Top Chef: Completely Guiltless Reality Television

[Lumenskir]

Anybody else watch this show? I'm pretty sure it's the pinnacle of what reality shows can ever hope to achieve* ": Dismissals and awards based solely on actual skill, lack of pointless 'teh dramaz', and subject matter that's pretty accessible by anyone. Also, Padme. And for the ladies, Anthony Bourdain.

This season I'm pulling for Andrew. Sure, he had a shaky first episode, but he's quickly proven himself to be a competent and driven cook (drive, of course, as measured in how often he'll say fuck to explain whatever thought he currently has).

Any other Top Chef memories from seasons past, or predictions for the current Chicago season?

* "Which isn't that far amiright hur hur hur?" - Easy Joke Poster

[Demetrius]

I like Howie from last season (?), he seemed like the only one who's actually had experience in a commercial kitchen, almost all of the the rest just bothered me.

[Mirai Gen]

I have a problem watching this show - usually it's alright, but it's difficult to wrap my head around a show based on something you have to actually be there to judge for yourself.

I mean, with America's Next Top Model (Kat watches it like crazy.) you can see their best shots and know which one you like. With American Idol you have your favorite singer.

Top Chef is like what would happen if you were a hands-off judge in the kitchen, just watching the dishes go by and saying, "Mm, that looks very good. Next!"

Having said thus; Ilan and Marcel in season 2 were my favorites. Easily. I was glad to see them both going for first and second. I thought that Marcel had more potential, but hey, I didn't taste his dish.

Gotta check out the new season.

[Vault Of Thrones]

This is one of the few shows that I actually watch. Mainly because my mom got me on it but still. I haven't really seen any of the new episodes this season, but I was rooting for Dale last season, he got second, which was fine with me.

[Lumenskir]

I like Howie from last season (?), he seemed like the only one who's actually had experience in a commercial kitchen, almost all of the the rest just bothered me.
Really? I mean, this isn't a show like Hell's Kitchen, a show I also enjoy but on a completely different level, where you'll have like ten fuckups and two people who know what they're doing. I think every contestant on Top Chef has kitchen experience, and a number are owners or partners or head chefs in restaurants.

I will however concede that Howie was the most...single-minded of last season in regards to cooking determination during the challenges, but he was outclassed by Hung in actual skill.
I have a problem watching this show - usually it's alright, but it's difficult to wrap my head around a show based on something you have to actually be there to judge for yourself.
I don't think it's that hard to wrap your mind around, assuming you've tasted the composite ingredients. There are some cases that I think require tongue-on experience to fully grasp (like the Marmite-infused deep dish pizza in the first episode of this season), but those are rare and are usually signified by the judges going "Hmm, I never really thought [this] would work."

Aside from actual taste however, it's pretty easy to judge presentation, and the chefs always seem to have a running commentary as to the status of their food ("Oh it's getting too soggy/crispy/heavy/salty/etc"). I find it a lot easier to judge than, say, the 'best shot' or the 'best designed outfit' (my girlfriend's vice).