Top Chef

[Deleted]

Here's a weird question:

On Project Runway, Tim comes to the sewing room and takes a look at everyone's projects, tells them if they're on the right track, what might work better, what makes him nervous, what the judges will be looking for. It's a huge part of what makes the show tick, because it helps a lame-ass like me understand high fashion, plus Tim is such an incredible mentor.

On TC, Tom Colicchio is in sort of the same position, but he's "not allowed" to give any direction when they're cooking their challenges. Why is it different on this show? Don't you think it would bring a sense of "lessons learned" to TC, or something?

[Oxynia]

I think it has a lot to do with the fact that Tom is a judge. Tim Gunn didn't judge the fashions on the runway, he only offered guidance and advice in the sewing room.

If Tom were just in the kitchen advising the cheftestants during their preparation, it would be great. But he couldn't then also judge the outcomes. It seems to be an either/or proposition.

[Deleted]

You're right. I see why now. But don't you think the show would benefit from having a Tim Gunn-esque mentor? An elder statesmen of cooking?

On another note, Tom's opening a new branch of his restaurant, Craft, here in LA. I seriously cannot wait.

[girlnamedcarl]

J and I were talking about this on Sunday: why Project Runway is so much more compelling than Top Chef (or than Top Design is likely to be). And J himself ascribed its appeal to Tim Gunn. (I thought I was the only Gunn-head in the house.) J pointed out that not only is Tim himself good TV, but it adds so much to the show for the contestants to be able to confide in someone who isn't a judge, who's there to guide and help them.

Colicchio isn't just a judge, he comes across as very judgmental in his interactions with the contestants. "Why'd you decide to do that?" "Do you really think that's the best use of your time?" All delivered with that grim voice and face. No wonder they're all pecking at each other with the fury of a thousand chickens.

[FiggyPudding]

Also, I remember loving Season One first for the food, then for the personalities. This year they seemed to jump right into the drama before I could even tell apart all the chefs. I didn't care about them as people yet, so I was really annoyed by the manufactured drama.

A Tim Gunn type would bring focus back to the food. Think about it, whenever Tim is on PR, it's almost always about the design and construction, not who is a cheater or who is annoying. A mentor type on Top Chef would focus more on flavor components and cooking technique, not who cheated with the olive oil or who is a nutcase.

Chef Colicchio made that whole speech about how he's not a mentor in the first show this year because everyone keeps bringing up PR/Tim Gunn. I'm guessing the reason they don't have a mentor is because the time limits on Top Chef are so much shorter. There doesn't seem to be much time to create the recipes, we mostly see the chefs running for the pantry, then throwing it on the stove. If the mentor made suggestions, they wouldn't have time to change things and re-cook the dish.

[Deleted]

Chef Collicchio seems a lot crankier this season. He's making some pretty snotty comments about the various dishes that are served. Maybe he's trying to add drama to the show but it's kind of grating, week after week, to hear his annoyance. It's a TV show, Tom, supposed to be entertainment....

[india7]

I wish they'd show a Season 1 marathon for those of us who missed it. I'd love to have a basis of comparison.

[Deleted]

Every now and then Bravo does repeat Season 1 - I'm sure you will be able to see it. Sometimes they show the final 6 or 8 shows of that season - just jeep an eye on the Bravo line-up.

[FiggyPudding]

india7 said:

I wish they'd show a Season 1 marathon for those of us who missed it. I'd love to have a basis of comparison.

India, they are showing a repeat of all of Season 1 (except the reunion) on Wed, Dec. 27th, starting at 1 pm eastern, but check your local listings to be sure.

They've never repeated the reunion except for immediately after the original airing. I'm not sure why.

[Deleted]

figgypudding said:

india7 said:

I wish they'd show a Season 1 marathon for those of us who missed it. I'd love to have a basis of comparison.

India, they are showing a repeat of all of Season 1 (except the reunion) on Wed, Dec. 27th, starting at 1 pm eastern, but check your local listings to be sure.

They've never repeated the reunion except for immediately after the original airing. I'm not sure why.

Hee hee! Maybe because the reunion show was an awesome train wreck of drunken, catty shouting?