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Tom - I'm a huge fan of the show and, as such, want it to succeed. So, let me begin by saying that the Le Bernardin and Last Supper challenges were perfection.

That said, I think even you can agree that the people have spoken and they did NOT like this season's finale. Instead of defending the losing format, why not acknowledge the show's shortcomings and work to improve it? If you stick your head in the sand, the show will never get better. We all watched this exciting season unfold and anxiously looked forward to a finale that should have included Stefan, Fabio, Jamie and Carla. Hosea, aside from his irrelevant moral ineptitude, brought nothing to the show and was the definition of forgettable. By rewarding a consistently lackluster chef with the title of Top Chef, you cheapened the title (hopefully not irreparably) and disappointed us, the fans, the very people who define your show's success. No one is asking you to compromise your principles. We just want you to reward talent and not mediocrity. You above all people should insist that your producers develop a format that will not result in the same deeply unsatisfying result. It doesn't have to be a 180, just don't make the last challenge so definitive. Season Two may have had high ratings, but Season 6 could shatter all previous records if you keep an open mind.

As for your Super Bowl analogy, the Patriots were 18-0, but I digress. One could argue that this year's Super Bowl was frustrating because the Patriots had a better record than the Cardinals, but they didn't even get to the playoffs. In fact, the Patriots destroyed the Cardinals weeks prior to the Super Bowl but the Cardinals, because of their easy division, skated to the finals. Sounds like someone I know. Sure, you could blindly defend this result, but anyone with a brain can see the inequity. At the end of the day, people want the system to be fair so that the true champions can rise to the top. People know that the Patriots, like Stefan, are consistently great, while the Cardinals, like Hosea, were just in the right place at the right time. People hated the Patriots just like people hated Stefan, but in the end, we all knew who the winner should have been. Do you want your show to crown the champion or not? I guess that's the choice you have to make.

Anyway, good luck! I can't wait to see what you do next season and really do wish you and Top Chef the best.

One last comment from me -- the football analogy is flawed. The winners of the last football game of the regular season are crowned the Superbowl champs, not the "Top Team." Your show is called Top Chef, not "The Last Challenge Winner." Stefan was ripped off to the tune of $100k.

TOM please get the producers under control and get them to show us the truth rather than packaging what is meant to rile us up. i.e. "poor carla for listening to casey" when it seems that casey cooked a great deal of her meal including the good dishes. I like Karla but think she is not head chef/top chef material. I don't like Stefan but he was a good chef. I think Hosea struck a nice middle balance. He was the real tortoise.

The producers are actively ruining people's career and turning chefs into bottle dodgers and THAT will be the ruination of top chef, not differences of opinion about judging. I may take you to task on your explanations, but not on the taste of the food which NONE of us posters can judge.

I know that the judges have said you shouldn't serve something that doesn't come up to your standards. I am curious, though, if Carla had served her ruined souffles, would she have fared better? Leaving them off her plate sealed her loss. If it was just one unsuccessful component in the whole dessert, would she still have been in the running? This kind of double bind has bothered me in just about every season. Are the chefs themselves clearer on this?

We, by necessity, have to trust the judges on the taste. But the editing, the parameters of the challenges, and the biases of the judges (unavoidable, I know) make some of the outcomes a little hard to swallow.

I was disappointed that Carla made the kind choice to listen to Casey's ill-advised sousvide of beef and the souffle. Carla has learned the hard way to use her knowledge and put it into practice. Yet I think Casey was overbearing and didn't show respect to Carla. We liked everyone during this season and have to say that this was the best season so far concerning professional and likeable characters. In spite of Stephan and Fabio's sort of European arrogance, I think everyone was generally there for the food this time vs. the drama. Last season was repulsive and the shows were so "bleep-filled" that it was like watching junior high boy's home-ec class. As Marcel's biggest fan, I was thrilled to see him back in this arena to help Stephan. I know that there are great futures for all contestants this season and I feel my viewing time has been worthwhile. Padma is even getting easier to listen to as she seems more at home with the food and judging element vs. being eye candy. I could do with seeing less of Gail Simmon's flesh. We know you have arms and cleavage. Wrap it up before we lose our appetite. Tom, you are a hottie and we all still wonder what is cooking w/you and Padma. Must just be that great working relationship.

I agree with the comments that the winner should be based on scores throughout the competition. If the top three are close - fine, let the final contest decide the winner. Maybe give the double the points for the final competition, to see if the leading chef can be displaced. And if the leading chef is clearly head and shoulders above the rest by points then the last episode should be to decide the final order of the top three. Less drama maybe, but more fair.

Also think the judges should not know who made each dish until after judging. After all, that's the situation when you go to a restaurant.

Although arrogant, Stephan was clearly the best chef based on the entire competition.

The viewers seem to calling for your head, Tom. You are probably thinking "Let them eat cake or some other outdated dessert".

Off with the heads of all the judges, starting with the Head Judge.

Long live Toby.

I just want to know where all you people crying about the results for this season have been for the past 4 seasons. Cause the format of the show hasent changed, the show has always been an elimination challenge, not a cumilative based one. Otherwise why even have a final challenge if youre going to give the title to who ever had the most past wins or consistancy. This isnt the way the show is formated and never has been and you guys are watching the wrong show then if you are expecting as much.

The contestants have to survive all the past challenges and make it into the finale. Once there guess what, they still have to face one last challenge to see who wins it all. So all their past wins dont mean anything other than an indicater of who is favored to win, they still have to actually win. And in this seasons case the favored chef (Stephan) didnt perfom, the one who wasnt the favored (Hosea) did and so he won. End of story.

well this show has proven to reward safety and mediocrity; case in point Stefan's knowing that dessert was the right choice for the final course, and Radhika winning the Quickfire only to be punished later for not being a good hostess (Top Hostess? hmmm, a spinoff maybe). fly under the radar, middle of the pack, don't take risks, win with venison for (what should have been) dessert.

Top Chef jumps the shark; rename the show Top Apprentice Chef and install Trump as head judge -- at least everyone will know it's not about the food.

agree with the stuff you say about the super bowl. but it's a false analogy. in the super bowl, the teams that make it are the ones who have been WINNING the whole season. it's the rules. i get it. but. dang. no justice.

Tom,

Don't let the haters bring you down! I think you are always fair...even in the final! I was pulling for Carla but she blew it. Stephan was the best chef oheading into the final but he made a crappy desert and he froze fresh fish. I am not going to blame you for their short comings. Congrats to Hosea!!

tom,

don't insult,my intelligence!!! you did't like stefan because he was good and was confident about it. last season of top chef for me.

sandra

I'm truly amazed at the vitriol being thrown at the judges this season - and surprised by the outpouring of support for Stefan. I haven't always been satisfied with the results of the show but people seem to form favorites and want the favorite to win regardless of actual performance. The fact is that based on their dishes and records Hosea is a better chef than many writers are acknowledging and Stefan was not quite so good as he and some writers are proclaiming. I thought Hosea was a much more inventive chef - albeit not always successful - and Stefan a wonderful technician (a la Hung) but with a few exceptions not a particularly creative or soulful chef. I realize that the latter is a subjective opinion. Another thing to realize is that there is sometimes an arc to a contestant's performance - and there clearly was this season as both Carla and Hosea peformed better at the end while Stefan was much better at the beginning of the season with declining results at the end. Personally, I was very much rooting for Carla to be the Top Chef but after watching the show and hearing the comments about the dishes as they were consumed think it was entirely appropriate that Hosea be named the winner.

