S17.E13: Parma

[Irlandesa]

4 hours ago, wlk68 said:

When I was in Mexico a couple of years ago, any time I couldn't think of the Spanish word for something my brain would automatically supply the French word. Got me more than a few confused looks.

I speak both languages too and using a word from the other language, but pronounced/conjugated as if it were the right language is both surprisingly effective and accurate much of the time. So I get it.

And he was tired.  But I'm not going to take back my snark, other than switch it to Bryan since I was wrong about who said it.  Please and thank you are the basics one should know when traveling.

Although, I will admit it takes some of the wind out of my sails that I couldn't attribute it to Kevin who annoyed me.  I don't love Bryan* (Stephanie or Melissa for the win!) but I like Kevin less.

*You lack heart and soul sort of feels like a set up for a heart and soul redemption win, doesn't it?

 

[CrazyInAlabama]

   He had that smug look on his face after he made that nasty crack about Bryan's food, and I think he was positive that Bryan would go home.    The look on Kevin's face when he was knifed was so classic, and he was so ticked.  

Edited June 13, 2020 by CrazyInAlabama

[Mellowyellow]

12 hours ago, MVFrostsMyPie said:

I haven't seen the episode yet, but YAY that Kevin is gone (are we triple sure there's definitely no more LCK left? 😅 ).

Haha I have LCK phobia too! I know it's irrational but I keep expecting them to bring Karen or Kevin back as competitors to haunt me! 

[jcbrown]

4 hours ago, wlk68 said:

ETA: It was Bryan who said gracias rather than grazie. Silly mistake but I've done the same. When I was in Mexico a couple of years ago, any time I couldn't think of the Spanish word for something my brain would automatically supply the French word. Got me more than a few confused looks. 🙂 

 

2 hours ago, absolutelyido said:

I had the opposite problem in Paris. Whenever I tried to say a simple French word like 'merci' all that came out was my high school Spanish. Embarassingly, I said gracias more than once.

When I studied German, it was much easier for me to take notes in French, which I spoke, than to take notes in English. My German teacher was working on learning French so she would read my notes after class. This to say I've had similar problems because my brain sometimes switches to "not our first language" and supplies the first word it finds.

I am totally happy with this final three. As someone else mentioned, I did not realize how much I wanted Kevin to be eliminated until he was. I like Bryan so much more on this season than I did on his original one. I can't wait to find out who wins and I will be so sad to find out who wins because it will mean the season is over.

[Fostersmom]

1 hour ago, CrazyInAlabama said:

I couldn't believe that Kevin put so much Parm on his dish that Tom C. was giving him the look of death.     I can't believe he over-salted his dish so much that the chefs complained.    To not feature the Parma in the second dish was the reason he went home, for ignoring the rules of the challenge, as he always did.  I did have to laugh at Tom's reaction to Kevin's piling the cheese on the dishes.   This time Tom and the others couldn't ignore the local chefs, and their criticism of Kevin's dish.  

Tom looked embarrassed when Kevin was dumping the Parm on top. I'm not sure if it was for himself or for Kevin, but either way, not good. And Kevin should be embarrassed after his porny prosciutto edit and even more so that he didn't even highlight it. His pork looked grey and the apples on top looked almost fake. 

I don't know what happened to make the guys melt down, but the difference between their plating shots and the women's plating was night and day. Melissa and Stephanie looked so calm and put together while Bryan and Kevin looked like they were scrambling to the very last seconds and on the verge of a total collapse. And that was before Bryan heard how the chefs felt about his dishes!

As hard as it was to hear his dishes came across as soulless, it could be the kick Bryan needs to shake him out of his rut. I keep reading his cooking is classic, but it just comes across as tired and dated. Sure we all enjoy and appreciate a beloved dish from time to time, but I'd expect a high caliber chef to attempt to step beyond the recipes they learned decades ago and keep growing and pushing themselves. We've seen chefs trying new things, new combos, new techniques. We've heard the judges reactions to the new takes on the classics. And while they seem to appreciate the classics, none of them seem blown away by them. 

I've been a Melissa fan all season long and will be seriously bummed if she doesn't win, but if Stephanie manages to pull out a win over her, I can't say she hasn't cooked an impressive  collection of dishes this season. She's just quietly done her thing and her confidence has grown. 

 

[Nordly Beaumont]

2 hours ago, SweetSable said:

I wish I could be as calm and chill as Melissa is when she's under pressure.  She's got such a great demeanor.

