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Top Chef
Team Top Chef

Hi my little sardines! I'm going to keep this brief because, well, this episode was pretty straightforward, but wanted to count down my top five observations from the Reunion Dinner special because I want to see if you agree! These are in no particular order, and should be read with a grain of salt as I have very, er, interesting, taste in men.

1. Was Hung looking ... hot? He's always been my favorite from Season 3, and he's always been cute, but I was seriously considering making him my computer desktop yesterday. That's when you know it's bad (and that I'm a 14-year-old girl.) I'm eating at Hung's newest venture, Ajna Bar (formerly Buddha Bar) next week with my lovely Assitant Editors, so I'll report back then! (Hopefully Hung doesn't read this blog and I won't have to hang my head in shame.)

2. "Lesbian opportunivore" better not catch on. I've never heard this term before, and hopefully won't again. Stefan's fascination with ladies who like ladies is odd, but I would kind of kill to see him and Lisa share a night out on the town. When he said, "Watch out, Lisa" I almost lost it.

3. I forgot how amusing Season 5's Leah and Jamie were drunk. It's not like we haven't seen this footage of the two Season 5 chefs drunk at Judges' Table before, but it really is just so priceless. Even Tom laughs!

4. That very candid moment with Fabio made me super-uncomfortable. And although most of you will think Marcel was a giant ass during this taping, he's always been one of my faves, and I felt really bad for him. The head-shaving incident was obviously very difficult for him, and he just looked so broken having to talk about it again. On the other hand, he and Ilan are now a fun dynamic duo! Did you catch their fist pound, complete with explosion?!

5. Um, a GLAD bag bed?! When can we start buying those?! All you have to do to "change the sheets" is unwrap it!!! And how did Harold know about it? I didn't even know about that. I know Harold's been blogging about Top Chef pretty much every season since his own, but i really never realized how much he remembers about the show. His Top Chef knowledge is pretty vast at this point.

What did you guys notice that caught your eye? I want to hear all about it! Oh, and check out this little photo gallery we put together tracking some of your favorite Top Cheftestants HERE.

Comments

65 Comments
11/13/2009 - 2:40pm
TimC

Reunion show,terriffic idea. Trying to start drama by bring up past tensions,terrible idea.Ended up reminding me of the rest of the Bravo lineup, Which I NEVER watch. Stay true the shows style

11/11/2009 - 3:29pm
Patti L

I watched this episode with my husband and we both loved it. I adore Fabio, I think he is being groomed for his own show and this was a "test" so to speak. I could have done without seeing Marcel, he has a massive chip on his shoulder and could not be more on the defensive. Stefan, still as sexy as ever. Carla as always very sweet, I had the pleasure of meeting her just after she left the show but before a winner was announced. She came to one of the restaurant that my bosses own and she was nice and sweet. Very decent lady.

Please, please Bravo more gag reels, that was funny!! I love Top Chef, it never disappoints me. Go VOLTS!!

11/11/2009 - 3:27pm
renfield1969

Is Top Chef in danger of cancellation? Their support of the message boards has been mysteriously sporadic (they finally added new threads after a three-week unannounced absence,) and they decided to broadcast a filler episode in the middle of the current season? Are the ratings slipping?

11/11/2009 - 2:32pm
lorrising

Since this was my first season to view Top Chef I didn't appreciate this episode at all. As far as I was concerned it was like one long insider joke and just disrupted the season that I've actually become quite interested in. If networks wonder why they're always losing viewers it's because of stunts like this. I've reached the conclusion that it's better to not watch a season when it's going on and just wait and buy the DVD's. Then you're not at the mercy of the manipulation the networks set up.

11/11/2009 - 5:12am
Nate.

It seems pretty clear that Bravo is working on the idea (this and the website) of Fabio as much more than just a cheftestant. Not a fan of this episode, although it would be more intriguing if they brought back others...Stephanie, Antonia, Sam, Dave, Trey, etc. Would love to see more of what a lot of the participants were up to....