Tom clearly had something against Stefan. Hosea seems like a nice guy, but on his best day going downhill with the wind at his back he couldn't outcook Stefan, or Carla for that matter. Check yourself Tom..

Tom, I completely agree with your reasons for choosing Hosea, even though I find him to be severely lacking in character and probably not the most skilled or soulful chef.

If the title is chosen on the final meal, then there should be no doubts as to why he won. Stphan's choice to freeze the fish made it watery and gross, and Carla's decision to listen to Casey was her downfall.

Personalities aside, you have to choose objectively, based on the already established rules. I believe you do this consistantly, and anyone who disagrees either does not understand how the show works and or thinks that they can taste food through the television screen. I really wanted Carla to win, but she blew it, and it does not mean the show is rigged or that you misjudged.

I love the show, you rock, excellent job all season.

Top Chef needs less football analogies, more sophisticated head judging, and some consistency from said head judge wouldn't hurt either.

Keeping people like Leah and Hosea in for story-lines brings the show down (Hosea's other story-line was "the All-American guy who fought to beat the urbane Europeans"... it seemed more like Hosea's obsession, ignorance, and inferiority complex in actuality). I guess talented chefs like Jeff and Jamie, who both demonstrated strong leadership skills (unlike the "winner" this season), were not as good for reality show plots.

People who watch Top Chef do so because there is actual talent, skill, and creativity involved in the process; not for the sideline "drama". I LOL'd when I saw a preview for the reunion show that showcased a question about those two un-sexy milk-sops kissing above everything else that happened this season. You guys do not know your audience very well and I think the majority of the comments support that.

I think everyone who is ballyhooing about Stefan not being Top Chef is being absolutely ridiculous. I'll start by making a few concessions. I do not like Hosea whatsoever. The entire season he came off as a slimy, whiny, cocky loser with an unnatural obsession with Stefan. But my question to the Stefan nuthuggers is, how on Earth are you gonna create any tension, drama, or pressure in a competition if you are judged simply on the merits of your past performances?! Competition is all about who is the better man on that day, at that moment. That's what drives champions in all arenas of competition to keep their sharpness at a razor's edge! If you're at the top of the heap, it becomes your job to work doubly hard to stay there. Top Chef is just the title of the show folks, it doesn't mean that the person chosen for the title is literally the most talented or adept chef of the bunch. Would you be less upset if the show was titled, "A Series of Cooking Competitions to Systematically Judge Who can Consistently Create Good Food On any Given Day and Any Given Circumstance In Which A Monetary Reward Will Be Bestowed in Addition to an Arbitrary Title"? I'm guessing you would. But since this is a TV show, and not a doctoral thesis, I'm thinking "Top Chef" is a little more appropriate. Tom is absolutely on point when comparing the competition to the super bowl. In order to be the best, you have to finish strong. Competition is not directly applicable to life itself. In competition, the destination, not the journey, is what's important.

i think the more sensible way to resolve the matter is have every diner at the final table/elimination challenge vote who gets to be top chef. this should be similar to the final four challenge in season 1 where all the chefs got to vote which dish they liked the best. it is just useless to have so many accomplished chefs partake of the food served int he final challenge, and yet they wont get to vote and instead have someone like padma or gail vote who wins. it is just ghastly that they get have the voting power. otherwise just have no guest diners at all. when somebody like keller sings praises to somebody like stefan, then THAT MUST MEAN SOMETHING.

A little defensive are we, Tom, in your explanation of Hosea winning? Do I detect hostility and disdain for our views?
Hmmm, thou doth protest too loudly, and in retrospect, perhaps, you even recognize the truth: No way should Hosea have won TOP Chef, particularly, over Stefan.

By the overwhelming majority of viewers here and the finale's guest top chefs who believe that Stefan clearly deserved to be TOP Chef, it's clear something has gone awry.

Perhaps, you thought the viewers wanted Stefan to lose because of his arrogance, but no, even those who disliked Stefan for that very reason, realize he should have been TOP Chef.

Shame on you Tom, for letting your personal feelings cloud your judgement and be less than objective.

I hope the moderator during the Reunion special has the temerity to address this issue of how a clearly superior chef lost to a chef who has been inferior and mediocre all season long.

Tom, who are you trying to convince with your comments, the viewers or yourself! You simply can not justify picking Hosea as Top Chef. You should listen to the comments the viewers are making and if you come back for season 6, maybe you can make it about the food again. You did what I thought you'd never do, you kept Leah and Hosea around because it made for so-called good ratings. I've been a fan since season 1 but I will no longer watch because it's not about the food anymore. I am so disappointed with this season.

I believe that Stefan was the best chef in the competition. I did not like him but he was the best. Stefan however did not deliver in the only elimination challenge that mattered, the final one. He had no passion as he conceived his dishes and it showed. He produced what looked like very delicious, technically flawless dishes, but he had more to give EVERYONE knew it and he didn't bring it. The end.

Hosea made very little impression on me. I had a hard time figuring out exactly who he was each time I tuned in. He won by cooking passionately, strategically and delivering it when it counted.

Carla. Loved her. A fine chef classically trained a refined and down home palate. She buckled and gave away her power. Tough, tough lesson. I love you Carla, you are sweet soul.

the next head judge of top chief, toby young

We really liked your congenial style of hosting in the earlier seasons, but what happened this season? You really look like it's such a bother to be in front of the Top Chef cameras. You look like you're itching to get out of a contract, and that really diminishes the pleasure of the show. I already commented on Toby's blog about who I thought should have won this season - because I agree with Toby - but that's beside the point. I'd like to see Top Chef continue and do better. You guys definitely cleaned up your act for season 5 with contestants who have better attitudes than season 4, but Tom, you might want to look into how your attitude has made this season far less palatable. I'd love to give you another chance. I hope there will be a season 6 that has another fun group of contestants with great technical and creative skills who compete in tough and INTELLIGENT challenges in exclusive venues. A head judge who gives the audience the impression that he is happy to be there would be an added plus. I don't want you replaced - I'd like to see the earlier Tom Colicchio who had enthusiasm and stood behind his program.

"Some people have expressed indignation at the result, insisting that Stefan was clearly the stronger chef. Perhaps, perhaps not. Irrelevant."

__________________________________________________

Irrelevant.

Un huh.

Keep repeating that enough. Maybe even you will believe it.

Tom,
As always, you called it. The chefs have to be judged on the meals they create at that time. Carla blew it because she did not trust herself. Every time she does that she gets clobbered. Stefan was just too cocky. He didn't think he had to up his game and Hosea just held on like a bull dog. Great season. I can't wait until the next one.
Thanks for a great time.

