Top Chef in the Media

[LBS]

I miss Tom and Hugh’s blogs on Bravo. It also doesn’t seem like Eater is recapping the season.  Does anyone know of any recaps/analysis of the show?  I currently like the rankings on Uproxx.com  https://uproxx.com/life/top-chef-power-rankings-week-4-portland/

[Fukui San]

43 minutes ago, LBS said:

I miss Tom and Hugh’s blogs on Bravo. It also doesn’t seem like Eater is recapping the season.  Does anyone know of any recaps/analysis of the show?  I currently like the rankings on Uproxx.com  https://uproxx.com/life/top-chef-power-rankings-week-4-portland/

The Pack Your Knives podcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pack-your-knives/id1321502272

[akr]

Re podcasts vs synopses:  I'm always going to prefer a 3-minute read to a 45-minute listen, but I've pretty much given up on anybody putting such things in writing anymore.  Podcasts are easier for the hosts, but they just demand too much of the listener's time, in my view. Oh, well. 

I haven't checked for Top Chef, but I do find that I can catch up with Masterchef AU via the twitter feed reasonably well. It's not the same, but if you're just trying to figure out what happened, that's an option.

But if anyone knows of someone who puts something in writing, I'd love to know, too.

 

Edited April 25, 2021 by akr
no edit

[dleighg]

3 hours ago, akr said:

Re podcasts vs synopses:  I'm always going to prefer a 3-minute read to a 45-minute listen, but I've pretty much given up on anybody putting such things in writing anymore.  Podcasts are easier for the hosts, but they just demand too much of the listener's time, in my view. Oh, well.

I totally agree. I'm retired, and have lots of time, but that doesn't mean I have an interest in podcasts. The uproxx link above was more my style.

[AnnA]

10 hours ago, akr said:

Re podcasts vs synopses:  I'm always going to prefer a 3-minute read to a 45-minute listen, but I've pretty much given up on anybody putting such things in writing anymore.  Podcasts are easier for the hosts, but they just demand too much of the listener's time, in my view. Oh, well. 

But if anyone knows of someone who puts something in writing, I'd love to know, too.

 

7 hours ago, dleighg said:

I totally agree. I'm retired, and have lots of time, but that doesn't mean I have an interest in podcasts. The uproxx link above was more my style.

I agree with both of you.  I've never listened to a podcast and doubt I ever will.  

[Nordly Beaumont]

I walk six miles every day, so I listen to ALL the Top Chef podcasts (there's six that I know of, Pack Your Knives and Pac Your Mics are the best imo). I look forward to the podcasts almost as much as the show!

[akr]

10 hours ago, dleighg said:

The uproxx link above was more my style.

Thanks for the tip! I didn't check it out when it was first mentioned, because I thought it was just going to be a list.  The ranking is particularly helpful since I still can't remember half of these people's names.

Edited April 25, 2021 by akr

[stewedsquash]

Thanks from me also for the uproxx link. I have glimpsed it and will look at it more later. I used to read Brian Moylan's RH recaps but he doesn't do TC. I really miss having the judges do blogs and wonder why they stopped. I miss Anthony Bourdaine's blogs also, when he was a pretty regular judge. 

I have thought Dawn is pretty attractive on the show but whoa(!), in her picture at uproxx for this weeks episode, she is gorgeous!

[Rai]

I miss really good recaps. That said, I do listen to the Pack Yr Knives podcast as well as Watch What Crappens. I have to be REALLY into something to seek out a podcast, and also my friends not be watching whatever my obsession is.

[Fukui San]

Googling Top Chef recaps that has been updated in the past month unearths this:

Williamette Week recaps (Portland's alternative weekly which somehow still exists)

https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/

And this guy's doing recaps on Medium. He used to do them for AVClub.

https://randallcolburn.medium.com/

[LBS]

9 hours ago, Fukui San said:

And this guy's doing recaps on Medium. He used to do them for AVClub.

https://randallcolburn.medium.com/

THANK YOU!  I just read them all and subscribed!!!

[Fukui San]

Shota has a YouTube channel. And Sara guests on it to demo their Smelt and Rabbit dish.

And, no, it isn't dissuading me any from thinking they're dating.

He does seem to demo most of the Top Chef dishes that were received well.

