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I am late too with this.

I disagree with the last reviewer. I think the decision came down to the food made that night - so much so - that they had to go dish by dish to make a call. It was clear when they were eating, that the Venison was their overwhelming favorite dish at the table.
It saddened me- as I didn't care personally for Hosea (cooking or behavior). But
the call was just. Flavor depth wise - Carla should have won - but she blew it.
Technically Stefan was the strongest chef there- but he blew it.

On a different night - with the winds blowing in a different direction- there may have been a different outcome -most likely there would be.

But - ON THIS NIGHT. WITH THAT FOOD. AND THOSE WINDS . . .
THE BEST TASTING FOOD WAS COOKED BY HOSEA.

I know I'm weighing in very late on this topic, but after reading the many other comments in support of Stefan last season, I felt compelled to write my own.

Although I understand that the selection of TOP CHEF is not based on the cumulative performance of a cheftestant throughout the season (the experience of Season 5 makes me wonder if it should be), like others have said, there is no question Stefan was the best chef in the group. His food was much more interesting, creative, and refined than that of any other cheftestant, including Hosea. Given the judges comments throughout the season, it seems Stefan's food tasted the best as well. It certainly looked amazing.

So what if the guy is a little cocky? At least he coats his pride in a bit of charm. Clearly, he was popular with viewers. I agree with others who say that you (Tom) let your personal feelings get in the way of your judging here. Your dislike of Stefan was rather obvious at times. Even if you did want to stick it to Toby (and I can understand why!), you shouldn't have let Stefan pay the price.

Sure, your justification for selecting Hosea is solid. The guy cooked well, but he chose the easy way out most of the time and didn't exhibit much flair. Also, his frequent attempts to stymie Stefan were rather immature and really unprofessional (and largely unsuccessful). Look at how the TOP CHEF MASTERS treated each other. With one exception that I can recall, they always supported each other as much as possible. That's what a TOP CHEF does.

I hope personal views will not get in the way of the judging this season.

I love Top Chef!!!! Season 5 was my 1st season but I've been through all the old season's reruns and love them all, but season 5 is definitely the best. I even named a puppy Fabio!

This is the first "reality show" that I actually like. This is also the first show that both my husband and I actually enjoy watching together. We actually look forward to it.

Tom and Padma rock!!!!Gail is cool and Toby is too. Fabio and Stefan stole the show though.

Let's see if season 6 can top season 5. See ya in the kitchen!!!

hi tom
iam a top chef fan
i am looking forward to watching season 6
i wanted ask how will it look for season 6?
tim rice

Hi Tom-

I had an idea for a challenge.
Since the chef's all comment that the food would be better if they had more time, then let's give it to them. Have them cook a roast, ham, loin, whatever, the exact way they want to. Then throw them the twist. Have them place it in the refer and store it over night. Then the real challenge would be to create a new dish from the left-over meat.
My guess is that it really will cause them a world of hurt and grief. After all, how often would they normally cook with leftovers?

Love the show!
Keep up the fine TV.

Steve

Dear Tom,
I have watched Top Chef since session 1. I have learn so much
about fine dining. My husband and I are going to Rome for the first time in June 2010. I want the special dining experience
in Rome. If you would please recommend a restaurant that will us that once in a life time thrill, we would greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Ruth Ann

HEY TOM - HAVE A CHALLENGE FOR YOU!

Why don't you have a "Joes vs. Pros" challenge.
We average Joes/Josephines do try to go beyond and make gourmet meals for our busy families on the run. It would be so fun to have to make the pros serve up an "eat and run meal" gourmet style - head to head against some regular moms/dads serving up their own amazing creations. I bet you would be surprised at the results. It would be fun to watch the pros sweat it out at the table with the regular judges plus the toughest judges of all the KIDS! Kids really do appreciate good food too and what better way to get them interested in the creativity and art of cooking!

I must have watched each epeisode of each season 20 times. I love to interplay between the contestants. I also love seeing Padma, Let's face it she is hot. I thought Tom and Toby had a personality conflict and everyone was glad to see Gail return. I also believe that Hung has been the best chef yet, but did not have the best presentation on the final stage... I believe that belonged to Dale and Casey just flat out choked. For the Masters Show, I would like to see them cook realistic dishes, not Stuff from a candy machine, let's see their true talent. Also is Chopped with Tim Allen a blatent rip off and are their hard feelings or is is that the more cooking competition, the better. Best chef Not to win...SAM . Most hated of all show Marcel, would never hire him. Keep up the good work this is the best show on TV

Not really a comment on Top Chef but the "Masters".

Hope they go back to Top Chef version. Watched one show of Masters and did not like and have watched no more but still watch all the reruns of Top Chef regardless of how many times seen them before.

New show sucks. Sorry.

I was a real fan of the show until I heard Tom say "We don't care what goes on in the kitchen, we just judge your food". If they don't care about the character of the chef or if he cheats to win or if he has no respect for the other people in the kitchen then its nothing more than a crummy cooking show.

I been watching this show from day one it's great but it's the time to take 3 people from all seasons and bring them back and give them one more chance to win like david tiffey and steven and Sam and the guy with the weired hair and Betty bring back dale richard and lisa and bring back The other Dale and The blonde girl at the end of the show sorry can't recall all of there names and on the last show,Bring back the two guys from the other country and the women who does the weired call for her husband.Now that would be a great show to have them all back.That would be a hell of of a show that everyone one would love to watch.Please think about this that would be one great show

I'm definitely not a chef, more of a bad cook. Love to eat though. I never miss Top Chef. I think it would be cool to have the chefs prepare all wild game and the guest judge to be Ted Nugent. He can definitely prepare wild game. Have the competition take place in Michigan at Nugent's compound. It would really spice up the show.

