The Top Chef Syndrome

OK OK…I’ve gone around telling people that I’m not a television freak who needs to have total control on the remote at all times. But its a lie. A blatant one. And I’m definitely going to hell for this one (much to the joy of my irritated brother, who, by the virtue of being a man, wants control over the remote too). Anyway…right now, my final thesis jury is like two weeks away and all I can do is NOT work and think of Top chef. Yep, the reality “cooking” show.

So much so, that not having attended a fancy chef’s school, I actually look up all the meanings of the fancy names, food groups, sauces, techniques, vegetables, desserts and what-nots. I feel like going “ewww, you obsessive weirdo” at myself. But, at least I know what miso is and how to make a perfect tuna tartar on a bed of smoked potatoes…..and yes, how to soften a squid and how to cook a black chicken!

Its a simple high…simple, but high…just to see a dozen grown men and women run around in identical jackets conjuring up the most exotic (and sometimes disgusting) looking dishes. I mean, how can I not drool looking at the guest chefs take in a spoon of each seemingly-awesome creation….maybe there are a few horrors there from time to time…but cm’awwwwn……

If you happen to not know what or who this Top Chef I’m talking about is…try www.sidereel.com to view all the previous seasons…..and try www.bravotv.com (the show’s official network, includes recipes and blogs by the judges)…enjoy!