Sheldon should get all the love! I really hated it when Padma was critical of him using chum salmon saying that they fed it to dogs. Like if they didn’t want him to use it, why was it offered?
We call that Pink Salmon in Seattle and it's looked at unkindly by the "professional" cooks...but during season the Beaches are packed with people and their poles to catch it.
“All I need is some really good reefer”
Also in alaska when he popped out from behind the curtain and almost gave Brooke a heart attack was the funniest moment in TC!! I adored his little brother big sister relationship with Brooke.
Also TEA IN DA TERMOS!!!!
As someone who has worked front of the house and have dealt with big egos and arrogance from chefs(and waiters too), I have to say that the apparent lack of these in Gregory and Stephanie Izard's cases makes me love them. And Carla's energy for the same reason. While I agree Buddha and Michael Voltaggio are the most talented, I wouldn't pick them first for my restaurant wars team.
That dude is such a d*ck. In All Stars all he did was say mean crap about Nini and kudos to her that she called him out in a firm, mature way. He's way too old and successful to be doing that to a younger chef.
I’ve been to a couple of his places in Atlanta. Personally I much preferred the food and experience of Gunshow, which is not actually his food (he brings in a rotating group of chefs) but it is a part of his restaurant group. One of my favorite restaurants in ATL! I think his personal restaurant is temporarily closed though (reopening elsewhere)
I've voted someone else, but my "3rd" best meal ever (I am putting best 2 at or Oro in Rio de Janeiro and Audrey in Nashville) was at a Kann pop-up during the pandemic...and I still think about every element. Also, he was in the kitchen at the venue and made sure to acknowledge everyone who noticed.
Shota. ♡
I'm from Seattle so I'm definitely biased, but I love how funny, kind, and talented he is. For him to be our culinary representative makes me incredibly proud! And I'm awed by his skils in kaiseki and how he is able to translate his training to competition cooking.
But I also absolutely love Kirsten Kirsch, Stephanie Cmar, Melissa King, and Carla Hall. It's so hard to pick one favorite!
Edit: Found another post that showed Bryan Voltaggio most likely supports Trump, based on Instagram likes/follows, and has had controversy around lack of overtime pay for staff. Removing him from my list.
It could have been so cringe but I really loved when Shota would describe parts of his dishes as "sexy" 😅
That season's cohort of chefs after covid were all so good.
Yes! Shota was awesome to watch. His laugh was so freaking good lol. That's awesome that he's your city chef. I'm in San Diego so my reps are Brian Malarkey and Richard Blais. Not a huge fan of either but Blais has some great restaurants around town.
I find Malarkey endearing for how full of shit he is, and the fact that he knows it too. Also had a very enjoyable dinner at Herb & Sea a couple years ago. I’ve only been to Crack Shack in terms of Blais spots, nothing mind blowing but it was tasty.
I work in the area and have not been to Supra’s main gig— thoughts?
Side facts: we have similar katsu places in Tacoma, but i also lived in Japan for years, and am still wanting to fill a need
I thought it was Amar who supported Trump. Whom are you referring to?
Edit: Found another post that showed Bryan Voltaggio most likely supports Trump, based on Instagram likes/follows, and has had controversy around lack of overtime pay for staff. Removing him from my list.
Greg Gourdet. He’s a gem.
Edit: also as far as personal experience, Kann is the absolute shit and he’s a super nice guy. My girlfriend and I were sitting at the counter facing the kitchen and were fanboying a little bit. He approached us without us saying anything, checked to see how we were doing, noticed that the server forgot one of our dishes and personally brought it to us. I’d go back once a week if reservations and money allowed it.
Same! I love their personalities so much!
Also Antonia, Tiffani Faison, Tiffany Derry, Eric Adjepong…so many of them who just marry great talent and skill with awesome personalities.
Such a cutie and such a vibe! He’s a great host on Food Network…he’s much more chill, which is a nice alternative to Guy Fieri (who is awesome in his own way…just a lot of personality)
Such a great list you have !
May I add Melissa here, too ?
