24 in 24: Last Chef Standing - General Discussion

[DEL901]

I can’t remember her name, but the female chef that was in the bottom 2 with Damaris grinned happily when Damaris got cut.  I hope she goes soon.

[lavenderblue]

I thought Damaris was kind of hosed last night with the art challenge. She makes a plate that closely resembles the painting about as well as it could, with the parameters of the challenge being to replicate the painting in terms of color, composition, and spirit. If these qualities don't excite the judge then sorry, maybe paintings relying on black, beige, and blue should have been excluded from contention here, especially when Kathleen's colorful concentric circle-based art -- which several presented a version of in the visual-only round! -- was such a gimme that her failure to recreate it was even more glaring. Elia also completely bombed the visual aspect of her Monet, but she went home eventually so it's whatever.

And Brooke's presence reminded me of why I didn't love her as a judge here last year, either. The buddy-buddy moment with Bryan during judging was so awkward and unnecessary, and I say this liking Bryan. But she did the same thing last year, talking about her familiarity with one contestant and comparing them against themselves, while admitting she didn't know someone else (and judging them quite differently). She's not great at feigning objectivity in non-blind settings.

Edited May 13 by lavenderblue

[BrainyBlonde]

7 hours ago, tv echo said:

I'm also happy about Bryan's win and Elia's elimination. Bryan was smart to pick at least one strong chef (Sawyer) for the breakroom in anticipation of some twist.

I have always liked Stephanie, but her sulking after Bryan did not choose her for the breakroom was not a good look. She came across as entitled. I get that she was tired, but so were the rest of the chefs. If she had won the golden knife, I bet that she would have done the same thing (made strategic picks).

It slays me that these chefs who've been competing on cooking shows for DECADES get bent out of shape when a fellow chef employs a strategy that doesn't work in their favor. It's a game/competition, and there can be only one winner at the end. Friendships need to be checked at the door. Stephanie got to sit out at least one shift earlier, so she was no more fatigued or deserving of that time in the break room than anyone else. Get. Over. Yourself.

I don't know if I'm more easily irritated this season or what, but it seems like there is a lot more whining and complaining and even outright anger from the chefs this go-round. They knew what the show would demand of them before they signed up (no sleep for 24 hours, difficult challenges with unexpected twists), so shut up and cook!

I hope my beloved Bryan V. takes the prize home this season. I really appreciate that he's doing his best to roll with the punches and not bellyache about everything. (Marcel had a similar demeanor last season, which worked well for him.)

[Colorado David]

bryan v has such a pleasant demeanor, he is competitive but not obnoxious about it. his brother eh can get a little aggressive, he impresses with his talent but he can rub the wrong way. same stephanie i, you have much talent but you seem to get attitudy at times. i have had enuff of brooke w, we know you luv yourself so just stop already. sorry jmo

Edited May 12 by Colorado David
jmo

[Harry24]

I think it really says something about combined stress and extreme fatigue when perpetually cheerful and camera experienced Stephanie is unable to control her emotions.  I certainly haven’t seen every appearance she’s made, but the worst I can remember seeing from her in the past is sad.  

IOW, I think it says less about Stephanie and more about what fatigue like that can do to a person.

Was DEEE-lighted that Elia took a hike.  Glad that beautiful Gabe got some positive feedback.  Relieved that Kevin (he’s my favorite) is still in it.

I adore Demaris from Guy’s Grocery Games.  But I wonder, as wonderful a cook as she is, whether chefs who haven’t spent a lot of time working in restaurants aren’t at an inherent disadvantage in competitions like these.  I thought she wasn’t able to display her distinctive charm as much as I was hoping in these particular circumstances.  She had some good results, though.  I hope she feels good about it once she’s had a shower and slept for a few days.

Edited May 12 by Harry24

[SHERMDOG]

9 hours ago, BrainyBlonde said:

It slays me that these chefs who've been competing on cooking shows for DECADES get bent out of shape when a fellow chef employs a strategy that doesn't work in their favor. It's a game/competition, and there can be only one winner at the end. Friendships need to be checked at the door. Stephanie got to sit out at least one shift earlier, so she was no more fatigued or deserving of that time in the break room than anyone else. Get. Over. Yourself.

I don't know if I'm more easily irritated this season or what, but it seems like there is a lot more whining and complaining and even outright anger from the chefs this go-round. They knew what the show would demand of them before they signed up (no sleep for 24 hours, difficult challenges with unexpected twists), so shut up and cook!

I hope my beloved Bryan V. takes the prize home this season. I really appreciate that he's doing his best to roll with the punches and not bellyache about everything. (Marcel had a similar demeanor last season, which worked well for him.)

While i agree that they signed up for this competition...I truly don't think you can truly know how grueling this would be until you do it. I didnt really think theyvwere whining as much as just stating how they feel!??? I was sad to see Damaris go. I really do like her. I'm prolly team Bryan, Kevin or Sawyer. Not a real fan of Nini...not sure why!?? Lol

[tv echo]

Michael Symon talks intense new season of Food Network’s ’24 in 24: Last Chef Standing’
By Emily Davenport   May 12, 2025
https://www.amny.com/entertainment/tv/michael-symon-food-network-24-in-24-last-chef-season/ 

Quote

Compared to other competition shows, Symon says that “24 in 24” is by far the most realistic to what chefs actually go through in the kitchen.

“Most chefs at some point in their life have opened up a restaurant whether it’s one of their own or for someone else. When a restaurant opens, you don’t sleep for 2 or 3 days, that’s just how it works,” said Symon. “I think for a lot of viewers at home, they’re like ‘Oh my God, these chefs are up for 24 straight hours.’ But the realization is, in our lives as chefs, all of us have done that at some point in our careers. After season one, I probably got 300 texts from chef friends of mine saying ‘I want in,’ because when they watch the show, they’re like, ‘This is what happens in real life, and now people can see it.’”
*  *  *
“You get so locked into what you’re doing, you sometimes forget about the simple things. The chefs that go farthest in this competition are the chefs that are very technically sound, because their technique doesn’t slide, so to speak, but a lot of times what you’ll see is when people start getting really exhausted, some of the simplest tasks in the kitchen start to go away,” said Symon. “It’s like, ‘Oh my god, I forgot to put salt in that!’ That’s the first thing you learn as a chef, but when people start getting tired, those things start to slip.”

When looking at the competitors this season and last season, Symon noted that though the younger chefs “have a bit more spring in their step,” the more seasoned chefs have an easier time pushing through the first wall of the competition.

“Marcel [Vigneron, winner of “24 in 24: Last Chef Standing” season 1] was not the youngest chef on season one — he’s been around longer than a lot of the chefs — but once he was able to push in that wall, his experience and seasoning carried him to victory,” said Symon. “There is this kind of breaking point, I think, around we’ll say like 12 to 18 hour point, where if you’re not able to push yourself through that wall, it doesn’t matter how much experience you have, and some chefs are able to do it and some chefs aren’t.”
*  *  *
“The further that you get into [the competition], the more it hurts that you went home. [The competitors] wanted to be there for the long haul. You get to the point where you’re like, ‘Okay, I’ve been doing this for 15, 16, 17, 18 hours, it’s down to five or six chefs, I wanna win.’ So where it’s a little bit playful in the beginning, it gets more intense. Every episode gets more intense and more gut-wrenching than the one before it, because so much time has been put in and effort has been put in, and now they want to see it through.”

Edited May 13 by tv echo

[MicheleinPhilly]

Bye Elia! Don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya! 

The exhaustion is REALLY starting to take its toll. I've never seen a group of cooking competition show contestants just standing there staring into space with pissy looks on their faces like that. I can't recall just how many of these curveballs they threw at them last season but this bunch seems exceptionally grumpy. 

I did laugh though when Nini made a big deal out of planning to make pancakes and taking the maple syrup. And then when the shift was announced she was just like, "Good thing I grabbed a steak." Huh??? Is pancakes and steak a thing?

I'm a big Stephanie fan but I thought she was being absolutely ridiculous with how pissed she was at Brian. You should take it as a compliment, girl! And now he's stuck with a team that he doesn't know/trust/respect for next week. 

But speaking of the break room, go lie down! I don't get the whole "Let's sit in the doorway and watch what's going on." I would be taking FULL advantage of that break. Wake me when someone has gotten the boot and I'm expected back at my station. 

The only cheftestant left who really annoys me is Kelsey. I don't know her at all but something about her just bugs. 

[mlp]

6 hours ago, MicheleinPhilly said:

The only cheftestant left who really annoys me is Kelsey. I don't know her at all but something about her just bugs. 

If you had seen her on MC, you'd know why.  She has a very high opinion of herself.  Kathleen is almost as bad and now poor Bryan is stuck with both of them next week.  Good thing he also chose Jonathan.  

I usually like Damaris when she isn't acting goofy but she wasn't the best sport when she was eliminated.  Stephanie isn't acting her best either.  I hope one of Bryan, Kevin and Gabe wins in the end.

[MicheleinPhilly]

2 minutes ago, mlp said:

If you had seen her on MC, you'd know why.  She has a very high opinion of herself.  Kathleen is almost as bad and now poor Bryan is stuck with both of them next week.  Good thing he also chose Jonathan.  

I usually like Damaris when she isn't acting goofy but she wasn't the best sport when she was eliminated.  Stephanie isn't acting her best either.  I hope one of Bryan, Kevin and Gabe wins in the end.

Oh, I can already tell from this show.

Kathleen doesn't bother me and I've actually liked her so far, but I was perplexed as to why she didn't do more with her dish based on the painting she got. Her "looks only" dish was really fun and playful. I just feel like she missed a big opportunity to incorporate more color. 

