From the moment Carla started talking about her spirit animal, I knew I’d be rooting for her. Sort of. Not to win, really, because Stefan is pretty clearly a better chef, but to be on the show for as long as possible, which is exactly what has happened. Thanks, Bravo overlords! But you totally owe me one for cutting Fabio instead of Hosea, which is what should have happened because Fabio is about a billion times more interesting and entertaining than Hosea, and also, methinks, a better chef. Yes, tonight’s Top Chef finale pits Carla, who cooks with love, against Stefan, who cooks with arrogance, and Hosea, who cooks with being boring.
One of the things I love about Top Chef is that its best episodes are never the finales. Sure, the Tiffani/Harold face-off was okay, but does that really compare to "I’m not your bitch, bitch"? It does not. I could not generate an iota of rooting enthusiasm for either Marcel or Ilan in season 2, but I have watched and rewatched the episode where the cheftestants threaten to shave Marcel’s head. Hung was such a lock for season 3 that the finale seemed like an afterthought, and last season, rooting against Stephanie felt unsportsmanlike. I like Top Chef — a ton — but I enjoy the journey a lot more than the destination. (Unlike, say, American Idol, where the finale is as big a deal to me as, oh, the birth of a child. In my family.)
So who are you rooting for, PopWatchers? Whose cuisine reigns supreme (wrong show, right idea), and who should pack up their knives forever? And after you post your comments, please look out for our Top Chef TV Watch later tonight, as well as an interview with the winner tomorrow.
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Although Carla has been on a roll of late, I’m not sure that her “classical” style is going to be spectacular enough to pull out a win. I’m also guessing the producers don’t really want Carla to win, since having a kooky 40-something caterer become “top chef” won’t do much for their street cred. (Like when Taylor Hicks won AI. I’m sure Simon is still sulking about that one.) I’m sticking with Stefan for the win.
I know Stefan is the better chef but everytime the judges said something good about Carla’s cooking or if she won I would cheer so hard. If Stefan wins it would be good for his career. Carla is a winner no matter what. She has showed that you don’t have to be the evil on on a reality show for people to remember you. Hosea can suck an egg!
Go CARLA!! (I challenge that Stefan is NOT “clearly a better chef.” Carla’s done pretty awesomely all along.)
I also don’t agree that Stefan is a better chef. I think Carla could take this just as easily. I just pray that Hosea doesn’t win. He’s icky poo.
Go Carla! At first she bugged me, but starting with the hootie hoo’s, she slowly became my favorite. It was solidified last week watching her dance in the airport to the brass band.
Go Carla! At first she bugged me, but starting with the hootie hoo’s, she slowly became my favorite. It was solidified last week watching her dance in the airport to the brass band.
carla, is who i’m rooting for.
and you’re exactly right the finale is not always the best episode. i think they’ll send the finale part 1 as they’re emmy entry, that one was great.
Rooting for Stefan!
Carla, Carla, Carla!!
GO CARLA!!! she is so cool, and down to earth, sorry Stefan, you were my favorite but Carla won my heart hottie hooo’s!!!
One thing’s for sure: Hosea won’t win.
Either Carla will be the most focused and sneak past the two opponents with the fiercest hatred for one another possibly ever on the show (all Tortoise-and-the-Hare-like), or Stefan will shelve away his arrogance, tell Hosea to talk to the European hand, and bring the tasty.
I’m personally rooting for (I suppose, given my options) Crazy Carla. Stefan’s attempts at sexually converting Jamie bothered me a lot, but not near as much as Hosea’s CheatFest 2008. Possibly the dumbest move ever made on Top Chef that didn’t involve food.
TEAM CARLA!
It would be amazing to see her win!
TEAM CARLA!!!
Team Carla!!
I’m rooting for Carla! Hootie!!!
Rooting for Stephan. Carla is nice but she should’ve been gone several times before due to her pastries.
Carla is incomparable! I just absolutely love her personality, her culinary skills and her attitude! She is unlike any other contestants on TOP CHEF. Proves one does not have to be a villian to stand out! You can simply just be an interesting person. So… I am totally rooting for CARLA to win the big prize! Go Carla!
CARLA !!!!
Stefan really isn’t that good
I vote for Carla. I wouldn’t eat Stefan’s food for free and at gun point. He’s a universe-class jerk, and I pretty much loathe everything about him. Hopefully, he’ll return to Europe and stay there – permanently.
I have always loved Carla and favor her. I think she hung in there long enough to get over her nerves and show her immense talent. She had me at “hooty who.” Stefan is an automoton but damned good. Hosea can carry his weight. They all deserve to be in the finals. My sentimental favorite is still Carla!
Hootie!
I think Stefan is a better chef, but that Carla will win. Stefan will be too busy trying to out-do Hosea, and the same for Hosea. Carla will do her thing, her simple loving dishes, and sneak by.
God I can NOT stand Carla. Give me Stefan any day. He’s arrogant because he’s good!
LOVE Karla! Would LOVE to see Stefan cry!
All I have to say is “Hootie Hoo” – we need some love with our food these days!
Carla! YESSSSS!!!!
I like Stefan. Carla is as crazy as a soup sandwich.
I miss team euro. =(
Stefan
please someone tell me did stefan just call marcel a tw*t? with an a not an i?
I think that Stefan might be more polished, but Carla certainly has technique and love. She could definitely pull the win out tonight, and I have to root for her. Hootie Hoo!