Steven is a [censored]. Hearing his cocky voice and watching him slowly blink his eyes makes my skin crawl. Food must be his only friend. I like everyone else, though. I love Cynthia, Miguel, and Brian- they're hilarious. Harold's just hot

Kadymack you took the words out of my mouth in regard to Stephen! I had to join the message boards so I could describe how annoying he is!! I had to actually turn away from the TV when he one that last challenge because I could not look or hear him. He thinks he is the best and it kills me!!

Go Tiffani!! I hope she makes it all the way. I like her spunk...LOL!

Personality wise, only Lee Ann, Dave and maybe Miguel have any business being 'Top Chef' in a real restaurant. Harold is good but he doesn't have the confidence. If they couldn't even make it 30 minutes on the line where basically all they had to do was plate - they have no business there. And... I find it hard to believe that they actually had to think about what to make as a signature dish! Anyone that has been cooking for years and considers themselves a chef already KNOWS what their signature dish(s) are.

I was thinking the same thing! I'm not even a chef, but I have a signature dish--probably one for every type of occasion. How could they not?

My thought as well...when Ken said he did not have a signature dish I was mentally running through mine and I am not a chef, just a good cook that enjoys food.

I've been cooking most of my life, have been in professional kitchens since the age of 5, been working in restaurants - front and back of house for nearly 20 years, been a line chef and am currently attending Culinary Arts school to advance my skills and techniques. I can only surmise that most of the contestants were picked for entertainment value. Begining cooks in some of my classes can plate better than that! And I'll say it again - if you can't hack the line, you have no business in a professional kitchen.

I cannot agree with you all more about Stephen. I actually joined this just so i could go off about what a pompous [expletive deleted] he is. If i look at his big face with his stupid highligheted hair and listen to his girly voice one more time i think i might go crazy. He is an awful chef and needs to be put in his place. Stephen if you are watching this, go back to sipping on your stupid wine and dont ever speak again.

I totally disagree with the comments about Stephen. I totally think he is one of the few on the show that actually has a chance and so far he has proved that. His food has looked nothing but excellent and he has an insane knowledge of the vine. He was one of the youngest sommeliers in the country. Who else on the show has anything on their resume that can compare to that? AF28, I totally disagree about the "stupid wine" comment also. Stephen is my fav... He is definitely in the top 3. Cheers!

Stephen is an ass! I couldn't agree with you more. Serioulsy........you're not that deep dude!

I liked Tiffani initally and totally respect spunk but she can be flat out mean. Not a a huge fan of hers anymore.

As there seem to be posters with cooking experience, I'd like to share my thoughts so far with my experience in television production. Sorry for the long first post.

Stargazer suggested that the contestants were selected for their entertainment value as opposed to their cooking skills. However, in my opinion they were selected for many traits. First they need to be able to do well on camera. Many people do not perform well on camera. Additionally, they need to have a wide variety of cooking styles and methods. If they make the same things, it doesn’t make good television. Shows need characters. Thus they provide for this through varying levels of experience, different personalities, and an eye towards cultural diversity. These also increase the demographic for the show. Cooking skills are an important as well, and most contestants do have backgrounds to suggest that they have experience. Finally, they do have to be serious about their cooking and the contest. If the contestants don’t care about winning the competition, the viewers won’t either. So the characters are important for making the show work, many are probably highly competent chefs as well.

While line work is obviously a fundamental skill of chefs, one thing to consider when trying to gage their competency is the pressure. Most people who appear in front of cameras are nervous, and take time to adjust. Additionally many of the game show contestants I have worked with (and my experience as a contestant) get very anxious at the start of the game, affecting their performance. They don’t know what to expect at first, and then when they get started, it’s hard to gain confidence. Its irrational behavior, but most people can’t help it and just need time to adjust. Some contestants had no restaurant experience. Finally some contestants seemed awed by the location, which may have contributed to their nervousness. It’s hard to judge the contestants on their performance based on that first task. I’d be interested to hear comments on the contestants aptitude based on their performance in these next few episodes.