11/09/2009 - 11:39pm
KSM

I did like the reunion but where was Jamie, Trey, Betty and of course Sam (cool drink of water).

Would prefer more comfortable conversation instead of forced interrogation Or better yet go to their kitchens.

I also agree with more un-aired clips although was glad to re-see the Jamie / Leah giggle fest. Had forgotten how hilarious it was!

11/09/2009 - 1:37pm
sephigirl

I actually lost some respect for Fabio - he was not so likeable in this role as bully/host. Why didn't he bring up Stefan's goofing off that irked Hosea? And Hosea and Leahann? Lisa's temper or Dale's temper tantrums? Or everybody elses' meltdowns? Why show Marcel as Season 2's punching bag? And if so, why not show how idiotic his bullies were? Frank's "I'm a gentleman" shown with all those clips of him being an ass? Or Sam yelling obscenities at Marcel in a public store? Marcel has always been about the food - and no doubt he accepted this invite to cook and to taste. This show really didn't highlight the food; it hightlighted the antics. People loved Marcel's fish, yet comments were "off camera" not during dinner. Discuss the foods, the menus, the cooking styles! And I LOVE Marcel for calling Stefan on the carpet when Stefan said Marcel was a "tw*t" Go Marcel! As for the rest of the drama . . . Move on!

11/09/2009 - 11:40am
Save it for Summer

This sort of episode needs to be saved for the summer, not in place of a new episode in the middle of the season! While it was somewhat interesting to rehash all of the old drama, this was a major disappointment in place of...

11/09/2009 - 12:25am
Virginia from NY

Monica,

Thanks for responding to my query about past recipes. I still don't understand why you can't just keep ALL the past recipes on the site. I mean, isn't virtual space infinite? Aren't they putting the entire Library of Congress online? What's a few more recipes compared to all those weighty tomes?

On to your suggestions. I have the Top Chef cookbook but, alas, it only covers the first 3 seasons. Your other plan of action, ie, bugging my favorite Bravotv.com editor for the recipes I seek... well now, THAT'S a brilliant idea. So here goes. Please send me these from season 4:

1. The "Fire" dish from the Earth, Fire, Water, Air challenge. Lisa, Dale & one other person. There was shrimp with a chili sauce, miso bacon, and a salad with jalapenos.

2. Antonia's winning noodle dish in the one pot challenge with kids.

3. Lisa's 1st dish from Restaurant Wars. Laksa?

4. Lisa's dishes from the finale.

5. The bison wrap from the box lunch for cops challenge. I think it was Dale's.

See? Wouldn't it be easier to just keep the recipes available? I appreciate your help.

11/08/2009 - 6:59pm
GA

I loved seeing the former Top Chef cheftestants come back and be able to cook what they wanted without time constraints and "quirky" challenges. It reminds me of how talented they really are. I always am interested in what they are doing and how Top Chef changed them.

11/08/2009 - 4:17pm
Deb M

I know Bravo has been known to do these silly reunion shows in the past, they never really amount to much substance and I end up wishing I didn't watch at all. Fabio should have been in the kitchen cooking and not hosting...he looked like he was being handed his lines one by one,and there should have been more focus on cooking, not rehashing stuff that happened years ago. A big disappointment to see him go after Carla, Casey, Lisa and Marve/Ilan like that--get over it Bravo! Get back to getting these guys in the kitchen competing and doing what they do best. This was waster filler only and a huge disappointment. Poor Harold looked miserable--hope he got paid for having to fly out there and deal with that scripted drama.

