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| Season 8 - All Stars |
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The comments framed between the "***" belong to other posters!
Top Chef Holiday Special - Tiffani over Marcel & CJ - (Chicago)
4 Star ALL STAR - Harold (Sn 1)** & Co. -d- Sam (Sn 2)*** & Co. (Miami Beach)
The comments framed between the "***" belong to other posters!
Top Chef Holiday Special - Tiffani over Marcel & CJ - (Chicago)
4 Star ALL STAR - Harold (Sn 1)** & Co. -d- Sam (Sn 2)*** & Co. (Miami Beach)
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Season 2 Winner: - Ilan over Marcel, Sam, and Elia - - (Waikoloa Village, Hawaii)
Season 3 Winner: - Hung over Dale and Casey - - - - - - - - - - - - - (Aspen, CO)
Season 4 Winner: - Stephanie over Richard & Lisa - - - - - - - - (San Juan, PR)
Season 5 Winner: - Hosea over Carla and Stefan - - - - - - - - (New Orleans, LA)
Season 6 Winner: - Michael V. over Bryan V. and Kevin - - - - - - - (Napa, CA)
Season 7 Winner: - Kevin over Angelo and Ed - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (Singapore)
Season 8 Winner: (All-Stars) Richard over Michael & Antonia - - - (Bahamas)
Season 9 Winner: - Paul* over Sarah, Lyndsey, & Bev ^ - - - - - (Whistler, BC)
Season 10 Winner: - Kristen ^ over Brooke and Sheldon - - - - (Juneau, Alaska)
Season 11 Winner: - Nick over Nina, Shirley, & Louis ^ - - - - - (Maui, Hawaii)
Season 12 Winner: - Mei over Gregory, Doug,^ & Melissa - - - - - - - (Mexico)
Season 13 Winner: - Jeremy over Amar,^ Isaac & Marjorie - - (Las Vegas, NV)
Season 14 Winner: - Brooke ^ over Shirley and Sheldon) - - - - - - - (Mexico)
Season 15 Winner: - Joseph ^ over Adrienne, Joe S., & Carrie - (Telluride, CO)
Season 16 Winner: - Kelsey over Sara, Eric, & Michelle ^ - - - - - (Macau, China)
Season 17 Winner: (All-Stars2) Melissa over Bryan, Stephanie, & Kevin ^ - (Italy)
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- Reprint: http://www.justhungry.com/2006/03/top_chef.html - Posted on 10/10/06
"Top Chef is a new reality show that airs on Bravo TV in the US. It's a cooking contest show where contestants vie for the privilege of being crowned Top Chef. (And some prize $$$ too.) I'm rather addicted to reality TV. I loved Project Runway and most of all, ..........Top Chef's chief judge is Tom Collicchio.
My reaction: What a pretentious, overblown and pile of crap is this? This is "fusion" at its very worst. This is what turns people off fusion. He deserves to die, in the culinary sense."
** - Harold w/ Dave, Tiffani & Stephen (cap*) - *** - Sam w/ Marcel (cap*) Ilan & Elia
^ - Last Chance Kitchen Winner - ( * - won quick fire challenge; 1 handed egg prep.)
- Reprint: http://www.justhungry.com/2006/03/top_chef.html - Posted on 10/10/06
"Top Chef is a new reality show that airs on Bravo TV in the US. It's a cooking contest show where contestants vie for the privilege of being crowned Top Chef. (And some prize $$$ too.) I'm rather addicted to reality TV. I loved Project Runway and most of all, ..........Top Chef's chief judge is Tom Collicchio.
My reaction: What a pretentious, overblown and pile of crap is this? This is "fusion" at its very worst. This is what turns people off fusion. He deserves to die, in the culinary sense."
** - Harold w/ Dave, Tiffani & Stephen (cap*) - *** - Sam w/ Marcel (cap*) Ilan & Elia
^ - Last Chance Kitchen Winner - ( * - won quick fire challenge; 1 handed egg prep.)
Season 5:
ReplyDelete***All those guest judges look alike after a while. Yeah, I remember that guy Yakura. Can we say pompous?***
Pompous? Who on this show isn't? lol! Tom C. is constantly talking about what he would have done in the same situation as the cheftestants! "No Shit Colicchio? You've only been a mainstream top chef for 50 years!" What a jerk! Anthony is a know-it-all, but he's funny! Gale just follows Tom's lead actually contradicting herself at times! Rocco has settled down into being a nice guy and very good judge! I'll take Anthony and Rocco anytime over any of these other bozos!
***No Anthony and no Ted! Pompous? For sure. They can be real assholes and they piss me off at times...but, I love them anyway.I will miss them both.***
That was me who said Bordain was pompous, but he's also the most entertaining! Remember back in S3, maybe the 1st episode, he was called out from a reference in his book dealing with serving! He looked at the guy and called him an S..O..B! lol! It was funny! Mike is very rude, but he makes me laugh too! From S2, RW, he asked someone about so much shit on the plate at serves! lol! I think he hammered Ilan for an extra bowl for his veggie! Sam was also eviscerated for that watermelon-cheese dessert by the judges and patrons!
***That was Howie. He left of a dish and thought he was a goner. Nice save have to say. Good thing Clay's dishes sucked as bad as they did.***
That still ticks me off! They ran Clay out of there and Howie didn't even complete the assignment! That was as bad as on Season 3 of Project Runway when Keith didn't design an outfit for his dog, but Bonnie was "run" because the hem on a dress wasn't finished! Judging is so scatter-brained on these shows! You know the producers are getting involved saying "this person is 'great' tv! Let's save him for another week or 4!" How in the world did Spike and Lisa make it as far as they did last season! That was ridiculous with them being in the bottom 3 week in and week out! I'll never trust the judging again! Love the cooking, but hate the results of it at times!
***That is true, Jay. Hate the results sometimes...but, LOVE the whole package.***
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I'm devastated! My eye-candy is gone! What am I to do now? Jeffrey's a nice 2nd I guess! I'll miss those red cheeks of Patrick a lot; all 4! He reminded me so much of Finnish Professional poker player, Patrik Antonius! (weeping) - http://www.patrikantonius.com/
***You will just have to remember him affectionately leaping into Richard's bear-hug!
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I'm going to remember that too, but "affectionately" isn't exactly the adjective I'd use. ...I was really hoping Patrick would stay and he and Richard would become...um..."special friends."***
Oh come on! lol! Richard has eyes only for Colicchio! I just wrote, Tom has his stalker for the season! lol!!
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***I think that comment from Adriane made Tom re-think his opinion of her, based on her bio. I know I'm going to have to watch her, and maybe drop her from my top 5.***
I also thought she was "toast" talking about going to a book! They emphasized the horror of such a thing with the music; BOOM! lol!! I would have auf'd her after that! Come on! She had no excuses with 20 years of experience and owner of an establishment! I think she mentioned that; not like I care! We're going to go thru this crap some more with the judging being out of whack! They save some 'nebbish' that has no right making it half way thru the season! Happens every year! Look at Spike and Lisa from last season! 2 of the most unpleasant and "bad" chefs ever made the final few! Disgusting!!
***I thought the quickfire was a clever competition. I have not viewed all of the other seasons, have they done this before? It seemed to be poetic justice that Hosea won and Stephan had to settle for second place. A piece of humble pie every once in a while will do him no harm I dare say.***
ReplyDeleteWell I saw Gordon Ramsey do that same QF challenge on Hell's Kitchen! The chefs had to name the ingredients in a dish he prepared and the winner got a day trip to Las Vegas; taking another chef with her! I'm so tired of my namesake bitching and moaning from start to finish! My GAWD, Jamie has been in the top often and all she can do is complain, "I haven't won anything!" Hey; feel fortunate 'you' haven't been in the bottom and on the chopping block! Also, what is all this animus towards Stefan? Is it all jealousy? Everyone seems to have it "in" for this guy! He can be bossy, but he knows his stuff!
***Danny was asked to pack his knives and go. It was a very close call between Danny and Eugene.***
Danny had to go! Last week "mugging" for the camera, talking about how good he was! And he obviously doesn't pay attention to the show! Why on Earth would you add mushrooms to that dish? Hasn't he seen that the judges are like "death" on each dish that has mushrooms? "They weren't seasoned well, they were cold, whatever!" They really hate bad mushrooms and aren't forgiving when it comes to that little fungus! lol!! MORON! Up to the last he thought he did a great job! Lucky Carla didn't 'bite it' since she didn't say anything about the addition! Eugene probably should have been auf'd with the bad rice and not telling the ladies to roll those ingredients to make sushi!
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***Jamie was the epitome of gracelessness! She's a poor loser and a worse winner!***
So true! What is this feeling of "I deserve to win" mentality that's with these people? I was hoping Jamie would lose out again and 'kvetch' some more! If she even says scallop again, I may have to commit hari-kari; (oopps I forgot I gave away my sword)!
Those 2 had to go! Neither have impressed me yet! "Carla you dodged another bullet!" Why is it when these people do a dish they've done a million times, it comes out awful? So sad! You sure these people can cook?
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I didn't look back! Did any one talk about the can goods snobbery! What a bunch of a-holes! That is such an insult to all the hardworking single moms who have little or no choice to use such goods!
***No one has commented yet on that. But I agree with you Jay.
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I use can green beans all the time. I prefer them to fresh and especially over frozen.***
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This was almost predictable! Ariane had been skating thru with wins that weren't that impressive! Last week she babies some lamb watching it every minute, then tries it again! She had to go! It all caught up with her! Bout time! Now if we get rid of Jamie, my namesake, I'll be almost happy! lol!! Her whining is just too much to deal with! "Grow up GIRL!" lol!! - Leah and Hosea; (steamy stuff next week)
***Jay~ They can't get rid of the last of team rainbow.....where's your loyalty? LOL!! At least she isn't as bad as Lisa from last season, the queen of sabotage and whine!
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Well....I think Leah should have gone home personally...she was the one who tied the lamb up and if it wasn't rolled correctly,***
***TC does have a rep for bootin' the cutest guy first...Ever since Clay...JMO...***
ReplyDeleteOh Clay from S3 was alright, but he was just a mild-mannered country boy from what I remember of him! His amuse bouche was a flop, but it was shocking to see him auf'd since Howie had an incomplete dish; wasn't all on the plate! That was "BUSH-league" judging! "Tom C. you stink! You let personal issues cloud your judgement at times!" Stefan was by far the best chef in S5, but his attitude stunk! He's German for GAWD-sake! lol!! I still think Richard was nixed when he was obviously hitting on his "BEAR!" lol! Maybe the "mrs" said "get rid of him!"
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***I was heartbroken....when John Besh was not selected for The Next FN Star.***
I was just as disappointed! I know he's better than that! He's used many times as a judge or talking head dealing with cooking! John was one of the tasters in New Orleans last season! I still feel sick remembering what Casey did to Carla! She totally convinced her to go in a particular direction and it all failed! As I've said before, Casey is a black widow! Befriend her at your own peril! lol!! How many times did she talk about being close to one of the chefs, then they're history the very next challenge? Is it a coincidence? Hmmm!
***I loved Carla, but if you change your menu to please your sous chef ; who has nothing to gain, then shame on you. It's not Casey's fault that Carla lost her very individual style of cooking by listening to her. You didn't see Hosea or Stefan second guess their menu. That's why they were more successful.***
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Speaking of overpriced burgers, watched a show on the subject on the Travel Channel! A place in NY was selling a regular old hamburger for $41! Might be reasonable; Big glob of KOBE beef infused in the center with your fixin's of onion, cheese, ..., with tater totes! Mustard is infused with champagne, ketchup a special chipotle mix, and on and on to justify 'rippin' ya off!' lol!! The gold leaf is so sick; in NY $1000 pizza with gold leaf, caviar, truffles, etc! I wonder are those execs that lived like that still literally flush money down a toilet! IDIOTS!
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Well from Season 1 the most memorable things are Andrea getting a 2nd chance when we lost a body! The old lady had a father in the hospital! Andrea was brought back to keep things in balance! Let's see, RuPaul brought out the sleaze in food, and Tiffany kept alienating herself from everyone all the way thru the season! All 4 sous chefs in the finale went for Harrold as TOP CHEF!
Missed "Restaurant Wars" for season 1! That one was my faves! These were the best of the best and they were all so pompous; Stephen, Tiffany, Dave, Miguel! This was one of more humorous episodes with Stephen walking the space, overdoing it trying to choose and pay for the decor, as well as being arrogant enough to believe that Harrold's team with Tiff was being called 1st to give them the bad news that everything went Lee Ann, Stephen, and Miguel's way! "Our food was 'fly'!" What an idiot! You had Tiffany sacrificing the name she was to use for her own rest.! "Oh cry me a river girlie! American Workshop has been claimed I'm sure many times before! Nothing original there!"
ReplyDeleteMiguel was just a colossal fraud! He was always "in the weeds!" If he wasn't using sugar instead of salt, he was ordering fish at the grocery store and not having it scaled! What another idiot! I'm so glad Dave won the challenge! It had to break the face of Tiffany; it was her dream to go to Europe! "And??" Most do! lol! She was just too rude to win even though she knew what she was doing! Love watching her getting called out on her "rip off" credit of Dave's desserts in the finale!
***Season one ROCKED..... It really did and nothing will ever capture that magic again. It was all so new and fresh and naive and innocent really.****
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From Top Chef Reunion Dinner: - Excuse me, "Marcel seemed really defensive?" Obviously you must have had an easy childhood! No one wants to be reminded of being harassed, bullied, or made fun of! Idiots like Sam, Cliff, Ilan, Michael, & Betty went way over the line concerning Marcel! This was a kid and he was humiliated, assaulted, and made to feel insignificant since they did all this on tape! They had no shame and he really needed that jerk Fabio trying to push some button to make good tv! He should have told him off just like he did Toby! I'm sure it was a real shock to the panel that someone finally stood up to their "more than rude" comments and criticisms!
***...Fabio was giving him the chance to give his side of everything, and to speak about it with the perspective of time... And I don't think that is unfair question. After all it was show on national television..***
I bet people think I'm some fan of Marcel's! NOT!! I just don't think anyone should be treated the way he was! He did nothing that would condone screeching at him the way Sam did at one store, screaming like Ilan making fun of Marcel's foam, and the constant insults from someone that was supposed to be mature in Betty! I dislike a lot of people! I don't go off the deep end like they did! I avoided idiots like Marcel by working with computers! I tended to work 2nd or overnight shifts to skip office politics! Some might say Marcel is looking for trouble getting involved in an occupation that forces close interaction with people who may hate his guts! Poor thing! "I feel your pain Marcel!"
***LOL... by the way you were defending Marcel it did seem like you were a fan. So I take it you don't like Betty, Ilan, or Sam either? Who are your favorites?***
OMG; believe it or not Ilan was a fave of mines! If you read back to S2, you saw I gave him huge props on his offerings and his quiet confidence! He kept the other chefs on task and kept them on an even keel! Something happened and he just lost it! Maybe he picked up some of Betty's bitterness! He then infected Sam and Cliff and they all just went at Marcel tooth and nail! The bloom was off the rose!
ReplyDeleteAfter so many seasons, I have to admit my overall favorites were in season 4! You had Stephanie, Antonia, & Richard who had a quiet confidence and never really disappointed too many times! Lisa being there tonite representing S4 was a joke! She was in the bottom it seemed like every week, but if I remember correctly, it was 7 times! WOW! How did she make the final over Antonia? What a joke! She should have been gone long before Cuba; along with Spike!
This season seems to have the most talented chefs I've seen though! You have the V brothers, Kevin, & Jennifer that have been really impressive! They know their stuff and haven't been skunked by stupid challenges like the vending machine and beach fire-pit gimmicks! They know sauces, flavors, wines, etc! They've just been very impressive! I thought Season 1 was the most talented until this one! Season 3 was good with Casey and Hung, Stefan (S5) is great, but these guys are absolutely gifted in my eyes! They better learn to do desserts though so they'll be more of a well rounded chef!
***Jay, I agree. Seeing that tape again made me see red. Too bad Marcel didn't bring assault charges against Cliff and his accomplices - maybe even sue Bravo who supplied Ilan with the camera. At least Tom Colicchio had the right intentions - disqualify Cliff, Sam, Ilan and Elia and declare Marcel the Top Chef - too bad Tom got overruled by production.***
I thought Tom wanted to just cancel the whole thing and eliminate all of them! It made no sense to disqualify Marcel due to him being a victim, but the others were culpable if they're just sitting there watching an assault! We have "good samaritan" laws these days! Cliff was the most at fault, actually touching Marcel! Ilan was complicit by filming it, and Sam could just be considered a total arse since he was supposed to be the alpha male of the group! He was supposed to keep order like Harrold in season 1! It was bad enough when he would scream and screech at Marcel in public! For him to just sit there and allow what happened; I don't know how anyone could have any respect for him and his judgement ever again! I'm totally serious! Something has to be wrong with all of them to think that was acceptable behavior! A simple apology would not be enough for me!
The script continues in these reality shows! Just watched The Food Network's, "The Next Iron Chef!" The one with the biggest mouth and ego, got his "just desserts" when he went down in flames just before the finals! Chef Appleman all but tried to sabotage the competition and took great glee in their misfortunes! He was so smug and sure he would be going to Tokyo to compete for the next opening of "The Iron Chef!" Many of these chefs were acting quite beneath their station! If told they need to just grab a protein off a table for the latest challenge! They go at it "tooth and nail," actually bowling over a woman and snatching a loin of pork from another chef's grasp! Quite shameful really! All they can say is "that wasn't very nice!" It was assault you bitches!
ReplyDelete***I was quite pleased when they sent Appleman home. It seems to me that he tried his sabotage tactics in every episode. I was not so happy to see Chef Trevino go though.***
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OMG; I'm just hatin' Fabio hosting this Top Chef Reunion Dinner! I know they coached him to be a real jerk asking those questions just to get a rise out of the guys! I personally would have called him a couple choice names if I were Marcel! It was almost bullying by him! Casey has a lot of nerve showing up after what she did to Carla! I was glad she found out; probably thru here! I talked about her like a dog after season 5! It's one thing to make a suggestion; she took over the damn final! I guess her finale wasn't enough, she had to hose Carla! As for Tiffany, she'll never be able to live down her showing! After all these years, it's like she's a daughter of "Darth Vader;" and I don't mean Princess Leia! Looks like they're going to "jump" Casey later in the show! I can't wait!
***I'm not sure that Casey is to blame for Carla's loss. If anyone is to blame it is Carla herself. It seemed to me that she really didn't have a plan and wasn't giving her sous chef, Casey, any direction as to what she wanted her to do. Hence, Casey made some suggestions which were up to Carla to accept or decline. It is too bad that execution of Casey's suggestions were poor. And whose fault was it that Carla's dessert in the oven got burnt because she was so discombobulated that she wasn't paying attention? Because Carla was such a sentimental fan favorite someone had to be blamed - hence Casey got the assignment.***
Gawd; what would we have done if she had bluffed her way into the final like Lisa in S4? If she had just a scintilla of confidence in herself, she would have gone further believe it or not! She must know something or she wouldn't have been invited! Didn't she have a specialty having to do with being a vegan? Robin was intimidated and embarrassed by her lack of experience and knowledge compared to the other chefs! If she had stuck with what she knew, she might have gotten past Jennifer and Eli! She kept trying to prepare things she had no real clue how to make! She went up against some really good chefs; and I was embarrassed for her!
ReplyDeleteThey sneered and were condescending, but in this case it was warranted! I'm very impressed by the caliber of chefs this season! Even Jennifer who has imploded has to be good if Eric Ripert had anything to do with her apprenticeship! Eli should be next! What a goof throwing all that crap into a cup and thinking that was enough! OMG; how can he even joke about being close to the talent of the Bros. and Kevin? Right now I'm embarrassed for him since Robin in gone! He's now the dead fish of the group! He has made some real clunkers! He might sneak thru if Jennifer goes into her shell even more! My Gawd, a clam is more relaxed! "Loosen up girl; you have the skills! You were a star the 1st half of the season!" lol!!
***Robin herself said she played it safe in several interviews now.***
She may have said that, but the fact was that after her efforts in the beginning being laudable, she went away from her comfort zone trying to keep up with the other chefs! She saw them matching sauces and wines with dishes, layering of flavors, and being innovative with recipes they may never have used! She had to feel a little behind their experience; having nothing to do with years! Robin tried to make things she had no clue or idea of how to produce and she slowly went down in flames! She held on longer due to other chefs who were also a little overwhelmed!
To his last day, I was wondering where this huge ego came from when it came to Ash, Ron, Robin, and others! Ash going out the door was commenting on "what he wanted to do" rather than explain what he actually did! Ron acted so competent, but he was actually called on his efforts being "rancid in their mouth!" That was disgusting! You should at least know if something is fresh or not even if you aren't the best cook in the world! Nuf said about the lack of knowledge in Robin's case! Good luck Jennifer hanging on if you don't get your "shit" together! This is all about the men really; Kevin, & the V Bros! Good luck guys; more to Brian though! What a cross to bare with that idiot brother of his! lol!!
***What does everyone think about Kevin asking Bryan for advice on cooking sous vide?***
ReplyDeleteI instantly thought Kevin would be in trouble! He pulled a "Carla" and went with a technique he wasn't familiar with! I just don't understand the judging! They said Kevin would be dismissed right away from that "french comp" because of the simplicity of his offering! What do they do, give him the win and an opportunity to actually compete soon? Too bizarre especially since they thought Eli did a good job and the Bros had problems! Why do I watch this show? They have the best chefs, but they aren't really judging; they're picking the chefs to make the final! They are great, but too many errors were made including undercooked food, bones in the fish, and of course Kevin's very simple offering! I don't think Eli is up to the level of any of the others, but it seems he put a lot of work and effort in there and he was dismissed! "Tsk, tsk Magic Elves! Shame on you Tom!" I should stick to "Chopped, Iron Chef, & The Next Iron Chef," but they pull the same crap too!
***Me too! For a minute there, I thought he was going home. I'm glad he didn't though.
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I actually thought that he and Jennifer were really human in this episode in their help to others.***
Oh I have enormous respect for these guys! They are just grunts compared to so called genius master chefs out there that have judged on this show and others! All too often on "The Next Iron Chef" you saw such classless and tacky behavior from the likes of Jehangir Mehta! He didn't think it was unethical to run down his fellow contestants and even sabotage their efforts! I was really put off by this season on "The Food Network!" They talk about honor and class and few have shown it on that show! You had Nate Appleman and Mehta using up ingredients like Spike on Top Chef just so other competitors couldn't use them! It was disgusting to see experienced master chefs acting like that! I really appreciate Jennifer and Brian compared to those guys!
***I agree Jay - they really did step up this time. Michael was just insulting on so many levels. If Kevin is WINNING with food Mike V. makes at home, then shouldn't he begin making the food he makes at home?***
I couldn't agree more! Been a while since I've commented on the comp.! Not much in dispute when it comes to the finish! These are the best chefs and truly deserve to be there! ITA about Kevin! You hit the nail on the head! Simplicity is good to fall back on when in dire straits, but if you're given a task, have decent resources and time to prepare, you should come up with something extraordinary! I'm still waiting from what people are saying about his menus! I'm very impressed with the participants this season and anyone who takes it is deserving!
ReplyDeleteAt the moment, your order of winning is also good for me; Michael, Brian, Kevin, Jen! Not that Jen isn't a favorite, but she should be more confident with her background! My Gawd, working with Eric Ripert should give her a huge ego! I just haven't seen any of that confidence needed to be a "Top Chef!" Her performance running her team a couple times was commendable though! She obviously knows what she's doing! None of these guys have faked it to the final like in past seasons! Should I name names?
***Quite honestly, these boards are becoming a lot less fun, although I'm wondering if it's because people are losing any sense of what is and isn't appropriate, or if it's because I'm getting so sick of Bravo it borders on the ludicrous, and that's carrying over onto here.***
So true! Ludicrous is right! Some of the shows coming out won't get much viewership; esp. by me! If they go back to Shear Genius, Top Design, or Make Me A SuperModel, there's a chance! I actually blog those on my personal pages on yahoo, multiply, and myspace! These pearls of wisdom can't be lost to posterity so I copy them over and sometimes add comments from others!
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Ripoff! lol! Jen was hosed! Kevin served tough meat! Jen was auf'd and they didn't have much complaint except they wanted the original plan with the grilled duck! "Big mouth; ya should have just said it came out just the way you wanted it! Confit!" I thought Brian would win this one! Are chefs too lazy to salt and pepper at the table? Sheshhhh! "It was perfect whiners!"
***Jay, I am in partial agreement with you in regards to Jennifer. Kevin could have gone, but he has the best record up to now and was in the lead for fan favorite. I thought that Michael would surely catch more flak from Gail, the resident expert on how eggs should be cooked. Too bad about Jennifer - her mishap with the oven is reminiscent of Carla who wasn't watching her oven and burnt her dessert while Jennifer wasn't paying attention to her oven and let the coals die out. Next week should be interesting - Brian or Kevin is fine with me - not Michael who I thought was a little too sharp in responding to a guest's question and has been somewhat of an ass all season long.***
That happens! Remember season 2! Sam was the alpha male and he was cut at this point! What a shocker; "he didn't cook anything!" lol! That was a huge upset since Ilan had been doing spanish dish after spanish dish; even in Hawaii! "Put away the saffron Ilan and no one will get hurt!"
***Knew there was a reason I liked the Frank from S2 (aside from the fact that he threatened to turn Marcel into mulch)!***
ReplyDeleteI was never a fan of Marcel, but I found it more than a little disturbing to see grown men and women with absolutely no self control; threatening a kid for the most part! It was senseless most of the time! They couldn't even come up with a reason they hated him! They all were personality deficient; how much do these people get out? They seem to work 12 or more hours and off time is spent smoking and drinking! Frank, Betty, Ilan, Michael, (Mr. Alpha Male) Sam, & a couple others should be ashamed of themselves; esp. Cliff who got himself ejected after the assault! I can understand disliking someone out of hand, but to act on that dislike everyday was more than childish, sad, and pathetic!
***I waited six years for Top Chef to come to D.C., and the third challenge is to grill outdoors for glorified office equipment. I am not amused. ...***
Oh that was ridiculous! All too often these "cooks" fall back on what they think they know rather than really creating something! I'm disgusted by some of their choices; soul and spanish food at a BBQ? Give me a break and then they didn't do them well! Auf them all; at least half of these clowns! Some just don't seem to have a clue! How many think they can get away with a bad dessert knowing how that has fared in the past? Total morons!
***I find it interesting that both Aarti on Next Food Network Star and Arnold on Top Chef 7 wowed Jonathan with lamb kofta. Wonder which was taped first? BTW, we need a Jonathan Waxman Network: 24/7 Obi Wan!***
He's too nice! We look forward to a barrage of insults and rebuke from the judges! That's the lone reason for watching "Hell's Kitchen;" just to see Ramsey beating up the chefs! Jonathan has been all over the place of late! Is he taking care of business at his restaurant? Next he'll be a judge on Iron Chef; it could have happened already and I missed it!
***...And screw Ramsey. I have no use for him, and I don't watch his crappy shows.***
I really didn't start watching until season 4 of Hell's Kitchen! It was funny at the time and continued to amuse me through season 5, but the last couple have been sad! Too many cooks; not chefs! They have these sparkling resumes, but they can't execute under pressure! One guy was an exec. chef for a steak house; all his steaks came back (raw) when he was in charge of his team! It was so bad that he made the final in season 4! Checking back on You Tube for the previous seasons, you see they are really scraping the bottom of the barrel! Julia in Season 3 was fairly good getting to the last 4 and she worked a Waffle House! All the other chefs were trying to put her down for not being classically trained like them, but she took them all down with some great effort during serves including a QC as 3rd runner up those final days!
***Concerning Marcel, remember, the chefs are sequestered for the duration of the filming; even the ones who are eliminated are sent to a "sequester house." If you were stuck with someone you disliked 24/7, how long would it take you to start wanting to end him?***
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry; that is no excuse! I know my limitation and they should also! I couldn't stand being cooped up with my family, much less strangers! I wouldn't have put myself in that position; for any amount of money or exposure! Easy for me to say since I've never been in need, but all too often people use lame excuses to explain boorish, poor, or disgusting behavior! Human nature just doesn't cut it for me!
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I don't mind Tom C. being a mentor and judge, but "ratting" out the chefs like he does is rotten! Remember Marcel and his salad dressing globule drops that he didn't use in the final? That was not Tom's business to say Marcel left it off! It didn't work so he went to plan B! That should be his prerogative without being ratted out like that! I also have a problem with his leading the judge's table! All too often Gail will use the exact same words like "that was smart" judging Ilan's dessert choice of mellon and sorbet in Hawaii! Think for yourself GIRL! She actually changed her mind more than a couple times during judging trying to 'suck up' to Tom no doubt!
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***It does, however, bring up a glaring problem with this season's NFNS. Giada's supposed to be the finalists' mentor, but I haven't seen her acting in that capacity very often.***
Oh she's been awful in the past! I think it was 2 seasons ago, some kid who was fairly good was stumbling a little on his presentation and she did nothing to help! She just smiled, no real re-assuring eye contact, and he was about to cry with just no reaction from her! I need to go look that up! It really bothered me since she's supposed to be a mentor!
--- Season 7 ---
ReplyDelete***Tim and Stephen at the bottom again.***
...and Tim's shocked each time! Why? lol! He goes for shortcuts and isn't putting forth much effort; it's obvious! Only a few really are! It grosses me out how some of these so called chefs have actually gone to their roots for some sort of salvation and it's nauseating! The tacos, collard greens, and other homemade fare is just so unimaginative, tacky, and lackluster! It's hard to call many of these people; "CHEF!"
***It really annoys me to no end when people call something simple, and unworthy of praise, just b/c so many poor people eat these foods as a major part of their diets. If they're so pedestrian why is it that so many of our most acclaimed chefs cook them, and claim them to be some of their faves? ...Please get off your high horse.***
I have nothing against common, everyday fare, but what winds up being on the plate is all too often inedible! It's usually undercooked because their timing is so bad! Overcooking is another issue when you know they are forgetting about something cooking in an oven or pan! Tom C. expresses it all the time, if you want "simplicity" it has to be perfect! These cooks are far from it! Only a few measure up to the real up-scalers they had last season! I see "fast food" and "greasy spoons" in the future of many here! Egads! Sue me!
BTW, I like common, everyday fare! Give me the meat loaf, hot turkey sandwich, veal Parmesan! I've never really tested my palate usually only going out of the way with friends when out of town; Mexican, Tai, Italian! Love it simple; American, Cantonese (Chinese), rice bowls, Gyros', & cheeseburgers! My idea of a treat is wasting cash at Red Lobster and a good steak house! IHOP is an option every couple months! Gotta watch that sodium and cholesterol!
***...These types of food are not bad. They are very good, but the preparations have been off at times during the season, so far. That only reinforces what Mr. Colicchio has to say about simple food. It's fantastic, but it's more fantastic when you prepare it with care, and love. ...It's like the difference between going to Taco Bell, and Chipotle. One is fairly tasty junk, and the other is a beautiful melding of tradition, and fresh organic products. By the end of the season we'll be at the high end again.***
Calm down Miss Thing! The judges have used the words inedible I'm the furthest you can be from being a snob when it comes to so called "fine dining!" I think blowing hundreds for a meal is a luxury I can do without! My parents like to get the family together and we'll go all out, but I'll only do it once every few months; Benihanas, Longhorns Steaks, or Riva's here in Chicago at Navy Pier! Not to be crass, but it all flushes the same! I'll stick to gyros sandwiches, hot meat loaf, & any kind of chicken!
I'd rather make my own breakfast scramble with homemade potatoes diced with onions, sausage, and leftover steak, & eggs! To me, that's decadent, but at least I can control some of the fat! I'm no big time cook, but I learned I had to start making my own food; fast food, nice restaurants, & greasy spoons all have the same denominator; empty and useless fatty calories you don't even know or appreciate most of the time! If you do it to access which is evidence in the US becoming borderline OBESE as a nation! Food has so much fat added to it! What really kills me is to eat healthy, it actually costs more! I'm sure people have seen organic food priced 50% more and it'll spoil faster since no preservative or chemical retardant of any kind has been used!
***I love Benihana's...It's actually one of the only chains that's really good. Caraba's was great too. They have the most delicious mussels app and great bread. I've missed you Jay... Hope you are well.***
ReplyDeleteI just don't watch the show as much as I used to! Hard to appreciate these cooks! So many are just plain bad! Just what I need "SimpleheadedBear" calling me out for bad spelling and snobbery! What an ass-hole! Like I should really care what he thinks!
The chain I'm anxious to try is Red Robin, but we don't have one in the city! Chgo doesn't have a lot of huge chains due to labor laws, ridiculous taxes, and lack of incentives! You have to go to the 'burbs to find a lot of those places! Streeterville is the closest RR, but I'm not traveling over 10 miles for a hamburger, no matter how good they may be!
***And well ...even Chili's can be ok...TGIF, but only for a select few things. I notice now when I eat at chains, the food has this taste... And I don't know what to call it; just a chain taste I guess. I can't stand the salad bars at like Ruby Tuesday's ...***
I think all those places talked about including AppleBee's, Old Chicago, & other places we see endlessly on tv enticing us with the fattiest foods ever created! It might as well be deep fried cheese saying you're getting some milk into your diet! I really like IHOP, but I only go every couple months to get the "deep fried shrimp" or "chicken" Cesar salad! Something as simple as a salad has been made into one of the most decadent things I could eat; a Cesar salad with tons of thick creamy dressing, then hot deep fried battered shrimp or chicken dropped onto it! Add on the Texas or Garlic toast dripping with butter, I can't feel anymore guilty eating something; maybe a gyros! lol!! That's truly deadly!
***...Angelo is the perfect example of this. He's done Asian inspired dishes most of the time and is usually praised for it.***
ReplyDeleteLike Ilan with his Spanish food, will we find out Angelo is just as limited? Probably not! His ego certainly has no limits!
***I was kinda surprised that Ed was there in the bottom. Hope Alex goes next.***
He should be! They gave him zero positive feedback! That dish was panned in its concept! lol! If it is him, some will say Karma, I'll stick to production sabotage to punish "after the fact!"
