Thursday, February 01, 2007

Bruni-lleschi Breaks "Dome" of Silence Over "Top Chef" Finale

The New York Times' chief restaurant critic, Frank Bruni, is not one to leave his fans salivating for more of his purple prose stylings. And so, after yesterday's eyebrow-raising take on Top Chef (it's really about the food! ha!), he chimes in with his thoughts on last night's finale. As always, the cherce bits:

Could the phrase “Kenmore Pro Kitchen” have been used more frequently during the course of this season? Talk about a fruitful sponsorship deal! I think the whole situation plummeted to its nadir when the chef Tom Colicchio, addressing the final two contestants, worked the phrase into his comments.

...

Ilan’s selection of braised short ribs as one of the five courses in his big meal was disappointing. I love braised short ribs, but at last count, they were on 109,451 menus. And that’s in Manhattan alone.

I have to wonder how hard Marcel’s comrades worked on his behalf. It was clear that Betty and Elia were much more invested in Ilan, whom they were helping, than Sam and Michael were invested in Marcel, who chose them to stand and work at his side. Sam’s comments to the camera about the things that went wrong as Marcel prepared his last supper (for now) had a bit too much glee in them.

The arithmetic I did as the judges assessed each of the final two contenders’ five courses didn’t add up clearly to an Ilan victory. The way I heard the judges, Marcel’s first course trumped Ilan’s. Ilan’s second course trumped Marcel’s. Their third courses were a tie. Marcel won the fourth round, and the fifth — well, the diners who ate the meals didn’t make their preferences immediately clear.

That’s two for Marcel, one for Ilan and two in doubt, though, at the end, the judges seemed to tip that fifth course, dessert, in Ilan’s favor.

So why did Ilan come out on top?

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

completely agree. an to add to it, ilan previously worked for tom c. maybe that played a factor in ilan winning.

Anonymous said...

marcel was on "The View" today and i have to admit he was quite charming. they remarked on his big hair, which was funny, and (as is Rosie's want) seemed to root for the Underdog. at the end Rosie gave him a new set of chef's knives and then embraced him in her bosomy, lesbian goodness and told him if she ever opens a restaurant, he can be the chef.

better yet, if she ever produces a revival of "Oliver!" he can play the lead!

Anonymous said...

i typically don't watch the view but, i specifically sat down to watch it just for marcel. i also found him charming.

Anonymous said...

It is clear from the judge’s blogs what happen, Bravo and the Producers decided that Ilan was going to new the beginning of filming. That is why no police were not called after the assault on Marcel and why Marcel was made to be the villain so that they would have a defense just incase Marcel or anyone else sued! What others and I want to know the answer to the two of the bigger questions. First, why has the FBI not put these "Reality Show" producers in jail? They clearly are breaking federal laws governing game shows (yes, believe it or not Top Chef is a game show); their own videotape can get each producer and judge serious jail time. Top Chef own judge’s blogs clear says that after the assault on Marcel the Judges wanted to disqualify all 4 of the contestants involved in the affair. The producers interfered and say that was not going to happen, clearly a violation of federal law, Top Chef’s disclaimer at the end of each show that the judge’s must conifer with producer is in itself a violation of federal laws governing game show. And secondly and more important, why are the news media not investigating this. Answer these questions and you will uncover the biggest scandal in America Today.

Vic said...

So, why indeed did he win? Well done, Charlus and Miss Xa Xa. Your posts are spot on.

jeremy said...

could you guys please post a link to the original article?

otherwise, spot-on. the sponsorships drove me absolutely nuts this season. who the hell wants to cook with baileys? argh...

and in a moment of complete self-promotion, here's a link to my blog post from just before the finale about Top Chef and why I just felt burned out by it -

http://endcycle.blogspot.com

Big Shamu said...

Wow Anon. 11:32 pm, I thought I was a Top Chef Crack Monkey. I got nothing on you.

Anonymous said...

Anon. 11:32, I totally agree! Why *wasn't* the FBI called in??? As a concerned citizen/political activist, I demand a congressional hearing!

Anonymous said...

http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/?p=184#more-184