Dale Was Robbed!

Top Chef buzz was in the air in Chicago last night – not only because hometown fave Dale Levitski was in the final three – but also since the finale was being taped in Chicago. Taping of season 4 of the hit Bravo show is already underway in town – with blog spies apparently trying to track the show's every move. A pal of UR Chicago was on hand at the taping and told us, following conversations with some of the show's hosts and Bravo brass, that they are trying to keep things under wraps, but that local food bloggers are following them – to Green City Market, Whole Foods in Lincoln Park and other spots around town. In addition, hosts Padma Lakshmi and Chef Tom Colicchio (along with some guest judges like Wylie Dufresne) have been seen dining at Blackbird and Avec (big surprise there).

But back to the finale. The space in the studio on Chicago's West Side (on Walnut Street out beyond the United Center) was recreated to mimic the room in Aspen at the Hotel Jerome, replete with wall coverings. The judges and contestants were instructed to wear the same clothes (as if the viewers are that dumb to not realize it's a whole different setting?!) and apparently Gail Simmons, who supposedly got engaged after the last taping, was told not to wear her engagement ring. The lengths we'll go for authenticity!

Dale, who had a rocky start at the beginning of the season, held his own throughout and came out (nearly) on top. He, Casey and Hung all prepared stellar meals in Aspen to only then have to wait another week before finding out who would be awarded title of Top Chef – in Chicago. As it came down to the wire, out of four courses, Dale won two and Hung won two leaving poor Casey (who was the fan favorite to win) eating their well-seasoned dust. As in every episode, Padma held the contestants' attention, building suspension before she announced the loser, or in last night's case, winner. And as the tension built inside the studio, a hush came over the crowd before she announced that Hung had won.

WTF? Hung? Seriously? Not only was I completed deflated, but our insider spy said that, while everyone was cordial and clapped, that the general reaction was that Dale clearly should have won. And while Hung managed to upset the flow during the show (read: piss off other contestants) he apparently was already rocking the boat with the Bravo folks. He had done some press but bolted out of the studio before doing a few additional interviews (he did manage to cook up some sort of chicken stir fry on the WGN morning news today). And btw, Marcel really is Wolverine. What was up with that beard?

Dale, no matter what they say, you're welcome to make us dinner anytime.

-- Ari B.