHE DID HER BEST. BUR I HATE TO THINK THAT PEOPLE BELIEVE SHE WAS THERE FOR ONE REASON. BIGOTRY IS STILL VERY MUCH ALIVE.
- 03/09/2009 - 8:22am
- Viewer
wow.. people here get so mean, serious, and outraged by a TV contest?? To: "Unbelievable"...below.. Why are you so mean to Richard? He didn't do or say anything negative about Hosea or anyone else. He's not a bragger, accepted his loss in his finale with grace/dignity, just like Carla and Stefan did. The only ones complaining are Casey and the bloggers. It's over and they all won in some ways. You don't have to be mean to Richard. He didn't pick the winners or choose who were to be the sous chefs at the finale. Complain to Bravo/the producers, not to Richard.
And To: "Sunflour".. below.. Your "affirmative action" comment was uncalled for and awful.. I am sure that Carla would be insulted to see that. She is a dignified woman, a great chef, and competed with grace, talent, kindness, and never said negative things about anyone. She took her loss with grace. She did not blame Casey or anyone but herself for her choices. She got to the finale on her talent and dish by dish, just like everyone else did. Many of the contestants on this show were from varied races, countries, genders, and backgrounds. A statement like yours was uncalled for and was insulting all Americans..and contestants on all the shows. How childish and crass!!
- 03/06/2009 - 7:03pm
- tracy
i'd eat at Hosea's restaurant with great anticipation
and Jeff's
and Jamie's
and Fabio's
maybe even Stefan's
:)
and of course, Mr. Blais'
- 03/06/2009 - 9:54am
- maureen leibovitz
Richard do you think Hosea would of won if he had to
butcher the venison first!!?? I doubt it. Its a joke
he came out on top. He won be default. This is not
a reflection on you your a class act. I am wondering
what kind of chefs they want of late.
- 03/05/2009 - 11:01pm
- gina c
It was a pleasure to see Richard again-His attitude is refreshing and he is a great chef and a hard worker- Richard i hope they bring you back many times as you being at the finale was one of the highlights
- 03/05/2009 - 5:15pm
- Viewer
Hey Richard,
Good job on the finale! I hate to come into your blog with nothing better to say, but I wanted to address an issue I have with a viewer mentioning "affirmative action" with regards to Carla. That has the be the biggest bunch of tripe I have ever seen on this blog board!
Are you one of Casey's so-called friends going around trying to justify her awful rant or are you just a mean person? What in the world does affirmative action have to do with it? Or you assuming that every time a person of color does well, it must be affirmative action at work? Did it ever occur to you that MAYBE Carla just made good food that the judges liked? Or MAYBE people like her because she is one of the kindest people ever to grace reality TV? Or MAYBE she simply folded under the pressure in the finale of said reality TV? Or MAYBE Casey should have just did what Carla said in the first place or if she wanted to make suggestions, ensured that they were done well?
No one is blaming Casey for anything. Everyone agrees that Carla shouldn't have done something that she wasn't familiar with. But for you to come her and suggest that her appearance in the finals had anything to do with anything other than her own success in the kitchen is just ludicrous. By the way, Carla made desserts most of the time because no one else on the team could or would.
- 03/05/2009 - 5:10am
- Unbelievable
Gawd, why is everyone so up Richard? He choked under pressure in his own season. Do you guys really want that in a chef? "We have 200 people to feed in two hours" "Oh bugger!" I mean really?
Richard, does it bother you that Adam Platt is lying about you and not saying you were the BRONZE medal winner on your season? I remember your bragging about someone else being that. How'd that work out for ya?
"Also, Hosea got to cook with the best No.2 chef"
I guess not seeing as you are well up yourself on how good you were. You got beaten by LISA, not slightly but MASSIVELY!!!! How come you were invited to "assist" the current chefs and Lisa wasn't? Casey also lost to Dale, why wasn't he there?
She has totally slagged off Carla since this finale and she's a choker just like you. Conversely, I love how Hosea wouldn't have won without you...don't see you saying anything good about him, only how good you and your ideas were and he agreed. I hope you're done with Top Chef like Casey is, you two should've blown up years ago with your own self importance.
- 03/05/2009 - 2:52am
- lisa
