Well, all I can say about the “Top Chef 4” finally last night is that I am completely disappointed in the outcome. After watching the entire season, I feel that Richard Blais was by far the best chef in the cast. He uses classical techniques as well as the new molecular gastronomy techniques. There aren’t many chefs in the world today that are proficient cooking with mini handheld smokers or creating bacon ice cream out of liquid nitrogen, but Richard proved he could create inventive and tasty dishes using these modern techniques in combination with the more traditional techniques. Unfortunately, he choked last night and he even said as much at judges table. The other two finalist created solid menus and carried them through with excellent execution. I would to have the ability to taste all of the dishes created in the final. Some looked great while others, not so much!
Lisa, who I felt like should have been gone 4-5 episodes ago, put together a menu of items she felt comfortable with and has a lot of experience cooking. She definitely saved her best for last! She cooked a Thai/Asian themed menu and apparently did a great job. Stephanie, who I feel is the second best technical chef in the cast, also put together a menu that was just slightly daring and consistent and that impressed the judges. Stephanie was consistent throughout the entire season where as Richard was more daring and would try dishes and combinations that he knew were going to be controversial. For example, last night he had a dish he called “Which came first?” which was a mélange of guinea hen, egg and foie gras. I guess when you try to push the envelop all the time, sometimes is just doesn’t work.
Lisa, who I felt like should have been gone 4-5 episodes ago, put together a menu of items she felt comfortable with and has a lot of experience cooking. She definitely saved her best for last! She cooked a Thai/Asian themed menu and apparently did a great job. Stephanie, who I feel is the second best technical chef in the cast, also put together a menu that was just slightly daring and consistent and that impressed the judges. Stephanie was consistent throughout the entire season where as Richard was more daring and would try dishes and combinations that he knew were going to be controversial. For example, last night he had a dish he called “Which came first?” which was a mélange of guinea hen, egg and foie gras. I guess when you try to push the envelop all the time, sometimes is just doesn’t work.
I am not upset that Stephanie won, I felt like she was in the top two for the season. She did what she had to do and produced a solid final meal. She is now the first female “Top Chef” and I am sure she will go on to do great things in the culinary world. As will Richard. He is going to be in big demand and already is in the Atlanta area. As for Lisa, I am sure she will go back to creating her Thai food and pissing people off in the kitchen! Anyway, I was a little disappointed in the finial outcome, but overall it was a good season and I look forward to the start of the next one. Until then, get out and enjoy some good food and wine and if you see any crazy combination on a menu, give it a shot. Who knows, you just might like it!
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