That's a tough call as far as 2 vs. 3. I certainly agree on season 1 probably being the weakest group overall of the three. Season 2, the main reservation I have was from the finale when Sam picked to work with Marcel, saying he could actually learn something, whereas he knew Ilan would just do more Spanish dishes. The fact that the winner of season two is apparently so one-dimensional is a bit of a drop down for them in my book.

I think Ilan's weaknesses were shown in the 1 vs. 2 challenge when he cooked duck - it was noted that duck isn't big in spanish cuisine and his end product showed his lack of ability outside of his comfort cuisine.

I'm a huge spanish food fan though, so it's tough for me to nitpick.

My comment was based on the judges agreeing that Dale's lamb was equal to Hung's duck. Dale was also given credit for his lobster dish being much more ambitious than the chocolate cake. Of course, I wouldn't mind being able to taste all of those dishes to check the accuracy of the judges' opinions! :)

grrrrrrrrrrrr - stupid judges. Hung just grated on my nerves since Day one of this season. I throught that Dale should win (since it was obvious that Casey was 'out of it'). Hung just had major attitude through the whole season and was irritating imo.

I'm just disappointed. And is it just me, or does Tom C seem to have grown some "attitude" as well since Season 1? I don't remember him mentoring at all this season; just basically putting people down.

I LOVED the guest sous chefs - that was very cool and a nice surprise!

Comments from the judges are pared down from very lengthy discussions (according to Tom's blog on more than one occassion) into soundbites meant to keep you wondering who they're going to pick at the last minute. If any production influence is involved.. it's in what the soundbites are, not in who got picked.

I found Hung annoying too, but in more of a "completely oblivious to anyone but myself" way as opposed Marcel and Tiffany, who seemed to go out of their way to antagonize their opponents, which ended up being a major contributor their downfall.

I have to agree with "meh" cake over inedible lobster and no dessert.

FWIW, I hope CJ wins fan favorite.

I'm with you on that one!^

Well, the show is called "Top Chef," not "Top Good Attitude." ;)

Not so. All the judges liked all of Hung's dishes; were ecstatic over the duck; criticized the cake for lack of origiinality and not "blending", but not the taste.

They all hated Dale's curry gnocci.

Great chefs are often irritating. See Gordon Ramsay or Marco.

I chatted about the finale at length the other night with Casey's old roommate - they both have the same training (years under Dean Fearing at The Mansion on Turtle Creek) and she said Casey just walked into the finale and forgot *everything* she knew - and she knows that (the words "froze" are the ones).

Also apparently no one liked Hung on the show - while they all know he was a great chef, he apparently is "like that" all the time.

In any case, two of the Top Chef folks are still cooking in Dallas - both at highly rated Asian fusion places (Tre at Abacus and Casey at Shinsei) - maybe a Top Chef DO is in order?

What a great idea!

Ooh! Ooh! Raising hand! Still haven't gotten an ETA on my Dallas project but I will be there sometime before the end of the year.

I really liked Hung. But, frankly, that was based as much on his looks as anything else. ;) Delicious.

Looks like I'll be in Austin for a conference on 1/6,7 - i could probably hop onto an AA flight for a quick dinner at either place.

I'm out of town the 7th through 13th... but if we did the 5th or 6th, I'd be game (those are weekend nights too which I know are usually easier for folks to make).

Probably not the best weekend for a DO (we have warehouse inventory on the 4th) but post-holiday dinner would be fun.

Let me know - I've got connections for both places so we can get something set up. Abacus is closed on Sunday's - and to do a tasting on Saturday nights (the best way to go) we need a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 - but there are enough FTers who like Abacus that we've never had trouble making that count in the past. ;)

"Top Chef" finalist Dale Levitski and other kitchen geniuses will cook up dishes to benefit people impacted by HIV and AIDS during CHEFS AND THE CITY at the Peninsula Hotel. The evening also includes live and silent auctions. Aug. 8 2008 from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Tickets are $250, proceeds benefit Vital Bridges. 108 E. Superior St., (312) 948-2785, www.chefsandthecity.com

Follow-up with Dale Levitski
 

Wow, thanks for the update. Great pull and update to the thread. There truly is no prize for second place.