Bleh! Hosea was never consistent enough to be Top Chef. Tom, you've sent chefs home early b/c they've chosen to fly under the radar to try to skate through the competition. Hosea never stood out. Hosea should have been sent home weeks back. But you guys let Leah and Hosea stick around to see if they'd do anything else to embarass themselves and in doing so, you have lost the credibility you'd built up after that disastrous Ilan season. I feel as if I have just wasted my time watching this season. You can sell all you want, Tom. I ain't buying!

Once again, the comments posted here are beyond retarded (not yours, Tommy Boy, your "loyal" viewers'). They don't understand the show, and they clearly don't pay attention to your blog. I'm sorry you have to read this crap.

Stefan is a dear, dear man. Supremely confident. A touch bored at times with the challenges?! perhaps because of his transcontinental experience. Extremely talented. The freezer failed but unfazed he found a solution and created a stunningly delicious dessert. He butted heads with a fellow chef but eventually worked it out - they won the challenge. Never cooked alligator but his soup was great. The refrigerators broke down, and he readily lent a hand to two of his competitors so that they wouldn't fail. He constantly gave small gifts to a fellow competitor who he adored. In the most stressful of the last hours of the competition, he let his competitor draw knife first, he stopped his work to help his competitor get free from the hurting claws of a crawfish, and he stepped over to comfort and console a crying competitor.

Hosea is not a man. He knew how to butcher a lamb, but chose not to do anything to help a competitor on his team to do the same (this after being helped earlier by everyone when he lost his proteins to a malfunctioning refrigerator). He said he has a girlfriend, but he goes and kisses another woman in front of the whole world. In the last most stressful hours of the competition, he grabs all of a key ingredient for himself, he just stands there when a fellow competitor is physically in pain, he just stands there when a fellow competitor is crying in pain, and he lifts the finger to the man he beats in the competition.

This is Top Chef???
(sigh....)

Top cook for that one challenge....that's it....

(Sigh....)

Wow, Tom. I was a fan of yours till I read your blog. Your true colors are showing and are quite "unappealing".

Also, PLEASE STOP WITH THE FOOTBALL ANALOGIES!!! In football, both teams have the same equipment and the same rules. A judge doesn't get to decide that a touchdown is worth less than a field goal, oh say, because they find the teams' uniforms "dated". If TC was the NFL, you would have used Instant Replay and would have already reversed your bad call.

You have put Hosea in a terrible situation! By proclaiming him Top Chef when he has not shown consistency of such a title. It is the same as putting a 'C' student in an honors class because they got an 'A' on one paper. You have set him up to fail; and in the process have missed the point of recognizing and rewarding the individual who is ready to successfully move forward.

Dear Judge Tom,

I have seen the lack of consistency since S-1. Lee Anne screwed up back to back as team leader and got to stay. Tiffany prepared the best dish (artichoke risotto) and took more risks, but was bested by safe road Harold (who I very much liked).

In S-3, Trey was dismissed by screwing up his 2 dishes; while sweaty, nervous Brian slipped through in his FOH role. Hung won because he figured out that you wanted some real begging to go with his incredible skills.
In S-4, Stephanie won TC even though you all hated her dessert, because she was better than the hateful Lisa.

Now, in S-5: for RW - you decide to dump Radhika for being shy & nervous, but keep Carla (who screwed up both of her desserts); while Stefan wins it all for his floundering team with HIS desserts.

The finale's ending troubles many because Hosea was not very great throughout the entire season. He was kept around by his fingernails all the while whining and moaning. (Begging and crying is not for Stefan.) Then bam - Hosea's final meal pleases you - he is declared the winner of the great title! Do you really think he represents a Top Chef with is immature middle finger salutes to Stefan, mocking Carla for not "cooking her own food"... making out with a castmate on the eve of RW; for not knowing how to make certain dishes like dessert? Really? Do you find he is a more suitable winner than the person who displayed more skill and actual wins all season long?? Then I guess the old saying applies: There is no accounting for taste. If riding the middle is all it takes to reach the end; then winning QFs and Elims don't matter. Don't expect your next crop of cooks to take chances because they are better off preparing safe dishes.

Tom, please pack your things and GO. Your bias is showing.

Tom,

My family and I have watched the show for all 5 seasons and we were totally disappointed with farce we saw at the end of the finale.

It is this simple: Stefan IS the Top Chef. You are usually perfectly clear in your criticisms at the end of each challenge, but you were quite vague in criticizing Stefan. You first complained that his carpaccio had been made of frozen fish, then you complained that it was watery, then you complained that the salmon overpowered the halibut, then you said it was bland. Not very convincing, Tom. Hubert Keller seemed to think it was very good. Also, when Tory McPhail said Stefan's dessert was "the best of the series", all you could do was say "nnhh" and nod your head. You seemed to be throwing your own credibility under the bus.

Hubert Keller and Toby Young looked as though they could barely contain themselves over what you and Gail were saying about Stefan's cooking.

Also, why the pass on dessert? Since you knew that Hosea could not prepare a dessert, that looked like a fix in his favor. Also, Gail suggested that if anyone could have cooked a great dessert, it would have been Karla. Hello? Karla tried and burned hers. It seemed as though Gail had made up her mind before ever getting to judges' table. For crying out loud, Toby Young seemed completely bugged with what was about to go down to the point that he suggested giving the title to Karla.

This whole debacle reminds me of why baseball bans gamblers from the game: If spectators believe that the results are fixed, they lose interest. It is simply not credible that Stefan Richter, THE BABE RUTH OF ALL FIVE SEASONS OF TOP CHEF, loses to Hosea. The results of every prior season must now be called into question. Maybe the show's name could be changed to "Pop Chef" since it seemed more like a popularity contest than a cooking challenge the other night.

There is of course a way to salvage the 5th season: you could go mano-a-mano against Stefan in a challenge like the one that took place at "La Bernadin". Both you and Stefan cook the same 4 dishes for a neutral panel of judges based on the cooking style of someone like Eric Ripert. If Stefan wins, you grant him the title of "Master Top Chef" and the $100,000 he deserves.

Now that is something that might get me and my family to tune into Bravo again. But be careful if you do this - Stefan looks to us to be one of the best chefs anywhere!

Sincerely,

Doctor J (and yes, my opinion counts!)

...going with the Football analogy a little further. When you think about it, just like in Football, the games played PRIOR to the Super Bowl are often MUCH better, the episodes of Top Chef leading up to the finale often seem to be the most memorable. Take note: I'm NOT just referring to Season 5!!!

C'mon, people. Let's remember this is a reality show. This is not culinary school. I don't expect the person who wins the title of "Top Chef" to be the best chef any more than I expect the person who wins "The Apprentice" (sorry to mention a rival show) to be the best businessperson. In the real business world, we do things like respond to RFPs. That would make for REALLY BORING T.V. So, that's not what you see on a show like The Apprentice.

I don't know much about chefs, but I wager it's similar for Top Chef. It's a cooking contest. I imagine there are many chefs who wouldn't fare well in a cooking contest, but are amazing in a restaurant setting. And even chefs who do well in cooking contests have off days.