I want you and Padma on Top Chef Masters. I already miss both of you especially you.

I just have a question. What happened to Padma and where are you on Top Chef Masters??

what happen to my top chef idk if i will b watching it this year i know master chefs can cook im just a cook like all the other people that was on your show thats what maid it so good

Hi Tom,
I see that you're coming to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on June 4. I work at Frontier Natural Products Co-op and would like to know if you use organic herbs & spices for seasonings?

Hello Tom

I have a question I would like to ask?

Please could you advise my daughter and I on how were able to locate a cultery school for 10 year olds. We live in Orlando.

Let me tell you begin by telling you the story. My daughter (Lauryn) as been watching Food Network since she was 5. Lauryn wants to cook, when she arrives home from school every day Lauryn will do her homework, pratice piano, pratice flute and then watch Food Network locates a recipe she would like to make and gathers all the ingredients and continues with her own cooking lesson until she gets it spot on.

This is truely true Lauryn just wants to cook all the time, she as a wonderful flare for food and great taste, Lauryn will tell you want seasonings you;ve used to season your meats or vegetables. Really Tom she truely is remarkable and as a gift. I just need for someone to point Lauryn and I in the direction for her to pursue this gift. I would appreciate any help. Thank you Sharon

I don't think you need to defend your decision at all. It's not about who was the Top Chef all season, but for that one meal, and obviously, if someone didn't perform at their best for this last challenge, then they shouldn't have won. I think you absolutely picked the right person. I've enjoyed top chef from season one, but as a person with food allergies I'd like to see you throw some tougher challenges to the new group of chefs. Try no wheat, no dairy, substitutions only. That's how I have to cook everyday and not everything adapts well. Now that's a challenge!

tom, I was fortunate enough to get to meet you at the Vegas Uncorked events this weekend and it's nice to know you are the exact same person on tv that you are in person. I am very much looking forward to seeing the new Las Vegas season. I look forward to seeing the damage they do in Robuchon's kitchen. Oh and the brunch at Craftsteak was perfection! I still stand by what I said about Hosea though :) Lets hope the new season candidates aren't as douchey.

Tom
we are not interested in your personal feelings about the contestants. This show is about top chef. Hosea is not a top chef. I am not going to watch this show ever again.

You're correct, this is a competition. And as far as defending your judgment goes, you blew it.

so what city is top chef going to next? i hope its seattle, there is so much great food in the northwest, and having pike's place market its everything the show is about! and speaking of the show, is top chef available on dvd and if not when will it be?

What is it about Tom that is so incredibly sexy? Can't decide if it's his beat on the ever-discriminating palate, his command of each culinary challenge (cut-baby cut), or the strength of his stature? I'm a big fan of the show; even bigger fan of Tom. Keep it up! Yummmy.

Hosea did not deserve to win..... He had the most negative attitude. He got by on hoping the other chefs would fail in order for him to look good, what an absolute disgrace. He even smiled when the others failed, pathetic. Stefan was obviously the better cook and should have blitzed by a country mile!!!!!!!!
Hosea should have been eliminated way earlier.
However, I really enjoy the show and will continue to watch.

I think Hosea won fair and square....
Indian Handicrafts

hosea was not the top chef - yes he won the superbowl but he should have never made it to the semi finals! the only reason he or leah made it as far as they did was the stupid 'sexual tension' between them. neither could hold a candle to jamie, stephan, jeff, carla, fabio, or even ariana -- i was glad to see her on iron chef america! i was very disappointed in this year's show -- though it was better than the previous season. i thought the judges were great as usual and were having a lot more fun this year! i am looking forward to a new season despite the lackluster groups of the last two shows.

I ate again today at Craft Dallas, and had sand in my scallops. Tom, as they say in Texas," cut bait or stay home "( which would be the Top Chef version of saying "pack your knives") There were perhaps ten other people in the dining room, and the lunches were way overpriced. I told my people that it would be THE dining experience of their lives. It was not. Not mine either, because of the sand. I brought them home (THE VISITORS)and made them Maque Choux, which they pronounced was better than "the fancy food at lunch". Tom, I know this is not "fancy food", but the daily pasta was gummy and for sure, my scallops (at your restaurant)had sand (I put a big piece on the side of my plate). Anyway, I am a Bankruptcy Lawyer who has learned to cook and eat and your place got a -0. Lots of more reasons, but I was ashamed to have recommeded it. You need to go there and revitilize it or close it. There were only 10 people there for lunch.

TOP CHEF is just that a top chef show.Tom with great respect i watch the show. Doing a show in hawaii I know how hard it is to do a culinary show. You have been a great influance to me thank you, you run the show like a true pro and it takes one to know one you are tops!hope to see the show in person one day.Thanks for the show! P.S.ITS THE ONLY CHEF SHOW I WATCH

Tom, why don't you guys have a kids top chef challenge? It would be fun for kids and you can see our potential. Think about for the next Top chef episodes. I enjoy the show and, as a chef-to-be, I want to be on the show.