In his interview with the "Pack Your Knives" guys - Eric said that Melissa never had to go back for things. She went to one area of the kitchen, got everything she needed and moved on. She must be able to completely form her ideas quickly and completely before she even begins. And it serves her well!

The language conversation is reminding me of the I Love Lucy episode when they translate from French to German to Spanish to English!

[VintageJ]

1 hour ago, CrazyInAlabama said:

I couldn't believe that Kevin put so much Parm on his dish that Tom C. was giving him the look of death.     I can't believe he over-salted his dish so much that the chefs complained.    To not feature the main ingredient in the second dish was the reason he went home, for ignoring the rules of the challenge, as he always did.  I did have to laugh at Tom's reaction to Kevin's piling the cheese on the dishes.   This time Tom and the others couldn't ignore the local chefs, and their criticism of Kevin's dish.  

If he over salted, he may have been cooking for Tom.  You know he likes his salt.  But yeah, not emphasizing the main ingredient sent him home.  And I know you love pork, as evidenced by the producers’ porno music (that had me cracking up) but when you have something that special to highlight, it does not need more of the same basically, and a lesser quality on top of it.  The judges may have thought Bryan’s lacked soul, but he at least adhered to the challenge.  

Stephanie may very well pull this out and win it all.  She is on fire!  I need to rewatch this episode because I need that cabbage recipe. It sounded so tasty. 

Melissa’s dish just looked refined and delicious. I don’t normally listen too much to all of the prep of the dishes, but when I heard she made the broth from the parmesan, I was done.

[Ohiopirate02]

24 minutes ago, Fostersmom said:

Tom looked embarrassed when Kevin was dumping the Parm on top. I'm not sure if it was for himself or for Kevin, but either way, not good. And Kevin should be embarrassed after his porny prosciutto edit and even more so that he didn't even highlight it. His pork looked grey and the apples on top looked almost fake. 

 

From the look Tom gave, I have to think that adding cheese tableside is not done in Italy.  It's been a long time since I went to Italy and when I was there I was not dining in any Michelin-starred establishment.  But, I don't remember being served cheese by my waiter.  

[Jodithgrace]

If Kevin had taken a hunk of cheese and a grater to each diner, it might have gone better, though taken more time. By serving pre grated cheese from a bowl, it might just as well have been that stuff in the can. He might have been less generous, too, which would have been a good thing, apparently.

Poor Bryan. I thought he was going to cry during that critique. The thing is, he did the same thing that always cost him the Quickfires. How many times have we heard the judges say, "Bryan, we loved your dish, but the Cheese Whiz (or whatever) got lost, and that was what we wanted you to emphasise." Here, all he had to do was feature the PR and the Prosciutto and yet, despite his good food, he didn't do that. He had pesto, for heaven sake! ( and bad pesto, I hate to say)  I was so afraid he was a goner. 

Thank heaven, Kevin messed up even worse. I guess Kevin's disrespect of of the pork, was worse than Bryan's disrespect of the Parmesan. 

Breaking the rules, like cooking the prosciutto, is only forgivable if the dish is amazing. Stephanie was really brave, and took a huge risk, but it paid off. Melissa, too. 

Very happy with the final three. And next week, if there are no required ingredients, and the chefs are free to cook their best food, Bryan should do well, if his confidence hasn't been destroyed by this week's critique. But I will be happy with any of the three as Top Chef. 

[snarktini]

14 hours ago, MerBearStare said:

Wow, was really not expecting Kevin to be eliminated, especially since all the speculation has been that he would win.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when the judges criticize a dish for not having heart/soul/whatever other woo woo. All I care about is how it tastes. I'm not looking to eat heart; I'm looking to eat a delicious meal.

TC has made weird/bad calls over the years but I never believed that the fix was in for Kevin. He deserved to go home, and he did. A squeaker for Bryan, though.

I get the "soul" criticism. About 10 years ago I ate at Le Bernardin and walked away feeling like all the food lacked soul. It was technical and beautiful, but nothing was memorable or craveable. I grew up in a traveling foodie family, I remember meals we ate 30-40 years ago, yet I can't tell you a single thing I ate at LB. Sad, because I love watching Eric Ripert.

14 hours ago, ProudMary said:

I absolutely think the judges made the right call. Kevin's pork looked overdone, but I thought it was ironic that Gail and Tom berated both Kevin and Bryan for not crisping the prosciutto, when they were both following the advice of the prosciutto master, who told them, "Never cook!"

 

That was so confusing. Why include the clip of "never cook" if it's not true? Like the aperitivo QF last week, where a "rule" was not actually a rule.