Richard, you are by far my favorite, Fabio would be second. I hope to see you again next year on top chef. Good luck in all that you do. :)
- 03/05/2009 - 12:08am
- Roark
well, if anyone can call themselves a "fan" of the show, Richard would be the only choice to be considered a "help". Richard was "INSTANTLY" the obvious choice when the 3 were presented. He is a class act and a serious talent.
- 03/04/2009 - 11:00pm
- frankcancook
As I have said before, I have seen every episode, the show is entertainment, not about Top Chef. You should have won last season, Stefan this season. Mediocrity prevails. You, I have to say, and Harold, have my respect, as a fellow Chef. I've been to Jax far too many times to ever think that place could produce a "Top Chef". If in Boulder visit Frasca, or the Kitchen, if you want good seafood, try the Cork.
- 03/04/2009 - 10:29pm
- denise
Richard, you are the chef that stands out from all the seasons, except for Carla & Fabio this season. You are such a gentleman, with a good attitude, even though you were a great competitor. I saw you on "Makeover & a Movie." I hope to see you on TV more often.
- 03/04/2009 - 9:28pm
- Eric
Richard, fantastic job. Hosea picked the best.
- 03/04/2009 - 6:41pm
- SunFlour
lol... you delusional fanatics! i knew i would log on here and find people blaming Casey for Carla's mistakes. GIVE ME A FREAKIN BREAK! ...Carla is NOT a top chef! deal with it. she got in over her head, the girl jacked up here souffle, she's never sous vide (heck she's never shucked an oyster!) she got through most of the competition by simply fading into the background, avoiding big risks... a tart here, a pie there. PEOPLE, affirmative action does not a Top Chef make!
- 03/04/2009 - 4:22pm
- Viewer
Can you imagine a Top Chef series with the two runner ups from the first 5 seasons competing? What great TV...Id love to see Stefan again; love him or hate him, he is entertaining with his ego!
- 03/04/2009 - 3:47pm
- Viewer
"I had never met Josea prior to those moments when we were introduced. Hell, I haven’t even been able to spell his name correctly half the time here on this blog."
1. Thank you for making me laugh, even though I am still angry Hosea won (and Stefan didn't).
2. Congrats on being Top Chef Season 5! You earned it.
3. Your "chicken - egg" advice to Stefan was gold. If you read the blogs and have seen any post-finale interviews, Stefan has taken your advice completely. He respects you, and thinks you are the best chef in 5 seasons (and so do I).
4. Not only are you talented, you have a great sense of humor, and seem like a very, very nice guy.
5. There is no five.
Take care buddy!
- 03/04/2009 - 3:14pm
- Avid Fan
Way to go #1 Sous Chef -- and where are you cooking in Hotlanta now? We have missed you at Home. Thanks
- 03/04/2009 - 1:02am
- cordell
First of all, you are by far the greatest, and most innovative chef that has been on this show! You changed my mind on how food is presented and prepared. You brought unlimited virtues to the table and I thought you added your own special "Richardism" to Hosea's table for the win. I can't imagine how great your resturuant will be, can't wait to visit atlanta for your greatness, you rock!!!!!!
- 03/03/2009 - 4:35pm
- Dave
Congratulations Richard, I have always considered you one of the best from all the seasons and now, in my opinion, you have finally won Top Chef. There is no way that Hosea would have won without your help and expertise! I hope he splits the money with you! The best of luck to you.
- 03/03/2009 - 7:32am
- Linda
Richard, you. are. amazing!
- 03/02/2009 - 9:50pm
- Tom
Just re-watched the show. For all of the hate being dumped on Casey, I think Carla had a great shot of winning until *SHE* miscooked the souffle. Casey did not blow the final course, Carla did.
It looked to me like all three were in a near virtual tie going into the final course, with possibly both Carla and Stefan a little ahead of Hosea.
That souffle may well have been the perfect compliment to the final course. Carla thought it was a great idea. Of course, she shouldn't have tackled it if she didn't know how to make it.
- 03/01/2009 - 8:51pm
- veronica
Richard -
Although Stephanie won the Top Chef title in Season 4 and I agree with the decision, I always immediately think of you as a Top Chef. Your passion and knowledge impart an immediate remembrance to anyone when they consider a great chef on the Top Chef series. I think most viewers and fans agree they would like to see more of you and your cooking on Bravo or any cooking show.
