Top Chef Duels
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Denver, CO
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Top Chef Duels
Not the most intriguing show, and the lineup is rather weak, but at least it gets me a Top Chef fix until the next season starts up again.
I've always been impressed with Marcel's cooking, but his d-bag-iness always makes me root against him.
I've always been impressed with Marcel's cooking, but his d-bag-iness always makes me root against him.
#2
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: HIO
Programs: AS MVPG 75K (Pure AS)
Posts: 194
In our house, we sometimes say someone has "pulled a Blaise" when they choke in a contest - (spoiler alert! Results coming...) it was good that he managed to avoid that fate this time.
#4
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: HIO
Programs: AS MVPG 75K (Pure AS)
Posts: 194
I think that in some of the more inconsistent seasons, the producers have thrown in more gimmicky challenges from time to time, which is a detractor. But (TC Duels notwithstanding) to me, it's the best of the lot. (And this from a guy who hosts an annual Chopped-like competition with judging, secret ingredients, and everything!)
Bam!
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Join Date: Apr 2001
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#6
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: HIO
Programs: AS MVPG 75K (Pure AS)
Posts: 194
In our version, four teams of two face off in three timed rounds with secret ingredients, and the victors take home the Supper Slam cup. (We're not cool enough to offer rusty knives like Ilan. )
To bring this slightly back on topic, TC Duels makes an interesting contrast with Knife Fight. TC is certainly more antiseptic-looking, although I think the complexity and refinement of the dishes is greater (probably a function of having so much more time). I think the judging is better on TC, too. But Knife Fight is the one I think would be more fun to watch in person!
#7
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
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No, no spoilers; however, tonight's episode was probably the best thus far.
Two spectacularly talented chefs and nice guys to boot. Both were class acts. What a contrast from last week. Unlike prior episodes, it was hard to root for one over the other and then not feel terribly disappointed for the second place finisher. There was no "loser" tonight.
Two spectacularly talented chefs and nice guys to boot. Both were class acts. What a contrast from last week. Unlike prior episodes, it was hard to root for one over the other and then not feel terribly disappointed for the second place finisher. There was no "loser" tonight.
#8
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: HIO
Programs: AS MVPG 75K (Pure AS)
Posts: 194
No, no spoilers; however, tonight's episode was probably the best thus far.
Two spectacularly talented chefs and nice guys to boot. Both were class acts. What a contrast from last week. Unlike prior episodes, it was hard to root for one over the other and then not feel terribly disappointed for the second place finisher. There was no "loser" tonight.
Two spectacularly talented chefs and nice guys to boot. Both were class acts. What a contrast from last week. Unlike prior episodes, it was hard to root for one over the other and then not feel terribly disappointed for the second place finisher. There was no "loser" tonight.
#9
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,631
I have mixed feelings about the final outcome.
I'm thrilled that one of my favorites won; however, that's tempered with my concern that it will be next to impossible to get reservations at the winner's restaurant and that the menu prices will be increased substantially.
I'm thrilled that one of my favorites won; however, that's tempered with my concern that it will be next to impossible to get reservations at the winner's restaurant and that the menu prices will be increased substantially.