I'm happy with all 3, this is probably my favorite set of finalists ever. I'd like to see Melissa win because has performed so so well; she deserves this. I'd like to see Stephanie win because she was such an underdog, and it's beautiful to see her blossom. I never thought she'd get past the halfway point yet here she is. I'd be happy with a Bryan win out of sheer perseverance, he just keeps coming back and he's very talented and sweet.

[jackjill89]

I'd be good with any of them winning. This is the best final 3 ever. I like them all for different reasons. I was very Team Melissa most of the season, and she would absolutely deserve the title based on her performance throughout this season, but I think Stephanie is so underrated and is killing it and Bryan is technically superb. They are all likable people too, which, for me, does count for something. I'll be happy for any of them if they win. 

Bryan's face when Padma gave him the critique about cooking without soul broke my heart a bit. You could see how much it hurt. 

I really don't need to be seeing Leanne and Malarky again. I loved Leanne on her first season, but she's a whiner. Malarky is too much of a showboater for me. It would be wonderful if we could see a likable bunch of sous chefs with these oh-so-likable finalists. 

[backgroundnoise]

Right after watching, I started looking for braised cabbage recipes.  That is definitely on my list of things to try.

I really wonder what Brian's cheese foam tasted like.  It did not look appetizing, but I often think that about his food.  Have foams become classics?  The dish did not look that appetizing even after they mixed the foam with the pasta.  I am curious about what makes a dish soulless, though.   Too plain or weird looking?

[dleighg]

6 minutes ago, jackjill89 said:

It would be wonderful if we could see a likable bunch of sous chefs with these oh-so-likable finalists.

Yeah, I agree. It seems Bryan got the most talented sous, but that's often the kiss of death if the sous is too opinionated. It seems that Bryan and Kevin at least like one another from the final LCK episode.

Oh and something I noticed in Melissa's little talk about her father- she said (paraphrasing the beginning) that he's onboard with "her queer lifestyle" (not paraphrasing what I put in quotes). Now I know "lifestyle" is a big no-no when associated with "gay" as it implies it is a choice, or a "fashion."  Is "queer lifestyle" something different? I honestly am curious.

Edited June 12, 2020 by dleighg

[PamelaMaeSnap]

15 hours ago, Mellowyellow said:

Omg guys!!!!! Squeeeeeeee

I could not watch last week after knowing Gregory left. I adore him so that was quite a sting.

But I'm back on board the train now after reading who is in the final three!!!!!!

My Gregory loving heart is somewhat mollified as I really like Melissa and Stephanie. Quite like Bryan and his dorky laugh too! 

Everything you said times 3!!!! I’m still grieving the loss of Gregory but love this F3 and so glad Kevin is gone. I’ve always loved Melissa and think her personal story shared again this week could totally bring Padma to tears when announcing the winner. 

[carrps]

6 hours ago, wlk68 said:

ETA: It was Bryan who said gracias rather than grazie. Silly mistake but I've done the same. When I was in Mexico a couple of years ago, any time I couldn't think of the Spanish word for something my brain would automatically supply the French word. Got me more than a few confused looks. 🙂 

I've studied a number of different languages, and I swear to Og they all converge in my brain into English and non-English. I mix words from different languages all the dang time. 🤪

[mlp]

2 hours ago, Fostersmom said:

Tom looked embarrassed when Kevin was dumping the Parm on top.

I was going to say the same thing.  It was that second-hand embarrassment thing.  I sort of think that Kevin was a judges' favorite at the beginning, partly because of his fight against serious health problems, but, as the filming went on, they began to see the same personality issues we've noticed and commented about.  He was sure he was going to win but his ego did him in, partly because of the over-cooked pork but also, I think, because of the cheese bit plus his too loud and rather belligerent comment at Judges' Table about cooking with the most soul ever.  He said all the right things after he was eliminated but it was obvious that he was angry.

Poor Bryan.  He was fighting back tears after the comments about his dish and when he realized he hadn't been eliminated.  I still hope he wins but I like Stephanie and Melissa too so I won't hate it if he doesn't.  

I am just delighted for Stephanie.  She's so real and unaffected.  I feel like she's someone I'd like if I ever met her.  Even if she doesn't win, she's had a great run, a wonderful trip and, most importantly, exceeded her own expectations.

[Ohiopirate02]

28 minutes ago, dleighg said:

Yeah, I agree. It seems Bryan got the most talented sous, but that's often the kiss of death if the sous is too opinionated. It seems that Bryan and Kevin at least like one another from the final LCK episode.

