Culturally Preconditioned

Just thought I’d go for a catchy title for this entry. Since there’s not much to talk about (I seriously can’t be bothered to write a recap for the Survivor Cook Islands finale) right now, I might as well write about yet another reality show - Top Chef. Not to be confused with the Iron Chef that we’re accustomed to from that asshat of a tv station, namely ntv7, Top Chef is a cooking reality show where 15 top chefs from around America battle it out each week to win a state of the art Kenmore kitchen, an editorial feature in the Food & Wine magazine, $100,000 and the title of Top Chef.

The show’s being featured on Bravo TV at the US, the same channel that proudly brought us Queer Eye and reruns of Project Runway. So how is this different from the other reality shows? Other than its setting in the kitchen, market and other food related tasks, it’s not that different really. There’s a quickfire challenge where the winner is granted immunity, someone gets voted out each week, and plenty of drama. Believe me. In this season (Season 2) there’s one douchebag that is possibly an even bigger asshole than the infamous Johnny Fairplay from Survivor Pearl Islands.

And if anyone can rival Allen Wu for his terrible, terrible performance as a reality show host, it’s Padma Lakshmi. It’s like she’s reading from cuecards even when she’s having a ‘normal conversation’ with the other judges. Bitch. Anyway, if you love reality shows and cooking, or simply LOVE watching cookshows and pretentious food being served (oh come on, a little pretentioun is okay in small doses), then this show is definitely FOR YOU! I really hope one of the channels on Astro will carry this show soon, but if anyone’s interested, I have copies of the episode on my HDD.

The challenges are interesting, there’s always a theme every week. For this season, we’ve had ‘flambe’ themes, ’sushi’ themes, ‘amouse bouche’ themes bla bla bla. This week (we’re down to 7 contestants) the chefs has to prepare a seven course meal and each must be based on their interpretations of the Seven Deadly Sins. Interesting no?

Anyway, just thought I’d post the pictures of the meals that have been prepared on this last episode. You can click on the name of the meal - it will be linked to the recipes which is posted on the BravoTV website (it does contain spoiler for the show though - you will know who’s left in the Final 7 of the competition)

Wrath: Spicy Shrimp Ceviche with Chili Pepper Popcorn

Sloth: Trio Roasted Soups: Carrot Fennel, Onion, & Red Pepper with Beet

Envy: Trout and Salmon with a Basil Aioli and Asparagus

Greed: Bouillabaisse with a Thai Curry Green Broth

Pride: Roasted Chicken with Vegetables

Lust: A Cherry Tart Topped with Cherry Foam and Cherry Gelee

Gluttony: Rich Chocolate Cake with Funnel Cake and Creme Anglaise