Remember that there were time and budget constraints, so some contestants may not have been able to prepare what they usually would for their signature dish. I’m not sure if they examined the kitchen before they prepared food, if not, they need to make sure they are confident they can make it. Or their signature dish may have been something ill-suited for the demands of that contest.

And for the record, I don’t like Stephen either, though his stuck up personality sure comes across in his food presentation. It reminds me of Macs with the white and slickness.

I agree fully with Stargazer. Half these people would be packing bag and baggage the first nite in my kitchen,from what I have seen so far maybe 5 of the ones on the show could even come close to hacking it.

I was amazed at how little line experience some of the crew has. Im guessing they are there for fluff and scenery. If anyone cant hack it pumpin out the food on a line the title of Chef doesnt belong to ya.

I find it funny how all the chefs found it so discusting that Ken stuck his finger in the sauce but in episode 2 lee anne stuck her fat big thumb and finger nails in the chocolate. Cynthia stuck her finger in what ever the hell she was making. Lisa used a spoon to taste but every one knows you use two spoons for tastings one to stick in the sauce and the other to put in your mouth!

wow, a great cast of characters. I have to start with Cynthia. Being an older woman myself, I just love her. I like the fact that she is comfortable with herself, doesn't put on any airs, you really don't see her digging or cutting others down, and she's just plain funny! I really don't think we have seen the end of her yet. Felt sorry for her last night with all she is going through with a dying father and think how she handled it at the judges table said alot about her. She didn't mention her personal troubles to the judges because she didn't think it would be fair to the other 2 at the table.

Steven....although he makes my skin crawl a bit when he does he signature blinking, and is as pompous as one can get, he is funny to watch because I have never encountered in real life anyone so snooty. I did love his champagne dessert idea. He does bring eye appeal to the food he presents. Does anyone else feel like there should be quiet classical music in the background playing when he is on camera?

Miguel....have to love him. He is very unpretentious and is very creative. His food presentations look good and he has alot of imagination....so he has both camera appeal and what it takes to try to make it.

David....love him too...loved his criticism of himself at the judge's table with the nipple dessert thing. That made me laugh.

I'm still trying to familiarize myself with all their names.

I'm soooo hooked and didn't think I could get hooked on a show any more than I did Project Runway. Glad I have something to tied me over until Season III of runway.

I just want to say that I totally agree with Candice: STEPHEN IS A [censored]! I hope one of the other chefs shoves a broken wine bottle down his throat!

Ugh! I couldn't agree more about this God-awful, pretentious snob Stephen. I mean for starters, isn't he a mere 24 years young? He hasn't been around long enough to possess such a snobbish mind-set! And looking at those facial expressions………and the sound of his voice? Well, it only serves to make my skin crawl......I am confident that someone, somewhere along the way will humble this Man, and humble his bloated, rather high self opinion of his own abilities. And I’m hoping it’s on network TV! Don’t get me wrong, I do think his cooking ability is right up there with the best on this show, and he has demonstrated potential. But his poor attitude brings it downhill fast. So far, most if the attitude is without merit. He should be quiet and sit back and prove himself. I'm afraid his mouth may get him into trouble. On one hand I feel sorry for him. I've seen so many like him. The bio says he grew up in Palm Beach? My guess is that he grew up on the other side of the tracks, as it ain’t all high $$ baby! And I’m guessing that he grew up with his nose pressed against the glass of the shoppes on Worth Avenue, dreaming of the day he would be shopping there like the “richie’s”..........It couldn't be more obvious from his comments/observations and his apparent lack of respect for his fellow contestants that this Man comes from nothing, but believes he is something extraordinary. And as my Daddy always said: “The moment you think you're better than the next person, is the exact moment they are better than you"...........to put it simply, he is an a** and a jerk. He is the only thing that makes me look away from this show, other than that, I’m glued…………but the expression on his face when Miguel’s name was announced as the winner: priceless!!!!!!

sorry for this post...didn't know where to put it. Can anyone tell me what software is needed to view these videos. It says it is loaded and when I hit play it says, 'ready'. I can't get them to play. I have no trouble on any other site playing video clips. I searched the site and FAQ but can't find any answers.

appreciate any answers.