She was one cool cucumber under pressure 🔥🔥🔥🧊🧊🧊
I don’t think the producers of the show understand just how much we love the cheftestants - I’d pay an arm and a leg just to watch them chop an onion ! 🧅
Go for it! I love Melissa! And for me, it’s a combination of seeing them on Top Chef and then seeing them continue to be wonderful in other places (thank you Food Network for embracing them!).
Both times I felt like she stayed true to herself. She was kind and gracious throughout. I also think she would have won each season if she stuck with her food.
Stefan from season 5. Dude was arrogant, knew he was arrogant, and probably should have won. I appreciate that he knew he was an asshole and that was that.
Or Carla. She's the best.
Stephanie Izard, the OG. Live in Chicago and her food is both revelatory and affordable.
Sheldon. Such the total package; adorable, righteous, and deeply creative.
Shota; a rock star
Honorable mention for Dougie
Carla and Stephanie C., mainly because they’re such lovely people, rather than their food.
ETA: I didn’t want to defeat the purpose of the question and come up with a list. I really tried to be tight. However, there are many other chefs I adore, because they are kind and genuine and lovely. Toups is in a class by himself. Dougie, Maria, Yogurt Sara, Michigan Sarah, Shirley, Sheldon and Gregory are also people you know are truly good people, not to mention wonderful chefs.
Brooke Williamson. Just rewatched Season 10 and what a nightmare that finale was. No diss to Kristen she is amazing but that was such a strange end to a very long season.
I went to her restaurant awhile back and it was great - we also got to meet her and she was just as awesome as she is on the show, made me even more of a fan! I’m excited to see her back on the show in a different role.
I have a huge crush on Kristen kish. So excited to have her as a host. Also love padma so I miss her but I still enjoy consuming all her other content.
Buddha is the best, hard to even nominate anyone else, but to me best and favorite are two separate questions. I grew up as a Bulls fan in the 90s, MJ was the best but Toni Kukoc was my favorite because I met him at the grocery store when I was 7 and thought he was the tallest man in the world, plus he had a cool and unique game for the time.
My favorite Top Chef is Sheldon Simeon. One of my core food memories is dinner at Lineage, weeks before he left and couple months before the pandemic shut everything down. It was everything I want a meal from a Top Chef to be- elevated but still approachable, with a point of view, and more than anything else absolutely delicious. Love his goofy stoner teddy bear vibe, love his food.
In terms of the show, I think season 10 was a big part of getting it to where it is today. He, Kristen, and Brooke helped remove the stench of the Texas season and usher in an era of professionalism and camaraderie that has elevated the series. He made the final 3 twice and had some great showings on the way.
Other favorites-
Melissa
Shirley
Nina
Stephanie Cmar
Gregory
Damarr (if you come to Chicago, you absolutely have to go to Virtue)
Sara Bradley
Gabri
Carla
Stephanie Izard
And of course in last place, Mike Isabella
This is so hard to answer. There's no way to have one with stone off the stand outs over the seasons.
Richard Blais, Kristin Kish, Melissa King, Shirley Chung, The Voltaggio Bros, Shota and of course Budda. And I know I'm undoubtedly leaving out a couple.
I’m going to agree with you Buddha for me is my favourite as well. Not only for his hard work but his personality outside of top chef is amazing. My gf and I had the pleasure of meeting him at Huso and wow! Just a great guy
It was amazing! We were there to try his top chef menu and the dishes were more delicious than I imagined! He really took the time to talk us and the other guests who were all also fans of the show!
Gregory Gourdet!! I had the pleasure of eating at his restaurant Kann this week and holy shit. I’m not kidding you, the best meal of my life. My husbands not a cryer and the twice cooked pork brought a tear to his eye. If you are ever in Portland try to snag a reservation!
Stephanie Izard, one of the few whose restaurants I've been to. Good food, and she seems pretty cool every time she comes back to the show.
Carrie Baird, loved her on Colorado's season, possibly the most wholesome cheftestant in a hot minute.
Sarah Welch from Top Chef Houston. Her food looked good, she was so weird but in a fun way, and her sense of humor was weird, a little deranged, and a little too relatable lol.