11/08/2009 - 2:27pm
SF gal

Face it--the characters make this show interesting, so of course we want to see them again. There are plenty of boring, forgettable cooking shows just about food--you might see these once during a home sickleave, but sure wouldn't come back for a rerun. I agree with Fabio--if the contestants don't want to revisit old history, they can just say no to the reunion invitation--I'm sure others were invited and declined. (It's like those MTV Road Rules/Real World competitions where people keep coming back for more abuse--a way to extend one's 15 minutes of fame and make some cash). That said, Marcel does seem embittered by his season, and understandably so. He is one of the smartest, most creative & talented chefs ever on the show, with a very different approach to food--and a truly unique human being. Fabio implied he was weak if he felt he was somekind of victim--hmmm...being pulled from sleep, held down, and nearly abused while a gang watched & taunted? I'd say that qualifies--came too close to disaster to be simply brushed aside as "boyish pranks." Was that funny? Never. Shameful? You bet.

11/08/2009 - 11:58am
3D

Not my favorite Top Chef episode - The last time I was subjected to that kind of drama was at a family reunion. Marcel is so easily baited he should feel used.

11/08/2009 - 10:35am
Bea

C'mon, they knew what they were getting into when they were invited. If not, they should ask about the "Fine print" before they sign up to do a reunion show. Or have it entered in the contract what they won't discuss. But the whining "tired of talking about it", what else do some of the chef's have to talk about?? I personally thought Marcel was upset because he thought Fabio was bringing up the drinking incident in Miami that Marcel was arrested for earlier this year, or last year.

If the Chef's want the publicity for their current ventures, they arent going to get it scott free. The price is the discussion of filming left-over's so to speak.

It was entertaining, but not in the Top 10 of shows. I do wish the producers had focused more on the fun and positive, instead of the whining and cantekerous (sorry Harold, I love you but you are in this group as well).

Give Fabio his own International Top Chef show!!! I think he can carry it!

11/08/2009 - 12:22am
Bon

Very week episode. More food, less drama, please.

11/07/2009 - 8:17pm
AmoFabio

FABIO rules. but this episode sucks.

11/07/2009 - 12:34pm
jamie's #1 fan

stick to the food! i only watch bravo for top chef, but if it becomes as trashy as housewives, you will have lost another viewer. i loved Masters for being classy, food-focused, and for highlighting just how well good chefs can work together. please don't do this again and bring back the show i loved based on good food!

11/07/2009 - 10:26am
AJB

Adding my voice to those who thought this episode was awfully lackluster. There's only about 5 minutes of greatness in this episode- 1) Marcel skipping up the stairs, 2) Fabio-Stefan banter, 3) Richard Blais paranoia.

Bravo- if you want to reuse footage you've already shot, that's fine, show us more NEW stuff! There's got to be so much gold that no one's every seen before. The stew room outtake from season 4 ("You have 1 hour to cook a hobbit-GO!") is easily one of my favorite top-chef moments, and it wasn't even in an actual episode!

11/07/2009 - 12:15am
LA Viewer

I am a loyal Top Chef fan --- I've watched every episode multiple times, read everyone's blogs, read all the bios, etc. I do not watch the other food shows on TV because they don't even come close. Top Chef is a smarter show -- the challenges are very clever, the judges are so articulate in explaining why a dish didn't work, the shows are edited in such a way that the program is enjoyable but is also a great teacher about food, technique, preparation, pairing and eating. I am not a cook, but it has inspired me to make better choices in selecting foods, be more adventurous about the ingredients I purchase, and to even try my hand at a few dishes. I can echo many of the comments from other viewers about what this reunion show should have been. But, my biggest disappointment came from how stupid it all was. I could pick on each comment that some of the chefs said, but no one looked particularly good. Fabio tried his best, but even his charisma couldn't salvage the poorly written questions. I am so surprised --- was Chef Tom really a part of this? I doubt it. This was more like a bad drama. I'm still a fan of the show and the chefs, but I am very disappointed in the producers for stooping.

11/06/2009 - 11:49pm
qoqo

Have to agree with the general disappointment over this reunion. It was a highlight reel of Bottom Chef though some of it was fun. That I couldn't dislike Fabio for the line of questioning chosen for him, is a testament to his eminent likeability. Maybe it was the editing, but Carla and Casey don''t seem comfortable about their history which is understandable, but sad to be reminded of. Did you taste this dish before you served it?

