By Steve Rhodes

Recent observations from more TV viewing than should be allowed even in a democracy.
1. Spike got bounced from Top Chef this week, and good riddance. (Lose the hats, dude.) If only he took Lisa with him. (Gossipy irony alert here.)
Ever since Dale was unfairly bounced, I’ve thought Richard was the favorite. But the trusty and talented chefs at Flying Saucer in Humboldt Park tell me that Stephanie is going to win.
2. This commercial grated on me at first, but now I’m a fan. The lyrics are really good, especially when his posse’s getting laughed at instead of looking fly and rolling phat.

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Posted on May 30, 2008

By Steve Rhodes

Recent observations from the wonderful world of TV.
1. Top Chef: Dale got screwed.

Sure, Dale was the executive chef, but shouldn’t past performance count for something? I mean, Richard survived a week in which he left scales on the fish.
I’ve always thought that Dale – though difficult – was the best of the bunch. But now I’m thinking Richard, despite the scales. Richard’s Willy Wonka confection for the movie episode did demonstrate his ability to pull off an imaginative dish (I just saw that episode; I had been avoiding it due to the presence of Richard Roeper, ugh).
For more Top Chef commentary, this is pretty good: Blogging Top Chef: Chewing It Up and Spitting It Out!
Finally, did you know that Padma used to be married to much-older Salman Rushdie? It’s true!
I wonder if it was the fatwa that she found so attractive.

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Posted on May 27, 2008

By The Beachwood Turn On Your TV Affairs Desk

A guilty pleasure stew.
*
7:30 a.m.: Ab Coaster
8 a.m.: Reclaim
8:30 a.m.: Sheer Cover

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Posted on May 2, 2008