After one of the most successful Restaurant Wars, Top Chef Season 22 has hit its stride going into the final episodes. While many seasons have had fan favorites and some cheftestants painted in a less positive light, this season has seen two chefs emerge with very different approaches. In Top Chef Destination Canada, is the fan favorite already determined or will a big personality find a way to rise above his big personality.
While the food television landscape is crowded, Top Chef focuses on impeccable food, creative challenges, and elevated concepts. Unlike other programs, smashing plates, yelling on the line, and fiery tempers are less prevalent. No one is naive to think that disagreements and spirited exchanges never occur. The reality is that food is more important than high drama.
At the same time, certain cheftestants emerge even before the finale. It is more than redemption from Last Chance Kitchen or leadership in a team challenge. When a chef can make a connection with viewers, he will be remembered long after his season.
For Top Chef Season 22, Tristen is that chef. Tom Collichio has had any positive comments about Tristen’s food. It is more than just smart choices and good execution. Tristen shows tremendous range, knowledge, and command of food storytelling. From weaving together flavor from around the globe to finding a common cultural thread when one is not obvious, it is clear that Tristen has a well-established culinary point of view.
Since viewers do not have the opportunity to taste these dishes, they relate to Tristen because he is vulnerable. His personal struggle during Restaurant Wars endeared him to all. Yes, Top Chef is a competition, but it is also real life beyond the kitchen. In that moment, Tristen earned his spot as top contender to be fan favorite.
On the other hand, Massimo has become a divisive figure in Top Chef Season 22. As the only Canadian chef in the competition, there was pressure for him to represent his country. But, as Chef Dan showed during Top Chef Wisconsin, there are ways to represent without alienating the other cheftestants.
Massimo has shown that he knows classic techniques, appreciates local ingredients, and is willing to take risks. In contrast, team challenges have showcased his stubborn side. He might be the executive chef in his restaurant, but all voices need to be heard in some Top Chef challenges.
Does every Top Chef Season need a big personality to make the show entertaining? In some cases, yes but not at the expense of a sub-par cheftestant getting pushed ahead. For Top Chef Destination Canada, Massimo is a great chef, and his personality (and ego) asserts by that assessment. No one can take away his top dishes that earned his current spot, but viewers can cringe with some of his statements.
Will Tristen or Massimo make it all the way to the finale? Everyone will have to watch the remainder of Top Chef Destination Canada to learn the outcome.
Top Chef Season 22 airs new episodes every Thursday night at 9 p.m. on Bravo. Episodes can be streamed the next day on Peacock.