Last one to utliize this is a rotten egg!

You have to judge based on the last meal.

Otherwise, we don't even need a finale. Just let Stefan win.

Stefan is obviously the best chef. But it's a competition. You have to win only certain battles in order to win the whole competion

I like Top Chef but I do not think that Hosea deserved to win the competition. He was not consistent enough as Stefan was. I think that from now one, the judges should look at how consistent the chefs are doing through out the competition and base their final decision on that. I think it will be fair.

I love Top Chef!!! I wish they would do a episode where the chefs had to cook gluten free. It is a growing community and would be creat to give awarness to the community. Plus it is hard to find good recipies that are gluten free, at least at this level.

TO Carla:

You said you wanted to show how to compete in a different way -- with a lot of love -- and you did! You're a winner just for being who you are. You're my favorite in this season and you're a breath of fresh air in reality shows. Spread the love, the whole world needs it more than ever :)

Dear Producers of Top Chef, After season 4, I swore that I would never watch this show again. Of course I gave season 5 a chance and got sucked in one last time. Now I know that I will never watch this show again. It has turned into reality show rejects who can(?) cook. It's too bad the show went into this direction. I can't sit through another season where people are kept on the show for the drama they create and the chefs who are clearly the cream of the crop are eliminated for poor reasons. Stefan was clearly the best talent. Hosea? are you kidding? Carla in the finals? Are you kidding? No more! Goo bye Top Chef, team rainbow et all. Sorry

How can Hosea win the title 'Top Chef'? For me, this is by far the biggest joke in TV cooking shows.
1, My feeling is that some of the judges used double standards between Stefan and other contestants. They expected much more from him than from Hosea, which is so unfair in a competition.
2, The finale rules should change next season. You can't simply select a top chef based on one last meal. Their overall performance and execution throughout the season need to be taken into account. Even you do judge them based on one last meal, please at least make it a complete one. The same reason you judge a writer by a whole article than just by few paragraghs. If a rule is flawed and stupid itself, then no fair judgement will come out of it.
3, Guests' opinions should play a bigger role in the final judgement. You can have a model sitting there judge who is the next top chef and can't listen more to professional guest chefs? In the Finale, not just Toby Young pointed out that Hosea's three courses deliberately avoided dessert, but also Hubert Keller.
Overall, I am sure lots of viewers' comments showed disappointment in Stefan's losing have big reasons.

Stefan is Top Chef!!! Tom was jealous....

This decision on a Top Chef was so random. It really doesn't make sense if one looks at the overall performance for the season. Hosea won only 1 QF on his own. His single elim win was accomplished with much help from the cast. Stefan, by contrast, won everything by himself. He rocked it out time and again. He was THE superior chef for the season. I find the show has morphed into "Tom's Favorite Cook"...

Regardless of who won and lost, I think Stefan still stands out as the most talented contestant of the season. He was kind enough to give me an interview at Intrepid Media, and was pretty hilarious.

Burning Questions With Stefan Richter

Hey, I loved all of the chefs, flaws and all! I can appreciate how hard it is to understand how Hosea won. He won the last challenge. That's how this game is played. Like I've said on another post, there is a good little show on the food channel where they do add up scores from the different events, but it is only one hour. All each week on Top Chef gets you is another week to keep on keeping on so you can get to the final 3. All is fair according to the rule of the game. I understand the feeling that the person who won the most challenges should be the winner, and in a way they are. I think Hosea is getting a pretty bad rap for something he has no control over. He made it to the end with the other two and he did the better overall that day. Again, best wishes to Hosea, Stephan, Carla and Fabio. You were great to watch! You made the season fun because there was no real or serious sniping. I LOVED watching you all help each other out! I think it was so Carla of everyone. I never felt like people were sabotaging each other. They really played the game fairly and it made it so much more enjoyable. Looking forward to next season. Hope this next group is just as soulful and fun!

I loved season 5 and I am ready to see season 6 and hopefully be in it. I think it is time to have some Chefs from St.Louis. Vegas seems to be the Gossip. How cool would that be.

Thank you, thank you for having the finale' in New Orleans. I have not found a place yet where EVERYONE as an opinion on food. I was told before I moved there to be ready to talk about and defend my opinion of what I prepare and what I eat,and it was true! Chefs are reviewed and revered. As Wynton Marsalis says in the CD jacket of "Higher Ground Hurricane Relief Benefit Concert" - New Orleans is a true American melting pot: the soul of America. A place freer than the rest of the country,where elegance met an indefinable wildness to encourage the flowering of creative intelligence. Whites, Creoles, and Negroes were strained, steamed, and stewed in a thick,sticky,below-sea-level bowl of musky gumbo. These people produced an original cuisine, an original architecture, vibrant communal ceremonies, and an original art form: jazz." I hope that everyone who went to New Orleans because of Top Chef had a positive experience and will encourage others to support the preservation and re-birth of New Orleans.

