That was the worse decision ever! Tiffany has been killing for the past four weeks with no competition. That is the last episode that I will be watching!

Tiffani gone. Tragic. I don't care who wins now. Going to Singapore? Are we setting Asian cuisine artist Angelo up for a win? Love the show anyway !!!

Again, I say. Tiffani gone? Tragic!!!

It doesn't matter what you put in the blog this week and it doesn't matter when it shows up. The show made a huge mistake in who it sent home on the September 1 airing. I realize that this means little as the season has technically wrapped. If the goal is to take the best chef to the final then why is Kevin part of the final. Following close behind that would be Kelly. If shock was what the producers were aiming for they succeeded, but if the live chat says anything they just lost half of their viewership. Enjoy the Emmy Top Chef it may well be your last...

It's truly a shame that the judges can't see what the kitchen cameras see prior to your judging. Tonight during the quickfire, Angelo double dipped his tasting spoon not once but twice and then tossed the spoon back into the sauce pan with the food. Get to the challenge, he did it again! The man's secret ingredient is his own SPIT. This is so disgusting as to be worthy of kicking him out of the kitchen now. The fact of his winning instead of getting schooled is just wrong. Someone needs to have the health department check on his restaurant immediately. I know the judges don't know about this at the time. You are not in the kitchen, but ... the poor lady from Food and Wine. She got a full dose as did all those folks from NASA. Can you insert some sort of rules about this nonsense for next season?

Very, very disappointed...wonder WHY Top Chef producers decide to get rid of Tiffany. She won SEVERAL challenges and how come she is not in the final???

Did anyone notice that Tony B has become much kinder and less glib. He gave compliments to all. Someone must have coached him on being a bit more gentle...a lot more gentle actually. Too bad about Tiffany, but she made a costly error by choosing mussels. It sounded iffy to begin with. I bet she will become Fan Favority though. She was a tem player and had alot of energy and was a good sport. It was a satisfying show to me and I loved listening to the space stories. I am also glad that Angelo showed vulnerability and humility since he lost a few challenges. I am glad he was recognied tonight. I love this show.

Wow, what an episode tonight. And what a disappointment to see Tiffany go. She's been wonderful and I was really rooting for her to win. The other dishes must have been damn good to beat her. Wow, is all I can say. She will be missed. I wish her the best of luck in her career. But, she's not going to need much luck with her talents.

Congrats to all of you folks connected with the program on your Emmy. Very, very much deserved. Ya all done good !!!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Padma, you absolutely gorgeous young lady Happy Birthday to you.

Looking forward to next week in Singapore. It should be great.

sorry to see tiffany Go I think she should have went to Singapore why do all the good chefs get eliminated she should have been in the finale!!!

How did Angelo win? I'm sure he's a great chef, but I'm shocked. His dish was original, however it was too sweet remember? I think Anthony B played a huge roll in picking the winner. I'm so hurt, I'm actually thinking of not watching any longer. Tiffany proved herself time and time again. I just did not agree with this decision. I'm a long time fan since the very first Top Chef aired on Bravo.. Tiffany keep your head up, continue cooking those great meals and enjoy your Trip to Paris..

Are you kidding me! Tiffany was the biggest talent on the show. The judges should haw cAlled it a draw based the performance. I am SO disappointed. Reality TV! Have the guts to call it like it is! Even Hells kitchen will have the balls to call it like it is and call a draw. great job judges. while I am taking the time to write this, do you ever watch the final shows. judge Eric Ripert (and so does Wiley!!!) eats with his knife? What is up with that?? Have some class buddy!! This is a judge?? I am a huge fan of Top Chef since the beginning of the show. I LOVE Tom and I love Tom and I would love to meet him and eat in his restaurant but this seriously bothers me. I hope this reaches someone who care about the show and the future rating.

Sincerely Judy Delude Amherst, NH

Are you kidding me? You let go of Tiffany? What the hell?