But please, let's remember it's a reality show. And the chefs whose cooking I admired... maybe I'll buy their cookbooks or watch their t.v. shows, if they get any of those out of this. I hope they do.

i agree with the "red lobster" king title for hosea; tom, you suck.

Tom, you've been my favorite of the Bravo blogs since you facetiously described a cheeseburger as a napoleon of aged beef in layers of brioche or whatever it was in order to drive home the point about some of these young chef's absurd pretensions. You seem to be the one judge on any of these shows who has any kind of rational connection to the real world and your profession's place in it. At the end of the day, the economy is still on lifesupport, there's war in the middle east and absolutely nobody's life is affected if a slab of fish loses a little flavor in the freezer.
Not saying Top Chef isn't a great show - but Gale's return left me thinking this season should probably be its last. THE PRESENTATION OF HER DESSERT WAS DATED???
That's the level of absurdity where you shut off the cameras and take her aside for an intervention. There's a point where such a lack of perspective is funny and there is a point where it incites the peasants to storm the Bastille.

Everyone who is so furious right now needs to take a deep breathe and remind themselves that ILAN HALL won season 2! if Ilan can win that long ago, it should not come as a big surprise that an underperforming chef like Hosea can win season 5. I'm not a huge Hosea fan but at least he is not as despicable as Ilan....

I love Tom and Stefan! Nothing better then a good looking bald man =) I will continue to be a loyal Top Chef viewer as long as Tom is the top judge!

People seem to be forgetting that this is an elimnation challenge based show. Each episode is a challenge with the end result of one chef/contestant being eliminated. That being the case, the finale was about that nights performance. Prior records dont mean jack, its about what you do that episode that matters and decides who is "top chef". While you do have to make it to the finale there is nothing that says you have to be the best overall, you just have to make it there and win that challenge. So if you dont like the results then go watch another show thats formated differntly cause this has been the case for the past 5 seassons with this show.

Bottom line is Carla bombed by stepping out of her realm of comfort, and Stephan choked when it mattered most and left the door open for Hosea. This isnt about who hates who, or who is most liked, or really who is the best overall. The surviving chefs were presented with a challenge and out of the three one performed better in that particular challenge.

Brilliant post Tom. Many people seem to be missing the point of this show. While I do believe Stephan is the best chef of this group, he did not play his game to the end. He should have gotten the same comment you gave to Carla...you did not make the kind of food that got you here. I have been in the restaurant business for over 20 years, and I would bring Stephan and Carla into my company before I would ever consider Hosea. Make that Stephan, Carla, Fabio, and Jamie. Ask me again in 5 years if I'd hire Hosea and I'm sure I would say YES without a doubt. While there is no doubt about his talent, he seems much younger then his age, and I would not be willing to trust my kitchen or my guests to him at this point in time. Hosea, you are Top Chef, and I hope you take this great victory and build a fine reputation in the industry, and I might just look you up in 5 years.

Tom you and the other judges made the right choice for Top Chef, but I think it is clear Stephan is the best chef.

Tom: Still love you. However, your football analogy does not make any kind of sense.
First, the football team with the most wins throughout the season has distinct advantages;
Second, teams must win throughout the season to get to the Superbowl;
Third, one team does not get to choose a top player from a competing team or previous football season to join the team for the final game.
Hosea, who won one challenge (which he won with Stephan's assistance), gets to assign alligator to Stephan and gets Richard (arguably the best cheftestant ever!) to assist.
And why no discussion re who cooked what?
And, come one, Stephan's dessert a train wreck? Maybe it was pedestrian and so 1982 (Gail, how the hell would you know? How old were you in 1982???) but a train wreck???
The Branford discussion also troubling. Here's why: Stephan is the Branford of cooking. Hosea--too afraid to make dessert and a despicable human being to boot.
Yes, it's all about the food, but if Stephanie can win with a not-so-good pound cake (pedestrian?), why not Stephan? And why no inquiries re hoarding of food Hosea didn't even use? And what was up with the jingoistic comments? Hosea should be disqualified and forced to give up the crown. Shame on you Hosea! You are not Top Chef! And Hosea, what's with your strange obsession with Stephan?
I feel like it's 2000 all over again. And you Tom, played the Renquist role.

Colicchio, you are something else. Favorite Judge? I think NOT. Fair Judge? DEFINITELY NOT. From Day 1 you had it in for Stefan. Did you think he was a bit arrogant? What about YOU? You’re the most arrogant “chef” I’ve seen. And, perhaps from Day 1 you had "something" for Hosea. There is no doubt in my mind that a chef who purports to be a “Seafood” Chef who cannot even skin an eel (it’s just like a catfish – same thing only different) is unquestionably NOT a “TOP CHEF”. After all, he was given a board & a nail – HELLO?!? Even I know how to do this. Let’s be real: Hosea and ho-Leah lasted for RATINGS. And while Carla “had the love”, what happened with preparing complex dishes such as Season 4??? I mean give me a break: green eggs?!?!? My 4 year old son –TRUE STORY— while I was sleeping, cooked “breakfast for Mommy” at 5:30 a.m., consisting of eggs and juice and then, to awaken me, went outside and rang the doorbell. The only thing different was he did not put any spinach (or green food coloring) in my eggs!!! Carla was colorful, but seriously lacking in imagination or creativity, and DEFINITELY complexity of her dishes.

My husband & I have NO plans to ever watch this show OR this network again. Colicchio, you need to read Toby’s blog. You have seriously missed the mark ….but I guess you just do “what you are told”, right? There are too many other GOOD TV shows & networks – Even “Hell’s Kitchen” is better than this season of BOTTOM Chef.

I haven’t any idea how many people “voted” for Stefan (or even Fabio, for that matter), but from the blogs I’ve read – yours & Toby’s included – Stefan was clearly the TOP CHEF. Too bad that you were not honest enough to vote for the BEST CHEF. I would put Hosea somewhere towards the bottom, but again, he was ONLY kept around for RATINGS with his ho-Leah (who can’t cook either).

A.M.F !!!!

Train Wreck.....
Stefan saw it coming...

Dear Tom,
I've been working with basque Chef Juan Mari Arzak for nine years, so I really think I can recognise who is the best. And Stefan, was by far the best chef on this season, one of the few that I would be proud to cook with. Congratulations to the real winner: Stefan.
I still can't believe it. Hosea? Come on!

"Horrified Viewer
You said in Season 1 that the TOP CHEF should also be a leader in the kitchen..."

My thoughts exactly! And Tom's words as they debated whether Harold or Tiffany should be Top Chef. Which is the reason Stephan should have been Top Chef!!!

The scoring process should be changed. Those eligible for the finale should be tested as leaders, not just chefs. A pre-finale mini restaurant wars should be held, with former contestants manning the kitchens. It could be a 3 day challenge, shown over two weeks. Who's the leader NOW???