I don't think Stephen is 24. I think he's older. Check out how much Botox or Collegen he has pumped into his forehead. THAT's why he can't blink properly. And as for his arrogance, I think ROWgirlie hit it on the head. I think he came from nothing and has that drive of envy pushing him. But, I will grudgingly admit he has had some good displays of food so far.

RWOgirlie I agree with you! Stephen's face when they announced Miguel as the winner was just priceless!!

I have to say my favorites so far are Tifanni, Miguel, Lee Anne and Harold, they seem to love what they do, they do it well and they do not behave like they are above everyone else, which is what I think is wrong with Stephen.
I mean, I guess they guy is young, not too mature, or as much maturity as a twenty something guy could have. It does look like he is good and he knows what he is doing, not to mention his job speaks louder than words, if he only wasn't as snobish as he is! kwim?
Anyway, I hope our favorites are there at the end!! It will certainly be interesting. I have to say I am hooked to the show! and I am loving it!!!

omg kaydmack, I completely agree with you in all of the comments... especially the Harold comment. I think Steven seriously needs to remove the "I know everything" stick out of his... well you know where

I agree with you up untill the Tifanni part, at some points I don't think she can enjoy it because she is so hell bent on winning, it seems that she might be the Santino of the cooking world using all of her tricks and words to get her through to the end because what she did to Lee Anne was wrong, not allowing her the 2 mins because someone changed the temp on the oven, I thought is was also wrong with Harold's and Cynthia's dishes not setting from the freezers, but ti was kinda funny to see that Harold never saw the ice maker under the shelf

I must agree with everyone's comments about Stephan. I find him completely annoying with his holier than thou attitude and grating mannerisms. I made the same comments about him being the Wendy Pepper to my hubby last night as we were watching. I was disappointed with Ken being sent home so early because he was at least interesting! I like LeAnn but she is so focused on winning that it puts me off. Same for Tiffani, except she is mean on top of it! I was glad to see Andrea finally get the axe since she really deserved it the first episode. I must say that I think Brian (I think that is his name - he made Jerk Chicken in Ep. 1) bears watching. He has some interesting quirks and actually seems to know what he is doing.

Overall, it is an interesting show so far. We were looking forward to this one because my hubby is an home chef. There have been some bumps and there is room for improvement but, overall, we are enjoying the show.

Someone did give a very broad hint. "Do we have an icecream maker here?"

That he didn't find it just tells me that they haven't looked over their kitchen. Seems to me that anyone going into anyone elses "shop" should check and so they know what is and isn't there.

Hi all, I just got home in time to catch the recap show, I loved episode two last night. (Not to be repetative, because I said something along these same lines on one of the other boards last night)but, RuPaul had me cracking up on last nights show (I wish he was one of the judges, they need some pizzaz! Though I do kinda like Tom). My favorites are (dont hate me for including him) Stephan, even though his attitude grates on my nerves, he does seem to have talent. Tiffani, she's a tough one, and a bit too forceful, but I like her no-nonsense kind of style. Lee Anne (hope Im spelling it right) she seems competent, strong minded, but with a sense of fair play. Miguel, also very competent with a great sense of humor.

I LOVE Cynthia!

Is it true that Steven is actually Daniel Franco?

Forget all you naysayers. Regardless of Stephen's namby pamby attitude...the guy's got pizzazz, and you can't take that away from him. So far his dish ideas have been outstanding. The other contestants may have more heart, soul, and goodness in them, but Stephen has the dishes. And in the end, that's what matters - also not being cocky, but maybe he'll have to work on that. I also think Lee Ann is great because chubby Asians have spunk!

Stephen is GREAT!!!! I hope he continues to do well and represent the Las Vegas area as the premiere culinary capital of the world. Do come to visit,sweeties!!! Please taste and see that the cuisine unmatched as is our hospitality!! Go Las Vegas!!

Tiffani can be harsh, but it is a competition. She's kick(sensored)!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love her.

