finally a female wins

I am a TOP CHEF fanatic. (I would give my eye tooth to spend a day watching Tom Colicchio in the kitchen.) I discovered the show during the first season while visiting my grandmother. Upon my return home, I learned that I would not see my new favorite show because COMCAST cable does not have BRAVOTV in the line up. How would I know who won? God bless my sister, who also quickly became addicted. She would DVR the show in Virginia, transfer it to VHS, and send me the tapes. She was not allowed to speak about anyone that heard "please pack your knives and go."

I believe that the title of chef belongs to a person that inspires and respects the people that work for/with them in the kitchen. "Chef" is someone that can humble themselves and realize that the front of the house personel or the dishwasher are just as important as the food on the plate.

Harold, from the beginning of season one, continued to impress me. I felt as though he would respect me, the former server, line cook (where he started), prep cook, dishwasher, bartender, etc. I was thrilled when he won.

Season two was fun to watch, but i was not inspired by any of the chefs. Bickering and back-stabbing don't do a kitchen staff any good. Ilan was the best choice (although Sam was the easiest on the eyes).

Season three's outcome did not please me. I was disappointed when Hung, who should have been eliminated due to lack of safety, became TOP CHEF. While all of the "chefs" run around to beat the clock, Hung was dangerous. At one point during the season he had a near miss with Casey's throat and a santuko knife.

Season four brought back all of the joy and anticipation of TOP CHEF. From the beginning I was thrilled with three "Chefs", Stephanie, Antonia, and Richard. All were respectful of others. All had great dishes throughout competition. I was set for a two female, one male finale. Unfortunately, Antonia had a bad day in Puerto Rico and was told to pack her knives. This left Stephanie, Richard, and Lisa (ugh!).

Rooting for Stephanie (1st) and Richard (2nd), I was disappointed when Richard fell flat in the final elimination challenge. Finally, a female would win, but who? Please not Lisa. I was on the edge of my seat. Stephanie had impressed Colicchio with the braised pistachios and olives, giving him something he had never before had. He was admittedly worried when the dish was served. But apparently, when you give Colicchio something new, you win. Yeah, Stephanie!!!!!

I look forward to season five, which is rumored to be a mini-season with tweens & teens. I am all for inspiring youth to cook, but is it the best idea to give a hormonal 14 year old girl a chef's knife?

P.S. Thanks to Donna, who TIVO'd season four and let me invade her house to watch weekly.