It's All About "Soul" (Top Chef 3; Episode 13)

Reactions to this episode of Top Chef 3 varied greatly. Some bloggers hated it, while others were ecstatic that their beloved Dale finally won his first elimination challenge and a spot in the final. More about that a little later. I found it quite funny that guest judge Eric Ripert brought up the importance of soul in this episode. In previous episodes, the chefs, particularly Dale, mentioned that Hung’s food lacked heart. I can’t help but think that the producers loved the idea and sent an email to Eric, asking him to use the word soul at least three times in this episode; and he complied. Yep, they’ve added some drama to the mix—the winner’s food has to have soul!

Now, let’s talk about everyone’s favorite swinger, Brian. At the judges’ table, when asked why they thought they should stay, Brian offered the lamest answer, the type of answer that reality television producers hate. He said,

I haven’t cooked my food, at all . . . this is our [sic] opportunity to show you what I would cook . . . I do believe my food is pretty entertaining

Actually, if his food is as entertaining and attractive as he is, then his elimination should be considered a big mistake. However, the judges didn’t buy it. Hell, I didn’t buy it. Seriously, he prepared mostly seafood dishes throughout the competition. And that’s totally his kind of food. I remember eating a rice crispy treat while watching the last few minutes of the episode, and as I chewed and enjoyed the delicious treat, I was running various scenarios in my mind. I was thinking about what it would mean to eliminate Brian, the only straight man left in the competition. Then, Padma blurted out Brian’s name without hesitation. I almost dropped my delicious treat on the floor. Why was she in such a hurry? Anyway, I like looking at Brian, but I’m not really disappointed that he was eliminated. However, this is the first time in Bravo’s history that a straight male chef will not compete in the final. I’m still not sure what to make of this realization.

It’s hard not to like Casey, the lovely gal from Texas. She made many mistakes in the beginning, but she is now one of the favorites. It could be argued that she is the one to beat. She had the following to say at the judges’ table,

I know that I’m a hard worker . . . I don’t skip a beat, and I’m a relatively young chef . . . I have so much more to show

Casey’s words were quite sober compared to Hung’s and Dale’s responses. However, unlike Brian, she wasn’t kidding when she said that she has more to show. Casey’s miraculous transformation almost seems scripted. It’s like a Cinderella story, and Casey plays the part so well. The great thing about Casey is her down-to-earth personality. She’s impressed the judges, but she always comes across as humble and surprised at her own success. Actually, I was quite surprised at her success, and I remained very suspicious of her transformation for several weeks. Now, it’s finally sinking in that Casey is a talented chef. She’s sure to win over most of the viewers, and I’m happy for her.

Of the remaining chefs, I never really took Dale seriously. Don’t get me wrong; it’s nice having him around. He has delivered some of the funniest lines this season, but he never impressed me as a chef. Well, despite what appeared to be some major obstacles, he managed to create a dish that won him the elimination challenge. Good for him. He also delivered the best response at the judges’ table. He said,

I entered this competition to find myself . . . I have been reborn. . . Now I’m a chef again

Bravo, Dale. Bravo! He is a producer’s dream reality competition contestant. I mean, come on; how do you top an unemployed gay guy who has been reborn on the set of reality television program? This is the stuff Bravo dreams are made of. Also, I love how he throws in sexual references at the judges’ table. So, it appears that I underestimated Dale. However, let’s not kid ourselves. Dale’s surprising win is due in large part to lady luck. He’s made some horrible mistakes in previous episodes, but he’s always been safe because others have sucked even more. I’m happy for Dale, but there’s no denying that he’s one lucky gay man.

Hung started off strong and has remained in the top for quite some time. Yes, he’s made some mistakes, but his talent has never been in question. He is by far my favorite chef. He had the following to say at the judges’ table,

I grew up in the kitchen . . . It’s all about soul and that’s what I talk about all day . . . I don’t see myself doing anything else in the whole world . . . it’s for the love of food

That’s interesting. I thought it was all about finesse and elegance. I guess he changed his tune after learning that the word of the day was soul. Anyway, Hung gave the producers exactly what they wanted: an easily exploitable personal story. He is an immigrant who has probably faced challenges that the other chefs could never imagine. And, now, he’s a finalist on Top Chef.

I think Dale is the weakest chef of the three remaining chefs. Casey screwed up a bit in this episode, but she was on a roll for three consecutive weeks. She has what it takes to win. Hung is the master of execution, and his dishes are usually hits—they look great and often taste just as great. However, he needs to wow the judges, they’ve already complained that his food lacks one vital ingredient—soul. Maybe he can borrow that ingredient from Casey.

Honestly, I have no idea what to expect. This season of Top Chef is just too unpredictable. Anything is possible. And I do mean anything. The one good thing about this group of chefs is their good behavior. Sure, Hung can get carried away at times, but he’s generally focused on the task at hand. Dale delivers funny lines, but that only adds color to an otherwise boring season. It’s interesting that last season we were stuck with two immature boys, Ilan and Marcel, in the final. Let’s not go there. Honestly, I’m happy for all three of the remaining chefs. This season may be less entertaining than previous seasons, but it really is all about the food. And that’s a very good thing.