[SoCal Mema]

I wonder if TPTB are ever going to address the harassment issues with Gabe Erales?  He was fired as Executive Chef of Comedor in Austin in December 2020.  I know the show wrapped in October, but dang.

[CrazyInAlabama]

My guess is TPTB will say nothing about anyone that was on the show, and was shown to be less than honorable, because they haven't before.     

The most they've done is cut one guest out of the show  where he was a judge, or something similar.  However, that was because the John Besh story became public before the Colorado season aired, so they edited him out.  (I think it was the Colorado season, maybe I'm wrong).   I don't remember any other people being cut out. 

Edited May 16, 2021 by CrazyInAlabama

[MerBearStare]

1 hour ago, CrazyInAlabama said:

I don't remember any other people being cut out. 

They also cut out that pastry chef Johnny something or other with the tall hair. I don't remember his last name, but I mockingly called him the "pastry bad boy" because I didn't like him. I don't remember the season, but the quickfire was the cheftestants had to make something for Padma and him in a hotel and deliver it to their hotel room. They ended up just showing Padma in the room with some very awkward feedback.

ETA: Google tells me it's Johnny Iuzzini. There isn't a ton of info about him being edited out, but according to a reddit thread (I know...) he was edited out of an episode at the Overlook Hotel, so it must have been the Colorado season.

Edited May 16, 2021 by MerBearStare

[CrazyInAlabama]

Thanks for the information, I forgot about Johnny disappearing too.   The film editors certainly had their workload increased that season.  

[Phebemarie]

https://www.oregonlive.com/tv/2021/05/top-chef-portlands-sara-hauman-on-self-confidence-yogurt-and-the-importance-of-little-fish.html

[MerBearHou]

15 hours ago, Phebemarie said:

https://www.oregonlive.com/tv/2021/05/top-chef-portlands-sara-hauman-on-self-confidence-yogurt-and-the-importance-of-little-fish.html

A nice read about Sara.  And the article confirms the very good friendship she has with Shota.  Love that.  They're both so genial and talented (and have easy, great laughs).

Edited May 18, 2021 by MerBearHou

[Vermicious Knid]

Pop Culture Happy Hour reviews this season of Top Chef. They love it of course, and also talk a lot about past seasons and how some things have shifted.

Quote

THOMPSON: Yeah. I love this show, and I love this season. I think that "Top Chef" in the spectrum of competitive cooking shows falls right into a happy medium between the kind of intense screaminess (ph) of a show like "Hell's Kitchen," which is very much about conflict and yelling, and the kind of twinkly celebration of a show like "Great British Baking Show," which can be so soft that it's not always a hundred percent compelling. To me, this show lies right in the middle in a way that is really comforting. It is a competition. There's intensity to it. There is some tension and discomfort in some of these competitions. And yet, at the same time, it is a pretty friendly competition, and you can kind of celebrate successes instead of being happy when somebody you hate gets kicked off. So it kind of lies right in the middle in a way that really, really works as comfort food. And I think this particular season, they're getting so much right. I think they have done some really nice course correcting on this show.

 

[stewedsquash]

On 5/15/2021 at 2:07 PM, LeighLeigh said:

Not sure where to put this comment: I am rewatching from episode one. Like him or hate him, the magical elves are giving Gabriel a bad edit. Every thing that he mumbled under his breath was shown. Any negative or arrogant thought seemed to be highlighted. I am sure others made negative comments. They just weren’t shown. It seems that he got a bad edit. Thoughts?

 

On 5/16/2021 at 3:06 PM, Macbeth said:

Gabriel should never have been on the show.  He worked with Tom in his NY restaurant.  Tom can't be objective with a former employee.  He just can't.  And he's getting the villain's edit as he was abrasive and nobody wanted to work with him at the end.

 

4 hours ago, stewedsquash said:

Jamie mentioned Gabriel twice in this column and it seems she didn't have an issue with him.

https://vegas.eater.com/2021/4/23/22399612/jamie-tran-acl-surgery-anxiety-top-chef-portland-recap

I think I am going to go to the media thread for a little more talk, I seem to be off topic here responding. 