Oh and something I noticed in Melissa's little talk about her father- she said (paraphrasing the beginning) that he's onboard with "her queer lifestyle" (not paraphrasing what I put in quotes). Now I know "lifestyle" is a big no-no when associated with "gay" as it implies it is a choice, or a "fashion."  Is "queer lifestyle" something different? I honestly am curious.

I say this as a straight cisgender ally, Melissa chooses to identify herself as queer.  The definition of queer is her own, but I think it means more than just she is a lesbian.  If she had some struggles with her father over the years, it could mean that Melissa has had issues with conforming to different aspects of femininity.  It's more than just fashion, but wanting to live in a world without all the baggage a binary gender system creates.  

[dleighg]

6 minutes ago, Ohiopirate02 said:

I say this as a straight cisgender ally, Melissa chooses to identify herself as queer.  The definition of queer is her own, but I think it means more than just she is a lesbian.  If she had some struggles with her father over the years, it could mean that Melissa has had issues with conforming to different aspects of femininity.  It's more than just fashion, but wanting to live in a world without all the baggage a binary gender system creates.

I am also a straight cisgender ally. My question was about the word "lifestyle" not "queer," as I thought was clear in my comment. She didn't say he was ok with her being queer, she said he was ok with her queer lifestyle.

I get what you're saying, just trying to figure out what she meant by "lifestyle."

Edited June 12, 2020 by dleighg

[JenMcSnark]

1 hour ago, dleighg said:

I am also a straight cisgender ally. My question was about the word "lifestyle" not "queer," as I thought was clear in my comment. She didn't say he was ok with her being queer, she said he was ok with her queer lifestyle.

I get what you're saying, just trying to figure out what she meant by "lifestyle."

I kind of figured that he was 'okay' with her being queer/lesbian but not okay with her openly living that lifestyle.  

I've known several conservative parents with LGBTQ offspring who felt this way and verbalized it very strongly.  I love you and I'm okay with you being you, but you don't have to "give in to it" and live in sin. That type of thing.  

Perhaps he has finally come around to accepting ALL of what it means to be queer whereas he made that distinction before. 

[buttersister]

At the risk of having a meeting of the Messed Up the Language in a Country Overseas Club, I feel for Bryan. Knowing enough French and Italian to be polite and order in those country's restaurants never prevented the wrong thank you being uttered in a rushed or surprised situation.

On the subject of Bryan, when he started talking about going classic with his parm dish, I thought he'd make it traditional style. When he decided to Bryan it up as a foam I wasn't worried. That it had "no soul" is something they might want to take up with Massimo Bottura, who I'm guessing Bryan's familiar with. But we didn't taste it, so who knows?

I have nothing against technically brilliant delicious food (hello, Melissa's scallop). I'm also old enough to remember when Tom would ding Carla Hall every time she said she cooked with love.

Edited June 12, 2020 by buttersister
Melissa's scallop and my love for XO sauce

[Ohiopirate02]

I did enjoy this episode not having a quickfire.  I liked the travel porn being shown instead.  The two factories, and the leisurely stroll through the Italian markets.  I did laugh at Stephanie and Kevin in the one grocery store.  Stephanie's "oh, that's cat food" was cute.  Also, Kevin thinking about taking another risk buying something he doesn't understand.  I get that.  The one time I went to Italy, my friend bought what she thought was some chocolate cookies.  We were eating them and they were full of sugar and strong.  Some time went by, and I finally took a real look at the box.  What she had picked up was the Italian equivalent of Nesquik in biscuit form.  One biscuit was enough for a bowl of milk.

[dleighg]

I loved Melissa's comment about "is the part where we get axe-murdered?" That was seriously spooky. And while I'm a happy meat-eater, that was a LOT of pig legs to look at.

[susannot]

8 hours ago, Ohiopirate02 said:

I really loved the attitude Stephanie had in this episode.  She was so calm and seemed to be enjoying the moment, and I think that helped her cooking. She cooked what she wanted to eat instead of creating something to impress the judges.  Her second dish was so simple.  I will always prefer a simple dish done well over an more ambitious dish.  Cabbage cooked with a salty, fatty meat is so tasty yet unassuming.  

And the cabbage she bought in the Italian market looked so fresh and hearty.  I wish I knew what kind of cabbage it was, but probably can't buy it here anyway, although we have awesome fresh produce in the Midwest in the summer.

[Irlandesa]

16 minutes ago, buttersister said:

I wasn't worried. That it had "no soul" is something they might want to take up with Massimo Bottura, who I'm guessing Bryan's familiar with.

