'Top Chef' Season 5, Episode 12: 'Top Chef,' Not 'Top Pussy'
"As far as I'm concerned, the judges could have saved us all a little agita and sent them both packing."
Watching Top Chef, I have finally figured out, is like watching the NCAA Division I basketball tournament. Viewers get crushes on contestants instead of teams and we then adopt those contestants through overcooked dishes and undercooked vegetables.
I now root for Carla and Fabio. How could you not root for Carla? She's got that great smile. And Fabio? He got charm and personality to burn. And tonight we found out that he has pluck as well.
Serious Eats' Tam Ngo, who I was having an amusing IM chat with throughout the episode, reported the following:
"The episode opens with the formula of chefs gutting their psyches, revealing their backstories. Usually, it's edited so that the chef with the most heartrending stories are the ones slated to win or go home. Carla reveals she used to model. Leah claims cooking saved her from a failed academic career. Merely meh."
[Warning: Spoilers ahead.]
"Wylie Dufresne hosted the Quickfire Challenge: to cook with eggs. Given that Dufresne is New York's saint of molecular gastronomy, the chefs felt obliged to cook their eggs with more wittiness than required. Stefan made an eggs benedict and a panna cotta with a mango 'yolk.' Hosea attempts to turn an egg into something it's not. He makes sushi rolled with egg whites. Leah interprets molecular gastronomy ("kinda the new cutting edge in food?") to be a two-bite plop. She pipes make-believe eggs with squiggly cheese. Fabio plates some exquisite-looking egglike things, but Dufresne complains that little of the dish actually tasted of eggs."
"Carla saw her teammates overreaching and wisely eschewed such shenanigans. She prepared a simple dish of green eggs and ham, which Dufresne declared delicious despite its color. She nails the win, which surprised Wylie, it seemed, and all of us. It definitely surprised Hosea, who thought Carla had done something too simple and obvious." Thanks, Tam, for the top-notch reporting.
The Elimination Challenge: Last Suppers
For the elimination challenge each of the remaining five contestants were asked to cook the "Last Supper" for a celebrity chef or foodie. Leah had to cook eggs benedict for Dufresne, Stefan cooked salmon for Marcus Samuelsson, Carla cooked squab and peas for Jacques Pepin, Fabio cooked roast chicken for Lidia Bastianich, and Hosea cooked shrimp scampi and provençal tomatoes for Beard Foundation head Susan Ungaro.
Interestingly, nobody tricked up their dishes. Every contestant played it very straight, which was wise considering how old-school most of the judges were. Without tricked-up dishes and strategic and tactical miscues by the contestants, the episode's drama was supplied by Fabio, who almost severed a finger cooking. When someone asked if he wanted to see a doctor, he came up with the line of the night: "This is Top Chef, not Top Pussy." How politically incorrect, Fabio, which he himself duly noted: "Just kidding," he informed everyone.
Fabio's roast chicken rocked the house, and Carla's squab pleased almost everyone (and her peas were positively inspired), so even before the judges pronounced Fabio the winner, we knew they were both making the final four in New Orleans.
Though Stefan had perhaps his worst performance yet (he really overcooked that salmon), you knew he wasn't going home. So it was either Hosea or Leah. As far as I'm concerned, the judges could have saved us all a little agita and sent them both packing.
But Leah was sent home, and Hosea lives to overthink another dish or three. The competition now moves to the Big Easy, where I will find myself rooting against Stefan and Hosea, and for Carla and Fabio. Should be a fun final four, don't you think?
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42 Comments:
Carla FTW!
nycjules at 2:07AM on 02/12/09
I don't know if Carla's going to win, but I like her and I'm rooting for her. She's such a hoot, and a good chef as well. If either she or Fabio won, I would be happy, because they both seem like good people - and in a perfect world, good things happen to good people.
(I'm not expecting either of them will win, but it doesn't hurt to hope.)
blisseau at 3:42AM on 02/12/09
FABIO, MY BOY!!!! GOT EM! Hahaha...