***LMAO at Alex, dude needs a helmet just to cook.***
That alone was a good reason to watch, but I'd rather watch past seasons! Too many of these cooks should have been dismissed by now! Chefs? Pls chil'! Only a handful could measure up to some of the great talent of last year! Unfortunately a couple of the best have to tell all how great they are; day in and day out! Such uneven performances! Alex's crash and burn was telling! He won't last much longer!
***I'm glad that Tiffany is shining and having her great moments. She is such a positive force in the show.***
Well I think Tiff's more centered than most and she won't sabotage herself into being "auf'd" next week! Micky in season 2 won QF and EC in one fell swoop! Who was the last?
***Agree ... Tiffany's doing quite well & has a great attitude. Is anyone else surprised that Alex wasn't caught & punished for "pea-gate" - Do they not have cameras all over the place all the time and have pea-gate (or not) on tape?? ... Is there such thing as Brazilian cuisine?" Seriously?! At the end of the day, a Top Chef must be one who is at least familiar with exotic ingredients and cuisines outside of French and Italian.***
We have a great Brazilian steakhouse here in Chicago called Fogo De Chao Churrascaria ! They have a site and video where they show attendants walking around the place with different types of meat & chicken on skewers that had roasted in a fireplace near the front of the place! It's sliced off as little or as much as you want; all you can stuff yourself with! - http://www.fogodechao.com/ Like I said, I love places like that, but I won't make it a habit! Went with mom, bro, & his wife! Easily $300+! They have a huge salad bar and a fried banana dessert you might all like!
***S2: Michael won for the colors QF and 7 deadly sins EC.
ReplyDeleteS3: Hung won for the Le Cirque QF and the Culinary Institute EC.
S4: Richard won for the dessert QF (1st X we see his banana "scallops") and for the improv EC.
S4: Antonia won for the 15-minute entree QF and the cooking with kids EC.
S5: Stefan had 3 sweeps. The 1st was the apples QF (received immunity) and the neighborhood food EC. 2nd was the pre-packaged food QF and the farm EC (which he shared with Jamie and Carla). 3rd was the fish-cleaning QF and the Le Bernadin EC.
S6: Kevin won the TV-dinner QF and the vegetarian EC.***
Thanks! Just another reason to laugh at the choice of Hosea in season 5! Stefan was unlikeable, a real prima donna, but he knew what he was doing like no other that season! Very impressive! Off the top of my head, I'll pick a season with the cumulative # of chefs over the years:
Harrold (S1) w/ Tiffany, Stephen, Lu Anne, Dave
Marcel (S2) w/ Ilan, Elia, Sam, Cliff
Hung (S3) w/ Casey, Tre, Dale
Stephanie (S4) w/ Richard, Antonia
Stefan (S5) w/ Hosea, Jeffery
Pretty much all of (S6), but spec. The V Bros, Kevin
Kenny (S7) w/ Angelo, Amy (just can't remember S6 & 7)
Working it down to the top 12:
Tiffany & Stephen of S1, Sam & Marcel of S2, Hung of S3, Richard & Stephanie of S4, Stefan of S5, The V Bros, Kevin of S6, & Angelo of S7 so far! - These chefs know their flavors, didn't have many real disasters, and fundamentals are sound!
Top 6 is hard: Marcel, Hung, The V Bros, Kevin, Angelo
I can't go much further! 3 can be dropped off due to personality or lack thereof: Marcel, Hung, Angelo
That would leave the V Bros & Kevin as the top 3 chefs of all time; in my warped head anyway!
A top 10, having respect for ability and nothing else:
Tiffany knows what she's doing along w/ Stephen from S1
Hung of S3, Stephanie & Richard of S4, Stefan of S5
The V Bros, & Kevin of S6, & Angelo of S7!
After all my insults, I'm sure this will pump up Angelo's ego even more! lol!! If he's anything like the previews for RW, I wouldn't want to work for him! That will probably drop him down on most people's list if he's just a rotten person!
***Stephanie won more elimination challenges than either of the Voltaggio brothers. Richard Blais won just as many, and he's in their sandbox. What automatically puts them over him or her?***
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's the snob in me, but I place the V Bros and Kevin above Richard and Stephanie b/c of innovation, creativity, & fine dining skills! I think Stephanie, Richard, & a host of others were very good, can take common everyday fare and make it delicious! For some strange reason, I just have this feeling that some chefs are gifted, can go anywhere in the world and gain respect overnight on a grand scale; I pick the V Bros, Kevin, Stefan, Angelo, and Hung (off the top of my head)! For great food, but probably more homey fare I got, Richard, Stephanie, Marcel, Sam, Cliff, Casey, Tiffany, and a host of others from TC! I was terribly impressed with the standards from S6! You just had a handful of "scrubs" who made the season! This year set us back a little with quite a few that don't really have a clue and are just plain bad!
***Waaaait a minute. Richard Blais wasn't innovative? He was Mr. Molecular Gastronomy in his season.***
Again, you're right, Richard was very innovative! I'm just not sure he could fly off to France and participate in a "fine dining" comp.! Don't get me wrong, I think he's great! I'd hire him in 2 secs.! Stephanie is a keeper as well! I just have immense respect and admiration for the talents of the V boys, Kevin, Angelo (hate his guts), Hung, & Stefan! It may have a lot to do with confidence; Stephanie had little at times and just wasn't sure of herself even when the judges liked her offerings!
***I wish I had started participating on the boards sooner; am I to understand that most people think Marcel was the better chef? I liked Marcel and his personality even when he was being bratty. The Wolverine hair fit him perfectly. The other chefs were obviously threatened by him, hence the hostility and animosity. Even the most unlikable person on Top Chef has friends, Marcel had none. I wanted him to win so badly and in my opinion he was sabotaged. Ilan can suck it. I didn't find anything endearing or inspiring about his dishes or his personality.***
ITA! When S 2 started, I thought Ilan was great; a real team player! It wasn't until later he turned into a villain! His "mommy," Betty wasn't a good influence on him! He took her lead and really became abusive towards Marcel! It'll be hard for me to forget his behavior at the end even though some think it's human nature to follow the pack! If I had been there, even if I didn't like Marcel, I would have said something and maybe stopped some of that harassment! I'm very sensitive to bullies and won't stand for it; even if you're CUTE!
***I liked Ilan initially too, but the more the season progressed it was obvious that he felt threatened by Marcel. They all did. They just would rather pick on the runt rather than to admit to that. Marcel was/is a geek, but that in and of itself doesn't deserve the kind of treatment he got.***
***Kenny was ... Cocky for no reason. And people actually calling him classy?? Wow! He might be the most delusional D-bag Top Chef has ever had, yes even more so than Marcel and others. ...He cooked two pretty lame dishes, AGAIN. And was the self proclaimed leader of the team that LOST. He deserved to go home! Adios, Hamburger Helper!***
ReplyDeleteKenny's ego notwithstanding, the judges say he knows what he's doing! He just needs to learn to edit! If he's guilty of anything, it was trying to do too much! Let's not go to fantasy land; Kenny knows how to cook! I see this on other programs like Iron Chef, Next FN Star, & even Hell's Kitchen all the time; dishes judged the best were kept simple! Kenny's dishes were too complex with too many components; nothing new here (we know)! Why go "Gangsta; Hambrgr Hlpr" on the BRO? lol!! We heard Tom last nite, but that still doesn't make it right! His ego's out of control as much if not more than most!
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--- Informal POLL:
Who did U pick to win TC each season? Fave or true talent?
Season 1 - Stephen, but he was "a legend in his own mind!"
Season 2 - Ilan; a real team player & nice guy those 1st days!
Season 3 - Brian; just a fave! - Hung had it all the way!
Season 4 - Richard my fave! Not unhappy w/ Stephanie!
Season 5 - Stefan; without a doubt the most talented!
Season 6 - Michael V.! Fave and the most creative!
Season 7 - Angelo, but he's fallen off the fave list! A real jerk!
***This isn't Iron Chef; you're supposed to cook to the level of the challenge. This can range from top-class, fine-dining dishes for Hubert Keller to cooking for the senior citizens at an old folks' home. In this case, they needed to do a dish that could be served at TGI Fridays.***
ReplyDeleteI guess I expected a little more from her! On FN's, The Next Food Network Star, Aria was put out there in an "Iron Chef" challenge with bacon the secret ingredient this past sunday! This was the last 4 mind you! I was more than a little appalled that this woman couldn't do better than make breakfast for her family; family style! French toast for the most part with all the fixins' for the judges to share! They should have escorted her butt right off the set! She just had no clue what the challenge was all about! Betty fit that role at times; totally clueless! Did she really think those less than pureed soups in "flutes" would pass muster at a dinner party? If I remember correctly, the challenge she won had to do with a firehouse! Padma was wearing shorts, a denim vest with a sheriff's star on it! Chow.com broke up talking about her and the wardrobe; she picks her own!
***True, but don't forget--Aria was expected to produce dishes on a certain creativity level, and failed to do so. Tom, Herb, and Aarti did, which is why Aria lost. In this challenge, all 13 chefs were asked to produce a dish that could be replicated easily in a chain-restaurant setting. The only one who failed to do so was Frank. ...***
I can barely remember S2! I wasn't happy with Marcel's poor behavior; I do remember that! Emily's steak was salty; easily done when under pressure and waiting as they had to with a limited time to do whatever! Did Sam cook anything? Did Ilan's dish have saffron? Frank's had to be a mess; his creations always were!
***Sam's dish involved no heat, but that wasn't a condition of the challenge. The published recipe for Ilan's dish contains no saffron: Corn & Bacon***
I was being facetious babe! Not like I cared! Seasons 1 and 6 have to be my favorites! #2 was ok until the final! #3 was annoying with HUNG and the "black widow" Casey! #4 had so many awful cooks like Lisa and Spike! #5 was a joke allowing Hosea to even get as far much less win the season, and 7 will stink since consensus has it that Kenny was a fave and should be in this final! Angelo may not have much competition now! Tiffany's been good, but fine dining is not her forte; comfort and home style more her thing! It will come to bite her in the butt sooner or later she's not classically trained; that I know of anyway!
***Betty kind of started the "Marcel hate" ball rolling, but Elia, who earlier told Marcel she'd stand up for him no matter what, later turned on him. She started by "having his back" and wound up stabbing him in it...***
ReplyDeleteWell she was also goaded by Ilan! Elia needed his approval and submitted to his peer pressure! To the last he suckered her into complaining at judge's table in Hawaii that "Marcel was disrespectful in the kitchen;" blah, blah, blah! She looked so weak! Ilan was probably chuckling to himself! Sam had enough sense to try and talk her out of it, but it was too late; her foot was planted firmly in her mouth! Marcel wound up looking a lot better those last few episodes!
It was more than a little disturbing to see grown people like Betty, Cliff, Sam, Frank, and Michael just berate, beat up, insult, and try to humiliate some kid (Marcel)! It was just so irrational! Dislike who you like, but to "go off" on camera showing how short your fuse is, who would hire these people? Sam screamed the boy down in the store! I understand his frustration, but again, why do it on camera? Cliff; well what else can be said after his assault on Marcel? Elia? Ilan; what else could be expected at the end? He was playing the game! I'd pass on all of them!
***High school is over Jay, the bullies cant hurt you anymore. Move on. Marcel has. People are allowed to make mistakes. It's when people wont allow them to learn and grow b/c of those mistakes that a real crime happens. I hope you have done no wrong in your life, but if you have, I hope nobody judges you as harshly as you judge others.***
Perhaps spoken by a reformed bully? Sounds like someone is trying to underplay poor behavior! I have nothing to atone for thank you very much! I was a good student, played tennis in my free time, and not a lot else in high school besides study! I didn't have time to back-stab anyone; nor the inclination! Pls don't assume to justify boorish behavior; yours or those jackasses from season 2 to me! It'll fall on "deaf ears!"
***...The only thing I've poo-pooed on is your pity party.***
You are obviously taking our relationship more seriously than I ever will! My opinion stands; you were terribly insensitive and I didn't ask you to feel sorry for me! I gave you nothing to feel sorry about! I just stated I thought that whole affair with Marcel and the rest was more disturbing than you portrayed it! The one to really "lose it" was you over nothing! I "lost it" over something I think is serious! Since this is in print you won't have to keep up with my lips; it should all be clear to you now!
***Yes, I saw that. As a woman, comparing a headlock to rape is pretty fucking offensive. "Jay, just an fyi. If you want to make a point, use analogies that compare. Marcel was humiliated, not violated."
You are such a fool! It's been explained to you and every other "knot-head" out here that being awaken from a sound sleep by some drunken pranksters who hate you is not acceptable! It is nothing to be taken lightly! You obviously haven't learned anything from them or me! The rants have been going on for a while now and you're still as dense!
***This Episode of "RW" was the weakest I've seen on TC. After 35 years in professional kitchens, I understand that sometimes you're thrown into situations that are less than ideal for executing a service/meal, and have to answer to the client and the public at large, ...***
ReplyDeleteWhat does this say about the chefs from this season when things are pretty much set up for them? All they have to do is cook for the most part! The decor and supplies are already there; no shopping for glasses, silverware, & dishes! I can't tell you what a "come-down" this is when all they had to do is complete service for the most part; just do the job without totally falling on their faces! In the past they had to do so much more and come up with something really special as in S6! I guess The V Bros, Kevin, & others really spoiled me!
***Yes, I agree...Kevin and both the Volatggio Brothers, as well as Jennifer have spoiled me for this Season. - So, what makes a great chef? Executive chef sends out 2 bad dishes and doesn't ensure the other dishes were good. I can promise you, had Kenny done one great dish, he would still be there.
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Based on the challenge that preceded the incident—as well as the blogs that followed the airing of the episode—Cliff was going to be PYKAG'd anyway based on his dish, and I think that's why he was the only one eliminated rather than the whole crew of Cliff, Ilan, Sam, and Elia as Tom wanted.***
You got it! He was history! If I remember correctly, his lentil puree didn't go over well! You know what really angered me was Sam's attitude! He expected Marcel to drop everything to help him after being "shouted down" in the store! I couldn't tell you how hypocritical and stupid he looked; then to allow the assault later, LHAO, my opinion is fixed! It can't be changed! Call me vindictive and small! I have my reasons!
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***I'm so bummed about the outcome of The Next Food Network Star ~ I was really rooting for Tom ~ Aarti is just too damn perky ~ If she makes some great Indian dishes, I guess I will watch her for awhile...***
The problem with Tom is, he may have his own personality and POV, he isn't half the cook Aarti is; they've been saying it since day one! Symon went nuts over her last week at IRON Chef demo! "The best food I've had in all of NFNS!" He was raving about her! Tom really had some problems technically! You can't make chicken everyday! Remember his imagination went nuts with "bacon steaks!" They were awful; remember? It was Aarti all the way with me! Herb still has his moments of "freezing" in his tracks! Aarti just needs to buck up her confidence; she can already cook!
***He basically marginalized Mia every chance he got during the LA Magazine competition (where he, Mike, Elia, and Mia were a team), shooting down every idea she had and talking over her in discussions. With Elia, he yelled at her constantly in the kitchen despite her repeated requests that he tone it down.***
Without even looking back to see who you were talking about, I figured it had to be Cliff! He lost his charm early on and cemented my low opinion of him during RW! He was so sure with him at the helm and working the front of the house they would be better off! He was the worst host, was demanding, and at times quite irrational! When he had immunity during the "Holiday" challenge, he might as well have sabotaged his team! You never saw him during service after shooting Mia down time and time again! By the time of the assault, he had fallen off TC's radar as far as I was concerned! He was lucky to get past that beach challenge with sand in his food! Heaven knows what else could have been in that bowl! Lucky for him Frank stunk it up along with Sam's "toad in the hole!" Gross!
***...finally!!! Alex is gone! He was the worst. I have no clue how he lasted so long.***
ReplyDeleteHappens every year! In S4, how in the world did Spike and Lisa make it so far; much less the final as Lisa accomplished! She was absolutely hilarious excoriating Stephanie and Richard for not congratulating her for making it! She played this "distant bitch" all season, pushing people away, saying she didn't care what they thought, blah, blah, blah! Boy did she look like a fool! What did Richard say, "congrats for being 3rd?"
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***Hmm, so Amanda's gone. Well if Kevin doesn't get his head in the game he's next. It would be an awesome finale if Tiffany, Angelo and Ed made it.***
You're assuming Angelo will make it! lol!! He's really been going down, down, down! What an ego for someone that has been falling on his face of late! Ed's been cleaning his clock and even Kevin has out-done him here and there! Tiffany's not supposed to be in it not being classically trained, but the flavors must be there! She must be doing something right!
***Thank heaven that Amanda is gone... I am sorry but there is no way in hell that I would have even tried that Tuna Tartar dish.. the grey tuna was a total turnoff, and I don't care what it tasted it like, I would have never even found out.***
She proved how little she cared serving something like that to Eric; come on! Is she absolutely insane? "I was afraid of being in the weeds," so you offend the sensibilities of great chefs with your gray, raw fish? Gross and stupid!
***No kidding... I lol when he said that he was offended by the tartar.... I knew at that moment that there was no saving her... not that I wanted her saved mind you. Ah, but Nikki wasn't the only one to make poopshrooms. Remember the ship and Howie's cigars....and poopshrooms in S3?***
These guys never seem to learn! 'shrooms were done a couple more times after season 3 and it was a dismal failure along with most desserts each time! You might as well punch your ticket home! The 1st couple elims. were bad desserts and it'll happen again! lol!! Poor Carla of S5 took advice from her "sous" Casey (S3) and it still wound up being a bad decision! Ya learn to do it yourself, keep to your aesthetics; do what ya know! Don't let anyone talk you into doing something outside your comfort zone! You saw what happened to poor Marcel when he took Sam's advice about that salad w/o the fish in S2 finale; got smacked in the face by the same helpful hand! It's all cut-throat! Michelle B. as a judge proved what a bitch she was excoriating Andrea a few weeks ago for minors errors! This profession like any has jealousy, ego, envy, ... and a combination thereof!
I didn't get that involved since I've been so disappointed before; Tiffani over Dave in S1, Lisa even making the finals in S4, and Hosea winning it all in S5! All disgusting! My Take:
ReplyDeleteTiffany was doomed when I heard about those peppers! I think going back to season 3, it was mentioned TOM has a real problem with them if not prepared properly! He will nail you for serving him a green pepper with the skin still on! You might as well give it up! I'm surprised he didn't jump on it more because I believe that had a lot to do with her leaving! Another thing I think that hurt Tiffany is it seemed every time she was asked about a dish she was preparing, it usually was something she did a lot back home! All mention that some times, but where was the originality! It may have been there, but I just don't remember it!
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I can't believe the prizes given; even for a simple QC! London? $10,000! Wow! In Vegas I expect the high rolling, but this is a bug shock to see cars, trips, tons of money just flowing! In S3 it was a big deal for Casey to get that Apple Computer! That's been put to shame with Australia, Italy, and other trips to come! Tiffany cleaned up even though she didn't make the final! She should be very happy and proud! I think the choices were ok! I really felt Tom was going to hammer her for those green peppers! Someone mentioned in past seasons he has a real aversion to the skin!
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I don't like when their better chefs are eliminated because of one challenge, but that's the way it is! In S1 Dave was a much better chef than Tiffani! Cirque du Soleil hated what she prepared, but a dish was left off by Dave! He's history! Sam was all over the place in S2; up and down, pretty much everyone's alpha male, but he really ended up disappointing me with his behavior during the Marcel assault! It was a shock that he was knocked off in the final! Most were sure either Marcel or Ilan would have to bite a bullet! Like Tom said in that Hawaiian final, "he didn't cook anything!" lol!! I've already cried the blues over Brian M. in S4; too many ingredients in that venison dish! At least Stefan in S5 made the final! It was obvious he was the best chef; just ask him! lol!! I think in S6 you had the best chefs and somehow they were saved even when they made serious errors! I wouldn't have been able to watch without all the ones selected for that finale! They were obviously the class of the whole production company since DAY 1; the V. Bros & "pork man" Kevin!
***I enjoyed this episode but I saw Angelo Sosa double dipping again, which is disgusting. There just has to be rules like on Chopped. You just never taste your food with a spoon and stick the spoon back in to finish serving. I feel sorry for those poor souls that must eat that food. Totally unsanitary and they never say anything about it. ...***
ReplyDeleteOh I know what you mean! I hit on "double dipping" on the IMDb message board! I was grossed out myself! Angelo was practically sitting in that pan! That's why even if I were invited, I wouldn't eat at a chef's table! You know what they say about "watching sausage being made?" They all do it with spoons, their fingers to taste, and other ways I'd hate to think about! If I were cooking, I prepare it as if someone is looking over my shoulder! Heaven knows I bet chefs have dropped ingredients on the floor, but still used it; BET! "Kiss it up to GAWD does the trick every time for some people!" lol!!
***Well....IMO a loogie would be MUCH worse!! You have given your opinion about Angelo double dipping. What say you about the sweat dripping off Kevin's nose into the food?***
That's nothing! You should have seen this pig on "Hell's Kitchen!" OMG, he was sweating directly into the sauce and Ramsey had to jump all over him after he wondered why it was so salty! I would have murdered him! I couldn't believe he was kept past the 1st challenge! If memory serves, poor Will was so lost, he had to go! Must have been season 5!
***Ed with his immunity is really getting on my nerves tonight. Why is he bothering Angelo? In the past, chefs wanted to win with immunity "to look stellar."***
He did and he was; did it all with his food! Great job ED!
***Kelly made it pretty far in this competition by being in the middle a lot. Rooting for the underdog makes me feel better than rooting for the jerk.***
I agree, she was talking more than she was truly cooking! I think they got it right if you look at the entire season! Kevin got better as the competition went on! He could have been auf'd anytime early on! Angelo seems to know what he doing even if he's a jerk, Ed has been good for a while, & Kevin came on strong at the end! "Ya'll are still grossing me out sweating into the food then double dippin'!" Gack!
I give Europeans a pass when it comes to arrogance! It's quite normal for there to be plenty of "bluster" when it comes to a chef! In the States, it isn't becoming and we normally eviscerate braggarts; esp if they fail! Stefan didn't bother me half as much as "wanna-bees" like Carla, Hosea, & even Fabio! He was all talk even though he won that challenge with a "bum-wing!" It was chicken for Gawd-sake! lol! I'd love to see any of these bozos go up against The V Bros or Kevin from season 6! They would be embarrassed for sure unless the challenge was dumbed down like Betty of season 2 winning that TGIF challenge with grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup; PLEASE! lol!
ReplyDeleteSeason 6 had some "masters" indeed! They were very impressive from the "jump!" They went right to work with some hard pairings of french wines to corresponding cuisines/dishes! It was a great season for me! They had their share of "scrubs," but overall they had a very high level of talent! Even ELI made it interesting and has been on "Iron Chef" as a sous chef a couple times that I've seen!
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***I enjoyed this episode but I saw Angelo Sosa double dipping again, which is disgusting. There just has to be rules like on Chopped. You just never taste your food with a spoon and stick the spoon back in to finish serving. I feel sorry for those poor souls that must eat that food. Totally unsanitary and they never say anything about it. ...***
Oh I know what you mean! I hit on "double dipping" on the IMDb message board! I was grossed out myself! Angelo was practically sitting in that pan! That's why even if I were invited, I wouldn't eat at a chef's table! You know what they say about "watching sausage being made?" They all do it with spoons, their fingers to taste, and other ways I'd hate to think about! If I were cooking, I prepare it as if someone is looking over my shoulder! Heaven knows I bet chefs have dropped ingredients on the floor, but still used it; BET! "Kiss it up to GAWD does the trick every time for some people!" lol!!
***Well....IMO a loogie would be MUCH worse!! You have given your opinion about Angelo double dipping. What say you about the sweat dripping off Kevin's nose into the food?***
That's nothing! You should have seen this pig on "Hell's Kitchen!" OMG, he was sweating directly into the sauce and Ramsey had to jump all over him after he wondered why it was so salty! I would have murdered him! I couldn't believe he was kept past the 1st challenge! If memory serves, poor Will was so lost, he had to go! Must have been season 5!
***There seems to be a refrigerator malfunction nearly every season - Nearly every season, there seems to be a frig or freezer malfunction which totally ruins one contestant's food, and often the person ends up going home for something that was not at all their fault. ...***
ReplyDeleteSorry to say, the crap they've been pushing just isn't up to snuff! I heard from the beginning they've had nothing but trouble with the frigs and stoves! The problem stems from them setting up and breaking down the set daily! There's always a a chance a connection or plug not to be in place! Then of course there's the chance of sabotage! Tiffani from S1 was accused of several acts behind the scenes!
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***If I was Ed I would've taken a stand and told the judges that I'd rather do it alone then have to work with a loser like Ilan. I'd make it clear and make sure Ilan heard it, then I'd do my best Ralph Kramden impersonation and get in Ilan's face and call him "A LOSER!" - They should have given the chefs a choice out of maybe 8 chefs from the past seasons and choose knives to who'll pick first. Yeah, Ilan could stand there, but then you'd see that no one would pick him. If I had to choose between Ilan and Suyai, I'd pick Suyai knowing that in picking Ilan you'd be on the losing side.***
OMG, you must be an old timer to remember Suyai! Wasn't she the 1st chef kicked off season 2? It was either a surprise basket of frogs' legs or something else that taste like chicken! lol! Ilan really shined early on in that season! It all went downhill after the chocolate covered liver for Eric Ripert! What a moron! Saffron, saffron, saffron; they really should have called him out on that! I suppose since it's an expensive herb, maybe that gave him some cache with the judges! He was serious while Sam "didn't cook anything" at his finale in Hawaii! Still one of my fave season to watch! Finale stunk, but Season 1's finale the best! Can watch Tiffani go down over and over again! What a liar! "I made that panna cotta dessert!" lol! Busted bitch!
***I know what you mean! ...she said of running into Harold's knife or something lame like that.***
That was in reference to her sous chefs saying they'd rather work for Harrold! She said they were invaluable at judge's table, but Dave & Stephen didn't have anything good to say about her! Same thing happened to Marcel the following season! The sous' couldn't wait to trash him!
***Ilan ruined it for poor Ed. The dessert was the killer. - I really wish they would ditch bringing in past contestants and or winners as sous chefs for the finale. IMO it's too much of a benefit or a handicap depending on the chef that they get stuck with. I would rather they just bring in some no name chefs or just do like they did on Top Chef Masters and let them use a chef from their own kitchens. This way they avoid any douche chefs like Ilan/Casey who try and take over and tell the competing chefs what to do, or chefs like Hung/Michael Volt. who people will think are the reason the contestant won.***
ReplyDeleteSome will say Ilan cost Ed this win, but I'm sure Tom C. will go down the list of why he chose Kevin and it'll have nothing to do with the desserts; BET MONEY! These people are so predictable!
***Sooo, Kevin, errrr Michael V won again? - I'm thinking if Kevin hadn't chose MV, the outcome would have been much different.***
Since they raved about Kevin's dessert drink, maybe as in Season 1, they should ask who made it! lol! Tiffani was ready to take all the credit for that panna cotta when it was Dave; start to finish! Did Kevin or Michael V. make that drink? Wasn't interesting enough to watch again; yet! Season 1's finale can be laughed at over and over seeing Tiff go down in flames; too priceless!
***Top Chef Desserts is looking like a big Drama-Fest already. Will you be watching?***
I wasn't going to watch TC Desserts, but glancing at it, it seems to be a train-wreck! These people are such bitches! lol! They are hilarious! Got a few hotties on there too! Lots of "eye candy!"
***List your 5 least fave chefs - Dave sabotaged Tiffani, so he's on my list!***
ReplyDeleteDave? What did he do? He seemed to go all out to help her in the finale! Should he let her take credit for his dessert if she's stupid enough to pass it off as her own? Please! It was (pardon the pun) "just desserts" for a ruthless competitor that some have suspected was the one hitting oven dials of other chefs with an elbow or 2! Slanderous I know, but I believe she was capable! She had proved to be a liar on several occasions including incident with Marcel at judges' table! BTW, she thought he should go home when she was in the top group! She lied about doing it later and Miguel let her have it; "...snake; sssss!"
My least faves:
1) Spike (4)- Too competitive; win at all cost
2) Lisa (4)- Just surly all the time
3) Stephen (1)- Huge ego; thought he was better than he was
4) Ilan (2) - One of the worst winners; very limited chef (saffron addict)
5) Hung (3) - Super ego; was good, but hurt his own creations being careless or finishing too soon! Remember at the finale, the QC? He cooked his fish, was sitting there waiting for others to finish! He didn't win because he neglected salt! How stupid is that?
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I just can't believe they're giving Tiffani another chance! She already was in a finale and she won one of those special events, "TC Holiday Special" over Marcel and CJ! Truly a real "gip!" I don't need to see that old sea hag; on the level of Lisa of S4; just bitter, surly women! GAWD! Just what we need with next season's All-Star retreads!
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My biggest complaint with Jamie from that season, then and now is the fact she can't cook! She's very limited, slow, and not very creative! She does what's comfortable, not really wanting to learn or she would have been more honored by being at Rupert's place! She was so rude and disrespectful! She couldn't even be trusted to help out whole-heartedly when brought in on Chef Masters! She and other loud-mouths that came back as well like Dale, Michael I., & Spike should have been skipped for a reprieve!
Supposedly Spike is doing well, I saw him on Iron Chef, but I just haven't been impressed by anything he's done including his cut-throat tactics in trying to win! I thought Chefs were more honorable! I've seen them lose civility on these shows; Chef Master, even "The Next Iron Chef" on Food Network! Some of the most well known and respected chefs resort to hoarding ingredients, knocking you over to get to a pan or piece of equipment, and the worst "knocking the effort" of another chef out of hand! Remember Kevin last season tried to critique Michael V.'s dish in one of the challenges to his brother Brian! BV cut him off real quick asking "did you even taste it!" That shut him up for a moment or 2! I guess you gotta blather about something in those dead periods, but these guys do that sort of thing not caring they're being overheard and taped for all to see and hear forever and a day!
I was wondering how Jamie would "hose" her team mates! No one should be surprised she had to leave after slicing her finger! Shocking! What a lazy bitch! 2 stitches! Wow!
ReplyDelete***ITA - and she's back just in time to serve with all of 2 stitches...give me a break!***
That wouldn't have "fly'd" with me, this bogus over night challenge at the museum!! Suffering from sleep apnea, doing something like that, staying up all night for the most part, then stress over screaming brats 1st thing; PASS! Open the door, I'm leaving with Colicchio! Notice he didn't camp out! lol!! Screw that!
***Jen said it herself - her father always said "coming in second is still losing" ...must have been a tough childhood.***
Jen's a perfectionist! Failure is unacceptable! - OMG, I exploded with laughter when they called her name! Like she could be shocked! If not for her "rant," she may have survived! I would have sent TRE home for not even trying to do something with that over reduced sauce! "Hey moron, at least warn them and use less!" Idiot! I don't feel bad for him being auf'd during 3rd season! He hosed Casey and that's hard to get me to feel sorry for her! Remember she's the "Black Widow!" Don't get ensnared in her web of friendship, it will send you home!
I don't mind Jen; she's tough and got where she is because of that, but I've never laughed so hard when someone was auf'd! Subliminally I was receiving her curses under her breath I guess! She's got one fowl mouth there; along with Dale, Michael I, & Fabio! All of them are so full of themselves!
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Well we find both Tiffani and Tiffany were wrong tonite! lol! Tiffani did realize how limited her choice was and Tiffany thought it was a good choice thinking fruits and vegetables might be limited! Wrong on both counts! I heard "SCOTCH EGG" again! Someone on Iron Chef did it! Where in the world do you find something like that in the States? Is it a NorthEast thing; Maine, Delaware, Conn.?
The major probably with Jen's dish is she had no real help from Jamie! Even if Jamie had been there, she wouldn't have been of much help! My bet is Jamie wouldn't have questioned the dish and it would have gone out as is anyway! She's so dependant; nothing excites her for the most part! Dale is try to keep the "Rainbow Flag" flying with her, but he better find another friend! She's not going to be there much longer! Better chefs can only screw up so much! She'll be exposed as the fraud I've always known her to be; "Miss Scallop!"
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***... 2 of them will be elim in the double elim in ep 3, another in ep 4, and ep 5 seems to be the episode that they cook head to head with Tom.***
Even if this isn't the case, it should happen! There are half a dozen chefs that shouldn't be there so they might as well thin the herd with the usual suspects! Elia's confidence was shot before she even started! She was beggin' while exiting "judgement!" Jen's nerves had to be jangled with sleep deprivation!
In my condition of sleep apneac, I would have left the museum along w/ TOM after they informed them they would be sleeping over night! I'm sure it's not in Jen's character to say she couldn't handle that challenge, but her nerves were frazzled or she wouldn't have "gone off" like that at "judgement!" Would she talk to Eric Ripert like that? I'm still more than a little shocked by her demeanor last week! I have never laughed so hard when a chef was auf'd! I busted out mainly due to the rambling under her breath with a rant going on w/ judges inaudibly; same as she left the kitchen! Marcel was a little flushed!
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Everyone loves Harrold, but I'm not sure he ever was that great! He beat Tiffany b/c of her over-reaching with "duo" dishes in her finale! I agree with your analysis of Jenn! She just doesn't have the temperament to compete! She had me rolling on the floor with her objecting to criticism and the tirade at the end! She has to be good though or Ripert wouldn't have her on staff! Stefan still the "baddest" chef ever! He has a huge ego, but he knows his stuff! His only real misstep was 'hitting' on Jamie; regardless of her preference, she's a total slug in the kitchen!
If you try to help as much as you want, then you should step up if it doesn't work out too! I didn't like Tiffani and Angelo all over someone else's dish, then walk away as if they had nothing to do with the finished product! Not like I care because Spike has been sleazier than most! Yeah, someone needs to tell some of these egomaniacs they didn't win their season! Some had even less of a chance like Isabella, Dale, & most of all Jamie who should be "walking" pretty soon if there's any justice in the world! What a horrid, conniving woman! She's like totally oblivious to her lack of skill and effort! I can hear Tom later on, "she didn't cool anything!" Deja Vu from their seasons; Jamie going early to Sam not actually cooking anything in the finale S2!
