Top Chef Finale

So Ilan is Top Chef, Marcel is the fool.

Meh.

Each chef had to prepare their version of The Perfect Meal. The food looked tasty enough, most of it sounded yummy, and yet.

Ilan touted his passion for food, his ability to cook from the heart but I just don’t believe him. He knows that is what he is supposed to say and he turns out his food like he’s reading cheat-sheets written up his arm. How do you walk between a cuisine’s traditions and innovations? I think I would have liked something that said ILAN. Although I can’t help but think of him as a sniggering Muttley in the corner as he plots his next frat-boy insult.

Marcel has stupid hair. He wants to play in the big sandbox, but kids with stupid hair will always be The Kid With Stupid Hair. He admires and works toward emulating some of the most creative food minds in the world and yet isn’t humble enough to see beyond the recipe, the technique. And the fact that he blamed the missing Kampachi on his helpers, without taking any top-side ownership shows a deep level of fear and self-doubt. Not so inspiring in a kitchen.

Of all the contestants, I admired Sam the most. For his maturity, his hunger for knowledge, his sense of taste, and his humility, he will be well sought in the coming years. Plus did you see Padma almost lose it when she had to cut him? I think she loves him.

For a sharper take on the contestants, there’s no one like Tony.