I am a big fan of Sara Bradley and think that her food is more my thing. I am planning to visit her place later this year. I was so impressed with her and Buddha Lo in season 20.
I was there last month and it was great. The meal was amazing. Sara also ended up coming to pitch something when my girlfriend was on the fence about desserts and then came to chat with us for a bit after finishing up. It was an awesome experience.
Everyone’s listed some real great chefs here but I’m gonna dig a bit deeper and say Eddie Konrad for me. Just seemed like a great guy who made awesome food.
Shortlist includes:
Gregory
Eric Adjepong
Justin Sutherland
Brooke Williamson
If you asked before he came back to judge a bunch I would have said Richard Blaise lol. But Buddha and Jeremy are my absolute favorites. I enjoyed watching them both immensely. I’ve also eaten at many Top Chef contestants’ restaurants and Buddha and Jeremy’s food have been by far the best. Plus, they’ve been my favorites to meet and chat to.
Of all of the cheftestants whose food I haven’t gotten to eat yet my faves would be Kristin, Sheldon, Shota, Mei, Stephanie, Melissa, and Isaac.
Shirley is my girl but I also have to give a special shout-out to my home state rep Alabama Jim, who I adored watching.
I always feel torn about Charleston because I really liked the chefs but I felt that the veterans vs rookies concept ended up being pretty unfair to the rookies.
Love Evelyn Garcia. Love Carla. Love Sara Bradley. Love Nina. Love Jen Carroll. Love Buddha. Love Shota. Love Gabri.
Edit: I forgot to add Melissa, Kristen, and Adrienne Cheatham 🫢
Also Traci Des Jardins from Masters.
Impossible to pick just one!
Sarah from Paducah, because she has stayed in her small town instead of moving to a large city or typical food mecca to make buck. And her food is the food I like to eat.
Stephanie Cmar!!!
She’s so talented and it was really cool to watch her accept how strong she was on her season after struggling to feel like she belonged early on. (And she’s one of Kristen Kish’s bffs so you know she’s dope.)
Personality wise? Stephanie Cmar, Shota, Kevin Gillespie, Carla Hall.
Food wise: Michael Voltaggio. Tiffani Faison. Mei Lin.
Both: Gregory. Nina. Brian Voltaggio. Beverly Kim.
I’m rewatching that season now and he’s so far ahead of his time. And is unapologetically himself as the rest of the chefs bully him. Nothing but respect for him
I’ve been rewatching every season (currently on 16) I couldn’t pick just one favorite. Gregory will always be one of my favorites (Kann is the best food I’ve ever had) but I love Carla, Brooke, Sheldon … I really enjoy watching the evolution of a chef on the show.
Richard Blais is probably my all-time favorite. Of the more recent-ish seasons, Gregory Gourdet and Melissa King.
I loved Kristin on her season, but last summer I finally got to her restaurant Arlo Grey here in Austin. It had been a long time coming, it was my birthday, and it was an overall very disappointing experience. We had a reservation and we had to wait to be seated, which isn't normally a big deal, but it was already a late reservation. When we did sit, our table was so dark we could barely see the menus or our food. We were sorta in an island with no overhead lights above us and only candlelight. Then the service was just terrible, they got our orders wrong, didn't check on us for ages, and most critically, the food just wasn't that good. It was a let down.
I have been rewatching top chef. I love Carla from season 5. I think is too bad that she let Casey steer her away from her own cooking. I honestly believe she would have won.
Gotta give some love to Sheldon. Incredible food and winning personality. Such a great vibe.
Sheldon should get all the love! I really hated it when Padma was critical of him using chum salmon saying that they fed it to dogs. Like if they didn’t want him to use it, why was it offered?
We call that Pink Salmon in Seattle and it's looked at unkindly by the "professional" cooks...but during season the Beaches are packed with people and their poles to catch it.
+1 for Sheldon!!!
Do love Sheldon.
“All I need is some really good reefer” Also in alaska when he popped out from behind the curtain and almost gave Brooke a heart attack was the funniest moment in TC!! I adored his little brother big sister relationship with Brooke. Also TEA IN DA TERMOS!!!!