OK
still reeling from daniel/santinos loss to the dark horse candidate chloe and her couch cover dresses

so i will vent my sadness/frustration with project runway into top chef...
Stephen: Contrived pretentious [censored], GOD is he obnoxious
Candace: i honestly dont understand why she is on the show except for sex appeal on the feminine side, because top chef could have picked ANY highly ranked person half way through culinary school and they would probably all be at the same level.

I am personally rooting for Miguel and Harold, because Miguel is so down to earth and harold is just so nice!
oh, and the Tiffani scares me...A LOT

Well, at least Stephen is interesting. I'm looking forward to Weds' episode and the "cat fight!" I'm not a professional chef, but it would seem to me that you would need a lot of self-confidence to do it. Basically, you're selling yourself as much as your food.

So far, I'm liking Brian the best as far as personalities go. He seems confident, he's funny and he hasn't shown any nastiness toward the others. I also thought his strawberry apple crisp looked really good!

I'm feeling for Cynthia, though, going through the competition and knowing that her father could pass away before she sees him again. I find it difficult to believe, though, that the producers and the judges didn't know about her situation. But hey, thats TV for ya.

Stephen....its clear that he's going to the be the Pepper factor. Everyone's going to dislike him, but he'll slither to the finals. He does seem to have presentation skills, but I don't think I'd be crazy about the tastes of his combinations.

Lee Ann and Tiffani are going to be battling throughout.

Stephen will get everyone's hackles up.

oh yeah..fun in the kitchen

well of course, I had to rewatch Wed's episode last night to get a second look and hear at what I might have missed from the first time.

I have to say that Stephen, although pompous and arrogant, is growing on me for some stange reason. I actually laugh out loud when he is doing his sound bites of 'why he did this the best', etc. I can't imagine having that much confidence in myself that I would spout out about it.

I love Brian...he is so passionate about everything he cooks and he so believes in his dishes. If you listen closely to the judging, both his dishes have gotten very good ratings on taste.

Cynthia is me in a nutshell. Very unpretentious; older woman that is comfortable with who she is and doesn't need to put on any airs; tries not to offend anyone or intentionally hurt their feelings. you notice how when things get heated up in the kitchen, she stays quiet and doesn't interject? that is me to a 'T'.

Harold...he really has what it takes. He is serious when he is in the kitchen and he has proven that he can execute a dish. I think he will be in the finals.

Tiffani....she is good but I am loathing her more and more. I know one thing...I'd hate to work with her or for her!

LeeAnn...she too is very creative and has what it takes. You can see the personal competition going on between her and Tiffani...saw that from weekI.

Lisa...I give her so much credit because she is self-taught and although she may not compare in the skill or knowledge of the others, she is good at what she does. I'd love to taste her food.

David and Miguel...love them too...funny but yet they have talent. They know their food.

Candice...hey, she still is in school. While others may pick on her, I thought although a bit tacky her 'edible underwear' may have been, did you notice her designs on them? They really did look like leopard print, and the trims on them were nice.

I honestly would have liked to have seen more of Ken's antics in the kitchen just for entertainment but he really must have been a handful for them to get rid of him.

As for the 'all natural' lady..sorry can't remember her name but she got axed the 2nd episode..I'd love to have her in my kitchen as my personal chef; she'd have me in tiptop shape in no time. I wish her well on her cookbook. We all could learn to eat healthier.

Very entertaining show all in all.

Tunisianswife, my friend, your assessments so closely match mine it's a hoot! (Read my last long post on the Episode 2 board...and when you get half way through it, I give my predictions, slightly different than yours just above on the Epi 2 board, of who will go home, and in what order!! Brash, but it's just for fun...). Anyway, I can't believe how close we are in our assessments of the contendas (my New Yorker imitation). Read it and see what you think. (:

Hey, heyheyhey...ha ha...my lame attempt at humor...no, but seriously, I have to admit it: Tiffani scares me too!! Actually, I have some more trenchant criticisms of her on my last (probably way too long...sorry...) post on the Epi 2 board today...the one where I take a wild'n'crazy'n'brash big ol' GUESS and give a COMPLETE RUNDOWN on who will be eliminated and when...show by show. Fire away, O Disagree-ers! (All in good fun, of course--at least, I hope so!)