I find season 5 lacks originality. No genuine surprises in the dishes. Jeff should have made it to the finale. Carla deserved to win the elimination challenge but it's dissapointing to watch the finale without the 2nd best chef from that semi final episode. I agree that Josea didn't deserved to win the top chef title based on one challenge only. What is the point of us watching all those other great chefs who wins so many challenges, got eliminated by one dish & lost the title to this 'play safe'& lucky chef ? So unfair. There should be a scoring system that will ensure great chef will compete in the finale, not lucky chef. If this show keeps current system, you should really consider renaming it to 'survivor chef' rather than 'top chef'.

roy

Hi Tom,

I am a big fan of Top Chef. Dont laugh but years ago I tried the Galloping Gourmay books. Ha Ha Ha. I didnt do so well on my own. I get tired of all the criticism I thought Hosea did well in many competitions and he seemed not so cocky that he couldnt learn. Of course Stefan was good and had years of experience but he was locked into his thinking also. Regardless the program is fun and interesting. Love listening to the judges' thoughts. Cant wait for a new season.

Hi Tom,

You need to branch out into an additional career. You look great in your clothes on the program. My son the detective shaves his head and the other, a pilot, does the same. They need some expert help dressing well and I think you are the candidate to do that. Yes we know you know the chef world and have done well, so go for another.

charlotte mccoy

Tom - I am writing this on behalf of my Fiance, as she is so perplexed at the choice of victor.

She has been a fan since season 1 and I from this season........I was a bit cynical about her comments on your bias towards Stefan, but as the weeks progressed it became very evident that you seem to get personal and are somewhat void of impartially.

The idea of being a culinary judge is to look, smell & taste the food.
Its the chef job to marry all of this through their psychomotor ability and technical skills.

Being an executive chef, have judged international salons I agree with my Fiance that STEFAN was shafted.

Even though Stefan's arrogance was more evident in the final weeks, surly this cannot be held against his food, remember - YOUR ATTITUDE IS ON THE PLATE

PS
My Fiance decided not to write this as I think she would use more colorful prose - she's so MAD

This was written with smile & we still love the show - IMPARTIAL, NO :>)

What kind of confident 'top chef' would take all the foie gras in a competition?
What kind of professional 'top chef' would use canned scallopes in a finale meal?
What kind of top chef would use the flawed rules and avoid making a dessert?

And what kind of judges ignored and allowed it?
And why those judges like you have the rights to judge a title like 'Top Chef'?
And how am I going to watch this show anymore?

OK, so American cooking shows are not as good as the British ones, but look at iron chef america, at least the contestants have the same secret ingredients to work on!

It may be hard perhaps to admit the incomparability, solidness and consistency of fine European culinary technique that has shaped American cuisine, but I suppose it’s hard to admit it by letting the title go to a foreigner like Stefan, nonetheless it feels from the viewers standpoint that this was an unfair judging and ruling…like Toby Young said if the title had to go for cooking from the heart it should’ve gone to Carla (congrats to her…great food, great personality and better yet great entertainment value), on overall performance and execution Stefan wins hands down….and that’s a lot more than what I can come up for Hosea. Hope next season, if there is one…personality issues don’t strip the most talented chefs from what’s rightfully theirs. Like a good artist once said to me…”it’s hard to judge another talented artist without being biased” and to me that’s what happened here…it’s easier for a talent and ego like Tom’s to let it go to the underdog rather than the real talent that Stefan proved throughout the whole competition.

. Stefan presented what the guest chefs agreed was a beautifully executed, well balanced meal from beginning to end and that Hosea not wanting to leave his comfort zone didn’t make a dessert and instead prepared a venison dish that, though good from the opinions, lacked originality and was not deserving of a Top Chef final. I was also surprised why Hosea didn’t get sent back home earlier on in the season especially when being a fish chef he missed out miserably on both fish challenges. I understand Chef Colicchio’s explanation that like in the Super Bowl the team with the best performance wins….however I doubt from the images we saw on TV that Hosea’s was the best performance, he even seemed surprised himself to have won over such a strong chef as Stefan, and overall the presentation of his dishes, flavor combinations and creativity were weak and seemed unappetizing from beginning to end. I have come to appreciate this series as one of the best in American television but sadly I feel Stefan was robbed from the title on account of personality issues.

Honestly I’m convinced that the final of Top Chef this season boiled down to egos and personalities with Tom Colicchio’s last word making the final decision. It was fairly clear from the last two episodes that Tom didn’t appreciate Stefan’s cocky attitude and therefore didn’t want him as a winner for this season. It was also clear right from the start, that Stefan was not only an excellent chef but perhaps one of the strongest competitors ever in all the Top Chef series. His dishes were consistently well executed, refined and elegant, and overall won the most quick fire and elimination challenges. On the other hand Hosea, though a very nice guy, just sailed throughout the whole competition with simple, mediocre dishes and managed to safely stay sandwiched in the middle. At the Finale, most guest chefs praised Stefan’s overall performance and that’s not even taking into consideration that Hosea had the advantage just “by chance” of choosing the other proteins for the rest of the contestants…it didn’t come as a surprise that he decided to give Stefan the alligator, and yet Stefan presented what the judges thought was a delicious well executed dish of alligator soup.

"The challenge was to create the best overall three-course meal. "---that's so disappointing to come out of you Tom.
If the rule of a finale challenge gave chefs like Hosea a chance to avoid his weakness, then maybe you should change the rule instead of judging them mechanically according to the flawed rule.
I remember my every university courses were judged by not only a final test, but an overall score including attendance, numerous essays, mid-year test/essay and end-year test/essay.
And I am sure if the show has a more scientific judgement system like that, Stefan would have won. For me, Hosea is a great chef but not top chef.
Both great chef and top chef make mistakes because we are all human beings, but a top chef show skills that a great chef simply can't match up to and the courage to show his allround abilities in producing a complete three course meal.

My suggestion: change the judgement rule or have more than one finale competition next season. Or simply change the title to 'Great Chef with Good Luck in Last Challenge'.

