Search - Top Chef: New York (Season 5) on DVD

Top Chef - a quality show

barry | Boston, MA United States | 05/23/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I knew of TOP CHEF but just gave it a viewing a couple of months ago when Bravo did a marathon of season four - the Chicago episodes. I never thought I would enjoy a show about cooking but this show pulled me in right away and got me totally addicted. I of course had to then purchase this season taking place in New York. And what a perfect location for a show about chefs. There are so many reality shows on today but there are those rare few that rise levels above the others. TOP CHEF is one of those. It takes cooking seriously and while we get to know the contestants intimately throughout the season the food is the highlight. I am so impressed at how they mold both facets together so perfectly.



Each episode starts off right away with a quickfire challenge which tests particular skills and talents a chef should possess. So much fun and informative. Then we have the elimination challenge. These are always very creative. What is so appealing about this show is the contestants all have some chef experience and the challenges have the cooks cooking food of al different styles. I in no way cook elegant cuisine though I do enjoy eating out. But here the challenges are so creative that anyone who uses a kitchen will find fun new ways to cook. They come up with everything from the basics to haute cuisine. And I have gained such high admiration for chefs and how difficult, challenging and skilled the job is.



I also think this season is a perfect combination of a great show with perfect contestants. We have all personalities and pure entertainment is provided. Stefan, Carla, Ariane, Jamie, Jeff and of course Fabio all stood out for me. And add the perfect judges Tom Colicchio, Padma Lakshmi and Gail Simmons and magic happens. Some reality shows get off on judges being overly harsh as a gimmick. Judges here are tough but honest and respectful. So bottom line TOP CHEF provides a reality show of the highest caliber that will educate you about cooking, introduce you to some amazing people and pull you in obsessively to the final challenge. I find each episode so chock full of fun and info and great challenges that I will own each season they sell for I know I will watch each season again. Highly recommend this series and particularly this season."

Addictive!

Belle | 02/20/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I never thought I would get sucked into a cooking show, let alone review one and give it a five-star rating, but here I am. I got this show for my boyfriend for Valentine's Day because he loves cooking, and I was hooked after we watched the first episode.



The quickfire challenges are fascinating: watching what they can come up with on the fly with such limiting requirements and directions. The delicious looking and creative dishes the contestants were able to come up with in 15 minutes to an hour were incredible.



The elimination challenges were fabulous. I can't imagine the stress the chefs were under, especially with all the harsh criticism from the judges, but they usually managed to produce wonderful looking dishes. They may not have wowed the judges every time, but I have a feeling I would have enjoyed almost everything they made.



The tension in the kitchen creates enough drama to captivate your attention, and I'm sure you'll find yourself rooting for one or two favorites. If you're not a fan of cooking shows, don't be too quick to turn your back on this show. It really is entertaining."