I just wish the Season 5 finale had pitted the finalists against each other more fairly. You probably would have won on your own (akin to auditing a college class) as probably most respondents believe you were mainly responsible for Hosea's win for top dinner of the night, not Top Chef. Hosea is obviously a good chef by his inclusion on the series, but not at the level of Stephan.
- 03/01/2009 - 8:50pm
- Viewer
You are a class act, but I agree with the others here about dessert: it may not be a necessity in a meal, but it's sure as hell a necessary skill to prove you are worthy of the title of Top Chef
- 03/01/2009 - 4:12pm
- Rick W.
Congrats on the win with Hosea.
You having been at the competition know what went on better than anyone that can comment here. I think Casey got a bad rap from the press on comments made elsewhere that show her in a bad light.
It's ultimately up to the competitor on Top Chef to decide their fare and whether or not to take another's advice. Fortunately you and Hosea made a great team, congratulations to you both.
- 03/01/2009 - 8:23am
- PeachPie
Oh no!! I just realized you probably wont be blogging next season. I've come to enjoy your blog so, so much. You've added a different kind of voice to the episodes that I've come to trust and appreciate.
Thank you so much for your blog!
- 02/28/2009 - 10:51pm
- coy
congratulations RICHARD! you finally won.
- 02/28/2009 - 9:37pm
- Julie
Richard won the car last season, and lost the title. Carla won the car this season, and lost the title. I see a pattern developing.
- 02/28/2009 - 7:53pm
- Top Chef Addict
Ha, love how Casey had to shut down comments on her own blog since she pretty much got nothing but grief for her utter lack of talent, humility or what makes a good top chef.
Sad Carla didn't win as her true flavors were really coming through, but just want to reiterate to the producers... never want to see Casey again.
Thanks,
Moi
- 02/28/2009 - 4:44pm
- Viewer
A very classy blog! Casey's "rant" just made her look small and mean. She could take some pointers from you.
I have said that Casey owes Carla $100,000; and, seeing how things worked out, I think Hosea owes you a 10% - 15% "gift" as well. Don't hold your breath, though.
- 02/28/2009 - 2:48pm
- nydelite
Hosea was really lucky to be able to pick you as sous chef. He won Top Chef because of you- he couldn't have pulled it off. Best of luck to him. Everyone would've loved seeing you and Stefan work together at the finale. That would've been a mind-blowing 3-course meal.
- 02/28/2009 - 1:02pm
- Geri
Richard, very well put!!
Why is it that you don't have a show on Food Network??Is it a conflict of interest??
You shoulda been Top Chef, coming to Atlanta soon!!
- 02/28/2009 - 12:13pm
- binda
Hola Richard, top chef!
It was great to see you around.
Thank you for your opinions, helps to accept the fact that stephan did not win.
I really like stefan he is a good soul. Plus he was on top most of the time...
I think the moment Carla agreed to do what Casey suggested was the moment she started to loose the prize.Take care, and is great to see you in tv,
I like your hair alot, my 4 year older wants to have it done like you!saludos a tu esposa
Bindra
- 02/28/2009 - 11:45am
- demori
Hosea's winning cause Richard was in behind!! LOL I still don't think he could be Top Chef,,, he was just so lucky over all through season.
- 02/28/2009 - 10:53am
- Viewer
I'll miss reading your blogs! Not only do you give so much insight in each episode but you write them with wit and humor as well. I hope you'd still write blogs in the future. And congrats for being Top Sous Chef, but really, for so much of the viewers, you're Top Chef
- 02/28/2009 - 9:55am
- J. L.
Bravo should bring you back as a guest judge next season.
- 02/27/2009 - 10:27pm
- james fahim
I really thought that Stefan should have won, it seemed to me that the judges were judging him on personality rather then quality of chef. I've worked with many chefs of Stefans personality. To be successful, you need a big ego. It seems that all Top Chef winners have to be able to eat humble pie. Ultimately all the winners have been down to earth in personality. Stefan and Richard before him were very confident in their ability which i think ultimately cost them the tittle.
- 02/27/2009 - 3:11pm
- marge
Thanks, thats an honest and gracious account of the finale. A lot of fans are becoming more aware of the incongruous and ridiculous aspect challenges and judging, and what you chefs are faced with. I wish it could be more about the cooking and less about the twists and turns, but we fans are aware who the real top chefs are!
- 02/27/2009 - 1:29pm
- Viewer
