Anonymous wrote:Our family watched this season of Top Chef together and we were really into it. Not only was the food amazing and the setting stunning, but we really enjoyed the esprit de corps among the contestants, even as they were competing so vigorously. After the judges decided to have the top 3 go on to the final, I would have been happy to see any of them go on to win the big enchilada (so to speak). Now that the news about Gabe is out there, I certainly wish Gabe had not been named Top Chef. Someone who treats his staff in a punitive, unethical and selfish manner -- whether in the context of sexual harassment or otherwise -- doesn't deserve the title of Top Chef. I know there are those who take the view that Gabe won on his cooking and that his actions with regard to staff shouldn't be part of the decision. But, Dawn's food was clearly amazing too (as was Shota's) and yet she was criticized all along for other factors -- most notably the repeated plating mistakes. Being a chef involves all aspects of what happens in the kitchen and FOH as well (see "Restaurant Wars"). At this point, stripping Gabe of the title and declaring Dawn and Shota co-winners might be the appropriate action. Certainly, Gabe should not be involved in the show as a returning judge or in any other capacity.

As far as Gabe's comments about his family, the photos and the phone call, I'm going to assume the best here and believe that he and his wife were working on healing their relationship and moving forward. I hope they'll be able to do that and I hope that Gabe's career as a chef (though not Top Chef) can continue once he atones for his actions and demonstrates a commitment to reforming his behavior. I'm not sure how that can be measured or monitored, but I do think people deserve a second chance if they're willing to make amends.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nope. He won fair & square.

Nope. TV contracts have morality clauses that cover exactly this.

Anonymous wrote:I’m not reading any of this thread right now because it already told me what I wanted, or rather didn’t want to know. Been swamped and was looking forward to sitting down this weekend and watching the last 3 episodes of Top Chef. Really? You had to tell the winner in the title? You couldn’t have just said Top Chef Winner? Or added spoiler alert?

It’s not your fault or problem that I haven’t been able to watch till now. But you didn’t even think there may people who may not seen it yet? If someone tells you they’re going to see a movie, do you say oh that was so sad when Larla died? If not total inconsideration, it’s at the least impolite. Nah - it’s totally inconsiderate.

Anonymous wrote:Nope. He won fair & square.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our family watched this season of Top Chef together and we were really into it. Not only was the food amazing and the setting stunning, but we really enjoyed the esprit de corps among the contestants, even as they were competing so vigorously. After the judges decided to have the top 3 go on to the final, I would have been happy to see any of them go on to win the big enchilada (so to speak). Now that the news about Gabe is out there, I certainly wish Gabe had not been named Top Chef. Someone who treats his staff in a punitive, unethical and selfish manner -- whether in the context of sexual harassment or otherwise -- doesn't deserve the title of Top Chef. I know there are those who take the view that Gabe won on his cooking and that his actions with regard to staff shouldn't be part of the decision. But, Dawn's food was clearly amazing too (as was Shota's) and yet she was criticized all along for other factors -- most notably the repeated plating mistakes. Being a chef involves all aspects of what happens in the kitchen and FOH as well (see "Restaurant Wars"). At this point, stripping Gabe of the title and declaring Dawn and Shota co-winners might be the appropriate action. Certainly, Gabe should not be involved in the show as a returning judge or in any other capacity.

As far as Gabe's comments about his family, the photos and the phone call, I'm going to assume the best here and believe that he and his wife were working on healing their relationship and moving forward. I hope they'll be able to do that and I hope that Gabe's career as a chef (though not Top Chef) can continue once he atones for his actions and demonstrates a commitment to reforming his behavior. I'm not sure how that can be measured or monitored, but I do think people deserve a second chance if they're willing to make amends.

I see the point you are making, but still disagree. The "other factors" Dawn was dinged for directly relate to the skills of a chef and the food they tasted on the plate. Restaurant Wars is the kinda the same (though I actually have always thought it was an anomaly that they judged on FOH). What Gabe did was not about being a chef at all.

(I was Team Dawn all the way, and was crushed when she messed up her plating AGAIN. As much as I hate it, she didn't deserve to win based on what she put out there. But I would LOVE to eat her food.)

+1

Dawn was not a contender in that finale based off leaving stuff the plate in her first course. She is a talented chef but is not able to perform in the constraints of a reality competition- which is not a big deal in her career as a chef. If they strip Gabe of the title, it should hands down go to Shota. Although I don’t think Gabe should be stripped of the title.