Having watched Top Chef in desultory fashion for a few years, I have advice for future chefs. Never, ever make a dessert. The judges see desserts as beneath the dignity of a top chef. I'd guess that over the years about eight chefs have been eliminated because they tried desserts. When Stephan said "dessert" during the finale, I said "Well, he just lost." Even when Hung won the finale, his cake was severely criticized and almost knocked him out. So if you are on Top Chef pay attention to the unwritten rules - no desserts. Memorize two fool proof desserts because, sometimes it is necessary - but if you can get away with a boxed mix during the challengeuse that instead. Otherwise, preparing a dessert, all other things being equal, will get you eliminated.

Tom, I can't believe you would use a football game to compare the finale. One thing is for sure, Stefan didn't blow it. There were chefs at the table that enjoyed his first dish so, i wouldn't call that blowing it. I think it was pretty close so unlike a football game the whole season should have been taken into account! Stefan was the clear winner in that case. I have always admired you but I think you made a terrible mistake here and it really does make someone think about ever watching again (sorry)

First, the rules of the show are that previous dishes, or records are not considered, only the present meal. If Hosea did a better final meal, he won, end of story.
Second, it was really disappointing to see how low class both Hosea and Stephan were all season with their behind the back comments on each other. I wish Hosea had been as gracious a winner as Stephan was runner-up. Carla had a slow start, and did not look like she would even get to the final, but she came back strong, never ran down the other chefs, and has nothing to be ashamed of.
Frankly, I would eat at any of these chef's restaurants, because they are all professionals, and know their business. If you do not like the show, don't watch it. More for me!

Whatever Tom! You can clarify, dignify all you want. Hosea was not top chef!!!! Not even close, the last 5 people eliminated were better than him. Disappointed once again at the finale. It's a great show, but judgement must be changed on the final meal.

What annoys me the most about the outcome is that everything we've read would suggest that Hosea had a major advantage in having Richard as his sous, and none of the judges have addressed that.
If you want to do a superbowl analogy - it would be like the underdog team suddenly getting the best quarterback guy in football to play on their team for that one night - and he single-handedly leads the team to their victory!
How is that fair?!

great entertainment! i've watched the finale 5 times in its reruns hoping each time carla will cook something different. she never seems to catch on. ah well, a shout out to hootie hoo! looking forward to tc6, how about getting bourdain back he is the man.

Wow, even Fabio, who wanted Stephan to win more than any of you, had to agree that Hosea out-cooked him in the finale. I wanted Carla to win so badly I could taste it (pun intended). But she did not. It is that simple. We have to respect the decisions of the judges who are most likely more qualified to choose than most of us commenting. And I have yet to figure out a way to taste that food through my television. Scallop and foie gras or squab? Both could be considered boring, easy, thoughtless or exciting, complex and thoughtful. Bottom line you cannot know unless you taste it. So congrats to Hosea, and sorry to Carla and Stephan he out cooked you. And to those of you who don't think Hosea deserved it, I cannot believe that all of the judges would choose someone who is just a boring "cook" to represent them. There reputations stand on choosing a great chef. Now settle down and go cook a fabulous squab!!

Stefan or Richarard Blais(1)not Hosea are the Top Chef.Casey,bitter over fraking out in her finale.made sure Carla would do the same.By the way the chefs at Craft in the MGM can not cook steak or potatos based on my meal which was patheic

I reviewed video of the finale dinner service, Tom and Gail were the only ones who criticized Stefan’s food, at least in the editing. Hubert Keller really liked his carpaccio and appreciated the craftsmanship. Ti Martin said Hosea’a raw fish was disappointing. Everyone loved Stefan’s squab and John Besh said very few American chefs can cook a game bird this well. Tory McPhail praised Stefan’s dessert as the best dish (not a train wreck), and that the series was a perfect progression. Keller said that as top chef, Hosea should have the skills to turn out a dessert.

So, what was not to like about Stefan’s menu? Tom doesn’t like Stefan. I don’t end a meal with a heavy, robust dish (venison). I order espresso and chocolate. Instead of chewing a lot, there is better conversation at the table to finish the evening. Stefan served it right!

Gail’s comment about the “1982” dessert? I looked around on the internet, including Food and Wine magazine, and Stefan’s could be on any page.

We watch from November thru February, that’s a long time, and that’s why fans are disappointed and frustrated. Throughout the competition, Hosea showed he doesn’t have that almost elusive quality of a top chef. Maybe he’ll learn, but this is Top Chef, not Top Wannabe.

Bad finale and terribly bad decision. Hosea is not a Top Chef. The judges have lost touch with their viewers. It's truly a shame. Bad decisions like this only hurt the program. I'm probably not going to bother with TC6. It's not satisfying TV.

Hey Commenters- I am truly amazed that thru the tv set you can determine who and why a contestant should win. We see the food briefly plated, we cannot taste it. Give the judges a break - if Hosea food was the best that night - so be it. It does come down to taste and none of us except the Judges taste it. Get a Life

Tom absolutely makes the show, but his judging has grown inconsistent. Stefan is a total prick, but clearly he was Top Chef this season..

Tom, thank you for this excellent post. I was amazed at the people who thought that past records needed to come into play. Haven't they been watching Top Chef?? Each episode is judged on its own merits. Witness the early exits for others who were odds-on favorites to make it to the finale: Tre, Sam, Elia, LeAnne, just to name a few. If you don't win the episode, you run the risk of being eliminated. There was no difference with this being the last episode. Hosea came in first. Is he the strongest chef of all 17 contestants? Maybe not. But he chose the right time to come in first, and that's the end of it. Maybe disgruntled viewers would have liked it better if Carla had won the title because of her excellent performance at Mardi Gras World.

Speaking of Carla, it broke my heart to see her lose her focus at the very end. I wish that Casey would have taken Carla's hands and meditated with her for a few mintues, asking for the courage for Carla to do her own food, and to listen to her own heart. A few minutes of focus may have made the difference. That being said, Carla played the game with fairness, compassion, friendship, and love, and she is so my fan favorite.

I am sad that TC5 is over, and I look forward to TC6. I will definitely be watching, and all those who say they're done with TC are fibbers.

Tom, really I don't care who won, they were all good contestants from the beginning. My problem is your terrible logic in your super bowl defense. Think about it this way...

Cooking is more art than sporting event, as you would probably agree with. If I painted one piece better than Picasso and everything else I made was mediocre at best, would I deserve the title of top painter?

Hosea didn't win his way to finale, like the other two contestants, he got there by not being the worst every challenge.

U judge top chef like the super bowl,then the 2 teams that go to the super bowl have to win many games to get there,not just one (like Hosea) and they don't get advantages like Hosea best sous chef,eat cake and get to pick what protein,and then steal all the supplies for himself,oh that's Hosea too. Don't count that Stefan had to fix alligater,a dessert that to me is how I would finish my meal,but instead pick the guy who only one once,who threw others under the bus,whined and whined about Stefan,him and Leah,yuck and don't worry I'm not watching the reunion,I already heard of them too,kissing all over town. Tom this season it seemed ur heart wasn't into it,u didn't like Jeff,and Stefan,and sorry Stefan should of been Top Chef. I loved this show,even after Ilan won but sorry I am packing my knives and going and it sounds like alot of others are too.

Chef Tom,
I think you're great! And super hot! :)

BUT.
Hosea?! Top Cook, not Top Chef.
Yes, Stefan is really arrogant. I honestly hope that didn't influence your decision. If so, you need to do a little self-examination.

I have no culinary training, but I think I could make a pretty good scallop with fois gras. What's the challenge in that? In fact, I could probably make most of what Hosea made. BORING. UNORIGINAL.

I kind of wish you scored by a point system similar to Iron Chef. At least the we could see HOW exactly chefs (or oooks like Hosea) win/lose. And I so wish the judging would be blind. How can you even say you don't take past performance or personality into consideration? Then judge the dishes BLIND.

Hosea? Yawn.
You just threw your money away.

At least Hosea didn't get the car, as well.

CONGRATS HOSEA!!!!!! i guess

I loved your analogy between chefs and musicians as I am both. But the football anaology didnot work in this case. In the Giant-Patriot superbowl it was clear the Giants won with a dominating pass rush and clutch offense and there was no contreversy as to who and why they won.
Though as viewers we can not taste the food we usually have a preety good idea of who should win by the reaction of the judges when they eat the food. But watching this episode picking Hosea as the winner of this challenge and the season just seems hard for us as fans to swallow. Your blog seemed alot different from wat we watched I beieve your trying to convince yourself you made the right decision.
There is a major flaw in the judging of the show or the editing so the producers of the show need to figure it out or it won't have viewers soon. I hope you fix your problems.

I will keep it short n sweet:

I'd visit Carla's restaurant.
I'd visit Stefan's restaurant.
I would not visit Hosea's boring, uncreative and likely overpriced (the guy is FULL of himself) restaurant.

And I would definitely visit Fabio's.

THEIR food looks good. Their highs were highs; their lows were lows. Hosea's mediocre was excellently mediocre.

I'm quite disapointed in the results. I'm not a fan of Stefan by any means but feel that he should have won.

Chef Tom, your Super Bowl analogy is genius. However, I can't help but think that you let the "rest of the season" influence your choice of Stefan over Fabio in the episode before the finale. Fabio's performance in THAT episode was far better than Stefans -- but didn't you let Stefan advance because of his performance in the competition to that point? Only people in New England mourned the Patriot's loss because everybody else in the country knows they are arrogant cheaters. That's how I see Hosea. Terrible choice.

A full meal has a nice dessert. Hosea wimped out. He couldn't do it. That's not a Top Chef to me.

Have you ever thought of asking the chefs to make the EXACT same dish? Wouldn't that level the playing field? "Make you version of mac n cheese."

Hosea is a one-trick pony and perhaps Tom saw a little bit of himself in him. Rooting for the underdog is one thing. Rooting for the one with the least talent and personality is another matter entirely. Shame on you.

Tom someone that wouldn't even butcher lamb doesn't deserve to be top chef!! Especially where he had done this many times before. Everyone seems to be avoiding the
challenges so they won't loose. There is something wrong
with this system. Also if you did not have a clear winner
in NO you could simply say "no meal" lived up to the $100,000 challenge.
I do not blame Casey for Carla's lose, however google Casey helping Carla on google and you will see Casey trashing Carla. Not called for. Carla is a chef that needs no surprises and has to have to slow and steady. That did not happen for her. Stefan could of made a great
desert and he would of won. He did during "resturant wars" So he didn't deserve to win either. I just say sit on the money for the following season and maybe the chefs will take it more seriously instead of making out.

Strategy strategy I believe it's in the bible; the race is not for the swift but for those that can endure, and that's what Hosea did, sure he lacks charasma and maybe Stephan had too much and Carlas' was Just right. All cooks (chefs) are critical and have their own style that's what make it a beautiful thing All in all lady luck was just with the bugger. Congrats Brethren

Mark

Using your Super Bowl analogy;
Giving Blais to Hosea would be the equivalent of giving one team a 21 point advantage to start the game because they won the coin toss.
Weird that you reward the guy with the season's best record by giving the mid-pack finisher such a monumental boost.

I'm glad Richard finally gets to be Top Chef!

I absolutely love this show! I hope that there is a Top Chef 6 and I hope that Tom, Padma and Gail continue to be a part of it. I hope that Toby goes away--he distracts from the point of the show. A show that can attract the likes of the world famous chefs to appear and judge only adds to the credibility. The copycat shows that have come along since Top Chef cannot hold a candle. The first 3 seasons seemed to have more competion and stand-out chefs that the last 2 seasons. I hope to see you go back to a line-up where people can root for at least 5 really talented contestants. I love seeing chefs from seasons past appear on cooking challenges on Food Network. I also love Top Chef bringing previous contestants back to judge or assist. It is my opinion that if people think Tom appears disinterested, it could just be that he has grown weary of dealing with the ramblings of Toby and few other arrogant judges that go over the top in their critique for their few moments of fame. If you choose 2 or 3 to go to the finale, I will still be watching. The only thing I could have done without this season is having to watch so much of the budding romance between Leah and Hosea. Very tacky!!

Wow... reading the blogs lighten up on Tom (although I suspect you can take the comments. I smile when read the blogs since I think most viewes forget they were not eating the food you are eating and this show is edited. So although not happy about the choice (pulled for Carla) I applaud it and understand it.

I am mad at the producers though for makeing me cry while watching the finale. Poor Carla.... it is funny but it helped me realize to always pay your own game and be responsible for your own outcome. I feel for her and have been in her position. I think someone said it another blog, she will be fine maybe best off. She obviously has the chops (pun intended) to cook, the personality and of course the love :-)

As for Stephan - good lesson for him too. Although he will also be fine.

Thanks for an exciting show, the "Last Supper" was the best episode I think this season and ditto on the two contenstents in the finale rather than 3, would like to se just 2.

And one other thing after reading the other comments: I agree with your logic on picking Hosea, and I still think you kick arse as head judge.

I'm a huge fan of your idea of requiring a dessert course, and of seeing chefs prepare their final dishes in their home restaurants. How could that work, though? Shipping their prepped food to the finale location could be problematic. Holding the finale meals in each of the home locations would lead to significant time lapses between the meals, resulting in nearly unavoidable bias. Perhaps, though, Bravo could make the finale double-length, and use much of the first half to follow the development and testing of recipes in the home locations, and simply have the chefs prepare it again in the finale location (with some added "jazz" element of course).

