By Jennifer Larson

This is it, the decision we have been waiting for all season long. Tonight we found out who won the third season of TOP CHEF. Because they decided to send three contestants to the finale this season, it was even more of a nail biter than usual. And really, the level of talent was so high that it really could have come to down to any of them. In an episode that blended a live action reunion show with clips from the final challenge, tonight’s installment was both nostalgic and nail bitingly exciting.

The final three contestants were sent high up in the mountains of Aspen, and given a sumptuous display of food to choose from for their final meal. But there was much more excitement to come, because they still had to draw knives to see who would be helping them in the kitchen. Normally contestants from the past come back to haunt the finalists, much like the ghosts came to visit Ebenezer Scrooge. But this season was different, because these finalists got the pick of the litter in the food world. Hung picked Rocco Dispirito, Casey got Michelle Bernstein and Dale had Todd English. As great as it was to get this amazing help, it had to be a little daunting ordering these professionals around. But in the spirit of teamwork, these famous chefs checked their egos at the door and set about to help these fledgling chefs make the best meal possible.


You could just see these star chefs biting their tongues, when Hung, Casey and Dale put out some of their ideas. The biggest critique the professionals had for each of the contestants was the level of complexity of their dishes. Apparently the motto less is more is big in the cooking world. But suggestions were not allowed, so they just had to soldier through and make the best of each of their situations. Much to their credit, these famous chefs were helpful, supportive and truly began to get emotionally invested with each of their team members. Rocco Dispirito even suggested opening up a restaurant with Hung. He must not have been watching TOP CHEF this season, because – as we all know – Hung doesn’t share credit with anybody. Something tells me Rocco doesn’t either, so maybe that offer is better left in the kitchen.

The look on Chef Colicchio’s face when Hung described his ingredients and dishes, was pure Tom. A mixture of concern, confusion and fear, but we know Hung likes to live on the edge. That worked well for him, when Chef Tom advised them with just an hour left to go they had a fourth dish they had to prepare. And here’s where the ghosts of episodes past came back to haunt them. Sarah, CJ and Brian were brought in to help at the eleventh hour. But the chef-testants took it all in stride and seemed grateful to have the extra hands to help them. The test of a true professional is how they handle failure. Given that, I feel comfortable in saying that the rejected chefs are true chefs. They jumped right in and began putting every effort into helping their ex teammates succeed in this last competition.

I’m always amazed with the final product these competitors come up with. Their dishes look so artistic and creative, it’s almost a shame to eat it. In fact I could almost taste the food right through my TV screen. And when you hear the judge’s comment on the food, you can see that this was a very difficult decision to come to. It almost seemed as if they had to really reach to find any critique at all. But that stuff is really above my head. Honestly, I have no idea what they mean when they say Hung’s dish was screaming for acid. I’m gonna take a stab and say they mean tang? The judges did have a bit of a problem with Casey’s pork dish, but Michelle Bernstein had her doubts about that to begin with. That being said, Casey came back strong in the next round, so it was still anybody’s game at that point.


This season has really come down to how the chefs performed in each competition separately. Since nobody stayed consistent throughout the competition. There were a lot of ups and downs, but I can truly say that I think the final three were more than worthy to be standing at the last judge’s table. But there has to be a winner, and tonight that winner was … Hung! This really comes as no surprise, especially to Hung. He was the front-runner in the beginning, and then began to falter. But ultimately, Hung’s originality, confidence and sheer determination got him through. So this ends the third season of FINAL CHEF, and with it goes my desire to experiment in the kitchen. I guess I’ll have to just make do with what I’ve learned so far … until season four that is.