Hi Tom,

I was very disappointed tonight with the judges decision to send Tiffany home. Angleo's dish was sweet/sugary and one of the instructions was that sugar does not freeze well as food for space. So, how was this overlooked by the judges, if rules are to be followed than Angelo did not listen. You and the rest of the judges found only one flaw with Tiffany dish and that was the pepper, but you also found flaws with the others dishes, and yet stated that all of the dishes were great. Perhaps, the judges who decided to send Tiffany home should rethink their decision, because this was definitely wrong. You have lost me as a viewer, along with many others.

Congrats on the Emmy win, but, Tiffany? After 6 and 3/4 seasons, bad contestants staying way longer than they should have, and the better ones being sent home, I have removed my season pass for Top Chef. I'm done.

I watched top chef all the time but I think it's time to quit, I did'nt think the judges were unfair until this season Kenny out cooked atleast two of the people in the bottom with him, and he was let go? And Tiffany won all of those challenges and out cooked two of the last five and she was let go? What's wrong with this picture, I think I will take a pole on facebook and see what the other viewer's think.

Yeah - yeah. I am SHOCKED Tiffany went home. I am glad she won what she did-she seemed very pleasant. I was wondering, since you, Tom didn't like the thickness of the meat, and obviously with the comment of it being sirloin on Top Chef and being such a simple dish, why Tiffany and not Kevin? He doesn't seem to have much going for him, and that isn't a good thing being this group doesn't appear to be very stacked. And Congratulations on the Emmy Top Chef. I'm guessing it was for the LV season.

Tom, I realize you are tired of people chastising you for kicking off Kenny before Alex and Amanda, but I want to point out one thing. This is a reality competition where you rely on viewers to watch. We can't taste the food, but we can watch the footage and, more importantly, watch the other contestants reaction. Judging by Angelo' s (of all people) reaction after Kenny left, I'd say we are correct in our favoritism for him. I never thought I'd root for Angelo, but after seeing the true respect he had for Kenny and his talent, I find myself now supporting him and Tiffany. Those of us who were Tres fans are particularly sensitive because again, so many of his fellow contestants objected to him leaving, that tells us that he deserved to stay and had the talent to potentially win. If you want to instruct the producers to stop editing the show in a way that it does not favor certain people, please fell free. If not, be prepared for the backlash when us fans react to something we see (and is confirmed by the editing of the show) as unfair.

OT -- congrats on the Emmy win. I'm excited someone finally knocked off Amazing Race (although it is a great show.) Would have like to see Kevin win the last season, but it was definitely one of the most compelling and the award is much deserved.

I do not think I have ever been this angry over a television show before. Come on Tom, releasing Tiffany, really? She consistently, week after week, brought her talents to the table, not to mention a bit of entertainment the rest of the group severely lack, and you vote her off, are you kidding?? You've just lost a viewer. I've been with every season, loving to hate those chefs that just plain got some of us viewers angry, but I stuck it out through fights, egos, and just plain bad food. But you decision to ask Tiffany to leave just isn't making sense to me...so long Top Chef. Pack your knives because you're not on my TV any longer. Steaming in Colorado

Tom et al....Tiffany? I can't believe you sent her home she's really great and she is drama free. Oh, well--I hope you find it in your budget to bring her to Asia with you guys for the next episode. I do enjoy the show season after season and I have a big crush on you. Best, Avianca

Tiffany should not have been sent home. Bring her back now!!!

Congratulations on the emmy!

Chef Tom,

I am normally in complete agreement with the judges, but I think that sending off Tiffany was an error in the NASA episode. She has been the most consistent chef all around--inspired and on-the-ball. I was hoping for Tiffany vs. Ed in the final round.

Congrats on the Emmy win, Chef.

First and foremost, CONGRATS to Top Chef for your Emmy. Well done. I was sorry to see Tiffany go but it seems that she was the weak one this week. I am glad to see Angelo getting his game together but I hope that Kelly and Ed give him a run for his money. It was a little strange when you all kept saying Angelo's dish was a little on the sweet side and one of the things they said was don't make it sweet. Please explain. Also, could they have used Ed's dish with the bones? Great show and thanks for a very interesting season.