+2 We loved the comradery amongst the cast, all of whom appeared to be decent people. My entire family loved Dawn, with her organic style of allowing her ideas to develop over time. Unfortunately, her approach wasn't the best for this particular competition, which resulted in her running out of time again and again. If I could pick a chef whose food I would most want to eat, it would be Dawn's.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our family watched this season of Top Chef together and we were really into it. Not only was the food amazing and the setting stunning, but we really enjoyed the esprit de corps among the contestants, even as they were competing so vigorously. After the judges decided to have the top 3 go on to the final, I would have been happy to see any of them go on to win the big enchilada (so to speak). Now that the news about Gabe is out there, I certainly wish Gabe had not been named Top Chef. Someone who treats his staff in a punitive, unethical and selfish manner -- whether in the context of sexual harassment or otherwise -- doesn't deserve the title of Top Chef. I know there are those who take the view that Gabe won on his cooking and that his actions with regard to staff shouldn't be part of the decision. But, Dawn's food was clearly amazing too (as was Shota's) and yet she was criticized all along for other factors -- most notably the repeated plating mistakes. Being a chef involves all aspects of what happens in the kitchen and FOH as well (see "Restaurant Wars"). At this point, stripping Gabe of the title and declaring Dawn and Shota co-winners might be the appropriate action. Certainly, Gabe should not be involved in the show as a returning judge or in any other capacity.

As far as Gabe's comments about his family, the photos and the phone call, I'm going to assume the best here and believe that he and his wife were working on healing their relationship and moving forward. I hope they'll be able to do that and I hope that Gabe's career as a chef (though not Top Chef) can continue once he atones for his actions and demonstrates a commitment to reforming his behavior. I'm not sure how that can be measured or monitored, but I do think people deserve a second chance if they're willing to make amends.

I see the point you are making, but still disagree. The "other factors" Dawn was dinged for directly relate to the skills of a chef and the food they tasted on the plate. Restaurant Wars is the kinda the same (though I actually have always thought it was an anomaly that they judged on FOH). What Gabe did was not about being a chef at all.

(I was Team Dawn all the way, and was crushed when she messed up her plating AGAIN. As much as I hate it, she didn't deserve to win based on what she put out there. But I would LOVE to eat her food.)

+1

Dawn was not a contender in that finale based off leaving stuff the plate in her first course. She is a talented chef but is not able to perform in the constraints of a reality competition- which is not a big deal in her career as a chef. If they strip Gabe of the title, it should hands down go to Shota. Although I don’t think Gabe should be stripped of the title.

+2 We loved the comradery amongst the cast, all of whom appeared to be decent people. My entire family loved Dawn, with her organic style of allowing her ideas to develop over time. Unfortunately, her approach wasn't the best for this particular competition, which resulted in her running out of time again and again. If I could pick a chef whose food I would most want to eat, it would be Dawn's.

Same. We agree with your assessment - the time-based competition is not her strong suit yet if we had a choice of the three for a meal then we would go with Dawn hands-down. I don't know what they should do about the title. They didn't take away Mike I's and frankly what I read about him seems 10x worse in terms of duration and # of victims so I don't know what to advise re Gabe. Except it is certainly shining a light into the restaurant business and the particular dangers it can unfortunately hold for young women working in that industry.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our family watched this season of Top Chef together and we were really into it. Not only was the food amazing and the setting stunning, but we really enjoyed the esprit de corps among the contestants, even as they were competing so vigorously. After the judges decided to have the top 3 go on to the final, I would have been happy to see any of them go on to win the big enchilada (so to speak). Now that the news about Gabe is out there, I certainly wish Gabe had not been named Top Chef. Someone who treats his staff in a punitive, unethical and selfish manner -- whether in the context of sexual harassment or otherwise -- doesn't deserve the title of Top Chef. I know there are those who take the view that Gabe won on his cooking and that his actions with regard to staff shouldn't be part of the decision. But, Dawn's food was clearly amazing too (as was Shota's) and yet she was criticized all along for other factors -- most notably the repeated plating mistakes. Being a chef involves all aspects of what happens in the kitchen and FOH as well (see "Restaurant Wars"). At this point, stripping Gabe of the title and declaring Dawn and Shota co-winners might be the appropriate action. Certainly, Gabe should not be involved in the show as a returning judge or in any other capacity.

As far as Gabe's comments about his family, the photos and the phone call, I'm going to assume the best here and believe that he and his wife were working on healing their relationship and moving forward. I hope they'll be able to do that and I hope that Gabe's career as a chef (though not Top Chef) can continue once he atones for his actions and demonstrates a commitment to reforming his behavior. I'm not sure how that can be measured or monitored, but I do think people deserve a second chance if they're willing to make amends.

I see the point you are making, but still disagree. The "other factors" Dawn was dinged for directly relate to the skills of a chef and the food they tasted on the plate. Restaurant Wars is the kinda the same (though I actually have always thought it was an anomaly that they judged on FOH). What Gabe did was not about being a chef at all.