I quoted myself above to keep it in context. I think that it is a combination of yeah, the chef's are on their guard because of the Tom connection, the editing (not just him, but others also) and even without the Tom connection people react to someone who is confident, who has the second nature to take a lead role in challenges. 

Reading some articles, for me, can change my perception when I watch having the added insight of what was happening from their perspective, unedited by the show. I have grudgingly decided to give Sara a second personality (and yogurt!) chance after reading this article, that someone posted in another thread (I can't find who did, yikes!). 

https://www.oregonlive.com/tv/2021/05/top-chef-portlands-sara-hauman-on-self-confidence-yogurt-and-the-importance-of-little-fish.html

eta Duh, forgot my main point. I swear I remember that there have been other contestants on with ties to Tom. I have a memory of him saying it won't affect his judging. 

eta two: I brought the quotes over from the spoiler thread to not get off topic.

Edited May 20, 2021 by stewedsquash

[Ellee]

Hmmm  .... I don’t remember them mentioning anyone working with Tom.    I’m sure there were but I’m thinking that TPTB didn’t make such a big deal of it. 

[CrazyInAlabama]

I remember Jen Carroll mentioning who she worked with, over and over.  Of course, she was on more than one season, wasn't she?   

(Yes, Eric Rupert).   

Edited May 20, 2021 by CrazyInAlabama

[Ellee]

1 hour ago, CrazyInAlabama said:

I remember Jen Carroll mentioning who she worked with, over and over.  Of course, she was on more than one season, wasn't she?   

Was that with Eric Rupert?

[stewedsquash]

Eric Ripert.  I mean, Eric Ripert and Rupert Everett are both scrumptious men so I can see why they would be combined, name wise, haha. An Ideal Husband (period piece) is my all time favorite movie because of him and Minnie Driver, and they weren't even the lead couple. So good, so good even after 22 years. Yeah I remember Jen, on that season and other seasons, heck even on some kind of show that followed her around (Netflix?) she talked about it a lot. Seafood! I still think I remember Tom having to clarify that his judging wouldn't be biased towards a cheftestant employee. I want to think it was his sandwich shop. 

On 5/17/2021 at 10:46 AM, Phebemarie said:

https://www.oregonlive.com/tv/2021/05/top-chef-portlands-sara-hauman-on-self-confidence-yogurt-and-the-importance-of-little-fish.html

It was you! You are the one who posted the article I re-posted above that got me to consider Sara in a different light!. Thanks for that, I am always up for changing my mind on someone. 

[carrps]

57 minutes ago, stewedsquash said:

An Ideal Husband (period piece) is my all time favorite movie because of him and Minnie Driver, and they weren't even the lead couple.

One of my favorites, too. I love Julianne Moore. And all the set design and costuming. I saw an earlier version about a year ago (made in 1947). It was good, but I think the latter version had a little more spark.

It's easy to like the Driver/Everett couple better when compared to the stuffed shirt that was Jeremy Northam and the prig that was Cate Blanchett's characters.

[stewedsquash]

Not to derail the thread, but I don't even watch period pieces much and Cate Blanchett is in my top two favorites, An Ideal Husband and Elizabeth The Golden Years.  I loved every single actor in An Ideal Husband, it was that good to me. Sigh, now we are stuck with Bridgerton. 

Edited May 20, 2021 by stewedsquash

[carrps]

Oh, I love Cate Blanchett, too (she's in one of my favorite guility pleasure movies -- The Gift). It's her character I'm not crazy about.

Haven't watched any Bridgerton. Looks a little cartoony (?) to me.

[stewedsquash]

Cartoony is perfect. I haven't watched it either but my younger crowd is obsessed with it, and they have no taste so it has to suck, lol. 

[Rai]

Aw, sad news regarding Mark Peel. I think he has a judge or a diner on Top Chef Main a few times, and of course, he was on Top Chef Masters. He was always delightful on camera, and his food was legendary.

https://www.grubstreet.com/2021/06/los-angeles-chef-mark-peel-has-died-at-66.html?utm_source=tw&utm_campaign=grub-street&utm_medium=s1

I'm sure he will be missed by many.

