Julie Bowen plays Claire Dunphy on "Modern Family."

I loved this quirky comedy from the very first episode. The central nuclear family, the Dunphys, is filled with great characters, especially the clueless dad, but it’s the nontraditional families that surround them that really make the show. The grandpa with his sexy, younger-than-his-daughter Columbian wife — who are either very rich or in need of debt repair — and her 10-year-old-going-on-40 son are interesting, complete characters, and they’re funny. Mitchell and Cam with their adopted baby Lily are endlessly lovable and hilarious, and “Modern Family” does them the favor of not writing them as the stereotypical, mostly-for-laughs gay men we have seen so much on prime time TV.

5. ‘Project Runway’

I think “Project Runway” does a good job of focusing on the fashion design competition and not personal drama. Sure, there’s some personal drama, but it’s just enough to let you get to know what is interesting about the contestants. People watch “Project Runway” to see who will win and lose each round, not to find out who said what about whom. Of course, I can’t write about “Project Runway” without mentioning its single best asset: Tim Gunn. Who doesn’t love him?

4. ‘The Office’

In previous seasons, “The Office” would have been No. 1 on my list, but ever since Jim got his management position, the dynamic of the show just isn’t quite the same. Jim has always been my favorite character, and he was also the sane center of the show. Now, I sometimes feel like I don’t know him anymore. Still, “The Office” is one of the best-written shows on TV, and I am excited to see what this season brings. Pam and Jim’s baby is on the way, and Dunder Mifflin will be sold to a company owned by Kathy Bates.

3. ‘Top Chef’

This show is off-season at the moment, but I look forward to it no matter what time of year it is. The best thing about this cooking competition show is that it keeps getting better each season. The challenges are more interesting, the quickfires have higher stakes and the chefs are getting better. Season six, in Las Vegas, was the most exciting, competitive, unpredictable season yet, and I can’t wait for “Top Chef” to get back on the air — even though I think Kevin should have won last season.

2. ‘30 Rock’

Maybe I’m just excited because it came back after its break this week, but I think “30 Rock” is the funniest show on television. The guest stars are always amazing and well-used. The characters are just crazy enough to be funny and just complex enough to be believable. I’m excited to see what happens this season when Liz’s previous love interest, the too-handsome Dr. Drew Baird, returns. And I can’t wait to hear what comes out of Tracy Jordan’s and Jack Donaghy’s mouths.

1. ‘Glee’

While “30 Rock” is the funniest show on television, “Glee” is the best. It strikes an excellent balance between drama and comedy and, of course, music! The cast is full of amazing performers, both musically and theatrically. The plotlines are sometimes borderline ridiculous, but “Glee” is the type of show that asks us to suspend disbelief. “Glee” fans do it willingly because the reward is priceless.

OK, I might be a bit of a food show junkie

Here is the part where I feel obligated to include some sort of disclaimer about how it’s not healthy to sit around watching television all the time. However, it’s totally acceptable to spend cold nights inside on the couch, but I think it’s important to make sure you are watching quality television. Much like using same day cash loans, if you do it right, it can be quite beneficial.

Plus, staying in is cheaper. I have spent more in one night out than it costs for a whole month of my cable subscription. So, instead of getting same day loans to fund entertainment, I try to stay home more. So, to help you avoid getting sucked into “Jersey Shore” and all of the other mindless drivel out there, I have compiled for you a list of the Top 10 shows on cable television.

10. Chopped, Food Network

If you like cooking competition shows, this is a good one. Four contestants get mystery baskets that all contain the same mystery ingredients. They make an appetizer, and one gets chopped. The three remaining contestants get a basket, make an entree and one gets chopped. The final two get baskets and make desserts to determine the winner. There are usually ingredients I have never heard of, and it makes for some very creative dishes.

9. The Colbert Report, Comedy Central

Steven Colbert makes keeping up on political news fun. He is hilarious and manages to pull of some of the best satire known to man, week after week. Good guests, good information and lots of laughs — what’s not to love?

8. Chef Academy, Bravo

Season one of this show is finished, and there’s no word on whether there will be a season two. But if you didn’t watch it, keep your eye on Bravo for reruns. This show blended an informational and competitive cooking. Nine students started out at Chef Novelli’s academy, and he told them from the beginning that if they failed three tests, they’d be eliminated.

7. The Daily Show, Comedy Central

This show is the daddy of The Colbert Report, and though it’s not satirical — just sarcastic — it’s got all the other elements. It keeps you informed about current events and makes you laugh.

6. Bartender Wars, Fine Living Network

Bartender Wars is really fun to watch. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a competitive bartending show. Competitors play games, are given challenges that involve ingredients or sales or customer service. It’s always a surprise, from beginning to end.

5. The Soup, E!

I look forward every week to watching Joel McHale make fun of pop culture, especially reality television. It gives me an opportunity to keep up on what everyone is talking about, gives me a feel for what certain shows are like without and always gives me a good laugh.

4. Worst Cooks in America, Food Network

I am riveted by every second of this show. Yes, it is another competitive cooking show, and on this one two people get eliminated each week. The objective of this show is to discover the best of the worst. They started off with the worst cooks they could find and split them into two teams. Now the worst cook from each team gets eliminated each week.

3. Trailer Park Boys, 101 Network

I think you can only watch the 101 Network if you have satellite television, but if you get a chance to watch “Trailer Park Boys,” do not miss it. It is one of the funniest shows I have ever seen. This Canadian show follows the mockumentary style of “The Office,” but it takes place in a trailer park where the main characters generally result to illegal methods of making money, but they somehow manage to be lovable.

