Hung Huynh
Last night for the Top Chef Miami (season three) finale, Hung Huynh won!
A good review I just read by Daniel Feinberg at Zap It on the TOP CHEF MIAMI FINALE.
Since the first episode of this whole season I saw Tre and Hung as the clear people to go the distance to the finale this year. Unfortunately, Tre had to go after the restaurant challenge. I was sad to see him go but he took his responsibility as the executive chef would in that situation.
I am stoked that a former Massachusetts resident (Pittsfield) now Vegas resident working at Guy Savoy with Marcel (season two--the foam guy) and Asian won! I was not surprised when Hung won the New York challenge being judged by French Culinary Institute's instructors and esteemed deans with his knife skills, technique and excellent presentations to secure a spot on the finale.
I know that Hung was not the fan favorite Casey (Casey Thompson-Shinsei in Dallas)winning the top votes then Dale Levitsky and Hung Huynh (being dead last during the fan polls). It is not a fan vote for the finale. The second part of the finale was interesting. I was jealous that Brian (a competitor who did not make the Finale) got to eat at the Judge's table. He was someone I was SHOCKED to make it so far to the final four!
The twist of adding a fourth course echoed Project Runway asking for an extra 13th "look" during one season finale. I did enjoy that the "guest judges" were the sous chefs so they got an inkling of the finalists thoughts and working processes. I thought it funny when Hung mentioned to Rocco that Anthony Bourdain would love a cook off between them both to see who is the better chef. Rocco DiSpirito had a great come back saying lets just open a place together and then call it a draw.
Of course, it would not be a finale without drawing former Top Chef competitors into the fold. Per Hung's prediction it was not Micah and Clay but Howie was back. I liked the innovation this time to have all the competitors have their dishes served at once.
I agree that Hung had a complete meal. Even Rocco echoed his relief to have some dessert. Though it was knocked as not being Asian, I think he did a great job having Sara do it as he is NOT a pastry chef and baking is not his forte. The fact he knocked off a perfect chocolate molten cake with raspberries is commendable. Many a great chef had major gaffes for their weakness in desserts. Plus the the other two competitors had meat. I was wowed that Todd English (restaurant mogul)commented that Hung's duck was worthy of Michelin Stars! (wow Now I WANT to try that dish!)
I find I always want to try the food that is served such as Dale's scallop, Hung's duck and Dale's rack of lamb poached in duck fat. (I love Ted Allen's comment on how Dale has decadent tastes.). The judges were upping the ante in comments and expectations in comparison to the prior two seasons. Even judge Tom Colicchio's comment Hung had a great meal but was it a meal of a lifetime? But when he said he would not want to re-eat Casey's lobster it was telling. Based on their judging and comments who won each course, it was obviously a race between Dale and Hung.
Hung's only bad comments were needing more acid in his first two dishes and that the chocolate molten cake was not Asian. These comments are nothing in comparison to the others --overcooked pork too dry (could have been the best of the competition if executed properly), butter poached lobster with bad curry jus, foie mousse was good but too heavy and need toast points were among the other complaints. Hung really got away lightly on the complaints.
Personally, I was happy that Hung won! But I could care less for his attitude (as many chefs) but it is a competition and not a personality contest. Though Casey had some strong showings, she caved under nerves and did not do a fantastic performance that axed her out of the running (not with the Top Chef fans) with her over cooked pork and blah sake soaked prawn in lobster broth. I was stoked to have a female finally in the finale but her poor showing was sad for me to see. Hung was consistent and knows his stuff.
I loved Dale's passion and words at the end of the Finale part 1. I am glad he is back and inspired! I teared up when I heard his speech to the judges why he should be top chef. So when they graded the dishes two to Hung and two to Dale I was happy and not surprised. Before this finale part two, I honestly thought Hung was out of the running giving Dale winning the Finale part 1 and Casey's strong performances the last few elimination rounds.
***A friend of mine in Chicago a few weeks back met Dale and said he is what he seems on tv and very cool in person.
But his passion for food (which does seemed restrained in comparison to other contestants), excellent techniques and culinary experience pushed him to the top. Though not a crowd favorite, Hung was consistent throughout the competition with some snafus here and there ie the smurf village during the breakfast challenge. But you have to admit he does push the envelope and takes chances with his food.
I cannot wait for the REUNION show. Funny they are doing it at the end this time and not in the middle of this show.
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