Edited June 21, 2021 by Rai

[carrps]

5 hours ago, Rai said:

Aw, sad news regarding Mark Peel. I think he has a judge or a diner on Top Chef Main a few times, and of course, he was on Top Chef Masters. He was always delightful on camera, and his food was legendary.

https://www.grubstreet.com/2021/06/los-angeles-chef-mark-peel-has-died-at-66.html?utm_source=tw&utm_campaign=grub-street&utm_medium=s1

I'm sure he will be missed by many.

Oh, that's very sad! I'd eaten at Campanile several times. Always an excellent meal. Great building and relaxed atmosphere. I was so sad when it closed. RIP, Chef Peel.

[marybennet]

There's a really nice piece--appreciative of all that's special about this season--in the LA Times:

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-06-24/how-top-chef-turned-the-limitations-of-covid-19-into-a-reality-tv-classic

Nicely written, too.

 

[caitmcg]

1 hour ago, marybennet said:

There's a really nice piece--appreciative of all that's special about this season--in the LA Times:

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-06-24/how-top-chef-turned-the-limitations-of-covid-19-into-a-reality-tv-classic

Nicely written, too.

 

Although I note that in the opening sentence, the authors phrases Padma's signature line in the way that makes sense (“Utensils down, hands up”) rather than how she actually says it (“Hands up, utensils down”).

[PackYourKnives]

2 hours ago, marybennet said:

There's a really nice piece--appreciative of all that's special about this season--in the LA Times:

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-06-24/how-top-chef-turned-the-limitations-of-covid-19-into-a-reality-tv-classic

Nicely written, too.

 

imo this is really a product of All Stars, where all the contestants were exceptionally nice with each other. Was not the case in Kentucky or even Colorado despite what some say 

[Thumper]

On 4/25/2021 at 4:04 AM, dleighg said:

I totally agree. I'm retired, and have lots of time, but that doesn't mean I have an interest in podcasts. The uproxx link above was more my style.

I can read faster than I can listen.  Will listen to podcasts when we are in the car on a road trip.

[Phebemarie]

Here's another feature story from The Oregonian.  

https://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/2021/06/with-top-chef-portlands-finale-nearing-locals-wonder-can-the-show-help-repair-the-citys-image.html

As an Oregonian, the only disappointment I have is that Top Chef didn't go a little farther south.   Bandon is a beautiful area (and I'm certain the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort would have been thrilled to have a visit from the production).  

[tvfanatic13]

Don’t know where to put this- is there a thread for TC Amateurs?

[DEL901]

https://ew.com/tv/padma-lakshmi-top-chef-winner-gabe-erales-investigation-harassment/
Ignore the headline.  The interesting part is the quote from Gabe talking about coming back from Top Chef, making some bad decisions and now reflecting through therapy and religion, so he can become a better husband, father, manager etc.     Makes me think the win went to his head and exacerbated any bad behaviour that was happening before he filmed the show.  

[Werehauzen]

33 minutes ago, DEL901 said:

https://ew.com/tv/padma-lakshmi-top-chef-winner-gabe-erales-investigation-harassment/
Ignore the headline.  The interesting part is the quote from Gabe talking about coming back from Top Chef, making some bad decisions and now reflecting through therapy and religion, so he can become a better husband, father, manager etc.     Makes me think the win went to his head and exacerbated any bad behaviour that was happening before he filmed the show.  

Eater also had an article on it yesterday that I think was a little more thorogh:

https://austin.eater.com/2021/7/2/22559953/top-chef-winner-gabe-erales-comedor-fired-harassment-controversy

But I'm still a little confused. So he's married and has a baby with his wife, but this "consensual sexual relationship" with the woman whose hours he cut and possibly harassed in some way was an extra-marital affair? In the finale—which I actually watched just now after having read this article before—Gabe makes a comment about how the prize money will help his family. Then there is a cut to a photo of him with a woman (presumbly his wife?) and a young baby, maybe a year-and-a-half old. 

I was caught off guard in that moment, because I had already read the Eater article yesterday afternoon, before watching the finale, and I didn't realize Gabe was married. So, before filming Top Chef, he had an extra-marital affair with an employee, then went and filmed Top Chef, won, and came back and "harassed" this woman, all the while claiming on the Top Chef finale how much he loves his family (wife and a young baby)???

He's seeming more and more classy as the details emerge.