2. Project Runway

Unless you have been under a rock for seven years, you know that “Project Runway” is a competitive fashion design show. When it first came out, I turned up my nose, being neither a fan of fashion or of reality television in general. However, I started watching it during season three and I was hooked. If you haven’t gotten into it yet, give it a shot.

1. Top Chef

Yes, of course I am ending with another competitive cooking show. But there’s no denying, this show is awesomely good! Much like “Project Runway,” “Top Chef” keeps the focus mainly on the competition and sprinkles in just enough human drama to spice it up. Here’s to many more seasons to come!

Image from Picasa.

I remember when “Real World” first came out. I never liked it. I still don’t like reality shows like “Newlyweds” and “My Fair Brady.” I really hate reality dating shows. Gross. I’d rather watch a reality show about people getting payday advances. However, reality television has come a long way, and I have found my niche: competitive reality shows. I don’t really like “Survivor,” “Big Brother” or “Fear Factor,” but there are plenty of good reality competition shows out there to keep me busy.

1. ‘Project Runway’

I love Tim Gunn, I love laughing at Michael Kors’ orange skin, I love Heidi’s accent, and I love trying to guess who will cry and what Nina Garcia will say. Yes, I pretty much love everything about “Project Runway.” And season seven starts Thursday!

2. ‘Models of the Runway’

“Models of the Runway” on its own is not a very interesting show. However, I love having a supplement to “Project Runway.” I think “Models of the Runway” makes “Project Runway” more interesting, even if it isn’t very interesting itself. Plus, I am always sad when “Project Runway” is over, so it’s nice to have that extra half hour of content.

3. ‘Top Chef’

Who can resist “Top Chef”? Season six was the best yet; the makers of “Top Chef” really managed to pump up the excitement with high-stakes quickfires, and they really lucked into the Battle of the Brothers. I can’t wait to see what happens next season! I’m so glad I have other competitive cooking shows to keep me busy until then.

4. ‘Chef Academy’

I knew from the second I saw Joel McHale make fun of Bravo for airing another competitive cooking reality show that I would love “Chef Academy.” The fun thing is that all of the chefs stuck around for the whole season, despite Chef Novelli’s vicious threats toward his students. It’s cool to watch people learn new cooking techniques and get to know them at the same time. There’s a navy guy, a trophy wife, a former porn star — what’s not to like?

5. ‘Chopped’

Yes, it’s another competitive cooking show. I can’t resist! “Chopped” doesn’t let you get to know the contestants like “Top Chef” and “Chef Academy,” but it’s fun to see how much personality can come out in the kitchen in just three quick challenges. I have learned a lot about flavor combinations and seen some really creative ideas on “Chopped.”

6. ‘America’s Next Top Model’

OK, so I have a love/hate relationship with “America’s Next Top Model,” but I am hooked. Watching Tyra Banks slowly go insane is just too entertaining to miss. Sometimes the girls on ANTM are awful, but that’s part of the fun!

7. ‘American Idol’

Sometimes I think “American Idol” can be a little bit slow, but last season, Adam Lambert managed to keep me interested. I am looking forward to this season because of the addition of Ellen DeGeneres, who I love. Also, it’s Simon’s last season! Who would miss that?

8. ‘Giuliana & Bill’

Sure, this show is the “just follow people around with a camera” style, but there is something about this couple that makes the show interesting and fun. The episode where Giuliana tried to learn to cook was hilarious. Plus, what happens when E News, where Giuliana works, ends up having to cover celebrity news about her?

9. ‘The Amazing Race’

Truth be told, I have only seen a few episodes of “The Amazing Race,” but I am thinking I should change that. Every time I have watched it I was riveted. It’s crazy to see what the stress does to some teams and which ones rise above it. Plus, they always end up getting to do really cool stuff.

10. ‘Jersey Shore’

“Jersey Shore” is last on the list because I only find it mildly interesting. I think that the hype surrounding the show is a lot more interesting than the show itself, but usually “Jersey Shore” manages to at least hold my interest.

Image from Flickr.

Maybe it was the pig tattoo. Maybe it was because he wasn’t a jerk (ahem, Mike Isabella). Maybe it was the beard. Probably it was the beard. Whatever the reason, “Top Chef” fans loved Kevin Gillespie from the start. I know a lot of people who were very disappointed that he didn’t win, but now Kevin Gillespie fans can rejoice in knowing that he did win the title of “Top Chef” fan favorite, and he’s another $10,000 richer for it.

I was more than a little perturbed when I tuned in to the “Top Chef” reunion special and found out all kinds of stuff, like the fact that Jennifer does not think Mike Isabella is a jerk, but I did not find out who the fan favorite was. What is the point of having the “Top Chef” reunion show and not announcing the winner of “Top Chef” fan favorite? It turns out the “Top Chef” fan favorite award was announced on “Watch What Happens Live,” which is a talk show about reality shows.

Rollin’ in the dough

Keving Gillespie won’t be needing short term installment loans any time soon. He made out pretty well on “Top Chef,” despite the fact that he didn’t take the title. In all, after all the high-stakes quickfires and whatnot, he won $55,000. So fans of Kevin and his beard should be comforted to know that he took home a big chunk of change for entertaining us this season and winning our hearts.

“Top Chef” fan favorite Kevin Gillespie won five elimination challenges and four quickfire challenges. The only time he was in the bottom group was during Restaurant Wars. And if you haven’t yet seen the Facebook group Fans of Kevin Gillespie’s Beard, check it out. There are also two different groups that were formed to  show their dismay at the fact that he didn’t win the “Top Chef” title, but I guess everyone will just have to accept his title of “Top Chef” fan favorite.