Richard, you are my all-time favorite contestant (and probably the G.O.A.T of the show as well) on TC, and I was very bummed out when you didn't win last year. Stephanie was very good though and I could accept her win. I had vowed to boycott in the future if Lisa had won. This year I feel as though Hosea's victory was hollow. It leaves us with the feeling that an average chef 'skated' his way to the finals and lucked out to a win. He was certainly lucky in drawing yourself as well as avoiding the alligator. Stephan handled that curve ball superbly, but Hosea under the same circumstance would certainly have stumbled.
How about this instead of dumb luck in the finals? The finals contestants choose their sous chefs and extra challenges based on how many challenges they won during the season. So like a sports team fighting all year for home court advantage, Stephan would have earned the right to take Richard and stick Hosea with the gator. Let's face it, we all know that those 2 factors would have resulted in Stephan being crowned champion like he should have been anyway. The wrong person won for a second year in a row.
- 02/27/2009 - 9:11am
- RichardFan
Thank you for being so classy! I know if the tables had been reversed and your team would have lost you would never say the mean nasty things Casey has! I do agree with everyone I think the ONLY reason his food was good was b/c of you hands down. He's not really been able to make one decent dish the whole season (without help)! I can't wait till my hubby and I can come to Atlanta and eat at your restaurant! I do want to congratulate you on being "Top Sous-Chef" you really are Top Chef to LOTS of ppl! Keep up the good work!
- 02/27/2009 - 5:42am
- Becky
Congratulations! Hosea should hand that check over to you, because if he hadn't piggy-backed on you for the final competition he most surely would not won a title that he doesn't deserve.
- 02/27/2009 - 12:11am
- Tara Priya
Richard,
I could read your blogs all day! You're as a creative writer as you are a chef. I wish I could eat your food one day too,wherever you live. I also wish you were helping Stefan that night because I can't help but be negatively biased about hosea's win. He won because of you. There I said it. Anyway, I'm a big fan. All the best to you!!
- 02/26/2009 - 11:19pm
- Viewer
To read how Casey felt about being Carla's sous chef log onto sidedish.dmagazine.com I was unpleasantly surprised. Very telling.
- 02/26/2009 - 11:01pm
- Annie
Ha ha! You admitted in your blog that the best team didn't win. I think you are a great chef. You could have won Top Chef, But Hosea???????? Obviously, you contributed to his win greatly. That wasn't fair. Carla would have done better without the "help."
Let the cooks make their own meal next time and see who wins! Please!!!!!!!!!!!
- 02/26/2009 - 10:30pm
- Viewer
Stefan should have won it. The only reason I accept Hosea's win is because of Blais.
- 02/26/2009 - 10:13pm
- Rich
Richard!!! I fell in love with you last season so it was my biggest surprise to see you again. Stay on TV forever!!!!
swoooooon
- 02/26/2009 - 8:57pm
- Viewer
Richard
Congrats on winning Top Chef NY Season 5!!!
You were robbed last year & it was good to see you cook a great meal!
HaHa!
Stefan! You were Robbed!!!!!!
- 02/26/2009 - 7:50pm
- Tedi
Hosea was and still is a joke, comparing to Stefan and Carla. Should have been better to give the title to Richard instead....
- 02/26/2009 - 7:40pm
- Suzanne
Viewer at 5:34pm: Do you really think that Casey is somehow salvaging her reputation by dragging Carla's name through the mud in the most classless, unprofessional way possible, including lying about Carla's training? And after Carla's media blitz in which she was as classy and professional about Casey as she could be? The one destroying Casey's career here is CASEY, not the Bravo editing monkeys.
- 02/26/2009 - 7:29pm
- Go Richard!
The most excited I was all season was when I saw you walk into the courtyard in New Orleans. You are, by far, the most talented chef of any season of "Top Chef". Congrats on the part you played in Hosea's win. I'm afraid that you were his only hope of getting the title. I plan on dining in your restaurant when I make it from my home in Louisiana to Atlanta. Hope the new little one is well...guess he/she isn't so little anymore!
- 02/26/2009 - 6:54pm
- Alan Johnson
Richard, let me also congratulate you on your win. Your imagination and skilled touch brought your team home to victory. It's sad you had to drag that dead weight along with you to share the prize, but sometimes you've got to suck one up.
Again, congrats!
- 02/26/2009 - 5:34pm
- Viewer