I really would like to see him win. Although, I'd be happy with Carla as well.
meg3j at 6:04AM on 02/12/09
You know, with every episode my dream of F3 comes closer to fruition - Carla, Stefan and Fabio as F3 - with Fabio to ultimately win. I love him so much I can't stand it. And such moxy! I loved this ep. Jesus, to cook for both Felidia Bastianich and Jaques Pepin (the man who taught me how to dice an onion - start of finish - in under a minute - I do so
chisai at 6:43AM on 02/12/09
Go Fabio!
poke87 at 8:12AM on 02/12/09
You missed the best quote of the night! "I'll chop it off, sear it on the flat top, and tomorrow, I deal with 9 fingers." - Fabio on wanted to continue cooking despite breaking his finger
sarag22 at 9:01AM on 02/12/09
Am I the only one disgusted by Fabio's comment?
iliana at 9:13AM on 02/12/09
Yes you are
ESNY1077 at 9:18AM on 02/12/09
We LOVE Carla! I had read an interview with Tom Colicchio where he said there would be one person in the final that would surprise people. I'm so glad it turned out to be Carla and not Leah.
And, like everyone else in the world, I'm completely charmed by Fabio. He is simply adorable and I was happy to see him get a win last night.
mcwolfe at 9:20AM on 02/12/09
The Fabster didn't cut his finger he broke it...I'd like to know how btw.
Go Hootie Hoo!!!
sammie at 9:29AM on 02/12/09
Did anyone notice how toned down Toby was? He made a couple of relevant, succinct points and stepped back. Thank the TV-editing gods.
He needed a muzzle.
I'm glad that Fabio won, and Carla got props as well. It was an interesting challenge. Was weirded out that Ms. Unger's choice was Shrimp Scampi(!?!) as her last meal. And surprised that Lidia did not want pasta.
I know they want to keep Stefan on, but he kinda messed up his protein? Oddish, no? Leah and Hosea only seemed to have minor component issues. Oh well. We can't taste the food.
I still think this competition is Stefan's to lose, but I am pulling for Carla/Fabio. Isn't this Carla's home turf?
dbdtron at 9:35AM on 02/12/09
I do love me some Carla.
Toby seemed thoroughly intimidated by the other judges –
as well he should have - and kept his smart-ass-college-boy remarks to himself. Hallelujah.
The guest judges themselves were so interesting to watch. They all
have reached a level of confidence in their own judgement that seems serene. I like that they could disagree on what each liked without feeling like the other person needed to be right or wrong. Very cool.
louclakat at 9:48AM on 02/12/09
I can't stand Carla. The muppet lady makes me uncomfortable and always seems so frazzled in that annoying new-agey way. Tom said it right a few episodes back: "keep the love in the kitchen - just send me good food."
Stefan is far beyond anyone else this year in terms of real kitchen skills. It'd be a shame if he chokes before the end.
GoodEaterKenji at 9:57AM on 02/12/09
Didn't care for either of them at first, but both Carla and Fabio have won me over.
Also, how in the world did Leah last this long?
Kerosena at 10:24AM on 02/12/09
Stefan is probably the most competent cook among them. His two worst showings were when he got overconfident (although he always seems to be pretty close to that edge). He needs some humility before he can become a truly great chef.
Carla seems to have a real flair for food. She is at her best when she is relaxed and having fun. I thought the green eggs and ham was inspired.
And Fabio--he's just a really fun guy. I think his best showing was in the front of the house in restaurant wars although he definitely pulled it out last night.
Seems to me anyone could win.
But I would be happiest if it were Carla or Fabio.
smallblondemom at 10:55AM on 02/12/09
I didn't want to like Carla - but she seems genuinely sweet and funny. Go Carla!
lo82070 at 11:06AM on 02/12/09
I saw that Gail is back next week, does that mean that Toby is gone? I can hope. It was hilarious when he said he likes his eggs with the whites 'a little runny', so we shouldn't hold that against Leah.
Buckethead at 11:07AM on 02/12/09
Loved last night's episode. I love that the guest chefs wanted simple and comforting as their "last supper". I am glad that Fabio won and that Carla was a very close second. I think this challenge really highlighted their strong suits--good, basic food. When it comes to molecular gastronomy...I'm with Carla, the whole idea just does nothing for me. I thought she nailed it when she called on Dr. Suess....I hope Hosea goes home next week and the final three are Fabio, Carla and Stephan. Glad to see Leah gone....she needed to go ages ago. I wonder what Jamie would have done?
jsd517 at 12:20PM on 02/12/09
O my dear dear Marcus Samuelsson! love him.