(I was Team Dawn all the way, and was crushed when she messed up her plating AGAIN. As much as I hate it, she didn't deserve to win based on what she put out there. But I would LOVE to eat her food.)

+1

Dawn was not a contender in that finale based off leaving stuff the plate in her first course. She is a talented chef but is not able to perform in the constraints of a reality competition- which is not a big deal in her career as a chef. If they strip Gabe of the title, it should hands down go to Shota. Although I don’t think Gabe should be stripped of the title.

+2 We loved the comradery amongst the cast, all of whom appeared to be decent people. My entire family loved Dawn, with her organic style of allowing her ideas to develop over time. Unfortunately, her approach wasn't the best for this particular competition, which resulted in her running out of time again and again. If I could pick a chef whose food I would most want to eat, it would be Dawn's.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our family watched this season of Top Chef together and we were really into it. Not only was the food amazing and the setting stunning, but we really enjoyed the esprit de corps among the contestants, even as they were competing so vigorously. After the judges decided to have the top 3 go on to the final, I would have been happy to see any of them go on to win the big enchilada (so to speak). Now that the news about Gabe is out there, I certainly wish Gabe had not been named Top Chef. Someone who treats his staff in a punitive, unethical and selfish manner -- whether in the context of sexual harassment or otherwise -- doesn't deserve the title of Top Chef. I know there are those who take the view that Gabe won on his cooking and that his actions with regard to staff shouldn't be part of the decision. But, Dawn's food was clearly amazing too (as was Shota's) and yet she was criticized all along for other factors -- most notably the repeated plating mistakes. Being a chef involves all aspects of what happens in the kitchen and FOH as well (see "Restaurant Wars"). At this point, stripping Gabe of the title and declaring Dawn and Shota co-winners might be the appropriate action. Certainly, Gabe should not be involved in the show as a returning judge or in any other capacity.

As far as Gabe's comments about his family, the photos and the phone call, I'm going to assume the best here and believe that he and his wife were working on healing their relationship and moving forward. I hope they'll be able to do that and I hope that Gabe's career as a chef (though not Top Chef) can continue once he atones for his actions and demonstrates a commitment to reforming his behavior. I'm not sure how that can be measured or monitored, but I do think people deserve a second chance if they're willing to make amends.

I see the point you are making, but still disagree. The "other factors" Dawn was dinged for directly relate to the skills of a chef and the food they tasted on the plate. Restaurant Wars is the kinda the same (though I actually have always thought it was an anomaly that they judged on FOH). What Gabe did was not about being a chef at all.

(I was Team Dawn all the way, and was crushed when she messed up her plating AGAIN. As much as I hate it, she didn't deserve to win based on what she put out there. But I would LOVE to eat her food.)

+1

Dawn was not a contender in that finale based off leaving stuff the plate in her first course. She is a talented chef but is not able to perform in the constraints of a reality competition- which is not a big deal in her career as a chef. If they strip Gabe of the title, it should hands down go to Shota. Although I don’t think Gabe should be stripped of the title.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our family watched this season of Top Chef together and we were really into it. Not only was the food amazing and the setting stunning, but we really enjoyed the esprit de corps among the contestants, even as they were competing so vigorously. After the judges decided to have the top 3 go on to the final, I would have been happy to see any of them go on to win the big enchilada (so to speak). Now that the news about Gabe is out there, I certainly wish Gabe had not been named Top Chef. Someone who treats his staff in a punitive, unethical and selfish manner -- whether in the context of sexual harassment or otherwise -- doesn't deserve the title of Top Chef. I know there are those who take the view that Gabe won on his cooking and that his actions with regard to staff shouldn't be part of the decision. But, Dawn's food was clearly amazing too (as was Shota's) and yet she was criticized all along for other factors -- most notably the repeated plating mistakes. Being a chef involves all aspects of what happens in the kitchen and FOH as well (see "Restaurant Wars"). At this point, stripping Gabe of the title and declaring Dawn and Shota co-winners might be the appropriate action. Certainly, Gabe should not be involved in the show as a returning judge or in any other capacity.

As far as Gabe's comments about his family, the photos and the phone call, I'm going to assume the best here and believe that he and his wife were working on healing their relationship and moving forward. I hope they'll be able to do that and I hope that Gabe's career as a chef (though not Top Chef) can continue once he atones for his actions and demonstrates a commitment to reforming his behavior. I'm not sure how that can be measured or monitored, but I do think people deserve a second chance if they're willing to make amends.

