I wondered if I was the only one who was upset that Ariane got the boot last night.

There is a poll on the Top Chef web site and after voting, the results come up for Leah, who I really think should have gotten the boot.

http://www.bravotv.com/Top_Chef/season/5/blogs/index.php

Leah totally should've gotten the boot. She has never been that great.

I can't recall the judges getting it so wrong on Top Chef before.

Hosea was one of my favorites trying to keep Stefan and his ego in check, but he really let Ariane down, and didn't say anything because he didn't want to see his friend Leah get the boot.

The previews for next week really rubbed it in. Since when has Top Chef been about romantic alliances? I thought that was reserved for Survivor and Big Brother.

The previews totally made me think that it isnt just about the cooking on that show.I had hoped that this was one reality show that didn't do that nonsense. IMO Hosea can go too just for his actions.

Leah survived again!!

Thank you Stefan for saving your team.

Carla needs to move on from desserts and pastires.

I'm okay with Radika packing up her knives. She seemed in over her head for the last couple of weeks.

I felt bad that Radika went because of her lack of leadership. She did seem to be one of the better chefs winning the quickfires. This quickfire win caused her to be put in charge. Doesn't seem fair that Leah is still there, but since the "patrons" picked them as slightly better, that whole team wasn't at risk. Don't like the rules. I think Carla is a riot, but I agree, she needs to do something besides desserts.

The whole Leah/Hosea relationship has screwed over 2 people in the last 2 weeks.

^^

Carla is a riot. I had to laugh when she said she sent her desserts in with "love" because she knew they were bad.

Radika getting the axe is sad, but she didn't cook anything, and she proved that she is more comfortable being a sous chef, rather than the top chef. And, the idea is to win 100k to start your own restaurant. Radika proved she would be a bad investment because she is just too timid and easily stressed out. Not a great combo if you're starting up a restaurant.

I hope Leah goes soon. As you said, for the second week in a row, she has managed to survive despite herself.

Carla did great tonight! I held my breath when Fabio was in the bottom 3. He's one of my favorites. Glad he made it through. I also like Jamie. Her whining about not winning was bugging me, but now that's she's won a few, she's coming across sweet. I think I'd like to have lunch at her restaurant in SF. I checked it on the Net. It's called Absinthe on Hayes Street and she's the Executive Chef. Her dishes just look inviting to eat! Stefan gets on everyone's nerves, but he seems to be an excellent chef and I think Hosea is good too. I don't like to cook and I don't eat meat, but I really love this show!! LOL!!

^^

I really thought Fabio was going to get the heave ho for overcooking the halibut.

All three that were on the chopping block are so much better than Leah, but I digress.

Jaime does seem to be settling in. I just wish she would do more than scallops and shrimp. She's a seafood kind of chef, which works out well if you don't eat meat!! I think it would be fun to visit her restaurant too!

Leah must be a cat because she is surviving despite herself.

You're so right about Leah! Can't figure out why she didn't go last night. She certainly doesn't seem focused anymore.

Getting worried about Fabio! The preview for this week's show has his hand bandaged after a kitchen accident! He's one of my favorites!

Woohoo!! Leah's gone and Fabio won tonight!! I love the final 4!! Carla is such a riot and the 3 guys are so competitive! It's going to be fun in New Orleans!!

^^

Oh my gosh, I almost thought Stefan was going to get the boot.

Fabio, with cut finger and all wins the most important challenge to date.

Carla deserves to be there. Great final four.

Oh no!!! Fabio is gone now - not enough 'heat' in the food for New Orleans! I thought Stefan was going. Carla had a great win tonight!! Part 2 of the finale is going to very interesting next week with her, Hosea and Stefan!!

I really hope Stefan does not win.

^^^

Me too. He's so arrogant. It would be nice to have another female win or humble guy Hosea (except for his bad judgment messing with Leah!! LOL).

^^ I agree. No Stefan.

I'm rooting for Carla at this point. She has come on strong at the end and Stefan is not. She came so close to getting the boot before she found her groove.

ETA: I loved how they brought back three contestants who had already gotten the boot just to mix it up a little. And, they made it really difficult to displace one of the final four by saying the "second chance" winner had to win the next challenge in order to go to the finals.

That's true! Let's go Carla!!!! Woohoo!!

Congrats to Hosea!! Poor Carla - she should have listened to her instincts on cooking instead of Casey's. I felt so bad for her.

Fabio won $10,000 tonight for being the 'fan favorite!! Hosea was very honest when he said his girlfriend broke up with him when he told her what had happened with Leah. Not surprising.

Oh my gosh, I forgot about the finale!

I'll be back tomorrow with some thoughts, but yeah, not surprising that Hosea's g/f gave him the heave ho. He embarrassed her on national television for crying out loud.

^ ^ ^

Leah said she told her boyfriend and they stayed together awhile and then broke up. The host asked if Leah and Hosea were together and they said they're good friends. Apparently, she won't move from New York to Colorado. They said that the kissing happened because they had been drinking a lot!

Try to catch the reunion show. They'll repeat it. It was really good.

Read Fabio's blog. He's so funny. He's going to do great with endorsements and books and restaurants!
http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef