Bravo TV's "Top Chef"

Season 3 of Bravo TV's "Top Chef" is finally getting down to the knitty gritty. There is no more immunity for winning the "Quick fire Challenge" and "Restaurant Wars" has ended. I, as most viewers, was sad to see Tre eliminated last week. Tre was one that I expected to see in the final two. Alas, it didn't happen. He took the role of head chef on the losing team in restaurant wars and he was rightfully told to "please pack your knives and go."

Now it's down to Hung, CJ, Sara, Howie, Brian, Casey, and Dale.

I personally think that Howie has been given a raw deal in editing. I don't agree that he's as much a jerk as he comes across. In every explanation he's given (with the exception of the Risotto two weeks ago) he has been absolutely correct, if people could get beyond his "Diner Cook" attitude and listen. He is a good cook. Is he a "Top Chef?" I don't know. He seems to be excellent at barking out orders, but his listening skills leave a lot to be desired.

Hung is a brilliant chef with superior knife skills. His problem is in his knowing it. I have listened all season to his explanations when he loses a quick fire or an elimination challenge. It's always the faulty understanding of the judge. We all know in life that if things go wrong, we must eventually face the fact that we may be at fault. Hung hasn't grasped this concept. In his mind he can do no wrong. He is perfect. But is he a "Top Chef?" I don't think so. A chef has to take command in the kitchen. He has proved on a number of occasions that he cannot do this.

CJ is a fine cook. Most of his dishes are tasty and well presented. He's not often at the top, but he's, obviously, never lost. His problem is his leadership abilities. During the "Late Night Snack" challenge, CJ tried to take the reigns and he failed miserably. His team lost, and there was dissension and he could do nothing to bring the team together. In "Restaurant Wars," CJ gave away his leadership role and it cost the team. Perhaps that was his strategy. Perhaps by not taking responsibility, CJ thinks he can win by simply not losing.