Bryan Voltaggio's restaurant, Volt, in Maryland. Image from Flickr.

Last night was the “Top Chef” season 6 finale, and now the world has one more Top Chef than it had before. It was an exciting season that pitted brother against brother. Ultimately, one of those brothers was victorious. Michael Voltaggio won the $125,000 and all that other crap they talk about at the beginning of “Top Chef” every week. Now he won’t have to get a personal loan to open his own restaurant.

I’ll admit, going into the finale, Michael was my least favorite. (I might have mentioned that in yesterday’s “Top Chef” post.) However, after hearing the judges talk about “flavor explosions” in their mouths and hearing over and over how creative he is, it appears he did deserve to win based on last night’s performance. Also, another bright side is that he doesn’t already have his own restaurant, and his brother does. Bryan Voltaggio’s Volt restaurant got tons of publicity, and Michael got the money to open his own place. Everyone wins. Except maybe …

The one who got away

Actually, let’s be honest here. Everyone does win. Fabio didn’t even make it to the final round last season on “Top Chef,” but he has been all over the small screen and is no doubt bringing in the big bucks. “Top Chef” is a real career booster for the ones who make it far enough. Kevin Gillespie has garnered tons of fans and notoriety, and he will no doubt have a very lucrative career after this. During “Top Chef” season 6 he said “That’s almost as much as I make in a year,” when there was a $30,000 prize on the line, but I’m sure that won’t remain true for long.

As long as we are being honest, deep in my heart of hearts, I wish Kevin would have won, and I think it was a fluke that he didn’t. He had more quickfire wins and more elimination challenge wins than the Voltaggio brothers. He wowed the judges, big time, all season. He and judge Toby Young both said he had a bad night. Kevin set the bar high when he cooked pork belly earlier in the season, and apparently he couldn’t live up to himself. However, he had far more good days than bad, and he is bound for a very successful carrer at a very lucky restaurant, whether it’s his own or, say, Chef Gordon Ramsay’s.

The safe chef

My second choice for the win was Bryan because I loved his humble attitude. I thought it was really sweet when Kevin asked for advice on how to sous vide some meat and Bryan helped him out. Also, Bryan was consistently good. He was never in the bottom group. His food was good enough to win four elimination challenges, but he just didn’t wow the judges enough.

Criticism of Bryan’s meal last night was that it was bland, not special, etc. No doubt his cuisine is better than a lot of the food being served at four-star restaurants right now, but his consistent, solid cooking just couldn’t stand up to the “wow” factor his brother brought.

A note about Mrs. V

On the “Top Chef” finale, the contestants’ moms came for a visit. Not surprisingly, Kevin’s mom was bubbly and super supportive. But how hard would it have been to be Mrs. Voltaggio? First, Padma asked her at dinner whether she liked Michael or Bryan’s dish better. “That’s mean,” said Gail. Yes, it is. Luckily, Mrs. V had the option of pleading the fifth.

However, how do you comfort one son because of his loss and congratulate the other for his win? Sheesh. Needless, to say, it was a very emotional few minutes as brothers and mother hugged and cried. I was worried when Padma asked the chefs to explain why they deserved to win and Michael responded “I just don’t want Bryan to be Top Chef.” However, in the end, I think Michael accepted his win with a lot of grace and humility.

Pictured: Tom Colicchio and some other people. Image from Flickr.

So maybe you’ve been invited to a “Top Chef” finale party but haven’t been following the show. Or maybe you just love to read about the last three chefs who are left on “Top Chef.” Either way, the winner will be chosen tonight, and we must prepare ourselves.

The “Top Chef” season finale always makes me a little sad because it means there’s only one hour of “Top Chef” goodness left for this season. But, of course, “Top Chef” will be back. Until then, we must sop up all the “Top Chef” goodness we can tonight. Part of the fun is trying to guess who will win, and this year it’s particularly tough to predict. So who will avoid having to go to loan lenders for the cash to finance opening his own restaurant? Let’s break it down.

Michael Voltaggio

The younger Voltaggio brother won a car on the most recent episode during the quickfire challenge. He has fewer elimination challenge wins than the other two finalists, but more quickfire challenges than his brother. Michael Voltaggio has been in the bottom group once, during episode seven, when contestants held a dinner party for Macy’s Culinary Council members.

Statistically speaking, this is a very close race. Michael has won three elimination challenges and two quickfire challenges. He’s often complimented for his creativity and compared to Picasso. From a viewer’s standpoint he definitely comes off as the most arrogant and off-putting, but that won’t matter to the judges.

Bryan Voltaggio

Michael Voltaggio’s older brother Bryan has remained a strong contestant throughout the competition. He has never been in the bottom group. He hasn’t won any quickfire challenges, but he has won four elimination challenges. The numbers seem to reflect his personality and cooking style: steady, strong and humble.

While the other two contestants had big ups and downs, Bryan has remained consistent. Mistakes get chefs sent home on “Top Chef,” so consistency is a huge asset for Bryan. I also think that his helpful attitude toward other chefs means he has some good karma headed his way.

Kevin Gillespie

Despite not having sibling-rivalry fuel powering him, Kevin has a whole lot going for him. He has nine wins. NINE: Five elimination challenge wins and four quickfire wins. The judges just love his food. The only time he has been in the bottom group was the Restaurant Wars, when the bottom group consisted of the entire losing team of four chefs rather than the usual three. Furthermore, the judges have said more than once that this was the closest Restaurant Wars competition yet.

Kevin also is a big hit with fans, some of whom are Fans of Kevin Gillespie’s Beard on Facebook. He has won both an elimination challenge focused on pork and a vegan elimination challenge. He has shown that he is versatile and creative, but will he beat the brothers?

