'Top Chef All-Stars' Season 8, Episode 16 (Season Finale) Recap

['Top Chef All-Stars' - 'Finale']

It came down to two -- Richard Blais and Michael Isabella. Who would take the title of Top Chef in the finale of 'Top Chef All-Stars'? That was the question.

As Tom Colicchio said during the show, this title wasn't just about cooking. The word "chef" means "boss." Who would be the best boss in the kitchen when there was $200,000 and the elusive title on the line?

Going into the final challenge, Mike displayed his usual confidence ... bordering on arrogance. Richard was also true to his nature, doubting himself and second-guessing every decision he made. Was he going to choke like he did before? Even Richard wasn't certain he'd keep it together to take the title.

Once the challenge was laid out, it was clear that this was going to be an intense wrap-up of the season. The task was deceptively simple: The chefs had to create the restaurant of their dreams. There would be no twists and no cute stuff -- or Muppets -- to torture them.

Fortunately, the Magical Elves' producers stuck to their guns and refrained from changing the parameters. It was a straight competition with no funny business thrown in.

All the eliminated chefs were brought down to the Bahamas for the finale, which was a nice bonus for the group. A bunch of them looked ready to party, but first six of them had to be selected as sous-chef support. Instead of a popularity contest, each chef cooked an amuse-bouche to impress Richard and Mike.

Based on just the taste of their dishes, Richard got Spike, Angelo and Antonia. Mike's team was comprised of Tiffani, Jamie and Carla. Right away you had to wonder if Mike would get along with the three women. Actually, it was a refreshing revelation to see just how well he handled the all-girl crew. There was a great sense of camaraderie in Restaurant Iz's kitchen.

Richard's called his place Tongue and Cheek, with an emphasis on whimsy and duality. There was little doubt that Richard was comfortable running the show. It seemed to come naturally to him. And he's also pretty smart about listening to ideas and contributions from his colleagues.

As it played out, Spike's presence was a plus outside the kitchen, as well as inside. His ability to drift into the house and hear the judges' comments helped Richard immensely, and he probably saved the foie gras ice cream.

There were some major foodies judging the four-course tasting menus these guys created: Lidia Bastianich, Bill Terlato, Alfred Portale, Hubert Keller, Art Smith, Curtis Stone ... and, of course, Gail Simmons, Tom Colicchio and Padma Lakshmi. Anthony Bourdain, however, didn't make it to the finale. That was odd.

It seemed like the food was virtually equal between Richard and Mike. Perhaps it was the way it was edited, but the impression I got was that either guy could win the title.

Richard got high marks for his oyster starter and the hamachi first course. And Hubert had glowing words about the black cod. But with the braised short ribs, Richard was playing it safe, while the risky dessert of cornbread with foie gras ice cream might have been too bold. Overall, however, Richard did nothing to "lose" the title.

Neither did Mike. As previously noted, Mike's game really rose as the competition progressed. In the Bahamas, he was at his best, and Tom said as much. It reminded me of a baseball player who's on a great streak, hitting the ball out of the park and brimming with confidence. Every at bat just feels good.

That was how Mike approached his four courses. The spiced beet salad wasn't a wow, but Tom waxed poetic about the steamed halibut, and Gail was orgasmic about Mike's pork shoulder with pepperoni sauce. His dessert was a rosemary caramel custard that probably could have been executed better, but it wasn't a disaster by any means.

I know that on an emotional level, Mike and Richard both expressed a desire to win. Richard, however, needed to win. For him, this really was about redemption. For Mike, I think it was about pride and glory. In the final moments when they faced the judges before hearing the verdict, Richard got tearful.

If the judges felt Mike and Richard were equal until that moment, then perhaps they were influenced by Richard's sincerity. He was almost like Charlie Brown. Would they finally let Charlie Brown kick the football? Could Richard Blais finally be "Top Chef"?



When Padma finally made the announcement that Richard Blais was indeed Top Chef, I let out a hoot. I imagine I wasn't alone; there were probably a lot of people rooting for Richard to get the prize.

It would have been nice if Mike had been gracious in defeat, but he wasn't. At least not in the show ... In the final interview, Mike seemed like a sore loser. He complained because he felt that he'd out-cooked Richard: "I feel like I beat him. I just didn't get the prize." Well, perhaps he did out-cook Richard, but the judges thought otherwise.

Watch 'Top Chef All-Stars' on Wednesdays at 10 PM ET on Bravo.