Top Chef Masters, Season 1

The respect that these chefs have for each other and themselves is what sets this series apart in a big way from other reality shows. It not only refocuses the competition to the actual challenges, but also sets an example for others to follow. I normally avoid watching Top Chef (though I am generally a fan of any show that has anything to do with cooking) because the level of rude behavior and unnecessary posturing makes me somewhat nauseous.. but I thought I would give Masters a shot since the participants are established professionals competing for charities.. and I'm so glad I did. My admiration of all these chefs just grew immeasurably by seeing their courage.. I mean after so many years of being the boss, it has got to take some incredibly self-possessed and humble qualities to put yourself out there like that. Luckily, the judges are also wonderful in their roles. They are so respectful in their commentary while still maintaining their integrity as food critics. I love all of them and I think I have grown to admire them as much as the challengers. This now ranks among my absolute favorite shows and I look forward to future seasons.

When I finished every season of Top Chef, which is as addictive as crack, the fiend in me needed more. Thankfully the dealers at BRAVO hooked up the Masters to keep the shakes down. Plenty of folk pan the new host, but, come on, Padma is Padma, but, who wouldn't take this gorgeous Asian woman over Billy Joel's wife? Dude, it's a show that needs to be tasted after your pallete has already been gorged with Top Chef goodness, but it's not a throw away desert. It's different, but cool on its own. Give it a shot, and long live sexy Asian women.

I've only now become a fan of the original Top Chef, thanks to Padma and Tom Colicchio, and a couple of seasons of some very wild challenges, and even a few likable "cheftestants." But it was nice of co-host/exec producer Tom to bring on this compeition of some of the best chefs in America-a number of which appeared on Top Chef originally, by the way, during the past seasons. I was glad to see fan favorite Wylie Dufresne appear, as well as two new favorites of mine, Rick Bayless and Art Smith. But I think some of you who watch will find some new favorites to cheer for as well, even some of the more edgier folk, including Ludo Lefebre and Michael Chiarello. The fact that the chefs could actually get along with each other quite well (especially episodes two and six), instead of the usual bickering and such on the original Top Chef (and especially its "rival," Hell's Kitchen), actually I found that quite a nice change. The challenges were certainly wild, but most of the chefs really seemed to be up to the task, and there's some very talented, even very friendly, folk you'll enjoy meeting. As for host Kelly Choi, most people aren't thrilled with her-I think she does fit, just needs to be a little more "animated," as it were. (I still have a "beef" with Padma over her burger commercials, and I'm fine with her. ) Give her another season to get thru before we need to decide to send her out of the kitchen. As for the judges, Gael Greene is an interesting lady, and both James Oseland (the "geek") and Jay Rainer (the Brit) are both tough on the chefs at times, and that's needed-even TC's Gail Simmons gets in on the act nicely. (And all four ARE supposed to be back next summer on Bravo for Season Two.) All in all, Top Chef Masters proved to be a very fitting "spin-off" from the original, even if it may still need a bit of fine tweaking, maybe just a tinge of conflict as well (although I hope not THAT much). If you're into cooking competitions, sink your teeth into this, folks! The results are quite appetizing!

I want to see Tony Bourdain next season

I think this is a great spin on top chef! the only thing missing is the beautiful hostess Padma!

While not as intense as the regular top chef series, a lovely "palatte cleanser" that tides me over until the next series starts. I think that the show would be even better with the regular host and judges. Love seeing chefs who have been guest judges in the past admit the difficulty of the challenges. Why can't itunes get the most recent episode quicker?

You know, i had the same opinion about the new hostess before I started watching few clips of her own show "eat out." she can be a sweet, smart, goofy foodie. It just doesn't come off well on top chef masters, though. too bad. otherwise, the show is great! I love seeing how these incredibly accomplished artists can balance the competitiveness with elegant sportsmanship.

Pretty much if you love Top Chef, you'll at least like this. It's definitely a plus if you've eaten at some of the "contestants" restaurants.

I look forward to this show and they are not posted. Good thing I didn't bother with iTunes pass.

If you watch Top Chef for drama and reality show contestant stuff, then you will find this really lacks that. What is DOES do is fulfill this urge that I suspect many people besides me have had, to see some of these judge chefs test their own mettle with the time, money, and other constraints of the challenges! I have to disagree with those who call this boring. It keeps all the fun of seeing them react to bizarre but strangely realistic challenges, but makes it even more fun because you have seen some of these guys tear apart other contestants before! Putting really top chefs into the position of cooking for kids, or in non-kitchen environments, it takes them SO out of their ivory tower, and I have a lot of respect for those I have seen so far. They really do seem to just be having fun with it, and not acting like divas! And take it easy on the host! I don't think Padma, or Katie before her, or this host... none of them are or were any good, but is that really why you watch? This girl may look stiff, if only because Padma is perpetually stoned... lol I love Padma, but, really... you think she is that great? :) Anyhow, the panel of judges kicks a**, so that is good enough for me!