"Top Chef" (2006) TV series 2006-????

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Release Date:

15 February 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Reality-TV

Plot Keywords:

Snack Food | Cooking | Food Market | San Francisco California | Store

Awards:

Won Primetime Emmy. Another 11 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Wed. Dec. 16	7:00 PM	BRAVO	Season Finale: Part I	#6.13
Wed. Dec. 16	8:00 PM	BRAVO	Season Finale: Part II	#6.14

Cast

Tom Colicchio	...	Himself - Head Judge / ... (81 episodes, 2006-2009)
Padma Lakshmi	...	Herself - Host / ... (70 episodes, 2006-2009)
Gail Simmons	...	Herself - Judge / ... (45 episodes, 2006-2009)

Runtime:

USA:60 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Company:

Magical Elves Productions

Trivia:

Guest judges from season two: * Harold Dieterle * Hiroshi Shima * Ming Tsai * Stephen Bugarelli * Suzanne Goin * Michelle Bernstein * Anthony Bourdain * Raphael Lunetta * Kristen Woodward * Lee Hefter * Ted Allen * Mike Yakura * Eric Ripert * Alan Wong * Scott Conant * Wylie Dufresne * Hubert Keller * Roy Yamaguchi

Movie Connections:

Spoofed in "Saturday Night Live: Christopher Walken/Panic at the Disco (#33.9)" (2008)

Sometimes Unfair! Sometimes Brilliant!

The chefs who compete in this series are all seasoned and professional and work in top rated restaurants around the country. Until now, I was watching it because I found it interesting that the group of chefs in this series and season were compelling and real to watch. If I was teaching culinary arts, this show would not only be a staple but mandatory in the world of restaurants and culinary fare. The fact that they shop at Whole Foods rather a normal supermarket would have saved them some money. I was rooting for Ariane Duarte in this season and thought she might make it to finals. I won't spoil who gets eliminated when. I think the fact that your colleagues are not voting you out helps a bit. I found them to be supportive of one another during those tough times like students in a class. In fact, Ariane started out on the bottom and suddenly redeemed herself by cooking turkey, lamb, etc., and she won Martha Stewart's choice during a quick challenge and a guest spot on the Today show. But Ariane's luck can change in a matter of days on this show as it does for some other seasoned chefs. Unlike other reality shows, this competitiveness is rather healthier and more entertaining. During their time, they live together while they are working. Their views and comments are often enticing. The culinary world is tough in itself and fiercely competitive just as it is on the show. I wouldn't know because I don't cook but go out to eat in restaurants. I'll probably keep watching this show to see who becomes top chef even though my first choice was let go.