As an Aussie watching this show i'm just super impressed at the ability of each chef to come up with something unique every week. Ok - given sometimes there is a variation of a theme - but in the end its all about originality and ability to execute within a given time. Tom, I think your decision is great. I enjoyed Hosea's work all season - and while I still would have liked to have seen Jeff in the finals (I really was never a fan of Stefan's!!).. I think you've done well. Congrats to all on a great show. I'm loving you all - YOU ROCK :)

Hi Tom - Any thoughts or reaction to Toby Young coming to Vegas to review your restaurant? I am sure you have heard, but he has invited 2 guests to join him for dinner to help him review Craftsteak... and it's all to benefit my charity, Starlight! ;o) Here's the auction, which includes a video from Toby, letting you know he's coming! http://tinyurl.com/c9bp6m

Tom,

I think that once you have a personal pic with a contestant you judge according to your personal feels and not by the contestant's performance. I beleive that you have been unfair on more than one occassion. I hope that next season you can become a judge of fairness.

I think it would be really neat to have a Top Chef Season with the runner ups from the past seasons that didn't win. It would be much more competitive because they sort of know how it works and the Judges could be more critical because the chefs have done a season before.

I stopped watching this program and decided it was phoney when the person who won the whole episode one week, got voted off the next!!!!! The producers should make it more authentic. Seems every time there has to be a person who is a geek that doesn't get along with anyone. horrible! Chefs have to get along with their co-workers, and those who don't should not be there at all.

What's going on? Will "Top Chef" be back again for another season? The news of the new Top Chef Masters show sounds fine, but, are you and the original hosts/judges coming back again or what?

Stefan was the better chef overall. The judges got it wrong this season. I think that the overall competition should have been considered. You really cannot judge a best chef with one meal, should have been overall performance. Hands down, the winner should have been Stefan or Fabio.

I like what Tom suggests as the finale. I love to make slow cooked meals and spaghetti sauces and I do a great chocolate cheesecake that is best served after it's cooled overnight. A favourite dessert of mine is Baked Alaska, it needs to be in the freezer the day before the meal to hold up to the second baking. I'm not a professional, and maybe a professional could show me how to speed things up but I don't see a cheesecake going from the oven to the table.

So much of the show is about speed. Some items just need time and to have them prepared in advance is a great idea. A three course meal sounds too small to be a valid test, though that is 9 dishes for each judge. And if I'm paying top dollar for a meal, I want a memorable dessert at the end, and not something that fell off a supply truck because the chef can't do dessert.

I'm looking forward to next season.

Tom,

This outcome of this long season of Top Chef is much like the Food Network show "Chopped". The winner is selected based on a single meal. Hosea won only 1 QF. His elim win was made possible by the help of the cast. Calling him a Top Chef is disingenuous because he performed like a mediocre chef throughout the series. Next season, save us the unwarranted drama and just flip a coin, throw darts on a dart board, or just choose whoever you feel "has soul" right from the get go. The decision will be as random and "fair" as TC S-5 was.

I didn't like Stefan much either. But: I thought Tom judged him fairly, and was more than fair to disregard some of the insulting and arrogant remarks Stefan made during the season at the judges and other contestants.

Stefan made for good drama, but he was a complete diva, who expected to be rewarded for his "superior" skill. He behaved like he was more than a constestant.

It's Top Chef, not Top Stefan!

Well I just wanted to let you know that I LOVE UR SHOW!!!!! In fact the first time I had ever watched this show I called into work because it was a Top Chef marathon...lol..shhhh!!! don't tell ne1!!! This show is the reason I looked into Culinary Arts and now I am attending the Art Institute of Houston and wanted to let you know that I plan on appearing on your show, and not only will I appear on it, I WILL WIN!!! I'm always the center of attention everywhere i go, and I have this crazy personality, so you would be crazy not to put me on the show, but I'm not even going to discuss that b*cuz I WILL BE ON THIS SHOW, AND I WILL BE ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE CHEF/ CHARATER'S THAT YOU WILL EVER HAVE MET...TRUST!!!! Imma end this now, but this wont be tha last you've heard of AnG, Baby!!!
Well I appreciate your time, and once again, thanks for everything,
DaT CeRtIfIeD StAr AnG BaBy!!!!!

The decision naming Hosea as Season 5's "Top Chef" was not the one I was hoping for (I was a Stefan fan from the 1st episode). That said, I must take issue with the many fans who have written in displaying their obvious belief that the Judges are making their decisions based on ulterior motives.

One thing we must keep in mind is that we are dealing with PROFESSIONALS when we talk about the Judges. From what I have read regarding Chef Tom Colicchio, he is a man of extraordinary talent and admirable integrity. That combination of characteristics doesn't lead one to believe that he would participate in a show that does not - at its core - focus on the food and the level with which the contestants use it.

Finally, a plea to the Top Chef producers/program directors...DO NOT ruin this show by focusing too much on what happens outside the kitchen. There is a reason a lot of people out here on this side of the computer don't watch "Reality Shows" (In fact, this is the ONLY reality show I will watch). That reason is...We all have quite enough of the high school (and sub-high school) level drama that we see on a lot of reality shows (as we channel surf quite happily past them) in our own lives. The gossip, "alliances", back-stabbing, and speculation on who's sleeping with who, is refreshingly minimalized in this program and I thank you for that. As someone who owns all 5 Seasons of this show on my Ipod, I beg you to keep it that way.

I've been a big fan for the last five years, and I enjoyed this season. However, for all the talk of New York being a tougher environment and the bar being higher this season I wasn't quite so convinced. There have been no recent culinary graduates in the more recent seasons, let alone a student. The contests were well done, and I consistently find your blog one of the best parts of a new episode.