Hell if Bryan made that dish, he might have won because that chef's focus is clearly on how to showcase the ingredient in all its glory.  I think that's what was missing with Bryan's foam.

[Foxglove]

I really like all three contestants, and any one of them would be a great Top Chef. Stephanie seems very humble, and she may have thought that she couldn't beat the other three, so she was able to relax and just enjoy her cooking.  I'm so glad that she did great with this challenge, and very happy that she's getting this chance to visit and be inspired by Italy. 

Melissa has a quiet confidence that is very appealing. I like her very much, and her cooking always looks inventive and elegant. 

I am a huge Bryan V fan, and I think the "no soul" comment was unnecessarily cruel. Aside from being kind of a meaningless remark, I think we can assume that all of these chefs have a deep passion for cooking since they've dedicated their lives to it. Bryan has always shown so much respect for ingredients and the different locales they've been to, and he always has a humble regard for the guest chefs. I really hope this hasn't taken the wind out of his sails, and that he cooks his heart out for the finale. 

I am hoping for a Bryan V win, but I would be happy with any of them winning. They are all good chefs and terrific people, and it's nice when you can root for all of them. 

Edited June 12, 2020 by Foxglove
Typo.

[gorgy]

Kevin's pork looked as appetizing as Karen's duck. So Long. Farewell. Pack You Knives And Go.

Overall, it was a really fun watch with no unnecessary drama (oh look, Malarkey and Leanne are back for the finale, what a joy 😒) I even enjoyed the trips to different places which can be kind of hit or miss but this all looked fascinating and made we want to visit Parma.

In my mind, I think Bryan V is the most "deserving" to take the crown due to precedence more than anything, but I feel like it's Melissa's show to lose at this point. She's been on a roll, and Bryan has been struggling all season like an old fighter trying to find his way again. To my own surprise, I'd probably be happiest with a Stephanie win as her food is less complex, but it appeals more to my simple palette, although that would be kind of shock for everybody, including Stephanie based on her own expectations. Kudos to her for rising to the challenge. 

Not to knock Kevin specifically, but I never like the idea of Last Chance Kitchen (or whatever it's called on every other reality show). I think once you're out you're out. When I used to amateur wrestle we'd have tournaments and losers would wrestle for 3rd place or whatever and I think that can be a thing. The winner of LCK receives a car or something to that effect. I'd imagine the people watching the web-exclusive series would watch it regardless, as it has a different, more relaxed energy that was the draw. 

[Heathrowe]

This WAS a good episode! I really enjoyed everything. Stephanie and Melissa's food both sounded incredible. This should have been Kevin's episode to shine since pork is his thing, but it just was not. I really loved his food in his original season-it seemed toothsome and like a nice reaction to more fussy cooking. But this season his food has not looked (brown balls) or sounded great to me. I actually thought his brodo looked..,not good.  Where as, I thought Bryan's food looked and sounded great-if not as good as Stephanie and Melissa's. If I had to pick one chef's restaurant to eat at, it would probably be Melissa as what she does seems unique and interesting to me-aside from the congee, I think she's made dishes that have kept her POV while still adhering to the challenges or surroundings. She's neat.  I also like Bryan V and Stephanie's food a lot, but Melissa edges them out as far as I am concerned.

[Fukui San]

These being chefs with long histories this episode brought about a few echoes for me. The judges criticizing Kevin's pork reminds me of a pork dish in the Vegas season which the judges deemed too tough but he maintained was "toothsome".  Don't remember if he was eliminated in that episode, but he stood behind the amount of doneness.

The judges saying that Bryan's cooking was "without soul" brought to mind all the times that accusation was leveled at Hung, which I took as thinly veiled racism at an Asian chef cooking outside of his assigned milieu whereas white chefs cooking Asian knockoffs were never critiqued in that way. In this case it seemed to be a reaction against the molecular gastronomy of the foam (and Hung's sous vide obsession, come to think about it).

[Nordly Beaumont]

3 hours ago, dleighg said:

Oh and something I noticed in Melissa's little talk about her father- she said (paraphrasing the beginning) that he's onboard with "her queer lifestyle" (not paraphrasing what I put in quotes). Now I know "lifestyle" is a big no-no when associated with "gay" as it implies it is a choice, or a "fashion."  Is "queer lifestyle" something different?

I don't think "queer lifestyle" is different (not queer, so not an expert!)  It still implies choice. I thought maybe Melissa talks to her dad (and/or others) in a way that he'll understand, and maybe the word "lifestyle" is a word she uses with him, so she said it now because she's used to using it. Or I guess she could just not mind the word. But as far as I know, using it with queer is the same as using it with gay.

