Reply #23: that's Gail from Food & Wine.

[Flaxbee]

She really annoys me, too. During the beach cooking/breakfast challenge she said about a zillion times that she "hated brown, rubbery eggs". Drove me crazy.

I don't like this as much as Project Runway, not even close - mostly, I think, b/c of the judges. I don't "get" Padma, aside from the fact that she's pretty and Salman Rushdie's wife. Is she a chef? Or just a pretty face?

Tom Colicchio seems OK, perhaps a dick sometimes, but OK. And I don't really like Gail, either (whereas on Project Runway, I like all the judges and looove Tim).

As for the contestants, at first I kinda liked Betty b/c she was so enthusiastic, but she seems to have become nasty. Marcel is a pretentious wanker, though I really don't believe he's deserved anywhere NEAR the abuse and acrimony directed toward him by the others. Cliff seems talented, but last night's episode wasn't cool the way they all were piling on Mia. Elia seems to be a terrific chef, but doesn't have the personality to lead.

Mike is a party boy, probably could make a decent meal or two but isn't "Top Chef" quality - the only reason I think he hasn't been booted is because he adds some comic relief or friction or something to the mix. Like Vincent in last season's Project Runway - his character is just a foil, not a legitimate contender.