Of all the awesome things to happen to me while interning atEW this summer, one of the best was my visit to the set of Bravo’s Top Chef: Watch What Happens reunion special that brings back together contestants from the first twoseasons, the first five chefs eliminated from Season 3, and the judges who sentthem packing (with their knives). The one-hour special (airing tonight) offers behind-the-scenes footage noone’s ever seen, as well as secrets about how the show is made and what is still in store for this entertaining third season.(If I were a bettingman — and I am — I’d put my money on Brian. I know he relies too heavily on sea-food, butI think he’s got the charisma to win.)
The first person I got to talk to was Sandy, whose early dismissal was the most surprising of this season thus far. When asked if she was assurprised as me, she answered “I’m still shocked.” So am I, Sandy,so am I. I also got to talk to Clay, the first chef voted off this season. Iasked him if he had any regrets about having to leave so early, but heresponded quickly with, “No. I feel confident in where I stand as a chef.” Whichis cool, but I also feel confident that you did deserve to be the first one toleave.
As fun as it was to talk to these aspiring chefs, the realthrill came when I got to sit down with all of the judges and discuss the future of the series. (Except for TomColicchio,who, unfortunately, was feeling really sick and only had a few minutesfor me — which is just as well since I experienced a, um, technicaldifficulty with my recorder.) I asked them all the same question: Now that Top Chef has establisheditself has a bonafide hit, where would you like to see it go?
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i think this is, in fact, the best season so far. i’m way into a transfer to new york also. most of the chefs seem to be from new york anyway. why not get them playing on their own turf. and maybe they can cater a project runway fashion show!
popwatch needs to be updated. Other sites have better updates than EW.
What is up with that? Get it together, popwatch!!
This is a great season. The chefs all seem to be of similar levels. I’m not a fan of the middle of the season update episodes though. I want a new episode, save the reunion for the end. I feel the same way about Brian … yeah he relies on seafood, but I really like him and think he could win!
I want them to go to France. If there’s a culinary capital, France is close to being it. Why not shake up these people who think they know what they’re doing by making them make a pastry?
I think I read on Wikipedia that the third season is shooting in Chicago. Anyone know if that’s true? I would love to see the show in New York!
yup gretchen. totally moving to chicago for season 4.
http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2007/07/top-chef-cooks-.html
we already had an off week (july 4th) and now we get a fracking reuinion show? WTF?
Get on the ball Bravo and give us new episodes that move the competition along!
Trust Ted to cut to the chase!
So no TV Watch tomorrow?
I would love to see them go abroad, but not to France. Really shake things up by sending them someplace “exotic” – China? Japan? India? Think fo the ingredients they’d be forced to use!
I agree that Brian could pull this whole thing off, but I kind of really enjoy the crazy guy that runs around all the time and calls himself a “certified professional Ahole” or whatever. He’s a hot mess and he needs to stick around (and, let’s face it, he will. This is Bravo and they rig the results… I mean “have the judges consult with producers” before every elimination takes place).
Yep, Season 4 will be in Chicago (woot! my hometown!). The Chicago Tribune is reporting this on Mo Ryan’s blog (she’s their TV critic). Chicago is a great choice – there are a lot of great chefs there (Rick Bayless at Frontera Grill/Topolobampo, Grant Achatz at Alinea (who just got diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in his mouth), Rick Tramanto/Gale Gand at Tru, etc.) and there’s so much choice. They want to film it before it gets too cold – what wimps!
Hey Gavin. First of all I’m so jealous of you because you get to intern at my favorite publication, I would kill for that job, especially after getting to go to a Top Chef filming. Good job on the post
They should send them to Vietnam!! Isn’t that where Tony B Ate all the disgusting things and enjoyed every minute?
Top Chef should come to New Orleans. We have some of the best restaurants in the country, and we most definitely need some positive publicity these days!
Go TRE. Not only a great cook, but actually has some class. I was also surprised Sara and Camille made it as long as they did. Talk about no talent or personality!
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