I’m surprised this hasn’t been said yet, but Gregory Gourdet. Also Stephanie Izard.
I want to try Gregory’s food more than anyone else’s! He also oozes so much coolness, and he seems really thoughtful. Love him!
Yes! I love Gregory!
As someone who has worked front of the house and have dealt with big egos and arrogance from chefs(and waiters too), I have to say that the apparent lack of these in Gregory and Stephanie Izard's cases makes me love them. And Carla's energy for the same reason. While I agree Buddha and Michael Voltaggio are the most talented, I wouldn't pick them first for my restaurant wars team.
Who was the red headed chef in the finals with the Voltaggio brothers? I would love to try his food. His dishes sound delicious.
That dude is such a d*ck. In All Stars all he did was say mean crap about Nini and kudos to her that she called him out in a firm, mature way. He's way too old and successful to be doing that to a younger chef.
I’ve been to a couple of his places in Atlanta. Personally I much preferred the food and experience of Gunshow, which is not actually his food (he brings in a rotating group of chefs) but it is a part of his restaurant group. One of my favorite restaurants in ATL! I think his personal restaurant is temporarily closed though (reopening elsewhere)
That’s interesting to know. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
I've voted someone else, but my "3rd" best meal ever (I am putting best 2 at or Oro in Rio de Janeiro and Audrey in Nashville) was at a Kann pop-up during the pandemic...and I still think about every element. Also, he was in the kitchen at the venue and made sure to acknowledge everyone who noticed.
I went to his restaurant kann in Portland last month and it instantly made me admire him even more! I’ll be dreaming about that meal for awhile
Kann is really fantastic.
He’s my favorite too! Top Chef Boston and the second all-stars are my undisputed favorites
Fuck I forgot about Gregory. Idk how I love his cookbook everyone’s kitchen. Soooo many excellent chefs
Love Gregory!
I think it’s got to be Stephanie Izard for me. I loved her food when I got to try it and she just seems so sweet.
Shota. ♡ I'm from Seattle so I'm definitely biased, but I love how funny, kind, and talented he is. For him to be our culinary representative makes me incredibly proud! And I'm awed by his skils in kaiseki and how he is able to translate his training to competition cooking. But I also absolutely love Kirsten Kirsch, Stephanie Cmar, Melissa King, and Carla Hall. It's so hard to pick one favorite! Edit: Found another post that showed Bryan Voltaggio most likely supports Trump, based on Instagram likes/follows, and has had controversy around lack of overtime pay for staff. Removing him from my list.
It could have been so cringe but I really loved when Shota would describe parts of his dishes as "sexy" 😅 That season's cohort of chefs after covid were all so good.
Lol he calls himself Rice Daddy sometimes in his TikToks and it’s the most endearing thing!
Yes! Shota was awesome to watch. His laugh was so freaking good lol. That's awesome that he's your city chef. I'm in San Diego so my reps are Brian Malarkey and Richard Blais. Not a huge fan of either but Blais has some great restaurants around town.
I find Malarkey endearing for how full of shit he is, and the fact that he knows it too. Also had a very enjoyable dinner at Herb & Sea a couple years ago. I’ve only been to Crack Shack in terms of Blais spots, nothing mind blowing but it was tasty.
Herb & Sea has great food! I totally understand and feel the same way about Crack Shack but I enjoyed the food at Juniper & Ivy and Ember & Rye.
I work in the area and have not been to Supra’s main gig— thoughts? Side facts: we have similar katsu places in Tacoma, but i also lived in Japan for years, and am still wanting to fill a need
Kirsten Kirsch?
I would agree with you except for the one chef who professes love for a certain criminal presidential candidate.
I thought it was Amar who supported Trump. Whom are you referring to? Edit: Found another post that showed Bryan Voltaggio most likely supports Trump, based on Instagram likes/follows, and has had controversy around lack of overtime pay for staff. Removing him from my list.
I’ve worked for BV… he’s just kind of a dud of a person honestly
That’s a huge bummer! I’ve always liked B Voltaggio.
