Two shows my wife and I enjoy both returned for a new season! The first is Top Chef. It is a reality competition show that airs on the American Bravo network, in which chefs compete against each other in culinary challenges. They are judged by a panel of professional chefs and other notables from the food and wine industry. In each episode the chef-testants first compete in a “quick-fire”, a fast challenge that gives the winner an advantage for the next challenge (possibly immunity). Some examples of my favorite quick fires are the blindfolded taste test, the mise-en-place relay, or perfect eggs with one hand. From there they compete in the main challenge, sometimes in teams. Both a winner an a loser are chosen and the loser packs their knives and leaves the competition.
There are a number of talented chefs this year but for my favorite I am going to have to go with the winner of the first main challenge Kevin Gillespie, age 26 from Atlanta, Georgia.
He has a great personality, is likeable and seems to have a great sense of taste and originality.
His dish this week was Arctic Char with Turnip Salsa Verde.
2nd picks:
Mattin – Buffalo Rib-Eye and Zucchini with Mashed Potatoes
Jennifer C. – Poached Halibut in a Whiskey, Bourbon and Scotch Sauce
The other show that was starting was Project Runway. It is also created by Magical Elves Productions and has a similar feel and layout, even now that the show has left Bravo. The general idea is the same but with only one challenge per episode and they are constructing clothes not cooking.
As for my favorite I choose Irina Shabayeva. It is going against the judges as she wasn’t even in the top 3 this week. I just really like this design I guess.
2nd picks:
Gordana – “If you give me a sheep, I can make you a sweater.”
Christopher – No Training, seems honest and normal.
I’m still trying to decide on my favourite picks for either.
Mattin, Ashley and Michael seem kind of okay on Top Chef
and I am digging Carol, Louise and Logan from PR.
Hard to say though, so early!