I cannot believe how overcooked Stefan's salmon was! I was yelling "overcooked!" the moment they showed that poor fish. I thought the shrimp scampi request was odd too...very Sizzler to me.
FamishedFem at 12:55PM on 02/12/09
I really hope that Fabio wins. I don't know why but I guess his charisma has gotten the best of me.
FrostyGhost at 12:55PM on 02/12/09
@keroseno Because Leah is Top Slut not Top Chef.
chardonnay at 1:14PM on 02/12/09
What was with the super washed out overexposure effect during that dinner? Were the superchefs supposed to already be in heaven?
faycat at 1:22PM on 02/12/09
@iliana - I'm with you. Fabio's comment is offensive, as is SE's decision to print it. It's certainly not my idea of "charm and personality to burn".
overw8 at 1:48PM on 02/12/09
Jamie was clearly better than Hosea or Leah, but c'est reality tv.
ECA at 1:56PM on 02/12/09
who is it any worse than "culinary boner"? surprise! chefs do have filthy mouths.
which of fabio's bon mots will be this season's tee shirt? "top pussy" or "fried monkey ass and empty clamshells"?
carla and fabio all the way!
dmarina at 2:03PM on 02/12/09
@chardonnay- How is Leah any more of a "slut" than Hosea?
@overw8- Praised be, another foodie who understands how the word "chef" was suddenly indexed with "male" in that one statement.
SE, I expect better.
iliana at 2:04PM on 02/12/09
I'm with you on Carla and Fabio. Carla has really grown on me over the past few episodes, and Fabio's always been one of my favorites just because he's so damn entertaining. I'd be very happy for either of them to win. As much as I really hate Stefan, though, I can't deny that he seems to be extremely talented. If he wins, I won't be surprised.
pants at 3:02PM on 02/12/09
@faycat, I had the feeling that they were trying to look something like the painting. I'm going to need to watch it again and compare the two. Which is kinda lame if it's true.
http://www.marieyolande.com/italy/day02/D-2-last_supper.jpg
RegrettableFoodie at 3:57PM on 02/12/09
Totally happy Leah is gone...thought she deserved to go home awhile ago. But SE, really? You think Stefan should go home! I think when he comes up with his own dishes...he is genius! I'm not saying he wasn't wrong to overcook the salmon, but remember he didn't ask to make that salmon, it wasn't his dish!
I'm still thinking Stefan's going to take the win but everyone else is right to think that Carla and Fabio are his biggest competitors at this point.
Hillary
Chew on That
Chew on That at 4:14PM on 02/12/09
did anyone else notice it seemed to be shot in a "dream sequence" when the chefs were eating? creepy...
i want to marry Fabio....
hungrygrl7 at 4:27PM on 02/12/09
i like carla and i am rooting for her, but the judges in the end always break it down by who's got the most vision and innovation. despite her training, obvious talent and execution, i think the judges' genius/visionary problem is going to get in the way.
hosea seemed promising in the beginning, but seems to have fizzled out. perhaps thinking about how he's got to go home to a girlfriend who's going to find out about his cheating with uninspired leah.
i think it's between stefan and fabio. however talented, i'd like to see fabio pull it out. despite stefan's impeccable skill, his personality is grating, and i think at the end of the day fabio's personality informs his cooking and just makes it better.
j at 5:15PM on 02/12/09
"did anyone else notice it seemed to be shot in a "dream sequence" when the chefs were eating? creepy..."
i noticed this, too. perhaps a little homage to the fact it was their last suppers. a little nod to the afterlife.
j at 5:16PM on 02/12/09
So so SOO glad Leah finally went home. I have been waiting for that moment for many episodes...
And, like many of you, I would LOVE to see Carla with the win. She has really stepped it up, and her personality is just charming and so genuine. She is just so fun to watch and I appreciate that even more than her cooking. I'd be happy with Fabio as well, and even Stephan, despite the cockiness. Can't wait to see what happens!!
luswim06 at 5:29PM on 02/12/09
@kerosena....couldn't have put it any better.
sfred at 6:07PM on 02/12/09
@dmarina - you can have a filthy mouth without being demeaning to women. If you don't know the difference, go see the Vagina Monologues. It's playing this week at a theater near you.
overw8 at 6:31PM on 02/12/09
Even if Stefan is arrogant, he is probably the best Chef... I agree both Hosea and Leah should have been voted off....They should have gone long ago...Both of them bailed on Ariane and Leah especially has been awful...Overall, Stefan and Fabio have been the best Chefs....Carla has been good lately...Love the show and only hope Hosea is out next...