Related: A couple other people said they were a little sorry Irish Guy went home so soon, 'cause he was entertaining...hafta admit to you all, not that many TV people scare me (e.g., the heavyset guy on the Apprentice whom another woman contestant said "threatened" her a week ago--pish tosh!, was my reaction to that...I didn't find him frightening in the least...and frankly, I was extremely offended at the way several contestants on the last Apprentice epi took jabs at his weight--totally unkind, I thought--nasty, really--and I'm not a particularly "P.C." kinda gal who gets easily offended at anything that could possibly be misconstrued...but I digress...as usual... (: ), but anyway, FRANKLY, Irish Guy did scare me.

I agreed with Chef Dave--I would not have liked having him in the kitchen with me. IMHO, at a minimum, he was distracting--and that's VERY bad in the kitchen, at least for me it is. I really believe it is at least partly Stephen's edge, for example--his ability to focus, I mean.

BTW, I am so very glad to see several people on this board speaking positively of Stephen. I propose a reassessment/re-reading of Stephen, on the Epi 2 board. What do you all think??? Let's hear it from y'all! Let the readings roll! (:

I think the best part is watching Tiffani's reaction to the judges when they compliment another competitor. Watch, you will see. It's like she takes it as an insult when someone ELSE receives praise. A sign of immaturity? Wouldnt the classier thing to do would be to show some grace? She crosses the line of saying whats on her mind and being downright mean and insulting. Bottom line - she's a bad seed. Who wants someone like that in the kitchen? Stephen is growing on me as well, I think he has a good chance at winning the competition. However, a true chef probably does not have to put someone else down to make themselves look better.

As A follow-up:Interesting grouping, these chefs. Remember that this is a professionally produced tv series. How it appears to us is probably quite different than what actually went on in "real" life. It's like casting a typical tv series: a "wildman" Ken, a "snooty" Stephen, "ass-kicking" Lee-Ann, "nature-lady" Andrea, "nice guy" Harold, "cool" Brian, "bitchy" Tiffani, "cute-thing" Candace, "crazy" Miguel, etc. But you're just seeing a certain viewpoint of this dynamic crew. Some of you out there take this way too seriously. I mean, " shove a broken bottle of wine down Stephen's throat"? What is that? Relax already! It's (pseudo-reality)tv.

I have noticed that too, Ilovefood. One can see that she is out for blood. I was actually surprised when she said that Harold should have won the Quickfire challenge of episode II. In once respect, I guess that is good and necessary to have that drive to be so competitive and do well. I know one thing for sure...I am liking her less and less and would not to be in her kitchen. lol

To follow with my intial comment about Stephen, I can defintly apprieciate his hard work, but it is overweighed by his horrrible attitude. He thinks he is such hot [censored] because he sips wine for a living. Cool buddy i could do it to, u [expletive deleted]. I hope the love of my life, Candace tells it to him strait this wens.

Also, I LOVE CYNTHIA. all she does is curse cook and laugh, and thats a great way to live.

Stephen, shove ur stupid wine bottle up your a$$

I'm already into the show...I'm a huge Project R fan, and the producers have reeled me in with Top Chef. I have just a couple of comments...first, as someone who lost my own father a couple of years ago, I am rather shocked that cynthia doesn't quit the show and go to her father whom she says is "all alone" and dying for heaven sakes! If they are close and he dies, she will never forgive herself...I know that she said that he urged her to go...but the last days that I spent with my dad are so precious to me, even though I live in a different state than my Dad, I was able to see him for the last 3 weeks of his life and I got to tell him how much he meant to me; it is just not the same telling a loved one such things over the phone...so she will lose out on those precious moments if she stays..,

Second, regarding Stephan...I think that he looks like a young Barry Manilow! But I love the way his food looks, and apparently it tastes good, so does it really matter that he is a pompous ass?