ReplyDelete***My sentiments exactly. Jamie needs to go. - I don't know if she thinks that she's in way over her head or what, but to see her blatantly dodging the competition is bizarre and unfair. I really dislike Spike, but even I'll admit that it's not right that Jamie's still in the competition and Spike isn't.***
I've said it back in season 5 and I'll keep on saying it, Jamie's a total waste of space! People talk about her lack of enthusiasm, apathy, and down right laziness, but for some strange reason she keeps just plugging along as if nothing is wrong! Even during Chef Masters she didn't perk up as a sous! When a chef had to drop a chef, Jamie was the 1st to go! I can't picture it, but her Chef Master had worked with her in the past and knew to drop her like a bad habit! She was diplomatic about it, but again I'm sure Jamie was shocked! "Yeah, right!"
***Jamie's team should have sent her out against Carla. Tre already had immunity, so he had a pass for the competition. If they had conceded that they were likely going to lose, they could have said, 'Hey, Jamie, you have to go,' and sent her out to ensure that everyone on their team that could be judged would be judged. - Obviously, this is a hindsight 20/20 situation, and it would take a lot to make them just accept losing, but this would have been the best strategy for the rest of the team to at least have a fair judging. If only...***
Oh come on! No hindsight necessary! It was a deliberate tactic "not" to offer her rotten dish! She was already saying she wasn't going up there and there was nothing that was going to make her go! She was adamant, then hiding out in the end! One of the more despicable things I've seen on the show! So much for integrity! Even Chef Masters disappointed! Competition is competition I guess and common courtesy goes out the window!
***...and I used to hate Spike, but I was really sad to see him go. He grew on me this season, may have mellowed out on the douche-y-ness, and he was actually really gracious when leaving. At least he got rid of those ratty fedoras.
What were those horrible things on his head all season then? lol! He hasn't mellowed! He was a douche to the end "running game" trying to win the competition! Why couldn't he just make a good dish instead of trying to manipulate the process? I didn't feel sorry for him at all even though Jamie is just as bad if not worse than Spike! He at least has some aptitude to cook! We're still waiting for Jamie to show anything edible!
What you see is what you get with Richard Blaise! He's a very talented chef; a step above Marcel using molecular gastronomy! During his season he was big on sous-vid cooking actually blowing a challenge using salmon for a charity conference gala! Salmon is already mushy; sous vid technique didn't help! A good sear would have been so much better w/ a crispy skin! His only real blunder that I can remember! It was no luck that Richard made the final along with Stephanie, Lisa, & Antonia!
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***Season where you totally disagree with the winners - season 5 was a mess w/ Hosea winning.***
I agree S5 was a real mess, but it happened before then and it happened later!
1) Harrold deserved to win, but he wasn't impressive at all! Both Stephen and Tiffany were by far more accomplished chefs!
2) Ilan started out well, but we found him to be as limited as Hosea in S5; "Mr Saffron!" More than likely it should have gone to Marcel only because the others were so lame; Sam didn't cook anything, and Elia was scatter-brained and lost at the end!
3) Hung the most accomplished, but he should have lost for just being careless and sloppy! Remember in Aspen when they were to prepare a fish and cook it in the QF? He finished early and still lost the challenge; no salt! What a dip! My Fave was Dale M., but he was limited too; "seafood king!"
4) Stephanie won, not making any serious errors, but again she was just competent! Blaise was a lot more interesting, innovative, and knowledgeable!
5) Hosea; nuff said! Stefan all the way!
6) Michael V; I picked him from the 1st day! His ego was his only handicap!
7) Kevin; pls! He should have been auf'd very early on! He was so bad those 1st few weeks, I'm still amazed he was able to turn it around like that and win! I can't go with Angelo even though people have acknowledged him as being the best! I'll go with ED! He was "knocking it out" those last couple weeks! He might have won if Ilan had been a little more creative as Ed's sous making that "dry ass cake" w/ salty whipped cream!
8) It's anybody's guess who'll take it! These people just aren't that impressive or they would have won before! Angelo may be thought of as the best, but why do people fail miserably when he makes suggestions or helps out? That tells me something about his lack of leadership qualities! He's only there to make himself look good! Both Tiffany(i)'s won't make it! Both Dales have too many bad days; one gone already! Mike I. has never been as good as he likes to talk! Fabio and Antonia are just holding on! Carla has had her moments, but if I had to narrow it down in the final, I'll take Richard B., Marcel, Casey, & Angelo!
Tre? I really don't know why he's getting featured more! He doesn't seem as 'with it' this season! Back in season 3, I couldn't imagine him letting Angelo anywhere near something he was to cook! Tre has been rather "blase" since he's arrived! He won that QF and he's begun to coast or something! I just don't see him in the same light! He's starting to be like so many other chefs; "all talk!"
ReplyDelete***Well put, Jamie, and Tre isn't the only one who was loved by me during their season and this time around is getting on my last nerve. ...***
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I was just surprised Kevin made the finale in S7! He was very average at the beginning, producing something he snacks on at home! It was pathetic! He reminded me of a contestant from "The Next FN Star" who produced a "family style" French Toast breakfast in "Kitchen Stadium!" I was appalled and embarrassed for her! She had no clue about elevating common every day fare; Kevin was like that those 1st few weeks! He turned it around much later and truly impressed all by the end! The season still should have gone to ED though! lol!! Angelo shouldn't be able to take credit for anything laid up all day! Hung did the real work! They probably should have brought someone back; probably Kelly since she was still there! She was no fave of mines after that salt incident at those Washington restaurant challenge! She over-salted her steaks and wouldn't share the seasonings with others! It was Karma!
There's ego which is needed to be confident in what you're doing, then there's super-ego which is obnoxious! Michael I, Dale I, & Angelo are just plain obnoxious! Some can elevate themselves w/o words, while someone like Angelo has to keep telling everyone how great he is; to a fault! Casey, Marcel, & Richard are quite good, but they don't have to keep telling people about it; they just do the task!
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***That challenges are gratuitous prickery. That's not clever, that's not a challenge, that's being a prick. I think that's what tonight's EC was.***
Hey, they signed up for this abuse and humiliation! lol! Money's flying around; cars for QF's! Come on, they can handle it! If they had been led properly, they might have survived! I blame Dale for keeping his head down when he would have been the perfect person to run that kitchen! He played Jamie, but won the challenge by just doing his job and nothing else! He wiped off his shoes while the place is on fire! What an Ass-Hole!
I can definitely do without the extravagant prizes! After you've won a couple of challenges, you lose your incentive! You can say people will kill for money, but after a while, it's just money and it can't buy you happiness! I still wouldn't be able to take more than a couple weeks of this "abuse!" I'm flattering myself to even propose going overnight! No way would I ever deem it necessary to expose my lard arse to the world and live with a bunch of strangers! Not happening in this lifetime baby!
Casey wasn't as reckless as Stephen H. from last season who admitted at the reunion that that was how he went about the challenges; "out of the box, on the fly, just throw some ingredients in the air and hope it works!" I don't think Casey was that reckless and from the clip I just watched they said it had plenty of flavor, it just needed more time! Now I'm really confused why she was eliminated over Jamie! She deserved to go, but they normally try to keep who they want to see more of! Are they saying by this dim-witted decision that Jamie will come up with something "even edible?" Heaven knows Casey was 10 times the chef Jamie is right now and forever after! Her rotten attitude will doom her! She doesn't seem to want to compete! This is just a 'social' for some I guess!
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***Marcel is so annoying. For a moment I wished the old Dale was back and would have knocked his lights out.***
Hey, wtf for? Are you disturbed or something? Marcel has done nothing, but you let the rant of a nut like Dale incite you to want violence done! Check in somewhere; quick! I HATE BULLIES!
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This is either Dale or his mother! You must think we're a bunch of idiots! Dale? You think he's amazing? Seek help if not related to him or you're off your meds! He's always been an ass and always will! Did you not see him go psycho on Chef Masters? He has to be on medication and if not, "get them!" Tiffani went out like a lady and I'm sorta proud of her! I couldn't stand her, but she really has gone thru some sort of metamorphosis! "Good for you girl!"
***Hey Jay, Chiarello is one of my all time faves, he is a class act, and a great chef. It really irritated and pissed me off that Dale treated him like that. Dale did say that he was (or is) in anger management . I think he showed a great restraint with Marcel, and it showed he grew up from then. I know it is a short time, but people can change. Tiffani changed too, she grew up a lot in the past few years. Kudos for both of them.
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Dale was so NOT being a bully!! Would you have really sat there and let Marcel get in your face like he did to Dale??***
As I said before, I missed all that watching "Law & Order: SVU!" Even missed the 1st half of repeat due to "Chelsea Lately!" I don't miss 1st run programming for Bravo fare! It always repeats! Just got caught up with "serves!" I must have missed the "blowup!" All I saw was the 1st few minutes when Dale was gratuitously making remarks about Marcel and he hadn't said "Boo" to him! I guess they got into it later while planning menu; missed all that! Maybe the 3rd repeat unless I go to TC for new matches! lol! Top Chef just isn't at the top of my "must see" list!
***..., you summed that up perfectly. Marcel is his own worst enemy.***
If only people weren't so judgemental and decide within 5 seconds if they want to be bothered with someone or not! Some of us are socially awkward! We aren't as understanding as we would want for ourselves, but that is one of our major failings, intolerance of someone "outside the box!" I don't blame people, but you see it time and time again! We take someone's word for it "you don't want to be bothered with this person!" It seems like people like Fabio & Dale are predisposed to "hating" on Marcel and he doesn't have to say anything! I still haven't seen this blow up yet, but I'm sure we're not getting the whole story! No one's a saint in this group! Antonia was crying! Is she feeling guilty about something? Thank Gawd Jamie's gone! The woman is so delusional! She probably thinks she can cook! Remember "they've come from around the world to tell her how great she has to be!"
***..,Tom got a piece of Tre's salmon with cooked bloodline intact, and was heard to comment about how that part is supposed to have been removed.***
ReplyDeleteThat really ticked me off! Angelo was being so helpful cooking Tre's fish, but he didn't see that bloodline? He practically gets into the pan basting it, double dipping and all! Angelo grosses me out in so many ways!
***Didn't Angelo cook Tre's salmon at the "Tennis" challenge, not the "Night @ the Museum" challenge?***
You're probably right! I don't watch the episodes over and over again as I used to! This season's a joke; SORRY! It's hard to take it seriously! These are supposed to be veterans, but so many are just floundering! What is going on? Maybe, is it just me? Tiffani a nice person all of a sudden! I feel like I'm in the "Twilite Zone!" I'm a little spoiled maybe! Season 6 and or 7 alone is better than this group of All stars, but the stars from those seasons are sorta shell-shocked! Tiffany has been up and down and all around! I would think we would see more excellence! Some of these "cooks" are actually shocked when the judge's "pan" their dish! Dale didn't delude himself last week with that noodle thing for the QF at least!
Can't wait for RW; that's always good! When Marcel lost in his season, it was hard to fault him since he had done most of the work! Cliff was such a loser as the host! Elia's hamburgers were like lead, and it was just a train wreck from the jump! It was no better on the other team; LaLaLina; what a joke! What was that disgusting dessert Sam tried to do; watermelon gnocchi? lol! That without a doubt was the worst RW ever; on both sides! In season 3 they got a "do-over," but it still wasn't as bad as season 2's!
***LOL @ Tiffani & the Twilight Zone. I have to agree with you. Season 6 was the absolute BEST (IMHO). They were excellent chefs, the challenges were mostly about showcasing the chef's talent. - ...bloodline was left in the fish and served. (It's that odd bit of brown/gray flesh you may have seen on a piece of cooked or smoked salmon.) You've got that mixed up with Angelo cooking Tre's fish for the US Open..***
I never take that piece of fat off whether I broil or pan fry my salmon! Just had some last nite! It's the best when "blackened" with cajun spices, but my idea of spicing up a dish is throwing pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on everything! Never been a big fish person; barely doing lobster, shrimp, and salmon once a month! I just hate fighting with bones! I suppose fine dining deals with that, but if I go to a nice place like Riva's on Navy Pier here in Chicago, I'm gonna have a steak, lobster, or the biggest chop I can get! FISH food just doesn't satisfy me! lol! While living in California in the 90's, people were always pushing sushi! I said fine, bring it on, just make sure to heat up the grill at my table like Benihana's! I "ain't" eating raw fish! Tuna, sardines, and mackerel are an exception, but the worse thing you have to worry about is mercury poisoning! At least the bones have been removed or pulverized!
***Right. Tre let the sauce over-reduce, and it became one large tub of liquid salt.***
ReplyDeleteThis is what I'm talking about, elementary errors of judgement are the norm! What is wrong with these people? It's not that hard; they've been there before! Even Angelo and Richard have been dragging! I still say some are just "all mouth" and no real talent; Fabio, Michael I, Dale! At least Jamie's gone! Too bad for Tiffani! Tre's wife is gorgeous; and those girls! They are going to be heart breakers!
***But they're cooking under time constraints that wouldn't exist in a restaurant, in unfamiliar surroundings, and they're at the mercy of producers who, with the possible exceptions of Angelo and Tiffany, are far more willing to stack the deck against the chefs than they were during the chefs' first time on the show.
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They may be under-estimating Carla, or they may be underestimating the power of simpler dishes, perfectly prepared.***
Notice I haven't said much about Carla! The only real mistake she's made was listening to Casey in her finale in S 5! lol! I feel the same way about someone winning with something very simple! Arianne back in S 4 was winning challenges with a tomato center stage on a dish that was cold! Amsterdam; DAMN! Went there back in 2001! Was supposed to be there for 3 weeks and make day trips to other countries, but wound up coming back home after 10 days! Too much a homebody! Saw it all, did it all, but didn't wait in line to see Anne Frank House! Loved Rembrandt's studio and home; side by side! Very narrow stairwells! Saw photo exhibition of Dennis Hopper while there as well! Van Gogh & Monet works were the bomb! Maybe one day I'll go back!
***What is Mike Isabella doing on this season? Does anyone know whether he's the contestant who was eliminated earliest? ..., but though Marcel is often contemptible, he does appear to have real culinary talent, unlike Isabella.***
ReplyDeleteI don't understand this animus Michael I. has for Marcel! He's after him at every opportunity! He doesn't let Richard or Dale bother him; he gives them "props," but for Marcel, nothing but contempt! What an A-hole! He's about as useless as Angelo who did nothing from what little I watched of this episode! Poor Tiffany is just looking so bad! It's like people forget how to cook! In her case, she forgot how to fillet! Is she about as much "talk" as some of these other ego-maniacs? I'm starting to wonder!
***I think Tom and company know this is a reality TV show and ratings drive it. If it was just a straight cooking show it wouldn't last. Conflict makes these shows. They thrive on it. And people like Marcel, Tiffani (during her season), and Lisa F are ratings bonanza. Tiffani and Marcel's losses in the finale crashed the website.***
I think people should be appalled by how shockingly bad the chefs appear to be these days! They should be very embarrassed; esp. Tiffani! She was an embarrassment alone; TIFFANI = NENE Leaks! OMG, she was absolutely screeching there! I hate vociferous talk and laughter at a restaurant; call me a snob! That was just too 'down home" and loud for me!
***Tiffany should have gone home. - ...How has Marcel been solid this season? His only win was on a team with Richard and Angelo. Other than that he's never even been in the top.***
Marcel is a very innovative chef! Unfortunately it's the process that gets his juices going, not satisfying the customer! All too often he goes too far trying to use technique as a sledge hammer to beat everyone over the head with his "innovation!" Tiffany & Antonia on the other hand have been just "slogging" through! I've been very disappointed in their lack of desire and the cooking has been "weak!" Tiffany should really be embarrassed by cutting that fish up so poorly! So much for her title of Executive Chef at a "fish eatery!"
Most everyone is coasting along! Only Richard & Carla are really pushing the envelope and taking this thing seriously! Michael I. just talks a good game, but that's all he really is "is talk!" Dale is really losing it! He just has no idea how he's talking to people at times! He just "zones" out and will again be shocked by his behavior! "DUH! Camera's rolling babe!" Dale did what he does at home! He's no innovator! Lucky he didn't have a "Lisa" to sabotage him as in his first "go round!"
***..., I was ready to hold Marcel's head in a bucket of water for a few days. It's time the Marcel-defenders faced the fact: he's an unpleasant little asshole who doesn't really get how badly he turns people off.***
ReplyDeleteI'm not a Marcel defender as much as I don't like bullying around me of any kind! I don't care if Marcel is talking about people's mother, it makes so little sense to be after him like that 24/7! Fabio didn't even know the guy and he had it out for him before even seeing him this season! Marcel's socially awkward, get over it! You ignore pests most of the time! If you sit someplace swatting at flies all day, you look like an idiot! It would be one thing if Marcel was purposely going out of his way to be annoying; I don't think that's the case! People are just on a "stress train" due to all this money, fame, and the competition heating up! I still say most aren't taking this seriously! Their efforts just aren't there; Tiffani, Angelo, Antonia, Tre, & others at times! You still have a couple who are all mouth and are just expressing animus towards Marcel as amusement; Fabio, Michael, & Dale! They aren't that great and have been doing only marginally well by doing what they do w/ very little pushing of the envelope! Unfortunately Marcel is more enamoured with using technique over satisfying his customers! That's my only problem w/ him!
***Fabio did know Marcel before this season. They had some Top Chef Special and Marcel started mouthing off at Fabio after Fabio asked him a question he didn't like.***
I don't call that "knowing" someone by spending an afternoon with a bunch of cooks schmoozing, cooking, and "remembering when!" I'm downloading an mp3 of a round table to my Multiply page which speaks to this issue of bullying Marcel and Season 2 in general! It's kinda funny especially ripping Padma for her stilted speech pattern and sleazy costuming every week:
http://fiero425.mult...Chef_Roundtable - S 2 round table from Chow.com
http://fiero425.mult...try_for_1107_on_... - personal blog of the show...
***Serious question: how long do you take to decide that someone's a DICK?***
It doesn't take long at all, but they're in an unusual situation; a competition on tv where the whole world is watching! I would go out of my way to avoid conflict and wouldn't make it my life's work to "hating" on some fool that is just socially awkward! You may call it fake, but no one looks good just picking on this poor schnook! That's all it really is from Dale, Spike, Mike I. and way back in S2 with Ilan, Betty, & Sam! Let's not even rehash the assault by Cliff!
***I think what Jay is saying is that yes.... Marcel might be a jerk sometimes, but many of these chefs have some really bad qualities..But to have this many people hating him collectively without really knowing the full story seems rather town squarish; ....hang him hang him hang him......Yuck! It's the worst part of our humanity. I had to defend Lisa too you know ....Oy what a job that was.***
ReplyDeleteOMG, even I can't defend Lisa! She actually does go out of her way to alienate people from her! You can be as surly as you want, but don't come back complaining about how you're being treated when you've been so distant & whiny! She almost never smiled, all she did was complain about the challenges, didn't seem to care how people "took her," but when Richard, Stephanie, & Antonia didn't congratulate her for making the finale, she's playing a victim! "Get lost LISA; for good!" Even Tiffany redeemed herself, so it's possible for Lisa, but I can't see it without her really coming back to prove it! Since she was such a rotten chef, she won't be called back! I said the same about Jamie and others, but here they are! Wow!
OMG, wasn't Lisa just awful to deal with? From last night, Mike I.'s getting on Marcel's case because he didn't allow him to take equipment he had acquired to complete the challenge! It was one thing after another with Isabella; "anybody got this, anybody got that, ..." Wtf? He had no right getting ticked off at Marcel b/c he couldn't take his lard ass around the corner to get his own colander, veggies, and seasonings! I really have a problem with Mike; all talk, no real talent! He's doing his job from day to day and just holding onto these challenges!
***Harold called Marcel unprofessional. How would you like to discredit him? .. If after 22 eps I still have to keep an open mind about Marcel, should I also keep an open mind about Cliff after 11--or, for that matter, should I keep an open mind about that "angry bully drunk" Frank after only 7 episodes?***
You can compare little ol' Marcel to the big, imposing bullies of Cliff and Frank? I guess we can't agree on anything now! lol! You never saw Marcel get into someone's face threatening them and you certainly didn't see him "jack up" someone from a sound sleep! Physical presence has a lot to do with how I feel about this situation! If he were 7 years old, I can see the frustration, but all these people are supposed to be professional adults! Not seeing much of it in the crunch unfortunately! The only ones I don't have to worry about being silly, childish, & unprofessional are Carla, Tre, & Richard! The rest are up for grabs and they've had their moments of "why am I here?"
I'm surprised no one seems to have a problem with Dale going off on Fabio's servers! They were just doing their jobs and here you have psycho Dale being profane out of the blue and for no reason! Fabio at least tried to straighten him out, but I don't think he got through to him! He really needs to go on some kind of medication if he hasn't been prescribed yet!
***No, I simply saw Marcel excuse his failure by blaming it on other chefs being threatened by him. ...Like you said, these people are all supposed to be professional adults. How professional is it to go off on drunken rants just b/c you're a sore loser? ...We saw Dale yell at them, and we saw Fabio take him aside and talk to him right afterwards. ...***
***At this point in their careers these chefs should need very little leadership. Dale didn't even lead anyone. Richard thinks he did..lol - They just did what they knew had to be done. Yeah if Marcel was *leading* a bunch of CIA school students or line cooks..ok....But NO those chefs know what to do at this stage of the game. Marcel didn't make them mess up. They did that on their own....Marcel should have..as team leader checked the food as it was going out.....and that was his downfall. He let bad food out of his kitchen. This ain't the first time a good chef has lost it in RW!***
ReplyDeleteI guess it's just you and me KK sticking up for Marcel! I've been saying all season, these "cooks" have been through the trenches, they know what to expect, but most of them have been sleep-walking! As usual the Head chef takes the bullet for RW, but as you said, the other chef's efforts are what doomed the team, not anything Marcel did! These are supposed to be grown ups, but you have those "said grown ups" arguing and bickering "on the line;" pathetic! If Angelo is so put together, why didn't he do something? He's usually all over everyone's efforts, but as Bordain surmised, he just "ducked and covered!" Wimp! I hope not to hear from that ego-maniac again; esp. after he trashed Tre's fish helping out at the US Open challenge, but the "mouth that roared" will definitely be back! What a useless character; all mouth and no brain! He produces raw dish after raw dish even when Tom tells him "not to do that!" What a moron!
***And I don't know if anyone else has brought this up yet, but this is the second time Marcel has held who his team would be in his hands and went crying about it afterwords. In season 2 he had first pick and took Sam, who hated him, and Mikey who may or may not have been on drugs.
And this week he took Mike I who didn't like him, and Angelo who he accused of sabotaging his massive fruit before. I know the phrase is keep your friends close and your enemies closer, but Marcel might be better off picking his friends next time... If he actually has any.***
Yeah, that bothers me a lot! You have a loser who when they are in charge make such bad decisions! At the finale he had a chance to pick 2 people that could have really helped and believed in him, but no he took guys who hated his guts; Michael and Sam! His judgement really can be called into question on many fronts, but he can COOK regardless and has some good ideas!
***To be fair, Marcel didn't really have a lot to choose from. The other 4 choices were Betty (who REALLY hated his guts, and unlike Sam, couldn't be counted on not to sabotage him), Elia (with whom he'd had a conflict just a couple of days before, so it probably was still fresh in his mind), Mia (arguably the weakest chef of the lot), and Frank (who'd threatened him physically).***
It was definitely a "no win" situation, but Sam and Michael would have been at the bottom of my list along with Betty and Elia! He should have gone with Frank and Mia who would really have appreciated staying! Normally neither would be picked since they are so weak, but I think that would have worked out perfectly with Marcel's ego-mania! In 'poker lingo" I would be calling for a "re-buy!" lol!
***Wow, Anthony Bourdain sure has a way with words. When he says something about a dish I notice how Colicchio either titters at his smart-ass comments or nods his head emphatically in agreement at his verdict. I don't think he has the balls or confidence to go against Bourdain.***
ReplyDeleteBesides Bourdain being right, he's a real star! Tom is just playing one for this show! They manage to make Tom look more animated by having a wooden doll (Padma) standing beside him to distract that he's probably the most boring guy around! Anthony is the life of the party and he can insult me anytime!
***"...True, but I don't think I can recall Tom ever even saying something like, "I thought it could use a bit more acid", or "I would have liked a little less salt." He just nods and agrees."***
We've talked about how some of the judges "parrot" one another at times! The biggest offender is Gale who will use the exact same words Tom uses including that Ilan's dessert in the finale was "really smart!" How many times does Gale have something to say, probably admitting she loved a dish, then totally changes her mind after Tom "nails" it for some elementary reason? It's a joke! I want them to go to a blind tasting! They don't need to know who cooked something for judging! I feel it does matter to them! Judge the food, not the cook, errrr "chef!
***Mr. Colicchio, I watched the show tonight and was a little disappointed. I noticed how the 3 of you made excuses for all the guys except for Tre. You had an Italian born Chef who could not cook pasta and another who could not make an Italian dish better than me; and I can't cook, but I know italian flavors. ...***
I'm glad someone else thought the same! Tom would eviscerate an Italian chef normally in this same situation! Michael was talking "shit" the entire time up to the end commenting about Antonia mussel winning & Tiffani's polenta dish! He's a real piece of work! He needs to just shut up and cook! It happens every time! The one blowing the most smoke about "I got this" will always end up eating those words!
We actually had Michael praying not to be sent home when Padma saved him by naming Tre! Another guy, all talk and even mentioned he changed the risotto from the winning recipe! What an idiot! All 3 of them w/ Dale should have been sent home! They were so sure of themselves, but even looking at prep, it didn't look good! That pasta was stiff as dried out putty! I've never made pasta, but it looked more like peanut brittle mix! Should have gone with the dry box! Another idiot! Why do they sabotage themselves? I suppose it's to say "I made it from scratch!" You saw what happened to that girl in season 4 who always made her own pasta? It finally got her sent home! More idiots!
***Anyone noticed how the episode pointed out Mike's hypocrisy?***
ReplyDeleteMichael I's been full of BS since he arrived 2 seasons ago! He thinks he's better than he really is and hypocrisy is way down my list of faults! He's still just a cook; not a chef! He's nowhere near as talented as he likes to think! Remember he's the only contestant that was on a winning team for an EC, then brought back as one of the loser that same challenge in Season 6 w/ the V Bros! How do people forget what a loser situation that had to be for him? Too bad it didn't humble him "at all!" I still get upset with his constant haranguing of Marcel, then asking him for something in the same breath! I can still hear him asking Marcel for a piece of equipment or pot! I would have told his fat ass to walk around there and get it himself! It could take some of that tonnage off probably; NOT!
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Fabio's been doing more than skating on thin ice for quite a while! He's been quite an ordinary cook since the beginning! I have no idea why people are giving him such "props" as if he's some master chef! "I don't think so!" Even when he half way won a challenge in his season, it was comfort food that the Master Chef judges voted as memorable to their youth! Wasn't it just chicken that he made with a "busted wing" or burn to his hand? He has never impressed me in the least! What has he done but "kvetch" about how stupid a challenge was to him? Good riddance to bad rubbish! Idiot!
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That last QC was taken from Richard! These guys weren't going to vote for him! You heard nothing but complaints about him winning, giving out too much info, and just being too nice! They couldn't bring themselves to vote for his dish even though I saw Tiffani throw her head back in ecstasy! They can't be trusted; they'll admit it! I hope they don't do that again! Even on FN's Next Iron Chef you had unscrupulous types who just didn't want to play fair! So much for integrity in the kitchen! Ego trumps everything!
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Fabio's ego suffered just a little when he took great offense at Bordain's critique a few challenges ago! He about lost his mind there! I thought they would have to call security! His ego is just too large for the rather mundane fare he's been pushing! He was commenting about Jamie and her "Top Scallop" effort, but hasn't he done gnocchi's a few times? Hypocrisy should be punishable up to and including death; esp if you're a politician!
Michael I. can't be shamed into acting like a nice guy and feel fortunate to be in his position! He made history in his 1st go-round by being on a winning team, but being brought back for elimination in the same challenge! He was a "hanger-on" of the V Bros and the panel called him out! It hasn't humbled him in the least! All he can talk about is how good a chef he is and who else should be going home! Jackass!
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Funny you mentioned Mikey being a coattail-riding opportunist! I've mentioned before that he should be forever known as the ultimate loser, opportunist, and "hanger on!" He latched onto the V Bros in season 6 winning a challenge with them only to be brought back in the same challenge to be in the bottom 3 as well! Will that ever happen again? What a loser!
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I put black pepper on just about everything! I keep a grinder on the table! At fine restaurants when waiter wanders about with a pepper mill, I say warm up! THis is going to be a while! I make him turn that crank twice if not 3 times as many times as he would normally! I love "blackened" proteins as well! There's something about using pepper; probably to balance the tons of salt that is in everything! I only sprinkle salt in my pasta & veggie water as well as all proteins! You have to do it or there's no flavor! I put just garlic powder and pepper on a couple of pork loin chops once! I baked them for 30 min, they were plump, juice was running out into rice I had made! Totally tasteless! I learned ya just can't eliminate salt entirely!
***Mike's already proved he's not a top chef and if he wins it would be on the level as when Ilan and Hosea won. First off he complains when Richard was helping others in the kitchen, a true top chef would... and Mike said he wouldn't being a competition; it shows weakness. Richard would say he'd rather be judged along side of chefs trying their best, Mike would rather see them fail. ...As I said in the past, I don't know why Mike was brought on this season as an all-star, I'm guessing someone backed out at the last minute or he's one of the producers favorites. He's proved to be a mediocre chef at best, even going as far as losing an Italian challenge, and now continues idiotically to put himself below Richard.***
Most if not all are "below Richard!" Michael is below Carla, Tiffani and Antonia for that matter! These people have a real feel for what they're doing and are very creative at times! Mikey has relied on everyday recipes he makes and it's so beneath someone calling themselves a chef! It's all muscle memory with no real thought behind the dish produced! When has he really busted it out and people were like "WOW?" I'll tell you, NEVER! He's mediocre at best and at his worse, totally incompetent! I bet any amount of money he probably doesn't know anything about enzymatic changes to pork with pineapple mixed with it!
***Tiffani should have listened to Marcel - Paula Dean commented she would love to have sucked on those shrimp heads, but Tiffany didn't care what Marcel was suggesting.***
ReplyDeleteMy thinking exactly! Marcel maybe annoying, but I'd take him over Mikey anytime! True enough Tiffany couldn't be bothered listening to Marcel! Even if it was a "saving" issue, I have this feeling she would blow him off! I thought she was more mature than that, but something's happened to her this season! I've already said she's been coasting and barely hanging on being in the bottom 6 times; that's a lot! That's Spike & Lisa territory and I know she's better than them! I noticed the "shrimp head" comment too and laughed; shoulda listened to Marcel! lol! I'm no fan of the boy, but this bullying by everyone is so upsetting! These are supposed to be adults and they are pretty much picking on him since he's so socially awkward! These idiots aren't even trying, just maligning and pushing him away! If someone would sit down with the guy and tell him what's what instead of screaming at him like their child, maybe things would be different! I'm just saying!
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Dale is so full of shit, I can't stand it! The stuff that comes out of his mouth has never made any sense to me and I don't understand why others don't bring it up! All I've heard is he's a better guy now and he's really trying when he's the same evil a-hole he always was! He has a limited resume with a limited vocabulary resorting to profane tirades when things get a little tight! I gave him all due sympathy dealing with Lisa in his 1st go-round, but that blowup during Chef Masters then his tirade this season during RW's proves he has a long way to go for true soul searching redemption!
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***Richard came across like a total dick during judge's table. No grace and no modesty at all. I don't care if he loses at this point.***
"Total dick" is a little extreme! I'd put Michael I, Angelo, & Dale in that category! Richard really tries to help people out; to his own detriment at times! Richard's definitely confident, but it's not half as overbearing as some of the other characters this season! Most have been coasting, and didn't step it up until last night; esp. Tiffani and Carla! They were on the edge, but made it in the end! I wonder what Angelo could have done, but I don't miss him and his superior attitude! Dale was never that inventive and Michael is still relying on everyday fare! Can he survive the final cut preparing things off his menu back home? It's sad and pathetic no one is bringing that up! Antonia's been hanging in there and finally got rewarded! I'm sure she'll appr. it over jerks like her cousin Mike! Richard already has at least one car from the show!
***How is the competition with winning chef from their respective season supposed to work out? Can Antonia & Richard both do better than Stephanie or only one of them will be considered winner?***
Richard has a great chance to beat out Stephanie and I never was impressed with Hosea so Carla can knock him off; we can only hope! lol! Lots of luck trying to conquer Michael V., Michael I you slob! lol! He'll have to sabotage the guy and he isn't above it! Who else we got; Kevin? Lots of luck Tiffany! He'll just get them drunk again like he did in the finale last season! lol! That must have been some cocktail since Padma's a notorious drinker! Even for breakfast challenges she loved the booze!
***This is so unfair and I feel sorry for these chefs. They have all earned a chance to wow us, but the Producers are more concerned with conjuring cheap drama than letting them produce great food.***
ReplyDeleteThey've had equipment failures before! They're expected to deal with it! It is terribly unfair just saying in real life "you have to think on the fly!" I don't think so! If there's a fire, you don't re-prep then serve again hours later! This stinks! Not Michael I....anybody, but that smirking weasel! GAWD save me if he takes it all! Richard may have to commit Harri kari! He does not like to lose!
***That comment personifies what always bugged me about Hosea. It was never a positive, 'I won' attitude, it was always a negative, 'Haha, you lost' perspective. When he took the title, it was all about him beating Stefan, even more than actually being Top Chef. Here it was about putting the haters in their place, not making a good showing for himself. It's like he wouldn't be happy with having success without there being someone else to watch fail next to him. I don't know, that just bugs me.***
I totally agree! It's like a cloud is hanging over him b/c he wasn't favored by the masses and he hasn't been able to prove he was deserving until this challenge! Unfortunately for him Carla blew it more than Hosea won it! You could tell the judges wanted to give it to Carla but for the uncooked rice! I'd carry some instant in a bag if I were these people! lol!! Whoever it was that lumped Richard in with Dale and Marcel is out of their minds! Richard is a sweet-heart compared to those other boars! Just b/c you don't like his positive attitude towards his ability doesn't make him any less worthy of this title! You can't expect every winner to be like Stephanie; shocked, tearful, self deprecating, blah, blah, blah! Richard has been nothing but a gentleman and always ready to help out; even to his detriment it seems! We all saw Antonio do well with his help, then of course Mike just ripped off an idea taking $15,000 out of his pocket! "Yeah, Richard's such a bad guy! Get real bitches!"
