Top Chef Final 4

The final four for Top Chef have been chosen -- Stephanie, Richard, Antonia and Lisa -- and tonight they make their anticipated journey to the finals in Puerto Rico. I've been a Top Chef fan ever since season 2 and have really enjoyed this season.

There's been some funny characters (Richard, Andrew & Spike), a couple of forgettable ones (Nemma & Valerie), few you want to leave early (Lisa) and some really all around good chefs. The guest judges haven't become too big a part of the show, and there hasn't been much controversy this season (unless you count the internet uproar about Dale's departure over unlikable Lisa).

With the final four in place, here's my predicted order of finish:

1. Stephanie (won 1/12 Quickfires and 4/12 Elimination Challenges): She's been the best chef all season long. While she was in the bottom once or twice, she has impressed the judges more than any other. She was the strongest chef from the start and has been consistent throughout.
   
2. Richard (won 3/12 Quickfires and 3/12 Elimination Challenges): At first Richard seemed cocky, but after the audience got to know him, he's become a fan favorite. He always takes risks and seems to jump on the toughest aspect of each challenge in the team competitions. I would not be surprised to see him pull out the victory with some off-the-wall methods in the finale. He's actually won the most combined challenges.
   
3. Antonia (won 4/12 Quickfires and 1/12 Elimination Challenges): She has come the farthest on the show. At first she seemed like someone in the background, but a few wins later and she's one of the top cooks on the show. She prepares meals as she would at home and the audience can relate to her style more than the other "classic" chefs. She's the darkhorse, but don't count her out. It was a tough call for second place with her and Richard.
   
4. Lisa (won 1/12 Quickfires and 0/12 Elimination Challenges): I would be flabbergasted if Lisa won. She has been one of the weaker chefs all season and consistently appeared in the bottom. She kept skirting by because one chef always seemed to mess up more than her. Her attitude is bad and she has an "I don't care" look on her face when she gets critiqued. I would have prefered Spike to go on to the Final Four...at least there would have been more humor.

There you have it. Enjoy the finale.