I don't blame Casey a bit for defending herself. Sure, it comes across as though she's hitting Carla, but she's got a reputation and a business to protect. She's getting rolled left and right for screwing us Carla's chance.
- 02/26/2009 - 4:18pm
- matty
Wow...I wrote what I wrote after only seeing page 1...only to have you echo my thoughts as I read page 2....eeerie.
- 02/26/2009 - 4:16pm
- matty
Carla depended too much on her sous, Stefan not enough, and Hosea just right....you were a great team and you are still my favorite contestant ever.
I love your balance.
- 02/26/2009 - 3:58pm
- Viewer
Richard, how classy of you to attempt to mitigate Casey's potentially unfair edit with some kind words about her skill.
And what a shame that Casey couldn't show even an ounce of class herself:
http://sidedish.dmagazine.com/2009/02/26/casey-thompson-speaks-out-about...
I really like Casey until reading that despicable screed. It's just gross.
- 02/26/2009 - 3:34pm
- A Viewer
Richard, I loved you last season and have really enjoyed your blog this time around. Good luck to you in the future.
As far as the finale goes, it's just indescribably lame for someone to win the whole freakin' enchilada because they luck into having an incredibly talented sous chef. Hosea vs. Stefan, mano a mano, Stefan would win in a rout. Silly Bravo.
- 02/26/2009 - 1:54pm
- Viewer
Richard-Congratulations on winning TOP CHEF SEASON 5!
You really must have cooked a great meal for Hosea to win.
Oops...Hosea won?
STEFAN WAS ROBBED!!!!!!!
- 02/26/2009 - 1:39pm
- Casey Thompson
Thank you, Richard.
- 02/26/2009 - 12:52pm
- Rose
Richard,
So great to see you on the show. If I'm ever in Atlanta, I will be sure to visit your restaurant. When Hosea came out with some of those beautifully presented dishes, I knew that had to be your imagination at work. I was deeply disappointed by the finale outcome, but having you back on the show may have been the one bright spot of the episode.
Best of luck!
- 02/26/2009 - 12:32pm
- Kristin
We love you Richard. You will always be my all-time favorite and I root for you in everything you do. The creativity of 99% of Top Chefs to come will always pale in comparison to the wonders you showed all of America last season!
I was also rooting for Stefan/Carla and was shocked and disappointed with Hosea's win. He's obviously a good, even great chef. He just lacks the pure skill and elegance of Stefan and the endearing soul and humor of Carla. Sigh.
I echo the others when I say the one saving grace to this Top Chef win was your involvement. Congratulations! Although I still have to say: This is the second time in two years that the true top chef has been robbed of the title.
- 02/26/2009 - 12:02pm
- Viewer
It was so great to see you back on Top Chef. You, obviously, were a great help to Hosea. he seemed to have all of the luck last night, from the first knife pull to have you, the choice of protein, then, the ultimately wise decision to forego a desert. I love Casey, but, was so upset when Carla went with her opinions and changed her menu!! As soon as the word "sous -vide" came up with the meat, I knew that was NOT Carla's signature/forte, especially when Carla is known for her comfort food/tasty proteins and great crust/pastries, such as her tarts that have always been one of Tom's favorites and complimented by him many times!! Carla was too nice and influenced by Casey's opinions. Stefan just seemed stressed from the start and reminded me of you in the finale.. he made some itty bitty diversions and lost it by a hair/some poor luck that night. It was a nail biter. But, as you said, Hosea, hopefully, will now be able to open his own restaurant, Carla, like You, got the Car, and Won the Hearts of America, and Stefan has great talent and skill and will become even more successful by his exposure to this show. They are ALL winners in their own way and by their own unique talents.. Like you said about the "chicken and the egg".. Hope that they will all take their chicken/egg and make the most of it..
- 02/26/2009 - 12:00pm
- Viewer
Richard,
I think without you Hosea would have never won. You are wonderful and thank you for insight.
- 02/26/2009 - 11:39am
- GC
Great insight from a Top Chef finalist and one of the best personalities in the show's brief history. It was nice to see you back in action. And I would have loved to see the sous-chefs' judges table, especially since past finalists were involved.
- 02/26/2009 - 11:32am
- Girl Detective
Richard, I was disappointed by Hosea's win last night. I thought Stefan had proven over the season that he was the best chef, as you did last season. One silver lining for me was that you were top sous chef. The other was that Carla showed, as you did last year, that you don't have to be a jerk to succeed in the competition. All the best to you.
