Top Chef Season 3 Finale: Update: Our Spy Spills More

We just got an update from our on-the-set spy. In their own words:

• All of the contestants from this season were openly pulling for both Dale and Casey, even saying so to people they passed in the hallways prior to the taping.

• Chef Rocco DiSpirito was the only one of the three celebrity sous chefs in attendance leading some of us in the audience to assume he was there because Hung won. According to people with the show he simply happened to be in town. Possibly for a spot they are taping for season 4?

• All of the former Season 3 participants were there. Most hung (no pun intended) together. CJ is easily 6'6 and seemed like the nicest guy. All of the contestants were gladly taking advantage of the open bar. Additionally they are taping a Season 3 reunion today in Chicago.

• Any discussion about anything going on in Chicago in regard to Season 4 was not discussed in any way, shape or form. I asked someone involved with the show how far along they are in the taping and got "I cannot answer that" very promptly.

• Look for future Top Chef finales to follow the same format of a live finale taped well after the show concludes. The reason is that this stops anyone from possibly leaking information prior to finale air date. Last year, you will remember, Ilan's victory got leaked.

• Gail Simmons is possibly the NICEST person you will ever meet. Both Tom and Padma were very approachable post-show and Tom spent a lot of time talking to Dale's parents about how gifted of a chef he is and that he must continue to cook. Carol Wallack, the Chef/Owner of Sola was seated with Dale's family.

• Rumor has it that Hung took off very quickly after the taping to go celebrate, possibly leaving some Bravo people in a bind. I overheard someone with the show very upset when they discovered that Hung was gone.

• To give you an idea of how well liked Dale was, almost everyone affiliated with the show, and most of the former contestants, went to party in Boystown with Dale and crew after the taping.

• Talked with Lee Ann at length (Season 1 contestant and now Food Producer on show) Said she has eaten at Blackbird, avec, Hot Chocolate and Alinea.