By the way is there anyone more arrogant than Tom...
jimyritz at 7:58PM on 02/12/09
@overw8, i have seen the v monologues, my bachelor is in women's studies. don't get your panties in a wad, you give feminists a bad name.
dmarina at 8:06PM on 02/12/09
As a chef, I think Stefan's arrogance will probably serve him well. (He wont have many friends, but people will stand in line to eat his food.) Personalities not withstanding, I think Stephan and Fabio are by far the most talented contestants on the show. I'm glad Leah is gone. She was a poser.
reger60 at 8:51PM on 02/12/09
@dmarina --As soon as Fabio said that, my first thought was "That's this season's t-shirt!"
I have to admit, I almost bought Dave's "I'm Not Your Bitch, Bitch" shirt-and kick myself that I never did. But I did purchase the "Culinary Boner" shirt that I proudly wear...in my house only as a sleep shirt!
Erinay77 at 1:17AM on 02/13/09
@iliana & ovrw8- I don't see anything wrong with the use of the word "pussy" to call someone (especially one's self) a "wuss." I also don't think it necessarily has anything to do with referring to someone as a "woman" in a derogatory sense.
"Genitalia
The word "pussy" often refers to the female genitalia. Used in conjunction with "some", the phrase some pussy refers to sexual intercourse itself. Most dictionaries mark the anatomical meaning as "vulgar" or "offensive" and its use is frowned upon in polite company. The German form is cognate (Fotze; compare "Puss-y" to "Fotz-e" [in the style of Futs-sy]), and the (vulgar) French term "chatte" (literally a female cat) is analogous.
Weakness
The meaning "weak or cowardly person" has a separate etymology. Websters 1913 Revised Unabridged Dictionary lists this version of pussy as an alternate spelling of "pursy," an otherwise obsolete English word meaning "fat and short-breathed; fat, short, and thick; swelled with pampering ..."[1] The interpretation is often misconstrued, as it contains multiple meanings which some consider derogatory.[2] In fact, when pussy appears in the earlier 1828 edition of the dictionary, this definition is presented for the word, while the older pursy is simply offered as a "corrupt orthography.""
The point being, that the word "pussy" meaning "woman" or "the genitals of a woman" has a different origin than the word "pussy" meaning "weak or pampered." As a previous poster said, let's get our panties out of the proverbial wad, shall we? Obviously, SE, Top Chef and Fabio all know many successful chefs are women.
That being said, I never thought I would say this at the beginning of the season (really, through the first 5 or 6 episodes) but Stefan has grown on me! Not just because of his food, technique and work ethic, which are usually head and shoulders above the other cheftestants', but because of his personality! I know, I know... but cockiness aside (and I have never known a timid chef), his critiques (and snarky comments) about the other chefs have proven themselves true time and time again. He also seems to have a pretty good sense of humor, and his no-nonsense attitude about food is very familiar to me, as I am currently living in Europe. Go Stefan! (Then, go Fabio, Carla, and finally, Hosea.)
kmshag at 11:17AM on 02/13/09
I thought Carla's green eggs looked pretty disgusting. Simple is good, but as Tom said many episodes back "You aren't going to win with a deviled egg." I think Stefan's quickfire had the best balance with cooking eggs and being creative. Oh well.
I'm so glad Stefan didn't go home from overcooking his dish. I don't think he is as bad of a guy as the earlier episodes have made it out to be. I think it shows more now that each chef gets more air time. Last episode, he was the first to step up to help Carla get her dishes plated in time. And even if he's not super polite about it, he's usually right about how to do things.
wunami at 1:47PM on 02/13/09
i enjoyed this season. as i see it, the name is 'top chef'. so really isnt it the whole package. the best food, the best host, the best 'can do' whatever is put before them....... as so many my feelings, opinions...how the chefs conducted themselves sure made me pick and choose. but as the final days are here. and having the top four..BOY. I WISH I COULD TASTE WHAT IS BEING SERVED!!! i do hope the most deserving wins. (but i do have my fav's and i do love the judges)
caroljean at 6:22PM on 02/18/09