As the finale quickly approaches, only five chefs remain in Top Chef Season 22. While some favorites continue to please the palates of the judges, one chef has divided both audiences and his fellow cheftestants. Is this the season when local chef earns the title?
Predicting the cheftestant who hears the coveted words, “you are Top Chef,” is far more difficult than it seems. Given that every person has numerous accolades, tremendous experience, and immense culinary creativity, a food television competition is far different that cooking in a restaurant.
In every challenge, the cheftestants must think on their feet, adapt when everything goes sideways, and impress the judges. Yelp reviewers might hide behind that keyboard, but there is no way to avoid the criticism, and potential elimination, in Top Chef.
For Top Chef Season 22, two chefestants have emerged as top contenders. First, Tristen has wowed the judges time and again. In addition to overcoming personal tragedy this season, he has showcased his personal point of view as well as his culinary knowledge. Even though he had a few missteps towards the end of the season, he has found a way to prevail time and again.
While many believe, and hope, that Tristen will make the finale, people are mixed about Massimo, the Montreal based chef. Although this food television program never has had a true “villain,” the reality is that Massimo’s big personality causes strong reactions.
Whether it was his front of the house approach on Restaurant Wars or questionable commentary during the Montreal challenge, his bravado can be both endearing and off-putting. While his fellow chefestants might wish for less talking in the kitchen, no one can deny that he has found his cooking grove. As the season nears its cumulation, Massimo is on a roll.
Looking back at previous Top Chef seasons, the home town chef often gets close, but does not earn the title. In Season 21, Chef Dan, the Wisconsin chef, could not edge out Chef Danny in the finale cook. Dan was clearly the fan favorite, but his final cook was just not quite as good.
Throughout Top Chef, locals seem to feel the pressure. Even though there are moments where understanding the traditions, ingredients, and even judges’ palates can help, it is not a guarantee to do well.
One notable chef won in her own city. Stephanie Izard, won Top Chef Season 4 in Chicago. In addition to being the first female chef winner, she was able to showcase her unique point of view in several impressive dishes and unique approaches. Although earlier seasons of Top Chef were not as city-centric, it could have been beneficial to be on home turf.
With only one more challenge before Top Chef Season 22 leaves Canada for Milan, could it be Massimo’s moment to hear those coveted four words? It makes for a great storyline, but Tristen, Bailey, Shuai, and Cesar will be hard to beat.
Be sure to watch new episodes of Top Chef Season 22 Thursday nights at 9 p.m. on Bravo. Episodes can be streamed the next day on Peacock.