Bravo looks to have another hit on its hands as ratings have been steadily rising for Top Chef, the reality series that replaced Project Runway's 10pm Wednesday time slot. In case you're late to the game, the ten-episode series features twelve aspiring chefs who must survive weekly cooking challenges for a chance to earn the coveted title of “Top Chef.”

On paper, the premise seems weak. After all, it's a cooking contest and viewers can't actually taste the contestant's dishes. But, just like Runway, the real fun is watching the sparks fly between the various eccentric personalities. A lot of the contestants seem like total whackjobs, so there's tons of melodrama as the aspiring chefs are forced to work together in the kitchen during team challenges—only to then turn around and stab each other in the back at the judging table.

At the opening of last week's episode those still in the running were:

Stephen Asprino, a 24-year old “sommelier” (which is French for “snooty, all-knowing wine steward”). The judges have been very impressed by the artistry of Stephen's cooking—his creations look more like minimalist abstract paintings than actual food. However, dapper young Stephen is a bit obsessive compulsive and not much of a team player. The other contestants hate working with him on the group challenges because he spends too much time pouring wine and arranging the silverware--leaving them to slave in the kitchen.

Lee Anne Wong, a 28-year old from New York. Lee Anne has been a solid contestant thus far, forming alliances with the contestants she respects but quick to point out the weaknesses of her competitors when called before the show's judges. Lee Anne looks a bit like the younger Margaret Cho.

Tiffani Faison, a 28-year old bisexual from Boston. Tiffani is clearly a skilled chef, but the scrappy redhead tends to be bossy in the kitchen and quick to over-ride the suggestions of her teammates. She also has a habit of arguing with the judges when she disagrees with their comments, and that may just get her in trouble down the line.

Harold Dieterle, a 28-year old sous chef from New York. Harold is sort of a “guy's guy.” His specialty dishes are “meats,” and he tends to struggle with the frou frou courses like dessert. Harold has thus far been the most affable contestant. At the judging table, he's quick to point out his own faults and praise the work of others which is nice but hints he may not have enough of competitive drive to win the Top Chef title.

Finally, there's our man Dave Martin, a very likeable but easily flustered 40-year old gay man from Long Beach, CA. Dave has prior experience both as an executive chef and also running a successful catering company. That has provided him with the versatility to compete effectively in the show's diverse challenges: everything from designing a signature sandwich to developing an “erotic” dessert.

Dave's approach is more practical than are the other chefs. His cooking is more “comfort food” than “haute cuisine.” Despite his seniority over the remaining chefs, Dave seems the least sure of himself. He's quick to get rattled and the other contestants, particularly Tiffani, seem to enjoy yanking his chain. The simmering conflict between insecure, gay Dave and bossy bisexual Tiffani came to a head on the April 21 st episode when Tiffani tried to interrupt Dave in front of the judges, prompting him to shout, “I'm not your bitch, bitch!”

For last week's challenge, our five remaining contestants had one day to collaborate on and execute a 100-guest reception dinner for a gay couple's commitment ceremony.

For the first part of the challenge, each contestant had 90-minutes to prepare a sample appetizer and think up a 5-course menu. Each chef then had to present their appetizer and proposed menu to the soon-to-be-hitched gay couple, Scott and Scott. The Scotts got to pick the winning menu.

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