Top Chef Episode 8: Farewell Stephen

I am not quite sure what I think about the reality show, Top Chef.  I had previously seen only one episode before starting to write for this blog.  At that time, my opinion, was “eh’.  It came on too late anyway.  But, fortunately for the invention of the DVR and numerous re-runs that plague the Bravo Channel, I was able to catch-up. 

Our dear host is pretty, yes.  Oh, and seasoned in the high-class eating circuit, but I would not declare her a powerhouse on the small screen.  Of course, either is Heidi Klum, but that is another blog.

And what genius came up with the adios tag line, “Pack up your knives and go?”  We get it! The knife is the trademark for the show.  Unfortunately, we will be stuck with that unimaginative farewell as long as the series lasts.

So, Stephen has left us.  Stephen Asprinio is one of the few that have brought us smirks and snobbish pleasures while we watched.  I am also sure that the producers of Top Chef are somewhat saddened to see his departure.  Who knew that there was so much to know not only about wine, but serving the appetizer. I personally felt that none of them should have been relieved of their knife duties.  These judges needed to get over themselves and I wish that at least one of the contestants would have given it to them good.

They first had each chef come up with a wedding menu for Scott and Scott’s commitment ceremony.  They had a budget of $3,000 and 100 guests.  Each chef feverishly came up with a beautiful menu.  The “Scott’s” chose the headliner…and then…oh, yeah, now let’s rain on their parade, no I would rather say stir a typhoon over it, by telling them they only have 16 hours.  Their faces were dumb founded and my thoughts were “What are they smoking in San Fran?  They truly want to see a break-down.”

Then the judges have the audacity to complain that it wasn’t up to par.  These chefs were given this challenge the night before, so they had to shop at the local Piggly Wiggly…or whatever they have in San Francisco.  You want a snappy salmon…give them the opportunity to deliver.  Top Chef seemed to purposely set them up for failure just for the sake of “good” TV.

I just wish one of these 5, challenged them to pull off what they did.  As TV Guide would say, Top Chef Episode 8 deserves a major “Jeer” for setting up 5 talented and accomplished chefs to fail.  I would like to see “Chef” put together a menu, shop, prep, cook, and plate a wedding for 100 guests with a cooking staff of 5 within 16 hours.  It is times like these, when reality shows cease to be real.

But in the end, sadly, it was Stephen Asprinio’s time to go.  I see that he has plans to open a restaurant, FoodReal, a “quick” serving gourmet restaurant.  Quick??  Now this I have to see! Good Luck Stephen Asprinio…but I do not think that you will need it.l

To  the last 4 competitors, see you Wednesday night!