question 1: is judging for top chef based only on their performance in that week's challenge or is previous performance factored in?

question 2: there has been some criticism regarding winners in previous seasons that the best chef (based on overall performance) didn't win (season 2, 4, 5 come to mind). for example if you were putting your life savings into starting a restaurant i doubt you would take hosea over stefan as executive chef. is it fair to award the top prize to a chef who excels in the final challenge without taking into consideration what it took to get there?

Tom,
Cooking for one is boring...what would you advise me to have on hand (panty or frig) in order to cook up a healthy yet quick meal for one so that I won't be tempted to run to the fast food/hamburger joints?? Thanks... Love your show too!!!

Is it very difficult to open and keep open a Restaurant? why do so many Restaurants close? is it the rent, the cost off employees salaries and benefits?

Best Regards.

Rafael

Tom, Why havent you dont any cooking on Top Chef? My wife and I were really hoping to see you on the masters show! When can we see you get into the mix?

what factors make a good chef?

what are your favorite movies about food? (and you have a cool last name!)

I love your smile and your eyes!!!!

Tom,

Do you feel that the rise of the celebrity chef is pushing the culinary arts forward by engaging a great number of new enthusiasts and creative minds, or stalling it all by creating a culture of silly acronyms and fame-over-flavor glory seeking?

How do you stay in shape (or in near constant shape for you) when you have to sometimes taste multiple plates on Top Chef???

Has the demand for profesional chefs increased or decreased?has the financial meltdown been a big factor?

What is more soul satisfying,Home food or Restaurant food?

Hi Tom,

Love your show, though I hardly cook, but I'd like to. But by the time I plan a meal, go shopping, cook and clean, I've "lost" 4 hours of my day.

Any thoughts?
Scott

Tom you are hot.. are you married?
seriously though.. what is a fun thing to do with broccoli?

Tom;
As a working parent while I enjoy watching your shows I would like to ask you what can I take from the show and apply it to the meals I prepare for family and friends ?
Thanks for hours of education and entertainment

Your show has inspired some tasty meals in my home. I hope you will include more shows with practical themes for the average family or single person trying to make a healthy, quick, and budget conscious meal.

Chef Tom,
All things being equal, how do you think you'd do if your were thrown into the mix on a Top Chef episode?

Hi Tom,

Modern technology has made its way into every part of our lives and it seems restaurants are no exception. What are your thoughts on the use of technology to enhance a dining experience at the traditional restaurant table. Are interactive table surfaces and light displays worth the high cost to differentiate a business? Is this the next generation of restaurant dining?

PS I forgot to mention eating There's another luxurious hour.

There may be many, but Papin is still the best.

Tom, Are you related to the Colichio's on Long Island, N.Y.?

Hi Tom,

I have stopped using Veal for Saltimbocca, using Turkey instead, because the Veal becomes so "chewy". What is the secret to keeping the Veal tender?

thanks, Martijn

As an award-winning and successful chef, I'd like to know who inspired you to pursue your career, and who are your inspirations today?

I'd also like to know how the guest judges are chosen for your show and which has been your personal friend or favorite?

Now that I live in Germany, I make my sister tape Top Chef for me so I don't miss an episode.. I'm hooked! Keep up the fabulous work!

Hi Tom,

Do you think there would be any interest in a show combining elements of Top Chef /Hell's Kitchen/Chopped/Iron Chef featuring self-taught home cooks pitted against someone from the CIA? Perhaps with a focus on recreating a dish based on blind tastings with quickfire competitions of name the ingredient. It may prove humorous and surprising.