TOP CHEF D.C.: Season Premiere
June 17, 2010 by Erik Wilkinson
Summertime is usually associated with beach getaways and relaxation. Not for me. In my house, the sunny season is all about Padma Lakshmi and gourmet recipes. That’s right, Top Chef is back for Season 7!
This year’s competition is set in Washington D.C., so the contestants will have ample opportunities to have their food criticized by snarky foodies in business dress. Nothing says Top Chef like a random congressional aide complaining that, “the Cod was just too much!”
More importantly, Top Chef D.C. is the perfect vehicle for “Fantasy Sports Widows,” significant others who have been ignored by loved ones who are obsessed with Fantasy Football or Baseball. If you fit that description, Bravo is helping you fight back, with an all-new Top Chef Fantasy Game for Season 7.
Now, along with rooting for your favorite contestants, you can keep track of the points they receive for winning challenges, receiving compliments, or arguing with other players! Bravo really outdid themselves in designing the game, and I watched the premiere more closely to figure out who would be on my team!
I’ve set up a GMMR group at bravotv.com, so that we can share bragging rights in the comments section each week. The Season Premiere did NOT count for any points, so you can pick your favorite chefs now and play along next week! Click on the link above, and use Passcode Tom4388 to join the fun!
My team, Erik’s Benedict, needs some competition. I’d love to see 20 GMMR readers join the group, so don’t hesitate!
Early on, it appears that Angelo & Kenny have separated themselves from the pack. Angelo has a swagger similar to Michael Voltaggio, which makes him an easy guy to root against. Obviously, his cooking is better than his attitude. It’s unrealistic to think he can fulfill his goal of winning every challenge. However, Kenny is the only chef who has a similar confidence about his food.
Watch out for Kelly Liken, who runs her own restaurant in Vail, Colorado. Her vibe reminds me of Jennifer Carroll, another Season Six veteran who exhibited quiet confidence. There are always dark horse candidates as the Top Chef seasons roll on, so who do you think will step up?
I’m eager to read your feedback to this week’s premiere, and to meet the brave folks who will try to crush Erik’s Benedict all season!
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Hey Erik – Sounds fun!! How do we get a password to play?
BravoTV.com does ask for you to register on their site, which gives you access to the full spectrum of NBC Universal websites. Once you have registered, the link included in the recap should take you to the GMMR Top Chef group. Once you arrive, use Passcode Tom4388 to join, and away we go!
i joined your group! how do we check out each other’s teams and whatnot?
Jen: I’m pretty sure the leaderboards will update after next week’s episode, though I’m not sure how much info will post about each team. I’m going with Angelo, Kenny, & Kelly, just to avoid the negative points for being eliminated. I think the secret to BIG points will be finding the drama queen who will initiate all the tension in the group.
Good news so far, as more people have joined the Fantasy Game group each day. I’m curious how the interactivity will enhance everyone’s viewing experience. The first contestant to curse while starting an argument will be a hot mess of entertainment, along with earning 4 points!