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I watched it by virtue of being too lazy to grab my remote. It was cute, although it was helped by the presence of the two Stephanies, both of whom have been longtime faves of mine. They're really leaning into this peel back the curtain kind of mood with it, which I think suits Kristin's personality pretty well. She seems a little ill at ease with pretending everything is actually real at all times, so this might be her way of getting that discomfort out. They talk about their time on the show and what it's like to look back on it now, which I think will be fun for the hardcore Top Chef nerds (myself included). I'll probably be fine not picking up the remote next week too!

It was very weird not hearing Padma's overly rehearsed tones doing the opening narration, but then things settled in for me. Kristin has a hugely relatable quality going for her and the cheftestants, so I hope she continues to tap into that as she grows into the role. I also enjoyed the Dish with Kish aftershow more than I expected, although part of that was because she had the two Stephanies as her guests. Also, she is really tall, wow. (Or Tom is really short. Or both!) Speaking of Tom, I actually cackled in delight when that dude shaded Tom's hats, and the editors then gave a montage of said haberdashery. Hats have become your thing, Tom, but MAYBE some of them shouldn't be. Also, I'm bummed they left out his most tragic hat moment, the slouched beanie of Portland. Anyway, it was probably unwise to mock the head judge's style, and I think we got all the entertainment value we needed from him, but I laughed all the same. By Colorado ex-pat law, I have to root for Manny, and I'm so glad he's made it easy for me to do so right away. His soup looked AMAZING. Would eat. I also liked the lady who won the pasta challenge, and I'm rooting for you to turn it around, Kaleena Bliss! The dude with the giant beard also intrigues me a little. My only real critique is that it was odd to do pasta first, then soup, then chicken. I automatically think about it as a progressive thing, so I'd have thought the soup course should've gone first. It's not a flaw, just an upset of my expectations. After the glittering heights of London and the All-Stars, this feels like a return to slipping on comfy shoes as television watching. That's what Top Chef started to feel like in season 12, and I'm glad it can keep on rolling.

I see the merits of that change. On the other hand, strong possibility that Stephanie Izard wouldn't have won her season because she rarely did great in Quickfires. Or heck, imagine Bryan Voltaggio not making it the finales because he bombed his Quickfires! Merits and flaws in both systems, I guess.

I love Ginger and think she's one of the funniest, smartest queens ever to compete, which is saying something. I just didn't think her looks were ever up to winner status. Including her final look! It's a great look, but final eleganza? I don't know. I do like her eye makeup more than Michael Morouli's though. I felt Michael Morouli was the better all-around queen because her looks were really elevated. So I sort of feel like Michael was a bit robbed. But again, I LOVE Ginger. No actual complaints! I'm sure Tomara is aloveable delight, but god,she exhausted me in the final episode. And the roast. And...well, anyway, she'll probably be back at some point, but I'm glad she was a lovely second runner-up. That eleganza look was stunning though. She can really glam it up old-school when she chooses to do so.

I'm so mad at the critique that Femmily Bronte didn't look like Kate's sister. It was the exact same face. Maybe it was the wigs? I admit, I HATED the skirt Femmily was wearing, but still. Well, it was inevitable, but I thought Kate's lipsync was strong enough for a double save. I do have to give DeDe props though. I thought Kate's actorly lipsync would be enough to save her, but DeDe pulled that aspect off and then some. I thought BeBe didn't look particularly great, and I don't know why DeDe keeps making herself forty years older than she is, but I can't deny her lipsync abilities. Wow. Also inevitable was Michael Morouli's win, and I'm not anywhere near mad about it. A solid transformation with the loveliest game makeover candidate. Geeza Minouli was authentically touching, and I loved all of this for him. I was speechless over Daphne Guinness as the guest judge. WOW! That's some star power at the table. And she looked incredible. Hated Tomara's wigs. If you're talking about hard wiglines, she and G had some of the hardest, and Tomara couldn't keep it out of her face. And there was something unresolved about the wig styling. They looked cute and had great energy, but talk about resting on pretty. Often that's Tomara for me. And just to round it out, I hated the shade of Ginger's foundation. But the outfits were very fun. Rodrigo absolutely has a baby face under that beard, he wasn't kidding. I knew Kate wouldn't win and probably wouldn't make the finals. But she's been a huge part of why this season has been so fun. Luvya, meanit!