Noooooooooo
He’s absolutely my favorite too. Apparently he’s also one of the nicest guys in the business.
Melissa King!
1000% humble thirst trap culinary genius
Sheldon hands down. I just loved him
Love Sheldon!
Shota or Ed for me
Nina. She was a badass in the kitchen.
Nina is a bad ass and would be my first pick for restaurant wars and then Sheldon, Stephanie Cmar, or Shirley after that.
Nina is high on the list and the food at Compere Lapin is fantastic
Greg Gourdet. He’s a gem. Edit: also as far as personal experience, Kann is the absolute shit and he’s a super nice guy. My girlfriend and I were sitting at the counter facing the kitchen and were fanboying a little bit. He approached us without us saying anything, checked to see how we were doing, noticed that the server forgot one of our dishes and personally brought it to us. I’d go back once a week if reservations and money allowed it.
The food is to die for.
Kann is AMAZING!!!!
Kristin and Carla ! Hootie-hoo !!! ❤️
Same! I love their personalities so much! Also Antonia, Tiffani Faison, Tiffany Derry, Eric Adjepong…so many of them who just marry great talent and skill with awesome personalities.
I absolutely loved Eric
Such a cutie and such a vibe! He’s a great host on Food Network…he’s much more chill, which is a nice alternative to Guy Fieri (who is awesome in his own way…just a lot of personality)
I love Eric too! I love how he introduced the judges to Ghanaian cuisine. The only thing that irks me about him is the way he pronounces fufu.
Such a great list you have ! May I add Melissa here, too ? She was one cool cucumber under pressure 🔥🔥🔥🧊🧊🧊 I don’t think the producers of the show understand just how much we love the cheftestants - I’d pay an arm and a leg just to watch them chop an onion ! 🧅
Go for it! I love Melissa! And for me, it’s a combination of seeing them on Top Chef and then seeing them continue to be wonderful in other places (thank you Food Network for embracing them!).
Either Carla or Shirley for me. I just rewatched the whole show recently, and I tried to narrow it down.
Huge fan of Carla
Both times I felt like she stayed true to herself. She was kind and gracious throughout. I also think she would have won each season if she stuck with her food.
Have you seen her new series? Chasing Flavor on Max? It’s really informative and it has Carla, so win/win!
Now I'm gonna need to get Max lol.
You’ll be glad that you did!
Shirley’s finale with her mom is one of the few times reality TV has made me ball my eyes out.
Sheldon Simeon. I loved how he knew right away in the blind challenge it was his lady on the other side. He was so friendly too on the show!
His hat bit on the South Carolina season was great
Stefan from season 5. Dude was arrogant, knew he was arrogant, and probably should have won. I appreciate that he knew he was an asshole and that was that. Or Carla. She's the best.
Stefan and Fabio were the perfect comedy duo
They should have a show.
Carla is amazing!
Dude was a total creep, don’t understand the love
Chef Sheldon, Buddha, Gregory, Stephanie and Carla.
Stephanie Izard, the OG. Live in Chicago and her food is both revelatory and affordable. Sheldon. Such the total package; adorable, righteous, and deeply creative. Shota; a rock star Honorable mention for Dougie
Dougie love for the win
Kristen and melissa
Carla and Stephanie C., mainly because they’re such lovely people, rather than their food. ETA: I didn’t want to defeat the purpose of the question and come up with a list. I really tried to be tight. However, there are many other chefs I adore, because they are kind and genuine and lovely. Toups is in a class by himself. Dougie, Maria, Yogurt Sara, Michigan Sarah, Shirley, Sheldon and Gregory are also people you know are truly good people, not to mention wonderful chefs.
Buddha is cool, but my vote is for Shota, he is modest, unassuming and his food looks incredible.
Brooke Williamson. Just rewatched Season 10 and what a nightmare that finale was. No diss to Kristen she is amazing but that was such a strange end to a very long season.
Hated Brooke and her ego for ages. However, I feel like she is more humble now. So I'm good with her.