OH AND THAT REMINDS ME - Was anyone else really annoyed by how much beautiful food, mostly produce, that just got tossed in the trash for that stupid "looks only" challenge? 

I 100% predict that Bryan and Jonathan will completely dominate that group next week and that Jonathan might be slightly rude about it. Just a hunch. 

[paramitch]

First off, DING DONG, THE WITCH IS DEAD! Bye bye, Elia! But more on that later.

First off, the "Artistry" challenge was fascinating, but the judge (Fariyal Abdullahi) was horrible! She didn't seem to have any knowledge of art at all, and barely seemed able to articulate her feelings about how the food looked OR tasted. It was all, "I love it!" or "I don't know..." (She catered for the Met Gala once, I guess, but knew nothing about art! Gah.)

Just terrible judging. So I did feel sympathy for the contestants because of how inconsistent and subjective she was. I strongly disagreed with her reactions to so many of the dishes. I hated the watermelon cake -- how was that art? I felt like the judge gave a pass to the first half before then reversing and being super-critical on the second half.

I loved Jonathan Sawyer's idea for his Rothko-inspired plate, but not how sloppily he executed it. He had huge bits of white plate showing through! Why didn't he just smooth it out? But then again, I can't stand Jonathan, so my bias isn't helping me there. (Jonathan's not a nice guy -- had a notoriously bad reputation that he now blames on his drinking, screwed over his employees and vendors in Cleveland, and now he's claiming he's going to donate his winnings to charity? Come on.)

And Elia's just seemed weird to me as well. Trying to be objective, I just thought it didn't remotely resemble a Monet and had none of the softness or colors. And meanwhile, I love Bryan V. and all, but I thought his "dock by the bay" art was terrible, like preschool art. The sticks were off-putting, and I couldn't figure out why he kept talking about the ocean when he had no blue in his "painting" at all. Then the judge loved Nini's, even though Nini's dish was just this literal stump on a plate or something.

On the actual dishes, I thought Damaris's was really smart and subtle, and I loved the way it echoed the painting with the soft colors, delicate fish, and even the "pearl" radish! I was shocked and really unhappy when she was eliminated, and I didn't blame her for being dissatisfied, because there was nothing different she could have done. It was simply up to the airhead judge's "like" or "dislike" reaction (and I was also surprised at how rude the judge was in her dismissal of Damaris at the end).

I was moved by Damaris's final TH, where she showed her husband's note for the 12th hour and then teared up. After seeing her husband team up with her on GGG, where I think they both wore cat pajamas or something equally hilarious, they are obviously perfect for each other. I think at another point he even sang with her on camera (just as badly as she does, LOL).

As far as the next challenge, I felt bad for many of the chefs because you could really see people start to break down with exhaustion. While I didn't blame Brian V for acting strategically, I didn't blame Stephanie for being frustrated and snippy because she was just visibly not herself and was quickly nearing a breakdown from exhaustion. I think she was just desperately hoping for Bryan to give her a break and was crushed not to get it.

It was great to see Gabe win, however -- I underestimated him, and he's doing really well here. I think he's an entertaining and talented chef, but I was expecting that he wouldn't last long here, as his Italian repertoire would limit him. But he did a great job here, so kudos to him. Meanwhile, I'm THRILLED to see Elia leave, and can't wait to see how the "four vs four" goes down next week.

On 5/11/2025 at 8:11 PM, Salacious Kitty said:

Bye Elia! You won't be missed. 👍

(HAPPY DANCE!) She didn't deserve to be here. I was amused to see that her attitude was as terrible as ever. She still cannot handle criticism at all. I can't imagine how people work with her -- she is one of those people who MUST be right, period.

On 5/12/2025 at 3:46 AM, tv echo said:

I have always liked Stephanie, but her sulking after Bryan did not choose her for the breakroom was not a good look. She came across as entitled. I get that she was tired, but so were the rest of the chefs. If she had won the golden knife, I bet that she would have done the same thing (made strategic picks).

I don't blame her at all. I think she was just exhausted -- she's visibly nearing the breaking point, and as it seems she and Bryan are actually friends in real life, she was disappointed (if naive) that he didn't pick her for a break. I didn't think she said or did anything unforgivable -- she was just visibly grumpy and tired.

On 5/12/2025 at 10:22 AM, lavenderblue said:

I thought Damaris was kind of hosed last night with the art challenge. She makes a plate that closely resembles the painting about as well as it could, with the parameters of the challenge being to replicate the painting in terms of color, composition, and spirit. If these qualities don't excite the judge then sorry, maybe paintings relying on black, beige, and blue should have been excluded from contention here, especially when Kathleen's colorful concentric circle-based art -- which several presented a version of in the visual-only round! -- was such a gimme that her failure to recreate it was even more glaring. Elia also completely bombed the visual aspect of her Monet, but she went home eventually so it's whatever.