Several interesting chefs lost out before the finale, leaving Carla (great, but inconsistent and seems to get off her game easily), Stefan who dominated the show this season, and Hosea who is perhaps the least impressive of the winners in the past. Do I blame the show's editors for this?

You've been quick to point out in your blog that the rules aren't yours, the pick of the chefs aren't yours, and the finale format isn't yours either. It sounds like your sous chef in your own restaurant is held to a different standard than the Top Chefs. There is such a strong panel of judges, but you all seem to answer to Reality TV writers and editors. My hope for the upcoming season is that you have more creative control, because I like what comes in your blog more than what I see on the screen sometimes.

As for the Superbowl? This is about a Top Chef, and consistency is part of that title. No one is 100% all the time. I would go to the restaurant of the person who is more likely to execute a good meal on any given day, just as we would go to the surgeon with a higher success rate. Knowing that a good person can have a bad day and an inconsistent person can get lucky doesn't change who I would probably pick first. It would be nice for some advantage to be given to the chef who had dominated the season ie Stefan given first draw of the knife, or outright given first choice of the appetizer would not change the final outcome much. I do think this deserves consideration. Richard deserved some similiar consideration as well. Draw the knives if there's no clear leader.

Tom - I hear you on Stpehan's execution at the finale but if a single meal decides the whole thing - why not save the viewers all the weeks of watching and jut have one single meal decide it. Bring in 10 chefs, cook a meal and the best one gets the prize ! All wrapped up in one 2 hour show.

The decision should come down to consistent execution during the course of the show AND the finale execution. Each has a rank - much like college courses - the midterm, research paper and final exam each rank.

I adore you and the show but Hosea winning seemed incredibly wrong ...

Great writing Tom, you clearly have a great talent with words. However I must protest on your decision in the finale and to use your Super Bowl analogy I would have to say that the judging was too biased for any game, including football and Top Chef:

-First course: frozen fish is supposed to be that way, it's a technique. The same way as a fried steak or boiled egg. It is what it is. In comparison Hoseas first dish lacked seasoning and was a mess. Lack of salt have ruined many dishes before and even sent people home, but you didn't seem to mind this time? No consistency whatsoever.

-Second course: Stefan's was clearly the best.
Hoseas dish: Haven't we seen enough scallops on the show already? It's so easy to do right and tastes always good. Just too easy with perfect and fresh ingredients. No challenge, hardly any cooking needed. And scallops WITH foie gras is overkill. Playing it safe to the power of two.

-Third course: come on, friggin steak! You should have asked yourselves: is there any challenge in this? Cooking venison correctly is childsplay, and who really wants to end a great meal with a piece of meat? Apparently Tom, Gail and Padma (and Hosea perhaps?). Earlier you have commended chefs for doing desserts, now it was a burden. Just because a cook can make desserts don't hold it against him. Get real!

Overall a poor ending for a great season!

"It's Top Chef, not Top Scallop!"

Really well executed blog there Tom! I also agree it would certainly be more fair to give the "classical" styled chefs an even playing field by allowing them to plan 2 courses out of 5--that there SHOULD be 5 --and that one should be some kind of desert. Don't you have Any pull on that show yet?

lovin you,
A.

I thought of the cast and crew of Top Chef when learning the sad news in regard to Natasha Richardson's untimely death. She was really wonderful as a guess judge this past season. She exudes such beauty, class and warmth. It was a real pleasure to watch her on top chef so I can imagine it to be that much more to work with her.
Thank you for such a wonderful past season. Looking foward to next season.

I hope you will give your thoughts on the tragic death of Natasha Richardson. Her brave and unshaking devotion to promote the awareness of, and cure for HIV-AIDS was inspiring. Her episode on "Top Chef" was a delight. What a loss.

Tom, I reluctantly have to admit, your Super Bowl analogy was spot on--in the immortal words of Fabio, "It doesn't matter how many dragon you kill, is who take home the princess."

A word for many of these bloggers: you watched the show all season. The participants' names are continually on the screen, yet you are unable to spell them correctly. Stefan is spelled with an "f" not "ph", Carla spells her name with a "C" not a "K", Hosea is not spelled "Josea", and the possessive of Toby is Toby's, not Tobies. OMG

Tom, I disagree with your decision for Top Chef. It was clear you did not like Stephan for his simple way of thinking and attitude regardless of his talent during the whole show.
To redeem yourself, you should make a new Top Chef show with the three finalists of every season.
Also, I would like to point out that is no fair to disqualify a chef the very first episode since people get nervous an does not know the mechanics of the contest. At least wait to the second episode.

Tom - On the finale, you brought back "MOO" (interuptured honeymoon) to ensure that Stephan would not be top chef. She was so obvious, shaking her head at the real CHEFS, as a minor food editor. And shame on you, for being so jealous.

This took me back to season 2, when Sam was obviously the top chef, but Tom kept whining and shriking = "He didn't cook anything" So envious. Who did not pick on this.

Toby - Hang in there. I hope to see you back

Tom,

I'm a huge fan of Top Chef but the last season (with Stefan, Fabio and Carla) is my favorite. First, chefs support each other and didn't have back biting going on. I love their camaraderie and the friendships that were formed. Second, the chefs are extremely talented. I haven't seen any Top Chef episode with such stiff competition as the last one. Most chefs, especially the last 6 were very, very talented. It must have been hard to eliminate any one. I would REALLY, REALLY, REALLY LOVE to see a a cooking show with Fabio, Stefan and Carla on it. I can't get enough of Fabio and Stefan's friendship and of course their extreme talent in the kitchen and I can't get enough of Carla's cookiness ...she is hilarious. I think those three chefs in a show together is one great recipe for a very, very successful show. We need new chefs on TV and they are Fabio, Stefan and Carla!