11/06/2009 - 10:14pm
ny viewer guy 2000 and girlfriend

This was a TERRIBLE episode. I do not care about the drama. I care about the food. Why on earth would you force Fabio to force them to awkwardly talk about past drama that no one still cares about? Either run a damn clips show (which I will turn off) or actually run a cooking competition with all-stars, e.g., the holiday special (which I will look forward to all week). So disappointed in Bravo right now.

11/06/2009 - 6:01pm
LittleCherry girl

Harold knew about the Glad bed because it was in one of those outtake shots that they show during the commercial breaks during Season 5.

I can't imagine how cool that would have been to be at Whole Foods while the Top of the Top Chefs went shopping :) I would have loved to have been there.

And Hung is SO hot :)

And I can totally understand why Marcel was a little defensive and a little peeved during the show. I'm not a Lisa fan and in the world of Top Chef Villains, it seems like she's the top Villain. I'm not condoning a show where everyone is picked on, but if Marcel was going to get picked on, you may as well have started on picking on Lisa, too.

11/06/2009 - 5:12pm
The Reginald Dwight

I enjoyed watching this show, and did not feel all the "drama" dominated the hour as much as some others seem to. I loved it when Richard said that he was dying to compete again. I am glad all these former finalists all got a chance to cook for each other; I'm sure that was a special experience for all of the chefs. I really enjoyed the slammin' salt-encrusted tai snapper dish that Ilan and Marcel made. I'm sure it was absolutely delicious.

Seriously, I would have loved to have been at this dinner with all this heart-felt wonderful and expensive food, made by so many talented people trying to impress each other. I'm sure I would have loved each and every course as well as the company.

I will say I'm glad that the competition resumes next week as I do greatly prefer the standard Top Chef show. But as a one-time thing this reunion dinner--well, I liked it, and am glad I watched it.

11/06/2009 - 3:23pm
Silver Spring Viewer

Just want to echo the other viewers that this was a very disappointing show and not the best way to let us see some of our favorites from seasons past. Clearly something was edited out when Fabio stood up and asked for the cameras to be turned off, why leave that in at all if you don't show us what happened to provoke him? He was a charming host over all but the format was very strange. We loved the parts showing them cooking, but don't learn anything from the table chit chat. Were only these chefs invited? Perhaps the ones we did not see (LeeAnn, Betty, Jamie, Brian, Tre, Hosea, etc.) were more aware of the pitfalls that Bravo editing and producers who like to show negative and ugly moments would prevail in this so-called reunion show. Next time just have one on one interviews with the former cheftestants letting us know where they are now and how appearing on Top Chef affected them professionally and personally, that is really what we want to know! Let's Cook!

11/06/2009 - 3:22pm
home cook

It was almost as though this show was to point out that the people that have appeared on Top Chef are not anywhere near the level of the Top Chef Masters, and still have a long way to go. It is becoming clear that these are people still trying to prove themselves.

Actually that was written about the Chefs, but I think it could be said about the producers at Bravo as well.

11/06/2009 - 2:18pm
Sammie Pie

Sam who was missing is the hottest.

11/06/2009 - 2:18pm
BLB

I agree with many on this board. The tension seemed forced and it was overall uncomfortable. I like the idea of catching up with contestants from past seasons, but I would have preferred a clip show, where exes commented on their favorite/uncomfortable/memorable moments. Forcing Fabio to ask awkward questions was just painful. Sorry. I'll keep watching Top Chef, Top Chef Masters and Top Chef: Pastry?--but I'll skip the next dinner special.

11/06/2009 - 2:16pm
Sherri L.

I thought Harold looked uncomfortable like he didn't want to be there. Maybe too much time has passes since his season and he's just not into it anymore. Can't blame him. Still love him.

Where was Dave? I'm not your bitch bitch. Loved that one.

Where was forgot his name? Culinary Boner? LOL.

Where was Hot Sam who I wished won season 2?

