‘Top Chef’: And the winner is ... Stephanie!

In the end, it wasn’t even close.

Oh, you sneaky “Top Chef” producers. Trying to make us feel like it was a dead heat between Stephanie, winner of four elimination challenges (and several quickfires), and Lisa, winner of one elimination (you know, where she glazed some bacon well).

You weren’t fooling anyone. The viewer poll they flashed at the bottom of the screen before the final commercial break said that just 3% of the viewers thought Lisa should win. This, in spite of the judges generally liking her first, second and fourth courses. I’m partial to Asian flavors myself and must admit that I would like to have tried any and all of her dishes. I don’t think she should have won by any means, but I would have happily tried them.

But before we talk about the mechanics of the unusually drama-free “Chef” finale, I need to address Richard. Poor Richard! Before the show started, I, along with most viewers, assumed this would be a battle between him and Stephanie. Richard and all his wacky gizmos and gadgets vs. Stephanie with her homey finesse.  Both of them, upright and consistent competitors throughout the competition (except for last week, where Richard let loose on Lisa. Not that I minded. His “You won the ... bronze medal -- congratulations!” is the quote of the season as far as I’m concerned.)

Still, when Richard fell on his sword up at the judges table and said “Yeah, I’ll say it. I feel like I choked a little bit,” my jaw dropped. True, he had not cooked the meal of his life -- none of the three had -- but all I could think was: HUH? WHY ARE YOU TALKING? JUST BECAUSE THE OTHER TWO TALKED DOESN'T MEAN YOU HAVE TO! YOU’RE STILL WAY BETTER THAN LISA! (And yes, I thought in all capital letters in my head.) At this point in the show, my gut was certain Stephanie had this one in the bag. Clean slate or not, the judges would in no way be able to ignore her impeccable track record in the face of Lisa’s. But Richard, why did you need to be such a stand-up guy? The result was that stuffed-up comment from Lisa in the stew room. No Lisa, just because Richard lost it a bit does not mean there was a real chance you could have won.

While I’m on the subject of Lisa, I thought I’d address comments made on the blog with regards to producers finagling Lisa into the finals as a way of keeping a villain on the show. I don’t think that’s the case at all. I remember talking once to Ted Allen, who told me the decision is entirely the judges’ (disclaimer about producers having a say or not). More to the point, the judges are not allowed to fraternize with the contestants so they’re not aware of who is or isn’t a “villain.”

Anyway, the always eloquent Ted felt even worse for Richard and devoted most of his finale thoughts to him and what might have been. A very good read for fans.

But getting back to the episode itself, it was pretty much smooth sailing throughout -- which is why Stephanie deserved to win regardless. True, the “twist” was having their sous chefs “call in sick” -- but none of them were too shaken up about it. These were pretty much their dishes on their terms. If you think about it, they had seven total hours, three of those with help, and a set of finite ingredients. I imagine that’s more than enough time to create four courses for chefs of their caliber. And again, it was a real shame to watch Richard get slammed for something like poor seasoning. Those nerves must have been high.

Otherwise, definitely a treat seeing April Bloomfield and Dan Barber go to work, even if it was brief. They’re both culinary gods in their own right, but neither is a Food Network who's who, and probably not recognizable to most. Watching Eric Ripert work as a sous chef was also fun (especially for anyone who missed the episode of “No Reservations” on the Travel Channel where he and Anthony Bourdain attempted a night as line chefs at Bourdain’s old stomping ground, Les Halles.) Funnier still was seeing Stephanie hover over him handling a fish -- and subsequently getting red when she relived it for the producers.

All in all, not the most exciting finale ever, but the right person won. And she’s a woman. Bonus!

Watch for my interview with Stephanie. Should be coming up shortly.

--Denise Martin

(Photo courtesy NBC Universal)

Comments

[Amanda]

Yeah Stephanie!

I was biting my nails at judges table. I was honestly worried they would give it to Lisa. My husband and I nearly swore off Top Chef . . . thank goodness we'll now be able to tune in for the next round!

[TC Watcher]

How Lisa made it that far is beyond me... Come on Andrew was better, Spike was better, Antonia was better. Lisa can't take criticism, Lisa always have to put in the last word, she's always right, and her personality in the kitchen was entertaining as a dead horse. Her dishes are ok, but come on....

