Chin Picks Win

I nearly spilled my beer when I saw knitwear designer, yarn maker and the fastest crocheter in the world, Lily Chin, on tonight’s episode of Top Chef.

While watching people line up for portions of the Elimination Challenge dishes, I saw a face that looked somewhat familiar and I said to Jeff, “That looks like Lily Chin.” He just ignored me, because I’m always mouthing of during TV shows and movies along the lines of “That’s the guy that played the _________ in “____________”. Jeff is a very patient man.

But then, moments later, she appeared on screen again, actually sitting at the same picnic table with Tom, Padma and Gail. Then she spoke. That clinched it.

I’ve always found Lily Chin intimidating. When I’ve seen her on TV (Knitty Gritty, Knit & Crochet Today, etc.), I just stare in fascination. She speaks and works so quickly and with such confidence. I’m always amazed at her total mastery of all things knitting and crochet-related, and know that I would just be a total butterfingers if I ever had to knit in her presence. I’m sure she’s a very nice person, but there’s just something about her that scares me a little.

Not only does she know yarn and have mad knitting and crochet skillz, she also knows a good piece of fish when she tastes one. She was commenting on Carla’s Smoked Blue Fish with Lettuce Wrap, Pickled Watermelon Rind, Shallots Radish, and Bagel Croutons – the winning dish of the challenge.