SemiCharmedLife

Yes, he was carrying her things to her, purse included. Was that her duster he was wearing?

He didn't go into it in detail, but there was a scene of Jackson forming the tuiles in silicone trays. Jackson was scraping off the excess batter in the scene. Then, we saw that after they came out of the oven, they were shaped while still warm. Jackson said he had to make oodles of tuile accents and judging from the final meals, I can see why. Each tuile was a different shape and flavor. They were like a running theme through out his meal.

Did you catch that shot of Barnaby drinking TWO Moscow Mules at one time? He was drinking each of them out of a straw. Pretty funny! I wanted to drop a screenshot here for you all, but I would have to sit through a ton of ads searching for it on Bravo.com.

Congratulations to Top Chef Buddha. He really hit a home run with his finale meal. I thought he was strong throughout the competition, but not a shoe-in. There were a number of great chefs this time around, as we saw from the finalists. Buddha has strong aesthetic component to his cooking, which was very impressive. The judges heaped praise on his flavors, as well. He has such finesse- his plates are like works of art.

You are much more generous than I am. I don't feel that Erika was hurt by not attending Sutton's Designer event. After all, she was invited and chose not to go because she hates Sutton. (Erika said she was included in the group invite.) Sutton, in Erika's perception of things, was her worst enemy because she asked questions about what happened regarding the Girardi fraud case, directly to Erika, I might add. Erika can forgive those who mock her and laugh behind her back, like Mauricio and PK, but heaven forbid Sutton should read a news article and consult an attorney. Additionally, it was telling that Erika shared with her assistant and creative director that it gets mighty tiring to put on a fake smile and act "nice." Yes, we know, Erika. So difficult.

There is really no Girardi storyline to exploit- this case will proceed slower than a geriatric snail climbing Mount Everest. Unless Bravo wants to throw us a bone and show us how Erika is lassoing the next Sugar Daddy or struggling to live on a reality tv star's salary, her being on the show just makes most of us angry that she can still live her best life after spending all those ill-gotten millions on herself.

But, they didn't give us the "vomit" reaction button we've been asking for!!

Oh, no! All the pot stirring will cause a rift between Sutton and Crystal, after they finally mended things and seem to be enjoying each other's friendship. I really wish Garcelle hadn't asked the question about Crystal "setting up" Sutton. Crystal seemed to respond defensively and accused Sutton of being very dark. Naturally, people want to know what was said, as it speaks to Sutton's character, especially since they were talking about race and stereotypes. If Kyle doesn't remember it and Bravo didn't show it, I'm not sure it was more than we already saw- Sutton being oblivious, inarticulate, and making it about herself.

Yes, at first when I read this, I could understand the point being made about why there is so much questioning Bilal's wealth- is it racially motivated? But, then I thought back to the way viewers have questioned the wealth of many other participants, many who have turned out to be posers- Michael, of Michael and Juliana comes to mind. I think the viewers start to look at things with a sharp lens when someone comes across as bragging about their materialistic success and being showy. Patrick of this season seems to be well off financially, but he isn't talking about it all the time. I think Bilal rubbed people the wrong way right off the bat and then questions were raised. And, of course, the way he treats Shaee seems horrible to many of us, but it is either scripted or she's happy with it, apparently.

Yes, I believe the luggage is for more than the yachting excursion. Which makes it all the more absurd when the last, demanding charter group insisted that all their clothing was steamed. Put out the next two days worth of clothing and have that steamed, if you wish, but not the entire wardrobe!

I'm so curious about the sunglasses. I wear mine religiously, OUTSIDE, so I get the appeal. Is she wearing them as a kind of headband-y sort of fashion statement? She wears them 24/7, indoors and in bad weather.

I was pretty surprised that Scarlett became so annoyed with Daisy at the dinner. I'm sure Daisy would LOVE it if her team would leave Little Gary alone for a time and focus on their work and perhaps get along. To that end, she was offering some advice to Scarlett, who didn't want to hear it. I remember her saying in one of her first interviews that she is the type of person who has to touch the hot stove for herself, so I guess that is where this is heading...

Is it called Pussy Mess?

I was very impressed with the design/sewing skills of the queens this episode. Jaida's and Raja's looks were my favorites. I had no idea that Raja's golden fantasy would turn out so great. The elaborate sleeves were everything! Jaida's look was perfection. I loved Trinity's Vanna look and she is obviously immensely skilled to create her red gown so effortlessly, even though it wasn't my cup of tea. It was so sweet of her to help Jinkx with her design (and I'm glad Jinkx acknowledged her for it- many queens don't seem to.) And, I love the dress Viv created- she looked gorgeous!! Another great episode (but still waiting for Raja to receive a star!)

The reasoning behind this is that when this store fails and she finds a new partner to use and abuse, she can just change the subheading. 😉

Yes, I remember that. Thank goodness for viewer questions. I just would really love for one of the housewives in the group setting to bring it up while Kyle is grilling Sutton for being insensitive. It would be such a moment.

So, I wonder what's up with Barnaby's post? 🤔

That's why I would have LOVED it if one of the ladies had pointed out, in the midst of Kyle yelling at Sutton: "Empathetic, like you were with Lisa V after her brother passed? " That would have shut up Kyle immediately. Maybe.

I was hoping that Raja would be in the top with Jinkx. They were my favorites in the Snatch Game- just amazing! Raja's makeup skills were flawless and she was very funny! Both of Jinkx's characters were great, but Judy was in a completely different level- the nuances and mannerisms were so good. Well, I guess Jinkx will now be likely to get blocked in upcoming episodes, since she is one of the frontrunners. It's an interesting way to choose a winner. I think the judges should just award points based on challenges and runways and the queen who receives the most points wins. The social component of All Stars has always bothered me. But, I am thoroughly enjoying this season of stunning queens. They are all bringing their A Game!

One take away I had was that the first chefs presenting, Sarah and Buddha, killed it with their savory dishes. Then, Evelyn and Damarr outdid themselves with their dessert. As Evelyn pointed out, each had a small flaw in one of their dishes, though both Evelyn's dishes received consistently good reviews. I think Damarr was narrowly eliminated because his main ingredient was not highlighted as much as the judges would like. I'm sad to lose him right before the finale, but he certainly did an amazing job this season. I live nowhere near Chicago and his restaurant is now on my bucket list. I can't wait to see what they cook next week as the best dish of their lives!

And, it was even more telling that Mikey was rolling his eyes and gasping in alarm at suggestions EJ made. She must have the absolute worst taste (did we not know that, already?) if he is so blatant in his reactions about her choices. I have a feeling that it is absolutely killing her to wear an outfit twice. Poor thing.

It's bearable if you smoke enough pot. 😂

Just read this quote from Shaee defending Bilal: For as long as I’ve known Bilal, he has been a very sweet, caring, sensitive, kindhearted soul who gives me whatever I want, and I’ll do the same for him. No, he is not a NARCISSIST. No, he is not controlling because he is Muslim. But because perception is reality, we’ve been conditioned to perceive a Black man as scared, illiterate, deadbeat, dependent, and struggling. If that’s not what we see, then yes he has to be a NARCISSIST, so let’s destroy him and humble him and remind him of what he has to be. Stop trying to DEFAME him with perceptions –sit back and enjoy the show!

Well, the gang up on Sutton is in full effect. I think Sutton brings some of this on herself, with her insensitive comments, but she is more than willing to apologize and try to explain her thinking. But, for everyone, except Garcelle and maybe Crystal, to criticize and berate Sutton at every opportunity must feel pretty awful. And, that is apparently the thanks she gets for spending $11,000 on a charity dinner for Lisa and Harry...

Dead!