Bouncing Baby Blais

It's a girl!

Home executive chef and "Top Chef" contestant Richard Blais and his wife Jazmin Zepeda welcomed little Riley Maddox Thursday. We hear Riley weighed in at 7.9 pounds and was 21 inches. The Atlanta couple got engaged after Zepeda trained Blais for and he completed the Peachtree Road Race in 2005.

ajc.com

Thanks Joanne

Chow Now Serving Chef Spike

Chef Spike's interview with CHOW, "Those Inflammatory Scallops Soggy seafood dooms a Top Chef contender". Click HERE to listen

and here is the final bid for cooking lessons with Chef Spike. Some lucky eBayer paid $1,376.00. Hope they do not use frozen scallops.

Your Turn To Vote

The war of the restaurants left our votes at...

and to think... the three who ran the Warehouse Kitchen are in the final 4.

Speaking of the final 4, this is your final vote for this season. Let's see if we can pick who will be Top Chef before the 2 part final begins.

Who will be the next Top Chef?

Who will be the next Top Chef?
	Stephanie
	Antonia
	Lisa
	Richard
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Hit the Road Spike

Hit the road Spike, the judges don't like ya’ no more, no more, no more, no more

Hit the road Spike, the judges don't like ya’ no more.

(What you say?)

Hit the road Spike, the judges don't like ya’ no more, no more, no more, no more

Hit the road Spike, the judges don't like ya’ no more.

Woah Padma, oh Padma, don't treat me so mean,

You're the meanest gorgeous woman that I've ever seen.

I guess if you said so

I'd have to pack my knives and go. (That's right)

Hit the road Spike, the judges don't like ya’ no more, no more, no more, no more

Hit the road Spike, the judges don't like ya’ no more.

(What you say?)

Hit the road Spike, the judges don't like ya’ no more, no more, no more, no more

Hit the road Spike, the judges don't like ya’ no more.

Now Gale, listen Tom, don't ya treat me this-a way

Cause I'll be back on my "meat" some day.

Don't care if you do 'cause it's understood

You ain't got no flavor, your food tastes no good.

Well, I guess if you say so

I'd have to pack my things and go. (That's right)

Hit the road Spike, the judges don't like ya’ no more, no more, no more, no more

Hit the road Spike, the judges don't like ya’ no more.

(What you say?)

Hit the road Spike, the judges don't like ya’ no more, no more, no more, no more

Hit the road Spike, the judges don't like ya’ no more.

-from Ray Charles' Hit the Road Jack

Top Chef Week 12

This is it TC fans. We are down to 5.

Are two going tonight for a final 3? Or are 4 going to the final? So many questions. This we do know... there are three women for the first time and tonight we have not one, not two,

but all three Top Chefs to help make the decision.

Yes fellow fans, Harold will be there... ( if the Bravo commercial is correct)

Join us tonight in the LIVE chat room. This is going to be a show we won't want to miss.

Monday Morning Mix

CHICAGO STYLE!!!

Happy Memorial Day everyone! We hope you are having a fun and safe holiday.

Last weeks departure of Chef Dale has lit up blogs and message boards. Let's see what others are blogging with this Monday Morning Mixer.

Eric 3000 - Eric is serving-Top Chef: Chicago, Episode Eleven: The Global War on Restaurants!

Amuse-Biatch have some taste treats over on Amuse Biatch. Click HERE

What'ere, Jane Eyre recaps episode 11 with Restaurant Wars - Part IV

MinxEats - fun stuff with episode 11 over on Top Chef Chicago Episode Eleven

My Monkey Could Do That - Retaurant Wars summary

Cliffieland - Don't miss- Top Chef Chicago Episode: Restaurant Wars (Or, Goofus And Gallant Open Rival Eateries)

Chew On That - Have Top Chef Chicago Watch Episode 11

Another great week of blogs and recaps. Thanks everyone for sharing them with all of us. Enjoy!

Sunday Roast

Your turn! Use the picture above and write your own caption in the comment area below. Enjoy everyone!

Chef Mark Drops By BTC

Here at BTC, we are always thrilled when one of the chefs drops by the little kitchen to chat.

US: Welcome to Blogging Top Chef, Chef Mark. We appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to answer our questions.
Mark: No worries, mate.

US: You seem very mellow and not competitive at all. Why did you try out for the show?
Mark: This is true, I am a pretty chilled out guy. When the opportunity came around to try out for Top Chef last summer, I jumped at the chance because I am always up for a challenge and 100 grand is a good start to opening a restaurant.