I actually think Michael Marouli is the dark horse. I love Ginger, but I don't think her looks are on the level Ru wants. She was the clear winner of Snatch Game for me though. I know logically that Kate Butch isn't going to make it because of her looks, but Ru just does not seem to find her all that funny, and I can't figure out why. I know I'm biased because of the confessionals, but in the work room or in a challenge, I still think Kate is hilarious. Maybe it's that thing of if the first impression didn't wow Ru, nothing will.

At this stage of drag race, at least the ones with Ru as host, I generally find them cozy like slipping on old shoes or something. Kate Butch and Ginger are the confessional queens, bless them. But Ginger has definitely underwhelmed with the fashion so far. They're all interesting in their own way, and Michael Marouli keeps bringing it hard, which I honestly did not expect. Banksie is probably my favorite all-around, partly because of the Cheddar Gorgeous connection, partly because I love a smart queen. But Cara Melle is so pretty and talented, and Tomara keeps surprising me and Vicki has something going on... It's a strong group for me. I generally enjoy the UK girls the most*. They're so witty and stronger all-around performers. I just don't understand why they can't translate that to lip syncs. That's always where I get let down. I get it if people aren't feeling the spark anymore, but I'm not going to complain about a cozy hour with some fierce and funny dolls. *Of the English-speaking shows. Overall, Spain has been my favorite.

Take pity on those of us too lazy to watch a video and summarize? ::bats false eyelashes::

I've got more to say! And I'm gonna say it: Ginger maybe should've been in the bottom. But DEFINITELY Tomara should've been as well. Or at least just safe. It's literally a bodysuit with stuff glued on it, MICHELLE. Kate Butch's outfit, however, was beautifully made. The judges don't seem to be on her groove so far, and I know she kind of enjoys that, but honestly, I thought it was really well made. Like what Tina Burner tried to do with her monster look, only, you know, accomplished. And I have no idea why Vicki Vivacious wasn't in the top. That was a real triumph of repurposing difficult materials. Maybe they don't want an obvious frontrunner, but Vicki over Tomara all the way. The guest judge also was wild. Alexa's dress slit negated her whole skirt. That's not the perfect height. It's too high. I sort of thought Alexa had more range in her performance, but Miss Naomi Carter had so much energy that fit the song, so I'm not mad at the elimination. I wouldn't have known about the mysterious 11th queen if I hadn't read about her in a recap, so I also will applaud the editing job. Especially for the wide shots in the minichallenge! Very impressive.

I liked both episodes so far! The UK Queens always have the most cheek to them, in my opinion. Kate Butch and Ginger Johnson won't win, but they're two of my favorite personalities so far, so I hope they stick around for interview entertainment. I will say I couldn't understand most of them when they were all doing the first walk into the werkroom thing. That's on me though, as a bland American. I do enjoy the "show me where you're from" element the UK Queens generally do, so yeah, would've preferred that over the club part of the ball. But it was nice to see some familiar faces too. And when Jimbo compliments your tits, well. You got some ones. I got a lot of thoughts on the second episode ranking, but at least the correct queen won. That outfit was perfection for the challenge. Exactly what the judges look for. I haven't watched any Drag Race stuff since falling out of season 15 midway, so I'm rested and ready to enjoy myself!

There seemed to be something pretty retrograde about everyone slamming Ashley Madison for her chest baring. So many queens on RPDR Original Recipe seem to proudly bare a flat chest these days. Maybe because it was a wardrobe malfunction and not a deliberate genderfuck look? But how could they tell...? I dunno, it just seems like a criticism that wouldn't air nowadays. Also, that was a snoozer of a lip sync to a song that's fairly upbeat (although this was a weird version). Step it up, queens. Unfortunately, I kept paying attention to the game I was playing on my phone, so I missed some key introductions. Hopefully I'll learn more names next episode. Hollywood is a standout so far. Flor has great attitude and needs a little more polish on her makeup. Ivory needs to take a few minutes and breathe.