[akr]

I thought Padma passed on the critique about not cooking with soul as gently as she could, & while it was obviously painful to hear, it gives Bryan the chance to look deep & course correct. I think he's been in his head a little too much & it's holding him back.

[PamelaMaeSnap]

6 hours ago, Mellowyellow said:

Haha I have LCK phobia too! I know it's irrational

It's NOT irrational because the last two episodes of TC -- post final LCK -- have had a little teaser or whatever it's called in the lower left-hand part of the screen about there being another LCK ... I assume they've just forgotten to take it off, or else they're going to spring someone on us at the last minute. I can only hope if that's the case it's Gregory. 

 

[PamelaMaeSnap]

3 hours ago, jackjill89 said:

They are all likable people too, which, for me, does count for something. I'll be happy for any of them if they win. 

EXACTLY why this is my favorite F3 ever. If Gregory were among the F3 it would be even better because he is my favorite TC contestant ever ... but even so, with Kevin gone, I love all three of these finalists and will be happy with/for whoever wins (though I'm officially #TeamMelissa if I have to choose). 

I also hope the finale will spotlight their individual paths to where they are now ... I especially loved Stephanie's story dating back to her coming on with her best friend Kristen Kish and Kish making it while Stephanie didn't, but Stephanie coming back the next season and making it to prime time (I hope I remember this correctly, because my memory is like a wonderful ancient hunk of some kind of cheese with holes in it). 

[MartyQui]

2 hours ago, susannot said:

.  I wish I knew what kind of cabbage it was, but probably can't buy it here anyway, although we have awesome fresh produce in the Midwest in the summer.

It may have been Savoy cabbage, I’ve seen that in the markets in Italy.  Which, as a cook, are SO inspiring.

[akr]

39 minutes ago, MartyQui said:

It may have been Savoy cabbage, I’ve seen that in the markets in Italy.  Which, as a cook, are SO inspiring.

She called it arrowhead cabbage in the voiceover at the store (aka hispi cabbage, sweetheart cabbage, conehead cabbage, etc.)  It looked like some sort of (darker) savoy cabbage to me, too, but I guess once you take off the outer leaves you get the pointy interior section.  It definitely looked good!

(I looked it up after doublechecking to see what she said.)

Edited June 12, 2020 by akr

[susannot]

It was so leafy and green!  I haven't seen cabbage that looks like that.😻

[susannot]

I love the chef who said it was like a cabbage lasagna.  I want to make it for our Thanksgiving or Christmas family gathering.  We always have a large pan of lasagna but this would be so much healthier.

[BlackberryJam]

I can understand why some food seems to lack passion or soul and I think it’s a valid criticism, especially of a high level chef. I can’t explain what it’s like to eat soulless food, but it’s ...like eating something where I like all the ingredients and in theory, it should be delicious, but somehow isn’t. 

Kevin’s pork and apples looked dry and just not good. I had secondhand embarrassment when he was shoveling grated cheese on to the plates and I don’t even like Kevin.

I am loving Stephanie and Melissa right now, but if I had to pick one, it would be Stephanie for the win. I just think she needs the validation and damn, I want that cabbage. 

[TVbitch]

As gutted as Bryan was, he will turn it into a growth experience. The Italian chefs' were very emphatic, almost angry. But that's because they could see how much skill and the talent was there, yet they know he's still got another level. It's tough chef love. I've seen Marcus Wearing do the same thing on Masterchef the Professionals. 

The only thing that sucks about this final is knowing two of them will not win. 

[ProudMary]

7 hours ago, snarktini said:

That was so confusing. Why include the clip of "never cook" if it's not true? Like the aperitivo QF last week, where a "rule" was not actually a rule.

Tom went on the truffle hunt in Lucca. I think he (and Gail) needed to take the Parma culinary tour too! (I sure wish I could have!)

[Quilt Fairy]

When the guest judge told Bryan that the P-R has salt crystals in it and by foaming it he eliminated those crystals, I thought, "That's a technical error which he probably only made because it's the first time he's made this dish and won't make again." 

[Fostersmom]

3 hours ago, PamelaMaeSnap said:

It's NOT irrational because the last two episodes of TC -- post final LCK -- have had a little teaser or whatever it's called in the lower left-hand part of the screen about there being another LCK ... I assume they've just forgotten to take it off, or else they're going to spring someone on us at the last minute. I can only hope if that's the case it's Gregory. 