[oakmonster]

Once I saw Stephanie's meat dish, I KNEW she had in the bag! She also has a great character development. It seems she's more confidence and less frazzled as she went through the competition. It was awesome to watch.

I am totally surprised how Richard choked though. I was looking forward to his tobasco beads when he was playing with it the day before and all.

As for Lisa's dishes, I am sorry to say that I didn't see any fresh ideas in that. Stephanie's braised pistachios? Brilliant! Thai black sticky rice and Tom Kha Gai with wontons? Oh, please. I'm Thai and while I am honored that she would pick our food to cook for the final, I don't see the originality.

Also agreed that watching the culinary biggies cooking was a treat. I did see Eric Ripert and Tony Bourdain's episode--it was fun to watch!

[matt]

To disagree: lisa did have a chance to win. When you heard the judges's comments on her soup and her dessert it looked like she had a shot. Don't get me wrong. I'm happy that Stephanie won (although sad scylla in chicago closed a while ago...that place was delicious...similar to mcclain's spring).

[Ed Hassinger]

Agreed, only 3% of their viewers would return if Lisa won.

How is it the producers can add tension by making it seem close, but can't manipulate it to get Lisa in to begin with. This show is so manipulated like all "reality" TV.

[Betsy T]

Watching Lisa slip into the Top Chef finale was stunning, and all I could really say was,
"LISA'S JUST A WENDY PEPPER! A WENDY PEP-PER!" For anyone who watched Project Runway, Season 1...Wendy Pepper was definitely the "villain" of the show and eaked her way into fashion week.

[Jim]

As I watched last night's episode I expected Lisa to be crushed in the end, there were just too many people pulling for it out there in TV land and the producers worked in too much "I will bury you," trash talk from her early on. It was also odd to see her actually getting along with someone - albeit a renowned chef, and for just three hours, but still. Her fall was not far enough for me. I wanted tears, and dismissive bluster about how the show is really just crap, and people out there "really like her food," maybe as a counter to herself as a person.

In the end, Richard definitely blew himself up here, and too bad about that. If Bravo had attempted a 90-minute finale we may actually have been able to see that vein in the center of his forehead explode.

While we made it all the way through this installment, and were very happy to see Stephanie win, I have to say this may be our last year with this show, primarily because of a condition I'll charitably call Top Chef Judge Fatigue. The celebrity chefs they bring in from time to time are a breath of fresh air, to be sure, but in the end there is just way too much Tom and Padma - anyone else out there having nightmares that end in the words "STARTS NOW" - or in a smug and self-satisfied bald guy showing up and saying, "so tell me what you're working on?"

Gail Simmons has severely worn out her welcome, what are her credentials again? If is has to do with agreeing with and amplifying anything Collichio says, she's clearly qualified. Ted Allen has become tiresome, thankfully they've dialed back his verbosity, even over the course of this season, probably a result of him doing his own version of Richard's "yeah, I choked" during one of the early-on episode in which he acknowledged, when challenged on some superficial and transient gripe, "you have to understand, we're picking this apart!"

Also, what happened to Tony Bourdain this year? I think he made one appearance, maybe two... not enough to save this show for me.

Over the course of this season, this really turned into a miss... I can't imagine I'm alone in that assessment.

[j curl]

Although, I believe, out of the final two Stephanie was light years ahead of Lisa in the kitchen I feel the more appropriate final two would have included Richard. It appeared to me that the "Top Chef" powers that be were determined to see a female finally win the title. Don't get me wrong Stephanie definitely earned the title but, my god, Lisa was on the chopping block at what seemed to be ever week. In my humble opinion there were at least 4 or 5 of the chefs that were easily more talented than Lisa. But, I do want to congratulate the the "Top Chef" producers for another great season and can't wait for the 5th season to begin.

[Charla]

I agree with Amanda, wholeheartedly. I was worried, too, that Lisa would somehow walk away with something that Stephanie completely deserved. I'm thrilled for Stephanie.

[PA-Tom]

Congrat to Stephanie, and yes i agree Poor Richard. I really was pulling for Richard and it definately should have been just between those two.

I do understand the bit of arrogance that Lisa was talking about but arrogance and snobbiness are what she has. I think what you also didnt see in the judges finale thoughts were all the other chefs comments they took into consideration.

