On Demand Weekly

I need an intervention. My "Top Chef" addiction is way out of control (somebody call A&E's "Intervention"!). And you know this because I even wrote you about "Top Chef Just Desserts." We've already basically forgotten that show in the wake of the "Top Chef All Stars" coming on to the set like a blender full of stuff out of control.

Just when I thought there couldn't be any more wonderful Top Chef spinoffs (I mean they even got actual big time chefs like Rick Bayliss and Govind Armstrong to hash it out in front of judges - and they OWN restaurants already!), somebody comes up with the genius idea to get a few of the best of the past contestants (the ones who almost won and who showed mucho presence during taping) and have them hash it out with each other.

This episode is just after Jennifer Carroll (Season 6) got the boot after arguing with the judges that her breakfast dish made for tons of hopped up New York children who spent the night in the Natural History Museum was basically not delicious. Jen, who was kind of quiet and spoke with her food skills in Season 6, ventured towards taking off her earrings, slapping on some Vaseline and going to blows with with the judges (Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, Padma Lakshmi and that foodie rebel Anthony Bourdain) over her dish. This kind of meltdown usually happens in the kitchen and not a judges table and came ask a shock to all in the room. It also set a bit of an edgy tone with those contestants who remained, armed with their utensils.

- T. Tara Turk


T. Tara Turk is a novelist/playwright/screenwriter, living in LA with her boyfriend and dog - all three successful TV addicts. You can find her at www.ttaraturk.com or follow her on Twitter @ttaraturk.