A Safe End for Top Chef Chicago
The stage was set for a tumultuous ending for Top Chef Chicago. The top three finalists of Richard Blais, Lisa Fernandes, and Stephanie Izard drew some controversy, namely with Lisa’s selection over Antonia. But in the end, the rock solid Stephanie was named Top Chef. Watch as the winner is announced.
Stephanie’s win was definitely a safe ending to Season Four. Stephanie and Richard both performed well throughout the entire season, but both had their foibles in the finals. Surprisingly, Lisa appeared to have a very good shot at pulling out the win. She was serene during the prep session and wasn’t flustered when she lost her sous chef. The judges liked her dishes while Stephanie and Richard’s menus had their highs and lows. Lisa’s menu was more consistent, but I think her attitude and character shown through the series was her ultimate downfall.
Even though Top Chef is about making great dishes, character of the chef makes a Top Chef. So the even keeled, mostly non-emotional Stephanie is a deserving winner. Congratulations.
First a female (Kristi Yamaguchi) wins Dancing with the Stars. Now Stephanie is the first female Top Chef winner. Is a female winner of Top Chef Junior next?
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June 13, 2008 @ 6:41 am
Even though I said Lisa would never win because of her attitude I did have some doubts during the announcement. I really thought Richard was going to win by dreaming up some crazy ideas but he only gave us one, bacon ice cream. But Steph was the right choice since the other guy “choked.”
June 13, 2008 @ 10:57 pm
Lisa had an outside shot since the judges liked most of her dishes and really loved her soup. I think Richard winning the dessert dish with his bacon ice cream foiled her chances since she was running neck and neck with Stephanie on the other dishes.