However, I like having three chefs in the finale. With only two, there's a 33% less chance for the chef we're rooting for to make it to the finale. Obviously, if more of the audience's favorite chefs make it to the finale, it can only help the ratings. In season 1, Stephen was my favorite character. I liked Harold, but had no particular attachment to him. He came off as smart but bland. Tiffany was clearly portrayed as a villain. I watched that finale because I enjoyed the style of the show, and had become hooked. But who knows? Maybe ratings could have been higher had likeable Dave made it to the end. In season 2, I was rooting for Marcel. He came off as a brash, corny underdog against Ilan's arrogant cool guy. There was a story arc. Moreover, they both had clearly developed styles of cuisine, molecular gastronomy and Spanish respectively. Plus, the show had an additional season to build a following. Season 3 has felt like one of the richest in terms of characters. Hung is portrayed as an Asian Speedy Gonzales out for himself, and you have the Joey/Howie antics, Brian's showmanship, CJ's cancer/height/personality, Casey's passion, Dale's... gayness. And you have the fan favorite in the finale (but my favorite won it). By all rights, the rating ought to have been as high as season 2. Perhaps Aspen wasn't exotic enough? Don't get me wrong, it's great, and beautiful, and the altitude throws in a twist. But I live in Colorado, and it doesn't have the Vegas flash, or the tropics of Puerto Rico or Hawaii, and it just doesn't hold a culinary candle to Nawlins. In season 4, all of the cheftestants were... nice. Well, Andrew was a little crazy (good crazy), and Spike and Lisa had a little attitude, but that's about it. After Andrew fell out, I started rooting for Richard, who was... nice. Professional. Already successful, and toying with molecuar gastronomy. And even though the fan favorite won in the end, I wasn't passionate about this finale. Still, the Puerto Rico challenges were interesting. I had high expectations for season 4, but it couldn't have been the season to first reel me in. Expectations were even higher for season 5, in New York. But the challenges, while still fun, are starting to seem a little formulaic. I didn't get the feeling that New York lent the show as much flavor as it could have done. That might be a filming slip-up, or it might be based in the formulation of the challenges - I don't know. I did love the New Orleans finale: for the locale, for the challenges, and for what felt like all the real personalities of the season. But, overall, I would support an hour-and-a-half length format, devoting the extra time to the development of menus and the process of cooking. I think it's at the point where you could go the drama route and find more colorful, but less talented, cheftestants and attract the crowd looking for drama, or you could put more of the cooking process into the show and draw more of the Food Network audience. It feels to me like appearance vs. substance, and I'd prefer more substance.

I look forward to next season - and Top Chef: Masters, too!

My biggest gripe against Top Chef is that the show doesn't focus much on the chef as the manager of a team, which is a significant part of the role of restaurant chef. Rather than having somewhat silly, contrived challenges (e.g. cater Thanksgiving using little more than a bunch of microwave ovens), let's see how these people do when they are put in charge of a team.

I'd expect people like Stefan, Marcel, and Steven, who come across to viewers as collossal assholes and have significant friction with their adversaries, would fail these tasks when their teams responded poorly to them. Tiffany's failure in her final was the result of a complete disrespect shown by her team members (why else would they show up for work drunk?).

I was very disappointed in the outcome.

I was most disappointed that Carla choked. I wanted her to win, sure, but I mainly just wanted each of the chefs to feel proud of themselves during the finale... to feel like they put forth a meal that really showed their best work. That did not happen for Carla. And being true to form, she was aware of that and took responsibility for it.

Stefan, it seems, also did not show his best work. He has seemed to have lost some of his spark during the past few episodes. Maybe he was putting the contest into perspective. Maybe he was tired. Who knows? But for the past few challenges, he seemed off his game. And it seems like his decision to freeze the fish for his first course was a big error. I don't know about the dessert.

Hosea, on the other hand, put out his best work. And while his may not have been the most amazing meal, I can accept that it was the best offered that night. He was also really, really lucky to get Richard Blais as his sous chef and to pick the king out of the king cake. I guess it was his night.

But, I was still really disappointed. I was disappointed that dessert was not required. I agree that Hosea should not be downgraded for not having one, since it wasn't required, but it seemed a little lame to me that he just got to do so much fish and then one game entree -- all savory dishes and his forte -- instead of showing he was more well-rounded. That's a flaw of the challenge, not anything you controlled, but I wasn't pleased.

I also think Hosea was not really the Top Chef. He won on his own merits, yes. He had one great night, yes. But he was inconsistent and mediocre most weeks during the season. You seem to imply, Tom, that all of us who were disappointed are so because we were going by personalities. But, really, it's not that. I didn't like Hosea's personality, true. Not because of the Leah fling, but because he just always had something nasty to say about gunning for Stefan and he was really quite arrogant, too. But... honestly, it's the fact that he just didn't seem like a Top Chef throughout the season. His win may have been deserved, because he shined more than the others during the final challenge, but it didn't seem like his meal was really superb... just better than the others. Oh well. I know this isn't the end for the chefs and I'm sure many cheftestants will turn their fame into bigger and better things. Good luck to them all.

I don't understand the "controversy" over Hosea's win. His food was clearly superior when it comes to the most important thing: taste. Stefan may have more classical training but that doesn't mean his food is better or more creative. In fact, it doesn't appear that he even particularly cares about food. I applaud the judge's decision. Keep up your great work! Love the show.

collichio, your rationale for the finale reminds me of an old school soviet figure skating judge.

Tom,
I, for one, and I think others as well, are upset because Hosea was viewed all season, not so much as a chef, but as a "game" player. He let Arianne fall, even though he knew how to cut the lamb. I can't really remember any spectacular cooking he did. He left more of a "skating by" impression all season. Your contestants should have to go out on a limb to be the top chef, but you awarded the prize to the safe guy. Even what he did in the finale was just safe. You admitted it yourself!

Wow.
There may have been lackluster cheftestants compared to previous easons; but, even moreso, there are severely lackluster fans posting here. I haven't seen that much petty and whiny bickering anywhere else with the exception of the faceless political TV panel shows.
If there are rules, they need to be followed. Blame the format, not the people who spend hours debating outside of earshot. Those bitter and nasty complainers are the type of people who probably attack teachers and principals when their children decide not to study and fail tests.

The Best Top ChefSeason!! This group of chef's, Carla as the leader, set a standard of competion of fair paly, fabulous cooking and great fun. Bravo should use this season of Top Chef as the Gold Standard for the network.
I will no longer watch the " Wives" series or the "Matchmaker" sillines.

I am sad that I must wait for Runway and Top chefs next season before I watch the Bravo station again.

Thank you for one of the Best Shows on TV!!!

Well said Chef Colicchio. I completely agree with you. I's funny ... in a comment in another thread I used the same analogy about the New England Patriots. It fits perfectly. I find it disheartening to hear of all these "fans" saying they'll never watch again and how ticked off they are. Why? Because their fave didn't win? How silly! I was a Carla fan and still am. I expected Stefan to win. Hosea was not my choice or my expectation but I still love the show and will continue to watch. It has art, drama, and personality. I do not at all question the judges sincerity. I'm sure you knew that picking Hosea as the winner would stir a controversy.

Tom,
As much as I don't like Stefan, I do think he was the better chef. I think Carla could have won if she had stuck with her own cooking and ideas instead of going with Casey's suggetions. Maybe you should call Top Chef, Top Chef/Most Popular. All I can say is I am glad Leah didn't get into the final. I hope she stays out of Hosea's kitchen.
Also, stop being so patronizing in your comments. And stop explaining why Branford was there, anyone who knows NOLA knows Branford. Maybe you should have your final next year in New Jersey so we get to see Bruce Springsteen. I like his music more than jazz, sorry!
Good luck next season.

