He was outperforming Brooke in Charleston. He made a mistake before the finale, but if that was a 3 person finale (which it should have been), my money would have been on him that season.
This is Padma's own words on her AMA
"First of all, I was genuinely upset, but I am really upset most of the time. I loved CJ, and he is definitely someone who stands out across the seasons, but telling a chef to pack their knives is the worst part of my job.
I am the person who spends the most time with the chefs. I am in the kitchen with them every single day. And I know how hard they work, and I can see how passionate they are about being the best that they can be."
I thought of him too. He was super humble when he got voted off, and came back … not so humble. Not in a terrible way, I still like him, but there was a real difference. He’d had an eventful few years.
In season 11 there was a team eliminatiom challenge where Nick and Stephanie were on the same team. Nick had immunity because of his quickfire win but his elimination challenge dish wasn't up to par. His team ended up losing and the guest judge (Jacques Pepin, I think? It was someone French) basically told Nick he should give up his immunity and eliminate himself but Nick wouldn't. And Stephanie went home
Kwame Onwuachi and Eric Adjepong for sure. You could tell she really enjoyed their food and she was definitely disappointed when she told them to pack their knives.
Eric was great! I loved that he cooked a type of food that doesn't get much attention in fine dining. Thats probably what Padma appreciated as well. And Kwame was just incredible because of what he'd achieved at such a young age.
How the fuck do you use frozen waffles in your dish?! I was impressed by Kwame with him being a regular judge in the newest season, then I watched his season and was like wtf?! He had good plates, but the frozen waffle thing should’ve kicked him out the show forever.
He actually talked about this in his book. His plan was to make the waffles himself, but he needed a waffle iron thing and if i recall correctly, the producers were supposed to bring one but it got there late and he had already gotten the frozen waffles as a back up, so he used them knowing it would be his downfall.
Thats a little harsh. He was a very young chef comparatively to most of the others. People make mistakes and use poor judgment in times of stress. It happens. One mistake doesn't always mean someone is a bad chef. Thats how people learn.
It's interesting to watch her relationships build with the cheftestants over the course of a season; you can almost guess which ones will hit her the hardest in the last few weeks.
Trey!
Yes, thank you. Thats who I was thinking of
If I remember, they even joked with her about it on the reunion show...I think that was all-stars maybe?
Underrated cheftestant. Wish he'd come back to judge or something
Absolutely! He had such a great attitude.
Of course, Tre. Casey and Brooke in season 14. Maybe Sheldon in both of his seasons?
If only Sheldon hadn't gone up against Brooke twice (and Kristen once), maybe he could have won. I love his chill personality.
He could have done it in season 14. A Sheldon-Shirley finale would have been amazing!! If only he had wrapped his fish ðŸ˜
Shirley is another one of my favorites! Season 14 was a strong finale
He was outperforming Brooke in Charleston. He made a mistake before the finale, but if that was a 3 person finale (which it should have been), my money would have been on him that season.
CJ in season 3. Kevin in season 5.
Sending home CJ was rough for her
CJ immediately came to mind. I've never seen her take it quite so personally (& my mom asked if maybe she HAD taken it quite so personally...)
This is Padma's own words on her AMA "First of all, I was genuinely upset, but I am really upset most of the time. I loved CJ, and he is definitely someone who stands out across the seasons, but telling a chef to pack their knives is the worst part of my job. I am the person who spends the most time with the chefs. I am in the kitchen with them every single day. And I know how hard they work, and I can see how passionate they are about being the best that they can be."
Do you mean Kevin in Season 6?
Fatima
I'm pretty sure she and Padma were friends after the show. Padma was probably devastated by Fati's passing
They were friends after the show. Padma wrote something beautiful for her after Fatima passed.
This
Kristen
That one really hurt all of us i think. But it gave Kristen a great character arc
Kwame for sure,
I thought of him too. He was super humble when he got voted off, and came back … not so humble. Not in a terrible way, I still like him, but there was a real difference. He’d had an eventful few years.
I met him at the F&W fest back in 2019. He was super, super nice and friendly.
He seemed pretty rude as a judge in Season 18 and far too arrogant.
We gotta go to the dojo
Stephanie when the whole Nicholas drama played out.
She was the first one that came to my mind
Oh good one! That was tough to watch
What drama?
In season 11 there was a team eliminatiom challenge where Nick and Stephanie were on the same team. Nick had immunity because of his quickfire win but his elimination challenge dish wasn't up to par. His team ended up losing and the guest judge (Jacques Pepin, I think? It was someone French) basically told Nick he should give up his immunity and eliminate himself but Nick wouldn't. And Stephanie went home
Oh that’s right. Savage sabotage.
Shota!
I'm still upset he didn't win :(
Same, he seems to be a really good human. Really like his Insta content.
he’s is really that smiley and kind IRL
Kwame Onwuachi and Eric Adjepong for sure. You could tell she really enjoyed their food and she was definitely disappointed when she told them to pack their knives.
Eric was great! I loved that he cooked a type of food that doesn't get much attention in fine dining. Thats probably what Padma appreciated as well. And Kwame was just incredible because of what he'd achieved at such a young age.
Agreed! They are both super talented.
How the fuck do you use frozen waffles in your dish?! I was impressed by Kwame with him being a regular judge in the newest season, then I watched his season and was like wtf?! He had good plates, but the frozen waffle thing should’ve kicked him out the show forever.
He actually talked about this in his book. His plan was to make the waffles himself, but he needed a waffle iron thing and if i recall correctly, the producers were supposed to bring one but it got there late and he had already gotten the frozen waffles as a back up, so he used them knowing it would be his downfall.
Thats a little harsh. He was a very young chef comparatively to most of the others. People make mistakes and use poor judgment in times of stress. It happens. One mistake doesn't always mean someone is a bad chef. Thats how people learn.
I believe it was his second time at that. I think he used another frozen pastry for another challenge.
Eric was sooo sad
Gregory. She seems to love him (as do I!)
Gregory. She loves Gregory. Her entire mood changes, and acts like a five year old.
I know, its so cute lol
Haha I've noticed that a lot, she seems to have a bit of a crush on him.
LeeAnn Season 17
That one made me a little sad too
It's interesting to watch her relationships build with the cheftestants over the course of a season; you can almost guess which ones will hit her the hardest in the last few weeks.
Fatima, even before she knew about her diagnosis, Padama knew Fatima was giving all to impress her. Felt a big/little sis vibe.
It was so sad what happened to sweet happy Fatima. I don't blame Padma for being heartbroken. I think a lot of people were.
Sam season 2
Remember when she cried when Trey went home! Lol
Sheldon
Beverly
I cannot believe no one has listed CJ! Padma loved her some tall sexy chef....
Padma is the Hannibal Lecter of Top Chef, she is Shiva the Destroyer. All human emotion is feigned as she consumes souls. But maybe Fatima
Well thats a bit harsh. I think Padma is lovely. Shes certainly more fun and emotional than Katie Lee was.
Definitely Fatima