I am really, trying to catch up (who knows why?) BUT...River, you are so correct! Hajar, can I entice you into bringing some to the porch next Wednesday????

Jazzie

I agree 100%. Which is why I like the two former contestants coming back as sous chefs for the finale. If you stepped all over people on the way up you can't expect them to bend over backwards for that push over the top.

The deck was stacked against Dale the moment that Antonia chose Stephanie and Richard to be on her team. Yes, Dale was the executive chef but he could not pick his team. I didn't find Anthony Bourdain's criticisms too persuasive. I find it hard to believe that in a restaurant, there would be a situation where the executive chef is forced to work with two people where he has no confidence in their abilities. I doubt Bourdain would put up with that.

Even if Dale had been more forceful and directly told Lisa and Spike what to cook and how to cook it, they would have found a way to screw Dale over. The real mistake Dale made was not thinking tactically-he should have let Lisa take the lead and be executive chef -but who knows-the judges probably would have then criticized him for not taking "initiative" or some other nonsense.

They are laying low!!!! When the bleep hits the fan like this, they have learned that it's better to be "Busy opening a Restaraunt" or some other excuse than blog. Poor Lee Anne gets stuck holding the bag.

I'll drink to that! Chai tea and brandy, if you'd care to join me.

Jazzie

Pretty much a spot on assesment. Don't forget they Drank a shot of tequilla instead of incorperating "Drunken" into the dish as well. So they blew off two criteria.

Do you think he is going next week?

Agreed. His need for power/control did not serve him well in this case.

Simon, I've gone back and forth on whether to post this comment, but decided I just can't hold back.

First, let me say that you are, by far, the poster that I most respect (and learn the most from) on the TC boards. At times, when I am in a rush but want to quickly check the boards, I make sure I stop to read anything you post. If you disagree with something I've posted, I seriously stop and think about whether I was misguided.

That's why I am so bewildered by the posts I've seen from you both last week and this week accusing some new posters of setting up multiple monikers just so they can repost similar messages. Frankly, that is a fairly serious accusation to make against anyone, and I can think of a few people on these boards who have been seriously hurt and offended when others made similar accusations about them.

Do you have evidence to back up your accusations? If not, may I politely suggest that you give people the benefit of the doubt, rather than post unproven suspicions? Frankly, these accusatory posts from you seem so out of whack with the fair-minded, even brilliant poster that you otherwise seem to be.

I lost respect for Bourdain this week, I thought he was smart and witty but he really just spits out random thoughts from his big ugly head. I watch No Reservations religiously but not anymore.

Oh one more thing, he needs to get his teeth fixed, looks terrible on tv.

But not likeing the Martix movies does deserve the double batshit treatment? LOL.
Just giving you crap bear.

Most of the posts have just been rants. There have been the random scumbags that the BBB "should" be taking care of. Hey I like to be as potentially offensive as possible but there are lines you can't cross.

Don't sweat it and tell the boy A Sox fan is rooting for him to have a John Lesteresque recovery.

From the previews it looks like it could be Spike or Richard----but I may be wrong.

Absolutely. His Parole Board comment had me rolling as did his discription of what he would do if someone dumped on him in the kitchen. My sides hurt from laughing.

Does it matter if they know what it is or that they know Lisa couldn't cook it or brown rice correctly two weeks in a row?

Well, he was thought to be one of the better contestants according to this article. ( I know this has been posted before, but it is just a reminder.)

Richard Blais, Andrew D'Ambrosi, Dale Talde, Spike Mendelsohn and Manuel Trevino all seem to have the moxie and experience to take the title. Like their victorious predecessors, they've worked in some decent kitchens and withstood the pressure.

Top Chef attracts Top Talent for Fourth Season

No Idea. You would think it would be rewarding to give them some props for putting their necks out. But in Steph's defense she did make two great dishes and knocked out front of the house.

