Richard; which was harder: Top Chef or Iron Chef America?

I enjoyed the season with you on it and thought that you should have at least tied with the winner.

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!

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.

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.

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!!

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'

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.

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

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.

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.

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. :)

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.

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.

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.

Richard, fantastic job. Hosea picked the best.

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!

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!

"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!

Way to go #1 Sous Chef -- and where are you cooking in Hotlanta now? We have missed you at Home. Thanks

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!!!!!!

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.

Richard, you. are. amazing!

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

congratulations RICHARD! you finally won.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!!

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

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.

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

Bravo should bring you back as a guest judge next season.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!!

To read how Casey felt about being Carla's sous chef log onto sidedish.dmagazine.com I was unpleasantly surprised. Very telling.

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!!!!!!!!!!!

Stefan should have won it. The only reason I accept Hosea's win is because of Blais.

Richard!!! I fell in love with you last season so it was my biggest surprise to see you again. Stay on TV forever!!!!

swoooooon

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!!!!!!

Hosea was and still is a joke, comparing to Stefan and Carla. Should have been better to give the title to Richard instead....

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.