[Angeleyes]

Padma has responded to the allegations 

https://www.justjared.com/2021/07/03/padma-lakshmi-responds-to-controversy-surrounding-top-chef-winner-gabe-erales/

[tv echo]

For posterity, I've collected links to several online media articles regarding Season 18's controversial winner (listed in kinda chronological order)...

Austin Restaurant Comedor Parts Ways With Executive Chef Over ‘Repeated Violations of Policies’
Nadia Chaudhury  December 16, 2020
https://austin.eater.com/2020/12/16/22177215/austin-restaurant-comedor-executive-chef-gabe-erales-departs

‘Top Chef’ Portland names a winner, but controversy casts a shadow over a feel-good season (recap)
Kristi Turnquist    July 1, 2021  Updated July 3, 2021
https://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/2021/07/top-chef-portland-names-a-winner-but-controversy-casts-a-shadow-over-a-feel-good-season-recap.html

Exclusive: 'Top Chef' winner admits to cutting Comedor employee's hours after sexual relationship
Matthew Odam   July 2, 2021
https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2021/07/02/gabe-erales-top-chef-portland-winner-sexual-harassment-allegations-firing-comedor-austin/7839719002/

Top Chef’s New Winner Was Fired From Restaurant Job in December for ‘Harassment’ of an Employee
Nadia Chaudhury  July 2, 2021
https://austin.eater.com/2021/7/2/22559953/top-chef-winner-gabe-erales-comedor-fired-harassment-controversy

‘Top Chef’ Blasted for Naming Winner Fired from Restaurant for Inappropriate Behavior
Greta Bjornson   July 2, 2021
https://decider.com/2021/07/02/top-chef-names-winner-fired-from-restaurant-inappropriate-behavior/

Not Everyone Is Pleased With Gabe Erales's 'Top Chef' Win – Here's Why
Distractify Staff   July 2, 2021
https://www.distractify.com/p/gabe-top-chef-sexual-harassment

Padma Lakshmi Addresses Misconduct Allegations Against ‘Top Chef’ Winner Gabe Erales
Brent Furdyk   July 2, 2021
https://etcanada.com/news/797795/padma-lakshmi-addresses-misconduct-allegations-against-top-chef-winner-gabe-erales/

Padma Lakshmi calls for investigation following Top Chef winner's past harassment allegations
Jolie Lash  July 2, 2021
https://ew.com/tv/padma-lakshmi-top-chef-winner-gabe-erales-investigation-harassment/

Padma Lakshmi tackles hot rumors about ‘Top Chef’ winner Gabe Erales
Noah Sheidlower  July 2, 2021
https://nypost.com/2021/07/02/padma-lakshmi-on-rumors-about-top-chef-winner-gabe-erales/

Padma Lakshmi Says She Was 'Not Aware' of Allegations Against Top Chef Winner: 'This Should Be Investigated'
Vanessa Etienne  July 2, 2021
https://people.com/food/padma-lakshmi-top-chef-winner-gabe-erales-allegations/

‘Top Chef’ Season 18 Finale Recap: A Winner Is Crowned, but the Ending Is Complicated
Katherine Chew Hamilton   July 2, 2021
https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2021/07/top-chef-season-18-finale-recap

Padma Lakshmi Responds to 'Top Chef' Winner Controversy
Alyssa Fikse   July 2, 2021
https://popculture.com/reality-tv/news/padma-lakshmi-responds-to-top-chef-winner-controversy/

Top Chef Portland’s winner admits ‘discriminatory’ actions after relationship with employee
Andy Dehnart   July 2, 2021
https://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/2021/07/top-chef-portland-winner-fired-relationship-employee/

Was Gabe Erales fired after Top Chef season 18 win? Fans react to news of Comedor departure
Eve Edwards  July 2, 2021
https://www.realitytitbit.com/cooking-shows/gabe-erales-top-chef

Controversial new "Top Chef" champion crowned amidst harassment allegations
Kylie Cheung   July 2, 2021
https://www.salon.com/2021/07/02/top-chef-portland-finale-winner-shota-gabe-dawn-controversy/

‘Top Chef’ controversy swirls with winner Gabe Erales previously accused of sexual harassment — while Seattle’s Edouardo Jordan edited out
Bethany Jean Clement   July 2, 2021
https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/top-chef-controversy-swirls-with-winner-gabe-erales-previously-accused-of-sexual-harassment-while-seattles-edouardo-jordan-got-edited-out-of-the-finale/