- 02/26/2009 - 10:50am
- Shawn
Hey Richard,
Big fan of your work and your time on the show.
The top three should have been Stefan, Jeff, Carla/Fabio (either one would have worked). Hosea had no reason to be there. And Leah should have been gone by episode three.(hearing her butcher the english language by using LIKE so much makes me understand why she could so poorly butcher her proteins). Stefan was obviously crass, but he had heart... helping Carla shuck her oysters in the first NO episode, which the Producers conveniently avoided showing us... schmucks.
What's funny about the judges, not to repeat what all has been said here, was that when Gail ate Stefan's 2nd dish, she said she could "taste his story", could tell where he "lived as a child"; and THEN she proceeds to say his food has no soul a few minutes later. That is offensively contradictory to Stefan and the viewing audience.
I know we all tolerated the forced product placement in the beginning because we got the chance to see young great chefs dazzle and dance with ingredients producing exciting and brave dishes that compelled us to go out to eat an extra night per week, or try that new restaurant we have heard about across town, or buy that new ingredient at the farmers market to bring home to play with in our own kitchen, but no more.
As the seasons have progressed (with a few exceptions of greatness, I'M LOOKING AT YOU BLAIS, FLIP is the best new Restaurant in Atlanta, already been there twice, YOU ROCK!), the food and entertainment value feels a little too "focus-group" produced. They dump on Stefan for having no soul... can Top Chef ever be so audacious to make that critique again?
- 02/26/2009 - 10:45am
- FanFare
Hi Richard,
I'm glad that you enjoyed yourself as much as we enjoyed seeing you back in the saddle.
Curiously, had Stefan not so nobly gave Hosea the nod to take the knife, you might have worked for him. I would have loved to see that, actually. Although you see the dessert course more of a tradition, how many diners do you know ask for a nice big hunk of heavy meat to finish off their meal??? I'd say near zero. It really doesn't make sense in the real world.
Thanks again for your witty, insightful comments. Stay happy!
- 02/26/2009 - 10:37am
- Felicitas
Hey Richard - congratulations on your Top Chef win. ;)
- 02/26/2009 - 10:18am
- Viewer X
Thanks, Richard, for all your work on this blog. It was easily the most insightful and interesting read of the bunch.
- 02/26/2009 - 9:49am
- Viewer
Yet another thoroughly entertaining blog, providing several good chuckles as well!!!
- 02/26/2009 - 8:08am
- DeeDeeDayna
You rocked it out Richard! Hosea was smart to pick you!
- 02/26/2009 - 3:14am
- Stephanie
"Sometimes, the best team doesn’t win the game."
So Richard is basically admitting that Stefan deserved to win..
- 02/26/2009 - 2:54am
- ann
not badgering the new winner, but he was not the best candidate for this title.
- 02/26/2009 - 2:49am
- Justin
Wait. So, this is really Richard Blais writing this, and not some intern? Neat!
You were the difference in this competition. As was Casey. Not sure if that was fair, and perhaps it's the producers' fault for trying to incorporate alums with personality, who just don't seem to "get it." You do get it, and that gave Hosea an unfair advantage. Good for him for drawing the correct knife. I guess.
Quick. Write a book.
- 02/26/2009 - 1:12am
- Viewer
Richard, I was glad to see Hosea win at least in part because it gave you a Top-Chef win that I really thought you deserved! Congratulations! And I really do wish they had given you more airtime, although I understand they really needed to document Carla's downfall, since so many were rooting for her (unbelievable spread on the phone poll!).
Good to see you again, hope things are going well for you!
- 02/26/2009 - 12:49am
- Liz
I rooted for you so hard in season 4, but now I resent you a little for being the only reason Hosea won. :( But that's really not your fault; you can't help the fact that you're a dedicated professional.
- 02/26/2009 - 12:27am
- Becca
Richard, you didn't help anything.
Dessert is just a tradition? Then why bother having it on a menu? Dessert is expected in a meal but on Top Chef it's treated like it's nothing. Oh it's so eaaaaaasy to make a dessert! So why can't most of you do it? If it's so friggin' easy you guys should blast it out of the park every time, but you can't (including Tom, that's why he hates it so much) so it's not that EASY is it?
