Easily one of the best stand-and-stir shows on TV. I love me some Kelsey.

Congrats Andreann and Natalie. Y'all do me proud.

VonnR, you make some really good points. I, too, believe Aaron was set up to fail. After he was awarded the show he was left alone to figure how to be a TV personality on his own. Being a nice guy doesn't always translate well to television. Instead of a knee jerk reaction of rushing people in front of the camera to fill demographic needs it is important to pick people that are poised for that position. Some people need coaching and some are naturals. To me Roger Mooking is a stellar example of a natural. The guy has so much charisma on camera that it is hard not to love him. I still think his cooking show, Everyday Exotic, is the best stand-and-stir on TV. I also like him with Aaron Sancehz on Heat Seekers. It would be nice to see Food Network expand Roger's roll.

Well, he could always apply and go through the process himself. If he's made up his mind about it that's probably the only way to change his opinion.

Bullets are more effective than either.

I feel the opposite way. Troy's sense of humor and brainy approach are what made this show for me. Not that it matters; there' isn't going to be another season.

OK, mgrusso37, I checked with Carrie McCully and this is what she says about the conditions of the winner's employment, "They are hired as a full time employee with all regular benefits that are offered in the restaurant." No mention of any contract. Like I said, I've rarely heard of anyone getting a contract at a restaurant.

A one year contract is about as good as you ever get. I've been a chef for 25 years and I've never had a guaranteed contract. If they do a good job they'll keep them as long as they can. If they don't they shouldn't be handcuffed to them. I'll check with Carrie to see if she can give out the particulars.

I don't think anyone "wants" to feed a family for only $10; it's that they "have" to feed a family for only $10. It simply isn't a choice. Two or three years ago it may have been a choice but now it is a necessity. And keep in mind that organic is meaningless if you the organic product in question is not local.

If you live in North Carolina and buy organic produce grown in California you've just wasted a lot of money. That's a money saver there - you may have a local farmer who doesn't farm organically but his produce is better for you than organic produce that traverses the length of the country.

Organic from more than 150 miles from home trumps factory farmed from more than 150 miles from home. Locally farmed trumps organic from more than 150 miles from home. Locally and organically farmed trumps them all. It doesn't really matter how organically something is prepared if it travels a thousand miles to get to you it isn't organic anymore; it's a processed food.

I too wonder sometimes if the dishes Melissa does could really be done for $10 but if it costs $12, is healthy and delicious I can forgive them.

UPDATE: I found the other perfect score in ICA history -
According to wikipedia, Jose Garces is the only Iron Chef to ever rate a perfect score in the history of ICA.