Well, this is delightful. Kim Chi has a cookbook coming out! I don't normally do celebrity cookbooks, but I might here. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/book-deals/article/92733-book-deals-week-of-july-10-2023.html

Finally watched the episode even though I spoiled myself beforehand. Just wasn't willing to let the season end, I guess! Anyway, no real surprises. Anyone inclined to read between the lines on the judging, especially from the guest judge, might come away thinking that Gabri never stood a chance. Probably Sara wasn't very close to Buddha, incredible dessert aside, but she did sound more in the running. But of course, Buddha won as we knew he would. With the same butterflies as last year. He deserves it! He's truly a great cook. But it was pretty predictable all the same. I loved seeing the production crew at the end. That's something we haven't seen before outside of Lee Anne saying hi in the first all-stars cook-off episode (season 1 vs. season 2). It really was a nice look into what goes into creating this show. But I have to agree with the sentiment that it felt like a series finale. I hope it's not! Maybe it was just how they wanted to say goodbye to Padma. But it would be a solid way to wrap up the series if it's done. (Please don't be done.) My only other note is that Ali knows how to position himself to get max camera time even when he's not competing and MAN, he's hot. That tan suit looked amazing on him. I hope if Top Chef does return, he will too as a judge sometime. Or compete again! I'd happily watch him again and again.

I'd be very happy with Gail moving into this spot if she wanted it. A former contestant would be fun. I agree on Kristen Kish or Melissa King. Stephanie Izard would honestly be amazing. Brooke would be competent. Richard would make me never watch this show again, good lord, can you imagine. Wild card: Ted Allen mends his rift with Bravo and Top Chef both. I frankly love him as a host on Chopped, and he's very polished by now, and deserves better than the Food Network's tiresome gimmicks. Other wild card: James Oseland is resurrected from the grave of Top Chef spin-offs. The show would probably tank, but I'd at least find it hilarious as it does.

I think Suni was giggling out of nervousness, frustration, and the absurdity of the whole situation. I like that QF, but it is kind of ridiculous too. I can't believe an Olympic athlete wouldn't be taking any sort of competitive moment seriously. Different people react and process their emotions in tense moments in different ways. Both Ali and Buddha did great strategy in their directions by describing the ingredients or specifying which amounts to use, and it paid off for them. I was surprised Sara was on the bottom for that one though. And speaking of Sara, congratulations! She might be the dark horse after all. I've heard it said before that a true test of a French chef is how one prepares a soup. If true, then I think she made one of the smartest dishes AND she was able to course correct. "Technique" isn't always about weird tricks or complicated methods of preparation. It's about how to maximize the flavor of one's ingredients at the end of the cook, and Sara did that. However, I'm bereft that Ali is gone. Habibi! Hotbibi! Admittedly, the emotional reaction from Gabri at having made it into the finale was pretty moving, even to my cold, dead heart. But I truly thought the story coming together was Buddha, Mr. Technique, against Ali, Mr. Heart. I guess you can still get that with Buddha vs. Gabri and have Sara the Disrupter thrown in there as the wild card, but man. I've been rooting for Ali since the first episode, and I'm legit shocked he's out at this stage. Still, the judges' critiques made it pretty clear who was in danger. No Michelin-starred chef was offering Ali a job any time he wanted it like that one guy did for Gabri. Who will win -- Buddha Who I'm most rooting for -- Sara Who I'm rooting for just to freak everyone out and cause a riot -- Gabri

OMG, wow! This is a pretty big bombshell for Top Chef news (a bombshell about a bombshell, you might say). It's going to take a lot to adjust to someone new.

Was this Buddha's whole day to lose or what? Quickfire and elimination challenge both were his wheelhouse all the way. It intrigued and surprised me how well Gabri did, although having done the challenge before clearly helped. But that really looked like a worn-out Scotch Brite sponge on his plate. I thought it was pretty clever. All I really cared about was whether or not Ali would make it, and while I didn't think they'd boot him, I still held my breath a little until Tom was sent packing. I really thought Charbel was coming back because the preview last week had given me the impression it was a slimmer silhouette than Sara. But then when the car door opened, and I saw the capri jeans and (sorry) the thicker ankles, I was all "Sara!" I'm glad she made it back, and I thought her running was hilarious and delightful. Now the big question -- two in the actual finale or three? Buddha is feeling like a foregone conclusion, but I suspect they'll do a big Buddha vs. Ali finale with a narrative of Buddha's fancy tricks vs. Ali's soulful flavors. (Btw, I believe both have modern techniques and soulful flavors, just riffing on how the TV story will be produced.) If so, then I expect Ali's very first sous chef will be Amar. But I love that everyone's throwing around "habibi" now!

I'm pretty sure Charbel is coming back, but I wish it could be Sara. Ah, well. She had a good run.

I like Gabri and I'm amused by Tom, but jesus, what a pair of lucky bastards. Getting hitched to the twin stars of Buddha and Ali (who is actually a very strong contender, he's just so quiet that I think he's flying under the radar a bit) at this stage is incredibly fortunate timing for them both. I don't want an all-American finale, sure, but lord. What lucky bastards, that's all I have to say.