A savoury can be fixed when it's cocked up while making it, dessert..you have to know what you're doing from start to finish because there ARE no second chances. THAT shows a chefs skill, I'm getting sick and tired of you and Tom and people like you slagging off the skill of making a top notch dessert just because you can't do it.
Ho had the worst record of the final three and yet surprise, surprise he wins (which we already knew thanks to Toby).
- 02/26/2009 - 12:05am
- David
It seemed Hosea was fortunate in his choice Richard, you were willing to back him up, something I think he really needed. What seems sad to me is that certain choices sunk in my view more talented chefs. Carla bloomed as the challenges became more deliberate and she was able to show her careful food. Being nice with Casey, wanting to get along, to incorporate her ideas seemed to have sunk her. I'm so sorry she did not make that tart and cook that beef her style. That said the failure to do those things eliminated her fair and square.
As for the ego that is Stephan -- he can clearly cook. He made something of the bad lot Hosea handed him with the gator and still made by most accounts the dish of the evening. By the end it seemed Tom wanted to put him in his place. The comments on the desert seemed silly. Almost any dish can is vulnerable to some sort of charge: too fussy, too simple, too complex, too pedestrian. These types of critics are themselves weak. As Stephan said "Did it taste good?" Was the dish successful on its own terms, was it prepared properly, was it tasty, was it presented well, did it correspond to the other dishes -- these are the terms that should be employed when make a judgement. In the words of the late great YSL "Fashion dies every year but style lives forever." Chocolate ice cream is eternal.
Hosea made good food that was marked by its consistency -- at least on the day that counted most. This seems enough to win but not something that seems particularly impressive in light of his middling record throughout the competition. He never seemed to really wow anyone with his dishes and could easily have gone home at various points through out the competition. Arguably Jeff, Jamie, Fabio, Carla and Stephan could all have beaten him if the breaks had gone their way at crucial moments.
- 02/25/2009 - 11:45pm
- AG
Casey's inflated ego squashed Carla's delicate nature and ultimately ruined her chance at winning Top Chef, which Carla would have done if it weren't for Casey's constant meddling and belittling "upgrades" of the simple yet strong flavors we have come to know our "Lovechild" for...FOR SHAME CASEY! You even said (condescendingly) to Carla BEFORE THE JUDGES EVEN GAVE THE VERDICT, "Awwwwww, I'm sorry I didn't get to show you off!" WHAT?! You were not supposed to be there to SHOW ANYTHING OFF...Carla would have done that on her own had you kept your selfish mouth closed! You are a sous chef! Shut up and cook! Pretentious is not always the best route Casey dear...love for food goes a lot further than an arrogantly sous vied piece of meat, and instead of doing what came natural to a talented chef, you arrogantly assumed that your way was a better way! I wonder how sobering it was to find out that the worst parts of Carla's meal were the ones YOU suggested! Congrats to Hosea...he is a truly talented chef and did an awesome job! But Carla is the winner in my book...and the big bad wolf award goes to Casey...Casey, you should be a railroad conductor! Great steering! Hope you're proud!
- 02/25/2009 - 11:21pm
- lisa
I think the choice for top chef (Hosea) is a disgrace to top chef. Stefan not only proved himself as TOP CHEF but delivered and executed all of his dishes. He won the most quick fire challenges and elimination challenges.To say that Stefan is not consistent with his dishes is a hypocrisy. I believe truly that Stefan should be rewarded for his excellence as a chef and the loss of title TOP CHEF.
- 02/25/2009 - 11:14pm
- Elena
I am so happy for Hosea! He definitely deserved to win and start his own business. And I want to thank you Richard,for helping him! You both won Top Chef!
- 02/25/2009 - 11:06pm
- Teressa
Love ya, Richard knew Hosea would win with you on his team.
More Top Chef Blogs
- Isn't it Bromantic
- Toby Young explores the benefits of being gay ... for the straight man
- Read Entry
- On Picking the “Top Chef”
- Tom Colicchio defends Hosea's win and make a suggestion for future fin
- Read Entry
- King Hosea!
- Brian Malarkey tells it like it is about the finale.
- Read Entry
Top 5 by Bravo -- What's popular on BRAVOTV.com this week
-

