‘Top Chef’ talk: L.A. comes out on top in New York

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Angelenos who are fans of Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’ reality show have reason to celebrate. As everybody who watches (or cares) knows by now, Stefan Richter, former chef at Enoteca Drago and current Santa Monica resident and caterer, was the big winner during Wednesday night’s season five premiere.

So far he is also one of the show’s most compelling characters. A commanding presence with a domed bald head and a confident swagger, Stefan, who is Finnish, was drawn to the show’s other super-alpha male and fellow Angeleno Fabio Viviani (owner of Moorpark’s Cafe Firenze). Fabio is Italian and together the two heavily accented brand-new BFFs paraded around the house kitchen one evening engaged in a ridiculous bout of grandstanding over the nature of vinaigrette. These are the moments that people who geek out over food and cooking shows live for.

‘Top Chef’ New York’s other L.A. contestant, Alex Eusebio, former co-owner of Echo Park’s 15, was not nearly as visible during the premiere and turned in a shaky performance at the stove, and in the inaugural Quickfire challenge. Unlike Stefan, Alex seemed a bit intimidated by the grueling ‘Top Chef’ process. The camera often caught him looking nervous, even pained. I’m a huge Alex fan, though, and I’m willing to chalk his early stumbles up to the understandable jitters of being on national TV. With 15 contestants left, there’s still plenty of time for him to catch his stride.

--Jessica Gelt

ANOTHER TWO CENTS: It’s bad enough that I have to sit through so much Glad product placement and ad-bombardment that I find myself thinking about Odor Shield trash bags during the week, but I was particularly appalled by all of the Korbel ‘Champagne’ -- appalled that the contestants were actually drinking the stuff and that I had to suffer not one but two commercials for it. Korbel? Do you think they would serve Korbel to Jean-Georges Vongerichten? -- Betty Hallock

For a full recap of ‘Top Chef’s’ season premiere check out Denise Martin’s Showtracker blog post.

Can’t get enough? Eater L.A. is also weighing in on the show.