I'm pretty surprised Jamie is in that role since she had a teeny bit of an attitude toward the challenges, but good for her all the same. To be clear, I liked her, just recognizing how she came across. I also didn't know Padma was the first host pick! It's nice to hear everyone be real about the fact Katie Lee wasn't a success in the role and take responsibility on that. Also all the snark at Food Network is on point.

Both Amar and Sara were the finale runners-up in their seasons against the winners. Sara's season had some pretty lackluster contestants on it IMO, but even so I was surprised she was in the finale. Amar similarly surprised me due to obvious superstars flaming out early (Kwame). So yeah, they were under the radar then and possibly under the radar now, but probably they shouldn't be underestimated. I bet Sara has decided to lean all the way into her southern cook shtick partly because it's what she's cooking now, and partly because she knows how much Top Chef now favors "stories" and a clear culinary theme. She was beat by high-end dining spins on southern food. She's no dummy. So yeah, solid strategy on her part, but I agree, it'd be fun for her to pull out an old-school French dish just because she can.

I really enjoyed having a restaurant critic undercover at the meals. They haven't done that at RW since season 3, I think, and that person was a blogger. Nothing against blogs -- I still read plenty of them -- but it was at the time when more amateur palates ruled the blogosphere, so there were a lot of attempts at being witty and cutting, while not necessarily being a seasoned food analyst to balance her zingers out. That said, since London has a reputation for food critics who have both the culinary knowledge and need to zing, I found this guy remarkably kind. (And cute!) I hope they do undercover critic again in the future, although it might be harder on the American version to find an American critic not known to the chefs. I love that everyone sees Amar and Ali as a package deal now. This may mean at some point they'll have to cook off against each other or be in the bottom together again. Which would be tragic drama! Or maybe they just want to show a functional bromance. I'm cool with it either way and love their use of pet names for each other. I can definitely see how Sara was picked last, but only because Tom was bewilderingly picked first. They all can cook vegetables, I'm pretty sure. That said, I loved Sara's defiant "underestimate me at your peril" stance. It's the best way to handle it, and she handled the modified FOH responsibilities way better than she did in her first season. They still needed to prep the servers, the maître d', and the expediter, and the UK team definitely understood that better than Roots did. Well, overall, the UK team definitely understood the brief better than Roots did, but I think that was a real key element there. Looking forward to next week since the main challenge revolves another chef I remember from Chef's Table. Rice appears to rear its collective ugly head once again!

Tom looked mad that he declared Charbel the winner, which is interesting. He must have really not liked that pasta. I'm kinda mad too! They're both good cooks, so I guess it could've gone either way. But it's a shame that Nicole is out all the same.

I love Darienne Lake and am glad she's back in the spotlight. And with Mrs. Kasha Davis! Who was just one of my favorite personalities. And Jimbo is, of course, the mostess. I feel like it's Jimbo's season to lose, but watch out for Darienne and Kandy Muse. They're both skilled performers, and Darienne was always very glam. Personally, watching Alexis Michelle be awkward with everyone is enough for the price of entry. I hope LaLa Ri gets to lipsync a lot. I hope Heidi makes it to the end just because she's a delight. I hope Jessica Wild is the real wild card. And Kahanna, well, someone's gotta be the first....yes, even with Jaymes Mansfield in the mix. (Who does seem to have gotten better in front of the camera a bit if season 14 was any indication.) Nayasha Lopez, I'm also pretty neutral on, and wouldn't be sad to see her leave earlier than later. The real mystery is how Monica Beverly Hillz will perform. It's been ages since she was on the show, and she was just coming out at that time. A Monica who's been living her truth for a decade should be a very different contender, and I'll never forget her Rhianna lipsync. I don't have paramount+, so I'll be following along in recaps, but fingers are crossed she's out of her head and on her game.

For what it's worth, I largely agree with you in that attractive people get nitpicked to death on reality TV, which is why I generally stay away from commentary on Padma's and Gail's clothing. I don't think average people get away with anything though. And I don't think Sara can do anything about what angle she's shot at. But also I don't think she does care all that much, and I admire that. She's there to cook, not pose, and it's already enough stress having cameras on you every moment when you're supposed to pretend they're not there at all. And Padma can definitely wear what she want, but I can't fathom why she'd want to wear those pants. Satan's hosiery!