You sent Tiffany home? Are you serious? And Kelly is still there? Total BS. I'm sorry.

Tom, are you still celebrating the emmy win? Way to Go! You and the cast and crew should be proud! What a upset. I thought for sure that American Idol would walk away with the emmy. Proud to be a TC Fan.

Oh my - TIFFANY - REALLY - I truly don't understand this season - one by one you're getting rid of the best chefs - first Kenny - now Tiffany ? Shame on you Chef Tom- I have watched EVERY season from day 1 - this season is such a disappointment - seriously - I can't watch anymore this year - yes, it all started with the pea puree - TOM - you KNOW he didn't make it - OK I'm not going to dwell - IT'S JUST NOT FAIR

Very sad concerned viewer :( C. LaMotta

Well, I'm sorry to see Tiffany go. But let's face it - Kevin played it safe and he should've went. I obviously do not know how each dish tasted, but on a creatively standpoint only, Tiffany was certainly better than Kevin.

Wow, I was upset this season that it seemed again to be successful chefs instead of up and comings, but I've come to love this season. Never before in the history of watching Top Chef have I ever liked EVERYONE when we got down to 5. I didn't want to see anyone go home and it was gut wrenching to know it was going to be Tiffany. This is a show my tweens and I watch together (there are few on TV that we can). We were on the edge of our seats this week. Loved the challenges. This was a great night. But, one thing I have to say, it's hard to watch as time and time again the equipment is sub-par and because of that, a good chef walks. I understand that that is the real world and you have to adapt, but it seems like it happens a bit too often in what is supposed to be a "top chef" kitchen. Thanks again though for a great season. Really liked the contestants. Glad to see some Colorado chefs make the grade.

I cannot wait to see the blogs on this elimination. I think it was a shame that Tiffany was eliminated when she's been such a strong consistant chef, really coming into her own. Kevin will be the next one eliminated, no doubt...Whereas, Tiffany might have just been the one to stick in to the END!!! Sorry you're gone, Tiffany. You are so young and show such promise...and you're still THE BEST. Good luck and I'm sure we'll see you as an assistant in the finale. BEST WISHES!

No worries on the late blog. Why even bother now that Tiffany was eliminated. She was the one to root for.

It's just such a downer to see her eliminated as she had really been a QF and EC challenge winner or top dog, she is utterly charming, nice to all AND when the generally 2nd or 3rd from the bottom Kevin is still there.

*sigh*

Sucks to be on the "who cares who wins as long as it's not Kevin" train now.

Boo!

I don't really get it. If you create a challenge to have the chefs make food that can be served in space, why wouldn't you prepare and judge base on the same criteria as the astronauts that will be eating it? The dishes should've been freeze dried and then reheated in the same way, instead, they taste the fancy version. It doesn't make sense at all because how would you know if it'll translate well, simply by the look and texture? Sorry, I have to say that the challenge is terribly conceived and executed.

I am sooo sad Tiff is eliminated.. i was rooting for her all the way :(

Don't be in any hurry. You're not going to like what you hear back from those who post comments. If you thought there was animosity after you 'killed Kenny', just wait until you let us lose on you after killing the well-loved Queen who I bet could have taken the whole thing.

Okay, so Tom is late on his blog, so I figured I could just write it for him:

This week we had a wonderful time at Nasa, but once again we proved that the producers are not in charge of this show, it is a cooking competition dammit, and no one is going to tell us that Tiffany is the fan favorite. If we have to prove it again, we will kick off the fan favorite every week until the producers bow down to us and confess our control. And if they still don't, we'll bring back Tiffani from Season one and crown her champ. Judges table was excruciating and painful when Bourdain and Ripert got into an argument (which we forced the subservient producers to edit) about which one of them have spent more money on hair stylists. When the receipts were produced, Ripert won by a small margin, mostly because Bourdain had once had his hair styled by a Jamaican voodoo princess while eating the worlds hottest chilis, but had to dine and dash without paying for either the haircut or the chilis due to a sudden terrorist attack. But I'll let you in on a secret, Bourdain uses confit of Marlboro ash to rinse his hair, giving it that blueish-grey sheen. I did get out my Walgreens receipt for $4.28 I spent on throw-away BIC razors, but figured the producers would probably cut any reference to a company who won't advertise on our show. Damn producers. Of course we also had to edit judges table 14 times while Ripert and Bourdain flogged their new books, which I promised to flog again for them here. Please buy three copies each of Ripert's book titled "I Didn't Steal My Accent from Clouseau" and Bourdain's new book "How to Invent Original Food Metaphors and Similes," or "Eating off People's Feet Makes Geoduck Clam Seem like Avocado Foam." More next week. On time, I promise. Oh, wait -- the time clock doesn't apply to me, only the chefs ... okay, you'll get it when you get it, or we'll send another fan favorite home. Did you hear me????? I"M IN CHARGE!!

VERY disappointed to see Tiffany go home. I'm totally not surprised, though. Typical!!

Congrats on the Emmy!!

Voting Tiffani off was a travesty. I have always considered the judges of Top Chef to be extremely fair in their evaluation of the contestants; unfortunately, in this case you got it wrong. I think that the potential finalists remaining will result in a boring finale.

I hope you discuss your complaint that the steak was cut too thin after the contestants were explicitly told to cut the pieces as small as possible for the challenge. That seemed really unfair.

It is shocking how much of a difference it is without Kenny, Alex, and Amanda-The show seems to be more about the chef and the cooking instead of the whining. I loved Tiffany as a competitor and as a chef, but how close was Tiffany to being rated higher than Kevin?

I thought it was a bad decision to let Tiffany go - she may have not done the best astronaut challenge, but this could have been a FREE pass week and allow all of them to move foward. She had a great attitude and seemed to be doing pretty good. The other people don't interest me too much.

Congrats on the Emmy Win!

The show was awesome last night, thanks to the 'good cop, bad cop' judges table with Chefs Ripert and Bourdain, with you as the seeming voice of reason at the end.

I am glad Angelo has his groove back, and look forward to him doing well in Singapore and with Ed, however I cannot help but feel disappointed that Tiffany will not be there too, and will be voting for her as "Fan Favorite", and hope other's do to. While Kenny spent alot of time promoting himself, Tiffany spent her time producing wonderful dishes, and showing that being a team player does not only happen when the cheftestants are on teams!

Good luck to Angelo, and I hope Tiffany's fiance knows how fortunate he is to be marrying such a great person!

Congrats on the Emmy Win!

The show was awesome last night, thanks to the 'good cop, bad cop' judges table with Chefs Ripert and Bourdain, with you as the seeming voice of reason at the end.

I am glad Angelo has his groove back, and look forward to him doing well in Singapore and with Ed, however I cannot help but feel disappointed that Tiffany will not be there too, and will be voting for her as "Fan Favorite", and hope other's do to. While Kenny spent alot of time promoting himself, Tiffany spent her time producing wonderful dishes, and showing that being a team player does not only happen when the cheftestants are on teams!

Good luck to Angelo, and I hope Tiffany's fiance knows how fortunate he is to be marrying such a great person!

What the heck were the judges thinking when they voted Tiffany off the show last night. Once again, Top Chef has let me down. You sent Kenny ( who was clearly the better chef) home and now Tiffany, who is a rising star. Again, there will be no afro-american chef talent in the Finals. I think last night was my last time watching Top Chef. Judges pack your knives and go!!!!!

Congratulations on the Emmy win. Very cool and very well deserved!

I'm a Tiffany fan and was hoping to see her in the finals. I'm not disappointed with the season, at all. I think it's been good. (although I will agree that last season was SUPERB)

Looking forward to next week!

I wouldn't say I'm angry about Tiffany's elimination, just seriously sad. She was really unlucky last night and I know I will not enjoy the show nearly as much without her. I know it is the Top Chef philosophy to eliminate or keep chefs based on only what occurs in a given night, but it is too sad when someone who really deserves to be in the top is shut out. I wish there were some more empirical ways of judging chefs that would allow "top scoring" chefs to remain in competition despite a lessor night - kind of the way Top Chef Masters does it, except with a running total.

