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Finale People Art Poster Print by Andrew White, 9x13
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Finale Part 1
$1.99
The contestants of Season 5 were a refreshing change from Season 4. Season 4's bright star, Richard Blais, of course, is the exception that proves that rule.

I loved watching Team Euro's charm and attitude with talent provided by Fabio and Stefan, quirky but sophisticated Carla who combined New Age philosophies and classical training successfully, and pretty Jamie from San Francisco who had to fend off amorous male attention while creating competitive dishes - really guys, she's not interested... These were my personal favorites. Another favorite: Jacques Pepin made an appearance as a guest judge this season. Always brings a smile to my face - pure Gallic charm.

Thank you casting producers for giving us more of the serious and less of the ridiculous. These contestants were people we liked hanging out with after a hard day's work. We don't need pointless negativity which was Season 4's absolute downfall.

I was excited that New York City was the backdrop, but unfortunately, I think they used up some of NYC's exciting venues in Season 3 when the contestants cooked at Sirio Maccioni's Le Cirque and at the French Culinary Institute. Nonetheless, it must be said that Season 5 DID get into Eric Ripert's Le Bernardin. Impressive. Gorgeous man, gorgeous restaurant. I did ask myself why Ripert does Top Chef - he certainly doesn't need the exposure. But I didn't dwell too long on asking the question because this is what I wait for each season - the SERIOUS culinary challenges at the highest level. We did get to see Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak as well, but wow, Eric Ripert and Le Bernardin.

I have to admit, I was hoping that we could get into one of Daniel Boulud's restaurants as he has made several appearances on the show, but I don't think it was due to a lack of the producers trying. I wonder what that inside story is.

Judging the Judges
Padma is still her glamorous and elegant self, but I think I discovered her purpose other than being the "decorative judge." I think she is part of the deal in getting celebrity chefs to act as judges. I can see them saying, "OK, I'll do an episode of Top Chef if you seat me next to Padma at the dinner table." I'm only half-joking about this one.

I did notice far less enthusiasm from both Padma and Tom this season. They looked bored with their roles, looking at their watches, maybe thinking, "Is my contract over yet?" Tom especially has quite the attitude this season. I called him pleasant and congenial once upon a time, but that's gone. Is he trying to be disagreeable so that he can get out of his contract early? His unpopular end of the season decision might have been a strategy.

To Gail from Food&Wine - I imagine there may be brief moments of insecurity related to co-hosting the show with the beautiful Ms. Lakshmi, but please don't feel obligated to expose so much of your ample decolletage. You can look lovely and smart without doing that. We have heard you make intelligent comments and that has created a fan base for you.

To Toby Young - When you stopped trying so desperately hard to be witty and clever, you became likeable because your cleverness finally showed through. I am glad you fought against Tom's final decision this season - looks like it has made you quite popular.

No Spoilers - I promise. This season had quite a controversial ending. Suffice it to say from reading the blogs that the Top Chef of Season 5 is going to have to spend some of the prize money on body guards - people are not happy. I ALMOST feel sorry for the winner.

But it's all just an elaborate game - like many other things in life - and speculation is half the fun. Thanks for the entertaining season!

Captain Louie (2005 Studio Cast)
$14.98
I have to admit that I can't take this cd out of my cd player......and I am an adult! What I like most is that this was written by a master theater composer that understands the middle school voice. Although they scream a little on the cd from time to time--it is true to style and it is still ( even though Schwartz is older) fashion forward in many ways. The best songs are: New Kid, Big Red Plane, Trick or Treat, Look Up Above You. From what I understand, he started writing this years ago and it was shorter. Schwartz makes musical references to his old musicals........themost obvious reference I can hear is from Baker's Wife ( Meadowlark).

I hope the story is as good as the musical writing here!

Will & Grace - Series Finale
$9.98
I hated when this show went off. They just don't make good shows anymore. This is great to go with my collection of all seasons of Will & Grace.