***Hosea, Ilan, & Kevin are dubious winners of "Top Chef!"***
The Kevin turnaround still baffles me! He was so average at the beginning, relying on everyday fare he produced on the outside! All of a sudden he's getting kudos up the ying-yang, and by the finale the judges were raving about his offerings! I still have this feeling Hosea and Ilan were "just picked" instead of truly earning their titles! Even at judges table in Hawaii Gale brought up the fact Ilan produced Spanish dish after Spanish dish overwhelming everyone concerned with saffron over and over again! Where was the so-called "taking of chances" and thinking "outside the box?" It wasn't happening and they rewarded him for it! My head will always shake back and forth with Stefan coming in 2nd to Hosea! That's the biggest upset as far as I'm concerned! They embarrassed themselves for all time with that one! I think that is where Hosea's getting this insecurity! Me and everyone else know how lucky he is to be holding his title!
***Would they have lost the EC by default if they weren't able to get any conch? ...I couldn't help but wonder that. Richard actually scared me when he had trouble diving for the conch and I was afraid he wasn't going to catch any.***
ReplyDeleteI guess you would be 'S.O.L.!' You had to use the conch; was required! Maybe Richard would have come to the rescue; let you use some of his conch broth! lol! Not likely without a blender!
***I thought the same thing, but I'm assuming the producers knew in advance that the final five--last week's four plus Carla--could swim well enough to snorkel before they set up that particular challenge months ago. I'm sure too there were plenty of life guards watching over them.***
I'm sure there's tons of production planning before the 1st intros are made! When Project Runway sent a group over to Paris, I wondered "how in the world did they expedite passports for some of these hillbillies that have never been anywhere?" So you know that has been covered already! They had swim suits on so they were warned I'm sure! Poor Tiffany; I wonder what they had to do to smooth out that hair after diving in the ocean? My sister goes to braids during the summer when she knows she's hitting pools and the lake!
***The 'mystery envelope' - I thought it was just to show they didn't make it up on the fly - it was predetermined. It lent more fairness to the decision. In the past they've thrown in plenty of twists along the way, but not usually at judge's table.***
Something like that should be thought about "on the fly!" I don't think it would have been fair for a person to get another chance to make the finale after having a horrible meal! Antonia fortunately did produce something nice, but Morimoto wasn't happy! She did get another chance, but she had it the toughest w/ the family memory being more detailed and extreme; texture and taste! I wouldn't be happy if some loser came from behind, then produced "a bite" that Tom loved and I'm kicked to the curb! I'd sue! lol!!
***"Oh Richard, No...You do NOT put ketchup on hotdogs."***
Sure you can! Chgo is one of the "main homes" of hotdogs w/ int'l renown from some places here! Mustard, relish, & onions are the staple of any good hotdog, but ketchup has equal importance here babe! lol! I don't go all the way like some with those basics, then have a couple pieces of tomato, pickle, & peppers added! Now it's not even a "dog," it's a condiment holder on a bun! OBTW, ya gotta have the greasy fries in the bag to go along with it!
***Fiero, I'm FROM CHGO! You don't put ketchup on hotdogs here!***
I'm no "conesour" really; just a guy who grew up on the south side, then western suburbs! We did ketchup! I understand the northsiders think it's a crime to put catsup on your dog! I should have expressed there are different factions in town! lol!
***It's not that there are "factions" or "northsiders" consider it a crime, I am also suburbanite and everyone knows no ketchup on hot dogs. There's a Chgo style hotdog and then there are little kids that like ketchup.***
Every stand I've gone to, mostly on the lake shore, a big pump bottle of mustard and catsup is sitting right there! Go to Navy Pier and it's not as 'verboten' as you may think! lol!
Tom made a big deal about the wait btw course 1 & 2! I can't get over how pleasant Tiffany has been! In the old days a dark cloud hovered over the room! Possibly a several rays of sunshine there in her personality all of a sudden! I still haven't seen the whole show! One of these days I'll catch all the nuances! Have no idea how they picked their sous! From WWHL it appears Jamie went above and beyond the call of duty! Color me shocked! Maybe she was getting some negative feedback and took a stimulant! She worked it I guess; per Michael anyway! I still haven't seen her do much!
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Michael is a bad guy! He wishes ill on his competitors! He's more concerned about what "you're" doing rather than worrying about what he's got to do! He was better in the finale, but I've already cemented an image of the guy of being a louse! It could change; it did for Tiffany! She's a new person and I've embraced her! Never thought it possible! "Good job Richard; Condragulations!"
***Then that's where you are wrong. It wasn't just the recipe it was the presentation of it. It was a play on oysters on a half shell. Mike's cooking is never whimsical; that's usually Blaise. So the whole thing revolved around not just the recipe, meaning ingredients and preparation, but also on the way it was presented.***
Finally! lol! That's what I've been saying since it happened! The idea was the part that was ripped off with a self satisfied smile on his face when Mike was rewarded for doing it! What a sleazebag! Richard can forgive him, but I won't forget it! $5,000 is a lot to rip off! lol! Antonia winning that challenge would have saved all concerned! Too bad!
I'm thrilled that Richard won, but I will never be a "connoisseur!" lol! I will never be that much of a food snob; sorry! I don't like nouveau cuisine; never have, never will! There's too much handling of the food! The portions are dubious depending on how much they want to "take you for!" I find it gross if these guys are touching and position every pea on my plate! It just "skeeves" me out! It's bad enough you have so many people prep'n with dubious hygiene habits, no hair nets, scratching their heads, sweating into the food, tasting the food (double dipping), then we finish it off w/ placing each item on the plate by hand! That's just too much! Something wrong with family style portions on one plate spooned out? Am I the only one who feels this way? I guess I'll just be the lone nutcase!
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***Andy ambushed Elia in WWHL***
Since I know Andy is a sleazebag, I rarely watch the show! What did she say in the article? I'm sure it was something having to do with "sour grapes" no doubt, but it's expected by some ego maniacs! I don't think he should have called her out regardless of whatever! Anybody? I was never a fan! I know she has skill, but most of the time when she wins a challenge, it's usually with something "not all that special!" I'm still horrified Tom pumped her up for her Thanksgiving offering of "mushroom soup!" She toasted nuts! That made all the difference I'm sure! In the mean time, Marcel had done most of the work; even if poorly executed (dry remoulade turkey)! You might as well have given the award to Carlos with his salad! That season 2 was kinda lame now that I think about it! Season 6 & 7 in comparison would just blow them away!
I knew the reunion was playing, but never turned over to check it out! Will have to see it tomorrow afternoon! Tom C. at times is a huge hypocrite! Thinking of that Coke commercial, he lost a bit of stature in my eyes! He's supposed to be above that sort of endorsement! Only saw bits and pieces of Chef Masters! Should be some good food this season! I won't tape or preempt something else to see the show though!
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Finally saw the last few minutes of the reunion to see what all the "hub-bub" was about! It probably should have been edited out since they were playing "cutsie-wootsie" music and clips around the issue! The only thing I got out of this exchange was Tom C and the rest trying to intimidate Elia and make her back down! Why should she? She was just expressing how she felt and now Tom is giving this impression she's wrong and it's just sour grapes for being auf'd so soon! I too consider Tom a sell out who could have done great things, but he's obviously in need of more money! That Coke commercial wasn't impressive at all and it's stayed w/ me since! I don't care if he does drink the stuff, that product is one of the worst out there! IT has no nutritional value which is what cooking is all about besides enjoying it! I hope people aren't thinking I'm taking Elia's side because I'm a fan; nothing could be further from the truth! Even though she may be very honest, there's something about her that bothers me! It's something lost in translation I guess! I see her as a bit of a phony in some respects when it comes to the other chefs! It's an ego thing with so many of them! Even Richard had his moments even though he's a great guy who really enjoys helping others!
***I was very disappointed in Tom's treatment of Elia. When he couldn't get the last word in and convince her she was wrong, he pretty much just dismissed her as being bitter b/c she was eliminated 1st. ...My bigger concern is Tom's view of Diet Coke. He says in the rebuttal article to Elia's complaints that Diet Coke never made anyone obese. Hasn't he been keeping up with the research on diet sodas and their connection to obesity?***
I just hope I'm wrong when I think he has that mentality of a conservative or Republican; "believe what I say, not what I do!" They make it seem ok, nothing is wrong when you catch them in something! It's always just your interpretation that is making it a controversy; nothing they've said or done! "Tom, Tom, Tom; you're beginning to be a real disappointment to me!" I hope there's no retribution, but we know how vindictive some are; will Elia be invited to do anything even though she's well liked?
***Someone here mentioned that Rocco DiSpirito had appeared on The Soup with Joel McHale....Is Joel McHale really that much taller than Rocco? And is there a painting of Rocco somewhere that is aging horribly? Rocco is 45, but isn't aging, and seems to have some kind of creepy Dorian Gray thing going on.***
I saw him! He's quite short I guess for McHale to be towering over him like that! Funny you should mention Dorian Gray! Just saw a remake on ShwTme a couple days ago! I think it was discussed a couple years ago after Rocco lost his restaurant! He went all out being nice, lost some weight, and had some cosmetic surgery! He really is something; remade himself totally! Anthony Bordain embarrassed himself more than once trying to get a rise out of Rocco, but he never took the bait! DiSpirito really seems to be a good chef! I watched a couple of his shows helping out inept cooks; one of which hated fish, but he got her to not only like it, but cook it!
- - - Season 9 - AllStars2 - - -
ReplyDelete***First episode of The Next Iron Chef on FN - Thankfully, the judge's chose Chef Samuelsson's scallop dish over Spike's. Spike was the 1st chef to be sent home. Had Spike chosen a different partner for himself, maybe he would still be there. For anyone who hates Spike (like me), this episode played out beautifully. He's a real douche-bag.***
From what I saw on Masters Season 2 I'd say that Marcus is a douche-bag as well. - I have little sympathy for Spike! He's just as bad as Marcus, if not worse! He's always conspiring, trying to get an edge instead of just going in there and cooking! He's so sad! How did he make the cut? He's nobody; I don't care how many times they try and feature him! There's nothing special about his "fare" as far as I can tell from what little we've seen of him! His ego's out of control! Reminds me a lot of Michael I. of last season's all-stars! He has a very high opinion of his talents!
***AND...just in case anyone did not notice...LEE ANNE...from S1 Top Chef competed on IRON CHEF AMERICA....and WON!!! She beat Iron Chef Forgione...by one point!!***
When was this; this past weekend? I missed it! He's vulnerable for the time being, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised! She's the 1st one from Top Chef to win! Wow! The others never came close! Spike was an embarrassment! Richard's good, but he's no Iron Chef beater yet; maybe Forgi! I was watching Richard from last season and I'm getting a little perturbed with him! In his mind he should win everything! Other people's fare that wins he says "I don't get it!" That bothered me more now than when I was actually backing him and hoping he took it all!
***Richard always thought he was better than he actually is. The Volt brothers proved that. He got on my nerves all over again watching last weekend.***
***I enjoyed watching Spike bite the dust with his amateur soup and scallop! ...***
ReplyDeleteNo one said he wasn't ambitious! He gets good feed back here in Chicago, but I've never been there! He talks a good game, but I'm really starting to believe he's full OS! WHo am I kidding, I've been saying that since day one! Who talked about himself more and delivered less! He was always trying to work an angle instead of just cooking his best! Even during his 1st stint on TC, he had this great reputation for dealing with steak! Needless to say he didn't even come close to winning the challenge! Every time someone says they have experience and this should be a snap is usually walking the plank themselves later that episode! He's little more than a local restaurateur! There's nothing wrong with that, but he has never created something that would transport you somewhere like a "Wolfgang Puck!" He likes to think differently, but delusions reign with many chefs out there! My namesake Jamie comes to mind! What a loser!
***I thought V Bros.' season of TC was boring, but their new show "Voltaggio's Take On" is so boring!***
They're good chefs, not entertainers! lol! I don't know why anyone thought it would be any different than them on TC! They're good looking, honest, quiet, and far from obnoxious like their bud Michael I, but more than likely MI could carry a show!
***I hate to admit it Fiero, but you're right - Mike I. would probably be more entertaining. They are certainly quite talented and not bad on the eyes (Brian easier than Michael), but their brooding natures don't make for interesting tv.***
***Sarah may have helped Keith out the door with her comments on his use of flour tortillas instead of corn!***
ReplyDeleteThis is bogus! I'm still wondering why Keith was the one sent home! Maybe getting a kick in the ass by Sarah b/c for the flour tortilla thing "got him" on one hand, but several chefs didn't make theirs from scratch either! The judges didn't say they didn't like his offering! It seemed a little something else was going on! Maybe he's getting whacked for buying the cooked shrimp! Others were right there and saw him do it and said nothing! It's still hard to watch so early in the season! I'll probably wait until they whittle down some of these sous'!
***Hi JayC. I went 'round in my head over the same thing. I agree Sarah should have suggested Keith use a corn tortilla. I would have being part of a team challenge. She did bring up the pre-cooked shrimp fiasco at JT.
Was it to purposely throw him under the bus, or was it in defense of the dishes they had to make instead b/c they didn't have the proper ingredient? ....I thought I heard the judges comment his enchilada was soggy, bland and unappealing aesthetically. Ultimately, I think they made the right call. No defense of a pre-cooked, frozen shrimp from a chef specializing in seafood. Keith was one of my early favs and I hope we see him again.
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I agree with you somewhat, but TC has a history of elim. people for what they consider to be "basic" mistakes. The person who actually makes the mistake is the culprit over the others who didn't step up IMO, even though they are accomplices. ...In the taste dept. it seemed like it should have been Ty-Lor from the reaction of the judges.***
***All-Time Top Chef Standings - This doesn't include the current season, or the first 2 of TC Masters. In case of a tie, the chef that advanced farther in their season was ranked higher.
ReplyDelete1 - Richard Blais, 57.83 points (Seasons 4 and 8)
2 - Kevin Gillespie, 32.25 points (Season 6)
3 - Stephanie Izard, 28 points (Season 4)
4 - Michael Voltaggio, 27 points (Season 6)
5 - Angelo Sosa, 26.33 points (Seasons 7 and 8)
6 - Bryan Voltaggio, 25.5 points (Season 6)
7 - Stefan Richter, 25.33 points (Season 5)
8 - Dale Talde, 25.25 points (Seasons 4 and 8)
9 - Ed Cotton, 22 points (Season 7)
10 - Hung Huynh, 21 points (Season 3)
11 - Morgan Wilson, 19.33 points (Season D1)
12 - Antonia Lofaso, 17.75 points (Seasons 4 and 8)
13 - Harold Dieterle, 17 points (Season 1)
14 - Michael Isabella, 16.25 points (Seasons 6 and 8)
15 - Ilan Hall, 16 points (Season 2)
16 - Carla Hall, 15.33 points (Seasons 5 and 8)
17 - Carlos Enriquez, 14.42 points (Season D2)
18 - Hosea Rosenberg, 14 points (Season 5)
19 - Naomi Pomeroy, 14 points (Season M3)
20 - Sally Camacho, 14 points (Season D2)
21 - Sam Talbot, 13 points (Season 2)
22 - Mary Sue Milliken, 13 points (Season M3)
23 - Andrew D'Ambrosi, 12 points (Season 4)
24 - Floyd Cardiz, 11 points (Season M3)
25 - Chris Hamner, 9.67 points (Season D2)
26 - Tiffani Faison, 9 points (Seasons 1 and 8)
27 - Matthew Petersen, 8.5 points (Season D2)
28 - Marcel Vigneron, 8.33 points (Seasons 2 and 8)
29 - Betty Fraser, 8 points (Season 2)
30 - Stephen Asprinio, 6.45 points (Seasons 1 and 8)***
I always thought Spike was one of the worst chefs in TC history! Thanks for the confirmation! lol! - He went into negative territory at #147 - Spike Mendelsohn, -15.5 points (Seasons 4 and 8) - WE shouldn't be surprised Hosea (#18) was so low as one of the winners! What a choice!
***It might be true that Richie deserved to go home for his 2 lackluster QF performances, his contributions/dishes in the ECs have been well received, esp. if we consider the cornbread was entirely his project.***
ReplyDeleteRichie has a salt pallet problem! It was bound to catch up with him sooner or later; might as well be now! As always Karma and justice catch up with cut-throat behavior! Snapping up all those supplies before every one had a chance was "bush-league!" Same with Chuy thinking he had the QF nailed since he's such an expert in peppers! You knew he would be in the bottom! In these reality shows, do they force people to work from a script? It's the same result each time; the braggart gets crushed and selfish ass-holes land in the bottom! I still remember a chef from a couple years ago wouldn't share her salt! Needless to say the judges nailed her for using too much on her steaks! It's just uncanny!
***Clearly those chefs knew that steak was going to be the highlight, and thus the most closely scrutinized parts of the meal down there in TX.***
Steak like eggs seem simple, but besides taking skill to cook, they need to be served quickly! That's why a lot of these challenges are going to fail! It's going to either be cooked perfectly and left to sit while the judges decide when to eat it or it's average tasting and by the time it hits the judges its cold garbage! I don't like these challenges on the rode or in the field! Sanitation and time where food is just left sitting makes it more unappetizing to me! I wouldn't touch half of it! The double dipping and lack of hand washing has always been an issue with me! If you don't have a sink to do so, you don't bother at all! I would think and hope one of the judges gets sick and they stop that crap!
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They're just bad! This has been one of the worst cast of characters I've seen in a while! They are simply inept and I don't know how they get any kind of rave review unless the judges are exaggerating! My guess is that's the case! This stuff looks like crap! Last season with the "so called" All-stars weren't much better, but I wouldn't want much of any of this fare thrown together to make up this season! I'm sorta disgusted I guess! Just watched Food Network's, "The Next Iron Chef!" It's at such a higher level, but they are "Masters!" You have Alex G., Eliz. Faulkner, and Michael Chier.!
***Are you serious, Fiero? Quite a few chefs from this season are more qualified than the celebrity chefs on TNIC. I can't believe you listed Alex Guarnaschelli of all people; hasn't won any sort of awards at all.***
Are you saying Alex is no good? She talks a good game! She won a challenge and has only had to deal with an elim. matchup once! She made sausage out of a rack of meat she had to prepare in 20 min.! She was spared the humiliation of another EC! That honor went with the person I think is all mouth; Anne B.! She talks too much! She's good, but "you don't need to keep telling us girly!"
***After watching the last episode, I wonder if other people are also getting the impression that the chefs this season are oddly weaker than previous seasons.***
ReplyDeleteMaybe Tom's just "done" with the show! lol! It has been on for a while! He's been opening other restaurants while doing the show! I would probably get sick of it; esp. eating the disgusting fare of this group of hack chefs! The last couple years have been lacking! S1 overall was the best, S2 was ok until the final, and of course some of the most skilled and knowledgeable chefs were in S6 with the V Bros, Kevin, Michael I., and others! The All-Stars were burned out and lame as well!
***On NIC, the chefs with the worst restaurant reviews are still in the competition***
I don't know about it being fishy as much as "jumping the shark!" On TC, the challenges don't weed out the "riff raff" enough! Some skate thru throwing a little something on a "half-shell" and the judges "orgasm!" Give me a break! I've gone out with people and no one orders "scallops," but it's some sort of "fall back" crutch that is allowed again and again on TC! On NIC, "the scallop is cooked perfectly!" You rarely hear otherwise; obviously due to it being so simple!
On Hell's Kitchen you had some chefs that could ruin 20 or more scallops! Not sure what that means after watching these last couple "bad seasons!" I really thought Beverly and Heather would be going home since duck was so much simpler to deal with than the elk and venison! What's funny is as they're coming back into the room the other chefs says it was great! After telling each other more fat could have been rendered off and the skin crisped up, why did they do that?
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All this talk about oysters, oysters sauces, and the like? Not a clue here! Never had them; maybe opened a can of it for my mom back in the 60's! That's the closest I've come to them! Never been a fish person; easily grossed out by the smells! My diet permits a lobster twice a year, shrimp maybe once a month, as much salmon as I want, and a local rest. boneless catfish every once in a while! I must not be very bright neglecting to take in more "brain food" over the course of my life! lol! I do what is as plain as you get; "fast food" fish (COD) sandwich if I must and in a fine rest. something like a bland "fish steak!" I just don't know fish to ask for anything like blue, sword, or rainbow! To be honest, I've just never been one to fight "bones" you inevitably find! You shouldn't have to fear swallowing food like that!
***Why are they harder to deal with then duck? Cooking-wise, how different is elk or venison different from, say, lean beef?***
ReplyDeleteI'm no cook, but prep to break down game meat I would think takes more time than seasoning a duck to go into the oven! You don't have to cook game meat as long, but I can imagine it being difficult regardless! How hard is it to render down some of that fat on a duck? Crisping up the skin is the trick I guess! I watch these shows like TC and Food Network's "Chopped" & "Iron Chef," have little clue on how thinks run in a kitchen! I just order and trust them to prepare dishes I like!
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That's why I hate watching a big meals like Thanksgiving being prepared! You go thru all that trouble, hours of prep, and by the time you sit down, you're sick of it! My mom sometimes takes 2 or 3 bites then says "I'm full!" Why bother? Just open a can, a box, and a few jars; done! lol! It all flushes the same!
***I love your comments Fiero!! I'm not being facetious; you nail it every time. ...Yet I love to cook for family and friends - ...I just can't get past Heather's behavior, though. It's like she thinks there's one set of rules for her and others for the rest.***
You are too kind! I really haven't paid that much attention; surf by for a few minutes here and there! The only reason I know about Heather is because every time I do turn to the show she's berating someone, usually Bev and looking for ascension from the other chefs to speak for all! That gives one cover for being mean if you can throw out a general "knock" like rehashing the shrimp thing from the last challenge! I'm sure she got a little bit of a nod from some of the other chefs which empowers Heather to go after Bev even more!
I'm really surprised producers let that type of thing go; esp after the Marcel incident! It's easy to say "we need the drama," but now it's becoming abusive and Bev isn't able to fight back! I feel like that sometime; not that I can't get loud, but that's not my style! Yelling and making a spectacle of myself in an argument with some mindless "twit" just isn't worth it! As a child I must have been very impressed with a new show called Star Trek; '66! According to Spock, so many things emotional were not logical! I've always felt that way and I don't explode like that; esp. beating up on some defenseless thing like Bev.!
***Anyone else want Patti's LaBelle's recipe for 8 cheese mac n cheese with lobster and shrimp?***
ReplyDeleteSounds more deadly than a pasta alfredo! On one of those Bobby Flay road show match-ups, he went up against some southern chef; maybe from Louisiana who said she used 7 cheeses! It can't be solid with all that fat! My mom is southern and would make it with an egg batter and only one; cheddar! It held together and it was just as good as any with all that extra fat of 8 cheeses! I just don't believe in being that self-indulgent making stuff that would kill if eaten a couple times a month! The lobster and shrimp would just make it obscene!
***I imagine that you can tell who's struggling if you're in the same kitchen. Ty-Lor probably noticed Heather struggling with her beef, Chris messing up his salmon (as he was trying to scrape off some of the albumen after cooking it), and Grayson's gigantic plate of food.***
I really thought Grayson was history! How creative was she; a steak? It was too much and tough? How do seasoned chefs mess up a steak? Ya sear it and finish it off in the oven; simple! I figured Heather would get one more chance to be a b!tc# since she at least went that extra mile trying to make beef stroganoff!
***I like Nyesha, personally, and I think this was the first time I have seen a correction that needed to be made. In this instance; thank goodness for LCK.***
A "correction" could have been the topic of the day when it came to Keith leaving as well! He won a couple LCK challenges, but everyone has a bad day! Nyesha isn't out of the woods yet! Keith was tripped up by cooking a steak; against Chuy of all people! Like Spike, C's ego was a lot bigger than his talent! I just wasn't impressed! He gave that "I got this" and knew he was history from the beginning of his last challenge! Why do they do that?
***Beverly's big chunk of pork belly -- gutsy move. I would not have thought of it myself b/c in my mind, pork belly in chunk form and bacon in strip form are two different ingredients.***
People are so casual about the intake of fat and salt when it comes to throwing bacon into a dish! Since I'm struggling with sleep apnea and hypertension, I don't even look at the stuff! I've never been a fan of a salt/fat licks anyway! I took a nutrition course in college and found too many American fave items are just pure fat; equivalent to a pat of butter in grams! On the list was avocado, olives, and of course bacon!
I wouldn't do "deep fried butter" either even though I hear it's big in Wisc. at the "state fair!" Paula Dean is trying to kill us all off with her promotion of anything that's with it! In my best Kim Wayans impression playing Oprah, "butter is my lover, butter is my friend!" Never had rumaki! If it wasn't prepared by mom, it's likely I'll leave it alone for life! I have no adventures when it comes to food! I stay with what I know!
***Is anyone else about totally at their limit of tolerance for the # of commercials Bravo throws into this show; esp. during the last 2 breaks? We love the show, but have decided enough is enough and will be recording it from now on so we can fast forward the commercials....***
ReplyDeleteAgreed! I miss so much surfing during those breaks, I've missed the QC winner just about every time! Lucky for me Ty-Lor mentioned he had immunity! The breaks are intolerable and I often have to piece it together later after 3 or 4 telecasts what happened! I feel my senses are being assaulted before, during, and after the program! I just don't like the season enough to care and my blog is getting few additions as a result of it! They are trying so hard with "super size" episodes, LCK, offering extra cash for challenge wins; NOTHING! I don't feel like I've missed much! Sorry! Project Runway is going thru the same "growing old pains" on Lifetime! I think it was Raymond Burr of "Perry Mason" and "Ironside" fame that thought 9 years was about right for the life of a show! It's stale after that! TC's already there!
***I am compassionate about Sarah's experience in this episode. However, I do wonder about commercial kitchens; the heat, the hours, and so on. Is she able (physically) to be a chef?***
Then she should take her large ass somewhere else if she can't handle the heat! I'm sorry, but we're talking about a competition and a lot of money! She had a lot of nerve to leave, come back in time to serve her chicken, then wimp out again! She may have actually felt terrible, but to get in people's faces later talking about what she doesn't like about their attitude; I would have cussed her ass out! lol!
***Paul has won $35,000 so far... Seems like a winner to me.***
Even though he's a nice guy, keeps his head down, and is helpful to his fellow chefs, how soon and "who" will be the one to go on a jealous rant over his success? Heather's gone so her tyrannical behavior won't be in evidence! Sarah maybe? She's on the edge; getting nowhere fast! lol!
Finally got a chance to see a little more of the show! The girls started so chaotic during prep! Sarah never shut up constantly talking about "team" which really means "I need help and I expect you to drop everything to do so!" What a hateful woman! Karma had Bev win this challenge even though "she was only responsible for one dish;" per Lyndsay! Another high school-er! She took no responsibility for her dish! She couldn't vent with Grayson who put it right back on her! Poor thing! lol!
ReplyDelete***People confuse being bitchy and demanding with being authoritative and/or mature. The girls being like this it's becoming a situation where I care more about who loses than who wins.***
I think subconsciously we all fall into that category; "care more about who loses!" We either have a fave or we don't know and pass judgement on who's more deserving of being "auf'd!" - Love Grayson; she's her own woman! It's so easy to get caught up in that HS stuff, but she held firm and did her job! I love a good defense of an underdog!
***This season's chefs kinda suck.***
We've been spoiled by S6, then the All Stars! We expect more, but they aren't capable! They can't be trusted to do the simplest tasks! They fall back on variations of fare they do every day back home! Where's the creativity? If you go simple, at least be good! From what we're hearing, simple seasoning is still the main problem; tough or mealy meat the next!
***I agree, and that's possibly what feels so "off" about this season.
When Ty got elim., I was thinking "well he kinda sucked the whole season," but they do seem to cook food that's not as exciting and innovative as previous seasons.***
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You would think, but they have specified "opening a restaurant," and that entails good service! They were very impressed with Fabio one RW he hosted! I think he won the challenge just for how he ran things out front!
***I remember that. They could have served me peanut shells, and I would have probably left the place happy; that charming bastard... But yes, food and hospitality go hand in hand. It's a given that it should always always always be about the food, but I don't.***
***Seriously, this is supposed to be about cooking, not your ability to carry food on a bicycle and convince random restaurants to let you use their kitchens. Lame and gimmicky.***
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's just me, but I HATE these "obstacle course" challenges! So often it is so inherently unfair esp. if physical labor is involved! On "Hell's Kitchen" they almost killed some "big boy" making him ride a bike in severe heat for a challenge! We find out later he has a heart condition and had to leave the competition! A couple years ago on TC, they had people diving for their shell fish in a lagoon during an early finale challenge! I'm sure Tiffany did not appreciate getting her hair wet for that BS! It really ticks me off even though I was an athlete way back when and wouldn't mind those challenges! When will it end, when someone keels over? So stupid!
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I'm no "foodie," but from what little I hear of the guy, Tom is one of the fussiest chefs and judge around; behind Toby of course! I seem to remember several years ago a chef warned another one to "cut the skin off his green pepper!" Tom might go insane otherwise! lol! He's also a hypocrite! "If it's not eatable, don't put it on the plate," then in the same challenge with someone else, "you really needed to get something else on this plate!
***I'd say b/c Paul's extra, extra good, but it probably didn't hurt that potentially strong contenders like Chuy and Nyesha got PYKAGed early.***
This season was very weak; IMO! You had the exceptions like Paul, but CHUY? Why him? He seemed weak to me, eliminated early, and was re-eliminated after one win on LCK! I don't think so! lol! Some were just talkers and I was disappointed to see they were just full of themselves; Ed, Ty-Lor, Heather, Keith! You had some that were good, but this format can push the best out of there; Lyndsey, Sarah, Grayson, Nyesha, & Beverly! Since I couldn't watch any of these shows thru and thru, I can't give you other names! There were plenty of train-wrecks though including Tyler!
***Chuy was the driving force behind the bd party win for the pink team, and was part of the winning chili team.***
I had already forgotten about Tyler! I saw him in the crowd of sous for the finale and I was asking myself WhoTF are these people? lol! That was a 3 ring circus those first few days of the season! I didn't even try to watch them all the way through! How some even got that far was amazing; (Tyler)! He balked and questioned blending something last night! Was it the polenta Sarah had to smooth out later? I still haven't seen the show from beginning to end; just bits and pieces along with the "service and judgement!" I did catch Sarah's Bo warning her about "bones!" Why do people take that gamble of making fish! It's so hard to make sure you have all those pin bones! I won't even order fish for the most part for that reason! Give me something safe like shrimp, lobster, and smoked salmon!
***NEXT BUNCH OF POSTS FROM SEASONs 1, 2,3, & 4 NOT TRANSFERED***
ReplyDeleteMy Repost from TC Message Board:
This thing is finally over! I watch and rewatch every episode for some reason! I guess it must be the chemistry or lack thereof of the participants! No matter how each chef performed, I always thought other factors would be taken into consideration! They obviously kept Tiffani for the usual "drama" aspect of the show! She's been caught so many times being disingenuous; even as far as lying knowing all is being recorded! How stupid is that?? Even to the end she was trying to take credit for Dave's dessert saying she talked to him extensively; LIE! Just pathetic! It all caught up with her when no one really wanted to work with her! How humiliating is that?? Hail Harold; a nice guy, but talented! They made a good choice! It was unanimous with his peers as well as the judges!
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I'm also a bit new to TC, but I think I can intelligently agree with most of you about our cast of characters! Overall I like and watch the show to see egos deflated!! That may be a little sadistic, but it really 'frosts my cake' to hear these people pumping themselves up while trying to humiliate and bash fellow competitors! I can't say I've heard or seen worse, but the complaining and whining of all of them gets on my nerves! They keep talking about how professional they are, but in every episode, you hear nothing but groans and whining with every challenge! I know it's sorta human, but these people are being judged! Each task submitted to them was do-able, or it wouldn't have been asked of them! I say, just act like the professional you say you are!
Stephen is a condescending jerk without question! Even when told several times that adults don't want or need you to educate them on the wine, he thinks it's justifiable boring his customers to death to the detriment of his teammates!
Dave really needs to get control of his emotions! This guy cries at the drop of a hat! How can you be successful absolutely falling apart over any and every thing?? He did deserve the win though; going to Cannes is a great reward for his hosting skills even if he mispronounces the name of the city! Say "CAN" Dave!! lol!!
Tiffani without a doubt is one of the worst; bashing her competitors incessantly, and finally getting caught in a lie was priceless! How could she say to Miguel she didn't say he should go when 5 minutes before she did just that?? She was so smug when she thought she had trapped Stephen by asking him to prepare the dessert in front of Chef Tom since he had immunity! Talk about 'wide-eyed!' That was also another great moment!
I'm so glad Andrea is gone! It's one thing to have passion for what you do; creating healthy meals are great, but this is a gourmet chef competition! No one wants to hear you talk about evacuation (BM) in every conversation you have with her! "GROSS!"
Harrold needs to grow a backbone; poor thing! He's more than a competent chef, but he defers to others entirely too much! I was surprised and happy that he acknowledged Dave's contribution to the win last week, but my GAWD, you have to toot your own horn sometimes in this group or they will run all over you! lol!! Loved seeing Tiffani deflated after she was passed over for the Cannes trip! What a 'Bitch!'
It looks like the wedding episode next week was a complete disaster and I can't wait to see the results; someones going home and they are not going to be happy! Box cake?? Tiffani; you are supposed to be better than that! lol!
Well we're off and running! They showed the finale this afternoon! Bravo is an addiction for me too! I know each show backwards and forwards watching them over and over! I'm not even a reality tv person, but I suppose the subject matter of food and clothing appeals to me! I never tire of watching each episode! What amazes me the most is when someone like Tiffani is caught in a 'whopper!' She knows the show is being taped, but insists on lying about things! When she was called on the dessert thing, I couldn't have been happier! What Chef tries to take credit for someone's recipe much less their efforts helping you prepare it?? I'm sure everyone jumped up and down in approval of Harold winning, but it was so evident he would take it! A villainess like Tiffani couldn't possibly get away with all those horrid tactics of sabotage, backstabbing, rudeness, and lack of respect for others! Watching and taping some clips of this season's PR at the moment! Here's to a new season of TC! I hope I don't like the new cast! I hear they're going in a new direction this season! We'll see how it flows! I can save some time if they tick me off! Such an obsession here!