Chef Colicchio - Congratulations on winning the Emmy! I have enjoyed watching all the Top Chefs and Top Chef Masters. It was wonderful to see this great show get the recognition deserved. In my opinion, this season has been extremely enjoyable because it had illustrated that it doesn't matter what type of self-promotion and/or editing takes place - the food will tell in the end. I never bought into Kenny being great because his dishes seemed to be all over the place. Nor, did I believe Alex stole the pea dish. It just seemed too over the top to have actually occurred. Please continue to ignore all the "drama" and reward worthy food.

Hey, you have great groups, and you have some not so great groups. It happens, it can't be completely controlled, and it ultimately isn't that big a deal.

This season definitely has seemed a little ho-hum for many reasons, one of which was that many of these chefs seemed more like generalists rather than specialists, and while that likely served them very well for remaining in the competition, I think that chef's with a distinctive style or point of view will have a higher hit-rate of more compelling dishes. Tiffany's food, for example, looked great, sounded great, and from what we saw, tasted great - but it didn't necessarily seem particularly distinctive or creative and therefore was difficult to really get excited about as a home viewer who is unable to viscerally experience it.

If I was going to ding you guys, it wouldn't really be on the cast, which is tempting, but as I stated, something of a crap-shoot. It definitely wouldn't be on the judging - while as a home viewer I am occasionally tempted to disagree, it would be a bit silly for me to develop strong opinions based on food I haven't tasted. While sometimes I wish you guys shaded your judging a little more towards the challenge themes than you seem to, I ultimately have full faith in your decisions.

Where I am going to ding you guys, and ding you hard, is on the editing - something over which you likely have very little control. But the editing is starting to become a real impediment to the show. Ginned up controversies, faux romances, judging fake-outs, and contestants being angry might make for short term interest, but I think it ultimately threatens your long term audience, and that pea-gate thing might well turn off potential contestants worried about their reputations.

The only other 'complaint,' and really, this is intended constructively, and made with respect, is that the challenges this season seemed a little lack-luster. While I do sort of resent 'gimmick' and 'surprise' challenges past a certain point in the season, in the early and mid-season, I think they can be a hell of a lot of fun. Where were this season's gas station, micro-wave, and ridiculous budget challenges? And what happened to the blind taste test?

Anyways, thanks again for another season. The show remains a pleasure to watch, and I'm very much looking forward to the finale and to next season.

1st I always come to your blog after I watch the show to make sure that if there was anything iffy it gets cleared up by you.

2nd just to let you know top chef has made me enjoy more food and to try and cook so much more than I thought I would ever do so thanks for that.

3rd if the idea of going to mars excites you I have a recommendation of books for you "the mars trilogy" by kim stanely robinson. it covers a lot of different aspects of going to mars the political ramifications the science of it and great personal stories as well.

4th Collichio and sons is high up on my list of places I want to try when I can afford to go out to eat again.

Keep up the great work

my question still is: (revised) Are you gonna bring Kenny and now, Tiffany back and make them cook at the final quick fire like you did Jeff?..........that would be the thing to do.............I'm just saying, think about it...........before you hand it to Angelo

This season has not been disappointing but it would be hard to compare to last season. One of the things that has made this year's program great is watching chef's who didn't really rate at the top of the season come into their own, like Tiffany and Kelly and Ed, who did not come out of the gate cooking at the top of their game but found a way to make their food in what must be an extremely disorienting environment.

I was sad to see Tiffany go and, although her dish faltered, especially due to the freezing of the mussels, I would have thought that Kevin was a strong candidate for elimination, as his food was not only not particularly creative, but relied entirely on the execution in the moment to be successful, which is something that just doesn't sit well with the challenge of coming up with a dish that would freeze dry well. With steak and onion rings, the difference between delicious and meh or even kind of gross, in the case of cold, soggy onion rings, is sometimes a matter of a small number of minutes.