Newly crowned Top Chef, Hosea

I never really saw him portray the “top chef” personality, but he got lucky: His competitors’ Achilles’ heels were on display during the finale, and Hosea stayed steady.

The final three contestants were asked to make their three best courses. They were thrown the twist of having to prepare an additional course, an appetizer. They were also paired up with Top Chef contestants of past seasons to act as their sous chefs.

Carla’s ability to easily be influenced did her in. Her sous chef, Casey from season x, convinced her to change her menu. This was an obvious train wreck. Carla has been a great chef, and, when she cooks her food her way, she has always been successful. Instead, she sous-vide her beef based on Carla’s suggestion, a technique Carla has never done. Not good to experiment during the finale. Finally, she swapped out her desert tart for a blue cheese soufflé. She takes herself out of the competition all together with these changes. The judges rule her out and she gets emotional when she realized she did not cook her kind of food.

In the end, it was really between Stefan and Hosea. I don’t dislike Hosea, but I don’t really think he was one of the strongest contestants of the season. However, Stefan was a bit overconfident as usual. He clearly stated to the judges that he “deserved to win.” He felt he deserved it because he was the best chef but did not mention that it was because he served the best meal. I don’t think he gave much thought to his menu, and, at the end, it showed. The man can cook, but he sort of phoned it in.

Okay, so here are some other observations from this season. I think it shows you don’t need a “bad guy” to make it interesting. Stefan was cocky but he was a great guy. Even Hosea really liked him and when Carla got emotional, he was the one comforting her. He was cocky, but in a funny way.

Also, everyone really seemed to get along and like each other. There were closer bonds between some, but no one really disliked anyone else. Not vehemently. Also, they were all great chefs. Think about it, we were surprised by Hosea and Carla. That shows you the strength of all the other chefs.

Finally, there is Fabio. Did you notice he was at the table eating with the judges in the finale? We got a glimpse of Jeff, too, but he didn’t get a seat at “the” table. Can’t you see Bravo setting up Fabio’s T.V. show already? Why else would he be sitting at that table and be given that amount of T.V. time? Sure, he was the last to be eliminated, but they have never done that before.

Well, thanks for a great season. Now, on to the reunion show.