No More KENNY??? WTF, Top Chef!

Okay you know I love me some Top Chef. But there's always one point, in every season, where I get really disappointed in them because they send one of the most -- if not THE most -- talented chefs home and let crappy, mediocre, sloppy chefs stay because they managed to not frick up entirely but didn't shine at all either.

Ugh.

That's what happened last week -- Kenny (aka The Beast) was sent home. Remember how I had predicted he would win it all? Well, he certainly had the chops to do so. And I think he was completely DONE WRONG last week when they sent him home, leaving the equally shabby and embarassing Amanda and Alex to continue.

So I haven't watched this week's yet, because I'm still mad at them. I'll get over it and I still want to see who wins, but I'll always hold Kenny in my heart as the true deserving hero.

Okay, ranting done. What about you? Are you enjoying this season? Now I'm rooting for Kevin to win. God I hope Angelo doesn't win.

New Season of Top Chef!

Has anyone else been watching? I am, of course, watching religiously.

We're only 5 episodes in but already I have my favorites and decidedly un-favorites. And my prediction for the winner: Kenny.

He can cook his ass off, that's for sure. He knows what he's doing in the kitchen, he's got crazy skills, AND he's personable, mature, a natural leader, and a good manager.

And if he won, he'd be the first person of color to win Top Chef. That would be huge! I would love to see that happen already. And it's about time, frankly.

I think Angelo is his main competition (these two chefs clearly think so, too, what with their constant trying to out-maneuver one another), and happily for me (because it makes for funner watching), Angelo is my #1 Un-Favorite. Ugh. He is gross. And not just because of the weird, awkward way he keeps coming onto Tamesha. Plus homeboy needs to bring his ego down several notches; he's just not all that.

Also, will we see our first Top Chef hook-up with Tiffany and Ed? I love it.

What are your predictions? How are you liking this season?

OMG!

Top Chef is going on tour?!?!? How fun! How delicious!

I think hubby and I are going to have to drive up to Portland in June to check this out! I wonder which chefs will be there? And do we think Tom and Padma and Gail might be there? Doubtful. But a girl can hope!

My Top Chef Boys Are Nominated for James Beard Awards

This is so great!

From the Bravo blog:

http://www.bravotv.com/blogs/the-dish/tom-bryan-voltaggio-and-kevin-gillespie-get-james-beard-noms

Thrilled to see Tom and Kevin on there. They deserve it, and they deserve to win!

This Week's Top Chef

**** DO NOT READ IF YOU DO NOT WANT SPOILERS! ****

 Okay so I'm catching up on this week's Top Chef -- it's the last episode in Vegas, the last one before the finals -- and WOW. I'm kinda faux-live-blogging it as I watch it.

First, the primary thing I've noticed is that this is a strong group. This is the first time we've gotten to the Final Five and I like them all. There's nobody I'm hating; in fact, it feels so good to have one person I'm really rooting for and loving, yet still liking the rest of the crowd. All five of these chefs can cook their asses off, that's for daaaamn sure.

And who is it I'm loving and rooting for? Not who you'd think: Kevin. I find his spirit, outlook, and food that he cooks to be inspiring and totally fan-worthy. I still have love for Jennifer, and I do hope she makes it to the Final Four, but I don't think she's got the winning spirit. Sorry Jennifer.

If I had to call who I think will be eliminated on this episode, I think I'd call it for Eli. Sorry Eli.

Okay I forever looooove Padma for the "welcome back" wink she gave Jennifer during the Quickfire round. Finally we see a bit of Padma's va-va-voom!

I also am really laughing and am slightly surprised by how the claws have come out a bit -- Michael Voltaggio's remark about Kevin's food being the food he cooks on his days off was totally bitchy. But I know, they're in a tough competition and the claws will come out at some point.

However, I disagree with Michael's snobbery: I don't think that being simple makes food inferior; I don't think the fanciness of French food makes it superior. It requires more technical skill, certainly. But I am a big fan of simple, seasonal food made with love. I think the soul you can find in it can outshine the technical ninja skills of some kinds of French food any day.

Getting the Bocuse d'Or folks onto Top Chef is a huge coup, and speaks to how highly regarded it is in the culinary world. I really love that. I think this show just keeps getting better.

Okay I am so thrilled Kevin won this one! Michael Voltaggio, take that! ;-)

And it's fitting that Eli's gone now. He had a good run, but the other four outshone him.

Can I have a moment of glee in the fact that I called this Final Four ages ago? I AM AWESOME. Ha. I do think Kevin could win it all. GO KEVIN!

I'm also super excited that the finale will be in Napa. That's foodie heaven for sure. Perfect.

Can't wait to see how it all turns out!

(For a HI-larious recap of this week's episode, check this out. I have three words for you: "Indigo Mom Toytime." Seriously, I was laughing out loud at my computer screen; my dog thinks I'm a nut.)