And Brooke's presence reminded me of why I didn't love her as a judge here last year, either. The buddy-buddy moment with Bryan during judging was so awkward and unnecessary, and I say this liking Bryan. But she did the same thing last year, talking about her familiarity with one contestant and comparing them against themselves, while admitting she didn't know someone else (and judging them quite differently). She's not great at feigning objectivity in non-blind settings.

I 100% agree on everything here. I like Brooke (I know not everyone does), but I was irritated at the obvious bias with Bryan here, and she did something similar last year with Carlos Anthony, telling him his style had refined, etc. As Brooke didn't know so many other chefs at all, for me it definitely crossed a line (and did again here).

On 5/12/2025 at 11:13 AM, BrainyBlonde said:

I don't know if I'm more easily irritated this season or what, but it seems like there is a lot more whining and complaining and even outright anger from the chefs this go-round. They knew what the show would demand of them before they signed up (no sleep for 24 hours, difficult challenges with unexpected twists), so shut up and cook!

They're genuinely exhausted and have been cooking for 15 hours by the end of this episode. I didn't think anyone was unforgivable here -- we just got a lot of tired, grumpy people who were already at the edge, and when the gas went out, you could just see some of them lose it for a minute. Stephanie looked near tears. 

I think it's one thing to watch the show, but I suspect it's way harder than many of them suspected.

On 5/12/2025 at 1:13 PM, Harry24 said:

I think it really says something about combined stress and extreme fatigue when perpetually cheerful and camera experienced Stephanie is unable to control her emotions.  I certainly haven’t seen every appearance she’s made, but the worst I can remember seeing from her in the past is sad.  

IOW, I think it says less about Stephanie and more about what fatigue like that can do to a person.

Was DEEE-lighted that Elia took a hike.  Glad that beautiful Gabe got some positive feedback.  Relieved that Kevin (he’s my favorite) is still in it.

I adore Demaris from Guy’s Grocery Games.  But I wonder, as wonderful a cook as she is, whether chefs who haven’t spent a lot of time working in restaurants aren’t at an inherent disadvantage in competitions like these.  I thought she wasn’t able to display her distinctive charm as much as I was hoping in these particular circumstances.  She had some good results, though.  I hope she feels good about it once she’s had a shower and slept for a few days.

I 100% agree!

From what I understand, Damaris cooks a LOT. She frequently teams up with Bobby Flay at events like the Kentucky Derby, and still caters and cooks for special events. She also does well on other cooking competitions.

I just think this one was especially grueling as a different kind of marathon, and I also think she was very much in professional mode here. While I love Damaris in goofball Theatre Kid mode, I liked that she simply wanted to prove her chops, and she reached a respectable milestone in the competition. (And I honestly didn't agree with the judge for dismissing her.)

On 5/13/2025 at 7:14 AM, MicheleinPhilly said:

Bye Elia! Don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya! 

The exhaustion is REALLY starting to take its toll. I've never seen a group of cooking competition show contestants just standing there staring into space with pissy looks on their faces like that. I can't recall just how many of these curveballs they threw at them last season but this bunch seems exceptionally grumpy. 

(snip)

But speaking of the break room, go lie down! I don't get the whole "Let's sit in the doorway and watch what's going on." I would be taking FULL advantage of that break. Wake me when someone has gotten the boot and I'm expected back at my station. 

They really all look so much more tired this year. The challenges really do edge on being cruel. Last year it felt like they got more breaks? And I can't believe the "break" winners all stood and watched! I would have been snoozing for every single second I could grab.

On 5/13/2025 at 1:58 PM, mlp said:

I usually like Damaris when she isn't acting goofy but she wasn't the best sport when she was eliminated.

It's interesting because I was on Damaris's side here, because it's one thing to judge the food, but another to judge the food as an evocation of art and say it's lacking. For me, Damaris's dish was beautifully evocative of the painting, and the flavors were described as equally delicate and "subtle." For me, she met the challenge, but the judge missed that completely. While Kathleen's dish did not meet the challenge visually, and sounded like it had greater issues in taste.

I was not on Elia's side, on the other hand, for rejecting the outcome because Brooke was so precise in her judgment and was able to tell her exactly what was wrong with her dish and how it tasted. Elia came across as completely unreasonable here because she wouldn't even try to conceive that her dish was lacking seasoning in any way.

It's pretty clear that I can't stand Elia anyway, and I admit that, but I do think she was frustrating and childish. She was as openly antagonistic and rejecting of criticism as she always was. On her final Top Chef appearance, she did the same thing, rudely insulted Tom, and refused to consider that her dish was flawed. She hasn't changed or learned from her past mistakes at all.

[susannot]

I just love Chef Gabe.  I don't think he'll win, but I enjoy watching him cook.  I think and hope that Bryan Voltaggio will win, but we'll see.