11/06/2009 - 12:08pm
pat in chicagp

I would have preferred a "lost footage" show with the chef's commenting on the clips.

11/06/2009 - 6:52am
pandorita

Just two things: Marcel hasn't learned self-awareness and Stefan reawakens the mad, mad crush I've had on him since I saw him peeling those apples...

11/06/2009 - 5:05am
Vegas Viewer

Was the comment made by Marcel about fish sauce really necessary? I am Asian American and I am not offended easily, however, his tone while making the comment and his portrayed behavior in the entirety of the episode left me with a very sour impression of him. If you want to be a victim fine be a victim, but don’t agree to go on a reunion special of the reality show you were on if you don’t want unfavorable parts of your past to be rehashed. Pathetic.

11/06/2009 - 1:07am
MD viewer

The reunion show was TERRIBLE and an insult to loyal Top Chef fans! What was the point of dredging up old nonsense? I would have liked to catch up with the cheftestants and see what they are up to now. I thought it was disresptful to the viewers and to these skilled men and women to have to be embarrassed this way. I couldn't even watch the whole thing. Does every show nowadays have to resort to this kind of garbage??

11/05/2009 - 10:10pm
Glory

I'm a big fan of Fabio, so happy to have him host this reunion. Him & Stefan obviously have a special friendship and their bawdy sense of humor is fun to watch. Was also a big fan of Hung & Carla, so glad they are doing well, along w/ the other chefs.
Marcel had a right to be defensive, I know he must be sick of everyone bringing up the past, but he was too defensive at times when he should have just made jokes of it. Anyway good show, can't wait for Master Chef to come back though, a very classy show!!!

11/05/2009 - 7:56pm
Jantina

I liked this episode. Yes, I missed having another episode of the competition but seeing the past cheftestants was fun. I loved watching them cook. The deleted footage was great and I wish they would've shown a lot more deleted stuff instead of rehashing stuff we've seen a thousand times. Fabio, with his cute accent, was a great host. Okay, so there wasn't any competing but I'll quote the show, "It is what it is."

11/05/2009 - 7:30pm
Bob W

Awful idea. An hour of my life I will never get back. Let's get back to cooking.

11/05/2009 - 5:42pm
Seattle Viewer

At first I was looking forward to the reunion special. But less then 15 minutes into it, I stopped and instead watched my other recording of Criminal Minds. (It's somewhat telling that I was more comfortable watching a show about a serial killer who collected victim's eyeballs than watch the manufactured drama at the Top Chef table.) It was early this morning that I was able to finish watching the show. The tension and stress that the producers dredged up was so transparent and ruined much of the show for me. To me, it's about the amazing food, the creativity, and the challenge. The show would have been so much better if you had focused on the food and the chefs' experiences with different challenges. In hindsight, what would they have done differently? I wanted to hear more comments about different bites from the delicious food being served... Poor Fabio--he's a natural charmer, but even he couldn't segue into emotionally manipulative questions without acting like he has the sensitivity of a sledgehammer. I did enjoy seeing unseen footage and hearing the chefs describe favorite scenes or challenges from their seasons. I hated seeing Marcel not allowed to relax with the unrelenting microscope on his personal trauma. Asking "Do you feel you were a victim?" was the most asinine question ever!
Please... if you do a similar show in the future, focus on the FOOD. After all for most of us, that's what brought us to Top Chef in the first place.

11/05/2009 - 5:07pm
PatrickP

You know how sometimes you will get a dish on top chef where the judges will say something like, "I think the original concept of the dish was good but clearly there was a loss of focus in the execution. Way too many ingredients thrown together, some worked well but most clashed and the dish became less than the sum of their parts. Kind of mess in the end."

Well, substitute the word "show" for "dish" and that's my take on last night's episode.

11/05/2009 - 4:12pm
Competition good - Reality Bad

There's a reason some of us love Top Chef and despise Housewives. The reunion show took out the skilled competition part of Top Chef, and focused mainly on the 'Housewives-ish' drama stuff. Blech. Don't do it again.