Ok, not sure why you singled out my post for that response, but if you must. I have already said that my post last night might have been harsh, and also that my interpretation of the preposition of the "game" has been incorrect. I will view the show with an understanding that each episode is a mission for the Top Chef of that episode and not the season, as that is Simons guidance. I won't feel as cheated when my favorite goes and one with lesser overall talent during the season stays. I also don't remember stating the Producers influenced the decision, but I might have given that impression, if so, mia culpa.

I thought he should have gone for the Roll he did with Miguel but that aside your exactly right. He literally just hovers near the middle or the bottom and show flashes of skill when it suits him.

TCfan I would laugh hysterically if by some fluke the chefs that have been along for the ride for Drama, Spike and Lisa, somehow beat everyone and win the whole thing. I would laugh for days. If you thought Tom was a bitter bastard in his blog when Ilan won can you imagine what his reaction would be if Spike or Lisa pulls it off?

I don't see this happening but it could lol.

Point well made. But as I saw it...he picked it off the shelf. She could have challenged it at that moment. She did not.

You write 4. but fail to list the critera.

Oh wait that just makes you an idiot poster!!!

Ole Simon's his dander up and I think I like it too TCfan. lol

Naughty Naughty! Don't make me sic my army of screen names on you!

Predictions- So Dale is out- I predict Lisa will be next followed by Spike. That should not be too surprising.

Once it is down to Stephanie, Antonia and Richard, one of the women will lose. Whoever the remaining woman is, she will beat Richard.

Sorry. I meant in the grocery store. It clearly shows that he picked at least three small bags of rice off the top shelf.

Sorry. I meant in the grocery store. It clearly shows that he picked at least three small bags of rice off the top shelf.

That would be delickcious!

That was my thought. Spike and Richard were on the right end. Seemed to me that Padma was looking their way. Goodness, I surely do hope it is not Richard.

Sorry KK but your bonkers if you think Spike isn't a conflict magnet or a producer's dream.

He caused Jen to blow up afer Zoi got the boot.
He called out Dale as a "little [expletive deleted]" in front of the judges.
He made Antonia blocking soup a major issue and then smugly sucked up to the judges.
He called Nikki's mushrooms turds. "Do you want to put a turd in your mouth?" lol.
He giggled manicaly as stared into the camera and said "Have fun making a box lunch with no bread, no leattuce, no tomato or no chicken" lol.
He works front of the house deliberately and said"there is now way they can blame the food on me."
He went into wedding wars and made one dish well and dogged it by design. He's the Top Chef version of Richard Hatch! All he needs to do now is fish naked! lol.

You are disgusting. Has it ever occurred to anyone that Richard might wear the pink Crocs as a tribute to a family member fighting breast cancer? Your hatred overwhelms me. All of you with your venom and utter evilness. Grow up. Shut up. You put your pants on one leg at a time like every body else. Differences are a delightful reminder of the true beauty of the human race. You cretins with your insufferable hatred are the epitome of stupidity. Now go kiss your children goodnight with that foul mouth.

I don't know I don't like the way Richie is looking on the line in this next episode. If he goes and with only Spike to beat the producers could pretty much cash in with the first female top chef. And I would laugh my ass off if it was Lisa. If Lisa wins Top Chef these boards will make Chernobyl look like Myrtle Beach. Set threat level to Fushcia!!

If it is Richard things around here certainly aren't going to be pretty!! Really hoping it's Spike!

Ooooh. That's right on the money WhataJoke.

TC is really an evolved reality TV show and Spike is what every reality TV show needs - the guy who constantly keeps things stirred up.

Why? The rules are..you have a bad day, you go home. Richard is as capable of having a bad day in the kitchen as anyone.

One more question. As I have joined this little party just yesterday, Simon Bao, what is your connection to Top Chef? You wouldn't be T-Bone, would you?

Amen, Simon. I have cooked stick rice just a handful of times. It is a daunting task. When done correctly it's fabulous. When it's wrong it is garbage. LOL@ FN!

