I missed this week’s second final round so had to wait to see it yesterday at 12:00 noon. Unfortunately culinary dynamo Anita Lo was sent packing her knives. She has dominated this series and I think she just got tired, plus she got her Asian vibe on and thought that cheddar cheese soup with mini-burgers in it would satisfy an American’s quest for a perfect burger.
Once again, I applaud these chefs for going head-to-head to benefit their favorite charities. I love Hubert Keller but Make A Wish has been a really lame charity over the years and I don’t know that his winnings would be well-spent (take that from a former expert in that arena) but I would still love for him or the others to win. I also give kudos to Top Chef Masters staff for making this different than Top Chef. Yes, they’re each driving a Lexus, great product placement, but it’s Critic’s Table, thankfully for chefs and audience alike there are no bunk beds. The chefs are treated as the pro’s they are in everyday life.
No romantic entanglements (at least none we know of) and when one chef is paired with another to assemble a “surprise” box of food, they don’t pull a “Spike” and give them twelve boxes of raisins (I made that up, first thing that came to mind) and nothing else. It is evident that they respect and care for each other even though each contestant wants to win for their charity.
I don’t have a favorite and just want to see the tale be told, as it’s probably been over for a while and the insiders know who won. There is something to be said about professionals at or about the same level, going to work every day and being in a collegial atmosphere. In real life, they’re the boss of many minions in their restaurants. That’s why it’s so cool to see them peel onions or open oysters, or go to a grocery store, things they haven’t done in years.
Bravo to Bravo and Top Chef Masters. Dee
Cooking with Dee 