This was my husband and my favorite season. It was so nice to see these people getting along without all of the in fighting, eventhough it was a competition. I'm glad that Hosea won and took Stefan down a couple of notches, although I must admit, one of my favorite moments was when Stefan wiped away Carla's tears during ther finally. Proved that he actually isn't such an ass! Can't wait for the next season and good luck to all who gave us such an enjoyable season this time around.

If it is possible, could you find out for me where I could purchase the dress Padma wore for the finale. I absolutely love it!!!! Any info would be great. Thanks

Dee,

Ted Allen will not be coming back. He has his own competition show on another network and dissed Top Chef in his pre-debut interviews. It's fine to get your own show but to trash another show is very poor form, IMO

On another note: Dear Carla,

Your loving, positive and enthusiastic attitude throughout the entire season was inspiring to watch. I also love to cook and hope that my love shows through as yours does!

Kind regards

Why not do a points system like NASCAR does all season? Reward for consistency over a season, not luckiness in one episode. Really winning the most quickfires or challenges should pay off since they were earned over a season not 1 challenge. Time to get an even playing field for all, don't bring previous contestents in to cook on the finale who can make or break a chef. Let's save that stuff for a cookoff challenge/special with only previous contestents. Let the finale be all about those chefs who made it to the end and what they can do on their own.

My vote was for Stefan!

I just read that "Bethenny" from the NYC Housewives show, was on Top Chef? Is this true and, if so, where and when, can we watch this episode?

Love. Love. Love...The show!! Did I mention I love the show. This was my favorite season, but I was terribly disappointed with the final outcome. Nothing against Hosea, but his performance was not up to the level of Stephan or Carla. Carla was my favorite, but I would have felt a better sense of fairness if Stephan won. If is all about one day of cooking, then in my opinion, it more luck than actual cooking talent. Both Stephan and Carlas were more consistent, and to me that indicates true cooking talent. The bottomline is that if you asked me who would I want to cook for me, I would not say Hosea. My two cents

Stefan, you're the best, and I might add the most gracious. So many have already expressed how I feel about the outcome of this season. Please listen to your viewers, afterall we're the ones that will keep you on the air. I tune in for the creativity of your cheftestants, not for who's kissing who, or the unapreciated swearing and finger throwing, or in Ariane's case being thrown under the bus by two chef's? who should have been eliminated together for that. I've never seen the fantastic Emeril use these tactics on his show. I know his show is not a competition, but anyone can use poor sportsmanship and favoritism to get the ratings.
Thanks for listening hope you hear the 90% of us who agreed that this finale was insulting to those who were true chefs and your viewers as well.

Stefan should have won. Plus-he is really sexy---confidence is so sexy!

Ties with the Ilan victory as worst finish ever. My whole family yelled "NO!" when Hosea won. It was grossly unfair. Stefan is the obvious winner.

you mean to tell me that out of alllll the viewer email questions that NO ONE asked about carla taking loser caseys advice? no one...please, i am betting that was one of the biggest comments/questions and for some reason they did not address it. what a joke, along with hosea winning which is a bigger joke.

The reunion show last night was very good/fun to watch. Congratulations to Fabio!! Now. all 4 finalists have won some nice prize. Hosea, the $$$, Carla, the car and Superbowl tickets, Stefan, the great chance to work and travel with Erich Ripert, and Fabio the $$ for fan favorite. Very nice ending. They are ALL winners and will ALL fare well with their exposure from this great show.

I would like the viewers of Top Chef to vote on whether Tom should return next year, or be replaced.

A very large number of comments prove that viewers felt he destroyed this entire season with his arrogance and biased personal feelings.

Stefan was demonized by Tom for no good reason, especially when compared to other personalities we have seen over the years.

I just saw the finale-I am afraid Andy doesn't have the fans he thinks he does. I have seen him on RHW reunions too, and something about Andy is just ANNOYING. He's not likeable, he's dislikeable!!!!!!!

Very disappointng, love the show will keep watching but come ooooon. Stefan was arrogant but he could back it up. He was also compassionate. Hosea should have gone home on the farm episode. Wake up people.

i want to nkow where is fabio restaurant locate it at?