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***Oh, and I have to sound off on whoever said that they wondered why they picked San Francisco as a location and commented that it's not a food place. I'd say San Francisco could give NY a run for it's money in the culinary department. I'm guessing he/she has never been to San Francisco.
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Even if San Fran can't give NYC a run for its money, nearby Napa Valley (and Sonoma and St. Helena, etc.) certainly can! I wouldn't be surprised if it's the proximity of Napa that made SF the choice for the show's locale. But it's definitely a FAB city in its own right!***
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San Fran is a great place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there; again! lol! I took a job there in '97 after turning down a contract in Napa! I figured if I'm in the Bay, I might as well be "in the Bay!" It was a brutal spring and summer with over the top temps in the 90's! I had bought quite a few cashmere sweaters and jackets to go along with suits and I suffered in the afternoon! I still would like someone to explain to me why it's so dirty! After leaving the streets, I felt a need to hose down!! My glasses were filthy after just a few hours! I suppose living and working in the Financial District of Market, that is considered downtown and it couldn't be helped! I found it insane that if you went to the other side of town, it seemed like another town with separate weather patterns! I looked at apartments closer to the ocean and was taken aback by the constant overcast skies, but returning home, it was nice and sunny! On a rant I know, but only lived there for 6 months under unusual circumstances! I couldn't wait to get back to Sacramento where I thrived for over 10 years! It was hot, but livable, growing all the time! Returned to Chicago in 2002 where it has been really mild; summer and winters!
***Betty is a train wreck. My guess is California Comfort Food = Crack + Whiskey + Cigarette + Crystal Meth. She needs to crawl back in the gutter.***
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What are you talking about?? You seem to be about as high as Michael! lol!! I'm not a fan of perky and nice, but I'm not offended at all by Betty's actions or her food! What's bugging you so much about her?? Marcel is an over inflated ego-maniac, Marissa can't handle losing challenges she thinks she should win because she's a pastry chef, and Michael is just a drunk! Someone should ask the producers for an intervention! lol!! This guys is always getting soused, spending part of his budget money on booze, and can't seem to control his demeanor when this is a serious competition! That is so sad to see especially when he knows his behavior is being taped for all to see over and over again!
***JayCiuM,
This idea about Michael and a suspected problem with drinking was playing (unwanted) in the back of my mind. I am glad to see that I am not the only one to have the same unfortunate suspicion. I hope we are both totally off-base (but I don't think we are )
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Exactly! Why are we watching this guy's alcoholism unfold on the show? They need to boot him so he can get cleaned up. When you're using the money they gave you for food to buy booze, and when you go over, decide to put the ingredients you need back in order to keep said booze, you've got a problem.
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I just don't think Bourdain would of loved the guy so much had he not seen something in him Focus Focus....Or maybe I just like a man who can drink a beer and not take himself so seriously...LOL
Plus I have a thing for panties too! Only Kidding there folks!***
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Speaking of last week's guest judge; is it my imagination, but does he host the new Tic/Tac/Toe game with Whoopi Goldberg the center square? lol! I looked and I looked, but just not sure!
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***LOL...the Hollywood Squares host is Tom Bergeron, but you're right he does bear a passing resemblance to Anthony Bourdain. It's the salt and pepper hair.***
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One of the reasons I thought it possible was because years ago, a husky, blond Australian hosted a talk show; sorta like Rikki Lake! After the show was cancelled, I saw him on a program dealing with food; had to be H & G or Food Channel! Gordon was in the name, but I don't think it was Gordon Ramsey who just signed a new contract with FC thru 2011!
*** Betty is the most annoying person on TV. She should of been eliminated when she got caught cheating with the cookies. Every time I see her smiling that fake smile and kissing up to the judges I want to puke. Marcel does not deserve the hatred she has been spewing. Do the world a favor Betty, grow up and shut up!***
I guess I have to come around and agree with everyone! I was a fan of Betty the 1st few episodes, but she has let Marcel drag her down to depths I'm sure she will be embarrassed to see when all is said and done! You can't defend Marcel's actions either! He really does go out of his way to annoy, infuriate, and belittle his competitors! Every other comment is about his cutting edge techniques! He's seems to be cut from the cloth that "it's not enough I succeed, my enemies must also fail!" He actually said something on that line when Betty's cookies were failing stating "that means she's failing!" It's more than a little sad and pathetic!
ReplyDeleteYou could see Carlos was going down when you saw him just sitting around doing nothing after his salad was done! Michael redeemed himself somewhat, but I can't see him going to much further! His attitude is so blase and he's probably still half in the bag drinking off-camera! Still looking for Cliff, Ilan, and maybe Sam as the sneaky one flying under the radar to be the finalist! He really needs more of a backbone when accusing others of cheating or being asked who should be auf'd! Carlos had to confront Betty direct during the low-cal challenge! Frank isn't as good as he likes to think, and Mia knows her stuff, but she'll blow it too in the end! The only one that hasn't made a wrong step is Ilan; being the peace keeper, focusing on the task at hand, and can still be happy for others when he doesn't win a challenge! He's so nerdy cute too! I suppose some would say you need a woman to be in there somewhere, but Elia is so wishy-washy! Her choices of mushroom soup as something cutting edge for Thxgv'n should have sent her packing no matter how good it was! We'll have to wait and see I guess! So far I've stayed away from all spoiler info!
***That was so wrong last night on so many levels! It made me ticked off enough to want to write Chef Tom, So Chef(and anybody else who cares) Here goes:
1) Who DID the judges decide before Mia's outburst?
2) Top Chef needs to bring Mia back under any pretext you want, But the bottom line is she got screwed much like Josie and its getting old.
3)How much longer do we have to put up w/ Mike and Betty. They're CLEARLY not in the same league as the Top Chefs.***
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I sort of agree, but she did take herself out! She should have waited to see who was being axed and I bet she did! My guess is, they reshot the scene having Mia jump ship before Tom auf'd someone else! I wonder who it was! Do most think Elia was the intended victim? She won kudos for her dish, but I suppose they could hold her responsible for the poor service! I need to watch the episode again just so I can hear Mia go off again on Cliff! I hadn't laughed that hard to anything else over the past couple seasons! I know it's so childish giggling at profanity, but it's funny! Comedians have used it for years; Pryor, Murphy, etc! She was over the top! lol!! Cliff drop a peg or 2 with his authoritarian behavior; so Rumsfeld!
Always possible, but she was solid in quite a few challenges! She sold the Asian team epis., had the best childhood favorite updated, and worked very hard during this last challenge with energy, charisma, and thoughtfulness! I was really impressed with the Orange Team putting out all that food! I'll take variety of good over minimalist choices offered by the Black Team! Elia really should have been axed! She was totally responsible for this fiasco! You can't cook everything at the last minute like that! I thought they were supposed to have so much cold appetizers! Why couldn't they have gotten those together earlier and refrig'd them?? Lucky for that team, Mia wanted out anyway! I have no idea why she should be upset with her showing up to now!! She had been voted most popular dish in the last challenge cooking on the beach! Looking at the catered epis., and I'm just shocked by those empty tables! Michael comes sauntering in with one little tray of canapes! They should be ashamed of themselves compared to the other team! Mia is cracking me up again going off on Cliff! lol!
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***...if you would choose to include the rest of the Top Chef gang...all together now one two three!***
Just watched the final from last season's TC! Still shocking to see Tiffany's behavior! She comments that she didn't get into competition to make friends, then resents the fact all go for Harrold who is a sweetheart! Her condescending tone with her staff of Dave and Stephen is just as extreme! She may say she appreciates all they've done, but listen to how she says it; (I have to say these things for the cameras!) lol! Taking credit for the dessert made no sense because we all remember she hated doing them! Look at how she hemmed in Stephen to do it for the challenge with Ted's dinner party! She only got thru the wedding reception challenge using cake mix! She's just a horrible person on camera! I'm sure someone will chime in saying she's great in person, but I'd have to tell 'em "I wasn't buying!" lol! Her attitude is the reason you don't see her in any of Bravo projects of blogging, doing what LeAnn does in preparing dishes online, etc! Marcel is making the same mistake alienating his co-stars! I can't wait to see what precipitated his conflict with Ilan! It had to be something really bad to get Ilan worked up; so even-tempered and conciliatory! Happy Holidays!
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I loved seeing Stephen get the boot after being his usual idiotic self FOH! Talk about a doofus! He's supposed to be so smart, so a part of the culinary world, and he just bores you to death! I'd have to get rude and say "buzz off Alton Brown!" lol!! Poor Lee Anne! Something else that was great was that Dave got plenty of koodos for his hard work; "you're safe" per Tom C.! Tiffani should be shot! She wants to be TC, but would make a box cake; COME ON! Stephen was justifiable horrified, but a consensus was taken and it was out of his hands! Who's left? Hmmm! Oh Harrold was a big disappointment! He was MIA; bad fish! Not all his fault!
***I think Tiffany makes Marcel look like friggin' Mr Rogers! - That girl and her smug face...She really musta' had some bad childhood trauma maybe...or a bitch role model mother. Nobody is that horrid for no reason...Usually!
ReplyDelete...?***
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I taped the finale the last time it was broadcast! If you check listings, you'll find a marathon showing every once in a while! Just hold out and tape it like I did! It'll repeat esp. in the off-season of TC; probably right before the next season of Project Runway starts! ...
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***I personally didn't mind Sam or Ilan's blow-up at Marcel. Sam, Ilan, and Betty (even Cliff)all dislike Marcel. If it was just Betty then it wouldn't be such a big deal, but all 4 chefs dislike him. It's like that saying from Lucky Number Seven, "The 1st time someone calls you a horse, you call them a jerk. The 2nd time someone calls you a horse, you punch them on the nose. The 3rd time someone calls you a horse... well then it's time to start shopping for a new saddle."
Though I agree Ilan taunting Marcel about being a virgin was extremely immature, I just can't help but to like Ilan. Maybe it's because he's hot, and well, we all have had those moments when someone's comments have gotten the best of us.
And Marcel seems like he has serious issues. Why wouldn't he be able to take discounts from the cashier? Didn't the producers give them a rule book?...***
I so agree with you! I love Ilan, but was so disappointed in his behavior last nite! I've been on the wrong end of that kind of taunting as a child! It's no fun even when some think it is deserved! If the tauntee is unbalanced and takes a "header" off a building, what do you do then? Wish you hadn't been such an ASS? Have a quick outburst, but to go on and on and on victimizing someone isn't humane at all! Marcel was finally subdued and that is where all the sympathy for him is showing up! I'm sure he's encouraging some of this behavior behind the scenes, but these so called professionals have to start being more mature! I'd do Ilan anyway! What a hottie! Maybe Marcel should give it up to Ilan and they could be friends again! Maybe Ilan is just sexually frustrated and lashed out! I personally wouldn't touch Marcel with a 10 foot pole, but I suppose someone must find him cute; namely Elia! Did everyone catch her jealous rant; "did you feed chocolate to that woman?" If she's asking, she must have seen him!
***Good riddance to Betty. We've been so sick of her smugness, faux-smile, and lack of professionalism. After this episode, we feel sorry for Marcel, who endured endless taunting throughout, and yet maintained his civility and composure. Mike's dishes were very impressive. Finally, we lost respect for Sam--who was one of our favorites, until this evening. And by the way, Ilan, we took a poll here--guys and girls--and the consensus is that Marcel is sexier than you. The fact is that he may be somewhat arrogant because he is young, but he is honest and not a back stabber.***
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Betty won't be missed! She was no chef; a cook more like it! Just b/c you throw odd ingredients together, that doesn't make you a Top Chef! Some of her dishes were so sloppy and unappetizing! I don't care how good it tasted, that green pile reminded of her past creations which were equally as sloppy in it's presentation! Marcel has most of these people on edge I'm sure! My limit is 4 days and I'll snap even if a house guest is nice! I was so disappointed in Ilan just losing it! He's so cute and I thought he'd make it to the final, but this challenge almost cost him! It was cool that Michael won both challenges, but he's such a "Sloth" himself! I couldn't believe he even thought of taking a challenge off if he had gotten immunity! What a pig! Sam was so over the top, it was hard to believe he supervises 16 or more chefs at his restaurant! Elia really needs to do more than her usual fare of what she has made in the past! Nothing is cutting edge; CHICKEN?? Cliff may have shown himself to be a jerk last week, but he's still solid in the kitchen! Bye, Bye Betty! You can go home and make more "comfort food!" Maybe we'll get rid of "foam boy" next week! ...
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***Finally forced myself to watch Biddy's interview. ...
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There is a parallel between Betty's obsession with Marcel and Laura Bennett's (on PR) obsession with Jeffrey. Is this something that happens in the workplace? An older insecure woman obsesses on a younger competitor? I find it bizarre.
For the life of me I can't understand why Bipolar Betty thought Marcel should go home before she did. She is a sloppy comfort-food hack and I would bet if you went to her restaurant you would see them shoveling her slop into aluminum TV-dinner trays, and calling it "comfort-food presentation." In addition, she didn't know the basics about cooking (such as "acid + milk = curdle floating on sour fluid"), and didn't even bother to think things through (like putting soup in champagne flutes!).
I think I'll skip watching her exit interview. Her obsession with Marcel, and her using him as a scapegoat for her own lacking skills, grew old about 10 episodes ago. Don't need to see anymore of it.***
You can say the same about a number of these so called 'chefs!' Weren't we warned this crop of cooks are more down home and everyday types? There's nothing imaginative or cutting edge about this group! They cook what they know; not really thinking that hard on the fly! Ilan, Cliff, and Sam seem to have a large edge over these other hacks, but what have they really done but posture like Marcel talking about using "cutting edge techniques" in his preparation and presentation of his "slop?" Everyone loves Elia, but time and time again you hear her say this is how we did it here or there?? What's original in anything she has made; cream of mushroom soup on Thanksgiving.?" Last season they actually prepared high end cuisine, not just talk about it like these guys! Lookin' 4wd 2 RW!
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***I am not obsessed with Marcels hair one bit. I believe he and all the rest of the chefs should be wearing hair nets so their hair does not end up in the food. I don't think that qualifies as obsession. ...Looking at Elia cooking with her hair flopping around as does Betty's and all the others makes me wonder if I would really want to eat the food they prepared.***
Besides the "hair thing," what bothers me is Elia's constant touching of her face, mouth, and neck! If I'm cooking, I don't touch any part of my body or hair! All these guys are guilty of it and maybe everyone does, but it's still gross when you're cooking for others! Gloves won't do it either! That just tells me you might be too lazy to wash those "mitts" at all! lol!
***That's another interesting observation. It seems that the show IS conscious of these issues. Wasn't it in the first episode of season #1 where a male contestant was kicked off the show for tasting his dish and putting the spoon back into the pot?***
That was something in the 1st season! Some moron stuck his finger in the pot on the line at a fine restaurant in SF! That was the challenge; to work with others on a line for one of the guest judges who owned the place! He was a jerk anyway and caused even more of a ruckus at the reunion show at season's end! He was about as handsome as Sam, but even more obnoxious!
***Ken--the absolute poster child for wrath-was the finger licker from season one. Sam obnoxious- I think not. He has managed to combine raisins, anchovies and shrimp-something I have never heard of as a resident of the county of the Raisin Capitol of the world. They may very well elect him King.***
ReplyDeleteI didn't say Sam couldn't cook! The reason I think of him as being obnoxious was posted earlier! He plays the nice guy, but throws others "under the bus" to save his ego all the time along with instigating events amongst the other contestants! You forgot his riling up Frank about the toothbrush incident, making that snide comment about Elia using a frozen waffle to win the raw challenge, and his rambling about a past show stating "he could handle any challenge using the vending machine" to save his ASS! He's playing all these people like a violin! He won't get away with it indefinitely!
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I haven't paid much attention to the "spoilers," but I hope an assault didn't take place for us to view next week! If these jerks did cut Marcel's hair while asleep, at worst they will be prosecuted for assault and battery, at best a lawsuit will ensue with both Cliff and Ilan and the show TC being co-defendants! They can be held responsible for all that happens while they were in production! They taped the incident for GAWD sake! Pls tell me this didn't happen!
***Hate to tell you JayC, but I think that is what happens. I know, it is insane how they have acted. NO, I am not a Marcel fan or hater... don't care for him, but that is JMO. I didn't care for many of the chefs; Josies' voice drove me nuts, Marissa thought she was "all that" and wasn't, Betty...OY!, Sam, too sneaky, Cliff, too angry, Mike, not a TC, but funny, in a weird way. Others may or may not agree.
I watched the show again this morning, just to see the previews and it does show Cliff sneaking up on someone on the couch, and it is being filmed but doesn't say who is filming. Lawsuits? Maybe, don't know what will happen. People react very differently to things. Maybe BRAVO gives Marcel (if he is the victim, which is most likely) a big chunk of change to NOT sue..only time will tell. These are all JMO, yours may vary as will the rest of the board.
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Also very possible is a clause in the contract they signed that stated they couldn't sue for anything that happens on the show.***
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Just listened to a few pod casts of the chefs who have been auf'd! I was more than a little appalled by what they had to say about production! I wouldn't put up with that crap for 5 minutes, much less 12 hour work days! The least those people could do was make sure the contestants were half way comfortable while in production! Oppressive heat conditions, begging for bathroom breaks, retake after retake to get different angles and facial expressions! $100,000 wouldn't cut it! I'd tell Tom, Gail, and Padma to rotate on it! Damn, that seemed awful! Some will make it with the exposure, but I guess I have "no heart!" Been too spoiled to put up with anything like that! I've walked away from a well paying job because I didn't like the State and it's politics! I won't tell you where! I guess Project Runway was the same way! I heard they just filmed the departure in 1st class on there trip to Europe, they didn't really sit up there! Those apts in Paris were dumps no matter what people say! I've had baths larger than those bedrooms! I guess they really have to keep cost down to make any kind of profit from these Bravo shows! Cheap Bastards!
I have little sympathy for Frank since he just left his junk "strewn" all over the place like a slob! Even in a hotel room, I straighten up the place and put my personal items away so housekeeping won't touch them! Living with all those other roommates, what did he expect?? As for breaking of his glasses, I can't see Marcel doing that even though "I can't stand the little creep" as Frank said earlier! I can see the others like Mikey, Cliff, and definitely Sam doing the deed! It may have been retaliation for the snoring! The guy needs to see a doctor like I did! Sleep apnea is on the rise; snoring, breathing labored, and unusual weight gain! I didn't deal with it until I was 49; didn't want to wear that stupid mask/breathing machine called c-pap! That's what he needs more than likely! Without it, I disturbed people on an airplane! lol!!
ReplyDelete***Frank is gone. He left. He's no longer on the program. Why are you still talking about his grooming items? I don't get it. I don't understand why we're talking about next weeks show either. Bravo has often led us one way just to go in a totally different one. We will all find out next week ...***
Hmmm..You remind me of someone who has to complain about the content of a movie or tv program and has to send a letter! Turning the channel isn't enough of an option I guess! If you aren't happy about the chat, 'get lost!!' lol!!
***LOL...Jaycium...I love you cause you are so funny when you dis peeps. I was just gonna reply to oh so easily agitated Bear.
Guilty here...I knew it was coming!
B/c we are redundant, excessive, bombastic, de trop, diffuse, extra, inessential, inordinate, iterating, long-winded, loquacious, oratorical, padded, palaverous, periphrastic, pleonastic, prolix, reiterating, repetitious, spare, supererogatory, superfluous, supernumerary, surplus, tautological, unnecessary, unwanted, verbose, CrAzEd fans with a ferocious appetite for details. PLUS...I didn't see any rules that we couldn't talk of old subjects if we felt like! Spank me very much...lol
SO...Whatchya' wanna tawk about??? Crop circles??? - :O)***
***You could easily Say that Ilan has been better during the competition; his corn in the TGIF challenge, the soft shell crab dish, not to mention the Mystery Dish Challenge that I felt was a great yardstick for how good and creative a chef is. MC Foamy has been in the bottom more often and has two questionable quick fire wins to his credit (watermelon "steak" and Lamb Kabob as a "snack"?) For me its no contest. Ilan is hands down better.***
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, but Ilan has been a real disappointment socially! This is supposed to be a food preparation contest, but it's really more about the drama produced! I'm sure everyone is frazzled by the slow pace of the taping, but nothing can explain the repeated negative acts and animus he has for Marcel! He's now going out of his way to humiliate and undermine him! I can understand some dislike for Marcel for his arrogance, lack of social skills, and inconveniencing his fellow roomies hogging the bathroom, but is conspiring to have the guy auf'd like that make sense? Eliciting help makes it even worse! How would he like to be treated like that?? No one does, so Ilan is way over the line, but I'll "DO" him anyway! His girlfriend? PLEASE! I suppose he "ain't" your type Bear!! I like 'em young and smooth! LOL!
***I think that Ilan is lacking in social graces, as well. His actions during the last few episodes have been so extreme that it can't help but be a bad reflection on his leadership skills which, IMO, are an important part of being at Top Chef.
With his lack of leadership skills, I wonder if Ilan will ever make it past being a line cook. Indeed, after these shows are aired, I wonder if he'll even still have a job. Nobody likes a hateful, back-stabbing conspirator, and I can't imagine the owner of a restaurant would want someone like that in their kitchen.
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Cliff is guilty of assault! Sam and Ilan should be charged too!***
I don't think anyone was charged, but in the real world, they would have been indicted as accessories! Cheering an assault on like that is like Jodie Foster's movie, The Accused! You don't have to actual touch someone to be held responsible for this act! They are all very lucky not to be handcuffed and escorted out! Is Elia psycho? She started this mess shaving her own head! What a moron! It helped to get rid of that greasy hair anyway; so Senade O'Conner!
*** [APPLAUSE] BRAVO! WELL SAID! And yes, i think it's called Incitement To Riot ("Mob Mentality"? Something like that). The Jodie Foster movie was a PERFECT example to use!
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I too must give Cliff credit for the way he accepted his punishment, but then again, what choice did he have? He has a reputation and a job to go back to. I think it is called damage control. While it was meant to be a joke, he did go over the line. You can't hold someone on the floor by the back of their neck, joke or not. It could've been called an assault. He is lucky that getting kicked off the show is the only thing that happened to him. ...Some people can't control their alcohol and shouldn't drink, or maybe they are all just too young. I don't know. I know that last season the chefs drank like every night, and no one got assaulted. ... Hopefully we get back to that quality next season.***
ITA! We all forget each scene is shot over and over again; getting angles, expressions, etc! Didn't you love Cliff's look of shock that this was happening? The producers may have been coaching at that point! Cliff is Very lucky that's all that happened was his being asked to leave! I'm sure he had to put up some kind of protest, but for production sake to mitigate the assault he went along with this calm, quiet exit; apologies all around! So very sincere; NOT! Little is spontaneous on this show; save the actual battery!
***I saw "Unhappy Customers". It is the reason I luv Top Chef. So much going on. So many emotions surfacing. Top Chef is almost a study in human psyche under pressure. I have to this opportunity to say, that I'm very disappointed in the other chef's treatment of Marcel. We've all come across that annoying person who always seems to tick everyone off. And just like in high school everyone let out steam on that one person. It was so easy to do. But to Marcel's credit, he stands up to the pressure and cooks on. Remember Frank? He's gone. Betty's gone. And Cliff, it was heartbreaking to see him do something so juvenile, but I'm sure he's learned a valuable lesson. Cliff's obviously a talented chef and will no doubt use his competitive edge to make a statement in the culinary world. I was almost right on with my pick for the final 5. Sam, Cliff, Elia, Ilan and I didn't envision Marcel, but he made it. Oh, kudos for Michael getting as far as he did. I can see him owning a sports bar and going "Glad to see ya dude". Cook on Top Chef.***
ReplyDeleteAfter watching this challenge, the post interviews, and all the comments, it's hard to believe people are using "Republican" euphemisms to explain away this assault! "It was an unfortunate incident, a rotten practical joke," or any other asinine excuse will ever truly express what really happened here! As always, people can't handle the truth even when they perpetrate a heinous act! Cliff learned nothing if you listen to what he has to say about the incident! None of them really learned if you hear Ilan and Sam! Elia had nothing much to say at all; the Bitch!
***Is anyone else a little upset that there's no reunion show? That's usually my favorite show and I'm kinda sad that there isn't one.***
They probably all agreed not to! There was so much hate and animus in this group, who would want to show up?? A reunion is supposed to invoke nice memories and conversation! The entire season Betty and Ilan with all the rest had a problem with Marcel, Marcel was living in his own little "jerky" world oblivious to his annoying of his fellow competitors, and very little of the food was memorable! Padma did her best to rehabilitate Marcel pushing him along all season wanting to see what he would do in the final! As usual Gale and Tom had very little good to say about most of these guys! After the assault last week, what else would be discussed at a "REUNION??" Just as well I say!
***Isn't it funny that the fan favorite goes home and the most hated goes to the finals? There is no way Marcel could ever have his own restaurant. I am pulling for Ilan, but I could care less about the finals now!***
The same thing happened on Project Runway; Michael was the fan favorite, but he was in 4th place after the Fashion show! I wasn't surprised by the judges choices! You need a villain for one and Elia is no Top Chef! She can't even speak up for herself! She let Sam and Ilan goad her into accusing Marcel of skull-duggery, but they both left her hanging! I'm sure she thought they would back her up, but they just fell a bit silent and just let the noose around her neck choke the last bit of life out of her! Too bad Bitch; you really went out on a whimper! I also agreed Sam very seldom ever cooked anything! Most of it was fresh fruits and veggies which is cool, but as Tom C. said, "this is a cooking contest!" lol! I loved it and really thought he was heading home! Sorry the cameras couldn't catch that look of shock when he found he was auf'd! So much DRAMA at the end! Can't wait for next week since Ilan has thrown down the challenge thinking he will wipe Marcel out! His ego needs a coat check! Get over yourself BABE! Love ya anyway! Heaven knows why since you're a DOUCHE BAG!
***I will not be watching the season finale of Top Chef, nor will I be watching future seasons of it. Sam should have won this competition. He was the most consistent throughout and you know this. The producer whose decision it was to keep Ilan and Marcel and boot Sam should be fired. ...Season 2 overall was a disappointment, but I thought that it would redeem itself tonight by choosing Sam as a finalist and I was stunned by the results. If you were looking to boost ratings, you made a serious misstep. This isn't about popularity, it's about consistency and talent; 2 things that those poor excuses for judges and the producers obviously know nothing about. Pathetic!***
ReplyDeleteSam was a weasel and constantly tried to start some "shit" amongst the competition! He inflamed Frank, goaded others to just "hate" Marcel, and was full of excuses when he didn't compete well in certain challenges! I wonder why the judges brought up the fact that Ilan won more EC while Sam settled for QF ones! Hmmm!! I still don't know how Elia even made it to the final with wins making soup and chicken! So long Bitch! You won't be missed! This will be a kindergarten final with 2 children; Go Ilan and Marcel!
***When Chef Tom asked the 4 other contestants who they thought should win all of them said Harrold. Then he turned and used that on Tiffany and made very clear that her personality was one of the things that barred her from being a Top Chef. Marcel seems immune to that line of critique and I wonder why that is.
How do you know that he won't do this (asking the other contestants) during the final episode? And then factor in everything cumulatively in their choice for Top Chef.***
For a while now, I was trying to figure out who would come back and have to work with the finalist! With all the animus really deep, how can they possibly allow it?? Who wouldn't try and sabotage Marcel after all that has transpired?? I can't wait for next week! They could bring back Lee Ann and Stephen I suppose, but not likely! lol!!
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***If they bring anyone back to help I think it would only be fair to bring them all back so that they could have their choice of who to work with. After all, wouldn't that be part of a Top Chef's duties; to hire the best chefs to work beside/underneath them?***
That would be interesting since it was done a year ago on Project Runway! Most of the designers auf'd came back and were chosen by the finalist to assist them; Santino, Daniel V, and Chloe! Worked out well I thought! The problem is, by season's end, even Elia couldn't stand Marcel! Who would be professional enough to work with him and not try and sabotage his efforts?
***I think Josie, Carlos, Mikey, or Emily would remain professional. And you never know, possibly Frank now that he's had the chance to cool his heels after the whole toothbrush debacle (thanks again to our dear friend Sam). For crying out loud, I would've felt like a complete jackass after I got in someones face & threatened bodily harm only to find out that my toothbrush was indeed in my bag.
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I, like MANY PEOPLE ON THIS BOARD, will not be watching the finale next week. I really liked this show, but I can't watch when I know the best chef was sent home QUITE UNFAIRLY. Horrible move by the producers. This show lost any integrity that it had. Hopefully, they will notice that the majority of their viewers suddenly stop watching and make a change. This was a total rip-off. I watched every episode, I was fan. WAS being the operative word.***
I would guess you are talking about Sam; well I don't think you read all the post concerning your "best chef!" He instigated conflict and sat back smiling, he verbally assaulted Marcel in public, he really didn't cook much slopping cold veggies and fruit on a plate most of the time.
***...Ilan is grinning like the rabid hyena he is obsessed w/ bringing Marcel to his knees.***
I'm sure! lol!! Most have said he was obsessed with Marcel, but what about Carolina?? lol!! Must be his HAG! We all know he wants Marcel on his knees, but not for what you think! lol!!
***Oh I've suspected the whole time...esp. since the 7 sins challenge! Mon petite cherie has his charms, odd tho he may appear.
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Don't you also think Cliff was also acting out some fantasies w/ that whole disastrous episode w/ the clippers?
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Ugh, you could be right but not sure I want to go there. I queeeeeeeeeet!
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I think you may be right, I never thought of it that way, in fact they seemed really desperate. Honestly who in their right mind would accuse a fellow contestant of cheating on national tv knowing the viewers knew they were lying. Their parents, friends, and their employers must be very proud of them.
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And accusing Marcel of paying someone to hack TV.com’s TC poll!
I upped his votes considerably in the time it took me to finish one tall coffee at Starbucks.
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It's not like it doesn't happen. It happened this year in the NHL All Star Game Voting. And something tells me that Bravo puts a lot less thought into safeguarding their results than the NHL.***
It's still pathetic and full of sour grapes to bring it up! She was lucky to make it to Hawaii with her lame mushroom soup for thxgvg EC and "prideful" roasted chicken for "Seven!!" Please! lol!
***Her "lame" mushroom soup beat MC Foamy's dry turkey roll. And her Chicken was very good. Even Ted Allen commented on it being excellent and that he has yet to master roasted chicken.***
ReplyDeleteI'm guilty of it too, but that horse has been driven into the ground! I'm no Marcel fan, but after the childish behavior of the other chefs, it's hard to give them any benefit of the doubt concerning innovation or flavor content! Sam and Elia played it safe while both Marcel and Ilan went outside the box (as it were)! I couldn't be happier with the decision to auf them both! Elia had no backbone and just had a nervous breakdown at every opportunity! lol!! Watching the repeat of "Holiday Spirits," it was so evident she was no Top Chef; actually commenting on the other team that they were doing too much! Well your team had empty platters and tables when you were concentrating on just doing a few dishes really well! Lot of good it did you babe! Sam just instigated things and sat back enjoying his handy work! He really played the system, but in the end, the lack of innovation caught up with him!! Throwing some 50/50 in a canape ain't cutting it for me!
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***Okay. I've spent some time reading these comments and I'm quite amazed. Seems to me, Marcel's fan club is out in strength. For me, Marcel should be working the fryer at Arby's with Tiffany from season 1. Or even better, flipping burgers at McD's. Sending BOTH Sam and Elia home was just plain silly.
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Tiffani was a bitch but a better cook than any of this season's chefs so stuff it.***
We were warned before the season started that these so called chefs were not at the same level as the past! These are more like cooks than chefs! People like Mia, Betty, Mickey, and others are more into comfort food and they admit it! There was nothing cutting edge about anything they did! I suppose Elia, Marcel, and Ilan are more high end and try to present better! Sam and Cliff are close, but both are more Hitler types! The drama is the only thing keeping me! I never liked Marcel with his snide comments and weird stares, but he tries hard, presents well, and is more cutting edge in what he prepares! Sam even admitted Marcel could take a "turd" and make it look good on a plate! lol!! I'm still wondering who will assist both Marcel and Ilan for the final challenge!
***Sam and Michael chose Marcel. (Good choice Sam)
ReplyDeleteElia and Betty chose Ilan. Nuf said. It's in the previews.
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Marcel will have Mike and Sam. Ilan will have Betty(ugh) and Elia.
They have the video up where they have the last six (minus Cliff) who say who they want to work with. Ilan seemed surprised that Sam said Marcel, and Marcel seemed hurt when Elia said Ilan.
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Nobody picked Mia or Frank.***
I'm fearing some sabotage! Watch your pots Marcel! I'm hoping Sam is only looking to pick up some chemistry lessons from Marcel! lol!
***Here's a question for you Reality Psychoanalysts out there. Last season I absolutely DESPISED Tiffany; DESPISED. Loved Lee Ann, Dave, Harold, but I could barely watch Tiff.
Now this season Marcel is supposed to be a "villain," but he doesn't bother me at all. Even the things he's blamed for ("close the frig" etc) don't really bug me.
I can be manipulated by Reality TV with the best of 'em, but I just didn't get affected by Marcel at all...and I did really like Elia right up til the last episode.
Very different seasons....in many aspects...
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The difference to me is that Tiff actually did things to harm people...like the oven turn off or the way she took credit for Dave's dessert, so everyone had reason to dislike her.
This season is more about the brat pack being extremely jealous of Marcel and also being very desperate to win. That the crew and Lee Anne liked and support Marcel is very telling.***
I don't approve, but it seems to be human nature; you gotta find someone to dislike! It can be a voice, the way they dress, or even their looks! IT's pretty sad and pathetic, but that is where this comes from! Marcel was the likely choice because of his weird hair, his huge ego, and possibly his talent! He fueled the contempt by getting into battles with Betty and Ilan! Sam the weasel jumped in while things simmered in Cliff until he actually assaulted Marcel! Nothing Marcel did should excuse this behavior and Cliff with all the rest are fortunately not being arraigned in court as we speak! Funny that Jodie Foster's, The Accused was on tv last night and dramatically portrayed similar actions with others on the sideline cheering it all on! Top Chef production had to take that into consideration and waived Marcel on! I don't blame them since they are responsible for most of the actions even with signed waivers! A jury could care less about that when pronouncing judgement in any court case whether civil or not when something this heinous happens!