 

I noticed the LCK tag in the corner too. Seriously, if Kevin walks back in next week I'm going to lose my mind.

39 minutes ago, BlackberryJam said:

I can understand why some food seems to lack passion or soul and I think it’s a valid criticism, especially of a high level chef. I can’t explain what it’s like to eat soulless food, but it’s ...like eating something where I like all the ingredients and in theory, it should be delicious, but somehow isn’t. 

I take soulless cooking to mean it technically checks all the boxes of what you would expect a dish to contain, but they are all just there. Yeah, this burger tastes fine, it has everything a burger should have, but none of the ingredients shine, the burger as a whole is 100% the textbook definition, but it's just a burger. Like when you go have a meal and leave thinking I just paid how much for this burger? I could have made it at home much cheaper, and it would have tasted better after I added my secret mix of sauces or spices. But then, there's a neighborhood dive bar that has the best burgers not only in town, but consistently makes those random lists for best burgers in every state. And speaking from my own state, I will someday go have that best burger, it's literally  like 15-20 minutes down the road, in the dive-iest looking bar known to man, like risking hepatitis just walking in, dive. The first has no soul, the second does. 

[susannot]

I take soulless food as technically perfectly executed but without history or passion.  Like, for example, what Anthony Bourdain described as the brunch buffet at the Four Seasons, back in the day.

Bryan's food is guilty of that to an extent.  Technically brilliant, not passionately connected to a food history.

I think he is a very passionate chef.  I want to see him burst out and show it.

[BlackberryJam]

57 minutes ago, susannot said:

I take soulless food as technically perfectly executed but without history or passion.  Like, for example, what Anthony Bourdain described as the brunch buffet at the Four Seasons, back in the day.

Bryan's food is guilty of that to an extent.  Technically brilliant, not passionately connected to a food history.

I think he is a very passionate chef.  I want to see him burst out and show it.

I think it was a real psychological blow to Bryan when Michael won Las Vegas. I was TeamMichael all season because his food never seemed ordinary. There was always something just a bit different and intriguing that made me want to try it. I still want to try banana polenta, but I’m not someone who has the time or inclination to cook like that.

But I think Bryan has suffered from not being as creative, not taking as many chances as Michael, and instead of branching out, Bryan drew in, making food that was “safe.”

Kevin though, what an ass he turned out to be. His comments at Judge’s Table were classless and brutal. Then when he hugged Bryan, he told Bryan not to get too caught up in winning and I was like, do you see Stephanie and Melissa standing there? Two women who just kicked your ass? So done with Kevin. AND I don’t want to eat his food. 

Edited June 13, 2020 by BlackberryJam

[Macbeth]

20 hours ago, Quilt Fairy said:

Gail's dress was gorgeous.  Total turnaround from last week's biker chick chic. 

I thought Tom looked uncomfortable among all the Michelin starred chefs. He was doing a "turtle trying to retreat into his shell" thing, more than once. 

I have never seen Tom so cowed before. He's always running the table even with a table full of important chefs - they know this is his gig.  But the Italian chefs were not having it.  

When Tom said that all the food was delicious and it was only minor details that the judges were that the judges didn't like - I was like - Not according to the Italian Chefs - No soul - not so good. That's not minor quibbles.

I really felt bad for Bryan - he was gutted. 

I am one of the ones who side-eyes Tom when it comes to preferring male chefs.  I always believe he has a male favorite he wants to see succeed. 

However, it does seem like Tom had changed his tune as there has been more women winning in the last few years.

But this is an All-Stars season - so I think he wanted Kevin to win.

But then the Italian Chefs took his fav - right out of the competition.  😆

 

[buttersister]

Quote

Seriously, if Kevin walks back in next week I'm going to lose my mind.

Don’t flip out, but it looked like Kevin is Bryan’s sous chef. Ugh. Which means either he’ll overcook some meat, thinking that it’s great or he’ll take credit for Bryan’s win. Sorry, Volt. Toothsome. How I cook it. Shocked look. Get off my TV.

[TzuShih]

6 hours ago, susannot said:

And the cabbage she bought in the Italian market looked so fresh and hearty.  I wish I knew what kind of cabbage it was, but probably can't buy it here anyway, although we have awesome fresh produce in the Midwest in the summer.

