He’s good TV and it was an inspired choice from Gregory to pick him first to man the front of the house for Restaurant Wars.  

I think Brian come off well this season.  He seemed like a nice enough guy vs. his brother.  

Normally accurate but he appeared to be a very good wing man during the finale, even replying to Stephanie when she apologized to him for having him carry so much shit, “No don’t worry, I’m your bitch.”

I don’t think he’s really “overmatched” cooking skill wise. It’s just that he’s big and bold, both in personality and with how he cooks. That doesn’t mesh perfectly with TC because there’s times where you have to be refined and restrained. Padma said as much on WWHL. She was asked if she was shocked by his attitude…

Based on comments I’ve read over the years and from professionals in real life, I feel like I’m on an island by myself for thinking that Bryan is a better chef than Michael. I’ve never had any of their food though so I couldn’t say for sure so some that opinion might be influenced from their personas as well. But…

I sensed it was a runaway despite all the meals receiving such high praise. Melissa wasn’t putting a spin on old faves; she was creating new dishes. It’s the whole chess/checkers analogy. Against two great checkers players.

He was overmatched in actual cooking skills and lasted longer than I thought. But I can see his appeal now.

I can’t watch the last few episodes of the New Orleans season knowing the chefs that get eliminated before Nicholas winning the whole thing. Painful to see Shirley, ect go down. And poor Stephanie. At least she got her redemption song this year. 

Especially since his meaner, cockier younger brother won. Like, that’s gotta bug you forever.

The whole top 5 was such a dream. I can’t think of another season where I would have been equally happy with any of the top 5 winning.

My wife and I were talking about how we’ll both enjoy Malarkey so much more on a rewatch, now that we know he doesn’t win.

Yeah, it’s interesting that since the show seems to have done away with casting total jerks to punch up the drama, they now have to really work it in the editing room to add some pizzazz. Don’t get me wrong, I much prefer a pool of talented, amicable, chefs. It makes for a MUCH better show if what you care about is…

Since we’re not likely getting any new Top Chef for a long time, this was a pretty great send-off before the hiatus. I liked all 3 finalists but I was rooting for Stephanie because I think she’s sweet and I love a good underdog story. After the first two courses, I thought she might actually win. But Melissa CRUSHED…

... especially once Malarkey was gone but then when he came back in the finale to help Stephanie I realized I sorta missed his goofy good nature.

I really didn’t care who won this one, since the three finalists are seemed like genuinely nice people, but I was kind of rooting for Voltaggio, just to rub his brother’s face in it.

This was a really solid season overall and it ended up with a well deserving winner. Despite being an “all star” season, Melissa essentially dominated. If you watched WWHL after the show, Tom said he believes Melissa has the most raw talent of any chef the show has ever had, including Paul Qui. He also made it seem…

Why does seeing and hearing “Clare Smyth, World’s Best Female Chef” sound demeaning? I looked her up on Wikipedia. Quite a resume.

Sad that Top Chef is ending, has been one of few respites for me during this turbulent time.

Damn, it’s jaw-dropping how some of these commenters have completely forgotten the ability to quietly not care for something - to the extent that they feel like the culture is forcing them to like it. Don’t blame glowing reviews for your reduced skills in Skipping The Product.

My gods, this essay was horrible. Yasmin Nair is so delighted in her role as an anti-SJW, anti-inclusion, “queer” WOC that she thinks it forgives her being a bloviating, self-satisfied bore.