***Was that oreo and lemon dessert hers or MC Foamy's? And pls, please stop being silly. Shrek only made it to the finals on a technicality as Dave kicked her artichokes in taste. Her victory over Lea Anne in the Napa challenge was most likely due more to drama than taste as well.
ReplyDeleteElia won the Thxg'vn challenge for her soup, but if Tom didn't have his head up his cultural ass during the QF, he would have known Elia's two dishes is exactly what goes on in some South American countries during the holidays. He said they were both good, but he didn't understand how they went together. Elia also made the cheesecake in the camp glucose challenge that was good as well, especially given the dietary constraints. You can not like her personality all you want. She is a better cook than Shrek.
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The oreo/lemon curd was Elia's.***
Oh please! I couldn't stand Tiffani from day one, but it's obvious she is more knowledgeable and has greater technique than Elia! Listening to her exit interview on CHOW.com, you'd think she invented upscale cuisine! Her efforts were sorely lacking if you ask me! It was ordinary at best and for someone who supposedly produces high end fare, that roasted chicken and mushroom soup deal were not exactly cutting edge! Come on!
***Please; during the QF the guest judge gave her chocolate dish high praise, and Padma said if she had done the dessert alone she would have won. ...
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Shrek couldn't make a boxed cake correctly, cookies that weren't of milk bone quality, or a kid approved applesauce. She had artichoke recipes memorized for the finale and couldn't switch gears when wine became a important part of the challenge. She was Lucky stephen saved her ass there with his wine pairing. Sorry I'm not buying her as anything more than a recipe regurgitate. She had zero culinary point of view.
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For that matter Dave gushed about researching recipes for the finale which he'd obviously have to have memorized. Is he a recipe regurgitate as well? They ALL know recipes; they are not cooking via organic process every time.
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I loved 'hating' Tiffani. She was just the perfect bitch and was..well..fun to dislike. I would LOVE to see them bring Tiffani back as a guest judge or even with a permanent role as 'cooking/dorm monitor' to keep them in line so they don't cheat or assault each other. Tiff would be like a prison guard! LOL. Can you imagine her as a judge or a monitor for some of these clowns? She does make good tv IMO.***
Tiff really looked the part with the hair pulled back and bandanna keeping it off her face! She really wasn't that bad at the reunion show! People went gaga over Marisa, but I thought she looked like Olive Oil from Popeye fame! Shrek was a great villain and she may have relished it at the time! Due to that, you never see her anywhere when Dave, Lu Ann, and even Stephen are invited to do things! Her loss!
*** LOL. spot on! - I also don't see the appeal of Marisa; she's not very attractive to me. I thought Elia was much prettier, & even bald Elia was beautiful. Too bad we got a glimpse of the real person she is inside ...not so pretty on the inside.
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Tiff's roasted chicken was a winner too. I don't know, ...I thought Elia was less creative than Tiffani in many ways. She did lose with more grace. I mean, she was sad, but she wasn't like... the judges are wrong!
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I really disliked her and thought I'd throw something if she won! It's funny, I've often said that this year I was sad b/c I wasn't particularly backing anyone. They all just were kinda bleh. Now I find I am backing someone b/c I don't want the other to win.
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...I've gotta say, this is "spot on"! My mom was a depression era baby who loved home candy making. It was a special treat in our family. If my mom knew to put her melted chocolate candies on wax paper so it would not stick to the cooling pan. Wouldn't that be a normal every day type technique for someone with Elia's credentials? Just asking!***
That's what I thought; NO WAX Paper? Talk about elementary! Go back to cooking school girl! She has all those citations and medals, and she couldn't remember food sticks either cooked or cooled? lol! What a loser!
***Normally I wouldn't go so far as to pop out the "loser" label, except that she got cut from the final 2, so in a sense it would be true.***
You had to love Dave with 2 classic lines being used to death; "I'm not your Bitch, Bitch" and "It is what it is!" lol! Tiff will be immortalized by that 1st line alone! The topper was taking credit for his desserts and trying to put a guilt trip on Harrold saying she ran her back into his knife! Oh please GIRL! lol! Such a drama queen! And we thought Dave had that title!
***LOL! I forgot about that knife line. Yep, that was just WRONG! LOL! All I can say is THANK GOD ABOVE. BELOW. AND TO THE SIDE that no cameras were on me in my 20's. All these folks would be canonized next to my idiocy.
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Not to mention, she STILL hadn't learned her lesson that he doesn't like to be interrupted when he is talking. He gave her back a little of her own medicine. I enjoyed it immensely. I know, I'm terrible.***
***I love Marcel, but all online polls have to be taken with a huge grain of salt. I don't care who wins the poll, but I can't wait to see who wins Top Chef. They should have taken 3 to the finals; I wanted Sam there also.***
ReplyDeleteThat would have been nice believe it or not, but Sam wrote his own epitaph when he allowed the assault on Marcel to go on and on and on! He's talented, but he instigated conflict and sat back admiring his handwork too often! Again he was lucky not to have been auf'd at the same time Cliff was sent packing!
***Ughh that horrible night really tainted the show. What a mess. There are many who will now claim that if Marcel wins that it was because of that. Honestly I do think something changed because I think they originally intended to have 3 chefs do the final cook-off, and that's why they invited four to Hawaii. I think Sam was a better chef than Ilan, but I believe Ilan and Marcel will be a good final. As far as I'm concerned either could win. I hope they don't involve the ex chefs in the final this time. Let Ilan and Marcel win or lose completely on their own merits.
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I don't think anyone is saying Tiff has class, simply that she managed to show more grace than Elia when she lost. She showed more than Elia, but that in no way implies Tiff in general has or showed any class at any point in the competition. During TC1 Tiff had some fans here; maybe they are willing to defend her level of class.***
Class?? Who dat?? lol! What's that? Well she wasn't slithering in the muck, but maybe tiptoeing in it! Elia was even lower trying to imply/infer Marcel was cheating! If she had more backbone, she wouldn't have let Ilan bully her into speaking up like that at judge's table! Sam tried to help her out, but it must have been a real shock when he heard his name called to "pack up your knives and go!" They must not have caught the real reaction thru retakes! I'm sure it was priceless!
***Sam tried to help her? Not when he told her if she said anything she should say he cheated. If he wanted to help her or Ilan he should have said, "keep your mouth shut about disliking Marcel...it's old. Talk about your food only." At judge's table, it sure didn't come off as trying to help. I thought he made her look worse, personally.***
ReplyDeleteWell Sam was just as spineless as Elia! How many times did he say he would or wouldn't do something; didn't he flip/flop? He wasn't going to help Marcel plate since he didn't help him, but he did anyway! He was like that all season; totally wishy-washy! He and Elia should mate so they would produce a snake which we all know has no spine! lol!
***The banner is blocking my ability to quote, so I'm just replying to the statement that the eggshell in Tiff's box cake was a mistake. You're kidding, right? No way it was a mistake. Tiff was not incompetent here. IMO, Tiff deliberately put a huge chunk of eggshell in the cake batter just so somebody would bite down on it and complain. Lee Anne, as team leader, would then get criticized for it. And, as we saw, she did get flak fit, not Tiff. IMO, Tiff was just trying to undermine Lee Anne.***
That's interesting! I like you; a true paranoid like me! lol! I didn't even think about that! Everyone thought she was working to undermine or sabotage their efforts! I didn't even consider that! If everything else turned out ok, that eggshell could have nixed her instead of Lu Ann so I dismissed it at first! Hmmm!
***Wow. That would be evil. Can't imagine that..or certainly can't make that accusation without proof. It would really be a betrayal of her profession.***
Thinking of last season, that was what cost Tiffany any possibility of winning; she was busted by the other competitors! Dave ratted her out on the dessert just before she was about to take total credit for it and all the others who assisted the final 2 chefs thought Harrold should win! For good measures Harrold got a kick to her teeth by saying to the judges that you have to work well with others, etc! Tiff was totally deflated since she commented earlier that she wasn't there to make friends and it cost her BIG TIME! I wonder who will knife Marcel because you know it's going to happen! lol! I hope Ilan isn't too much of an ASS tonite!
***Sam actually showing class toward Marcel... ***
ReplyDeleteSam just wanted to stay and have more exposure! He probably knew that was the best way to make it with Ilan picking his HAGS! lol! Ilan wanted to expose himself to Marcel; interesting! Frank was a bit phony after jumping all over Marcel before he was auf'd! Sea URCHINs?? Gack! Why not go all the way and pulls some barnacles off that dingy?? SPAIN, SPAIN, SPAIN!! Ilan, BABY: you are so limited! Marcel is up and his Sous Chefs are really psyched too for him! We're off and running!
***Re; Ilan being limited...even Sam said "He does the same thing" every time. HA!
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THE ANNOYING JERK JUST KICKED SOME SERIOUS BUTT, WITH BETTY'S HELP! LOL***
I KNEW IT! Micky's having a freakin' meltdown! Perfect sabotage Sam asking for him! lol! What a loser! I hope it's a fake out with editing!
***Hope so like w/ Betty fuckin up the shrimp. Mikey loses Marcel's fish?***
Oh my GAWD!! Sam is already making excuses! "Your line chefs are only as good as the CHEF!" Already passing the buck saying Marcel is exhibiting no leadership! Another loser!
Sam truly sucks! He just can't help himself! Mikey was a traitor too! "We needed to know the master plan!" Idiot!
***ROBBERY! Marcel is an artist. Ilan is just a mediocre cook who can only learn through repetition. Marcel totally brought the magic. I saw the judges' eyes twinkle when they listened to him talk and thought about what he has to offer. What a lame decision. BO-RINGGGG!
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Well maybe Marcel shouldn't have spent all season pissing everyone off then people might have been more helpful to him!
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It seems that Ilan's food is consistently delicious (even though he sticks to just 1 cuisine), but his character is really questionable. Throughout the series he was obsessed with bringing Marcel down and rallying the others to do this. He is a weaselly bully and I would not want to work with him. I think Marcel is mature and strong. He took a lot of bullying and, worst, his so called friend (Elia) back stabbed him. He's sometimes annoying, but seems like a decent, honest person. And creative! You deserved to win Marcel!***
I wasn't a fan of Marcel, but this was so predictable! Marcel like Tiffani last season took a risk, had some beautiful dishes where the judges fawned over them, but in the end the whole season comes down to a popularity contest! I understand Tiff as the villain last year, but she was busted many times lying, sabotaging her peers, and in general not being a good person! Marcel played the villain this year, but he was sabotaged by his line help who undermined him all the way through the finale! It was written on the wall long before SPOILER thrown out there! If Ilan had just gone about his business without this vendetta against Marcel, I could have been happier with his win! I'll probably watch next season, but I have very little respect for our NEW TOP CHEF!
***Marcel just got robbed on National tv .. I will never ever see this show again.***
ReplyDeleteI probably won't go that far, but I was kinda disappointed! You have to compete and win with grace for me and Ilan just didn't do that! It was blatant that Marcel was sabotage by his line cooks and gave him very little support! Even the Marcel haters will agree with that, but at least they'll be happy! What's a little integrity worth these days? Sam and Micky should be shot; Micky was the usual slacker and Sam's undermining every idea Marcel had was so pathetic! SHAME on you guys! I hope you aren't rewarded for your treacherous behavior! Tsk,tsk,tsk!
***Ilan cooked from memory, templates and repetition - that's what a sous chef does. Marcel cooked from knowledge, creativity, and conceptualizing - that's what an executive chef does. It was disappointing to see the judges either didn't appreciate or recognize that distinction.***
They "RECOGNIZED;" they just didn't care! As usual a contest like this turns on popularity! Marcel's legs were cut from under him by his line chefs! Last year 4 assistants wanted Harrold to win; ditto with Ilan this year! It had little to do with the food it seems! So much for integrity!
***Well maybe Marcel shouldn't have spent all season pissing everyone off then people might have been more helpful to him.
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I think Sam, Ilan, dumb-ass Betty and the rest of them singled him out and picked on him. He's a young guy and was probably quite nervous with all the cruelty. I'm sure he became defensive.....can you blame him? That doesn't take away from his skill. Piss everyone off?? Adults including Marcel have control over how other people affect them.***
He may have been bad, but Marcel kept a lot of emotions within! I would have been outraged and homicidal after the verbal and physical abuse he endured! I would have snapped for sure and Cliff would have been in deep trouble laying hands on me! He's a bit young, but this wasn't the finest hour for production or the behavior of Marcel's cast mates! They truly embarrassed themselves turning him into a martyr instead of the intended villain!
I wouldn't have Marcel as a bud with the "sweets, stoked, and other valley jargon," but after all is said and done, he was more cutting edge and probably deserved to win! I was a huge fan of Ilan from the "get," but he really disappointed me with his behavior and obvious animus toward Marcel! It was a truly ugly side of him I didn't want to see! I'd still do him though! I got a little rise with his wanting to expose himself to Marcel; was telling! Give me a break with the Carolina crap! Come out of the closet babe! lol!
***Yeah what a choice. Frank who wanted to "beat him til his mother wouldn't recognize him" and teach him how to tawk to peeps. And Mia, who might jut start screaming she had to sell crack when she was a youth and tell Marcel to put his dick away if things didn't go well at judges table. Or the guy who screamed at him that no one wants to be around him and REALLY wanted to win himself. And Mikey; we don't need to go there. He sure had a lot of fantastic choices!***
ReplyDeleteIt truly was a no win situation for Marcel! I thought about that last week before I even found out his choices! They'd have to go all the way back to Soujaiy, Marissa, Josie, or Otto to find someone remotely indifferent to Marcel! He was doomed from the beginning! lol!
***I have to say I am severely disappointed in Ilan winning. He's a great chef, but played it way too safe. At least Marcel tried something new with every dish. How boring for Ilan to do Spanish dishes ONCE AGAIN. Zzzz! I was never a fan of Marcel (in fact I've thought since the first show it would have been either Sam or Cliff), but I still believe he should have won. Big mistake choosing Mikey to assist him. WTF!! lol!
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I am saddened that Ilan won. He's a hack with Spanish food. He's also a phony. He attacked Marcel verbally and without reason. I don't see how the judges and the general public could come down on Marcel when he was the one who was victimized by Betty, Sam, Ilan, Cliff and later Elia. He did not deserve to win. Rotsa Ruck!
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I agree Ilan is a hack at Spanish Food. I lived in Spain for 6 years and his food did not impress me. He lacks his own originality. He is stuck in his box where Marcel has no boundaries and infinite possibilities. Marcel is brilliant.***
From day one I favored Ilan thinking he was cute, talented, and soft-spoken! It took a while, but his true colors came bleeding thru with the help of Betty and Sam! He's little more than a follower really, and he is more a Top Cook, than Chef! Marcel was a jerk, but he is young and probably a little put off by the relentless attacks of the others! What else could he do but relish it and exacerbate the situation with so-called professions! They all really embarrassed themselves which is one reason no reunion show was shot! It'll have to be a better season next year! Good luck with Top Design!! Michael will be murdered before the season is over! lol!
. . that lame show of "Top Design;" it's hobbling along with a cane, hearing aid (w/ dead battery), and oxygen! Who knows; it may surprise us all if it survives CPR (off season) to have a season 2!
ReplyDelete***I think the reason we are all so deeply disappointed with this show is that we have really been spoiled with PR and TC. Those two shows are several cuts above the rest of Bravo's somewhat inane reality shows; PR and TC are fun, interesting, and beautifully shot, edited and produced. They deliver spectacular entertainment.
No doubt Bravo was hoping to launch a third hit competitive reality show to lock us all into 10:00 p.m. wed all year round. They even commissioned another show using the same successful PR/TC formula. I was willing to be seduced into sticking around by any halfway decent show Bravo offered to complete the trifecta.
But because Bravo raised our hopes so high with the exquisite Project Runway and Top Chef, the third show in this rotation would also have to be magnificent. Or at least reasonably good. Sadly, that just ain't what we've got here. Top Design is a dog with fleas.***
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***Bravo's schedule says that Top Chef will be running all day, from 11:00 am right up until Top Design. Perhaps Bravo figured we'd rather see Top Chef reruns than the recap of prior Top Design episodes. They guessed right.***
The TC Marathon is just great to see again! These people crack me up; the judges and chefs were out of control! The judges as usual are inconsistent and hypocritical! When you are honest about your dish being a disappointment they complain "you need to sell it!" On the other hand if you are patting yourself on the back, they nail you with the most inane, petty complaint! The egos are rampant and jaw dropping when you see supposed adults carrying on like they do with the cameras rolling! Insults are hurled uncontrollably, verbal and physically threats handed out, and rampant manipulation by select contestants!
...Top Design will never approach the drama and amusement given out by TC! I can't wait for next season! I hope they get back on track with some high end chefs! This drek of "comfort food maniacs" didn't cut it as much as the 1st season's chefs! Mushroom soup, grilled cheese sands. w/ tomato soup, and roasted chicken "ain't" high end! You can sprinkle it to death with prickly pears and saffron and it's still comfort food! The guest judges are even worse! It's like they've paid their dues, so they feel they can annihilate whoever crosses their paths! I feel badly for all of them though! I wasn't surprised by the finalist, but I changed horses to Marcel when Ilan went psycho! His personality seemed to change very quickly from a nice, even-tempered, and friendly guy to a monster!
Funny I can't seem to watch the finale seeing how Marcel was sabotaged by Sam and Michael! Tiffany from 1st season was an awful human being, but I wouldn't have condoned Dave and Stephen trying to keep her from winning! Sam and Michael are the lowest forms of life with their action or lack thereof! They didn't exactly go out of their way to help out as they should have!
ReplyDelete***Marcel himself says he was not sabotaged and in fact would pick Michael to work with again anytime.***
So he's gracious! Why would he go over all media creation and be as bitter and petty as Ilan? Personally I loved Ilan from the beginning, but he behaved atrociously while the cameras rolled! TO the last he was condescending, manipulative, and an overall 'Scum bag!' It was a shame to see the evolution and for that he will pay a dear price!
***I'm so upset by last night's results! I can't imagine that after Sam's strong showing the entire season that he gets voted off so effortlessly just because he served a raw dish instead of a heated dish. Really! That makes all sushi chefs insignificant in Colicchio's book. Sam deserved to be in the final two if anyone did. Plus his behavior was far above the others which is truly not saying much.***
As Tom C. said, this is a cooking show! If you look back Sam won a number of QF challenges serving cold dishes; fruits, veggies, etc!! He may be better, but Marcel and Ilan really created some very nice dishes putting thought, time, and experience into them! A fruit plate ain't worth all the fuss about him being a fan favorite! Half the time, I thought some of these guys were winners in QFs because the judge "wanted" them! I picked Cliff to win in that Bailey's QF with that chick all dolled up for the evening wearing a little black dress! She was ready to snatch him up and take him home! The results were 'just' with Ilan and Marcel; Elia is no TOP CHEF and Sam was a big instigator of conflict egging people on to hate Marcel! I don't like him either, but the playground behavior didn't impress me and I loved Tom C. calling him on the carpet when he allowed that assault last week! JUSTICE served I say!
***Yes, the TC1 reunion was filmed after the finale with the reunion airing before the finale. Harold, Tiffani and the four sous chefs knew the outcome, but played dumb during the reunion.
Didn't a poster way back when say that Mia and one or two others had refused to participate in a reunion show? Aside from that, I don't think the producers could count on these people to even be civil to each other in a reunion show, much less hide who won. Added to that is the dilemma of whether or not to include Cliff. Better off leaving it alone, IMO. We saw enough poor sportsmanship as it was.***
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! It would have been very difficult to get all these people to be civil and make nice after such a turbulent season! On PR they were able to bring back Keith who was kicked off due to improprieties, but that was the one isolated incident and contestant! On Top Chef, these people were at each other's throats and with Cliff's assault on Marcel, you might have had the idea of suing and they wouldn't want that! It was the safe thing to do!
***Just saw season finale and have to comment. I found it odd that Tiffany offered separate items to males/females. Very weird. Ultimately meals are a way to bring people together and thought this division thing was divisive. Big flaw for me.***
Very insightful! I had just thought it gave her extra chances to blow it; which she did! I really couldn't get past her fake attitude of thanking her sous chefs and complimenting them to the judges! Yeah, I'd really believe she was sincere! lol! Bitch! She killed her chances with me just by being disingenuous and fake! Ilan became a villain as well just by mistreating Marcel! Things could change, but as long as those repeats keep showing what an ass he was, I can't see it!
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Well I'm glad someone thought Sam was an instigator. So many people didn't think he did anything wrong even when he sat there and watched Cliff manhandle Marcel! Many thought he was so hot; I thought he was a bit greasy in more ways than one! lol!
***Not only did I think Sam was hot, I thought he was fuckable! Still do!***
***It's a battle of equals, really. Dunkin' Donuts has the best coffee of the two, bar none, but Krispy Kreme has the best donuts by far. KK also has cremesticks, a routine Ohio delicacy I've asked for at Tampa DDs, only to be treated to a look of "what is this oddity you speak of?"***
ReplyDeleteIf it weren't for DD's coffee, I think they'd be out of business! I don't do the donut thing much these days (watching the cals), but when I have ventured into their establishments, I get cold, dry, and hard donuts all too often! They really stink! KK is good, but if you don't want to look like Shelly Winters or Elizabeth Taylor, stay away! lol! They have so much fat in those little things no matter how good you think they are!
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***Since these boards have opened up, I want to hear what everyone thinks this year's junk food challenge will be. Season One was the gas station, Season Two was the vending machines. Season Three, what's it going to be? I'm hoping they do airline food and turn it into something you'd really WANT to eat.***
Hmmm!! Let's see! Maybe think about one of those lunch carts or trucks with sandwiches, candy, and other junk driving up! Everyone will have $10 to purchase whatever and go at it! lol!
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Been watching TC2 and it had me rolling as usual! ROFLMFAO!! Started with "Unhappy Customers," which was this past season's Restaurant Wars! Talk about being humbled! No one really won that challenge, but it broke me up to see these people acting up on camera! It was brutal with a lazy slug, and then a bossy ego maniac! Burning the bacon was inexcusable and then for Michael not to take it upon himself to avail his excess budget was even worse! "It's not your money DUDE! Duuudddde, you can't keep buying those "cold ones! U ol' drunk!" Watermelon with cream, cheese and burned! Hmmmm! "Sam, that sounds yummy!" Elia had a lot of nerve thinking she could run a restaurant! Who the HELL is going to listen to her?
Sorry I missed the next challenge watching OZ on HBO! It's a love story! Just 2 more days to All Star 4! Of course it seems Tom C. is instigating as usual asking if Ilan and Marcel had made up! I'd have to be drunk to even act civil remembering how Ilan treated Marcel! It was so over the top and it just made no sense! No need to relitigate that soap opera! The real drama should be with Tiffani from season 1 and the guys! She made herself the villainess! I hope watching those repeats shows she should treat people better!
***After watching the first part of the TC2 Finale, I hope the All-Stars show doesn't turn into an hour of listening to 7 of them complaining about Marcel.***
ReplyDeleteOf course they'll try! lol!! Some one will get it started early; probably Tom C.! lol!! Can't wait to see Tiffani and Dave go at it!
***YOU KNOW JC, ALL DAVE WOULD NEED TO DO IS WEAR HIS SHIRT LOL
"THE I'M NOT YOUR Bitch, Bitch" - POINT AT IT
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That might be interesting, but after TC2, I got kind of burnt out with the bickering. And now with 3 similar shows going at the same time, it'll be interesting to see if I can make it to the end of all of them, not to mention keeping them all straight!
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I had hoped that Tiffani would have developed some humility and self-understanding after watching herself on TC1.
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Ok. I think it needs to be said. Marcel should have won season 2. He was the superior chef. I loved his style and he has an amazing smile. I think he should have won, and I don't understand why everyone has such anger towards him. He does come off as conceited a little but he has all the rights to be. He is very talented.
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Ilan: Marcel can I pee on you?...(after Marcel had gotten stung by a Sea Urchin)...It was one of the funniest TC lines ever...***
I thought that was GROSS! lol! I think it was just plain jealousy his animus towards Marcel! I was no fan of Marcel's, but he was innovative and even taught Sam a few lessons that I was shocked to hear him admit! I thought Ilan was great the 1st half of the season, then he lost it somewhere along the way! It made no sense! Some might think it was stress, but some of us thought he must have been the "geek kid" people picked on in school and he was just joining in on the taunting of Marcel with the other boors (popular kids); Sam, Betty, Michael, and Elia! To this day it seems they made a very poor choice of Top Chef, S2 with Ilan! He was so limited with his Spanish cuisine and hasn't proved anything since his win!
***We had a problem with the S3 opener. They should have never allowed S3 chefs to know WHO cooked the dishes they were eating b/c they probably, actually, obviously, had a predisposition to the personalities and cooking styles that they observed while watching the preceding seasons. We don't think they were able to judge the food on their own merits. It would have been more affective to have the dishes served "blind", not knowing who had prepared the food. ... PLUS we didn't learn anything about the chefs for S3… maybe that's intentional.***
ReplyDeleteYou know it really didn't matter! Tom C., Gail, Padma, and Ted had the final say and they would only confirm what they believed anyway!
***I agree with both of you... S3 has to be biased as anyone who has seen the prior seasons would be, but didn't matter anyway cuz judges likely voted w/ little consideration of new seasoners' choices. Would have been cool if they had blinded judges as to whose dish was whose.
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This is not the first time Marcel has been named team leader and failed to lead (think RWs II). The boy is in his own little world and has no concept of what it is to work with and direct others. To use a musical parallel, Marcel can be a soloist or a member of the chorus, but he can't be a conductor. He never sees the larger picture.
As for Ilan: He mentioned several times that he wasn't comfortable with the duck, and it was Marcel's call to reassign him which he didn't do. It might have been nice, also, if Sam or Elia had offered to trade courses with Ilan. However, although there is no I in team, there's evidently no Marcel, Sam, Elia, or Ilan either.
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...but Marcel and Ilan, what a train wreck. Just let it go. Marcel making "saffron foam" to needle Ilan was just plain childish and I think that sums up the both of them. Between Ilan's eavesdropping on Season 1's planning session and Marcel just being Marcel, I was just waiting for Tom C. to come and put both of them in a "time out" until they could learn to play with others.
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Stephen and Marcel are a lot alike in that they both think they are God's gift to the culinary arts. I couldn't stand Stephen during S1 nor Marcel during S2. The main difference between them is that Stephen managed to earn the respect of most of his fellow contestants whereas Marcel didn't. Even Elia who tried to be his friend through most of the show ended up hating Marcel's guts by the time it was over.
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WHY DIDN'T HE CHANGE ILAN'S COURSE? Maybe its just me, but it wasn't about Marcel winning his tasting, it was about the team.
Not in Marcel-World, it's All Marcel, All the time there. I think it was the 7 Deadly Sins episode where they all pretended they were not going to help Marcel plate because he hadn't been helping them. Remember that one?***
I for one have no sympathy for Ilan! He won last season and is calling himself a TC! I was a big fan at the beginning watching him keep people calm and focused, then he lost it! He became annoying, single minded, and hateful just working Marcel over every chance he got! It was petty, juvenile, and lacked professionalism for someone who aspired to be a TC! He should be able to cook his damn duck and no one thought to help him since he won last season! Elia and Sam could have assisted him, but they may have some resentment left over and wanted him to fend for himself! I applaud it! Show the world what a "fuck up" he really is! Can you believe him eavesdropping on Season I's planning and then spilling Marcel's cut up fruit? What a doofus! "I'd do you anyway babe!"
***LOL...And then he wanted to WASH it off! OMG!
I kinda liked him this time out though, but yeah, he shoulda' NEVER agreed to do duck. Sam loves the duck fat, Sam shoulda done the fuk'n duck!***
That's just for him talking about some mysterious girlfriend named Carolina! Wanted him to come back to the dark side and quit playing in fantasy land! lol!
***He still picked it up off the floor and put some back in the bowl. We've all heard of the 5 sec rule but I never thought I'd see it in practice. Yuck! ...
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Ilan is a jerk. I'm amazed that all of you saw how badly Ilan did and still you think he was doing his best. As far as Sam, the judges made it clear that they didn't like his dish. It was well below par. All I said was that once Marcel became the leader of the team, the team stopped doing their best except Elia and Marcel. ... As far as Ilan, I think he is not worth anyone's time. What a jerk.
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I don't know that I believe that Ilan "lost it" or "became annoying, single minded and hateful" suddenly. I believe the editing played a huge part in what we saw of Ilan. Yes, he was/is very immature. I think he was that way the entire time but Bravo wanted to boost ratings and edited the way they did. I also believe "the" Marcel we saw last night was "the" Marcel Bravo chose to edit differently during S2. Yes, I saw the annoying weasel the chefs complained about but his adoring fans couldn't or wouldn't see it. Well, y'all got a big ol face full of Marcel the ass last night.***
HELLO, I said "they may have resentment...!" Bitch, Bitch, Bitch, that's all you ever are! lol! I fixed your grammar too!
***Ah, you did indeed say MAY. I stand corrected. I read it as you stated it as a fact. Guess Hooked On Phonics DIDN'T work for me, eh?
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After reading through a bunch of the posts that said Ilan was thrown under the bus by being forced to cook duck, I noticed that a certain notion was missing. Every professional cook and especially someone who accepted the title of Top Chef should know how to prepare duck. Even if he didn't come up with the most original preparation, Ilan shouldn't have drawn a total blank on it. He supposedly has worked in all sorts of restaurants and gone to culinary school and he doesn't know anything about duck? So he was either throwing the competition, mocking the competition or he's just an idiot. Any of those does not do justice to TC.
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I choose answer C., just an idiot. If you want anything that is a variation on an item from the menu where he works, I'm sure it will be great. Something of his own invention? Well lets just say I don't think I'd eat a raw egg yolk in Fla either.***
I said it earlier, S1 had it all over S2! The chefs were older, more seasoned, and could work together even if they hated one another! The chefs from S2 are children in comparison and will self-destruct for any reason! Season 3 contestants are in diapers and this will be a joke; I can tell already! The bios talk about being executive chefs and such, but look at that preview! What a bunch of crybabies having tantrums from day one! I can't say I will skip the show, but I'm sure negative comments will fly!
ReplyDelete***She's not your bitch, bitch...lol. Couldn't help it! OMG This is so funny...Have you all seen this?
http://video.bravotv.com/player/?id=23428
I've never seen the whole thing, but MAN I want to. How quickly we forget how vicious they all were and immature also!***
I keep seeing people give glowing reviews to Sam as if he's Gawd! Time and time again I hear about how professional and mature he is! Again, I have to remind those people how he berated Marcel, instigated things behind the scenes, then allowed Cliff to manhandle Marcel on camera! You can give excuses about editing, but when the words are coming out of his mouth, what are you going to fall back on then? It was horrible how he was screaming and making that scene in the store telling Marcel "to buzz around somewhere else!" That was so juvenile and over the top for a supposed TC! They try to lump him in with Harold; Sam is nothing like him! Take off the rose-colored glasses! I'm not surprised either Ilan or Sam haven't started their businesses! Harold's is just getting off the ground and he won back in S1! Most fail, so you need to take your time and try and do it right! They have a huge advantage of having exposure on tv and in magazines, but you still have to be smart! Ilan is not helping his cause by acting like a doofus! Spilling that papaya on the floor and complaining about cooking the duck was so whack!
***Yeah, no. I think that Elia or Sam should have won S2. I have low opinions of Ilan, but even lower for Marcel. I didn't like Stephen or Tiffany in S1 because of their arrogance and I didn't like Marcel and his stupid foams and ge-lees for the same reason. And to top it off, Elia was the only one from S2 whose dish beat S1. I think that says a lot!***
What?? I said this last season; as well as Elia cooks, she is no leader! She has a nervous breakdown at every opportunity! You have to be strong, decisive, and sure of yourself to be a TC! She doesn't have it yet! Stick to being a "sous" girl!" Marcel may not be a fan favorite, but he cooks outside the box and I have to respect that! Playing it safe doesn't advance your career! I still chuckle at last season's finale when Tom C. said about Sam, "he didn't cook anything!" lol!
***Speaking of the wedding challenge, that was probably the worse episode in either S1 or S2. Katy Lee Joel in the quick fire says that the chef who "wows" the Scotts will be the winner and get to lead the team that is cooking for the wedding. So Lee Anne "wows" the to-be-married couple with her menu and then is told that she will have only 16 hours to shop for the food, prepare, and cook it. Gail in her blog then criticizes Lee Anne for being "Overly Ambitious". Where was Gail when Katie was telling the chefs to "wow" the Scotts?***
ReplyDeleteI was appalled as most! They want something great, but give them the least amount of time to even come close to what they expect! I would have told them to "bite me!" They gave up all rights to expectations as far as I was concerned! Guess what would have happened if they hadn't stayed up all night doing their thing! It didn't help when the idiot grooms and his party dragged out the dinner making it even more difficult on our chefs! Stephen did deserve to go spending all that time outside the kitchen!
***I'm beginning to believe that Satan now commands this show. Have to say again how much better Padma looks this season without the BadaBing! costumes.***
Spilling Marcel's chopped mango; we still don't know if it was on purpose or Ilan just being a doofus! Saffron, saffron, saffron; 1st Marcel's eggs, then Stephen's butter infused lobster! What is with that spice? Someone said it was expensive, so why are these guys using it like salt and pepper? lol! I crack up each time Tom C. is consulting Stephen on his buying the wine for each course! It was such a quizzical look on his face and he just didn't have a clue; he finally had to ask "what?" lol!
People thought the judging would have been more fair if the serves was a blind affair! The only flaw would have been trying to forget that Marcel is the foam and ge-lee master! lol! Again Sam didn't cook! His kobe beef practically raw sucked and Tiffani won hands down! Young people, even with sophisticated palates don't like raw meat; even rare! At 7 years old I was eating my steaks medium rare, but I was truly unusual! I was even weird enough to love spinach! From the previews I'm just not impressed by the chefs of season 3, but that could change of course! I had no idea Sam had been voted "FAN FAVE!"
I was appalled as most! They want something great, but give them the least amount of time to even come close to what they expect! I would have told them to "bite me!" They gave up all rights to expectations as far as I was concerned!...
ReplyDelete***I agree, except I have a question maybe somebody with a better memory than I can answer. Did any of the contestants preparing their menu to pitch to the Scotts ask how long they would have to prepare the menu? Understood, we only see what TC wants us to see, but I've always wondered whether the issue on this challenge was that somebody SHOULD have asked how long they had to do it.
