Yo, I'll Tell You What I Want, What I Really, Really Want (Top Chef 3, Episode 4)

This episode of Top Chef:Miami was all about the ladies. Finally! First, for the quickfire challenge, the cheftestants had to pair an appetizer with a cocktail. Dale was very pleased because he had prior experience in mixology and food pairing. However, despite Dale’s slight advantage, Casey ended up winning and earned the highly coveted “get out of jail free” card (i.e., immunity).



Yep, I was quite happy that a woman won this challenge. I’ll explain why I was so happy later. Promise. The only problem I had with Casey’s win was that she seemed a little clueless while preparing her dish, but her hair-brain idea worked! French toast saved the day. Good for her. Oh, and Joey is such a lush. Someone please keep that guy away from the booze.



Then, for the elimination challenge, the cheftestants were divided into teams of three. Each team was instructed to create one course, with each team member contributing a dish and all three had to use the same ingredient. Casey went from clueless to careless. Seriously, she seemed to lack motivation. And I don’t think she was over-confident; she just didn’t seem to care. Of course, she had immunity, but it’s not good to leave a bad impression at the judges’ table. And that’s exactly what she did. Tom called her tuna tartare weak. What happened, Casey? You’re not an amateur. So stop acting like one.



Ah, but this episode belonged to Lia. Yes, this sweet gal impressed the judges with her olive oil poached shrimp. You know, Lia seems to lack personality; she’s not very outgoing, but she seems like a down-to-earth person. I like that, and in this episode, she proved that she has what it takes to compete with the best of ‘em.



Of course, one of the cheftestants had to be eliminated, and the judges made the right decision by asking Camille Becerra to pack her knives (and bikini) and go. I was heartbroken but have since recovered. As they say, the show must go on.

Now, let’s move on to other more important matters. Yes, a disturbing realization hit me the other day and it’s been bugging me ever since. Here, for your consideration, I’ve posted pictures of previous winners of four Bravo reality shows (Project Runway, Top Chef, Top Design, and Shear Genius).






Do you see the problem? Yep, only one of the seven winners is a woman. And I find that very problematic. What’s going on? It’s tempting to just attribute this to chance and forget about it. Well, I’m sorry, but I’m not going to let this go just yet. I’ve got my eye on you, Bravo. Ok, I’m not suggesting that we just hand the victory to an individual who happens to have two X chromosomes. This is, after all, a competition.

If I had to guess, I’d say we’re dealing with a sampling issue. That is, the group of women selected for these reality programs may not be representative of the real talent that’s out there. Could it be that the casting director and his or her people aren’t getting the best female contestants possible. Of course, the same case could be made for the male contestants. However, I wonder whether women have to overcome more obstacles than men if they want to participate in these shows. Let’s face it; married professional women who have children are probably less likely to consider participating than their male counterparts. And this season of Top Chef doesn’t look promising. Three women have already been eliminated, and the show’s just getting started.

Fortunately, there’s a powerful force that has been awakened after years of slumber. It’s a force that’s hard to explain, but we all know what it is. Of course, I’m talking about GIRL POWER!


I have to admit; I always underestimated girl power, but not anymore. This awesome force of nature is capable of turning mediocre performances into international pop superstars. Simon Fuller used this power wisely when he created the hugely successful pop group The Spice Girls. Can he do it again? I have my doubts, but we’ll see what happens.

Now, I’m optimistic that the return of The Spice Girls will serve as a catalyst for change in Bravo reality television. Maybe this awesome power will propel young Lia to realize her full potential. Maybe this amazing power will hit both Saras like a huge dose of amphetamine. Maybe this power will slap some sense into Casey, a woman who seems content with just playing it safe.

I want these women to get their acts together. Yes, that’s what I want. That’s what I really, really want!