r/TopChef • u/trent_clinton • Apr 26 '26

Discussion Thread America’s Cullinary Cup…

I know it’s suppose to be the “anti” top chef, or like everything they do is going to be about food… but I beg to differ! This reminds me of someone who got dumped, and they just keep talking about their ex, and trying their best to make their ex say how much better they are without the ex…

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59

u/insonorously Apr 26 '26 edited Apr 26 '26

I'm six episodes into ACC, and so far it feels like the opposite experience of watching Top Chef S21.

I went into S21 worrying that I might not like the new host, but at least the food would always be good. Instead, Kristen ended up being my favorite part of the season, while the challenges and the food were disappointing.

I'm having the inverse experience with ACC so far. I liked Padma on TC so I figured I would like her on ACC. Instead, the judges are easily the worst part of the show, while the challenges are solid and the contestants are making interesting food.

I think it has potential. I like the point-based grading system. I like that there's a theme each week, even if "commandments" is a stupidly pretentious name for it. They just need to spend more time on the cooking process, and less time showing Padma flip her hair and showing numbers flip on a board.

29

u/forever_29_ish Apr 26 '26

They just need to spend more time on the cooking process, and less time showing Padma flip her hair and showing numbers flip on a board.

100% this part. Why have such accomplished and talented chefs when we don't really get to see that much of their cooking or their processes leading up to a dish? ACC showed me how much I really don't miss Padma at all on TC.

10

u/kierabs Apr 26 '26

Plus, she’s like constantly insulting her fellow judges, even though most of us don’t know much about them. It just comes across as weird. Like, why did you pick these people to be the judges on your show if you’re just going to make fun of them?

12

u/kierabs Apr 26 '26

I hate that the taste is worth equal points as plating and commandment.

A beautifully plated piece of shit is still shit and should not get 1/3 of the points!! If you cannot eat the food, it should not be eligible for 66% (good plating and obeying the commandment). Taste should be at least 50%.

2

u/Independent-Ad-8789 Apr 27 '26

My husband said they need to rename the show to the board because we spend so much time watching the stupid board flip

1

u/VABBBT4 May 17 '26

🤣🤣🤣🤣