Congratulations…
So, do you think Hung deserved to win? I do…and here’s why:
*He took the judges’ criticisms and ran with it. They said they couldn’t see Hung in Hung’s food, so it was important for him to work on cooking with more identity and soul. Hung stepped up to that challenge. This meal was all about him.
*His food has been solid throughout the competition. There’s really not been a week when I thought he was in significant trouble. Although he was in the bottom a few times, he was never THE bottom person (or even really close for that matter).
*He met the “fourth course” challenge with a good dessert. I feel like Casey and Dale both relied on their sous chefs to come up with a plan, but Hung said “I know what to do” and just gave Sara direction on what to do it. Yes, it wasn’t “innovative.” But, it was a damn good cake, AND let’s not forget that he baked it at a high altitude. That’s not exactly easy.
*His knife skills are awesome. Like I’ve said in the past, I believe that anyone, given the time and drive, can learn those knife skills. Most people don’t. Why? It’s freaking hard. Hung found a skill that he could hone, and he did. Watching him is just fun.
*He showed that he was a leader in the kitchen. During this episode, he really showed that he could respectfully boss around even the best of the best.
*He played the game. Hung got a lot of criticism for times in this competition where he ended early and yet did not help the other chefs finish. Good for him. This was a competition! Although I thought it was nice of Casey, Dale, etc. to help one another pack up when time was short, I would have played the game the same way Hung did. And you know, he did it in a respectful way. That’s the difference between Hung and Marcel - Hung respects his fellow chefs, while still playing to win.
I went into tonight betting on Casey but cheering for Dale. Oddly enough, I think the judges made the best decision. Do you think Hung deserved to win?
October 3rd, 2007 at 11:54 pm
I screamed when Padma said Hung. But really, it was not out of shock. It was out of sheer anticipation of an amazing show coming to an end. Congrats to Hung, as I def. want to track him down for a live demonstration, however, it’s still Casey’s food I’d eat and Dale I’d want to party with.
As for the show, I loved the surprise sous chefs but hated the “live” announcement. Unnecessary. More Marcel camera time was highly necessary. Also, it should have been at a lower altitude and why were they in Chicago? What happened to Miami? And was that Oprah’s studio?
Can’t wait for the reunion, and Casey deserves fan favorite… overall, wow is all I can say, with my mouth still hanging open.
Nevertheless, on to November 14. Finally.
October 8th, 2007 at 9:31 pm
[...] Missing Top Chef by Allison The season’s just ended with the talented Hung Huynh reining supreme as the winner, and I already miss it. I miss the drama. I miss Tom Colicchio. Hell, I even miss [...]