mitmondol said:
I think we , who only watch a compressed something (?!) have no clue really about these people.
Also, all that they are put up doing is not really fair.
I, for one, don't think I have a clear view of their abilities at all.
Do you?
Besides, the tasks they were given are not exactly the ones I would judge a chef's knowledge by.
The whole thing is mainly for serving the general public I think, not for showing real chefs,doing real tasks.
But, what do you want from "reality shows">??!
I think that it depends on who is watching the show. The general public focuses on the drama, emotion, by what the chefs say about each other, what the tasters say, etc. Because the cooking skill level of the general public is not at the same level or not done in the same environment, it's hard for a homecook to watch everyone in action and know who has it and who doesn't. It's easier to focus on the drama. People in the restaurant industry, and those with professional cooking experience can watch the chefs and have a good idea of of their skill levels, food knowledge, palate, etc. For example, this is why the general public (going by the viewer polls on the Bravo website) loved Betty in season two and hated Marcel. They could identify with Betty. Betty cooked what most people can cook. She generally had a sunny disposition. All of that couldn't change the fact that Marcel could outcook her hungover, blindfolded, and with one hand tied behind his back. I have a very clear view of the abilities and how I would stack up to them in a cook off. I think that I could take Joey, Clay, both Saras, Micah, Howie, or Camille without too much of a problem. Lia, Sandee, CJ, Brian, or Dale would be a good challenge, and I would probably lose against Tre, Casey, or Hung. In season one, I think that I could outcook anyone except for Harold, Tiffani, Lee Ann, or Steven. In season two, anyone except for Sam, Cliff, or Marcel.
The thing is, the challenges do test a chef's knowledge and creativity because it forces them to really stretch themselves and put out a good product with both time and ingredient restraints. The food that they put out is an extension of themselves. The competition in this season is much higher that the previous two. For example, if Lia was on either of the first two seasons, she probably would've made it to at least the top 6 or 7. In season three she was the 5th out of 15 people to go. When they announce the quickfire and elimination challenges, I always mentally create a dish that I would do in that situation. Almost every professional cook or chef that I know loves this show.