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If Marcel wanted to pursue charges he could have. Bravo had no standing except to kick Cliff off the show, and they did!***
Not that I care that much anymore, but Marcel had every right to sue Bravo in a civil suit! They supplied the booze for those drunks! I'm sure that would be the excuse given for the assault which would back up criminality by Bravo for knowingly letting the guys get tanked every nite!
***I agree with you there. Though the actual liability would be limited by the fact that those people are adults, the actual physical damage done, etc. But Marcel could have pursued it if he had really felt that he was harmed.***
I can do without all those bozos of S2; they were too young and immature! Not to mention a little sick in the head! It seems Ilan put a bug in their ear about Marcel and they all just went nuts! No one deserved to be treated as that child was; up to the finale and into the All-Star Challenge! It was horrible and just brings back awful memories of my childhood! Some bullies need someone to pick on just to make themselves feel better! I think that has influenced some kids to go over the edge and shoot up a school! I wonder can that happen at Bravo after what they put these people thru! Look out Lu Anne; you may be skinnier, but avoid those knives and bullets! lol!
***No matter what anyone says, I will always believe the bully mentality was alive and well no matter how subtle and not so subtle and YES Ilan started it the first day with the knives.
Whether he was the MOST annoying person on the face of the earth..he did NOT deserve all of that. I wish we knew if they ever really tried to point out to him in a decent way why he was driving them all nuts and asked him to stop?***
These people were out of control! "Carlos threw me under the bus again," & "I'm still selfish and you're still a bitch!" lol!
***Well if that's true, why didn't he stop Stephen when he was doing that to that girl? Why didn't he stop Dave from talking to the waiters like that? Why didn't he call out Tiff from her arrogant behavior on season 1? After watching again, Stephen most definitely set the tone of trash talking when Tom first asked him about Season 2 chefs. He basically said you all sucked. Of COURSE he was gonna be defensive!
ReplyDeleteThen Dave was like..if the bitch can cook..let him cook. lol! Marcel was being baited and he was trying to defend his team and himself methinks. I mean the whole thing should have been in fun, but these peeps are hardcore competitive...Stephen and Marcel have arrogance issues...but Marcel laughs at himself too....I think Stephen REALLY believes he is the second coming of the culinary world and MUST educate EVERYONE! Harold COULD have asked them ALL to stop. They were all involved..Meaning Dave and Stephen if you watch again....yet he only called out Marcel?***
You are so right! It was in everyone's mindset that Marcel is responsible for everything bad that happens which is so unfair! Stephen is a jerk and always was, Tiffani's a bitch and will always be, along with Dave's hysteria! My Gawd that child needs a "chill pill!" I was so on his side last season seeing that all of his food was great, while Tiffani's was left on the plate! He just blew it by not preparing that 3rd dish for Cirque de Soil! At the All Star challenge, he's playing the victim again and was so out of line screaming at the servers and insulting them at the same time! I can do without seeing him again!
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So after all that has happened, you think Ilan and Sam are completely professional and mature?? Hmmmm! I need to get my rose-colored glasses out!! Happy new season!
***I never made any claims as far as Ilan was concerned, but after all that has happened, yes--I still think Sam was professional and mature. My glasses aren't rose-colored, but I can offer you maybe the "peach" version.***
I'm sure in their minds they figured to have more time to plan a menu and prepare! The last thing they would think was that they needed to have everything done by the next afternoon! What would they have done if they hadn't stayed up all night doing their thing? The Food Network did the same thing a week or so ago on the Next Network Star; a menu and preparations had to be done in 6 hours! They even had to have something good for the freakin' couple's dog!
ReplyDelete***I agree that they probably assumed they would have more than the time they had to complete the wedding reception menu. And that's what I am wondering about...was it a big misstep for them to assume they had a reasonable amount of time? Were they allowed to ask about time before they had their menus done? If they just didn't think to ask how long they would have, then that's really the chefs' fault.
However, if they weren't allowed to ask, then it's kinda snaky on the part of TC to make it such a short period of time. But, on the other hand, these chefs should have known at that point that TC was just chock-full of surprises, and Leann having such an involved menu, knowing what she knew about TC's surprises, was really a misstep.
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I hate to say it but maybe Clay might be better off well, getting offed. He may very well lack the endurance needed...on the other hand his comment about his Dad makes me feel uneasy about him being first booted. I'm a weenie!***
They did it again! Let someone skate thru without a complete dish and aufing someone who at least put a full menu together! I'm appalled! Oh well; poor Clay! Head back to the hills! Hung and Tre are the obvious front runners!
***I'd rather eat half of a good dish than all of an awful one. Then again, I like food.
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Same ol'; same ol'! Elia is still a HUGE SNOT and even uglier outside now! Ilan is an IDIOT and I still think he'll end up being a fry cook in sloppy diner in Barcelona! Dave's still a BIG FAT CRYBaby!
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***I know this is late but I just joined. Hate Ilan. He's a DICK. Marcel should've won. He'll be more famous than Ilan.***
Oh dude, I cant express how disappointed I am in ILAN! I picked him from a couple episodes into the season since he was personable, calm, people kept on task and focused; he was my favorite with Marcel being his competition as the villain! I was almost right except their positions have changed; talk about juxtaposition! Marcel was found to be the more cutting edge chef, who was very singled-minded! Ilan on the other hand degenerated in my eye with his non-stop aggression towards Marcel! It had become his obsession it seemed! He planted a bug in everyone's ear that Marcel was the enemy! Then after he wins in Hawaii, he comes back a total doofus; no air of professionalism and maturity! He looked more like a dishwasher not jumping into the task at hand saying he couldn't do it! Spilling Marcel's cut up Mango was "bush" and he should have been shot right there and then! They should have at least let them re-shoot that scene so he doesn't bring disrepute to the production of the show! I'm just lost in what is on this guy's mind when he acts the way he does as TC!
So far I've been just as disappointed in this new season! The Bio's made it seem like these guys were some of the best chefs in the country; executive this and master that! What a bunch of crap! These cooks are lame, limited, and just plain inexperienced! You have a few exceptions with Hung and Tre, but most of the rest should be embarassed for even applying to the show! I like Dale, CJ, and a couple others, but I haven't been too impressed with them! So far this season has not been memorable in any way! Just look at the chatter here; most of the posts deal with peripheral issues instead! What do we need; maybe a good scandal like what in the world was Casey doing behind the scenes last week? She is useless and I was terribly disappointed in her putting her teammates at risk like that! Neither are that good and have shown themselves to be immature, totally unprofessional, and truly lacking in their ability! How many times will Howie cook pork chops? When will Joey stop acting like Jag on Next Food Network Star? There's always a conspiracy going on in his feeble mind! Yeah, we're all out to get you guys! lol! Brian, other proteins are available!! Get off the fish boat! You're a cutie anyway! lol! I suppose the only thing that will make this competition interesting are the stupid challenges; maybe preparing a meal hanging upside down! Perhaps preparing a 5 course meal on a hotplate? 8-)
ReplyDelete***Hanging down....hahahaha....GOOD one. Holy amuse bouche Batchef! Tied to the roof of a car going 80 mph?
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The Joey-Howie Boys Club chose to dismiss every suggestion that Casey made. Like Mia was shut out of the planning at the Thxgv'n Bruha by Cliff and Elia, so was Casey ignored. Finally she just gave up and left those two losers to their high fives on the patio bench. As for the behind the scenes scenario, it was probably a case of Bravo editing. If Casey was really neglecting her team, Joey and Howie would not have tried to console her after her 'accepting the blame' speech at the judges table.***
Sorry that was the Holiday cheer team challenge at the studio! Thanksgiving had them back in there rooms preparing a meal for Bordain and Mia had made immunity with 4 others! She didn't even have to cook that elimination challenge! She should not have dropped out saving Elia the next show! Elia blew it trying to cook everything at the last minute and leaving her tables almost bare while the other team kept their offerings coming! Very impressive even if the food stunk! Those empty trays looked horrible and both Elia and Cliff should have been auf'd! lol!! Mikey as usual was just there; whining about the food "ain't" coming out fast enough! lol!! That was hilarious to me!
***I'd really appreciate it if Food Network would air shows dealing with various cooking traditions from a historic perspective. Or maybe even just one show hosted by a capable host familiar with the anthropology of various cuisines. Kind of like the History Channel, but with food.***
Did you watch yesterday to see who the finalist would be for "The Next Network Star?" There's something that really bothers me about this station; maybe just a step below Bravo! I've never been one of those people who need a personality to cover something I was interested in! Rachel Ray, Emiril, or BoBBy Flay just don't impress me! They are taking that authoritarian stance; they know food and cooking! Ok!! So that should give you carte blanche to critique and eviscerate all new chefs? lol!! The judging for this show is so much more than about the food! Like TC, presentation seems to be more important!
"TNFN Star" auf'd Amy only to have to bring her back after they found out Jag hadn't graduated from culinary school or been deployed in Afghanistan like he said! Who's resume isn't inflated? He should have been axed anyway! His food is too complicated and he's a consistent whiner, apologist, and buck passer! Amy did so well; I wonder why he made it over her to begin with! Rory was a sure thing! Not that she's that good, but she has the personality they are looking for; watch those "BOOBS" babe! lol!! They are jumpin' out that top!
ReplyDelete***You said a mouthful Jay!
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Now that I've watched the 'Next Food Network Star' marathon, I'm not at all impressed with what the Food Network is looking for in a personality. I do have to say they don't really have a lot to choose from out of their current crop of 'hopefuls'. JAG seems to be able to cook, but he doesn't seem to be able to break his food down systematically and educate people who don't know much about cooking but want to improve. But hey, he screwed himself by lying about his background. It really peeved me when the judges claimed his recipe was too 'dense' for the average home cook to process.
Julia Child presented complicated French cooking techniques in a way that demystified them to average cooks. I don't feel like your average person, in this age of increased food awareness, needs as much coddling as the execs seem to believe. Shame on them. I guess they just want a hot piece of ass to show someone how to make something simple.***
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Howie; get over the pork! lol!! Hung is probably still wincing from being dissed on his dessert during the QC! Now he's being called on the carpet again! I love it!
***Howie is to pork as Ilan is to saffron. (S.A.T. style)
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...Everybody else in my family thought that Casey was going to go home, but I wouldn't be surprised to see that happen fairly soon. What is happening to the women in this competition this season?? With the exception of Clay, all of the chefs eliminated so far have been women! Step it up ladies!
Hung is getting on my last nerve! My brother is already taking bets on how soon it will be before he sends somebody to the hospital because of his carelessness with knives! I'm glad that Tom called him out on that! His arrogance is so uncalled for and he really doesn't have the goods to back it up. Anytime somebody tells him that they didn't like the food, he assumes that they have the problem and "didn't understand the concept." Please dude, that's BS and you know it, and the only reason the Telemundo cast and crew were "loving your spanish" is because you were messing it up so badly!***
Casey will hang in there being the great Drama Queen she will be until she really blows a dish! Sorry about the "fem thing!" Unfortunately their food stinks and that's why they're going home so soon! You have a few losers on the men's side, but they seem to have more experience; both Tom C and Gail appreciate that! Hung is another one of those chefs living in his own little world! In his mind, he is gracing us all with his gastro masterpieces! You DORK!
***Every reality show needs a villain, especially a natural one. The casting crew for TC1 must not have believed their good fortune when Tiffani was interviewed. Last year it was supposed to be Marcel who was the bad guy but ended up as the victim to the real bad guy, Ilan. The first thing Hung said in the introductions was that he was the CPA. "Every reality show needs a villain and I can do that real well." Tre is another chef that might be there in the end.
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At first I thought that Tre was arrogant. Later on however, he didn't really seem so. But maybe it is just hidden/edited to further highlight Hung's attitude?
While watching, it is hard to remind myself that it is the food that is judged--not the attitude. With that said, it was hard to watch Lia eliminated before Hung.***
I sorta agree, but both Tre and Hung might crash and burn due to their own arrogance! Each time they talk it's like, "I'm so great...," then they're being called onto the carpet because the food stinks! We've seen people win a challenge, then spiral right out of the kitchen the following show!! Happens too often! That was bogus fooling with the clock! I knew they'd pull something just to jolt the chefs!
***How about the Joey & Howie love connection all of a sudden eh? Speaking of Joey I can't be the only one that shouted, "OH NO," when he won the quick fire this week. In fact I'm pretty sure I heard the collective shout from across the country in my living room. Apparently his food was really good in this episode though so; whatcha gonna do?
Hung is losing it. This guy CAN NOT handle criticism at all; it's a trend with him. Any time a judge says something to him he says they, "don't get it" or they, "can't grasp the concept" or they are just plain wrong which was the case last night with EVERY critique he got.
I thought Sara M. had the biggest hit at the lunch with her chile rellenos; the crowd raved about it. But then they didn't even mention it at judges table, much less call her out for top honors. That was very confusing to me.***
I'm in shock with the Joey/Howie connection! I thought they would be mortal enemies the entire season! Where'd that come from? After they dogged each other the 1st few episodes, "wha ha pined?" Neither will go that far though! If Howie pulls out a pork loin again, the judges might scream! Both cuss too much for the least little inconvenience! What kind of chefs are they? "Howie throw on a headband you pig! Quite dripping your disgusting sweat into the food!" lol!
Hung isn't losing it, he lost it years ago! His ego is about as inflated as his mentor Marcel, but with little real reason! He has been called out too many time to be strutting around like he's THE MAN to beat! If he can't take criticism, he's in the wrong business! Food is all about deciding if it's good or not from the 1st bite; if not the presentation!
I too wonder why the judges didn't even mention Sara M's chile rellenos! The guests seemed to love it! "Not even an honorary mention GAIL; Tom?" Come on!
Is it me or do others here feel we haven't gotten emotionally attach to even half of these chefs? A lot of the time, the editing doesn't even feature a handful of them! Can we even name them off the top of our heads? They don't have that many offerings that they need to just skip a few which aren't in the top or bottom of the judging! When they truly go personal like with Lia, I figured her time was up! Leaving Casey to continue on was the usual travesty, but she's such a drama queen! They'll hold onto her as long as possible! Gack!
ReplyDeleteTre better step it up! Like Hung, he's always shocked when he's in the bottom of a QC or EC! Wake up babe! lol!
***I hate to tell ya'...but...sweat in the kitchen is a major ingredient in all restaurants. And you don't have to pay extra for it!***
I'm quite aware of everything you mentioned! I just don't like to see or hear it! The chefs of Benihana don't do that! lol!
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***Marcel, Stephen, and Hung = Id, Ego, and Superego.
Howie, Joey, and Mikey = The Funk, The Skunk, and The Drunk.
Betty, Casey, and Tiffani = The Drama Queens.
Mia and Dave = "Put Your Dick Away, Dude. I'm Not Your Bitch, Bitch!"
Sam, Carlos, and Dale = The Calendar Boys.
Miguel and Otto = "It Wasn't My Fault."
Elia and Sandee = "Now We're Auditioning For Shear Genius."
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Wow! You are TOOOO funny! I love it!***
Very nice! Let's see, besides yours:
Kenneth, Sunyai, & Dale = "Not Ready For Primetime Players." (auf'd early)
Cynthia, Josie, & Howie = "Where the FUCK am I and WTF?"
Candace, Marisa, & Camille = "Where's my garter belt and stockings?"
Andrea, Emily, & Sara = "This'll clear you right out & ...so down to Earth?"
Lisa, Betty, & Micah = "I do comfort food & U Americans....ketchup!"
LeAnne, Miguel, & Tre = "My chef's coat doesn't say Top Sous Chef!"
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***Something was definitely fishy about this "WWH" episode. It was obviously an episode that was thrown together without much thought or scripting, and possibly in a rush. Maybe to fill a gap in programming that was unanticipated? The quality of the questions just wasn't very high. Also, it seemed like they just grabbed whatever former contestants were available at the moment they decided to make the episode. Why else wouldn't Steven, Marcel, and other highly recognizable former contestants have participated? It just makes me wonder if they didn't have to withdraw an episode at the last minute (possibly due to some scandal or legal action by a contestant??) and then had to fill in with this feeble episode.***
***I LIKE THAT LEGEND IN HIS OWN MIND THING JC FITS ROCCO PERFECTLY!
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Why do we still have both Sara's? Booting Joey? Both of those girls have been mediocre, at their very best. I don't particularly care for Joey, but he should not have gone before the Sara's. This show has as much manipulation as TFC's Next Food network star. It's "Screw the food! Make good television." I admire Howie's bullheaded way. That's how you get ahead and be passionate. True, he needs sweat control, but that doesn't discount his cooking ability. No one can deny, he busts his butt. I've seen most of the others just laze about the kitchen, while he's going like a madman. i.e Sara M. - Trey, Casey, TJ, Howie, Brian; they all are good enough to win, so there's no real losers left. Hung?? He's been to the bottom of the barrel so much, I can't believe he's still in it. But like I said before- good TV before good food. He's the A-hole, and they know it, so it fits America's lust for cheesy drama.***
The Sara duo really do need to "PUYFKAG!" They are just coasting with nothing that really stands out as a point of view! They and a few others are just doing enough to hang in there when they should be auf'd! I watched Next Network Stars and the same thing happens; "good tv, you stay!" "SUCKS" for us and them! 'CJ finally won something; about time babe!' Howie's sweaty ass should follow Joey out the door! If I see PORK one more time from him....!! lol! Hung is a real loser! From all his big talk I really thought he knew what he was doing! Unfortunately he's falling about as short as his height! I was shocked by the repoire of Casey and Dale, with most of the others working well together except for what we expected of HOWIE and JOEY and who they ended up teaming with! This season has been such a disappointment! Maybe it'll get better when they whittle the cast down to 6 and have "Rest. Wars" again! Watch what happens!
***Why, I even grabbed me a big 'ol box of Bertolli on my way home from work! Goodness, I'm such a shill.***
Saw Bertolli in the freezer section today, but Mom nixed even looking at it! She didn't like it and it was $7.99 at our local Jewel Grand Bizarre! That's a lot for that little bag of ice, pasta, and whatever protein they deem to throw in there! lol!
***Jay what is it about the initials "Puyfkag" that cracks me up so much? lol! I know what it means but it still cracks me up! I guess I'm trying to read it as sand script.
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I know Actor...Sounds like SUCH a dirty word.... Who does Jay think he is....JME? ...lol!!
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Don't know this one, can guess, am afraid to ask, but still curious...may I ask for enlightenment, please, through PM if needed??? :-) Thanks!!
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Just guessing here, Jazzie, but ...
"Pack Up Your Fucking Knives And Go!"
Could that be it?
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Just about every one of these chefs has had a disaster. Same as every season really. Just goes to show ya' how stress and nerves and no sleep and crazy conditions can hinder the talent pool.
(Or should I say hot tub?) They must be good to have made it on. Don'tchya' think?
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It's clear the judges have favorites and will rationalize things they do to keep them around.***
I too agree the judging should be more anonymous; esp. when they are serving a mass crowd! Everyone knows looks and attitude come into play when accessing a job, food, or anything really! On "NFNS," one of the chefs always made sure to smile big and show a lot of cleavage; Rory! I think the judging would be a lot more fair if people swapped dishes during serves so personal baggage doesn't come into play! What other reason could they have to hold onto jerks like Hung, drama queens like Casey, and oafs like Howie unless they were taking other things into consideration besides the food?? They want the glamore and drama and aren't ashamed to exhibit it in every show we see!
***If I were a judge, I would vote to disqualify every single chef on this show who consistently in front of cameras licks the stirring spoon and returns that spoon to the pan, or a finger taste, then continues to handle the food in preparation without washing hands, and expects the people they are serving to come along and eat after all their germs are infested into the pot! Geez how disgusting. Doesn't anyone see this and get grossed out but me! And while I am on the subject of gross. No way would I taste a dish prepared by a cook who is sweating so profusely that it is dripping into the dish he is preparing. YUCK! Can someone please give Howie a sweat band and a towel!***
ReplyDeleteNot only that, I wonder why Tom C. and others come in and start shaking hands with the chefs while they're preparing a dish! Even in an office I hated doing that and washed them afterwards! People do gross things and don't wash as much as they should! With food, I'm doubly concerned about cleanliness! What is wrong with these people? I seem to remember the 1st show of the season; we asked the same thing when each chef had to prepare an amuse buche on the spur of the moment! Did they go and wash their funky hands after flying in, greeting each other, eating the buffet, more shaking of hands, etc.?? Sweating in the food is even worse to me! "Howie you pig, wear a bandana or headband!"
***No, it's just Casey is SUCH a great actress. She had immunity, so she she didn't have as much at stake. She didn't put forth her best effort. She disappeared in the back room when all the work was being done, and they needed help. Joey and Howie had to go find her! Her dish sucked! Then she puts on the waterworks, pity party, when the Judges point out that her dish was the one that sucked and threatened Joey and Howie being eliminated ... she strikes me as a sneaky snob. She has NO CREATIVITY ... kind of "by-the-book" cooking style.***
Hmmmm! If I didn't know better, I'd swear I posted your comments! lol!! It was right on! I couldn't stand her "Munchhausen By Proxy " moment! It was more than pathetic! I'm shocked most went to comfort her when it was so obvious she's playing everyone for fools! Casey's a drama queen and should have been auf'd just for her lack of effort! Immunity saved her and her team I guess!
The level of expertise is going down precipitously! ...and the overall level of food is way down! Where were the real chefs? Ilan is a one trick pony doing Spanish food, Sam really doesn't like to cook (just plate something raw), and Elia who's an emotional roller coaster hurtling out of control! You had a few good ones, but they blew a challenge; Cliff, Emily, and Carlos! Chow's interviews afterwards made me laugh so much! The critique could be wicked; Padma's clothes or lack there of, Tom C.'s unethical behavior (he's a judge)* concerning his ability in comparison to the chefs and ratting them out at judges table like a kid telling MOMMY!
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Nothing is really memorable here in S3! Hard to even remember their names! If Hung hadn't been here to remind us of Marcel, what else is there? They really need to step it up without Howie losing his freakin' mind, Casey not acting like Baroness Von Munchhausen, and the 2 Sara's just need a pulse! Are they still on the show? My favorites are Dale, Brian, and Tre! None may win, but they made the least amount of mistakes so far! I can't wait for RW!
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This season, the chefs, and the challenges are just ridiculous! What purpose does it serve to blindside these people saying they're going out for the nightlife, then spring this challenge?? This is stupid, frustrating, and totally unprofessional of the TOP production co.!! All the chefs should have told Padma, Tom, and the rest to "kiss off," "drop dead," and to "eat me" when they sprung this latest task! Are they purposely trying to infuriate or drive these people crazy? It's only a matter of time when one of those knives get plunged into someone's chest; another chef, cameraman, or better yet a judge! This season has just had little entertainment value for me! Every week you need to expect the worse from this production! Keeping Howie, the challenges, and the idiotic twist like cutting their prep time in half knowing full well what would happen! I didn't believe that bologna about a call coming in saying they needed to move the Latin Lunch up like that! Tom you are an ass, a snake, and a real Bastard!
***Whoo, take a breath, dude!! It's just a tv show! Here, have a cookie and some Sunny D...
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I know it was crummy, but what I meant to say is that you need to put your head back into the game when thrown a curve ball. Yes, it was messed up, but whining about it wasn't going to change anything.
I'm sorry you haven't found this season entertaining. I've found some of the challenges to be interesting - I rather enjoyed last weeks, for example. I'll grant you it might have totally been a set-up for the Latin Lunch episode... but on the other hand, I've been told that lunch times have been changed on set for both television and movies during filming... so, I thought it was possible that the TV show called them up and changed it. Maybe that was me living in a dream world.
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I am thinking Tre in the top two for sure. Maybe CJ or Brian with him.***
I doubt it! They saw what happened with 2 nerdy male finalist! They have to have some sex appeal displayed to get the ratings up for the finale! I know I didn't watch the final episode over and over as I did with the 1st season with Tiffany and Harrold! Not as if I have to see 2 sexes, but overall I know it would help; esp. if you have a drama queen like Casey!
***Dude I don't know about you but I wouldn't consider Tre, Brian, or CJ "nerdy". Marcel and Ilan, yes!***
***The way I understand it, here is what everyone cooked:
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Brian - raw oyster with a watermelon ginger granita
Tre - seared sea scallop on corn/black truffle pudding
CJ - seared Key West grouper with artichoke pesto
Tre - tenderloin crusted w/ gorgonzola cheese; smoked potatoes & port reduction
Casey - lemon grass mango sorbet
UNKNOWN - apple tart tatin
The GARAGE
Hung - tuna tartar w/nicoise olives and white asparagus with egg vinaigrette
Howie - parmesan mushroom risotto
Sara M - braised lamb shanks with sun-choke puree, spring veggies
Hung - dessert crepes
Clearly, Hung should have been declared the winner, as there was enthusiasm and praise for his two dishes.
But what's up with TEAM APRIL? Both CJ and Casey had to have been doing more than the editors allowed us to see... Casey had to have done more than make a disappointing spoonful of sorbet... Did Tre really overcook his scallops himself, or were CJ or Casey working with him in the kitchen (and actually responsible for that)?
And with TEAM GARAGE, granted Dale didn't cook anything, but did Howie really only cook risotto? And all 3 pots of it at the same time?
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I'm having a flashback about the mystery blog customer dissing the black tablecloths, saying she felt like she was eating off of Billy Idol. Let me just say that doesn't sound like a bad thing to me, necessarily.***
I didn't understand that at all! Complaining about the black tablecloths? That was bogus! I still remember the Top Design challenge dealing with promoting Limon! One of the teams had a black motif and I thought everything popped b/c of it! What was wrong with the servers? The dust on the bread plates and lack of ready tableware was awful! What were those idiots doing? They seemed to be moving very casually! They all better pick it up for "RW Redux" next week; 2 will be going home! If Howie puts out something else like that terrible risotto, he better be the 1st one gone! Sara will probably follow him out the door! Just a guess! They seem to be the weakest; Sara in her cooking and Howie for his bullheadedness and ego!
***Just read Rocco's blog...it is excellent, well thought out and well, in depth.***
I finally checked out some of the Blogs! I rarely do, but these last few weeks warranted looking at the behind the scene thoughts of the judges! I was more than a little shocked at Tom's attack on Rocco! I'm no fan of his after what I saw him do in his reality show, The Restaurant, but why bring the guy in if you're just going to dump on him like that?? He represents one of your sponsors for Gawdsake; one you smacked across the face acting as if you've never dealt with frozen food before! Bertolli should demand an apology and a sponsor's discount! Colicchio was very insulting to the product and even blasted it's existence! A case of another ego biting the hand that feeds him! As for his constant pounding of Rocco, no wonder Tom was taken on at judges table about truffles and where you can find them! Tom didn't like someone correcting him! I loved it! *Looking back, it was found that Anthony Bordain was guest writing for Tom C.*
***While I liked "April's" design more, I disagree with the comment about a black tablecloth looking too "Billy Idol." It's really sharp and makes the white plates pop.
ReplyDeleteSo, nobody went home and they have to do the challenge all over again. You can just hear the past contestants screaming at the tv "Where's our second chance??" I'd be even more nervous the 2nd time around b/c nothing is going to overlooked. I really hope that Tre isn't going home next week, but the way the judges were talking about "an unexpected decision" and "it's about the food in this challenge" makes me think that he could very well be in trouble. I sure hope not!***
I didn't mind the black either! In Top Design, for the Limon promotion, the designers used black quite effectively! Things did POP as you said! As for that 2nd chance, it all has to do with ratings, not wanting to send a leading candidate home, and just wiping the slate clean with this do-over! From what I could tell, Hung won the day with his dish, and Tre should have been sent home being the executive chef putting out such a horrible dish! He is one of the best and it would have been equivalent to sending Harrold home in the 1st Season! It wasn't happenin'! As Whitney Houston sang back a few years ago, "It's not right, but it's ok...!"
***...My 1st thought on seeing the black tablecloths was that it was an elegant counterpoint to the "Garage" theme. Guess elegant is in the eyes of the beholders! And those candles. All I could do was scream, "no; put those back!"
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***Okay, this is ABSOLUTELY ridiculous! Tre was one of THE BEST chefs on the show. How could CASEY have stayed over him, even CJ! Doesn't anyone remember last season when Carlos got sent home for DOING ONLY A SALAD IN FOUR MINUTES OF PREP, and at that NOT VERY WELL! That is exactly what CJ did! I have officially boycotted the show for the rest of the season, because I think that the judges must have been on something when they made that decision tonight...good night and good riddance TC!
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What a big pile of crap! How in the hell was it all Tre's fault? CJ was the real loser. He did nothing except one crappy dish. Man this really pisses me off. I'm sorry but this is really a joke. It's almost as bad as Sam from season two not making it to the final. What the hell was Tom thinking on this one? He was in the kitchen and saw it all. CJ totally took a back seat on this one. He is nothing but a horse tooth jack ass. Private chef my ass. He couldn't cook his way out of a McDonald's. I am sooo pissed. But on a lighter note Sara kind of proved herself in this episode and Ive gained some respect for her. Oh man I really hope that tall goofey bastard gets voted off next. Its gonna take me a while to recover from this one. Bravo you really dropped the ball on this one.***
I thought Tom C. would suggest Cj being dumped since he didn't do much! He isn't consistent since he did send Carlos home last season for the same effort or lack thereof! I'm just as pissed, but you have to expect BS like this! It's all about marketing and giving the people what they think they want! Oh well Tre, you'll go on and do bigger and better things than this sad show! GOOD LUCK BABE!
Like most, I'm just as ticked off! No way should Tre have been auf'd like that with so many guys coasting along doing pretty ordinary work! I liked that Sara M. bitch-slapped Howie! Bout time! As usual Cj just floated under the radar even though Ted did call him on abrogating all responsibility by letting Tre be the Executive Chef! His weaselly ways should catch up with him sometime soon! Not soon enough for me THE RAT!
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Well before Tre left we got a chance to check out his package showing in the beginning of the show! lol! Dale and Brian looked good in their swimsuits too! Dale could have dressed better, but he was right to slap Stephen down! He was putting me to sleep and I was only getting clips of his monologue during wine service! lol!
***Wait.... Wuuuuut??? His package.... the beginning... makes sure I won't be missing a second of this show now. Heehee!***
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The judges finally caught up with Cj! Ted mentioned that he abdicated all responsibility by let Tre be the Exec. Chef! ....That was an awesome advantage with the extra money and a wine steward!
***You forget JayC, it's all about the food! Worst food on the losing team goes home. The comments they chose to show regarding CJ, Casey and Brian are just to keep us tuned in.***
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I couldn't believe that idiot guest judge is complaining about the tuna tar tare being cliche before he even tasted it! What a jerk! After all that, he liked pretty much everything prepared by the "Bad News Bears!" lol!! Too bad Howie was on the team and spared from elimination! You check him out slamming the oven door when Sara M. told him to redo a few things?? I loved it! We'll see what happens next week in the team challenge! Will he survive again? Gack!
***Oh, but JayCiuM, tuna tar tare is cliche! The dish's flavors, good or bad, won't alter that it is now a cliche. ...In a certain type of high-end, big city restaurant, tuna tar tare is as cliche and unimaginative as the egg salad platter at Sam & Ella's diner down on Route 43.***
I guess I must be the most uncouth and a real slob! I've only eaten tuna out of a can! I don't know how raw tuna tastes, and have no desire to do so! ...Fish ain't my thing; love lobster and shrimp though! I hate fighting with bones and the sushi craze puzzles me!
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You may be right! They must be saving Howie for some reason! Heaven knows he should have been auf'd more than once just for being a DICK! Even though Sara M. was right in having him re-do a dish, he was scowling and slamming oven doors! What an ASS! He will be someone to root against if he does make the final! CJ is just as much a wienie, but he does it on the sly! He should be kicked anytime now! You can run, but you can't hide too long jerk! Poor Tre; not sure even the extra cash or wine steward would have helped you! You were let down; probably on purpose! Casey or CJ did not have your back; well maybe to stab you in it! lol!! That was crocodile sentiment from his teammates! They probably love that TRE is gone! Makes way for them now! According to Colicchio in his blog, they were all a bit lackadaisical! Oh well, until next week!
RW should take place with 10 chefs left. That way there are more people to accomplish tasks without sacrificing service or quality.
ReplyDeleteRW should also be the end of large team competitions. Working in pairs or as one cohesive unit would be fine, but with two separate teams there is just too much space to let people skate by without doing anything at too late a stage in the show.
At the same time as RW the winner of the EC should be given immunity for the next show. There has got to be some reward for putting yourself in a position of risk. Sara absolutely deserved to win last night and showed me a ton putting disgruntled line cook Howie in his rightful place. If she doesn't take a stand with him does his undercooked lamb and vegetables get sent out? She deserves to be rewarded for her leadership in way more gratifying than a post blunt smile from Padma and the latest copy of "why I'm a famous Chef and your not" by guest judge DeJour. I think that hanging Madonna's no talent brother from the ceiling and beating him like a pinata with soup ladles would probably have been a comparable award to immunity as well.
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Dude, I agree. Chef Tom should either be a judge or a kitchen adviser, but not both. On Project Runway they have Tim Gunn hanging out in the workroom, NEVER a judge. On Top Design they had Todd Oldham. On Shear Genius they had the dude from some European version of Queer Eye, I've forgotten his name but he reminds me of the oldest brother from "8 Is Enuf."
Also, what's the deal with the rotating judge's panel? If the judge can't commit to every episode, then I say scrap 'em. (Emergency & unplanned situations aside) Gail has been on so infrequently this season that she could almost be considered a guest judge.
Padma is OK, I don't have a problem with her as long as there is some other form of consistency on the panel.
Great ideas about the placement of the RW within the season. And, I like the suggestion of immunity as a reward. It has never really made sense to me that the prize for the quick fire is immunity, but the winner of the EC gets the same as everyone else -a chance to live another day. Well, the occasional trip to Italy, but if I want the guest judge's cookbook I'll go to Barnes & Noble.com & get it myself. I'd rather have immunity or some other benefit in the competition.***
What a douche bag! CJ reminds me of Eddie Haskel on "Leave It To Beaver!" He's just shocked his boy TRE was axed! "Tre was my strongest competition! What did I do?" Arse!! How bout not helping your boy out, making that bread pudding you said you could do, and not tasting the food before it went out? Fancy that! IDIOT!