Top Chef: Portland Was the Kindest Season Yet. Does the Finale Change That?
Judy Berman, Eliana Dockterman, Kat Moon and Elijah Wolfson    July 2, 2021
https://time.com/6077660/top-chef-portland-finale/

‘Top Chef’ Finale, Course-By-Course Breakdown: Did The Right Chef Win?
Vince Macini   July 2, 2021
https://uproxx.com/life/top-chef-finale/

‘Top Chef’ winner was reportedly fired last year for harassment
Emily Heil   July 2, 2021  Updated July 3, 2021
https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2021/07/02/top-chef-gabe-erales-harassment/

‘Top Chef’ Host Padma Lakshmi Calls for Investigation Into Season 18 Winner’s Past Behavior
Daniel Goldblatt   July 2, 2021
https://www.thewrap.com/top-chef-host-padma-lakshmi-investigation-winner/

Padma Lakshmi Insists 'Top Chef' Winner Gabe Erales Doesn't Conduct Sexual Harassment On Set
AceShowbiz   July 3, 2021
https://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00173276.html

Top Chef Portland Recap: A Tongue n’ Cheek Finale
by Brad Cramer   July 3, 2021
https://foodsided.com/2021/07/03/top-chef-portland-winner-recap/

Padma Lakshmi Responds to Controversy Surrounding 'Top Chef' Winner Gabe Erales
JustJared  July 3, 2021
https://www.justjared.com/2021/07/03/padma-lakshmi-responds-to-controversy-surrounding-top-chef-winner-gabe-erales/

Is Gabe Erales married? Padma Lakshmi says 'Top Chef' winner's harassment rumors need investigating
Pooja Salvi   July 3, 2021
https://meaww.com/is-gabe-erales-married-host-padma-lakshmi-addresses-top-chef-winner-harassment-rumors-who-is-wife

Padma Lakshmi Calls for an Investigation on Top Chef 18 Winner ‘Gabe Erales’
Archana Kabra  July 3, 2021
https://www.thetealmango.com/news/padma-lakshmi-calls-for-an-investigation-on-top-chef-18-winner-gabe-erales/

Padma Lakshmi announces “Top Chef” winner controversy
paulatill    July 3, 2021
https://texasnewstoday.com/padma-lakshmi-announces-top-chef-winner-controversy/345275/

PADMA LAKSHMI MAKES STATEMENT ON 'TOP CHEF' WINNER CONTROVERSY
Mark Gray   July 3, 2021
https://www.wonderwall.com/news/padma-lakshmi-makes-statement-on-top-chef-winner-controversy-472482.article

Top Chef: Padma Lakshmi Speaks Out on Controversial Winner Gabe Erales
DJ Freedman  July 4, 2021
https://screenrant.com/top-chef-padma-lakshmi-speaks-out-on-controversial-winner-gabe-erales/

Padma Lakshmi Calls for Investigation Into Allegations of Sexual Misconduct Against Top Chef Winner
Rebecca Alter   July 4, 2021
https://www.vulture.com/2021/07/padma-lakshmi-responds-to-top-chef-winner-controversy.html

Top Chef: What to Know About The Winner Controversy & Harassment Claims
Trenae Williams   July 5, 2021
https://screenrant.com/top-chef-winner-controversy-harassment-claims-gabe-erales/

Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi addresses alleged misconduct by season 18 winner Gabe Erales
Rachel McGrath   July 6, 2021  Updated July 7, 2021
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-9762857/Top-Chef-host-Padma-Lakshmi-calls-investigation-alleged-misconduct-winner-Gabe-Erales.html

Houston’s Dawn Burrell Should Be Named the Next ‘Top Chef’
Amy McCarthy   July 6, 2021
https://houston.eater.com/22564609/top-chef-winner-gabe-erales-harassment-allegations-dawn-burrell-should-win

Top Chef's Feel-Good Season Collapses On Itself
Shannon Melero   July 6, 2021
https://jezebel.com/top-chefs-feel-good-season-collapses-on-itself-1847232954

