Top Chef Winner 2009!
It’s been an intense season of Top Chef, with brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio in the competition til the end. I was sad to see Jennifer go last week, but since the quality of her food had slipped for a few weeks, the brothers and Kevin really did deserve to compete for the crown.
No Top Chef finale is complete without some surprises, though, and this season was no different. The contestants had to use a “mystery box” ingredient, and they also had to make a dish inspired by home-cooked meals from their mothers, who made surprise appearances and were invited to eat the dish alongside the judges. If guys who cook weren’t already hot enough, seeing them with their moms completely made me melt. The chefs also had to make a dessert, which was challenging.
I’ve always been pulling for Bryan. He’s like an adorable cartoon character, and his food is always really interesting. Kevin seems to have been the judges’ favorite, but sometimes you wonder if such simple food can win the honor of Top Chef. And I’m sorry, but Michael is such a douchebag sometimes!
There were ups and downs throughout the finale: Bryan’s great venison and fig sorbet, Michael’s overcooked cake but interesting popcorn-like dehydrated broccoli, Kevin’s savory broth but disappointing pork belly. And while Kevin botched some difficult mushrooms, Michael totally nailed them.
SPOILER ALERT: In usual Top Chef fashion, they misdirected us and ended their deliberations by praising Bryan. I was cheering for him myself, but it turned out to be the brash Michael who won Top Chef season six.
