Tess23

Maybe I'm cranky because I tore my calf muscle this morning and am in pain, but I am IRKED with what is happening to my favorite show. Are we watching The History Channel or Top Chef? Are they overcompensating for less than exciting chefs and blah food with a Wisconsin tourism plug? Note: I'm from the Midwest so am not dogging on Wisconsin per se. Bring back the watchability of the Season 4 or 6 good old days - heck, I'd even take Pea Puree Gate again if it means the show I know and love is back. That said, I heart Kristen.

1000% this. He's clearly more talented than half the chefs in that kitchen.

Sarah Ann still doesn't get it, does she? She and Jeramy deserve each other. Clay is one good looking man. I'm glad he's working through his issues. AD still seems so wounded, though, which made me sad. Still detest Micah Mean Girl. Oh Trevor. So so busted. I laughed out loud when Nick said, "Trevor, you can leave now" and he scuttled away. I was embarrassed for the fool.

I love how supportive and emotional all the women were during the wedding dress segment. They all teared up when each woman appeared - I wish Laura and <I can't remember her name> could have experienced this with the right man.

I wonder how old are those of you here who are making fun of the wedding and dissing Theresa and Gerry? God willing, my sweet husband and I will celebrate our 40th anniversary in a few months. We both have gone through cancer and have celebrated the highest of highs and the lowest of lows together - my goodness, life is so short. Embrace happiness where you can. I'm so happy for them.

Here's my guess for the most 'shocking finale ever.' He picks Teresa then realizes it's Leslie he wants, so he dumps Teresa and chooses Leslie.

These ladies take themselves way too seriously. Lighten up.

John and Deb in NC- what a sweet couple. Prayers for her healing in their beautiful new home. Don't love the tattoos but David is such a caring, kind man.

Helen needs to get over herself, and TBH, that low whisper talk she's now doing almost exclusively is getting on my last nerve. And Dana Sue? You're kind of a two-faced little thing - not sure what Maddie's said that's so horrific. Both Helen and Dana Sue had plenty of bossy words of advice for her during the course of this show. Team Maddie! And Bill? You're a horndog. And a dork.

Almost done with ep 5 and am SO BORED. It's going to be a struggle to get through the entire season. Roxanne. Yes, we get it. You work harder than anyone else in the world (except Alex, as he himself pointed out) Kat. I don't think I've heard her say much more than, "Yeah!" Trey. I like him. Ryann. I like her too. Antonio. Honestly, what does he bring to the table? Riah. She said it herself - she's trying to find herself and that's a GOOD thing. She's in no way ready for marriage. James. Eh. IMO, there needs to be at least 2-3 more couples. I feel like I'm at a therapy session when the guys are together and the girls are together. There's no spark, no joy to this season. If they're going to do Season 3, think the whole concept needs to be blown up and rethought.

Just finished episode 3. Wow, such a somber, serious group. Going to be slow sledding if it's like this the entire season.

I love Brittany and hope she wins. Part of me thinks she's getting the winner's edit right now. (cue her going out next week...)

Clint looks yummy. There. I said it. Swag.

I'll say right up front that I'm team Sara all the way. We had the absolute pleasure of dining in her restaurant last month and I'll be dreaming about that dinner (particular my cover crops with shrimp entree) for quite some time. Based on Padma's outburst about the liver, I'm 100% positive that the contest was Sara's to lose...and she did. Maybe it's just me, but I sensed a big lack of enthusiasm about Buddha's dishes overall from the judges - they loved the appearance of all four course and talked about how delicious they were, but I never did hear the 'oh my gosh, this is incredible.' Their comments regarding Buddha's food seemed slightly robotic. My daughter lives in NYC and we dine in Michelin star restaurants enough that I'm sure that's where Buddha is heading and that's fine. He has a niche and will be a success in life. I just hope that people don't confuse his 'urban chef' with being better than Sara's "I'm a chef from rural Kentucky." Personally, I'll take the fresh ingredients used creatively and cooked with love any day. YMMV.

My only issue with having a past contestant be the host is the temptation to constantly recall 'their' season(s) - "I remember when..." No one wants to hear that.

Padma leaving makes me so apprehensive - a crappy replacement could quite possibly sink the franchise. This series is more than a show to me - for the last 3 years, watching endless episodes of past seasons got me through the pandemic, my mother's death, and breast cancer. It was and is my escape and I would hate to see it mismanaged into oblivion. I do like the idea of Gail taking over as host.

If they hire Nilou Motamed, I'm seriously done with the show.

I ate at Sara's restaurant a week or so ago and she has lost a lot of weight since competition. She's so friendly and genuine - we really enjoyed talking with her.

I used to live 120 miles from Ft. Morgan. It was a given that if there was a tornado/severe storm to be found in spring and summer, it would involve Ft. Morgan. So I was shocked to see all the loose furniture and decor sitting outside after the bowling alley remodel. Plus, this isn't the south - all that cutsie stuff is useless in a high plains winter with howling winds and snow. If Erin and Ben are so checked out, why did they even bother to come north this season? They clearly couldn't care less and that makes me sad. Ft. Morgan deserved better.

Losing interest with this show - Maine, Massachusetts, Florida. Rinse and repeat.

Mr. Tess23 and I had the absolute pleasure of dining at Sara's restaurant this week. The food was fresh, inventive, and fabulous while staying true to her southern style. She dropped by our table to chat and was so fun and friendly. I may have gushed like the fangirl that I am. Team Sara!

My one criticism of this season's Restaurant Wars was the non-delineation of exec chef, front of house, etc. from the chefs. It watered down the concept and turned it into basically another team challenge. Don't get me wrong - I didn't one bit miss the baloney of choosing flatware, wrestling tables, etc., but I do enjoy the dynamic created when each chef assumes an exact role in RW. Mr. Tess23 and I are eating at Sara's Freight House restaurant next week on a road trip - cannot wait! Looking online at her menu, she's included (and marks specifically) dishes that she's cooked during her 2 seasons. Really hoping that the cover crops dish is available the night we're there - that looked and sounded delicious.

I totally get it, JunkFoodTV and should have elaborated! Although we now live in Omaha (metro population 1 million), we used to live on a farm 40 years ago and raised hogs early in our marriage. I was happy to help out and can do a mean vaccination (pats back), but If my husband would have 'auditioned' me prior to our engagement like these socially awkward fellows (Ryan excepted), there would have been no Mr. and Mrs. Tess23. I don't love Ryan, but at least he took his date to a lovely restaurant one night.

Aaron Rodgers for SURE in Farmer Wants a Wife.

I love this season. Some may find it boring, but it's so refreshing not to hear couples screaming at each other constantly (looking at you, Lindsay).