I think Stefan is thrilled not to be The Top Chef, as it will be a big benefit to him in the long run. I honestly believe him when he says it is ok that he didn't win, he knows that he is in a better position and looks forward with great anticipation. He has been catapulted to the top and he well deserves it. He is cocky, arrogant, and strong, but those are the qualities that you need in that position, to be a leader and do what it takes to get the job done. He knows what it takes, and does his craft very well. I believe it is confidence and he showed compassion and true concern for everyone on the show when it was needed. We all need a villan that is what keeps us engaged in what we are watching, it is entertainment people, and Bravo to Bravo for bringing it to the masses and creating the controversy that you did, means that you did a great job with the show or else you wouldn't have the reaction that has caused. Do you think any network is going to provide a non-entertaining show on purpose? Hmmm... think not. It was definitely disappointing to see Stefan lose but he will be just fine, remember his confidence? That is what is going to take him far, far away and he will be on Top! I am proud of you Stefan, and you are definitely a great leader. Continue to be true to yourself, it is a great quality you possess, I think alot of us maybe jealous. I love Fabio and Carla as well, they are great and I will definitely visit their restaurants. Good quality people thanks for sharing with us.

I believe Stefan when he says he is "GLAD"(how can we forget)that he is not The Top Chef and it will work to his advantage, already has in so many ways. He has a strong personality and in that business you have to be strong and set a precedent for your staff, tell it like it is but be encouraging and praise for a job well done, when it is done. You have to be a leader and strong, and he possesses those qualities, maybe a bit extreme at times but really, he is what a Chef should be. Stefan will rise to the top and yes he was compassionate when needed and that quality was noticed by alot of people. We all need a villan to make everything a bit more interesting so we can watch and do exactly what it is we are all doing, so Bravo to Bravo for cultivating the masses and producing a show that has caused so much controversy. Right on Stefan, you are going far and you were just catapulted to the top and being runner up is a far better position and you do realize it. I am proud of you and think you are amazing! Congrats on truly being a winner.

Regarless of the outcome, Jeff's restaurant, DiLido Beach Club, is my favorite of the Top Chef restaurants I've visited thus far. It's at the very back of the Ritz Carlton, virtually on the beach at the end of Lincoln Rd in Miami Beach. Really really good food and a fantastic setting. Chicken Under a Brick is to die for.

Also, for one of the best breakfasts in a down home setting, if you're in Hollywood CA, go to Betty's Grub Restaurant. If you crave french toast you have to try her cinnamon raisin french toast with strawberry butter.

Whenever we travel, my wife and I always seek out a Top Chef restaurant. In many cases the contestant's restaurants are better than the guest judges.

My primary comment is that the finale part 2 was the worst episode of the entire season. The judging seemed way too subjective and biased. The scenes in the kitchen shown in the finale seemed to show all the chefs in a more negative light. They shouldn't bring in past losers to mess up the finale. As another commenter stated, they should let the finalists bring in one of their own staff of their chosing to assist. Top Chef definitely disappointed me this season. Chefs who should have stayed were eliminated, some chefs stayed WAY too long.

what happened to ted allen? i dont like the new judge,toby. i want ted allen back.

Too bad- Stefan was clearly the best chef this season. I don't think you could do a rematch as suggested by "viewer" as Leah has probably spent the money by now. But what a great idea to have next season with just second place winners. Hosea was at best- marginal. Not what you consider a "chef". Stefan was top class all the way. Okay, a little cocky but talent worthy of cockiness. He knew he was the best from day 1. Proved it over and over again with consistant results. Just like Richard last year another great talent. I think they took Stefan too personally, but Hosea??? Come on. Carla was a joy.

I hope someday to eat at Carla's "Share the Love" restaurant. What a great contestant!

Hi, Monica - I attempted a similar post under Hosea's blog, but I never see my posts appear, so I think they just go out to the Ozone...

Just in case this one makes it to you - I'd like to know if Top Chef would consider a different premise. Score the Chefs' dishes cumulatively throughout the season. I think this might possibly be more reflective of the Chefs' talents, rather than just "Who had a Bad Day"...

And just my two cents - This has been my favorite set of chefs, so far... Watching them help each other out and, even when stressed out, acting like adults rather kids has really been a breath of fresh air.

Thanks for a great season! (I didn't necessarily agree with the judges... but it was a fun ride, nonethless!)

A total and complete disappointment. I've recorded the final episode on DVR and was going to watch it the next day... But when I found out that Hosea won, I've erased the episode without watching it... And, believe me, I was a VERY faithful viewer, and watched ALL of the Top Chef seasons... and could not wait to see this season... But if the next season ends like that - I'm NOT watihcing any more of Top Chef... Hosea should NOT have won... period!!! He might be an OK cook, but he was NOT consistent throughout the competition and he does NOT have people skills required to be a leader/Top Chef... VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!!