US: You seemed like you had a lot of fun in the house. Is there anything you wish had made it to air that didn't?

Mark: Had a pet butternut squash called baby Jesus that Jenny destroyed. I was gutted.

( Note, we are not sure which Jesus he is referring too)

US: The whole Kiwi/Aussie mix-up,does it ever bother you?
Mark: Normally the dumb asses that pull that crap on me couldn't even point out where New Zealand is on the map. You call me an Aussie again and I'll put sugar in your gas tank.... does it bother me? Nah not at all.

US: Whats a challenge you would like to have been part of?

Mark: Of course I would like to be in the final challenge.

US: Did your family and friends in New Zealand watch you on the show?

Mark: Yes but they had to do it on youtube as they are a couple of seasons behind.

US: Are there any charities or organizations you'd like to talk about?

Mark: After talking it over with the band, we will be donating all of the proceeds of our first gig to Children's of Bellevue. We haven't decided on the venue, but I'll keep you posted.

Thanks Chef Mark. Swing by the little kitchen any time!

Chef Sam's New Digs

Chef Sam is now at Surf Lodge.

Check out the following articles over on Guest of the Guest:
Interview With Surf Lodge’s Sam Talbot
Where Everybody Knows Your Name: The Surf Lodge, Montauk
Hamptons@Night: Whose Buzz is Worthy?

Trill list has this little tidbit regarding Surf Lodge. Click HERE

and Eater. com has East End Dispatch: Surf Lodge Four Days Out

Chef Dale Drops By BTC

Hi Chef Dale and welcome to Blogging Top Chef. We appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to answer our questions.

US: This has to be the most controversial episode since season 2. Fans are outraged at your dismissal. Can you tell us what went through your mind when Padma told you to pack your knives and go?
Dale: Well when Padma told me I was going home I just though to myself that I made a big mistake by being executive chef, should have let Lisa be that.

US: Does Lisa have dirty pictures of Andy Cohen or something? How the heck has she stayed on the show so long?
Dale: I really have no idea how she's still there and people like Zoi and Jen aren't.

US: You seemed to have worked well with most of the other chefs. Do you feel you are a team player?
Dale: I know I'm a team player, ask any of my chefs or cooks in my kitchen. This is not work but a competition, some people just aren't manageable.

US: It was great seeing some of the chefs again. Have you remained close with any of your fellow TC contestants?
Dale: I'm still friends with most of the NYC crew, matter of fact all the NYC boys went out for drinks. We're all cool.

US: Tell us something about you that would surprise us.
Dale: I'm pretty socially awkward.

US: Are there any charities or special projects you would to talk about?
Dale: Well I'm always looking to create good food , but besides that I'm looking to put out a screenplay about the restaurant life.

Thank you so much Chef Dale, stop by anytime.

Chef Dale's CHOW interview - "It's War. Not just Top Chef restaurant wars, but personality wars too" is now being served over on CHOW. Click HERE to listen.

Your Turn to Vote

Last week we asked...

WOW with 300 votes- Chef Stephanie's soup and veggies has 86 votes, with Chef Dale's bison right behind with 84 votes. Sorry Chef Lisa, only 5 willing to try the shrimp stir fry.

Moving on to the restaurant war.

Based on the menu and the type of food,

which restaurant would you prefer to dine at?

Which restaurant would you prefer to dine at?
	Mai Buddha
	Warehouse Kitchen
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Send Dale Away

A gathering of judges appeared behind the table

They criticized his butterscotch, and said he wasn’t able.

They said send Dale away, send Dale away

Send Dale off of “Top C”.

Send Dale away, send Dale away

Send Dale off my tv.

He thought that he was a Top Chef, but to his surprise

They made him pack his knives and say his last good-byes.

Singing send Dale away, send Dale away

Send Dale off of “Top C”.

Send Dale away, come sail away

Send Dale off my tv.

-from Styx's Come Sail Away

It Was A War

Congratulation to Chef Antonia for her QF win.

and to Chef Stephanie for her Elimination win.

But Chef Dale... NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

We are going to miss you Chef Dale.

Best to you and drop by the little kitchen sometime.

Chef Lisa vs Chef Spike

Guess which one is driving the bus over the other in real life. Click HERE for the BREAKING Exclusive: and to find out more.
Thanks Amanda

Also, Spike is up on eBay. Check it out HERE.

Thanks Laura K.

Restaurant Wars Week 11

10 down and 6 to go!

and looks who is back to judge the restaurant war! YEA!!!!!

Who will he send packing?