Hopes and predictions

Based solely on numbers, I predict Kevin will win. However, while Kevin’s food is known for its simple deliciousness, the Voltaggios tend toward more creative yet refined cooking, and on the finale it might be pulling off a risk that gets the judges’ attention.

Or maybe I am predicting Kevin will win because I am hoping Kevin will win. I will also be happy if Bryan wins. Of course, because I can’t taste Michael’s food, but I can hear his snarky and arrogant comments, I will be disappointed if he wins. However, everyone seems to be in agreement that these three represent the strongest finalists in “Top Chef” history, and all of them so far have shown they deserve the title Top Chef and the $125,000.

Jane Lynch in "Glee" image from Flickr.

For those of you who are wondering what to expect regarding your regularly scheduled television programming over Thanksgiving, I have checked out the schedule for the unofficial list of the most popular shows. Those of you who love singing high school students as much as I do will be glad to know that “Glee” will be on during its regular time Wednesday on Fox. I’d gladly give the makers of Glee free no faxing payday loans to keep that show on the air forever.

So that’s the good news. Unfortunately, my other Wednesday night favorite, “Top Chef,” will only air in the form of reruns. Part 1 of the finale will be next week. If you’re into “The Biggest Loser,” NBC is airing a two-hour “Where are They Now?” episode Wednesday. ABC will air its regular comedy lineup, “The Middle,” “Modern Family” and “Cougar Town.” CBS programming is normal for Wednesday.

Turkey Day TV

Of course, what we are all really burning to know is what we will watch Thursday night after we wake up from our turkey-induced naps or settle our stretchy-pants clad behinds onto the couch. Unfortunately, we are all pretty much out of luck as far as regular programming goes. Why do TV people think they should get to have vacations?

Of course, my favorite Thursday night program, “Project Runway,” has come to an end. I usually watch the Thursday night lineup on NBC as well, but on Thanksgiving during Primetime NBC is airing a rerun of “The Office,” (at least it’s a good one: Pam and Jim’s wedding) and then a special, “NBC’s People of the Year.” Sounds riveting.

Here’s to tradition

So, you must be wondering who will play the classic Thanksgiving film, “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.” That would be ABC, starting at 8 p.m. After that is something about Beyonce. Yeah, that’s what I want to watch after I’ve stuffed myself to the gills with gravy and pie.

“Survivor: First 27 Days,” “CSI” and “The Mentalist” will air on CBS. I have no idea if these are reruns. Sorry. In further apology-related news, Fox will be playing a movie: “Night at the Museum.” You know, that movie starring Ben Stiller that’s about exactly what the title says. I have never seen it; I don’t think I ever will. The majority of critics on Rotten Tomatoes say it sucks. You might want to plan ahead if you want to veg out in front of the small screen Thursday night and head to the video rental store now.

Thanksgiving Theater

If you are early dinner eaters and have managed to recover from your food comas before bed time, perhaps you can head out to catch a flick. Two new movies are coming out Wednesday, “Old Dogs” and “Ninja Assassin.” The first, “Old Dogs,” is made by the same people who made “Wild Hogs,” and not only does it rhyme, it stars John Travolta and has midlife-crisis-related themes. So far, all of the critics at Rotten Tomatoes hate it.

“Ninja Assassin” has a few good reviews, but most critics are not into this film about child ninja orphans. Most say it’s boring and bloody. The Arizona Republic says “This movie may be filled with razor-sharp shuriken and katanas, but as far as the filmmaking goes, it’s a blunt instrument.”

Your best bet might be “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” which is expanding Wednesday. It has gotten great reviews; it was directed by the genius Wes Anderson and based on a book by genius Roald Dahl.

A protein inside a protein inside a protein, like this turducken, is called a "ballotine."

This week’s “Top Chef: Las Vegas” really increased the intensity — and I, for one, ate it up. The five remaining chefs were clearly the best, the cream of the crop. Still, I thought the judges made the right decision at elimination time. Even though I was not surprised, I was prepared to be, thus leaving me on the edge of my seat from the moment Jen said “turducken” during the quickfire challenge.

The quickfire challenge, articulated by Bocuse d’Or vetran Gavin Kaysen, was to cook a protein inside a protein inside a protein, hence Jen’s turducken joke. The Bocuse d’Or is the yearly “food olympics” in France. A turducken is a duck stuffed inside a chicken, which is stuffed inside a turkey. I wonder if I’d need a small personal loan to afford all three of those.

Welcome back

Birds all over the world rejoiced when they discovered that Jen actually wanted to work with seafood, which she says is her specialty. She made calamari steak, shiso and salmon all rolled up like sushi. It was pretty and apparently pretty tasty. Padma said “welcome back” after she tasted Jen’s dish.

So why all this talk about Jen? She won the quickfire. I thought the most delicious sounding dish was Kevin’s bacon-encrusted fried catfish, but alas, the television that transmits flavor has not yet been invented. Ahem. Anyway, Jen won an extra 30 minutes to cook during the elimination challege, which was — not surprisingly — for the chefs to prepare a Bocuse d’Or style dish, presented on a giant mirrored platter and everything.

Stuck in the moment

Eli says in a video on Broadway’s web site that he “got a little caught up in the situation … and the magnitude of what was happening.” I think most of the chefs fell victim to the same thing. I can’t really blame them: The winner of this challenge was promised $30,000. Despite the fact that all five of these chefs have put forth great performances throughout the season, all of them had technical problems with their dishes, except Kevin, whose dish was simply deemed too simple.