I was disappointed when Richard didn't win. I thought oh well thats just a fluke. But Oh no it wasnt a fluke. Now Stefan didn't win. And now people see about Top Chefs editing. That on top of not winning, Stefan is the biggent class act Top Chef ever had. What a double loss.

Boo, Boo, Boo top chef. The kids and I watch every season. Never have we been left so dissatisfied. There must be a way to change the scoring so that you are not judged only on your final challenge. Hosea is terrible. He is not even someone you love to hate, you just hate him. Not sure I can bear another season if it ends up like this. I never write comments online for anything! This was disappointing. And yes, he does look like a thumb. B00000000000000!!

I am sorry that Carla did not win!!!...However, I agree with the judges final decision to give it to Hosea. I was part of the show in New Orleans, LA and after participating in the taping and having the opportunity of tasting the food of all of the contestant. I can now see how the judges make their decisions. Good job and Fantastic SHOW.

Thanks for coming to NOLA.

Stefan should have won. Period.

It's OVER!!! You can't change the rules/outcome now.. Stop whining, people!! The judges did the best they could with the rules they followed and they seem to have deliberated for hours before making a final decision. The final 3 were all winners.. They were all good and will all go on to be successful.. Be happy for them!! They all worked hard and we want to see Top Chef back next season!! By all of the stir and comments, this started as a "boring" season with complaints from many as to how none of the chefs were talented/exciting. Well, they certainly rose to the challenge and they all presented their best and it turned out some great final challenges/venues and great guest judges. I enjoyed it.

Producers it is not too late to save this show!!! Look at how many people have been protesting the results of Season 5. I am not suggesting that you strip off Hosea's title but I think it is necessary that you also give Stefan his title. OR you can hold a competition between the two and then determine who the winner is.

I'm truly disappointed with the regular judges this year! I'm glad Toby was on this season, he was a breath of fresh air. I believe that the rules were changed this year in the finale to help Hosea to win. I have watched top chef every season and the regular judges should be ashamed of themselves..it's suppose to be Top Chef not Let me play it Safe and manipulate my way to stay Mediocre Chef! HOSEA IS MEDIOCRE AT BEST. I BELIEVE THAT RIGHT IS RIGHT and Stefan did consistently better than Hosea the whole season and it always mattered in the past seasons when it came to break a tie for the title of top chef but was totally disregarded in this one. I WILL NOT WATCH ANOTHER SEASON of Top Chef, it's not based on how well the chefs cook it's based on how well they can kiss butt. Hosea did all he could with his sidekick Leah (the worst chef) to stay alive! It was disgusting to watch, I mean really alot of better chefs were sent home while he remained. Whereas Stefan was a bit arrogant at times but he was a darn good chef and friend to many on the show. I thought this competition was based on the chefs ability to cook not on their personalities. I believe Tom Colicchio didn't like Stefan and exercised his persuasive power on the other regular judges to vote against him. In addition Tom made good on his threat to Stefan(at the judges table in finale part 1), when he told him "you come in here confident almost cocky and with that attitude you better be able to deliver!" by holding Stefan to a higher standard than everybody else. By the way, I wouldn't be surprised to find the recipes of the food Hosea cooked in the Finale in the cook books of the Best chefs of New Orleans (he has no originality)!!!

Message to Executive Producers & Tom Colicchio

It’s CLEAR that Tom C. as well as this show have both “JUMPED THE SHARK”.

(OOPS! Did someone say “shark” ??? Hey -- why don't you give Stefan a few items from the Top Chef Pantry & a couple minutes to prepare, and I bet he’ll make a great-tasting dish!!!)

I am so sorry for Carla, she had such heart, she should of stuck with what she did best. Stefan was the clear winner and sorry to say not sure how Hosea ever made it as far as he did.

Love love love the show! Wish it was on more. Could you please get rid of Padma though?? What is her purpose after all? Gte someone in there with more food experience. Having her say she likes something is like having my kid say he likes McDonalds...Thanks

OMG! I love Top Chef!
I was upset Stefan or Carly didn't win. Casey really let Carla down. Carla should have done what she does best, "Bring the love". The pressure of the finale made her second-guess herself, and she let Casey cast doubt on her choices. Hosea was more arrogant than Stefan! Hosea was not gracious, or sportsman-like at all!
I'll be voting for fan favorite tomorrow...hard decision..
Carla or Fabio? She was a delight! They have plenty of catchphrases to choose from this season:
ex.,"...tame his creative monkeys" was hilarious!