'Top Chef' Crowned a Winner; The Next Day, He Was Publicly Outed as a Creep
By Dustin Rowles    July 6, 2021
https://www.pajiba.com/tv_reviews/top-chef-crowned-a-winner-the-next-day-he-was-publicly-outed-as-a-creep.php

Shota Is Our Top Chef
by Chase Burns   July 6, 2021
https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2021/07/06/58822206/shota-is-our-top-chef

Padma Lakshmi addresses allegations of sexual misconduct against 'Top Chef' winner
Scott Stump   July 6, 2021
https://www.today.com/food/padma-lakshmi-addresses-controversy-around-top-chef-winner-t224531

Padma Lakshmi Urges Investigation Into Latest Top Chef Winner’s Alleged Misconduct
Savannah Walsh   July 6, 2021
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/07/padma-lakshmi-urges-investigation-into-latest-top-chef-winners-alleged-misconduct

Texas 'Top Chef' winner's victory marred by disturbing allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation
Abigail Rosenthal  July 7, 2021
https://www.chron.com/food/article/top-chef-winner-sexual-harassment-gabe-erales-16296860.php

Hours after crowning of new “Top Chef,” allegations of firing due to sexual harassment follow winner Gabe Erales
The Counter   July 7, 2021
https://thecounter.org/top-chef-allegations-of-firing-due-to-sexual-harassment-gabe-erales/

Top Chef’s Winner Is a Loss for Women Everywhere
Elizabeth Hunt Brockway   July 7, 2021
https://www.thedailybeast.com/top-chefs-winner-gabe-erales-is-a-loss-for-women-everywhere

The Big Problem With Top Chef Season 18
Ralph Schwartz   July 7, 2021
https://www.mashed.com/454842/the-big-problem-with-top-chef-season-18/

Texas 'Top Chef' winner's victory marred by disturbing allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation
Abigail Rosenthal   July 7, 2021
https://www.mrt.com/food/article/top-chef-winner-sexual-harassment-gabe-erales-16296860.php

Top Chef Favorite Shota Nakajima Is Ready to Compete Again
Shannon Carlin   July 9, 2021
https://www.vulture.com/article/top-chef-portland-shota-nakajima-interview.html 

Edited July 10, 2021 by tv echo
UPDATED July 10, 2021

[tv echo]

Top Chef is one of the nominees for Best Cable or Streaming Reality Series, Competition Series, or Game Show... 😶

HOLLYWOOD CRITICS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES FULL LIST OF NOMINATIONS FOR THE INAUGURAL HCA TV AWARDS 
https://hollywoodcriticsassociation.com/ted-lasso-the-handmaids-tale-and-zoeys-extraordinary-playlist-lead-inaugural-hca-tv-awards-nominations/ 

Quote

Thursday, July 8, 2021 (Los Angeles, CA) – Ghostbusters: Afterlife’s Mckenna Grace and Home Before Dark’s Brooklynn Prince announced the complete list of nominees for the 1st Annual HCA TV Awards via a live stream earlier today on the organization’s official YouTube Channel. 
*  *  *
The Inaugural HCA TV Awards ceremony will be held at the Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles on August 22, 2021. 
*  *  *
Best Cable or Streaming Reality Series, Competition Series, or Game Show (6)
Indian Matchmaking (Netflix)
Nailed It (Netflix)
Queer Eye (Netflix)
RuPaul’s Drag Race (VH1)
Selena + Chef (HBO Max) 
Top Chef (Bravo)

 

Edited July 9, 2021 by tv echo

[Mellowyellow]

@tv echo love finding you here! ❤️ Thanks for collating the articles!

[stewedsquash]

The last answer in this article made me like Maria more than I have during the season. Also this answer from the article:

Quote

You’ve admitted that you felt you were outmatched at the beginning of the season. Was there a point in time when that thinking began to fade?
I saw the caliber of chefs from the beginning, and there I was. I have never worked under anyone, I have never been a sous chef, I paid my dues in a different way! I had a restaurant, and I needed to make it work, so I started working. In the experience department, I was definitely a little “green.” But when it came to the business side, bring it!

made me think about the ones this season (and I guess previous seasons) who worked in kitchens versus the ones who owned restaurants. I remember reading the article about Sarah where she couldn't cope with the business side of being a chef and that influenced her decision to be at Soter Vineyards. 

