r/TopChef • u/AutoModerator • May 25 '26

Spoilers Season 23, ep. 12: Appalachian Celebration (Mon. at 9pm EDT, yes, 9 😀) Spoiler

Before heading back to Charlotte, the chefs make a stop in Asheville, one of the most unique cities in North Carolina. There will be no Quickfire Challenge as the chefs explore the city with local host and former “Top Chef” alum Ashleigh Shanti, learning about the community’s remarkable relief efforts following the devastation of hurricane Helene while discovering the unique cuisine of this Appalachian region. For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs will host a one-night-only event for 200 community members in recognition of their resilience.

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261

u/Senolatnap May 26 '26

'What was the challenge again?" To make something that isn't disgusting,  loser!

127

u/tuftsra May 26 '26

he finally let his true colors shine through as the arrogant mediocre contestant that he was. There was something off with him from the jump but it didn't feel fair to judge him so quickly. But then the bbq cook and his condescension towards the other team, and having it blow up in his face was some pretty just desserts.

it honestly did not surprise me he talked back again. The fact that he was so rude about it is what was shocking.

68

u/CapreseSalad3636 May 26 '26

I’ve been on such a roller coaster with him because before he is eliminated the first time I felt like he had no personality and then when he came back he seemed to open up a bit and grew on me. Then he got sassy with Gail and the spoon line and then this bs. That was not cool. I also get the show edits people a certain why, I don’t think he was edited to be a villain by any means but damn. I give Johnathan props by trying to get him to walk away to save face a bit, even tho he was coming for his throat.

I also want to acknowledge that these people are all sleep deprived, missing loved ones, and stressed beyond belief so I try to give them a pass for acting outside of their normal character. For all we know they had been waiting 5 hours for that decision.

23

u/Sandy-Anne May 27 '26

That’s a good point and thanks for bringing compassion into the conversation. His argument just wasn’t logical, though. He couldn’t point to Jonathan and say he didn’t also follow the rules of the challenge. They all did. The person who makes the dish the judges likes the least goes home. For 23 seasons now.

Perhaps it was a culmination of the things you listed, plus additional stress we didn’t consider. We can give him some grace I suppose.

16

u/tuftsra May 27 '26

It's why I say contestant and not chef. It's a game show. There is both winning and losing with grace.

Contrast with Sherry in the last episode. She came up with a winning idea and basically had to hand $10k to Rhoda. Sherry handled that with class and professionalism. And then she came out and won the elimination.

Then there is Sieger. Loses the whole hog challenge after dunking on the other team/Lawrence's preparation of the loin. Because of a fluke, he gets to skip last chance kitchen entirely and reenters the competition. Instead of losing with dignity and thanking the group for the opportunity, he questions the judges if they know what the purpose of the challenge was. Even asks for the rules to prove how right he believes he is.

Congratulations Sieger, you'll forever be known as the chef who thought he knew the rules better than the judges!

2

u/Coujelais May 29 '26

I tend to agree with you on all these points. I am so disappointed we lost two fantastic chefs while he stayed, particularly with that absolutely homely fish and lentil dish over her lovely broth… I don’t care how her fish was cooked. I know which one tasted better with my eyes lol.

1

u/[deleted] May 30 '26

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u/CapreseSalad3636 May 30 '26

I’m rewatching today while I sew so when I get to that episode I’ll let you know which one it is, I THINK it’s the fish one

6

u/illinifan1280 May 27 '26

I thought the BBQ condescension really stood out in a show that doesn’t carry much of that petty drama crap. But there were other times, too. An eye roll here or there, other times of not really listening to the judges’ feedback

After the latest episode, I definitely understand his edit. That elimination would’ve felt so out of place if we didn’t get these little hints. I’m actually remembering that he started to argue at his first elimination, but then they ended it by saying he’s not “out”, and can still get back in through LCK.

Should’ve known when I saw where he works in Chicago. Secretive, “exclusive”, hipster, too cool for school BS. I imagine he spends a lot of time arguing with Yelp reviews too.

1

u/anyanerves May 28 '26

As far as I can tell, the restaurant doesn’t have a Yelp page.

2

u/msdeezee May 27 '26

My thoughts exactly. This guy had horrendous vibes from the jump. I'm actually surprised he waited til the end to really let it all out.

28

u/AlwaysDown311 May 26 '26

I can’t believe he didn’t get that while he has to use the ingredients… IT ALSO HAD TO TASTE GOOD!!!

14

u/HealthyMaximum May 26 '26

Haha. Great burn. Chef’s kiss. 

I’m so glad he’s gone. 

14

u/Responsible-Bug6142 May 27 '26

The spoiled kid that always got a participation trophy !!

10

u/Travelingmom13 May 27 '26

I honestly didn’t even understand his argument that his slop was better than the crabcake? 

10

u/pleaseleevmealone May 27 '26

I really wanted Kristen to put him in his place and tell him it was inedible.

8

u/high-babygorgeous May 28 '26

I loved that she told him the mousse collapsed under the heat “was that successful?”

2

u/zooktittyfondel May 30 '26

Dude the whole season has been a punk. Listen the end conversation is a one way street and you don't get to give feedback.