[janeyjay]

Still watching last night's episodes. It's going slowly because I keep rewinding to watch Stephanie Izard's face when Michael Symon announces that the guest judges for the team soup and sandwich are Malarkey (does he even need a last name) and... Carlos Anthony. She is so not enthusiastic and it's written all over her face. I laugh on every rewatch.

[tv echo]

24 in 24 Last Chef Standing Season 2: Which chefs earned a spot in the finale?
By Cristine Struble   May 19, 2025
https://foodsided.com/24-in-24-last-chef-standing-season-2-which-chefs-earned-spot-finale 

[ALittleShelfish]

I had to mute it once they announced the Malarkey/Carlos judging.  I can't take listening to either of them.  

I wish they'd get and use different sound bites or storylines beyond "i'm an iron chef!" or "i've always come in 2nd place!" or "i have kids! my kids are watching!" There has to be something more interesting about these chefs than those things.  

It's like watching The Golden Girls and still seeing Dorothy open the door when her ex husband knocks and he says "Hi, its me, Stan!" YES WE KNOW 😂

[meep.meep]

Good for Bryan V.  - all his risky moves paid off.  Picking his team to sit out and then cook together, choosing to cook against Kevin and Gabe, and even losing a few minutes on the fish cook didn't keep him from winning.

Carlos and Malarkey were OK as judges, much better than the chaos they sow when competing.

I wish the show had the creativity to do more than just short term competitions - I understand for TV why they don't give them more than 30 minutes to cook, but that really isn't showing us why these folks are really good at what they do.  Give them something that they start in the beginning, like a sauce or a braise or dry aging with the idea that if they make it to the finale, they could incorporate it.

Does Bryan still have the golden knife or did it go to Kevin?

[susannot]

Sorry to see Gabe eliminated.  He is easy on the eyes and I love his accent.  Hope to see him on another show since apparently Ciao House is not coming back.

In my opinion, Bryan V. is getting a winner's edit and I'm all in for it.

[Colorado David]

2 hours ago, susannot said:

Sorry to see Gabe eliminated.  He is easy on the eyes and I love his accent.  Hope to see him on another show since apparently Ciao House is not coming back.

In my opinion, Bryan V. is getting a winner's edit and I'm all in for it.

Gabe reminded me of Pedro Pascal. thats a big plus. i am sure he'll be fine.

not sure on bryan, but he has enough experience and years to defintiely have earned it.

Edited May 20 by Colorado David

[dcchartier]

Respect Chef Fariyal Abdullahi in many ways, her judging ability in the artistry challenge is absolutely not one of them. I may have just watched the most unfair (Stephanie not coming in the bottom of first round) and overall random judging performances ever. She was all over the place with her explanations and expectations.

Edited May 20 by dcchartier

[Gramto6]

14 hours ago, susannot said:

Sorry to see Gabe eliminated.  He is easy on the eyes and I love his accent.  Hope to see him on another show since apparently Ciao House is not coming back.

From your lips to the networks ears!!!

[Salacious Kitty]

3 minutes ago, Gramto6 said:

From your lips to the networks ears!!!

Alex said on Instagram a few weeks ago that there were no plans for it. 

[mlp]

I'm not a fan of cliffhangers.  Now I have to worry about Kevin all week.  He looks like he's about out on his feet but he's been getting so much attention from the editors that I hope that means he makes it to the finale.  I'd be happy to see both Kelsey and Kathleen depart.  Bryan OTOH doesn't look particularly exhausted.  I'm glad he's doing so well.  I want him to make it to the finale also.  I'll be happy if either of them wins.

 

[Grizzly]

Commercials have spoiled who makes final 5.

[tv echo]

I was sorry to see Gabe leave. I only know him from Ciao House where he was a judge. He seems like a great chef and a nice guy.

I'm rooting for Bryan, Stephanie or Kevin (if he makes it through) to win at this point.

Edited May 21 by tv echo

[AZChristian]

7 hours ago, tv echo said:

I was sorry to see Gabe leave. I only know him from Ciao House where he was a judge. He seems like a great chef and a nice guy.

I'm rooting for Bryan, Stephanie or Kevin (if he makes it through) to win at this point.

Motion from the floor.  Let's have Gabe replace Sunny Anderson AND Tiffany Faison on ALL Food Network Shows. 

Is there a second???

[mlp]

1 hour ago, AZChristian said:

Motion from the floor.  Let's have Gabe replace Sunny Anderson AND Tiffany Faison on ALL Food Network Shows. 

Is there a second???

I'll second that.  I liked Sunny years ago when she was new to FN and acted like a normal person.  I can't stand the attention-seeking loudmouth she's become.  I have never liked Tiffani.  I've pretty much stopped watching Chopped since she became a permanent judge.  Gabe would be a big improvement AFAIC.

[Ancaster]

Hey Sawyer, I'm sorry you have no neck, but growing a beard and wearing a neckerchief round it just accentuates the fact.  Own it.