Shocked! Dumbfounded! Dismayed! Horrified! This is NOT TOP CHEF!!! Are you sure you are judging TOP Chef or TOP COOK FOR THE DAY???

You said in Season 1 that the TOP CHEF should also be a leader in the kitchen...well...well..."your" Top Chef cannot skin an eel nor chop an alligator(even if he is the executive chef of a seafood joint)! Ohh...when his and Rhadika's food got rotten...guess who stepped up to help that HOsea out to help the most??? ... and who by the way won the most challenges? And for that night...who had the best food for the night? Ohh...Ohh... and who made their restaurant win even when he was the last pick? And who did most of the Chef's like Hubert Keller choose?

Oh NO!!! ITS STEPHAN TOM!!!!!! NOT HOSEA!!! SO who is TOP CHEF???

This WAS my favorite show until this obvious bias!!! Maybe you should just judge Iron Chef!!!

I am a total fan of Tom Colicchio but this season really sucked, Hosea should have been eliminated instead or Arian, He was not a team player and let Arian off the loop. It was not fair, and on top it all off he wins Top Chef, This was the worst disappointment of a win seen on television. Tom I am very dissapointed at your biased judging this year and you should have let the British judge get his opinion in.

This was one sorry finale Tom. Hosea, really??? The judges, except for Toby were wrong. Hosea was pathetic all season. Iam SO over this show.

"Some people have expressed indignation at the result..."

Some? I'd say many.

Viewers have every right to express indignation. Without your viewers, you have no show, you have no one to look at the show's sponsors. Be real. While we respect the judges' decision, we don't have to like it. And MANY of us don't, and will exercise the right to whine about it all we like after we have faithfully watched the show for months until the finale. Sorry - while Stefan and Carla did not earn the win, there are many who think that Hosea didn't either. In my eyes, there is no Top Chef this season.

Morale of this season's story: You can show mediocre chef skills and still win. You can show some incredibly poor sportsmanship and still win. You can hate on and flip the bird at your competitor during the competition and still win. All you need is a little bit of luck, the judges on your side and hope that your competitors screw up during the finale. God bless America.

Very disappointing end! Stefan was clearly the superior chef, consistent throughout the competition and even had the best dish (squab) in the finals. The fact that he lost to Hosea who wimped out of making dessert was even more pathetic. Truth be told, Hosea should not have been in the finals. The judging overall this season was quite poor. Jeff and Jamie were knocked out too early, Leah and Arianne stayed on for too long, and Carla and Fabio, while decent chefs, got a few extra passes due to their personalities (why was Fabio a judge in the finals?!). I wish Top Chef make the following changes for next season:
- Have a cumulative scoring scheme so that contestants are rewarded for consistency
- Have Bourdain and/or Bobby Flay as judges (I'm sorry but Padma and Gayle have no credentials to be judges, and almost always bow down to Tom. As Fabio said, this show is Top Chef, not Top Pussy)

I'm curious why the judges didn't ask the contestants who cooked what and whether the sous chef helped/contributed to a dish like previous seasons? I'm very curious to how much Richard really did for Hosea as I'm sure everyone will agree that Richard was by far the best sous chef of the 3 available for the finale.

If you really were going to pick Top Chef based on the final meal, all the chefs should have been playing on an even field. There should have been no room for chance or luck like Hosea getting his pick of fish for the appetizer and Stefan getting stuck with the alligator.

I too was surprised by the outcome of Top Chef this season, however, I get it. I can't believe how pissed off people are at Tom. It seemed to me that Toby was always leaning towards the Europeans, who I think were great and entertaining, but the final meal is the basis for the winner. I mean they had to go through ALL the challenges to get there. I wish Tom would have said a little bit more about Stephan's dessert as I was confused as to how bad everyone thought it was. No real explanations except that it was 'pedestrian at best'. Especially since Stephan has made such awesome desserts this season. It does seem that the producers are getting a bit confused about the rules and what's important. The whole thing with Leah and Hosea was just stupid. It's supposed to be about the food, if I wanted to see that crap I'd watch some dumb reality show that's about personalities and not having a talent at a craft that gets you there. Leah, for me, was THE most annoying person on the show ever. I mean, quitting a challenge and not even trying. They should kick someone off immediately for that lameness. If you don't want to compete, don't be there. Her whole attitude just stunk.
I love the show and will continue watching because I think it's the most entertaining show on TV.
Can't wait til next season.

Hosea!? Tom, you just blew it.

I mean the guy should have been gone back in the "last meal" challenge for one of the most conceptually retarded and awful dishes of any season:
2 or 3 poached shrimp with a thick buerre blanc and a breaded tomato that looked like it came straight from a lean cuisine box? And that is supposed to have anything to do with the soulfulness or spirit of shrimp scampi?

And then what does he serve at a stand-up formal affair in New Orleans? Oh yeah, a big bowl of gumbo and crusted piece of fish. Wah!? And honestly if I have to explain why that is so preposterously lame to someone who is supposed to be one of the best chefs and restraunteurs in the country then , well, there is just little hope for American cuisine.

Hosea's performance in the final? Pure "fine dining" hackery. Fois and scallops? At least he didn't add a spoonful of caviar but in a way it would have been more honest. Give me a break.

And then his babble about "big bold flavors" with you nodding in agreement. Tom, tell us you were joking or something. Please.

Although your football analogy makes sense somewhat, I really don't think that comparing a cooking competition to sports at all reasonable. I think of it more as taking Stefan, Carla, and Hosea's achievements in the competition and creating them into individual experiences that you would in a restaurant. With Hosea's mediocre performance, I would not rank a restaurant with okay, mediocre food the best, even if it did happen to have a fantastic meal once in a while, because in the real world if you get a good meal in a mediocre place it's not likely you'll come back and have that same amazing experience. Stefan on the other hand who has been continually well winning several challenges throughout the season---and comparing that to a restaurant that is again continually great with a satisfyingly fantastic experience nearly ever time clearly is the winner. Even if you happen to have one bland meal, something like this is just thought of as a mere fluke (I just won't order that icecream that was apparently just downright terrible..). In the end, taking into consideration that this is a cooking competition and not football, I feel that the judges should look at each chef's overall performance and not just the finale.

I don't even want to get started with Carla's unfortunate experience with Casey, I was reaaally rooting for Carla and was heartbroken when she got crushed by "black widow" Casey.

If we just want to talk about who fits the Top Chef mold, I lost confidence in Hosea a long time ago when he, Leah, and Arianne cooked together and he just sat back and let Arianne take the blame. What kind of Top Chef is that?? Also, it's a shame that the show kept Hosea, along with Leah, so long mistaking that us viewers were interested in their relationship.

I will not stop watching the show as many past commenters have stated, Top Chef is a great show, my all-time favorite and usually go along with what you and the rest of the judges have to say, however this finale really let me down. Judging needs to be more consistent with past shows and although it won't happen, I feel that looking at each chef's individual journey to the top should be taken into account in addition to their finale meal.