Top Chef’s Final Three – Carla, Hosea and Stefan

I finally caught the last episode of Top Chef’s first part of the finale.  Fatigue took over on Wednesday night and I fell asleep about 9:15 PM, so I had to catch the reruns on Thursday.  I love that New Orleans was chosen for the finale and Emeril as the guest judge and chef to introduce the finalists to the unique delicacies of that great city.  New Orleans has some great chefs and a flavor all its own.

The producers are doing a good job of keeping the show fresh with the twist of bringing back what they called three strong chefs to compete for a spot in the final four – Jamie, Jeff and Leah.  I still don’t think Leah is that strong but my opinion doesn’t count.  Jeff stepped up his game and got back in the running.  Unfortunately his final dish wasn’t strong enough for him to go continue in the competition, so we were back to the original final four.

Last week I was convinced that the final three would be Carla, Fabio and Stefan.  Of course, nothing is a sure bet during elimination rounds.  Carla was in her element and her dishes were spot on!  Once again, she criticized her own dish before the judges could give feedback, but they cut her off and she won the elimination challenge and the car.  Alas, Fabio had to pack his knives and go.

I hope Carla wins Top Chef this season.  At the beginning she didn’t seem like a strong or serious competitor, but she has really come on strong.  I believe Carla is the one to beat.  When the season started, I predicted that Stefan would win, but I’m not so sure now.  He’s starting to make mistakes while Carla has been slow and steady.  Of course everyone may be fooled and Hosea may take it all.  He has been consistent.