Now that this season is over, is it safe to say that Buddha is the best Top Chef contestant ever? He is the only Top Chef contestant to have 2 wins. He pretty much dominated this season and the Houston season that he won. The guy is a beast in the kitchen.

My only complaint in the finale was that I don't think Sara or Gabri should have been there. They weren't in the same class as Buddha and I think others would have given him tougher competition. Gabri was pretty much in the bottom the entire season.

Gabri just got by and somehow ended up in the finale. Crazy.

Yes Buddha might be the best. Maybe Richard Blaze and Michael Voltaggio are up there too.

Personal problems drove him into obscurity, but Paul Qui is up there too. Pre Buddha, but I remember reading an interview with Tom C. saying that Paul was the most dominant contestant over a season that they'd had; he said they had to invent drama/make up critiques because Paul was so clearly dominating every challenge.

JCA1 said:

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98Ag99Grad said:

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Gabri just got by and somehow ended up in the finale. Crazy.

Yes Buddha might be the best. Maybe Richard Blaze and Michael Voltaggio are up there too.

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The season with the Voltaggio brothers, Jenn and Kevin is still my favorite. I think that was easily the most talent ever on the show.

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Same here, love that season. Kevin has some great content for Meat Eater you can find on YouTube.

JCA1 said:

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98Ag99Grad said:

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Gabri just got by and somehow ended up in the finale. Crazy.

Yes Buddha might be the best. Maybe Richard Blaze and Michael Voltaggio are up there too.

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The season with the Voltaggio brothers, Jenn and Kevin is still my favorite. I think that was easily the most talent ever on the show.

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Another vote for this season. The Kentucky season was likely one of the least talented. Blanking on her name, but the blonde lady who won Kentucky didn't even seem like a real chef.

BDG02 said:

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Personal problems drove him into obscurity, but Paul Qui is up there too. Pre Buddha, but I remember reading an interview with Tom C. saying that Paul was the most dominant contestant over a season that they'd had; he said they had to invent drama/make up critiques because Paul was so clearly dominating every challenge.

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I remember seeing Tom say that as well. I would put Buddha, Paul Qui, and the Voltaggio brother who won, as the top 3 chefs who ever competed on Top Chef. Richard Blais is up there as well.

Txmoe said:

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JCA1 said:

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98Ag99Grad said:

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Gabri just got by and somehow ended up in the finale. Crazy.

Yes Buddha might be the best. Maybe Richard Blaze and Michael Voltaggio are up there too.

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The season with the Voltaggio brothers, Jenn and Kevin is still my favorite. I think that was easily the most talent ever on the show.

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Another vote for this season. The Kentucky season was likely one of the least talented. Blanking on her name, but the blonde lady who won Kentucky didn't even seem like a real chef.

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I agree that the Kentucky season wasnt great, but the girl who won, Kelsey, seemed pretty legit. She worked at a few Michelin star restaurants in NYC before opening up her own catering business. Her and Sara from this season, worked at Michelin star restaurant Dovetail, which is why they are such good friends.

Yup. Love the story

Agreed

Padma will be missed. She was the perfect host.

There had to be a female finale contestant so I'm not surprised insert said female was there.

I'd never like Buddha he is very off putting but they loved everything he did. So congrats to him.