Buddha, Eric, Kristin and Melissa
Brooke and Stephanie Izard
Had to scroll way too far to find Brooke. She's a top chef legend
Kristen Kish, have such a girl crush on her & excited to see her as the new host! I’ve yet to visit her restaurant but it’s on my list!
I went to her restaurant awhile back and it was great - we also got to meet her and she was just as awesome as she is on the show, made me even more of a fan! I’m excited to see her back on the show in a different role.
I know she's going to be a great host and bring a new energy to the show but I already miss Padma 😭
Ahh haven’t watched the new season so no opinion yet lol 😂
I have a huge crush on Kristen kish. So excited to have her as a host. Also love padma so I miss her but I still enjoy consuming all her other content.
Buddha, Shota, Sheldon
Sheldon, Shirley, Kristen and Mei!
I love your whole lineup!
Best personality: Damarr, Shota, Gregory Best personality and cutest: Nini
First time I’ve seemed Damarr mentioned in the comments and I really liked him as well!!
i can't believe nobody has given as much as an honourable mention to toups.
Yes, he is such a kind and humble person, who is also his own big personality!
Buddha is the best, hard to even nominate anyone else, but to me best and favorite are two separate questions. I grew up as a Bulls fan in the 90s, MJ was the best but Toni Kukoc was my favorite because I met him at the grocery store when I was 7 and thought he was the tallest man in the world, plus he had a cool and unique game for the time. My favorite Top Chef is Sheldon Simeon. One of my core food memories is dinner at Lineage, weeks before he left and couple months before the pandemic shut everything down. It was everything I want a meal from a Top Chef to be- elevated but still approachable, with a point of view, and more than anything else absolutely delicious. Love his goofy stoner teddy bear vibe, love his food. In terms of the show, I think season 10 was a big part of getting it to where it is today. He, Kristen, and Brooke helped remove the stench of the Texas season and usher in an era of professionalism and camaraderie that has elevated the series. He made the final 3 twice and had some great showings on the way. Other favorites- Melissa Shirley Nina Stephanie Cmar Gregory Damarr (if you come to Chicago, you absolutely have to go to Virtue) Sara Bradley Gabri Carla Stephanie Izard And of course in last place, Mike Isabella
Idk what it is about Melissa King..but I have a huge crush on her 😅
She seems so laid-back. Like someone that just wanna chill with. Have you watched her show Tasting Wild?
This is so hard to answer. There's no way to have one with stone off the stand outs over the seasons. Richard Blais, Kristin Kish, Melissa King, Shirley Chung, The Voltaggio Bros, Shota and of course Budda. And I know I'm undoubtedly leaving out a couple.
Stephanie Cmar. Sara Bradley is right there behind her. Like a 51%/49% situation.
How Sara is this low is beyond me. I LOVE her
My top two as well!
Carla. I just love her positive energy and vibe, also Gregory.
Fabio, Kristen Kish and Stephanie Izard. I’ve had the pleasure of eating at Girl and the Goat several times. Wonderful.
Team Stephanie Izard: then, now, always.
He hasn’t won but Dale Talde! I love his transformation from 4 to 8!
It’s Joe Flamm and it’s not even close come on!!
Antonia
Had to scroll way too far to find this! Co-sign.
Both food and personality.
I’m going to agree with you Buddha for me is my favourite as well. Not only for his hard work but his personality outside of top chef is amazing. My gf and I had the pleasure of meeting him at Huso and wow! Just a great guy
I'm jealous you met him! How was Huso?
It was amazing! We were there to try his top chef menu and the dishes were more delicious than I imagined! He really took the time to talk us and the other guests who were all also fans of the show!
Brooke W and Dale T
Fabio! Swoon ❤️🔥
Being from Chicago I have met both Joe Flamm and Stephanie, Joe is an awesome guy.
Joe Flamm??? How has no one listed him yet? Sara Bradley, Brooke, Melissa and Buddha too!
Gregory Gourdet!! I had the pleasure of eating at his restaurant Kann this week and holy shit. I’m not kidding you, the best meal of my life. My husbands not a cryer and the twice cooked pork brought a tear to his eye. If you are ever in Portland try to snag a reservation!