Hi! I am new at this , but wanted to say that I think Lisa is the one that should go home. She is arrogant, and also seems to be incompetent; she cannot even figure out how to turn the burners on the stove. If she was to smile her face would break. I think she should have gone home instead of of Dale.

Andrew was good for soundbites. Not drama. If andrew was good for Drama and conflict he would have sold Richard down the river for knowing about the scales on the fish before hand and playing stupid infront of the judges.

Well the lebanese ladies might have been far more interesting if Bravo wasn't pulling the strings on their behavior behind the scenes. That Chow interview with Jen shedded some light on that I would say.

I actually KNOW reality TV people. I KNOW TV producers. I KNOW the ad business as it relates to ratings and buyrates. You think a potential sponsor is going to clamor to buy ad space on a show when the upfront shows nothing but food and some guy sticking his head into a small helmet or a Kiwi playng a diggery do? Not likely.

And Spike is good for drama and conflict period. Dale leaving added to that believe it or not. Now everyone wants to see him and Lisa gone.

I was noticing that Richard seemed to be nursing a hurt back. It's possible that he isn't able to work at the same level as everyone else and loses by default, but that would be a real shame.

Oh lordie lordie lordie! I'd have to put the porch on lockdown if that happens!!!

Maybe we should start stocking emergency supplies now? I'll bring the chai and brandy!

I may be alone in this, but as much as I find Lisa unpleasant, I think Spike should have been last night's ejectee. He was lauded for being smart by staying out of the kitchen, but as I recall, Brian was called on the carpet for the same thing when he was FOH in last season's Restaurant Wars.

Spike's smirking at JT didn't help my opinion of him either, and although Dale wasn't familiar with Lisa's failed soup, Spike was. He claimed it was beyond saving, but I wouldn't be surprised if he just wanted to see Lisa fall on her face. After all, the team could simply have held the soup back since they had a second appetizer—even if it was Butterscotch Scallops!

Agreed! Never judge a book by its cover, or a chef by the color of his Crocs!
Want some tea, or coffee?

*pouring another cup for self*

If that happens board up the windows and break out the MRE's in the basement. Martial Law might be needed to restore order.

Oh Pls! It's always been "hypocrite city" on Top Chef and other Bravo Productions! They do it all the time! If you leave something off a plate, they ask where is it; then scold person for including something that didn't work on that same plate the next show! It's so BOGUS; integrity, taste, class, impartiality! Come on! 8-)

Dogabone, I thought Lisa should go last night, but I can see where you're coming from. Spike's strategy is all about winning without performing.

No. You will not have to put the porch on lockdown. You will have to open up the porch and the lawn to the hundreds/millions? of crying tcfans who will come to you seeking each other and looking for a sympathetic shoulder.

Honestly, Dale, Lisa, Spike? They all make for good TV. I do not believe Dale was ousted to keep the other two on. I just believe his principles led him to want the Exec Chef position and he didn't game play. Spike, and possibly Lisa, were much more game savvy.

Mores the pity.

Oh, Dale! Didn't you watch last season?

I was very disappointed to see Dale go. He was the BEST chef on the show and quite honestly I really do not think I will continue to watch it.

Lisa or Spike should have went - hands down. They are both untalented and uncreative. Spike is a weasel and Lisa is a whiner and refused to own up to her poor cooking skills. I just can't believe these two have managed to slide by so far. Pure luck - not talent that is for sure.

I say bring Dale back for another round and let's see the competition get really hot.

Dale if you are reading this - you were the best and you deserved to the be the TOP CHEF!

So, what you're saying is that the words in the post above yours are just grasping for a handle on what happened on this episode? That venomous spew wasn't strong enough? Certainly there are better forms of communicating our disgust than advocating rape

Did it just get cold in here? Did you say "agree" in conjunction to a WAJ post? Back away from the aluminum, dear...