The best chef did win. Tom, you're absolutely correct in your analysis.

tom, i am a HUGE fan of yours. honestly, i think you're fantastic. but you cant claim that hosea was chosen based on a "clean slate" mentality when fabio went home the week before based on the chefs' entire body of work. the judges kept stephan at that point because of what he was capable of based on what they had seen him do throughout the season. why is that reasoning acceptable in that circumstance, but not the season finale?

i agree with the sentiment--if we were to give it to the person with the most heart, we should give it to carla.

if you were to give it to the chef with the most talent, you should have given it to stephan.

people rise to the level of their own incompetence, so regardless of the outcome of the show, i know that the contestants will go on to be as successful as they ought to be. but just had to muse a little over that.

thank you, and again, i am a huge fan -- even though i disagree with your reasoning, haha!

Hey Tom,
I am amazed at how angry some people get! I actually live in Colorado and have had the privledge of eating at Jax in Boulder. Hosea is a great chef and I have never had a meal there that was not extrodinary! As a matter of fact, he has quite a following here and I have had an occassion to speak with him at his restaurant. He is professional, creative and inspirational and I believe that he has a true passion for his work. I am appalled at the people who say "I hate Hosea!" Do they know Hosea? Are they judging him from what they see on television? He is a great guy and in my opinion - after actually eating his food - a great chef who has a bright future. I am very happy for him and wish him the best.

I'm sure that every contestant has skill and great possibilities or they couldn't even get on the show. To those angry bloggers - get a life - there is no big conspiracy! In every game someone wins and someone looses - it all takes skill, good timing and a bit of luck!

To Hosea - we'll be looking forward to seeing where this leads you. And...we'll be eating at whatever restaurant your cooking at! Congratulations!

I enjoy watching how the chefs deal with assignments. Maybe next year you can add some everyday (like your mother) cooks that watch your show every week (sometimes twice). Just for fun of course. Who knows maybe we have a few twists on old recipes. Thanks to Bravo for this show. I look forward to the next season of Top Chef.

Tom,
You are great and i love the show because of you. Hosea was the best choice and you made the right one! when can we expect the next top chef, waiting patiently...

I can't believe you chose that Hosea over Stefan just because Stefan didn't think much of your fake cooking show. Even from the television, Hosea's food looked pedestrian and blatantly flavored with no blending subtlety. This show lost any credibility. No wonder Stefan had a smirk in his face.

To Tom and the Producers of Top Chef: I really think it would be nice to add something that will enhance a future season of Top Chef - the addition of an average meat and potatoes person (a non foodie) to be one of the main judges (or re-occuring judge) and for the show to take that average guy and give him an education to stretch his palette and grow to become true foodie like you, Padma and Gail. A guy (or girl) that can grow as the chef contestants do on the show, to educate a viewer in the wonderful world you all enjoy.

Email me, love to expand what could be so good for the show -- it would be nice for a non-foodie who wants to expand and enhance his education in the wonderful world of great food and get to be educated and better as the show goes on.

Stefan should have won Top Chef. Period.
Hosea...throughout the season he did not perform consistently, if anything...his food showcased no imagination.

Hi this is not really a comment on picking Top Chef but rather a question about eggs. What is the chefs love of sunny up eggs? I am a waitress, in a family restaurant, where most Americans eat; in my 20 years of work sunny up eggs are gross! What is so wrong with flipping it over so the white can cook and it won't look like somebody blew their nose on the egg? If its done over easy the yolk will still add moisture and richness. I just don't understand. Your enlightenment would be appreciated.
Thank You.

i miss watching carla! that girl should have her own show.

Tom is right. The Finale should be down to 2 contestants cooking head to head. If this year's finale was the semi-finale, Carla would be eliminated and Hosea and Stefan would have gotten to go mano a mano. Think how much fun that would have been! It makes no sense that every week one contestant gets eliminated, although 2 or 3 could have been chosen, but that in the Finale, with the cream of the crop competing, 2 get eliminated! Tom mentioned the Super Bowl. Does it make sense if 3 teams compete for that? The Finale has to pit 2 contestants. That is the only weakness in an otherwise excellent program.

I think Tom got his way and made sure the best chef didn't win. Stephan obviously was the best chef. Maybe not the most popular personality but, it was supposed to be the best chef. How many challenges did Stephan win? The most ever. I think Tom lost a lot of credibility on this last episode.

Chef Tom,
I would love to see a different twist on the show for the next season.
Why not keep all the contestant's till the end.
Grade their work each week and not let them know how they scored. Then in the last week tell who the finalist's are.
Probably the first person eliminated would of been the best cook for 13 weeks

I can't believe they made Hosea top chef. The judges are out of their minds, especially Tom. He can defend how ever he wants, but Hosea is 3rd or 2nd rate at best!!

I'm not here to criticize you, Tom, although I was very disappointed with the choice of Hosea as Top Chef. I found him uninspiring throughout the season - someone who played it safe and slid through the cracks though the vast majority of the season (felt the same way about Lisa last season) and got lucky at the end. However, within the strict confines of the "rules," Hosea "won" the competition, and while that leaves a sour taste in my mouth (kind of like overly salted celery), it is what it is. Now that I've had time to wash the taste of of my mouth, that is.