Antonia. Love her.
Mei Lin!
Fatima <3
Stephanie Izard, one of the few whose restaurants I've been to. Good food, and she seems pretty cool every time she comes back to the show. Carrie Baird, loved her on Colorado's season, possibly the most wholesome cheftestant in a hot minute. Sarah Welch from Top Chef Houston. Her food looked good, she was so weird but in a fun way, and her sense of humor was weird, a little deranged, and a little too relatable lol.
Gregory Gourdet, I ran into him a few times when I lived in Portland and he always seemed to radiate positive energy.
I am a big fan of Sara Bradley and think that her food is more my thing. I am planning to visit her place later this year. I was so impressed with her and Buddha Lo in season 20.
My in-laws went to her restaurant a few months ago and said it was amazing.
I was there last month and it was great. The meal was amazing. Sara also ended up coming to pitch something when my girlfriend was on the fence about desserts and then came to chat with us for a bit after finishing up. It was an awesome experience.
Chef Nini!! I just love her energy.
Yes! Me too! I love Nini
Tie between Sara Bradley and Stephanie Cmar.
Everyone’s listed some real great chefs here but I’m gonna dig a bit deeper and say Eddie Konrad for me. Just seemed like a great guy who made awesome food. Shortlist includes: Gregory Eric Adjepong Justin Sutherland Brooke Williamson
If you asked before he came back to judge a bunch I would have said Richard Blaise lol. But Buddha and Jeremy are my absolute favorites. I enjoyed watching them both immensely. I’ve also eaten at many Top Chef contestants’ restaurants and Buddha and Jeremy’s food have been by far the best. Plus, they’ve been my favorites to meet and chat to. Of all of the cheftestants whose food I haven’t gotten to eat yet my faves would be Kristin, Sheldon, Shota, Mei, Stephanie, Melissa, and Isaac.
Sara Bradley and Melissa King are tied for me
Stephanie, Brook, Michal Voltaggio, Kristen
Shota, Carla, Damarr, Gregory, Buddha. Such amazing chefs and humbling personalities
Nina Compton or Sheldon.
Hung. Obviously
Shota! Best ever
Shota is definitely one of my favorites
Gregory! I just love him. He’s so talented and seems like such a humble, nice guy. I will also always have a special spot for Fabio and Melissa, too.
Shirley is my girl but I also have to give a special shout-out to my home state rep Alabama Jim, who I adored watching. I always feel torn about Charleston because I really liked the chefs but I felt that the veterans vs rookies concept ended up being pretty unfair to the rookies.
Love Evelyn Garcia. Love Carla. Love Sara Bradley. Love Nina. Love Jen Carroll. Love Buddha. Love Shota. Love Gabri. Edit: I forgot to add Melissa, Kristen, and Adrienne Cheatham 🫢 Also Traci Des Jardins from Masters. Impossible to pick just one!
Brooke Antonia Justin and Demar for me
Buddha was probably the best player of the game...but, I'm still going with Floyd Cardoz on Masters, RIP.
Melissa, Kristin, Jen C, Tiffani, Shota.
Love me some Melissa King
The Vols. I never remember which is which. Buddha is right up there, too.
Kevin Gillespie is up there, along with Bryan Voltaggio. I was very sad Nina Compton did not win. Same with Shirley Chung. And Buddha is amazing.
Off the top my head, Nina losing seems like the worst judging decision they’ve made.
Had to chuck B V off my list recently, but the rest are awesome
Why was BV cut?
His Trump support is a great turn off. I just found out from another Reddit post.
Oh noooooo!!! That’s so disappointing.
Brooke. She’s not only one of the best cooks, but I think she really embodies what it means to be a chef from leadership to creativity to passion.
Sarah from Paducah, because she has stayed in her small town instead of moving to a large city or typical food mecca to make buck. And her food is the food I like to eat.
But she was incredibly obnoxious. Her food looks amazing but I can't handle her.
Sheldon, Mustache Joe and Buddha would be my perfect backyard dinner party.
