Top Chef All Stars: LA

[RUDisney]

I have to ask though, how does someone win over another person when they are told not to cook part of the dish next time, when the runner-up's dish had no criticisms? Did I miss something?

I was surprised by that, too. I guess the judges based their decision on creative use of truffles vs traditional.

 

[QueenIsabella]

I think, too that they judge on how the dishes taste, and fit in with the challenge. Frequently, you hear the judges say, "Which dish would you eat again?" Sometimes, there are dishes with flaws that still have good parts that outweigh the bad (or really, "less good").

 

[starvenger]

When in doubt, it's whatever Tom likes better. It really does come down to that sometimes.

With this Top 5, it was gonna be a surprise no matter who went out. It was basically coming down to who had a bad day.

 

[fly girl]

Spoiler: Spoiler

I was very bummed to see Gregory go home. He was my second favorite.

I was too. Gregory is a class act competitor.

Yeah, I thought for sure it was going to be someone else.

I have to ask though, how does someone win over another person when they are told not to cook part of the dish next time, when the runner-up's dish had no criticisms? Did I miss something?

If you watched at the end when they were contemplating who to eliminate, Padma remarked that Stephanie's pasta was delicious and the one she would go to first, except for the the radicchio. Stephanie was fortunate that the radicchio was not all over the dish, just on the side. Her dish also brought out the truffle flavor.

They really enjoyed Gregory's dish too, but said the truffle was lost. They couldn't taste it. Since it was a truffle challenge, that is why he was told to pack his knives and go. And remember how much truffle he shaved on the dish? A lot, and it still got lost in the dish. Such a bummer.

(on a side note, I wanted Stephanie to go ... although I don't dislike her, I think Gregory is a better chef. )

 

[maxiesmom]

I think Gregory's bad back was affecting him a lot. He didn't seem himself.

 

[lorimay]

So sad to see him go.........

 

[SaintsManiac]

I think Gregory's bad back was affecting him a lot. He didn't seem himself.

He seemed so disconnected the entire episode.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Petty, I know, but it irks me every time time runs out and
Padma says, "Hands up. Utensils down." Wrong order. Some challenge, all the contestants should raise their hands, then drop the utensils.

 

[fly girl]

Petty, I know, but it irks me every time time runs out and
Padma says, "Hands up. Utensils down." Wrong order. Some challenge, all the contestants should raise their hands, then drop the utensils.

Oh no, I am going to notice it now too.

Anytime someone points out something that is peculiar, my mind will always focus in on it. Off topic, but I just started watching Bloodline. My sister had to point out Sissy Spacek's nose, and now all I see is her nose ... a rhinoplasty that went too far. I never noticed it until then, but now every scene she is in I look right at her nose. (and I apologize if you now will look at her nose too)

 

[starvenger]

Petty, I know, but it irks me every time time runs out and
Padma says, "Hands up. Utensils down." Wrong order. Some challenge, all the contestants should raise their hands, then drop the utensils.

It's weird, because as out of order as it is, I think it works as a catchphrase. I think we're conditioned to think "up and down", not "down and up". So if she said "utensils down, hands up", it's the correct order, but it will feel off.

 

[nikkistevej]

Agree

Same

 

[SamFaniam]

I guess I’m rooting for Stephanie, just a little bit, because her background is different from the other chefs. I’m also rooting for Kevin, because he’s had so many challenges the last couple years and this would certainly give him a boost. But, any of the final four would be great winners!

 

[Jennasis]

Petty, I know, but it irks me every time time runs out and
Padma says, "Hands up. Utensils down." Wrong order. Some challenge, all the contestants should raise their hands, then drop the utensils.

Not if you think of it like a "mic drop".

 

[robinb]

I guess I’m rooting for Stephanie, just a little bit, because her background is different from the other chefs. I’m also rooting for Kevin, because he’s had so many challenges the last couple years and this would certainly give him a boost. But, any of the final four would be great winners!

They are my last two. I’ve not liked Stephenie from her first season and a Kevin also rubs me the wrong way. Melissa is my favorite.

 

[osufeth24]

Just now found this thread

I really don't care who wins outside of Kevin. Used to like him, but ever since Restaurant Wars, haven't liked him at all, and some of his true side came out.

I didn't care for Stephenie early in the season, but I've grown to like her a bit. She seems like a fun person to hang out with.

 

[QueenIsabella]

Melissa would be my top pick. I think an of the remaining chefs deserve the win, but there's just something about her. She has this kind of "zen" calmness that seems to translate well to her food.

Stephanie definitely has the fish out of water vibe, but she seems to be holding her own, so kudos to her.

I have to say, I LOVED watching them go truffle hunting! We took the kids to Italy a couple years back, and one of their favorite things was truffle hunting in Umbria (we did black truffles, not white). The hunt was followed by a delicious, truffle-centered meal. It was one of the highlights in a very special trip. So, seeing the chefs do the same thing was a lot of fun for us.

 

[fly girl]

I really don't care who wins outside of Kevin. Used to like him, but ever since Restaurant Wars, haven't liked him at all, and some of his true side came out.

What did he do in Restaurant Wars that you didn’t like? He fell on the sword and took personal responsibility for the failure. I’m sure there’s something, just curious to what it is.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I liked Melissa until last week, when she made a comment about riding around Italy with a cute girl on the back of the scooter - and then later in the same episode, went on to mention her wife. Just, no. Unless her wife is the cute girl she was referring to.

 

[RUDisney]

I liked Melissa until last week, when she made a comment about riding around Italy with a cute girl on the back of the scooter - and then later in the same episode, went on to mention her wife. Just, no. Unless her wife is the cute girl she was referring to.

Why wouldn’t it be her wife? I didn’t give this a second thought

 

[starvenger]

I liked Melissa until last week, when she made a comment about riding around Italy with a cute girl on the back of the scooter - and then later in the same episode, went on to mention her wife. Just, no. Unless her wife is the cute girl she was referring to.

I didn't know she was married, but I took it to be a whimsical comment about no one in particular. If it wasn't... well then Melissa's got some explaining and/or grovelling to do.