Five Reasons Why I Think Tom Colicchio is Fabulous
When it comes to Top Chef personalities, Chef Tom Colicchio has got to be one of my favorite people to watch. Last night, the Top Chef Watch What Happens Special, although incredibly boring and unnecessary, further confirmed my love for the show’s head judge. Chef, Reality on Bravo loves you, and here are the top five reasons why:
1. He’s tough on the contestants, but not rude or mean. Being in a kitchen with Tom Colicchio has to be extremely intimidating. However, he’s generally a nice guy. Although he pushes the chefs to realize their mistakes and better themselves, he isn’t a jerk and never, ever comes of as being superior to them. Last night, Harold mentioned that he’s love to do a contestant/judge smack down, and I think thats a great idea! I think Chef Colicchio would blow them all out of the water, but he’s very gracious, so it woudl be incredibly fun to watch.
2. He is supportive of all of his fans. In one of the funnier moments last night, it was pointed out that Chef has a huge following in the gay “bear” community (aka, gay men who like the tough, muscular, masculine type). Although you could tell that he wanted to make if VERY clear that he has a wife and kids, Chef Colicchio is always really supportive of all of the Top Chef fans. I’ve seen countless pictures of him posing with star-struck fans, and he seems to make time for anyone that wants an autograph.
3. He fought for the show’s integrity. Chef Colicchio has siad on a number of occasions that he wouldn’t do Top Chef if the producers were allowed to influence the outcome of the show. In other case, he wants the talent to decide who stays and who goes, not the dramatic factor. Last night he said that he believes that Candace for Season One was cast for her looks, 
rather than her ability (not that she won’t be great someday-but she was a first-year student with NO experience) and he seemed a bit miffed about that. He has always openly tried to maintain that the show is about cooking, not about who can be the best “good guy” or “bad guy.”
4. He’s got a sense of humor. You can tell buy watching the show that Chef take the food and the competition very seriously (for example, his reaction to Hung’s knife safety or Cliff’s disqualification or Otto’s honesty). However, you can also tell that he has a sense of humor. At judge’s table, the group is always laughing and having a good time. After all, at the end of the day, it is JUST food. You can’t take anything TOO seriously.
5. He supports his fellow chefs outside of the show. I haven’t heard stories of Jaclyn Smith visiting Anthony’s salon for a haircut, and the tabloids have pointed out lately that Heidi Klum hasn’t been especially interested in dresses from any of the Project Runway alums. However, Chef Colicchio is very openly supportive of Harold’s new restaurant, Perilla, and he’s bee photographed a number of times with fellow judges and past contestants, just hanging out after the seasons have ended. I’d hang out with you too, Chef, if I could!
What do you love about Tom Colicchio?
[tags]Top Cheg
July 26th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
While you made a stellar list, Alli, but theres something I think you should consider to as an honorable mention:His sex appeal. It starts with his name… I mean, how hott is “Colicchio”? Then add in his put together style, talented hands, and “I’m a good father” twinkle in his eye - and mmmmmm.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
He’s successful, confident, intelligent, and the list goes on. He doesn’t really do it for me, but I can understand why others find him sexy. Good post, Allison!
October 1st, 2007 at 5:37 pm
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