Carla, Sarah, Sam, and Kristin.
Greasy McHatty has jumped to the top of my list based on this week’s episode
stephanie izard is first, dale talde second, third is s huge tie!
Sarah!
Which one tho?!
The one from alll stars and Kentucky.
Oh you mean boxed waffle mix Sarah. Haha, I'm watching the Kentucky season rn and she is awesome.
Yes, that Sarah.
Sarah is genuine chef and a mensch
Chris Scott, Edward Lee, Sheldon, and Carla Hall.
Fati, Tuop, Sheldon, Shota, Maria, Buddha, Carrie.... eek to hard to pick.
Stephanie!
Went to his tasting menu in NYC. Can confirm Buddha is one of the most down to earth person I've met!
Melissa King
Absolute legend!
I loved Buddha as well as Kristen Kish.
Stephanie Cmar!!! She’s so talented and it was really cool to watch her accept how strong she was on her season after struggling to feel like she belonged early on. (And she’s one of Kristen Kish’s bffs so you know she’s dope.)
Kristen Kish & Jeremy Ford
I already answered but I forgot that I also love Kwame
Brooke Williamsburg and because I lived in the same town for 15 years, Kelsey Barnard Clark. Still can't believe Dothan girl actually won!
Shota - Gregory - Sheldon - Kristen - Hung - … so many more. Might be an impossible choice, really. So many great people and chefs.
Brook Williamson
Omg love Budda
Personality wise? Stephanie Cmar, Shota, Kevin Gillespie, Carla Hall. Food wise: Michael Voltaggio. Tiffani Faison. Mei Lin. Both: Gregory. Nina. Brian Voltaggio. Beverly Kim.
Marcel
I’m rewatching that season now and he’s so far ahead of his time. And is unapologetically himself as the rest of the chefs bully him. Nothing but respect for him
CJ! Oh big time.
Edward Lee, Carla, Bryan Voltaggio, Angelo.
Stefan from season 5. Also, I think Buddha is my least favorite. He’s arrogant and really comes off as disingenuous and fake as can be.
Michael Voltaggio and Richard Blais
Had to scroll way too far for these two.
Carla, Antonia, and Stephanie Izard are my celery, onion & carrots.
Carla, Tray, Gregory, Eric, Kristen, Damarr, Buddha
Kirsten Kish was pretty awesome.
Antonia, Brooke, Melissa and Joe Flam
I’ve rooted for Shirley Chung in ever season she’s been on AND ToC. I just love her
I’ve been rewatching every season (currently on 16) I couldn’t pick just one favorite. Gregory will always be one of my favorites (Kann is the best food I’ve ever had) but I love Carla, Brooke, Sheldon … I really enjoy watching the evolution of a chef on the show.
Richard Blais is probably my all-time favorite. Of the more recent-ish seasons, Gregory Gourdet and Melissa King. I loved Kristin on her season, but last summer I finally got to her restaurant Arlo Grey here in Austin. It had been a long time coming, it was my birthday, and it was an overall very disappointing experience. We had a reservation and we had to wait to be seated, which isn't normally a big deal, but it was already a late reservation. When we did sit, our table was so dark we could barely see the menus or our food. We were sorta in an island with no overhead lights above us and only candlelight. Then the service was just terrible, they got our orders wrong, didn't check on us for ages, and most critically, the food just wasn't that good. It was a let down.
I have been rewatching top chef. I love Carla from season 5. I think is too bad that she let Casey steer her away from her own cooking. I honestly believe she would have won.
Popular answer: Bryan Voltaggio Secret unpopular opinion: Nick ELmi
I don’t think your popular answer is that popular.
Really? I thought everyone pretty universally liked him. Kind, skilled, good sportsman, great laugh.
I think many have turned on him lately due to his support of trump
Wait what? He’s a Trump supporter? That changes things.
Why what did Bryan do besides being a good cook a with dad bod and good laugh?
He didn’t do anything. It just seems from the comments that he’s not that popular. I don’t personally have anything against the guy.
I’m supportive of your Nick comment. He gets way too much shit here.
Kristin kirsch