Well, I just watched the finale.
I’m surprised that no one else has posted yet!
I like Gabe but I’m quite disappointed that Shota did not win. And that he got no advantage for outright winning the previous episode.
Sometimes I think they pick their winner before the end and it just “works out”
Can you believe Dawn again did not complete her plates?!
Good season. Gabe had a good run ; I think Shota had a better run.
I was thinking of this thread but hadn’t gotten around to it. I loved seeing the winery - having just been there.
So last week’s’ episode was kind of pointless. No one kicked off and nothing for the winner - neither money nor any advantage in the finale.
My favorite was Shota - who won fan favorite. And now there’s a lot of controversy over the fact that Gabe was fired from his restaurant last December, apparently for sexual misconduct. Filming ended in October. On other boards, people think the restaurant kept quiet as to the reasons until Bravo finished broadcasting the show. There was also one guest judge edited out of the finale because of charges of sexual harassment.
On a happier note, the four chefs on the winning restaurant wars team are doing a dinner for charity in Brian Malarkey’s restaurant in San Diego (where we went for my birthday last fall, outdoors). Sold out! Kokoson Dinner - Kappo Kitchen - San Diego, CA | Tock | Tock
For all of you Shota fans… He sounds like a nice guy! I am definitely going to eat at one of his restaurants:
https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/is-seattles-own-shota-nakajima-the-new-top-chef/
Just watched the finale on demand last night.
You knew Dawn was out after the first course (I can’t believe she did didn’t get her plates done again!)
I wish Shota had won. Gabe did well throughout the season, but I feel like Shota had a better season. I thought maybe I felt that way because Shota was so likable, but I checked and he had more elimination challenge wins, was in the top more, and in the bottom less than Gabe.
And it seemed like their only criticism of the finale was Shota’s rice wasn’t great and that dish was not “formal” enough compared to his other courses.
Gosh that’s so interesting about Gabe!
And so cool about the team dinner!
Padma is hugely vocal about any sexism - innocent t until proven guilty but she can’t be happy.
@BunsenBurner let us know if you go! He was just a very like able and supportive to his teammates guy.