Top Chef Winners — Page 2

"I guess my collective "we" was mistaken for a post on a culinary circle board, but I meant the general public. Whatever. I apologize for the confusion."

Wasn't trying to give you a hard time, just making a distinction. Serious foodies nationwide know who she is. She just won a James Beard award last year which is a huge deal for a chef, and is a hot ticket. She's not just a Chicago thing. But Carla is quirky and cool and entertaining and on that Chew thing so more people in general know her. It's the current debate among chefs. Do you care more about being viewed as a great chef or as a celebrity chef (and not to denigrate Carla's cooking, she is no doubt talented). It will be interesting to see in 7-10 years where each of their culinary careers are at.

WAIT...Did I ever tell you guys how I had the finale ruined for me last year?

I was at the NY premiere screening of A Place at the Table (co-directed by Tom's wife, Tom was a producer on the film...as was my best friend from college, and I know the other director). It happened to be the same night that last year's Top Chef finale aired. So...I'm at the after party at one of Tom's restaurants (Riverpark), and my best friend gets Tom to come over to meet the small group of gays that were there supporting our friend. He shook hands with everyone else, who behaved like normal human beings. He got to me and I said, 'Two things...' He started laughing and came over to me and said, 'OK, what?' I said, 'First, I've finally forgiven you for the Kristin thing...' and before I could finish, he said, 'F*ck you, she won tonight.' It was a deeply awesome moment. I don't even remember what the second thing was. He sat and took a picture with me and I just uttered, 'Bear heaven.' His wife came over and he said, 'I'm with my fanclub.'

I love him so much I can't even. And then I met Gail and I won life. At least for those few hours.

She's really beautiful and a fun gal. I got to talk to her about Top Chef Just Desserts and told her the Willy Wonka challenge was the single best challenge I've ever seen on reality tv. She's marvelous.

Gail is one of my top 5 people I want to have drinks and dinner with! I also love Alex Guarnaschelli. And I HAVE TO inspect every episode of The Taste for any powdered sugar on Nigella's stiff upper lip. Her teams are always a hot mess, but damn, she is so fun to watch. Girl can stuh-retch a dress.

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^ I will tell you that leaning up against a bar and sipping champagne with Gail Simmons is one of those moments where you know that you've made at least one right choice in life. I was in heaven.

I haven't met Ms. Guarnaschelli, but the meal I had at Butter was absolutely terrific. I love to stalk a celebrity chef from afar. I'm dying to go to The Lamb's Club. I used to not like Geoffrey Zakarian, but now I'm kind of obsessed.

I saw Zakarian at LaGuardia last year and went up and said that I was a big fan. He was super nice and loved my dog. So that makes him good people in my book.

'Ina Garten wouldn't give you the time of day even if her life depended on it.'

Especially if you're a Make-a-Wish kid!

I mean...who DOES that?

'Sorry, kid, I don't want to catch your cancer!'

I want to meet Gordon, too! And I've almost met Richard Blais, but I was sick and couldn't go to the event. Richard and Hugh are all we get in Georgia. And Truett Cathy's family.