The thing that Food Network Star was so much better at was making them articulate what their show actually would be, and how their challenge entries fit with that. Even though a lot of it was just smoke, it really gave you a better idea what they were thinking. I don't know what a Kim or a Todd show would be.

brenda, I totally agree. But, we didn't know what last year's winner's show would be either.

I wonder how many takes Todd & Kim had of doing the presentation of the room?

Kim's room looked looked like a hotel room to me. Todd's room looked like a kid's room. Way too kitschy in my opinion, for what's supposed to be an upscale hotel.

I still wonder if Todd is going to win, since voters will decide, and he is the cute guy who takes his shirt off all the time.

When Todd did this room for that space which was supposed to show their personality I was fine with it. . . but apparently, unless he is given a particular direction by a client - this is what he does ALL the time.

Of course, in the real world of design - you always have a client.

Kim uses the same colors for mellow earthy as she does for tropical punch. But her hosting style is very good.

BTW, she has some sort of connection to InStyle magazine -- over at TWOP they are smelling conspiracy. However, I've head the same thing (that HGTV wants him so he wins) about Todd. Two, two conspiracies for one.

Top Chef: opening of this week's episode. - Not even the QF - although, I think we can imagine what it might be.

Honestly, I have been reading about Kim's Instyle connections and I don't think she should have been cast on the show. But I can't stand Todd and would never ever watch his show.

I had no idea about any of Kim's InStyle stuff, but I do think her hosting style is friendly and confident, even if I agree that she's more decorator than designer. I just wish I had some clue what kind of show she would do.

Todd is sort of annoying, yes. And not as talented as I thought earlier on. It will be interesting to see who viewers vote for.

Apparently, and sumi can come in here and correct me if I'm wrong, but Kim's background is communications (her college degree), so it is no wonder she is a fabulous host.

I really hadn't read her qualifications, except that I knew that she didn't have any formal design training.

She does have an Associate's degree in Performing Arts which explains her ease as a host.

And Todd's background is in Landscape Architecture which totally makes sense to me.

Okay, she doesn't work for Instyle but she is a friend, neighbor and hairdresser for InStyle's Senior Entertainment Editor.