The LIVE chat room will be up tonight so join us for some fun and TC chat. Catch you there

Monday Morning Mix

CHICAGO STYLE!!!

Onto week 8 of Top Chef. See and what others are blogging with this Monday Morning Mixer.

Eric 3000 - Eric speaks out about "That guy" with -Top Chef: Chicago, Episode Ten: insert tossed salad joke here!

Amuse-Biatch have some taste treats over on Amuse Biatch regarding bloggers. Click HERE

What'ere, Jane Eyre recaps episode 10 with Serve and Protect

MinxEats - recaps episode 10 with The Legend of the Asshat

My Monkey Could Do That - Serve and Protect summary

Cliffieland - Don't miss- Episode: To Serve And Protect (Or, Police Academy 8: For The Love Of A Box Lunch)

Chew On That - Have Top Chef Chicago Watch Episode 10

Welcome back the dazzling Ms. Place over on Dishin Dat with On Lisa, Miguel, Michaelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci

So glad to have you back girlfriend!

Another great week of blogs and recaps. Thanks everyone for sharing them with all of us. Enjoy!

A couple more things from New York metromix. An interview with Spike HERE and a story on TC tryouts HERE. Thanks Matt

Sunday Roast

Your turn! Use the picture above and write your own caption is the comment area. Enjoy!

Shout Out From The Chefs

Pimpin is not easy... but they are given it a try!

From Chef Jen:
Why Helloooooooooooo to all my family and peeps, hope you have some time to put in your votes for fan favorite!!LOL,
JB
Hi Top Chef Contestant, We just wanted to give you a heads-up that Fan Favorite voting for Top Chef is kicking off this Wednesday, starting at 9pm.This season BRAVO will once again be hosting a Top Chef Fan Favorite Competition in which viewers can vote for their favorite contestant out of the original 16 contestants. The chef who receives the most votes during the promotion period will be eligible to receive $10,000. Please note that you are not eligible to vote. You must pay all tax obligations with respect to the Top Chef 4 Fan Favorite Prize if you are the winner of the Top Chef Season 4 Fan Favorite Competition. The voting window begins Wednesday, May 14, 2008 @ 9PM ET and ends Tuesday, May 27, 2008 @ 12:01PM ET. Please feel free to spread the word to family and friends.Here's how they can vote:Text message: text [chef's name] to [27286]. There is a charge of $ 0.99 per text message vote, standard rates apply. This will be active starting Wednesday, May 14, 2008 @ 9PM ET. With each text vote, voters will receive a Bravo

Downloadable ringtone or wallpaper.Online: Vote for free when you go to and look for a button promoting Fan Favorite. This will be active starting May 14, 2008 @ 9PM ET.Limit 40 votes per person (20 vote limit per week) regardless of voting method between May 14, 2008 at 9PM ET and May 27, 2008 at 12:01PM ET.

From Chef Richard:
Tonight starts Bravo's voting for fan favorite, Top Chef season 4, it runs for 2 weeks. Thank you so much for the support, and if you get a chance please swing by the Bravo site and vote.You are allowed up to 40 votes !!!Thanks, and I look forward to cooking for you all...... or again !!!
Richard Blais

From Chef Ryan:
Hey Everyone,Online: Vote for free when you go to HERE and look for a button promoting Fan Favorite. This will be active starting May 14, 2008 @ 9PM ET.2night the voting begins for Top CHEF FAN FAVORITE! So spread the word show some love!!!! Woo Hoo

From Chef Nikki:
Go to BRAVOTV. com and click on TOP CHEF. Look for Fan Favorite Voting.... You can vote up to 20X in one week..voting ends on May 27th!! Take a minute and log in WINNER GETS $10,000.

Coming Down To The End

It is time to vote for your favorite chef.

Go to Bravo.com and vote for your favorite chef.

Vote up to 40 times per person (20 vote limit per week) regardless of voting method until May 27, 2008 at 12:01PM ET

We wonder who chef Tom is voting for.

The FINAL has been filmed in....Puerto Rico!

Check out Chef Tom's interview with Andy.

Your Turn To Vote

Last week we asked...



WOW what a talented group of fans we are. It was pretty close as to which challenge we would do. Great job everyone.

Onto this weeks vote. Hope you are hungry. Of the seven dishes, which box lunch would you like to eat?

Of the seven dishes, which box lunch would you like to eat?
	Chef Andrew
	Chef Antonia
	Chef Dale
	Chef Lisa
	Chef Richard
	Chef Spike
	Chef Stephanie
Free polls from Pollhost.com