Gabe, you're a very beautiful man (and I'm sure a good cook) - I'm so sorry to see you go.

[Ancaster]

Okay, they're chefs not art critics, but "George Okeef"?  Seriously?

Bleeding into Pet Peeves, but we need a better general education here.

Edited May 22 by Ancaster

[dleighg]

On 5/7/2025 at 8:28 PM, mlp said:

I loved the first season but this one a little less.  I think they're trying too hard to be quirky and throw surprises at the chefs

I didn't watch the first season, so this is all new to me. It reminds me a bit of the highly enjoyable Culinary Class Wars (netflix) which took place in Korea (subtitles). Each round was something different (and they axed half of the 100 chefs in the first round LOL), unlike the somewhat predictable format of Top Chef (which I love) where one chef goes home each week, basically.

[dleighg]

On 5/11/2025 at 6:15 PM, paramitch said:

I love Nini and think she's really charming. (Is she middle-aged? She looks so young.)

I like her too, partly because she reminds me of my son's fiancee (who is of Korean heritage), and they are getting married this weekend! My son's gal also is a fan of cute things, so that doesn't bother me.

I tried to look up her age but she keeps it pretty locked down, apparently. I did find that she graduated from college "during the great recession" so I guess that would make her close to 40.

On 5/13/2025 at 10:14 AM, MicheleinPhilly said:

And then when the shift was announced she was just like, "Good thing I grabbed a steak." Huh??? Is pancakes and steak a thing?

I think the producers did them a favor by saying it was a "lumberjack breakfast" so a bunch of them chose to include a big old hunk of meat.

[paramitch]

On 5/19/2025 at 6:21 AM, janeyjay said:

Still watching last night's episodes. It's going slowly because I keep rewinding to watch Stephanie Izard's face when Michael Symon announces that the guest judges for the team soup and sandwich are Malarkey (does he even need a last name) and... Carlos Anthony. She is so not enthusiastic and it's written all over her face. I laugh on every rewatch.

You can absolutely tell everyone is just exhausted at this point. For me, this season is much crueler on the contestants, and I'm not sure we really needed that. I don't need this to be an actual "They Shoot Chefs, Don't They?" 

And it's not just cruel because Carlos and Malarkey were judging, I mean, just in general... although yes, that too.

On 5/19/2025 at 3:46 PM, meep.meep said:

I wish the show had the creativity to do more than just short term competitions - I understand for TV why they don't give them more than 30 minutes to cook, but that really isn't showing us why these folks are really good at what they do.  Give them something that they start in the beginning, like a sauce or a braise or dry aging with the idea that if they make it to the finale, they could incorporate it.

This is such a great point -- the show is fun, but all these micro-challenges just limit what they can really do, and make it a weird variation on "Chopped." Didn't they get longer times last season? I was thinking there were at least a few 1-2 hour challenges, but I may be misremembering.

On 5/19/2025 at 7:11 PM, susannot said:

Sorry to see Gabe eliminated.  He is easy on the eyes and I love his accent.  Hope to see him on another show since apparently Ciao House is not coming back.

Gabe really impressed me here -- he did a lot better than I expected, and also demonstrated a lot more fine technical skills. And I also have to give it to the guy -- despite his visible exhaustion, he definitely went out like a class act.

On 5/19/2025 at 10:31 PM, dcchartier said:

Respect Chef Fariyal Abdullahi in many ways, her judging ability in the artistry challenge is absolutely not one of them. I may have just watched the most unfair (Stephanie not coming in the bottom of first round) and overall random judging performances ever. She was all over the place with her explanations and expectations.

Fariyal's judging in that episode was embarrassingly bad, and it was all the worse because she was supposed to be, I guess, demonstrating some kind of fine arts judging ability? Which she pointedly didn't have. Along with any kind of a vocabulary or even basic understanding of art. She praised some of the worst-looking pieces and bashed some of the best. She sent Damaris home for a dish she herself tasted good, if "subtle," while utterly disregarding the criteria that Damaris met both visually and on taste. For me it was one of the best best dishes there in terms of evoking the required art piece -- much better than so many others that didn't even evoke a hint of the same styles or even visual palettes.

On 5/21/2025 at 1:01 PM, AZChristian said:

Motion from the floor.  Let's have Gabe replace Sunny Anderson AND Tiffany Faison on ALL Food Network Shows. 

Not me. I like Tiffani, always have, and will always feel like she gets a bad rap for qualities that would be praised if she were a guy. She's smart, articulate, and analytical, and a superb chef as well as one of my favorite judges across the network. She also makes a visible effort to be kind when judging, which is also something I appreciate. Plus the fact that multiple friends of mine have met her (in New York and at FN events) and she could not have been kinder or more accommodating.