Everyone undercooked their dishes, except Kevin, so Kevin won. Judges called his dish “elementary,” but he still came out on top. This mark’s Kevin’s fifth elimination challenge win. It was a tad disappointing to watch the judges analyze such mediocre performances this late in the game, but I guess we just have to chalk it up to nerves and move on.

Looking forward to next week

In the spirit of moving on, I can’t wait to see the four very best chefs, who also happen to be my personal favorites, compete next week. We know from the preview that for the quickfire, the contestants must prepare a dish on a train — on the way to a new, far away place!

Based on the fact that he has won more challenges than anyone, logic points to the fact that Kevin will come out the overall winner on “Top Chef: Las Vegas,” but we’ve been surprised before. Was I the only one who was shocked when Hosea won “Top Chef” last season? Who do you think will win this season?

Image from Flickr.

Thanks to the popularity of “Iron Chef,” which blazed the trail for all kinds of competitive cooking shows, people are finally learning about umami foods. Then again, maybe they’re just learning it from the soy sauce commercials and payday loan companies.

Regardless of how or why, umami foods are finally getting the interest and recognition they deserve, making people’s palates more pleased. The word “umami” came from Japan, just like “Iron Chef.” Even though the idea of the fifth taste was added to the list with sweet, salty, bitter and sour in 1908, a lot of people are just hearing about umami for the first time.

Umami gets some serious screen time

As I suggested before, I believe it is the magical box we love to learn from combined with the rise in popularity of cooking shows that has caused this sudden interest in umami foods. For instance, a couple of weeks ago on “The Next Iron Chef,” the Food Network show used to select, um, the next Iron Chef, the chefs participated in an umami challenge in Tokyo.

Umami has also been thrown around on the ever popular “Top Chef” and, as I mentioned, soy sauce commercials. So, now that we’ve heard my theory about where this fascination with umami foods came from, what the heck are they?

Umami means yummy

The Tokyo Imperial University first identified umami as a separate taste, which is why we use the Japanese word for it. “The Next Iron Chef” judges say that “umami” means “deliciousness.” Other English words used to describe umami are: savory, brothy and meaty. A judge on “Chopped” called it “earthy.”

The umami taste is classified as its own taste because just like salty, sweet, sour and bitter, the tongue has specific taste buds that respond to it. Umami is present in foods such as meat, fish sauce, soy sauce, mushrooms, tomatoes, potatoes and Parmesan cheese. To get scientific about it:

The Umami taste is created by the amino acid Glutamate, and the ribonucleotides inosinate and guanylate, writes Thai chef and restaurateur John D Lee.

My thoughts on tasty tastes

I am a huge fan of savory foods, particularly pizza and potatoes, so I have a pretty solid  grasp of what umami is. I also love mushrooms and steak and soy sauce, so I understand why its synonyms are deliciousness and savory. However, all this talk of tastes and tastebuds always gets me thinking of my favorite taste of all: spicy.

So where is spicy on this list of tastes? Why isn’t it there? Lee wrote in his post about umami foods that “scientists now suspect that we may have receptors unique to spicy (capiscacim) and also to fat.” Scientists suspect, eh? Well, the only response I have to that is why don’t they know? I mean, come on! What in the world are scientists doing, if not identifying the spicy receptors? What could they possibly have to do that is more important? If scientists in Japan could identify umami foods more than 100 years ago, where’s the research on spiciness?

Image from Flickr.

“Project Runway” season six, its first season airing on Lifetime rather than Bravo, is nearing its end. The finale airs Thursday, and we will find out whether Althea, Irina or Carol Hannah will win the prize money and all of the other perks.

Wednesday’s “Top Chef: Las Vegas,” which Bravo thankfully managed to keep around, will pit the final five chefs against each other. To get you prepared for this delightful week on cable, I offer you recaps of “Project Runway” and “Top Chef: Las Vegas” because I love them so — both, I can’t pick. It’s like choosing between personal loan companies — they’ve all got what I want!

Top five on ‘Top Chef’

I think most viewers — and I know the remaining chefs — believe now that Robin is gone, we are really down to the very best of the bunch. Everyone still in the competition most definitely deserves to be there. Truth be told, I am a softy and I always felt sorry for Robin because the other chefs were mean to her.

They continued to be mean to her during episode 11, but on the most recent challenge, it was clear that it was Robin’s time  to go. I think she probably makes much better food than I ever could, but she kept repeating the same mistake: Rather than perfecting dishes that she knew she could do well, she was always trying brand new things. It finally caught up with her on “Top Chef” season six, episode 11.

Strong get stronger, weak go home

If it wasn’t clear that Robin was the weak link going into episode 11 (it was), it became apparent quickly. She left a huge mess in the kitchen after creating her quickfire breakfast in bed for Padma and Nigella Lawson, who is a huge big shot in the food world. Eli won with what Nigella called “a good hangover breakfast.” It was a reuben sandwich/eggs benedict hybrid, and it made it into the Top Chef Quickfire recipe book.

The elimination challenge was to create a dish inspired by one of those elaborate Vegas hotels. Robin, once again, took on way too much and tried a brand new experiment. She tried to make sugar panes that represented the glass sculpture all over the ceiling at the Bellagio. She failed. The sugar didn’t even make it onto the plate, leaving her with a boring dessert.

On the other end of things, Michael — or Voltaggio the Younger — won the challenge with his crispy buffalo wings, inspired by New York, New York. I find a lot of comfort in the fact that my love for buffalo wings doesn’t mean I have an unsophisticated palate.

Fastest ‘Project Runway’ recap in the West

Here’s a summation of what happened on “Project Runway,” the season six finale Part I: Nothing. Yes, it was the episode where Tim Gunn went to visit the designers as they worked on their collections. Then the designers checked into their hotel. Then Heidi told them there was a “surprise.” They had to create another look for their collections before the show in Bryant Park.