Real Housewives ATL, Previews
Somebody Call 9-1-1!
Why was Kim calling 9-1-1 from a Target parking lot? Find out!
-

Top Chef, Gallery
Top Chef: Where Are They Now?
Find out what's happening with your favorite cheftestants from all five seasons.
-

Real Housewives ATL, Best Moments
Tardy for the Party: Live!
Watch a sneak peek of Kim's first live performance of "Tardy for the Party"
-

Real Housewives OC, Previews
Sneak Peek: "We Don't Have to Like Each Other"
A dinner party between the OC ladies turns ugly ... watch the premiere sneak peek!
-

Salon Takeover, Rate the Look
Tabatha's Take: Celeb Hair
What does Tab think of "The Gosselin?" Rob Pattinson? Lady Gaga? Get her expert opinion now!
-

Top Chef, Recipe Finder
Hungry? Browse our Recipe Finder
Find hundreds of Top Chef dishes in our recipe finder!
-

Top Chef, Gallery
Top Chef: Where Are They Now?
Find out what's happening with your favorite cheftestants from all five seasons.
-

Top Chef, Recaps
Recap: Season 6 So Far!
Get a recap of the first six episodes served up in under 4 minutes!
-

Top Chef, Memory Match
Play with your Food
How fast can you match these Top Chef dishes?
-

Top Chef, Eat Tastefully
Eat Tastefully with Brian Malarkey
Learn how to make the Top Chef winning dishes with a healthy twist!
-

Salon Takeover, Rate the Look
Tabatha's Take: Celeb Hair
What does Tab think of "The Gosselin?" Rob Pattinson? Lady Gaga? Get her expert opinion now!
-

Real Housewives ATL, Rate the Look
She by Sheree Spring 2010 Collection
Rate the looks in Sheree Whitfield's line She by Sheree!
-

, Out and About
Bravo Stars Out and About
Check out your favorite Bravolebrities hitting the town in style.
-

Rachel Zoe, Game
The Wardrobe Room
Mix and match looks inspired by Rachel's must-haves to create the perfect Zoe-approved outfit!
-

Salon Takeover, Sneak Peeks
Sneak Peek: Don't Mess with Tabatha
Who's calling Tabatha a bitch? Watch the next 'Takeover' blowout!
-

Top Chef, Bravo Shop
Quickfire Wines
Inspire your inner Top Chef with a Napa Valley hand crafted Quickfire Wine!
-

Top Chef, Bravo Shop
Top Chef Bouquets
Three delectable bouquets inspired by Top Chef!
-

Top Chef, Bravo Shop
Top Chef: Quickfire Cookbook
Flip through 75 of Top Chef's best Quickfire Challenge recipes!
-

Top Chef, Bravo Shop
Top Chef: New York on DVD
Add Top Chef Season 5 to your DVD collection!
-

Real Housewives ATL, Bravo Shop
"Who Gonna Check Me Boo?" Tee
Make Sheree's one-liner into a fashion statement with the ATL-inspired tee!
Get Mobile
- Take Bravo With You.
- Get games, show updates, and more on your cell phone.
- Standard message charges apply.

























Comments