I believe Stephanie said Arrowhead Cabbage.  (Also known, from what I've read, as Conehead cabbage.)  You can check Google for info.  I noted one recipe for Roasted Arrowhead Cabbage that sounded yummy.) https://csachronicles.wordpress.com/2013/07/09/roasted-arrowhead-cabbage/

[caitmcg]

18 minutes ago, TzuShih said:

I believe Stephanie said Arrowhead Cabbage.  (Also known, from what I've read, as Conehead cabbage.)  You can check Google for info.  I noted one recipe for Roasted Arrowhead Cabbage that sounded yummy.) https://csachronicles.wordpress.com/2013/07/09/roasted-arrowhead-cabbage/

I know thanks to a British cookbook that in the UK it goes by sweetheart cabbage, pointed cabbage, and hispi, but I’d never quite ID'd it in the US, so thanks.

[TzuShih]

On 6/11/2020 at 11:30 PM, rlc said:

So freaking happy right now! Best final three ever. Especially glad that Kevin is gone after his little dig at Bryan at the judges’ table:

Paraphrasing Padma, ‘Bryan, the Italian chefs thought that your food didn’t have soul.‘
Kevin to Padma- ‘I think I cooked with the most soul I’ve ever shown’.

 

Yes!  It really hit a nerve with me when Kevin dropped that little bomb to "save himself."  I think it also touched a sore spot with the judges.  Padma's eyes grew wider, and Tom kind of covered his face.  I don't know if Kevin echoed that word "soulful" maliciously or not, but, whatever, his 'instincts' were bad!

ALSO....I thought it was only this one chef at the table who criticized Bryan's dishes as "lacking soul and passion."  But Padma passed on the info to Bryan as tho many of the chefs felt this way.  (We have no real way of knowing since we only see the edited version.)  But...whatever...I think it wounded Bryan to the core.  Which is why Kevin's comment seemed so heartless.)

Kevin's occasional ostentatious behavior this season didn't sit sit well with me...and in the end, I think it worked against him at tonite's Judge's Table.  Bryan may not win Top Chef, but I hope he will at least feel proud of his finale dish.  (Tho I think the women will "Win" & "Place" and that Bryan will "Show.")  ;-D

 

[VintageJ]

As Kevin was leaving, it sounded like he said to Bryan, “Don’t make so much of winning this thing ... have a good time, okay.”. Sounds like Bryan is very stressed and pressed to win and Kevin is trying to tell him to relax and enjoy the journey and I agree. 

[Foxglove]

9 hours ago, Fostersmom said:

I take soulless cooking to mean it technically checks all the boxes of what you would expect a dish to contain, but they are all just there.

 

8 hours ago, susannot said:

I take soulless food as technically perfectly executed but without history or passion.

It's been great to read people's ideas about what soulful and soulless cooking means to them. I know what you mean -- some food just has that special quality that makes it homey, or comforting, or nostalgic. Or you can tell that the chef put extra care into the preparation to really showcase an ingredient. I think some modern techniques can make a dish seem less soulful, because the technique, rather than the food, is front and center. 

I still think calling Bryan's food soulless was mean-spirited, though. His pasta was cooked to perfection, and he did intend to present a simple dish of buttered pasta with a soft egg. The foam was probably his downfall. I wish the chefs had given more constructive feedback, and focused on technical errors, such as too-runny pesto, or how aerating the Parmesan destroyed its flavor, etc. At least a chef can learn from constructive comments, whereas calling his cooking soulless was just, well, soul-destroying.  I think we've all had moments when we've felt utterly crushed like Bryan did, so it's easy to empathize. He's such a nice, hard working, and humble person, and I don't think he deserved that at all! He said in a talking head that Italy is part of his heritage, and that he wanted to embrace the culture more in his food and in his life, so I hope he is able to dig deep and come up with a fantastic finale dish. 

8 hours ago, BlackberryJam said:

Kevin though, what an ass he turned out to be. His comments at Judge’s Table were classless and brutal. Then when he hugged Bryan, he told Bryan not to get too caught up in winning and I was like, do you see Stephanie and Melissa standing there? Two women who just kicked your ass? So done with Kevin. AND I don’t want to eat his food

I've been willing to give Kevin a pass for some of his more thoughtless remarks. The way he has interacted with the other chefs overall makes me think that he's not really racist or sexist -- but that he just doesn't think before speaking, or doesn't realize that his words are offensive and hurtful. But him saying that he cooked with more soul than ever on the heels of the comments to Bryan showed a true lack of class and awareness. I respect that he fought back from a serious illness, and he's made some good food, but there is a certain arrogance about him.  

The finale should be great entertainment, and I'm looking forward to it! As many have said here, it's the best final three ever. Still hoping for Bryan to pull it off -- but love Stephanie and Melissa too.