Sorry, Heidi, but six seasons in, this is not a surprise. In fact, if Carol Hannah, Irina and Althea didn’t show up for the finale with an idea of what else they’d make, they’ve obviously not been following the show. Just two more days, folks, and the suspense will be through! Yes, it’s a little sad to see season six come to an end and begin the long wait until season seven.

Image from Flickr

Loyal Wednesday night TV watchers have  had to endure some disappointment lately. “Glee” has not aired on Fox for two weeks because of some baseball tournament thingy between some dudes who are named after a racial slur for white people and some dudes named after delicious steak sandwiches. However, “Glee” is back tonight!

Furthermore, last week “Top Chef” played some ill-conceived space-filler in which former “Top Chef” contestants got together to cook and talk. There was no competition, and events such as host Fabio confronting grating personalities like Marcel from Season 2 made the awkwardness a bit over the line for me at times. I’m aware that a lot of people eat that type of content up, hence shows such as “Real Housewives of She-Devil County,” but I’d rather eat up Kevin creating his next pork masterpiece or some good, old-fashioned Voltaggio brothers rivalry.

Veterans Day: good for staying in

Veterans Day means banks are closed, but you can still get online payday loans. In fact most businesses are still open, but it’s tough to know in advance which ones. Luckily, you can have a great night at home because both “Glee” and “Top Chef” are back with new episodes.

Internet buzz says that on “Glee” it is revealed that Finn is not Quinn’s baby daddy. I don’t feel bad saying that because it has been on the TV commercials, too. The new “Top Chef” is entitled “Strip Around the World,” and it begins with the chefs making breakfast in bed for Padma and a guest judge. Of course, “America’s Next Top Model” will air as usual.

‘Glee’ catch-up session

Because “Glee” has been off the air for what seems like forever, here’s a little catch-up session for y’all. On the last episode, good-girl Rachel and bad-boy Puck made out and then, after a little back-and-forth on the topic of being a couple, eventually decided that being “two good-looking Jews,” as Puck said, is not enough.

The union between Emma and Ken continued to be painful to watch as Will tried to create a mashup of their chosen wedding songs, “The Thong Song” and “I Could Have Danced All Night.” Ken picked up on the fact that Emma may have a thing for Will, and some good old-fashioned macho exchanges took place.

‘Top Chef’ replay

Before all of this “All Stars Dinner” ridiculousness, Kevin won (again) on “Top Chef: Las Vegas” season 10 for his vegetarian dish. What was the King of Pork doing making a vegetarian dish? Why, it was the wish of Natalie Portman, of course.

After Mike I. said the leeks in his dish were meant to “represent” protein, he was sent packing, and I let out a huge sigh of relief. Some people love to hate their least favorite chefs, but I just love to watch them leave. Mike I. remained an arrogant, somewhat sexist jerk throughout the competition, and I won’t miss him at all.

5 Things to do on Veterans Day

In case you’re not the TV-watching type, I have come up with an alternate list of things to do on Veterans Day. Of course, the purpose of Veterans Day is to honor soldiers. I believe this happens in the mind and heart and isn’t much of an activity, so I am sticking to activities with the understanding that we should be grateful for soldiers every day. That said:

1. Go see “A Serious Man,” the new Cohen brothers film, if the big screen is more your speed. It’s a masterpiece!
2. Rent a war movie. One with a good message, not one of those “let’s see how much gore we can put in an R-rated movie” types.
3. If you don’t have to work, practice for Thanksgiving. Try out recipes from AllRecipes.com or Recipe Zaar to take out some of the guesswork and stress.
4. Is it time to join a gym? Most gyms are open on Veterans Day, and if you get a gym membership before you’re tempted with all types of holiday cuisine, you might not have to deal with post-holiday guilt.
5. Start your holiday shopping. If you get on it now, you can complete your entire shopping list online and not have to deal with mall mayhem. Check out my gift ideas.

Who had to pack their knives and go this week? Image from

One of my “Top Chef” watching buddies had a great idea last night while we were watching “Top Chef” season 6, episode 9. “They should make restaurant wars into its own show,” he said.

I couldn’t agree more. Padma knew what she was talking about at the beginning of ‘Top Chef’ season 6 episode 9 when she said it was the most anticipated episode of the season. If people got as excited about payday loans as they do about restaurant wars, I’d be rich!

What’s so great about restaurant wars?

It’s true that “Top Chef” fans, yours truly included, get really amped up for restaurant wars. I think part of the draw is the fact that it’s a tough challenge that has some people making multiple dishes, some acting as host or hostess in a cooking competition and the one-night-only restaurant inventions really take on a distinct identity.

However, restaurant wars also symbolizes a turning point for a lot of people I think. Not only is it far enough into the competition that very strong chefs start getting eliminated, it’s far enough along that people have gotten to know the personalities of the chefs and formed opinions about every one of them.

So, what happened?

True to “Top Chef: Las Vegas” form, the quickfire was a high stakes challenge worth $10,000. And it was a tough one. Kevin at one point called it “insane,” I believe, and he was right. The chefs had to team up, they were forbidden from talking to each other, and the three chefs were blindfolded while the other cooked, and then they took turns finishing the dish, relay-race style.

The blue team, composed of Kevin, Jennifer, Laurine and Mike I. won, and Padma gave them the choice to take the $10,000 or “let it ride,” in which case they would get $10,000 each instead of $10,000 for the team. After the team agreed to let it ride, though, “Top Chef” season 6 episode 9 got predictable very quickly.

