Top Chef (formerly the "Cooking Shows" thread)

[buckybacker]

Anyone watching, "Next Food Network Star?" Thank goodness Dzintra is gone - she was way too annoying for words. She apparently had been trying to get on the show for years. TPTB should have waited another year.

[AndreaInNC]

My daughter and I were so relieved that she is gone. Anyone who refers themselves in the 3rd person is just creepy.

[rover]

I'm glad Dzintra's gone, but somehow found myself feeling kind of sorry for her. Aarti could almost win on her smile alone, but she's got a lot going for her besides that.

[AndreaInNC]

So right now we have Next Food Network Star, Top Chef DC and Hell's Kitchen. And in another month we'll have Master Chef ... yipee!!!!

And out of all the celebrities on Food Network - some of the biggest ones are not classically trained (Rachel Ray and Paula Deen). So someone who comes into this competition with the mindset they have an upper hand over a home cook - just burns my toast!

And did anyone else find it odd that when Guy was on last week they didn't mention that he had won this show?

[buckybacker]

I was slightly surprised that they didn't mention that Guy had been in their spot but given what a franchise he's turned into, they may have decided to pass.

Agreed with the whole, "she's a home chef," problem. And Aarti is so much fun to watch. Her food blogger background along with her ethnic tastes will be a big plus if she can keep her confidence.

Brianna is another one who can leave at any time. Something about, "I'm good looking and know it" attitude is just too much. Throw in in the aloofness. The only thing that has made it bearable was the revelation that she has a hard time making friends. At least it shows it's an insecurity issue and not just ego.

Serena still comes off as fake. I would like to see her do something besides Italian but if I say that then I would also have to say Aarti needs to step out. The only guy who I remotely think has a shot is Tom. Herb with some work would be good. But Paul and Brad are just getting sad to watch.

But it is fun to see all the cooking shows out now. Lots of fun. Supposedly there's a pastry Top Chef in the works which could be good. But on the other end of the spectrum, anyone see Cupcake Wars? OMG, it's painful to watch.

[AndreaInNC]

Even into the 3rd week - I have no clue what everyone's names are.

I love Aarti - she is fun to watch. I agree about Brianna - it pains me to see how she treats the public though - attitude galore!

The only guy that I would watch would be Tom, and he would probably bore me after a week or two. The others ones are way too cocky for me to tune into every week.

I also like Aria .. she seems like she'd be fun to watch weekly.

Wow - the 2 I like are home cooks .. go figure.

Gail will be doing Top Chef Desserts sometime over the summer.

I watched a few episodes of Cupcake Wars .. it was okay. We are more fans of Chopped - which is still showing new episodes thru the summer. And we also love Throwdown with Bobby Flay!

[AndreaInNC]

be still my heart. Chef Ripert is now doing a video blog for Bravo's website. Yummy

http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/blogs/e ... video-blog

[AndreaInNC]

wow .. poor Herb. Sometimes one just can't let go of their past.

Das .. after the red carpet fiasco last week - I knew you would be soon to go. Tri-Berries? Really? With steak? yuck

Loved seeing Herb Waxman and Susan Feniger - wonder if this was filmed the same time as Top Chef Masters?

With Brianna winning the challenge, I wonder just how much more huge her head can get? Does she come off really snotty to everyone else? I know everyone blames it on editing - but just how many times can one adult roll their eyes?

[M. Darcy]

I am so glad that Tracy was kicked off last night. She was annoying the hell out of me.

And, it looks like Spike is on next week.

[AndreaInNC]

yeah - not sad to see Tracy go.

but good lord - all that whining about not being pastry chefs or grillers .. come on - even I can do that and I didn't go to the CIA!

[AndreaInNC]

oh so sad to see Arnold go. Although I didn't think he'd win - he was one of my favs to watch.

[AndreaInNC]

I was really pleased at who was sent packing last night on TNFNS. That guy was so cocky and annoying. What a whirlwind for Brianna and Serena. Being on the bottom 2 then going to the top 2.

[buckybacker]

New guilty pleasure though it's not really a cooking show. Food Network Humor is frickin' hilarious and irreverent to all things Food Network. Please note that when I say irreverent that the language can get crass at times. But like many things, it's funny because it's true.

Current favorites are:
REJECTED GOT MILK ADS FROM FOOD NETWORK HOSTS
SOUTH PARK VERSIONS OF FOOD NETWORK CHEFS
Next Food Network Star Recaps

Also, if you don't follow Anne Burrell on Twitter (chefanneburrell), do so. She's a riot. Plus she's one of like three Food Network chefs who appreciates FNH.com.

[AndreaInNC]

I love Anne !!!

[buckybacker]

Potential spoilers for you Next Food Network Star fans:
Food Network Reveals Next Food Network Star Winner?
More Proof You Know Who Makes it to the Finale on Next Food Network Star