I saw the final 15 minutes or so of last night’s episode and I was… equal parts repelled and intrigued. It didn’t help that that the woman on the far right of the photo below used the word craveable, which — even just typing it now — is like nails on a grammatical chalkboard to my ears. And then everyone else started saying it! Gaah!
Really stupid derivational morphemes aside (how’d you like that segue?), it is still a reality show and, in case you didn’t notice by now, there is something compulsively watchable about watching a real human being get voted out of her life-long dream.
But, at the same time, I really don’t like any of the judges. None of them strike me as actually giving a shit about anyone on the show other than themselves, but mabe I just haven’t watched it enough yet.
So, what do you think?
Oh, give it a full episode! I adore Top Chef. I love seeing what each person (or team) comes up with during the challenges. It’s interesting to see what different people do with the same food items.
My vote’s a qualified “yes”.
My gf and I have watched both seasons of the show. Unfortunately, neither has featured a compelling host. I do like Tom Colicchio’s on-air personality, though…tough, somewhat egotistical, but concerned about the contestants’ professional development. I’ve also learned some things from the discussions of the items’ preparation. I think it’s a better reality show than “The Restaurant” and some of the Food Network’s offerings.
Have you watched Gordon Ramsay’s “Kitchen Nightmares” or “F Word”? I think they’re best of breed.
http://www.bbcamerica.com/genre/home_living/ramsays_kitchen_nightmares/ramsays_kitchen_nightmares.jsp
http://www.bbcamerica.com/genre/home_living/ramsays_f_word/ramsays_f_word.jsp
NYCinephile– You do have to admit Padma is much better than last year’s host — Billy Joel’s wife — who made me cringe everytime she was on the air!
@Andrea: Agreed. I was going to make that point, but couldn’t determine an appropriate place in the posting to do so. My gf’s told me that Padma actually has some food-related experience. I find her vocal delivery flat, though.
I wish the American version of these shows would dispense with the “pretty young thing” window dressing, and use intelligent, tough-minded moderators like the women on the Brit version of “What Not to Wear”.