I love Gabe, and yes, he's handsome, but he's much more fun to watch as a chef than as a judge for me -- I thought "Ciao House" was fun if flawed, but to me he was trying way too hard to be sort of "mean" and "judgy" on that, so I'm glad he's had more exposure as a judge and chef, because he's been so much more enjoyable  as he's gotten more relaxed on camera, and especially when he's cooking. He definitely did a great job here, and I was sorry to see him go.

 

Edited Sunday at 12:31 PM by paramitch
Added response on Tiffani/Gabe

[Mellowyellow]

@paramitch I agree with everything regarding Damaris and Gabe.

 I’m neutral towards Damaris but I cry foul x 100 at that decision to send her home. Given her very difficult painting she did a fantastic job and I can’t think of a better food representation than what she came up with. My 12yo son was super salty about her departure too.

 Loving Gabe as a contestant. I wasn’t thrilled with Judge Gabe on Ciao House but he’s so lovely and chilled here as a contestant. Feel like it’s a different side of him.

[Rodney]

On 5/19/2025 at 10:11 PM, susannot said:

In my opinion, Bryan V. is getting a winner's edit and I'm all in for it.

Sorry.  He wasn't.  Another runner-up finish.

I actually figured that Jonathan was getting it with the repeated mentions of his sobriety, and I was right.

Edited Monday at 02:01 AM by Rodney

[Grizzly]

Of the final two dishes, I would have wanted to eat Sawyer's but not Bryan's. I liked that they had 3 judges for the finale. It cuts down on the decision being made based on friendships.

[buttersister]

I was rooting for Bryan at the end, knowing Jonathan's redemption story was out front. And while sustainably is important, perfectly cooked rack of lamb and uni was a winner going in. Wonder what would have happened if JS had to keep his ground beef, though👀

[MerBearHou]

I love Bryan V — always have — and so wanted him to win the whole thing, but he shot himself in the foot when he chose to keep CHICKEN.  The most boring of all proteins.  It cannot compete with rack of lamb for flavor and presentation, no matter how much Bryan jazzed it up.  I root for Jonathon Sawyer and have no problem with him winning, given his life-changing decision to become sober.  

[tv echo]

Disappointed that Bryan didn't win.

Who Won '24 in 24: Last Chef Standing' Season 2?
Andrea Reiher    Updated:10 hours ago
https://parade.com/news/who-won-24-in-24-last-chef-standing-season-2 

Edited Monday at 12:17 PM by tv echo

[CrazyInAlabama]

I'm disappointed too.   I am waiting for the day Brian V. wins something.   I wonder if he'll come back next year.   To me Stephanie and Nini's dishes flaws were clearly explained, I don't see why Sawyer won.    I think it should have been blind judging for the final round too. 

[tv echo]

Although blind taste testing may not be possible for every shift of this competition, I agree that they should have blind judging for the final shift.

Interesting (and, yes, I realize that Symon was not a judge)...
https://www.cnbc.com/jonathon-sawyer/ 

Quote

... Chef Sawyer worked as Chef de Cuisine for his friend and colleague Michael Symon, and then became Symon’s Executive Chef at Parea, receiving a two star review from The New York Times.

Edited Monday at 01:40 PM by tv echo

[anniebird]

6 minutes ago, tv echo said:

  ... Chef Sawyer worked as Chef de Cuisine for his friend and colleague Michael Symon, and then became Symon’s Executive Chef at Parea, receiving a two star review from The New York Times.

My son worked for Michael Symon at Lola and he really didn't like Jonathon Sawyer (although those were his pre-sober days, maybe he's a better person now.) He was very surprised that they would have Sawyer as a contestant when Michael Symon was "in charge." 

I was sure Bryan would switch to scallops - why would you choose chicken?

[Ms Lark]

I don't like it when a contestant gets "extra benes" for the Final. Final should be just that. No extra stuff. Sorry that Bryan didn't win. He's local for us and we love him. I've eaten at a number of his restaurants (unfortunately now closed, but all good). Glad to hear he'll be opening a new one soon--gotta look into that! Was also hoping for Stephanie, but dang.

If anyone watched "Last Bite Hotel" (I think it's on Max now) it became pretty clear that Nini (who won that one) comes off as borderline sociopath (MNSHO), which is pretty much how she won. I don't root for her in anything. Glad she was finally 86ed.

[BrainyBlonde]

I generally don't take wins or losses on cooking competition shows to heart, but I am SO disappointed (and sad) about Bryan's loss. He was such a standout the entire 24 hours with both his cooking skills and calm demeanor (I also loved that he never wanted to sabotage another chef with his golden knife benefits). I just think he's good dude in addition to being incredibly talented (his food is way more up my alley than the spicy stuff with a million ingredients that most chefs favor). I HATE that the winner of this show (and that huge payout) was based on one dish at the end. It should have been cumulative, OR the chefs should have been given the same protein to work with. As everyone else has said, chicken was never going to beat lamb (and yes, I know Bryan could have switched to something else, but I relate to him having a plan and being married to it). SIGH

I just think it stinks that Bryan has been an also-ran so many times. I felt like he really deserved this one. I can take or leave Jonathan Sawyer, but I am glad that he will be using his winnings to help others who are struggling with addictions.

