Dave's Disclaimer: As i do not watch Top Chef, i did not write this article. It was written by my good friend Sarah Geddling. She is also an avid TV watcher and i respect her opinion. You will see more articles from her in the future.
First there was Top Chef, then Top Chef Masters, then Top Chef Just Desserts. With the new Top Chef All Stars coming out, some contestants have a second chance; I have reflected and noted the top mistakes on the show.
Let’s review some quick tips that I have learned from the past seasons on how to make it through:
1. Always do what the challenge asks of you.
If you are supposed to make a wedding cake, don't make an "engagement cake" if they ask you to use a certain protein or color--use those ingredients! Something that tastes good but doesn't follow the rules will still get you kicked off.
2. Don’t make anything you don't have time for!
Don’t make crème brulee when you know that it doesn’t have enough time to set. Don’t send out raw or undercooked food: protein, desserts, or pastas. Arnold and Lynne were double eliminated from season 7 because of undercooked pasta.
3. Don’t make anything you have never made before!
Only exception: Kevin and his Indian dish in season 7. He stated he had never made Indian food but his flavors would still be there. He even impressed Padma, who would have been the toughest critic.
4. Always taste your food.
How many times is the food too salty or not seasoned enough? Chefs should always taste what is going out in their restaurant, why would you want your food on national TV to be any different?
5. Don’t eliminate yourself.
This is a once in a lifetime chance. Your kids and family will understand your month absence! Every other contestant is leaving family behind for this opportunity, and they miss them too. Don’t let one month apart from your friends and family ruin this opportunity! Play to win every challenge!
6. Learn at least ONE dessert recipe before you come on!!
Have you seen this show? You ALWAYS need at least one dessert recipe off the top of your head! Sometimes 2 recipes. Don’t be defending yourself at judges table with the same excuse “I’m not a pastry chef” If the show is giving you money to start a restaurant, you better be able to make one dessert!
7. Have fun with the Quickfires.
Even if you fail, it doesn't count against you. The quickfire is supposed to be a challenge to any chef because of the time. It is better for the viewers and the judges that you just have fun and don't regret or take with you what might have gone down in the quickfire. Every chef has the same time constraints. Don’t have mental breakdowns on the quickfire, you can’t get kicked off! (Seth from Just Desserts)
8. Presentation is still everything.
Dots and swirls aside, make the plates look nice. No one wants to eat something brown and mushy on a plate, not even an infant. Most people will say that presentation isn’t everything. However, we all have been sitting in a restaurant and seen a yummy plate of food walk past us. We mutter “what’s that? It looks good!” Top chefs know that diners eat with their eyes first.
9. Make your own food.
I can cook a sausage that I bought at Whole Foods too. Don’t buy the store made puff pastry or coconut milk ice cream. (References to John on season 7-first one kicked off, Art Smith from Top Chef Masters) Prove you are a chef and not just a cook!
10. Don’t steal anyone’s pea puree!
Ok I just had to throw that in there for loyal fans. J
Doing any one of these things and you are sure you hear the lovely Padma serenade you with “Please pack your knives”.
Lastly, NBC needs to bring Top Chef to Network TV. Top Chef has finally beaten out Amazing Race in the Emmy Category for best reality-based competition show. Top Chef is no doubt better than the shows that they came out with this season that have already been cancelled. Fox has embraced Gordon Ramsey’s show as good enough for prime-time ratings. Top chef is on season 8 of the empire that they have built. It is time to upgrade Top Chef from basic cable.
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