However, Bravo and the producers should take a real hard look at those rules 'cause the credibility of the show is on the line. Another ending like this will have a lot of people choosing not to tune in. Definitely something should be done to keep mediocrity from coasting into the finals and yet, at the same time allowing for the suspense that keeps viewers tuned in. You wouldn't have gotten this kind of response if there was a perception that all was well in Top Chef world. It doesn't really matter what you believe. You're in a service industry, and as a successful businessman, you have to know that whether or not you really have a problem is not as important as whether or not your customer perceives that you have a problem. In many ways, that perception is more important than reality and continued success requires that it be addressed.

Some suggestions (since you've used the football analogy):

Have the first 6-8 weeks (depending on the number of cheftestants) be like the regular season of football. If you finish in the top 4, you get a point. If you win the challenge, you get 2 points. At the end of the first 8 weeks, only the top 8-9 chefs get to move on to the "cook-offs". You can't play it safe under this kind of rule. You need points to move on.

The "cook-offs" are just like the elimination rounds of previous seasons - if you are at the bottom, you go home. Again, award points for finishing in the top 2 - 2 points for a win, 1 point for runner-up (these points would only come into play during the finale).

Still have four go to the finale episodes, and three to the final elimination. Five course meal, like you mentioned above, but they MUST create a dessert (it is not a complete meal without a desert). And yes, permit them to choose one or two dishes that can be pre-planned - however, those dishes must be identified ahead of time and should be held to higher standards than those they improv. Rank the finalists and give points - everyone at the table ranks the chefs giving 3 points to their #1, 2 points to their #2 and 1 point to their #1 (What's the point of having all those accomplished chefs there if not to give their unbiased input?). These are totaled to give the baseline that the final four judges at JT use in debating the final winner - i.e., maybe the final four judges each get an extra "vote" at JT.

This is also where the points earned in the "cook-off" come into play. They are added to the chef's total from the final challenge. A chef could have an off day, but because they have been the best overall, they might (key word, might) manage to overcome that off day, but that is by no means guaranteed.

Also, rethink the use of cheftestants from previous/current seasons as sous chefs - this can be disastrous (as seen with Tiffany in S1 and more recently with Carla - yes, I agree that Carla should have taken control there). Or if you do, allow them to pick from a larger pool than you did this last season. And set up some strict guidelines that the sous chef is there to help prep, not to suggest. Yes, take advantage of your sous chef's skills, but given the nature of this competition, and the stress/pressure the chefs are under, I can see why someone would lose a little control. Granted, if the chef asks, that's one thing, but otherwise, they should be like the celebrities that guest as sous chefs - helpful but quiet.

That said, when is Top Chef going to come to Dallas? Great dining and lots of opportunities for very interesting challenges to be found.

Tom,
It was clear that you didn't like Stefan, but you shouldn't have allowed your personal feelings to get in the way of the final decision. At least show Stefan the respect he deserved for being the best chef throughout the season and cooking the best course of the last meal. Even though Hosea tried to really screw him up by giving him alligator, Stefan did what a real top chef does, he made great food. Everyone did not agree with your criticism of Stefan's second course, but everyone but you really did not like Hosea's second course. Stefan's squab was the best course of the night. Hosea cooked such a commonplace dish...or maybe this should be renamed Top Scallop. So it all hinged one the last course. Hosea is a coward and played it safe. Stefan gave you a desert which again, only you hated. Stefan won the most challenges of any chef on any season so to claim that the judging was really only about that one dish -- his desert vs. Hosea's venison is insulting to the viewers. We all know that you did not like Stefan and that you were determined that he shouldn't win. Just a little jealous maybe? Hosea is not a great chef; he is a lying cheat who hooks up with Leah knowing his girlfriend will be watching the program, he would do anything to win and even though he tried to sabatoge Stefan in the kitchen on more than one occasion by taking food he knew he wouldn't use just so Stefan couldn't have it, it didn't work. Stefan cooked better food and the other real top chef judges -- Tom, do you ever actually cook food anymore -- agreed.

Good day folks. I have a question that has been bugging me about this show for a while and a comment about the judges.

First the question:
Who cleans up in the kitchen after they are done?

Now the comment:
It is well and good for the judges to crtiique these chefs on their meals but some of the comments like Tobbies cat food comment in his first appearance were to my thinking a little harsh.

Since you are all supposed to be the tops in your games, I would like to see 2 new challenges, both of which involve the judges. The first would be a quick fire that is judged by a random draw of the competitors for that season and the judges become the contestants. The other would be that the judges have to prepare a 3or 5 course meal that is judged by the last 3 seasons winners.

To critique the cooking you at least should know how to prepare what is being served. This proves to viewers at least that you have a good understanding of what is being under taken.

Mike

This season, along with winner Hosea, was in the words of Toby Young, "The Bland Leading the Bland."

I always thought that the final three contestants would be Fabio, Stefan and Hosea. So, naturally I was shocked when Fabio got kicked out. I really wanted to see him in the finale. Just based on their performances throughout the season, Stefan and Fabio were clearly the best. I'm trying to be fair to Hosea, but I look at him and and I just don't see Top Chef. He lacks personality or something.

As for the way the finalists were judged, I understand your whole Superbowl analogy... but this is not the Superbowl. This is a show about finding the best chef there is. You guys should have evaluated the finalists' performances from past episodes as well as their final dishes. Their final dishes (in my eyes) are like the cherry on top of an ice cream sundae. Everything else below that cherry matters too! I think it would've been the fair thing to do. So, like many out there, I was bummed that Hosea took home the title (it should've been Stefan).