[Thalia]

11 hours ago, MerBearHou said:

I love Bryan V — always have — and so wanted him to win the whole thing, but he shot himself in the foot when he chose to keep CHICKEN.

 

2 hours ago, anniebird said:

I was sure Bryan would switch to scallops - why would you choose chicken?

I was screaming SCALLOPS at the television set.  The only time chicken wins in these contests is when it is when everyone uses it.   

[lavenderblue]

I really, honestly assumed that the editors' choice to make Bryan's storyline "guy who constantly comes in second" meant he was either getting a winner's edit or would've gone out before the finale, because surely they wouldn't continue to make that narrative choice knowing it would happen to him again, right? Right? Ooof. 

I appreciated how many of the chefs made a point of saying they would never do this again, but something that surprised me this season was that no one eliminated in last year's first cuts returned for redemption. Makes me wonder if they all saw/heard about the toll it took on those who stayed in and decided to stay away, or if the producers wanted a completely fresh slate. I was also disappointed that Marcel didn't return to judge.

Edited Monday at 05:43 PM by lavenderblue

[susannot]

It was shown in the ending credits that the show donated $75000 to No Kids Hungry in honor of Bryan Voltaggio.  That helped to take the sting out of his loss.

[jackjill89]

Disappointed Bryan didn't win. I thought this would be the competition that finally put him on top. 

I'm now officially annoyed by Jonathan Sawyer. His sobriety is a tremendous accomplishment and It's wonderful that he feels that he is his best self now. I also think it's very cool that he's using his winnings to start a foundation dedicated to helping other chefs. That being said, I don't need to hear about how many months he's been sober and that he is his best self now and he couldn't have done any of this previously multiple times per episode on every single FN show he's on -- and he's been on all of them this past year. Dude won't get off my TV. 

[potatoradio]

On 5/19/2025 at 5:46 PM, meep.meep said:

Give them something that they start in the beginning, like a sauce or a braise or dry aging with the idea that if they make it to the finale, they could incorporate it

I think this is a genius idea. If everyone had to say, start a marinade or soup or slow braise as part of the first challenge, then that could also become an advantage later on, or part of a challenge (you, as winner of the golden knife, can now pick an eliminated contestant's braise or you can swap an eliminated contestant's soup with your competitor. Or something that puts a bit of narrative that varies the challenges a bit. The continual short challenges got wearying. To watch as well as, I'm sure, to cook.

On 5/19/2025 at 4:06 PM, ALittleShelfish said:

wish they'd get and use different sound bites or storylines beyond "i'm an iron chef!" or "i've always come in 2nd place!" or "i have kids! my kids are watching!" There has to be something more interesting about these chefs than those things.  

Dear lord, yes. As much as I love Antonia, I wanted more for her arc on TOC win than "It's my turn!" Not watching a competition to see someone get "their turn" at winning, thanks. 

And kids? ZzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZ. 

Is Sawyer sober and the best version of himself now? Because I don't think I heard that the first gazillion times. I cannot imagine the challenge of staying sober in the very environment where your addiction took root, but holy cow, dude (or holy cow, editors), please stop tapping me gently on the head with a torpedo baseball bat to be Sure. I. Understand. The. Narrative. I promise, I got it! 

Add me to the chorus of blind judging NOW and also, please find some way to make them not quite so miserable by the final challenge. Not a good look to have several departing contestants immediately saying that no way in Hades would they be back. 

 

[Westiepeach]

3 hours ago, susannot said:

It was shown in the ending credits that the show donated $75000 to No Kids Hungry in honor of Bryan Voltaggio.  That helped to take the sting out of his loss.

Did they say they donated $75,000? I thought it just said Food Network was making a donation in Bryan’s honor to NKH. I did not see an $ amount. Unless I blinked. 

[buttersister]

I'm still put out by the last minute swtcheroo. Jonathan was able to use two top-tier proteins when planning was supposed to revolve around waygu and ground beef for lunch and dinner.

[mlp]

I was disappointed when Kevin was eliminated.  I thought his dish looked great even though he didn't handle the English muffin well.  He should have just sliced a thin layer off the top rather than cut it in half or leave it whole.  I don't care for either Nini or Stephanie so I wasn't sorry to see them both go after the next round.

I really, really wanted Bryan to win but I knew he'd lost when I saw what he was cooking and compared it to what Sawyer was doing.  So disappointing.  He handled his loss like the gentleman he is.

I recognize that Sawyer is an excellent chef and even has a James Beard award but I've always found him to be a bit creepy.  Not sure why.  Like everyone above, I commend him for his sobriety but I'm sick of hearing about it.