Now that the last installment of Top Chef has ended, with Ilan taking home the Kenmore Pro Kitchen, the other contestants have go back to the job market. If you owned a restaurant, which chef would you hire? Who would you want to cater your wedding? Who do you imagine will be serving sandwiches down at the local diner?
Okay...maybe Michael's the obvious choice for serving sandwiches. What about the others? Here's my assessment:
Here are the people I would consider hiring:
Sam...I think he would be the dream employee for any restaurant. He's a team player, he's very creative, he's a hard worker and he motivates people.
Cliff...he could have been a contenter if not for that stupid juvenile prank. I think he's a great cook and he can turn out food quickly.
Frank...again, he's very good in the kitchen. He's fairly creative.
Bettye...she's not the best cook, but she is a team player and is great with people.
Here are the people I would never hire and the reasons.
Marcel...he's just too difficult to work with. He's a great chef and a very creative guy, but he would be impossible to manage.
Mia...in my mind, she's a quitter. She's also a whiner and that's makes any kitchen more difficult.
Elia...she's too insecure and at times cracked under pressure.
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Comments: 2
I completely agree with your assessment. It was a travesty that Sam wasn't chosen and I could kick Cliff in his shin for that stunt he pulled. A showdown between Cliff and Sam would have been awesome!
(You did not mention Ilan.... he won, but he still has to work. Does he go back to being a line cook in the Spanish restaurant?)
My opinion:
I agree about Sam. He should've won. He helps others, and he has no ego in the kitchen. He is more concerned about getting out good food that how he looks. He was not so noble out of the kitchen, but that's a different story.
I think Michael, with a bit more experience, would make a very good chef in a place like Friday's or the 99. Actually, I could see him owning a breakfast joint! Can't you just picture him chatting with all the regulars? He cooks good food, and everyone likes him, and wants to help him. He just doesn't seem dedicated enough to do fine dining.
I like Mia. I think she would do a great job catering a wedding. She likes to cook, has a great deal of confidence, and does not seem to get stressed out. I think her meltdown on the show had more to do with missing her family (she has 2 young daughters) than with the pressure of the competition.
Elia has a great deal of potential, but not a strong backbone. She would make a great Assistant Chef. She needs to temper the moodiness a bit.
I agree with you about Cliff.
I dislike Frank. He has too much "attitide", and I can never get past that Mushroom Fantasy Salad.... He did not listen to the challenge, and the dish was ludicrous. If Emily's dish hadn't been so bad, I think he might have gone home then.
I would never hire Betty. I think she is a team player only when she likes the team. Remember the Thanksgiving episode? Part of the reason that meal was so awful is that she took control and would not listen to anyone. Plus, she has a serious mean streak.
I would hire Marcel, but I would put him in "Idea Development" or something. He has great ideas, but can't work well with others. He's like a mad scientist.
Fun exercise. Thanks!