Winners and whiners

The red team — the Voltaggio brothers, Robin and Eli appeared to be right on the mark from the beginning. They put together a great menu, cooked great food and Eli ran the front of the house like a pro. Tom Colicchio said it was the best ever performance on restaurant wars. The red team won the war, and Michael won the challenge and the $10,000. He chose to split it with his team.

Despite the sibling rivalry and the weird mother/child vibes between Eli and Robin, they were able — for the most part — to keep the squabbling out of the kitchen. There was, of course, one flare-up on the red side, when Robin got super protective of her $%#@ dessert when Brian tried to “help” her. One of my Twitter friends calls Robin “The Crazy That Will Not Go,” but I think she is just misunderstood. Also, after Michael won the challenge, Brian (bitterly?) told Michael to keep his money. Weird? Yes, I think so.

Say goodbye to…

While the red team held it together all along, the blue team appeared to be unraveling pretty quickly. Laurine volunteered to be front of the house, and that was the team’s first mistake. Toby Young said she acted like “a deer in the headlights.” The judges had to ask her to explain the food. She was responsible for one dish, and it turned out to be very undercooked lamb.

I’m sure you can see where this is going. Jennifer got reprimanded for her underdone shellfish, Kevin got reamed for undercooking the lamb and Mike I’s dish was criticized for being bland. The judges agreed that leaving dessert off the menu was a bad idea. But in the end, Laurine’s performance was the worst, and she got sent home. I couldn’t agree with the judges’ decision more. I called it from the moment Laurine saw the customers in the lobby.

Overall, though predictable, “Top Chef” season 6 episode 9 defintely delivered on the restaurant wars hype. Tune in next week for more “Top Chef” talk!

I know a rerun when I see one. Image from Flikr.

Well, it’s nice to see that I am not the only person who was, ahem, annoyed last night when I tuned in to Bravo for “Top Chef” season 6 episode 7. Instead of a fresh, new show featuring the chefs I have started to form some serious opinions about, “Top Chef” season 6 episode 6 was on. Again.

My roommate gave me the “you’re crazy” look when she saw my reaction to realizing there was no “Top Chef” season 6 episode 7 (at least not yet). However, I think I am warranted in calling Bravo or whoever is in charge of “Top Chef” promotion a bunch of sneaky (fill in blank with family friendly insult).

Hey, must be the money

You see, my plan for last night was to stay in and enjoy a new episode of “Top Chef,” and that was to be the highlight of my evening because I don’t have any cash until payday. So imagine my disappointment when I found that I was not only broke but without “Top Chef” season 6 episode 7.

The real bummer was that I had no idea. Obviously, seeing as I planned my evening around it, I didn’t know that there would be no “Top Chef” season 6 episode 7 last night. I feel like I should have been informed. Of course, obviously if Bravo had informed “Top Chef” fans that season 6 episode 7 would not be on, they would have not tuned in. So naturally, to keep their ratings up, they left us in the dark. But does it really help out their budget if people change the channel a few seconds into the show because they realize it’s a rerun?

Las Vegas all over the place

This season of “Top Chef” is being filmed in Las Vegas, and the show producers will not let you forget that for a second. From big cash prizes, to dice rolling to focusing on sins, Las Vegas has held a lead role in the show every episode.

It looks as though “Top Chef” season 6 episode 7 — which allegedly will air next week — will be no different. For the quickfire challenge, the chefs must create a dish based on three words randomly selected by slot machine. Check out the preview.

Hubert Keller won the most recent challenge on "Top Chef Masters." Will he be deemed the master?

A “Top Chef” premiere and finale in the same night?! It sounds too good to be true to fans of Bravo’s biggest moneymaker, “Top Chef,” but I triple checked the facts, and it’s true! Tonight at 9 p.m. the new season of “Top Chef” begins.
Then, the other moment we’ve all been waiting for: the “Top Chef Masters” finale! I almost can’t stand the excitement.

“Top Chef” Season 6

I don’t think there is a faxless payday loan big enough to pay for a party that would do this event justice. This sixth season of “Top Chef” will be set in Las Vegas. Just to make this whole situation even better, the first episode of “Top Chef: Las Vegas” is extra long, clocking in at an hour and 15 minutes.

The show tonight features 17 chefs, and you can read bios on all of them at BravoTV.com. There are chefs from all over the U.S. plus one chef from France, one from Haiti and one from Puerto Rico.

“Top Chef Masters”

After the super-sized episode of “Top Chef: Las Vegas,” the season finale of “Top Chef Masters” begins at 10:15. The masters are down to just three: Hubert Keller, Rick Bayless and Michael Chiarello. The winner among these seasoned chefs will get $100,000 donated to his chosen charity in his name.

“Top Chef Masters” played with the format of “Top Chef” while still placing the focus of the show on food and cooking. The first six episodes of “Top Chef Masters” each featured four chefs. On each episode, one winner was chosen to compete with the other winners. The “Top Chef Masters” were generous all along the way. Each contestants chose charities in the beginning that would receive money if they won, but every charity ended up getting a donation, and during each episode the winner’s charity got $10,000.

Brilliant business

“Top Chef” is Bravo’s most popular, lucrative show, and I think the format tonight is a great move on Bravo’s part that will have millions upon millions of viewers tuning in. If the “Top Chef” season six premiere wasn’t enough to get viewers to plan their evening around it or the “Top Chef Masters” finale wasn’t incentive enough to convince people to tune in, both paired together will sure make people think twice about what they will be doing tonight.
Furthermore, if “Top Chef Masters” fans somehow forgot about the “Top Chef” premiere or don’t know about the extra 15 minutes, they’ll tune in at the usual time, 10 p.m., and voila, they’ll likely get hooked on “Top Chef: Las Vegas.” After all, the final 15 minutes are the most exciting. How can people resist? I don’t think there’s any other programming on cable tonight that will even begin to compete with this premiere/finale “Top Chef” event tonight.

