Spiked at the Top Chef Finals

And then there were four, four finalists for Season 4 of Top Chef. Who are the four going to Puerto Rico? Stephanie, Richard, Antonia, and lastly, Lisa. The controversial but survivalist Spike was ousted in the last competition before the finals.

I got to admit that Spike knew how to play the game. He knew when to shine, and he knew when to duck for cover. He was versatile, running the front of restaurants but also contributing in the kitchen. He can cook but inexperience at his young age might have been a factor.

So other than Lisa, I have no qualms about the final four. Yes, I still think Dale should be in the finals, but all you potential Top Chef contestants out there know this – don’t be an Executive Chef for Restaurant Wars. It just doesn’t pay off. If your team loses, you’re out like Dale and Tre from Season 3. Even if your team wins, the Executive Chef doesn’t necessarily get individual honors. Stephanie won the Restaurant Wars competition even though Antonia was the Executive Chef. Just don’t do it.

Back to the finalists. Stephanie’s probably going to win. She’s the rock of the competition, rarely showing emotion. Wait, here she is getting excited.

Richard could win but has been a little inconsistent of late. Antonia makes “insightful” dishes as described by Judge Gail Simmons. Lisa… I don’t know. But what I do know is seeing the last three Top Chef winners as guest judges emphasized how unmemorable this year’s chefs are. Harold, Ilan, and Hung – now there’s a trio of memorable personalities.

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