I am with Tom on the final decision. The finale had to be judged on its own as if the slate is wiped clean to start the day. Honestly, I was rooting for Carla--big time!! I was broken-hearted for her as I saw her own awareness of her failure. I feel certain that had she "stuck to her guns" as Tom put it, she would be Top Chef right now. However, she won a great car!! And the exposure she got on the show is priceless!! I love you Carla!!! Hootie!!

Now, what I want to know is.....So, when can we expect Fabio's (Mr. Personality & Fan Favorite) first show on his own???????

Any idea where Jamie got the shirt with the dancing cheeseburgers?

Very much appreciate your comments!

As much as I disliked Hosea, and as much as I would have liked to see Stefan take the win, you are correct - Stefan didn't "bring his 'A' game". I thought that on both of the New Orleans episodes...that the time off didn't seem to have helped him much. And as you said, if you're going on past records, there'd be no reason to play the game (Super Bowl). Some times people show up with their "A" game (Hosea), and some times not (Stefan).

I do think that while Hosea shouldn't be dinged for not making a dessert, and while that was stipulated it wasn't a necessity, that Stefan and Carla deserved at least a "point" for the attempts. And you're right - we've seen both Carla and Stefan do better with the desserts than what they did in the finale. Toby, and some other chefs felt that way too. So the "even Fabio thought Stefan shouldn't win" doesn't hold too much water with me - There were enough points of view that made the airing of the show that anybody could just about make any argument they wanted as to who should have won.

I agree with you on the Casey/Carla saga - Carla should stick to her guns and she would have made a better showing. Casey did great at making suggestions - and I don't fault her for that at all - nobody should. Carla just seemed flustered, and that was her demise.

Thanks so much for your comments - insightful as always!

Tom, I respectfully disagree about letting the chefs prepare food in advance. Don't all the contestants know by now that if they make it to the finale, they'll be asked to cook their best meal? They should know ahead of time what courses they would do, and be ready to execute them. (Duh!)

Tom, you're really taking some heat over this...just like every year I guess! I always look forward to your comments about each episode because it really expands my enjoyment of the show to get your insight. This season had a great group of competitors and judges. I would rather not have known about Hosea and Leah, and I think there should be a rule against that kind of fraternization. Even though I kinda wish they would marry and have 8 kids. All of the finalists were good people - and flawed just like the rest of us.

I was sorry to see Carla get the yips, but that happens. It was no small feat to get to where she was and big congrats to her! I would rather have seen the sous chefs directed to keep their traps shut, but that's kind of in selfish retrospect. As soon as I heard Casey suggest cooking the beef in Banquet Boil 'n Bags, I had feeling that things would not go well for Carla. Then with the souffle - by then I was totally ticked off.

It seems to me that Stefan's loss was totally due to watery salmon and an uninspiring dessert, not his attitude. I don't believe you held him up to a higher standard because of his attitude either.

I'm a little ambivalent about Hosea's win. It seemed as though the production for the entire season was tailored to showcase the finale because as I was watching, I couldn't understand why they kept focussing on him. I hope that he and Leah do hook up. Then maybe he will learn how and when to sear things.

Cheers Tom, you can do no wrong by me.

For all the "Stefan should have won for his past performances"- why bother having a whole season? Why not just declare a winner after the first six episodes? Heck, why not just have it after the first episode? Why bother with a Presidential race, when we could just use the results from the first caucus? Then Mike Huckabee would be President. The simple fact is while Carla got stronger and more determined as the season progressed, Stefan got lazier and weaker. He was almost eliminated (should have been for not knowing how to cook salmon- the most forgiving fish you can cook) during the Last Supper episode. He also took the easy way out every chance he got and just assumed "Of course I will win". For the finale, he blew it again, got lazy, and should have gone home instead of Fabio. He also had no excuses. The finale was months after the main show, so he should have been well rested and prepared and cooking at his strongest. He didn't choke (like Carla), but was complacent and lazy. Not the characteristics of a Top Chef. He lost fair and square.

Top Chef, please follow the compassionate move of the state of California and seriously Top Chefs like Wolfgang Puck by ceasing to use foie gras on your show. Continuing to promote foie gras as a delicacy makes "Top Chef" appear as yesterday as White Zinfandel. Look into what exactly you are promoting here, it only takes a quick search on the internet.

Thanks so much!
Sarah.

tom,
I respected your past judjements but this one.
I can't taste the food but I can see your rudeness shown on your face when you critized Stefan's food. It's good to be confident in what you do but you called Stefan's confidence cocky because you disliked him.
The winner of Top Chef is about his talent not his personality , isn't it correct?
Stefan would have won if you had not been an egomaniac and unfair judge.
I won't watch the next show.

Tom, Nobody gets it!!!! It was between you and toby not the chefs. the miniute toby was in favor of stephan you knew toby was not getting his way so you pick hosea just to show toby you are the head of the show and his opinion means little. Shame on you for your remarks about stephan at the reunion.Does anybody know if padma can cook but I do like her new boobs thats all we see in every shot.

I am a big fan of the show and have watched every season. Tom, I just want to tell you that they are right. You are a sexy, sexy, sexy man! Each season new chefs work their way into our hearts but you have been in our hearts from the beginning. Thanks for keeping it real, saying what you honestly think with both your words and your expressions and for doing both with so much charm. It is guaranteed that I will watch as long as you are there!

SPOT on TOM!!!!!
Thanks for breaking down what everyone should have gotten from your show comments, on air.

Two finalists is the only way to fly.

Pre-preparation of final meals is more in line with any type of world class competition!

PS: by definition, a Chef is also the manager of personnel, we need to see fuller kitchens in the final show next year. Less time constraints, and better food execution. Five courses minimum.