Want to meet Fabio Viviani? He's at the Gilroy Garlic Festival!

If you want to attend the Gilroy Garlic Festival in Gilroy, Calif., it’ll cost you $12 per day. However, big fan’s of former flamboyant Top Chef contestant Fabio Viviani would probably pay a lot more than that for a chance to meet the spicy Italian.

Jamie Lauren, who competed against Fabio in Top Chef Season 5, will also be at the Gilroy Garlic Festival. Top Chef Season 4 contestant Ryan Scott, who drew attention with his looks and charm as well as his cooking, will also be at the Gilroy Garlic Festival.

For the love of garlic

Of course, most people don’t attend the Gilroy Garlic Festival because they want to meet celebrity chefs. The festival has been drawing garlic lovers for more than 30 years. This year marks the 31st annual Gilroy Garlic Festival.

People who spend the rest of their cash til payday on garlic need not feel too guilty. The Gilroy Garlic Festival is actually a fundraiser that has raised more than $7 million for various charities since its inception.

Festival events

The Gilroy Garlic Festival runs through Sunday and is held at Christmas Hill Park in Gilroy. Last year more than 100,000 people attended the festival, which is one of the largest food festivals in the U.S. It sounds like tomorrow morning will be a particularly exciting day at the Gilroy Garlic Festival:

Don’t miss the Great Gilroy Garlic Cook-Off, featuring eight contestants from around the country. That gets started at 10 a.m. Saturday, writes Sal Pizzaro from the Mercury News.

Apparently this cook-off is a pretty big deal, because it will be streamed live at the festival’s web site, gilroygarlicfestival.com. Fabio himself will host the Great Gilroy Garlic Cook-Off. Jamie Lauren and Ryan Scott will compete.

Beyond the clove

Of course, like most food festivals, the Gilroy Garlic Festival will feature musical performances as well. Jonathan Singleton and Meagan Mullins will play tomorrow afternoon.

Of course, Miss Gilroy Garlic 2009, Jessica Brewka, will be an honored guest at the festival. The cookbook created to commemorate the 30th Gilroy Garlic Festival last year, “Any Bozzo Can Cook,” will be for sale as well. And no, that’s not a mispelling in the title. One of the authors of the cookbook is Sam Bozzo.

Bonus Bozzos

The second printing of “Any Bozzo Can Cook” has 16 new recipes. The first edition had 103, so $18 isn’t bad — especially when you consider that the money goes to charity. The two authors of the book, the other being Gene Sakahara, go by the name SakaBozzo together, and they’re known as “festival legends.” The Gilroy Garlic Festival web site says:

Festival mainstays SakaBozzo will participate in the event’s inaugural Master Chef Challenge July 24. Created in memory of Val Filice, festival co-founder and Gourmet Alley master chef, the Friday competition will feature Gourmet Alley representatives in a cooking skirmish with a mystery Bay Area professional chef. SakaBozzo will also host cooking demonstrations on the Gourmet Alley Demonstration Stage and appear at book-signings in the Garlic Mercantiles.

SakaBozzo – “twins separated at birth,” as Garlic Festival lore has it – are Gilroy residents who have participated in the festival since its inception.

Lori Silverbush and Tom Colicchio were married in 2001.

Most people with cable know who Tom Colicchio is or would at least recognize him as the head judge on Top Chef. Turns out he and his wife Lori Silverbush are expecting a baby.

Word on the web is that the baby is a boy, and he will be born in August.

Behind the scenes

Lori Silverbush has her role in the world on screen entertainment, but unlike her husband she works behind the camera. She was director on a couple of independent films. “Independent,” does, of course, mean “not very lucrative,” but she doesn’t really need the money anyway.

Tom Colicchio’s show Top Chef has been nominated for two Emmy Awards, one nomination is for Tom Colicchio  personally for Outstanding Reality Host for a Reality Competition Program. Top Chef also was nominated for Outstanding Reality Competition Program.

More on Lori Silverbush

Tom Colicchio’s missus’ most recent project was writing, directing and producing “On the Outs.” The film came out in 2004, and it won several independent film awards.

Lori Silverbush also was director of 2001 independent film “Mental Hygiene.”  She might have needed to visit some payday loan companies to make her film, except that was the same year she married Tom Colicchio. Back then he was chef and an owner of Gramercy Tavern and Craft in Manhattan.

Rise to fame

Top Chef is currently the No. 1 food show on television. Right now Tom Colicchio is taking a break from judging while and working as a producer for Top Chef Master. Top Chef is Tom Colicchio’s first television gig,  and it led him to instant fame.

Tom Colicchio has been with Top Chef since its beginning in 2006. Since working as a judge on Top Chef, he has appeared on The View, Rachael Ray and Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, among other shows.

Future of Top Chef

More changes beyond Top Chef Masters are in store for the Top Chef franchise. Wikipedia says:

Top Chef Junior is an upcoming American reality competition show that will air on the cable television network Bravo. In it, it is expected that chefs aged 13- to 16-years-old will compete against each other in weekly challenges. Following the Top Chef format, they will be judged by a panel of professional chefs and other notables from the culinary world, with Bravo stating that one or more contestants will be eliminated each week. The show is produced by Magical Elves Productions, the same company that created Top Chef.

However, other sources say the chefs on Top Chef Juniorwill be ages 15 to 18. I guess we’ll have to wait and see! I know I’ll be watching.