11/05/2009 - 3:37pm
unimpressed

I got excited when Fabio busted out the knives. Then when Tom never showed up I got more and more disappointed. It was obvious that Fabio was forced to discuss old drama because Bravo told him to. Did not feel real. The show ended and I was like, "really?" waste of an hour. Never want to see this trash or anything like it on Bravo again. And might I add, I do watch many a Bravo tv show.

11/05/2009 - 3:13pm
Ron G

I think the language barrier caused most of the problem with Marcel. I beleive what Fabio was trying to say and what he actually said are two different things. For example when Fabio said marcel looked angry and wanted to beat people up I beleive he was talking about how he was portrayed in Season 2 but Marcel took it as him talking about them from there brief meeting.

11/05/2009 - 3:11pm
Dorisska

I was disappointed when I tuned in to see a real episode of Top Chef and got the reunion show. I did not enjoy it. Please, get back to the competition.

11/05/2009 - 2:19pm
Viewer2

I enjoyed the show, but as I've only been watching since season 3, much of it was new to me. Fabio did a fabulous job. It seemed a good idea to give the chefs a forum to clear up some of the controversial situations that we saw on the show. I don't think it was out of line for Marcel to be questioned about an uncomfortable incident. If he didn't want to answer the questions, he should have deflected the question in a much more tactful and classy manner. And as Fabio said, don't come on the show if you're not going to cooperate. I thought Carla and Casey both handled their misunderstanding in a very mature mannner. And I'm sure it has given them both closure to a very unfortunate situation. I would personally like to see a reunion show for each season when everyone from each respective season shows up, shares best and worst memories from the show, talk about how the show has impacted their life, and then have one final cook off to be judged by the TC judges. Winner take all.

11/05/2009 - 2:18pm
IL Viewer

PLEASE do not give us this type of show again. Except for Fabio, it was not entertaining. We watch Top Chef to see talented chefs in action & for the great food they make. Don't bring it down to the level of those Housewives, it's so distasteful. Would prefer to never see Marcel on TV again.

11/05/2009 - 1:44pm
Doggie

Please don't do this type of show again. It was painful and irritating to watch. Viewers do not need to see a rehash of all the fighting! We watch Top Chef for the food and not the drama.

11/05/2009 - 1:37pm
RabidChild

What was this - a Top Chef Reunion or a lame clip show? We viewers hate it when Lost and other shows do it, why must you?

11/05/2009 - 1:06pm
tinemarie

This could have been great fun. Excellent chefs, re-visiting the past....
Fabio is naturally charming, but it was so obvious that he "had" to stir things up. That gave a false note to everything.
The whole Marcel thing is STILL disturbing. A similar thing seems to be going on with Robin in Season 6. We all know we do not get along with everyone, and some people can just rub us the wrong way. But when a group of people gang up on one person, it is a bad mob mentality. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth, not worthy of this show.

11/05/2009 - 12:56pm
JosephSh

First of all, loved the show. I would like to see these reunion episodes more often. And any chance to get Fabio back on screen is welcome.
But I agree that bringing up the Marcel incident was unnecessary, unfair to him, and brought the show down. It would be one thing if it was never discussed, but I believe it was adequately addressed during the course of that season. I understand bringing up such issues during the season-specific reunion shows, but for a special like this I would prefer they spare the drama.

Having said that, Fabio was right - unless the producers stated otherwise to Marcel when he was invited, he should have expected the head shaving incident to be brought up.

11/05/2009 - 12:54pm
Suzanne B.

I agree with Alex B. a match up pf former chef's with new ones would have us all watching intently. What Top Chef Masters showed us over and over was that kindness and respect for eachother was just as much fun to watch. The Reunion show was uncomfortable because it showed the downside too often of being in close quarters. We all watched it then and did not want to see it again. Re-Think the highlights next year, please.

11/05/2009 - 12:49pm
Byteme

LOVED the outtakes...and the fact that some of the chefs did not take the bait and start pounding eachother at the table.
HATED the way the Fabio was clearly instructed to prod the chefs into confrontation mode.
Another viewer said he found 'Masters' refreshing for the lack of juvenile backstabbing and whining...ME TOO!! Those chefs were classy and professional and thrilling to watch. That show was the most compelling culinary show I have ever seen.
I suspect the producers feel the bitchiness is good drama. To me, it's high school and uncomfortable to watch. Unfortunately, I seem to be in the minority. Very sad.

11/05/2009 - 10:57am
ND Viewer

My favorite part of the show was Richard and his comments on himself -- Didn't realize he was like that so much while on the show. Other than that - the show was just okay.

11/05/2009 - 10:20am
This Dinner Spoiled My Appetite

I really enjoyed Fabio during his season (and from all the screen time he's been getting from Bravo lately, evidently, so did they).

But I'm can't say I'm totally sold on the role he had as the dinner host last night. I felt like perhaps the producers were pushing him to be a bit to "Jerry Springer" when a more laid-back, style would his fit his personality - and interaction with the other chefs - much more flawlessly.

If I were a former cheftestant viewing this "reunion" I can't say that I'd ever sign up if invited.

As a viewer, I think I would have much rather preferred more "unseen footage" and reflective commentary from the chefs and judges involved at that time. The confrontational nature that was encouraged over dinner really spoiled my appetite.

11/05/2009 - 10:19am
els

I think Fabio is great and this kind of show was a nice filler. But I agree with everyone that there was no need to dredge up the unpleasant stuff. Most Top Chef viewers do not watch for the fights or problems but for the food (and the fun - nothing is better than seeing the chefs become friends and have fun). I fast forwarded through all of the "big (unpleasant) moments." You guys can do better. How about a show where we actually go to the restaraunts of the past winners or finalists and see what they are doing now?

11/05/2009 - 10:19am
aaa

I love Fabio hosting the show. He is so good at it --makes the show more humane with his italian charm.

You should consider him as a host!!!

11/05/2009 - 9:41am
OrlandoRob

What a disapointment. I love Top Chef, but this show just brings up the parts of the show I like least. I think the reason I enjoyed Top Chef Masters was the lack of back bitting and fighting.

11/05/2009 - 9:16am
Viewer kathybat

and one last thing - of course Stephan has a thing for lesbians, what's more ultimately manly then being able to "turn one" ?? I actually love Stephan and how he could laugh at himself (except whenever he lost LOL) but he's got a huge, huge ego.

11/05/2009 - 9:15am
Viewer kathybat

I really enjoyed this, it was nice to see them just relaxing and remembering, but Fabio is right of course - it's a show to garner ratings and give the audience what they want, which is possibly another perspective on the incidents that happened - no different then having the people blog about it or participate in the season ending reunion specials. They've all been around enough to know that the big moments will continue to be brought up - the Carla and what's her name thing, Ilian and Marcel + the attack. Take the job (because I'm sure they all got paid to be there) or don't.

I think my favorite part was Richards description of himself "do I smell bacon in the other room? I hear someone talking, is that a french accent, are we doing something with french food"...

11/05/2009 - 9:02am
BB

I thought the show's concept was interesting but turned into a tabloid nasty Magazine show. We All know the So called catty stuff That took place on the show.
Would have been more interesting if Fabio didn't try to always rehash the old crap, he was directed poorly!
The Contestants that came for dinner are all extremely talented and I bet Have some great stories that we never heard either about the show or There own lives.I just wish Top Chef Would take the High road And respect their Viewers MORE.
Great Concept next time Maybe You should let me host the dinner party.And I would have kept it interesting not Boring