 

[tv echo]

73rd Emmy Awards nominations were announced yesterday (July 13) - Top Chef got the following noms in major categories...
https://ew.com/awards/emmys/emmys-2021-nominations-list/

Outstanding Competition Program
The Amazing Race
Nailed It!
RuPaul's Drag Race
Top Chef
The Voice

Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program
RuPaul, RuPaul's Drag Race
Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown, Tan France, Antoni Porowski and Jonathan Van Ness, Queer Eye
Nicole Byer, Nailed It!
Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio, and Gail Simmons, Top Chef
Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, and Kevin O'Leary, Shark Tank

Top Chef also got Emmy noms for the following (full list):

• Outstanding Casting For A Reality Program
• Outstanding Directing For A Reality Program
• Outstanding Picture Editing For A Structured Reality Or Competition Program

The Emmys ceremony will be broadcast on TV on Sunday, September 19, 2021, at 8 pm ET (on CBS). (source)

Edited July 14, 2021 by tv echo

[tv echo]

Emmy nominations 2021: A weird year for TV produces some weird nominations (analysis)
Kristi Turnquist   Jul 13, 2021
https://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/2021/07/emmy-nominations-2021-a-weird-year-for-tv-produces-some-weird-nominations-analysis.html 

Quote

“Top Chef” Portland: Filmed during the pandemic, the Portland-based season of the culinary competition series featured gifted chefs, and spotlighted some beautiful Oregon scenery. Unfortunately, the finale stirred controversy because the Season 18 winner, Gabe Erales, had been fired from his Austin restaurant job for “repeated violations of the company’s ethics policy as it relates to harassment of women.”

Despite a season that opened itself to criticism because of the issues surrounding Erales and how the show handled them, “Top Chef” got more Emmy recognition this year. “Top Chef” nominations include outstanding competition program.

 

Edited July 18, 2021 by tv echo

[Ms Blue Jay]

Outstanding Casting 🙄

[biakbiak]

13 minutes ago, Ms Blue Jay said:

Outstanding Casting 🙄

To be fair voting closed before the finale aired and the story gained mainstream coverage. 

[NotChristine]

Trailer for Top Chef Family Style (airing on Peacock)

I'm not into kids competition shows, so I'll be skipping.

[Vermicious Knid]

Padma has published a children's book, Tomatoes for Neela. Also gives a preview of the next season of Taste the Nation in the interview:

Quote

Because of covid, we didn’t get to film a whole season and we only got to do four episodes, but we wanted it to feel special. Because it’s coming out in November and everyone is starting to celebrate the holidays at that time of year, we decided we would look at communities that were doing that that we could highlight.

So, we celebrate Hanukkah on the Lower East Side because that’s the birthplace of American Judaism, or at least Ashkenazi Judaism. And then we’re also going to Cape Cod in Massachusetts to find out who were these first Americans that the colonizing Western Europeans met when they came here? Who are they other than just guests at this dumb first Thanksgiving? Let’s bust the myth here. They are the Aquinnah and Mashpee Wampanoag people, and they are the original Americans. They’ve been here for 12,000 years, and the Caucasian White European Americans have only been here for several hundred years. So have a little dose of reality and a history lesson. That’s my favorite episode.

And then we go to Miami for Cuban Christmas, which I’m really excited about. And then we go to K-town in Los Angeles, to celebrate Korean New Year, which is all about family and respecting your elders. There’s even like a component to it that feels like Dia de los Muertos where you honor the dead by making their favorite treats and making an altar to put it on. So that was interesting, too, because Korean Americans are having this brilliant creative moment with film television, K-pop, K-beauty, all these different things. So we look at that and look at how do you honor your family and still forge your own path.

On a related TC note, The James Beard Awards have revamped their rules, including requiring a social justice commitment and an ethics committee to review allegations of misconduct and remove chefs if necessary.

[AriAu]

They are heading back to Texas for Season 19.....Houston this time, which they skipped last time. Didn't have a date in the Tweet...but we will get old friends back.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/bravo-top-chef-season-19-location-announced?cid=soc_twitter_x_x_TopChef_org_img_TopChef_x_dish_x_x&utm_source=soc&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=x_x_TopChef_org_img_TopChef_x_dish_x&utm_term=x