Thursday, December 4, 2008

THE CIA WILL SEE I AIN'T KIDDIN' / HI HATER! YOU SEE ME!! / FOO? FEISTY! / 2.5 MINUTES OF FAME: We're behind on our Top Chef blogging. It's true. On the upside, the neglect has served as a honeymoon from the usual deluge of gratuitous superficial abuse heaped on the contestants in the early episodes, you know, before they provide any basis for deeper interest or sympathy.

Okay, not really. I have some notes.
Jeff - At first, every time they showed the name of his restaurant, another word popped into my head. Now it just pops in there whenever he's on screen.

Melissa - Worst bangs since... when? Ever?

Daniel - There has to be a story behind those beard notches. That we haven't been told the story leads me to think it's either really sad or kind of dirty. Also, "Donald Trump, the richest, most powerful man in New York"? Classic. And when he's ready to "make a frickin' movie," what will it be? "Revenge of Ford Fairlane"? "Emeril Goes to the Gym"? Or what?

Team Rainbow - Yes. That was almost over soon enough. Almost.

Leah / Hosea - Just point the camera somewhere else. Or send Curly the Canned Crab Man home. Whichever.

Carla - What muppet does she remind me of? This is killing me.

Culinariane - Means what, exact... oh. Your name. It's your NAME! I get it.

Tony - "Right Jaws! Some guys are interested in coverages. Some guys are interested in shoes!" Yes, Tony, and the latter belong on Bravo, not Monday Night Football.

That last one may have been mixed in from some other, non-Top Chef viewing.

Pot-shots aside, there are some likeable characters here who can apparently cook to impress the likes of Colicchio and Lakshmi. As far as good TV, Fabio, obviously, gets a gold star for noting on principle that Rocco DiSpirito "is not really Italian." Stefan gets silver for the whole confrontational and snobby Finnish schtick, but if he keeps it up he better watch out for the reindeer / ligonberry / lutefisk snaps. Jamie and Leah look strong enough and real enough to last.

Far and away my early favorite though, is Gene. Up from dishwasher to executive chef and sporting the tattoos to prove it. Love his positive attitude, pragmatic demeanor, ink and sleeveless tees. Halfway though Episode Two I was ready for him to win it all.

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