I see the point you are making, but still disagree. The "other factors" Dawn was dinged for directly relate to the skills of a chef and the food they tasted on the plate. Restaurant Wars is the kinda the same (though I actually have always thought it was an anomaly that they judged on FOH). What Gabe did was not about being a chef at all.

(I was Team Dawn all the way, and was crushed when she messed up her plating AGAIN. As much as I hate it, she didn't deserve to win based on what she put out there. But I would LOVE to eat her food.)

Anonymous wrote:Our family watched this season of Top Chef together and we were really into it. Not only was the food amazing and the setting stunning, but we really enjoyed the esprit de corps among the contestants, even as they were competing so vigorously. After the judges decided to have the top 3 go on to the final, I would have been happy to see any of them go on to win the big enchilada (so to speak). Now that the news about Gabe is out there, I certainly wish Gabe had not been named Top Chef. Someone who treats his staff in a punitive, unethical and selfish manner -- whether in the context of sexual harassment or otherwise -- doesn't deserve the title of Top Chef. I know there are those who take the view that Gabe won on his cooking and that his actions with regard to staff shouldn't be part of the decision. But, Dawn's food was clearly amazing too (as was Shota's) and yet she was criticized all along for other factors -- most notably the repeated plating mistakes. Being a chef involves all aspects of what happens in the kitchen and FOH as well (see "Restaurant Wars"). At this point, stripping Gabe of the title and declaring Dawn and Shota co-winners might be the appropriate action. Certainly, Gabe should not be involved in the show as a returning judge or in any other capacity.

As far as Gabe's comments about his family, the photos and the phone call, I'm going to assume the best here and believe that he and his wife were working on healing their relationship and moving forward. I hope they'll be able to do that and I hope that Gabe's career as a chef (though not Top Chef) can continue once he atones for his actions and demonstrates a commitment to reforming his behavior. I'm not sure how that can be measured or monitored, but I do think people deserve a second chance if they're willing to make amends.

Anonymous wrote:For what is worth, I'm another one who Op spoiled the episode for me. Op you messed up.

As for the topic, it is disappointing. I feel like the rep on Tom is he favors guys. Kind a sucks that kind of jerk won.... Again. I don't think they needed to can the season but maybe he could have been edited down as they did with Dee on the challenge? The way it did end just makes the season kind of suck. Maybe time for some new judges like strong female chefs like Gabriel Hamilton.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m not reading any of this thread right now because it already told me what I wanted, or rather didn’t want to know. Been swamped and was looking forward to sitting down this weekend and watching the last 3 episodes of Top Chef. Really? You had to tell the winner in the title? You couldn’t have just said Top Chef Winner? Or added spoiler alert?

It’s not your fault or problem that I haven’t been able to watch till now. But you didn’t even think there may people who may not seen it yet? If someone tells you they’re going to see a movie, do you say oh that was so sad when Larla died? If not total inconsideration, it’s at the least impolite. Nah - it’s totally inconsiderate.

Sorry, but I don’t think spoiler alerts apply when there is news story about the show. . Like if you recorded the Super Bowl and that night the entire team got killed in a bus accident would you be mad that people were discussing the accident?

If you really want to avoid finding out who won, stay off all social media.

+1. It’s not like the title of the post was “Gabe won top chef”. Why would the PP click on the link? With three pages someone was bound to spoil the winner. My google news app spoiled the winner for me. I still enjoyed watching the finale.

Uh. I thought this was sarcasm at first. The thread title is literally Top Chef Gabe Erales...like President Biden...it's a title.

Exactly. Anyone scrolling down the list of threads sees this information. It’s just common courtesy to let people know there’s a spoiler.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m not reading any of this thread right now because it already told me what I wanted, or rather didn’t want to know. Been swamped and was looking forward to sitting down this weekend and watching the last 3 episodes of Top Chef. Really? You had to tell the winner in the title? You couldn’t have just said Top Chef Winner? Or added spoiler alert?

It’s not your fault or problem that I haven’t been able to watch till now. But you didn’t even think there may people who may not seen it yet? If someone tells you they’re going to see a movie, do you say oh that was so sad when Larla died? If not total inconsideration, it’s at the least impolite. Nah - it’s totally inconsiderate.

Sorry, but I don’t think spoiler alerts apply when there is news story about the show. . Like if you recorded the Super Bowl and that night the entire team got killed in a bus accident would you be mad that people were discussing the accident?

If you really want to avoid finding out who won, stay off all social media.

+1. It’s not like the title of the post was “Gabe won top chef”. Why would the PP click on the link? With three pages someone was bound to spoil the winner. My google news app spoiled the winner for me. I still enjoyed watching the finale.

Uh. I thought this was sarcasm at first. The thread title is literally Top Chef Gabe Erales...like President Biden...it's a title.