I thought Bryan was going to win last week, Stephanie this week but Melissa won both. I can’t even remember who she beat 3 weeks ago. The judging and editing and wins by Melissa make it almost seem like Melissa is unbeatable. But, we may be in for a surprise! I like all 3 but my preference would be Bryan, Stephanie, Melissa. We’ll soon find out! I’ve enjoyed this season. The scenes from Italy were great. You can’t beat scenes with great cheese , great ham, and great local markets!
Didn’t you want to taste a hunk of that cheese?!!!
Absolutely! I watched the episode this morning and decided I just had to have something Italian for dinner tonight! I saw the board near the market in Parma announcing they were selling lasagne. I had some frozen Rao’s lasagna on hand so made that. I had just been to the store yesterday and didn’t have any fresh cheese around so had to settle for the dreaded Parmesan cheese in a can that I already had!
^^^ Yeah, I love a very good Parm Regg but also I love the parm in a can!
I felt so sad for Bryan with the comment of his food not have soul. So crushing for him to hear. I like all three who are left but am rooting a bit more for Stephanie and Melissa, with Melissa being just slightly my favorite. But would be happy with any of them winning.
I watched Guy’s Grocery Games on Food Network yesterday. Malarkey was a judge. Of course, the show is edited and he didn’t have a lot to say, but he seemed to be totally lacking in personality. I was disappointed.
Maybe he just wasn’t into that game show.
There was an article in today’s paper about Malarkey reopening three of his restaurants in the next several weeks. He wants to give people a fun, lively, and safe experience and it sounds promising. He’s also bringing in a new James Beard winning executive chef. The article refers to him as “always exuberant.”
Really looking forward to tonight’s finale!
I’ve been Re- watching 4 hours of prior shows. My fear is that I’ll be asleep soon, and won’t hear the winner. Everyone here here knows whom I’m rooting for.
I woke up in time for judges table.
I wanted them all to win!
Stephanie knew she didn’t nail the third course so she almost could relax. It was a personal victory for her so hooray. Brian was most likely to be disappointed but at least he knew he put on a stellar meal. Melissa clearly most impressed with her cultural heritage blending so deserved the win. I am curious how she would do without Asian flavors involved.
Combining the cultures was Melissa’s theme.
I thought she was so poised, accepted her sous chef, whom she did not chose. She had to redo the dessert, whereas Kevin was a true help to Brian and same with malarkey to Stephanie. Of course, I can’t really know what happened as so much edited.
I thought all 3 were deserving and likable, and wish them well.
Great ending and deserving win for Melissa. I caught a little of WWHL after the finale with Tom and Padma. Although it sounded like it was incredibly close, and all three cooked great meals, Tom made it sound like there was little question that Melissa was the winner. She also won Fan Favorite and said she would be donating that money to various organizations.
I felt for Brian V. He is a great chef and deserving of a win after making the finals 3 times. But Melissa was a notch above, looking at the number of wins she had. Interesting that all three final chefs were more low key than some of the others. I was glad to see Stephanie make it to the end. She peaked at just the right time!
Bryan said he will not be doing Top Chef again. Hope we see him as a judge or on something else occasionally .
I agree. I liked all 3 finalists. Carla was not the winner, but a fan favorite. ( green eggs and ham). She has had a very successful career on TV. Chopped and other shows use different Finalists on their shows. Those with the right personality can continue on TV
Good show. Three kind, hard working chefs. I think both Bryan and Melissa earned the win although Stephanie really earned her place in the finale. Melissa did have the most wins and that chef crying in the end sealed the deal. A piece of me still hoped for Bryan to get the win.
I think the judges had to really dig deep to find any flaws in any of those finale dishes.
I wish this was on more than once a year!
Great ending and I was happy for Melissa. I really enjoyed this season overall.
I finally caught up yesterday. Fun to come here today and read all the posts. Thank you!