I do wish Richard would of had more of a plan before loosing his sous chef but like he said he doesn't know exactly what he's doing so he just has everything ready...

I guess Richard fell into that old Survivor sigma, the person that wins the car NEVER wins Survivor. I'd definately go to a resturant where any of these three chefs cooked. Although Lisa's probably would be my last stop.

I also like Eric R. comment about, once a chef stops learning, they are full of themselves, it think that could be a highlight for Richard... I think you will hear his name around, defiantely.

Again Congrats to Stephanie. And congrats to Lisa for the Bronze, don't want her pissed with me...

[Stephen Suggs]

Are you crazy? I agree both Steph and Richard are both great chefs...but Richard should have won, he is clearly the better chef. He was more consistent and never seemed to get flustered, I was very upset with the ending and personally feel Steph won strictly because they needed a female to win the competition.

[lc]

What a rip! Richard should have been in the finale two. Judges just wanted a girl to win.

[Liz]

Great article - I look forward to reading your interview with Stephanie. I'm sure both she and Richard will have very successful futures- maybe someday I'll get to eat in one of their restaurants, what a kick that would be!

[Frank]

If the only criterion for winning TC is the rating of those 4 courses cooked on that one day, then Stephanie won. If they are looking at the bigger picture - and apparently you think that they are since you mention several times the records winning earlier contests - then I think Richard is far and away the best. He is the most creative, knowledgable, and in terms of future career, the most likely of any of them to be a genuine star.

[pat]

Quote of the season is right. I couldn't believe she expected a "congrats" after someone else left. I don't think anyone in any season has congratulated someone in that circumstance. She SUCKED big time and if you notice the "fine print" on every episode - it suggests the producers do play a role in selecting the winners (ie - attitude sells ratings)...hence why great cooks like Dale, Antonia, Spike et al were all sent home prior to Lisa. I cannot believe how flippin negative she is...ugh

[Ron]

My wife and I were SO disappointed to see Richard not do well in the finale. We loved him from the first episode. Here was one of these ultra modern guys like we have seen before, but he REALLY 'got' good food. Almost everything he did was something we did not think could work, but worked really well. Of course, Stephanie was also very good and I could accept the result in the end, especially because I think Richard really over thought himself in the finale. Ah well. He still gave a heck of a performance all season and I would hope he will reap the benefits of that kind of exposure. As for Lisa, I have never seen anyone who complained more and blamed everyone but herself (including the judges) for every little issue.

[Diane]

Hooray for Stephanie but Thumbs Down on the drama to Top Chef Judges, Producers and Drama.

They need to take a page from Project Runway's best season with the highest ratings when they finally focused on the fashion. It was way, way past time for Top Chef judges and producers to get rid of dead weight like Stephanie and Spike. If Antionia had correctly made it to the finals, the ratings would have been higher and we would all be debating for months as to who had the best dish - because the cuisine would have been the star. We would be watching reruns of the show for years, instead of keeping negative space like Lisa out of our livingrooms.

This was my last season watching this tired show. It will never be compelling enough when the focus is almost entirely the chefs and how they perform. If it switches focus to the food, flavors, management, fragrances and fortunes of the contestants and can come up with judges of Anthony Bourdaine's caliber, we'll be back.

[cathy]

I am sooooo glad Stephanie won. You can tell how excited the judges were about her food and her different techniques. You go girl!!

[Jake]

Frankly, towards the middle of the season, it was fairly obvious the producers wanted a female to win. Did the judges get the final say? Perhaps. But they chose among the folks left and I doubt anyone who watched the first five episodes would have picked three woman and Richard Blais as the finalist -- that most would have pick these three as 75% of the finalist or the one who one as the winner. No offense to Stephanie (or really, anyone else - in a show like this, unlike say Iron Chef America - it's hard to get a sense of the food, how its prepared or an explanation of it, in service and judgment, that gives you a sense of what it might taste like. Perhaps Stephanies finale dishes were spectacular. But who's to say any of the folks from the earlier episodes would also not have had equally spectacular finale dishes. I didn't bother to see the episode, just flipped over after Stephen Colbert's interview to see the winner. I wouldn't bother with another season of TC myself, but here's to all of you who like your food with drama, versus taste.