11/05/2009 - 7:46am
BGirl

The negatives:
First off: the showing of this reunion could have waited until after the current season is complete.
Next: Marcel was edited again in a most unfavorable light. He seemed more immature and nervous than in his season.
Next: Back to Marcel - dredging up the most vile scene in all of TC (i.e. the head shave incident) reminds viewers that an assault took place. This had no purpose being brought up except for prurient interest. BTW: Marcel stated that he and Ilan are not BFF. There is still tension there.
Next: The choice of castmates left off two glaring omissions: Hosea (the Top Meal Winner) and Stephanie. Weren't they invited?
Next: Editing and sound were problematic. It was hard to follow when the cast spoke over each other.
The Positives:
First off: Hung Hot? Not! But he is much calmer and cooler. (Marcel should take note of his BFF.)
Next: The Carla/Casey controversy was finally resolved. Both ladies were very respectful toward each other and everyone else.
Next: It was great to see Fabio and Stefan back again. Their friendship will endure.
Next: Fabio's charm really showed through. His paternal instinct was also amazing when he chastized the complaining cast.
Next: Richard's enthusiasm was hilarious.
Next: Stefan dogging every female in sight was very funny. I think he's kidding when he chases the women who are unavailable to him due to their orientation.
Next: Watching them all work together in the kitchen in a non competitive way was great.
Next: The food looked really wonderful.

11/05/2009 - 7:45am
Alex B.

Okay. Blunt truth: Nice, nostalgic, but underwhelming. It's not the same without SOME competition, but the food porn was nice to look at.

You guys SERIOUSLY need to do an All-Season Cheftestant Competition. People would kill to see either some kind of Ultimate Top Chef tournament with a Top Chef Masters format for 16 contestants gradually whittled down to a group of 4. (Lord knows, you guys have more than enough past contestants to pull this off.)

OR, some key head-to-heads: Harold vs. Bryan V, Michael V vs. Hung, Jen vs. Tiffani, Carla vs. Stephanie, Kevin vs. Stefan. I think y'all can get the idea- and judged by The TC panel, PLUS BOURDAIN!

Pretty, pretty, PRETTY please think about it? (Word. Thanks.)

11/05/2009 - 3:36am
MisterPink

I was pretty curious about Fabio's "candid moment". It seemed to me that the producers were pushing him to dredge up old memories and he was trying to explain that it wasn't his idea. The editing (and Fabio's accent) made the moment extremely confusing.

11/05/2009 - 2:25am
Kenn

It was enjoyable to see some of the cheftestants from previous seasons again ,, and in a less stressful venue. It was fun to listen to them reminiscing about their experiences in Top Chef competition. I wish the conversation would have focussed more on "worst" and "best" challenges they faced when they were competing ,, and less on the Marcel/Ian mess. I sensed that Marcel was a bit uncomfortable with the line of questions, and I don't blame him -- but he did make a few ungentlemanly comments to some other cheftestants too. (During season 2, I thought Marcel to be a talented but immature prima donna. He has grown some over the past two years ,, but the original assessment remains.)
Overall I think the concept of an "All Season Cheftestant Reunion" is a great idea, and this first edition was a good start to something I believe can be a successful follow up show to Top Chef.

11/05/2009 - 2:09am
Winona

Marcel seemed super testy! He was uncomfortable to watch because he seemed so cantankerous. Like a grumpy old man trapped in a young guy's body.

But I love his Wolfman costume. That was awesome!

11/05/2009 - 12:46am
m-ma

The entire Marcel incident was horrible. The fact that he was asked to re-live an actual physical attack is beyond the pale. Regardless of the fact that he agreed to come on, the fact that you forced him to talk about the attack was in poor taste and just horrifying to see. Thank god I was able to fast forward right on through it.

11/04/2009 - 11:48pm
Really?

Really? A special just to remind us of all the crap we hated the first time?
However, Fabio was right; if you don't want to take part, then DON"T COME! Really pitiful at times.

11/04/2009 - 11:05pm
PA Viewer

I was glad to see the footage of the "sous chefs" at Judges' Table for the first time with Gail trying to be a giant pacifist to no avail. So entertaining.

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