@LuluR: Sigh, the producers. My money was on Brian too. Not only before the finale began but after I heard them discuss the dishes, I too thought it was obvious Brian had done the better job. I think Michael has a more interesting personality perhaps.
There's an interesting Q&A with Kevin from the Atlanta paper today that sheds light on why he was in a funk. He and his wife of 6 years apparently broke up *right* before they filmed the finale. Sadness.
@pssshwhatever: Ha. I met him recently (just quickly at an event) and basically made a fool of myself and he was totally gracious and hilarious. Plus, the pork tattoo!
@jencop: I am uncomfortably serious about my desire for Kevin to call me. I am utterly jealous that you met him! I'm sure he found you endearing - he seems like that type of guy.
@Zira: When Jennifer and Michael were partners, I definitely saw some glances between them during judging that raised my suspicions. Bryan mentioned his wife on the show. Michael didn't mention a wife that I remember...
@Lymed: That is what triggered my suspicisions too.
AND I bet that is why Jennifer's performance on the show suddenly got so sloppy: she was too busy making sexy time with Michael to focus on the task at hand. Which leads me to wonder whether Michael intentionally used his masculine charm to fool Jennifer into losing her focus.
@Zira: Really? I got the impression that Jennifer was hoping for some sexy time with Michael, but was rebuffed by the intensity of his focus on the task at hand.
@Zira: A comment below says Michael is married. Jennifer seemed defeated in those episodes where she did poorly. I think she was just exhausted by the experience. Or perhaps she was heartbroken when Michael refused her advances in order to remain faithful to his wife....
Ummm... did any of you read Tom Colicchio's blog on the finale? The editing elves made it seem like Bryan was the winner during the discussion but according to the judges it wasn't nearly that close. And honestly, I gotta agree with the decision. The winner gets $125,000 to start their own business and guess what, Bryan Voltaggio -already- has his own business: the very successful (and acclaimed) Volt.
@RodericaSnake: Well, that makes some sense. [www.bravotv.com] In a nutshell, Colicchio says the judges actually liked Michael's squab more than Bryan's venison. Like I said just below, the editing stank; I just didn't know how much.
@naugahydeinplainsight: I've noticed that repeatedly on cooking shows. This past season of America's Next Iron Chef had one episode where the editing made it sound like the person who went home had actually cooked the best dishes. I wonder if producers think it is entertaining to the audience to be psyched out by the judges.
Sorry I couldn't make the loveblog last night and perhaps this came up, but the editing of this final finale was for crap. Not to extend the agony, but they needed another 30 minutes to show some of the actual -- oh, I don't know -- cooking. Unless I dozed off, those entrees and desserts sprung fully formed when the clock struck. The producers ripped off the secret box from Chopped, they might was well mimic the way that show also shows the contestants cooking, as well.
I still don't get this outcome. Maybe they thought Bryan was too boring, and Michael would make a more sexy and charismatic winner or something?
Based on track record throughout the seaon, Michael would have placed third. Based on the judges' reactions to the final dishes, he would have place second or third.
@MisterHippity: I had the same reaction, and my judges' scorecard looked just like JDS' above. Only thing I can fathom is that the judges really stuck to their criticism that Bryan played it too safe all season, where Michael's cooking and flavors were more "out there."
I'm actually happy that Gawker posted the picture from people yesterday. Had I not immediately recognized the slouching posture as belonging to Michael, I would have felt a much greater pang of disappointment. Instead, I held onto just the faintest hope that it was Bryan in an awkward pose. Of course, today, I recognize that it will be a bit easier to get a reservation at Volt with this outcome.
Oh, and Mama Voltaggio, you may want to talk to Michael about that slouching.
@Zira: I don't mind predictability. I want the best chefs to make it to the final four because I want the best chef to win. Look what a lack of predictability did to this season of Project Runway.
Was Michael the single one and Bryan the married one? I think the win may have something to do with that, as in Bravo might get more publicity and money by pimping out the Top Chef who also happens to be an eligible bachelor.
@pjsparkles26: He stated it himself at some point during the TC season. I sadly can't substantiate my claim with a YouTube clip, but trust: He's taken.
PS: Also, I would totally slip off my wedding ring and stick it in my pocket if I had to constantly cook with acidic ingredients such as tomatoes, etc.
@dolemite1975: I don't get what you're talking about. I went to school in Sonoma County (Rohnert Park + Santa Rosa FTW!) but am deeply familiar with neighboring Napa County as well. They're like so.. similar. Both are eqaully lovely and commonly referred to as 'poor man's Tuscany.'
@snugbug:I lived in Sonoma for a long time. The people from Napa tend to be arrogant assholes and always think their wine is superior (which it ain't!).@Conchie Birdie: I know. Dur! I was agreeing, dear. :)
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And Josh? Absolutely nobody does the Top Chef voodoo like you do. Until next season, sir.
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AND I bet that is why Jennifer's performance on the show suddenly got so sloppy: she was too busy making sexy time with Michael to focus on the task at hand. Which leads me to wonder whether Michael intentionally used his masculine charm to fool Jennifer into losing her focus.
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Based on track record throughout the seaon, Michael would have placed third. Based on the judges' reactions to the final dishes, he would have place second or third.
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Oh, and Mama Voltaggio, you may want to talk to Michael about that slouching.
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Kevin could've won it if he claimed he had mad cow disease in the last competition. It worked for Robin!
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PS: Also, I would totally slip off my wedding ring and stick it in my pocket if I had to constantly cook with acidic ingredients such as tomatoes, etc.
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I know how to contact him. If anyone wants to get a message through, just ask me.
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Kevin's hot in a weird bacony sorta way.
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