ReplyDelete***On Project Runway when they flew to Paris they went Delta.***
Thinking back to PR, Richard Tyler was the designer of Delta's new uniform; I hear they're RED! I haven't been that thrilled with Delta since the '80's! I can still see a plane doing cartwheels on the runway during a landing, not to mention losing the roof off one of their cockpits! That was right around when Reagan helped to deregulate the industry and fired all those air traffic controllers! That was a lot of fun wondering who would go down next! Ahhhh memories! Still better than being treated like cattle these days! My cousin took a plane from ATL to Chicago! The flight was on time, but something was wrong with the cargo hold door! Instead of explaining to the people what was going on, they let them cool their heels for over 2 hours before deciding to bring the luggage up through the plane! Who are these people making decisions? They don't seem to have a clue! I'm sure everyone has heard of those poor people sitting on the tarmac for over 9 hours because they weren't allowed a gate to disembark! I've only flown once in the last 3 years! I can do without the hassles; practically undressing you, frisked, shoes scanned, wallet even looked at! Like this will really save us from terrorists! If anyone really wants to cause some harm, those puny measures won't do much good!
***Well, at least they're red in first class, or at least that's what I saw through the "curtain of disgrace" on my overseas flight a few weeks back. When confronted with one of them as we left, I said...."That's one of the new uniforms designed by Richard Tyler!" She asked how I could possibly know that. I told her I keep up with my Project Runway. She "High-Fived" me!
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I heard Ted's cuteness remark about Sam and thought it unprofessional if Ted was there to be a judge. I'm not sure that Sam would be appreciative of that remark either if he watched that show later.***
Hello!! He didn't say SAM was cute! He just questioned the comment that he was "kinda cute!" I trust people didn't get exercised about that little slip! What Dr. Boogie put Rene Fris thru on Shear Genius was a lot more egregious! I call that sexual harassment in the 1st degree! lol!
***To me when Sara M. said Sam was kinda cute, Ted came back with "He's kinda cute?" with the emphasis on the word "kinda" as if "kinda" was insufficient to describe Sam's cuteness. In other words, Ted thought Sam was more than just cute.
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I think Tom stayed in the kitchen for a number of reasons. In a couple of recent episodes there have been accusations and differences of opinions about who made what choices, who really was responsible for the final outcome of a dish, etc. There may have been some concerns about outright sabotage of another individual or team. We don't get to see or hear everything that goes on at Judge's Table, but ... Tom may have been there just to make sure things like that weren't happening deliberately.***
I briefly listened to Tom on Andy's, "Watch What Happens" conclusion to RW's and SC, but he just wasn't that clear about why he was back there! I can imagine he couldn't trust what the cheftestants had to say about responsibility, etc.! I still remember Joey disputing the pasta that was chosen for the "frozen food" challenge! Joey and Howie were as rotten as you could get just over-ruling the choice of the freakin' pasta!
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Well here we are again with the 4 Star All Star challenge! As soon as I get over it, they play it again! As usual the judges go their own way and vote the way they want not even caring what others thought about the dishes presented to them! Season 2 probably should have won even though Ilan is a doofus! I still can't get over his behavior and attitude! He just doesn't seem to have a clue! Maybe he's on drugs! lol! He spills Marcel's mango, doesn't want to cook duck, and then mindlessly wanders about letting time get away from him! His dish is really rushed and may have cost Season 2 the win! Harrold's offering wasn't received that well by the judges! It was boring! I still have this niggling feeling the judging isn't on the up and up! They gave a charity win to Elia since Tom doesn't seem to like Dave! The rest went to Season 1 since they are more mature and have more of a reputation to protect!
Dave (S1)
ReplyDelete“Town crier…yes.”
“He’s great to drink with.”
“I’m not normal. That’s why I went on the show.”
“All I want to do is make great food and make people happy.”
Mikey (S2)
"I just got my license back from the DMV."
“I haven’t had a drink in a year.”
“I don’t have herpes. Just wanna get that out there.”
Elia and Sam (S2)
“Why does your beef taste like beef?”
“I can still taste the beef... it tastes like... cow.”
Sam (S2)
"It's all flattering, and it's great to be in the limelight, and it's obviously going to help in my putting a restaurant together."
Harold (S1)
"I just kind of try to hide in the kitchen and don't let anybody see me, and hope everybody's enjoying the food. I'm not really much of a front-of-the-house type of guy, running around shaking hands and kissing babies and taking pictures. That's not really my thing."
Judges
Tom Colicchio
“It’s like putting lipstick on a pig.”
“What’s the bigger sin – no barbecue or not upscale enough?”
“It was the meatloaf that kept giving.”
“It’s terrible!”
“What does it say on your jacket? It doesn’t say Top Sous Chef does it?”
"Everyone knows the camera adds 10 pounds of bitch!”
Gail Simmons
"I'm the slut."
“They couldn’t sell free food. It’s kinda sad.”
Padma
“ It tastes like health food.”
“You can forgive a lot if it tastes good.”
"Well I was tiger-hunting in Bengal..."
“Our plates are dusty.”
“This is not something I would serve for a summer night.”
Anthony Bourdain - Guest Judge Ep 1
“What is your major malfunction?”
“It’s kind of a home cooking kind of thing, but a home I wouldn’t want to live in.”
“I would love this dish if I were drunk.”
“You son of a bitch!”
“Howie knows best.”
“…no good deed seems to go unpunished.”
Ted Allen
“We are in serious need of some wow here.”
“I thought Sara’s dish was a train wreck.”
“If you want to make people happy, give ‘em bacon.”
“It’s been 15 minutes at least.”
“You got your candles at the same place as the other team.”
“I wouldn't follow Howie or Joey's lead at a hot dog stand!” JCM
"Ssssss" isn't Miguel calling Tiffani a snake; it's the sound of a deflated ego when it comes to Hung! JCM
Season One:
DAVE
“My food kicks ass.”
“I’m just over it. I’m pissed.”
“I’m not your b!tch, b!tch.”
“Go make out somewhere.”
“That’s not an appetizer, that’s a painting.”
“Well, that’s what it was.”
“Bring it on.”
“Donde Top Sommelier?”
"They'll probably send us to the bottom of the Grand Canyon with a 20 mule team, give us a bow and arrow and whatever we kill we have to cook over a Bunsen burner."
“We had a great night. Let’s leave it at that.”
“I’m not an on the fly chef.”
“I’m not in the groove.”
"I know my flavors are deeper!"
“I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, she’s a bitch.”
“America, don’t be pissed if I help Tiff win. I am being a good sport.”
“Lorraine, thanks for the wine.”
“I’ll be thrilled when it’s done.”
“It’s all good.”
"This is gonna be yum.”
“I’m done. It’s over. Either way. Thank you and good night.”
Mia
“Throw me under the bus. I don’t give a fuck. I don’t give a black bone.”
“Send my black ass home, I don’t give a fuck!"
Betty
“I do comfort food.”
“Carlos is out; gone!"
“I would love to see Marcel go home."
"2nd Helping" had me cracking up again! Casey should have been banished into the depths of sous chef-dom! I was laughing so hard watching her caress and slowly dice those poor onions! How could she do that to her team? ...I'm not as upset now about Tre biting it in RW! He had 2 chances and he failed miserably! He got the trip and that Platinum Membership to all those trendy nightclubs! Justice had better catch up with that snake CJ! His little needles and digs which aren't even asked for has been entirely too much!
ReplyDelete***I agree with your CJ comment. He's an ex pro beach volleyball player and they do a lot of trash talking. Of course there are nice beach volleyball players, I just haven't met them yet. Several of the guys I grew up with are on the AVP (they are nice to me, but that's b/c I know their families) and so I have been exposed to that warped culture. I really do believe that jerk threw Tre under the bus. Well, it's funny how this week CJ doesn't get such a big laugh when he's in the bottom 2 of the QF with Howie who prepares nothing!
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I agree; in fact I think he is worse than Howie ever was. Yeah; he acts nice til it comes judgement time, then WATCH OUT!***
Funny how Sam of S2 recommended cheftestants not to read the blogs and message boards! CJ is getting an eyeful I'm sure about now! Probably won't change him if he did make the final! Looks like it's ingrained in him to be a true ASS! Nothing will change that I guess! "Good LUCK in life you jerk! Go back to volleyball; you stink in the kitchen!" lol!
***Sam caught a lot of flak on the msg bds. I was one of his detractors as I thought that while his cooking skills were in the top 2 or 3, his leadership skills were taking his fellow chefs in the wrong direction with regards to Marcel. Sam probably could have nipped the bash Marcel mindset in the bud and there never would have been a head shaving incident. Instead he became a partner with Ilan in putting Marcel down every chance they got.
It would be depressing to read blogs and msg bds that had little good to say about you. This is not to say that you didn't have your fans and admirers as evidenced by winning "fan favorite" and $10,000. But the fan favorite polls were closed before Clippergate and Missing Fishgate(finale).
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I think it's interesting how CJ's initial popularity is taking a spiraling turn a lot like Sam's did last season. I think it was right around the same time last season too when Sam went from being the one to beat to "not that guy."
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I think CJ n Brian pass the buck when they are on the chopping block. Yes TRE failed, but he got no help from either of them. In the last epi., Brian also failed as far as I was concerned. He is not a leader so therefore no TC in my book; neither is CJ. The one I pick for leading the pack is Sara n maybe Dale. At least they know how to lead n try to stop a bad dish.***
I feel exactly the same way! The so-called consummate professionals were the worse; Stephen & Tiffany, then Cliff & Sam!
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It's like you've read my post and copy/pasted! I feel exactly the same way! The so-called consummate professionals were the absolute worse in their behavior from S1 with Tiffani/Stephen and then with S2 chefs in Cliff and Sam! They all put me off the show many times! I was a huge detractor of all of them! I ranted and ranted about their behavior, so they got an eyeful from me; which still comes forth when I see an old repeat!
***Okay now, I agree with most of what you said, but come on! don't do my Dave that way. That mac & cheese impressed a group of people which the chefs were very grateful to have got to cook for. It was #1 that night. ...Let's not forget for the wedding challenge, some of the stuff that was mentioned as being tasty was the stuff he sent out. Most of the time Dave's criticism from the judges were not about his flavors. I think for the most part, his flavors were always there. It just wasn't pretty; always.***
ReplyDeleteGreat post; you covered it all! In a perfect world Dave might have won, but they couldn't have a weeping willow as their TC! lol! Harrold was the perfect winner; nice guy, alpha male from what I hear from here! They say Sam lost for not wanting to repeat the result! They lost that type with TRE this year! What's left; Brian, Dale, Hung (a kid), CJ (gag me)?
***I agree! Well, maybe except for the Hung part, even though he's a kid I like him and had hoped to see him and Tre in the finale. One day I'll get over Tre being booted; I hope.
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I have to admit, Ilan was a cutie there at first. i don't like his style much these days, but I wanted to like him b/c I thought he was a little hottie. isn't that so shallow of me?***
I think a lot of us felt that way! Too bad he wound up acting like a doofus and a klutz! A really pathetic effort at the 4 Star All Star Challenge!
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***This is from Newsday:
Josie Smith-Malave, who was featured on Season 2 of the Bravo channel show, was one of three women asked to leave Partners, a Sea Cliff bar, the night of Sept. 1 after two of the women danced together, their lawyer, Yetta Kurland, of Manhattan, said yesterday.
This is from the NY Daily News:
"Kurland said the trouble started when the women went to Partners bar in Sea Cliff over the Labor Day weekend for a drink and began dancing together. Smith-Malave's sister is straight. Bar employees escorted the women out a side door after other patrons began making nasty remarks and the mood started getting ugly, Kurland said. Kurland said as many as 10 'young adults' followed the women out, circled them, screamed anti-gay slurs, spit on them and then punched and kicked them. ...police said they were investigating, but had made no arrests."***
I don't know why people are surprised by this! We have been on a conservative movement for years with Republicans and other Right-Wingers almost inciting this kind of violence! If it's not Gays they're harping on, it's liberal judges (who are victims); one here in Chgo had her husband and visiting mother killed! It's well documented these nuts targeting doctors and their families because of the abortion issue! The POLS have pulled back a little, but when you let that genie out of the bottle, it's hard to put it back in! No city is safe from this sort of thing because we have purposely been divided so much over the last 6+ years! Hopefully things can change with a new direction in '08; we can only HOPE! Good luck Josie; family and friends!
***Is women dancing together in N.Y. not a normal thing? Here in the midwest, that goes on all the time.***
I think their looks or lack thereof had something to do with it! If it's some blond skinny numbers, wearing very revealing dresses, they might have gotten cheers! Josie and possibly the rest of the crew looked a bit rough to them! That's no excuse, but that's how it works sometime! Just a thought!
***Thank Gawd she's not REALLY hurt badly and I think Josie is a tough lady!***
***Maybe they should consider NOT revealing who's dish it is to any of the judges until the decision has been made about the best/worst to maintain objectivity. I think some judge too harshly or are too lenient depending on likes and dislikes of chefs.***
ReplyDeleteThat comment about blind judging, I was suggesting it from the start! You can't tell me these people are impartial enough to judge this food without having some other determinant! They often refer back to a dish a person made before! It seems it would be a lot more fair if they didn't have any idea who made a certain dish! And I really hate Tom C. poking around the kitchen throwing out judgements to the others before the food is even served! I still remember him giving a "thumbs up" on Ilan's dessert for the finale last year! He said that it was really smart; then Gale used the exact same words during the judging! Not professional of any of them!
***I called it! Two in a row for Casey!***
I'm starting to be a believer! She's won most of the good prizes and was just a frozen meatball center from taking the Italian trip! I wonder why she fell so flat on her face with the "Trio" challenge letting her team down? I'd feel better about Hung if he didn't drop so much stuff on the floor, then totally ignore it; crayfish, jars, etc! What a pig!! Not offering to help others when he finished early was "bush" too! Even Casey tries when she can and I never cared for her in the past!
***That Apple computer and the two plane tickets were awesome. This year's prizes seem to be the most random.***
Hung is an ARSE! Several times he's done that kiddie trick of saying "I didn't do it" when people are standing there looking at him! Leaving that crayfish saying he didn't need it was even worse! GROW UP IDIOT!
***Jay, Bourdain has suggested that there are now at least 3 Hung's who may show up unannounced in any episode: the Crunchberry Kid, Elroy Jetson, or the mature classicist.
We can add to that list Bart Simpson, "I didn't do it."
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Yeah, and I thought it was really funny on the frozen food challenge when he said "I'm not blaming Joey" when that was exactly what he was doing. Of course...it was Joey's fault...LOL!
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In all honesty, if time allowed, I would have done something braised because it would have been difficult to dry out. But the chefs are not trained to use the equipment. Were they even told the temperature of the heating units on the plane. How does one calculate for that with zero training?***
That's what made this challenge a challenge; no familiar kitchen workings, the strange heaters before serving, etc!! I just want to know why experienced chefs always cook their lobster and shrimp when the reheating should do the trick? The microwave challenge in Season 1 had the same thing happening! I'm no cook, but even a quick hit of heat should do most sea foods! What a bunch of morons! lol!
***Did not see the microwave challenge, but most of us use microwaves. The cramped quarters, Dale not even knowing how to open the doors. People are assuming that the chefs cooked their seafood throughly. Maybe, they just seared it and the warmers continued to cook it. Has Collichio, Bourdain, Thomas Keller ever cooked on a plane and would they even know how to approach the challenge and put out a great meal in two hours? Doubt it.
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If CJ had left his broccoli dish out, would they have penalized him for not finishing his task? hmm.. I wonder.
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Well, his fish was way overcooked as well, so who knows?***
He won't be missed! To the end, I couldn't stand him! Even his exit interview got on my nerves! Like Andrea from Season 1, he has to keep referring to something I could care less about! Who cares but him and his family and friends about his being a cancer survivor! Give us all a break! Why do I need to know you have one testicle? The only reason I can see going anywhere near it is to remove the other one for spite!
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Hmmmm! I don't know if you could call it evil, but the commentary was merciless! Anthony and Tom just raked CJ over the coals for serving that broccolini! I'd of felt badly for him if he hadn't skated thru for so long throwing others 'under the bus!' Some may not think he was that bad, but there were several instances he could have been more kind! Agreeing with the blogger about Brian's sweating issue during RW's was unnecessary, he didn't take charge throwing all the responsibility of running the restaurant on TRE, then not backing him up just making than that silly, salty salad! Excuses have been made for him that as a professional volleyball player, there's a lot of trash talking! Well next time the gang hits the beach and the net is put up, he can behave like a boob! In the kitchen he could have been more helpful and considerate to his cheftestants! Even Casey to this point is nicer and I didn't really care for her at all during the "Trio's" debacle! She has surprised me a lot! Good luck to her! Go Dale and Brian! Get lost HUNG! lol! Another useless human being being allowed to survive to this point! Very average cuisine there HUNG baby! - Funny; "Snakes On A Plane" playing this week on HBO!
***Actually Jay, with the way tonight's episode was edited, I believe they're prepping us for Hung vs. Casey in the 2nd part of the finale.
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Just look at that picture of Hung and Casey on the Bravo website. Caption: "Reaching for the Skies" (?). It's a prelude to the finale.***
I can agree with that! Both are kinda weak though; Hung's ego and Casey's a little slow! I can't get over that onion thing! Was she looking at her competition? It was like she was in her own little world! How do you run a kitchen like that?
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***This is the worst cast of Chefs of all 3 seasons. None of them are willing to step out of the box. I've watched this entire season now with all Chefs playing it safe -- borrring. At least Seasons 1 & 2 had personality and could actually cook. I'm not convinced that any of these Season 3 Chefs know how to prepare food on any level.***
I said that ages ago! From the beginning it looked as if their resumes were a little padded; exec. chef here, exec chef there! Pls!!! These are glorified line cooks! They got rid of their one and only alpha male (TRE) and I just can't see this season ending any better than the last with Ilan! Whoever acquires the mantle of TC, most will look at it as sham!
***You know something, I'm really wondering about the raw chicken and the Dale miscounting. In that interview Dale made mention of wishing he was allowed to talk about the SOAP stuff b/c he wanted to "defend himself." ...Look at her in the RW's, she checked that meat and was not satisfied unless it was correct and the judges thought it was cooked beautifully. So why would she let undercooked chicken go out? ...It's still odd to me; doesn't really add up. I would like to know what Dale would say to defend himself?
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Sara is gone. I felt bad, she was crying. She is a nice lady.***
It was only logical! She was the weakest of all the chefs! Her time management skills or lack thereof was bound to trip her up! She didn't finish her Fish QC effort and Gale got some raw chicken during the EC! How do you mess up chicken? I'm disappointed in most of them really! There should be no excuses especially with Hung who got an extra 30 mins. to complete the challenge! What a TOOL! And he was shocked that Casey didn't stop and help him 'plate!' Sheeshhh! He'll crash and burn sooner or later!
***I also agree. Hung was criticised for his potato dish not being light and fluffy and he explained that b/c he had to plate solo (he explained other chefs were busy) his potato dish sat there too long and deflated. Hung wasn't slamming anyone for not helping him. He was just explaining what happened to his potatoes.
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If you think Casey has a lack of commitment to her craft, you haven't read the interview that F/D posted from the Dallas Morning News. ... When Casey says something about a lack of soul, she's a bitch. Seems like a little gender bias here.***
I still can't believe Casey made it when her meal was being ripped except for the smokey tomato sauce! SAUCE? You saved a bad dish just because you liked the freakin' JUICE? MORONS! Brian should have made it! Just because he threw everything but the kitchen sink on a plate was not a good reason to auf him like that! They just wanted a woman and too many of these judges were just flirting with her shamelessly; including the old coots!
***Not saying Casey is a bad chef - I think she is a qualified chef as is Dale and Hung. I just feel especially after watching the rerun that she should of been sent home during that EC.***
I'm still ticked off about that! The main component was RAW and she skipped on thru to the final! From what I saw and heard, Brian's dish was more than ok! Just because he dumped the pantry on a plate didn't entitle the judges to auf him like that! Shameless production judging! Here we go; WHO WILL BE TC?
Not Casey's nite! She didn't win any of the 4 dishes served! Looks like HUNG since they didn't seem to like Dale's lobster! His scallop was great though! Howie was of little help to scatter-brained Casey! Did Hung have foam on each of his dishes? I wonder where they're doing the finale; HARPO Studios? Is Oprah getting a cut of the production? Oh wow! Another finale I can do without watching over and over again! Bring Season 1 back with Harrold and Tiffany! lol! Rocco was HOT though!
ReplyDelete***Actually Howie's made that fourth dish of Casey which the judges all loved. May have been the only one that stood out for her, even though she didn't cook it.
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It seems she just got totally flustered, then having a sous chef made everything more complex, rather than helping her out. THEN she got Howie; who couldn't even see fit to shave.***
Rocco didn't shave either, but he looked good! CJ probably blew it off too! What a scuz; tall and very scuzzy!
***I can't stand Rocco, but he did look very good tonight; damn him.
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The truffle oil ... everybody slipped in it. And, by golly, he DID do it. Then took the cheap shot of putting Grand Marnier in Padma's breakfast beverage. He said it was a "pick me up." Actually, alcohol is not a stimulant.
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And Sara put booze in her dish too. And granted the oil was a haphazard mess, but not everyone slipped in it.
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How were the judges not fair?***
Well consistency would be nice! Either serve it or not and respect the decision, don't get on someone's case if they do what is best, don't eliminate someone for a poor dish when someone else didn't complete a challenge, etc, etc, etc! It may be my imagination, but if Tom has it out for you, he'll trash your dish and then convince others to see it his way! Rocco was the only one to really stand up to him it seemed!
***I heard them ALL saying that Dale's lobster dish was really bad, and not edible, and had that not been the case, I think Dale would have won. I was thinking either one (Hung or Dale) deserved to win, but the inedible dish is what made the difference.
What Tom had the problem with was that he didn't think Hung's dessert flowed with the rest of the meal, but he didn't say he thought it was bad, he just thought Hung played it safe.***
Well that SUCKED! Whenever I see HUNG I'll think of him saying, "I didn't do it!" What a YUTZ!
***High fivin' you on that one, brother!
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In episode 2 Casey asked CJ how much meat to get and he said he would not help her because it was a competition. CJ stabbed Tre in the back and badmouthed Brian. If you're looking for a villain, he's your guy.***
Tell me about it! I lost all passion for the show after 2nd Helping! When Tre was auf'd leaving CJ to continue on, I was just disgusted! He made the choices, did little work, didn't back up his Exec. Chef, then wimped out at Judge's table letting Tre take all the heat! His backhanded comments didn't endear him to me either! Did he really need to agree with blogger about Brian's sweating during RW? I don't think so; the SCUZ!! He wasn't even on his team! Go away "PRIVATE CHEF!"
As for the rest of the season, I'm not 'hating!' Congrats Hung, good luck Dale, and so long Casey! Nice work, but it just wasn't enough! Funny 2 years in a row I can do without watching the finale over and over again! Bring back Season 1; I can laugh at Tiffani and her act at judge's table! "Yeah, the dessert was the real firecracker even though Dave made it; NOT" Busted again! lol!
ReplyDelete---
***I wasn't real thrilled by CJ during RW; not by his conduct on either Night One or Two. Several things that stood out about him over those 2 episodes.
With RWs, whoever steps forward as Exec Chef or accepts that position does know... if your restaurant wins, you're likely to get the win in the Elim. If your restaurant loses, you're likely to be the one sent home. With so much on the line, Tre really did bungle things; he didn't do so alone, but he did ignore the feedback he received after Night One and then went on to add two bad dishes for Night Two. Ouch!
I'd like to have seen Tre stick around, but it's entirely possible he could have arrived in Aspen and proceeded to serve everyone dishes such as Ted Allen's personal nightmare, Wild King Salmon with Macadamia Nut Pesto & Grapefruit, Apple & Brioche Bread Pudding, Gorgonzola Crusted Beef Tenderloin with SMOKED & SMOKIN Potatoes, etc. Tre did some spectacular dishes but oddly, when it counted most, he went "kerflooey."
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And, sadly, isn't that what Casey did?
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CJ drove me nuts for alot of reasons, he waxed poetic so often I wondered why in the heck he wanted to be a chef instead of a wandering poet.
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As much as I loved the Smurf village...that was a total farce of what Hung really would have done if he had the chance. The ice cream? ew...tempura flakes? Hung thought...i'm not going to use berries, I'm going to be creative. It blew up in his face. I was talking about the fact that he did play it safe in elimination. We all know Hung can make beautiful food. He is the best chef there and he deserved to win. ...***
That was kinda "bushe" of him doing some of those combos and when called out always deflected back to a judge as "they're idiots, not me! They just don't get me! Me, me, me, ..!" He's classic! It was hard to take him seriously after those outbursts! He has all the training, but does he have "SOUL" as they keep asking?
***...but this two part finale was a little over the top. By the time they get to the finals, ... I understand cooking in Aspen and the chefs should have done some research on their time off to understand cooking in high altitude. Bringing in well known, accomplished chefs to be the sous chefs was a great twist. Adding an extra dish with one hour to go and then bringing in the chefs that have been eliminated, and not even letting them choose who to work with; WHOA!***
The guest judges should have only been taken as seriously as an advocate for the chef they worked for! You could see them leaning that way afterwards; they actually praised them like one of their children! After getting all that positive feedback, it would be balanced out by the rude and a lot of time unfair criticism of TOM Colicchio! ... He has preferences and doesn't try and hide it too much! He usually seems to get his way with only Rocco standing up to him on camera!
***But Eric Ripert stood up to him about Casey's sauce on the elk. Tom is the *head judge* and loves playing that trump card.***
ReplyDeleteThat was so bizarre! IT was like, "I've ripped Casey for giving me a raw piece of ELK, but I'll try and save her chances of becoming Top Chef by saying the sauce was 'magnifique'!" They were just looking for a reason to keep her, then dump Brian who supposedly just had too much going on on his plate! I'll take that over a bad dish anytime! That's where I lose respect for the show! I want consistency in judging and it has been hap-hazard all season; hell for all time! I'll let others come up with their own examples! Colorado hammered Phillies again and now Cleveland/NY are on!
***...Although he may have some good dishes I did not think they matched the creativity of Dale or Casey. Some of Dale and Casey's final dishes suffered technical problems. I do not think this should be the sole criteria for a good chef. ...Dale and Casey were great, but sometimes the best chef is the judicious chef who understands that less is more, so that certain ingredients are allowed to shine on a palate.***
Looking at the finale again, I guess I just didn't look that closely! It seemed Casey may have been a little mortified and embarrassed! She was flailing around a bit there and seemed to be on the verge of tears when it was discussed that the best dish she produced was really done by HOWIE! OUCH!! lol!! Maybe I'm just being a little too critical! Has this been discussed already?
***I don't think it's been discussed, but yeah, I do think she was about to cry.
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...Howie gets props for helping Casey put out her one good dish, CJ gets props for collaborating on Dale's acclaimed scallop, but... the results from the Draw of the Knives could have been quite different.
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As I recall, Casey said she let the plating of the prawn get away from her, and Howie put the roe on that. Not to say anything wrong about Howie, ...They were plating together. You have to in that short period. I have a hard time believing it got away from her.***
I said "scatterbrained" earlier! She may be better than both Dale and Hung, but they probably aren't as anxious dealing with that "clock!" That was Howie's undoing so he has redeemed himself nicely with the lone dish the judges liked amongst Casey's offerings! What a kick in the head!
***Why didnt someone else cook the duck instead of Ilan? Does every chef know how to cook a duck? I doubt it. I think its so funny people are stuck on the friggen duck. He also knocked Marcel's fruit over and apologized and offered to cut more for him. People want to hang Ilan over that too, but how many things did Hung knock over or drop this season and never once did he admit it? Ilan played it safe and cooked what he knew and cooked it very well; Hung too. He cooked what he knew and did it well. How is that any different? Ilan was immature and we all saw it; Hung too. They both need some "seasoning."***
ReplyDeleteI know you don't lump me into this group! I unabashedly have ripped Ilan for all I was worth concerning this and more! Why didn't someone offer to cook the freakin' duck?? He was a clutz, but really only annoyed Marcel! Hung would leave oil and broken glass lying around so an accident was always a possibility! Both played it safe with Ilan sticking with saffron and a spanish influence! Hung played it safe doing the so-called classics! Neither thought outside the box that much! Both will be lame on the FOODIE Circuit!
***Dale and Casey are up. http://www.chow.com/stories/10756
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WHOA!! I don't think it's possible to sound more bitter and angry. Casey has officially jumped the shark. She sounds almost delusional with all of her bizarre excuses. I actually felt really bad when the judges crushed her dishes, but now I'm happy she lost. Casey, you lost because your food SUCKED! Deal with it you BITCH!
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No offense to you or anyone else around here, but interviewers are TRUE IDIOTS! They get koodos for asking the hard question in entertainment and politics, but...them! ...What was Tom supposed to say to that question when he's married and with kids? STUPID, STUPID, STUPID question! He's just being diplomatic and not have his stuff thrown out on his lawn!
***Tom may have been flustered at the time but he probably recovered. ...His wife is a film maker and probably realizes that Tom has become somewhat of a tv celebrity and rubbing elbows with someone like Padma is part of the job.
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...You could start eating as soon as it was served in case one of the chefs decided to get long winded like Tiffani did resulting in cold food.***
I wonder did that help Harrold in Season 1; Tom told him to stay in the kitchen and menu was written so he didn't bore the diners with a long rendition of what he was serving! Did that cook Tiffani's goose when the judges really got annoyed with her long-winded recitation of her menu? It was kinda funny anyway!
***Because Tiffani was cooking each dish 2 different ways, it was taking a long time for her to explain both dishes. The diners began to complain that while she was talking, the food was getting cold. So finally around the 4th course they began eating while she was talking. However, the damage had already been done. So yes, whatever hurt Tiffani helped Harold.
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Gosh JCM, you gave me a flash of yet one more TC Meal From Hell...
Tiffani narrating a meal comprised of duets, at the same time that Stephen is doing the wine service, while Marcel is doing table side foam service, and Gail turns to me and says, "This pork dish Howie helped with, it's *very* salty..."
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I can't believe that Hung won the competition. ... he was horrid as far as ethics in the kitchen and his cooking was way to robotic! ... It figures though, in Project Runway they always give the worst people the winning spot (Santino (S2), Jay (S1), and that tattoo neck loser Jeff (S3)). People like Uli(PR) and Dale (TC) never win for whatever reason. They are obviously the best, but I guess the judges are mentally somewhere else. ...giving us more reasons to stop watching the finale. It is always predictable as far as always choosing whoever no one wants to win.
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The reunion was as bland as the whole season. The judges are all full of hot air. Come on. And Andy is dork.***
I think the main reason the reunion was a dud is the cheftestants truly like one another! We tried to demonize a couple of the guys, but overall it seems they really got along and continue to be friends! There were a few dust ups, but that will happen with any group put under the pressure they were with challenges, long work days, and a lot of sitting around doing nothing while the judges made up their minds; what little they have! Andy did his best to stir up some shit, but they weren't having it! They were even slapping Hung on the back with congrats! Oh well, we can only hope next season will be better; challenges, drama, etc!! On to Project Runway; "it don't" look good so far! That could be the pessimist in me, but from what I've seen, they're about as nerdy as the cast of Top Design! It was hard getting thru that season and the blogging was sparse! Same with Shear Genius; slow, slow, slow!
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I totally agree, but refuse to get excited about it! I lost a little passion for the show after seeing some chefs saved who didn't deserve it with some of the best being axed! It's a contest, and mistakes were made, but how does Howie move on blowing off a couple challenges? The one "doing the most work" (as was said about Marcel even though he had some clunkers) was auf'd while a 'salty salad maker' moves on; Tre v CJ!! You saw how livid everyone was! I'm really surprised we have this much activity on the finale! I don't watch the reruns over and over like Season 1! It lost just a little bit of credibility; fault TOM or not!
***Casey and CJ bothered me the most towards the end. ...CJ is a back-stabbing one-balled bastard. "No woman can resist my crepes;" give me a break. Sounds like he needs to resort to gimmicks to get women. Damn crazy tall leprechaun.***
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, but refuse to get excited about it! I lost a little passion for the show after seeing some chefs saved who didn't deserve it with some of the best being axed! It's a contest, and mistakes were made, but how does Howie move on blowing off a couple challenges? The one "doing the most work" (as was said about Marcel even though he had some clunkers) was auf'd while a 'salty salad maker' moves on; Tre v CJ! ...I'm really surprised we have this much activity on the finale! I don't watch the reruns over and over like S1! It lost just a little bit of credibility; fault TOM or not!
***I couldn't agree more. I wouldn't expect everyone to dress up all the time like Laura, but it would help if they all looked like they bathed once in a while; and their clothes got washed and not picked up out of a garbage can. ...On FN there's going to be a new "reality" catering show called Two Dudes or something. One of the kids has semi-long hair that's in his face; he cooks with it like that. His hair looks greasy enough to dip; it's disgusting. I won't be watching that show; it'll just gross me out.
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I still think you would like S1, but I guess its your prerogative not to watch.
You know what Tom was also very specific about; how much he wanted Dave off the show in episode 9? Those are Tom's quotes. A group of Napa chefs voted Dave's food the best and if Tom had his way he still would have gotten rid of him. Check out his blog. It's a disgrace that someone who is a judge on this show could be so openly against a contestant.
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I agree the score cards were fudged. Dave got robbed. But seriously, the chefs returning can be good or bad. What if someone just didn't like someone and they never did a thing to them?? That could happen. I would prefer totally neutral sous chefs and blind tasting.***
I have to agree with you and WhatAjoke! I've been saying for years, you need blind taste judging! Personality shouldn't matter especially since Tom C. keeps saying as much! But then you read these blogs! Being diplomatic isn't in the cards for most of these guys! They can't help but express their favorites and pan others they don't like! To this day, Tom is still trying to justify TRE being auf'd like that at SH! It was disgusting and so mirrored the same situation last year with Marcel! He did most of the work in RW's even though his chicken drumsticks weren't cooked well and that they hated other components of his work, but he made it thru because he did most of the work! CJ made a salty seafood salad and slid thru! Carlos last season was auf'd for just doing a salad at the THXGvg Day challenge! Duh!! Pls tell me the difference! People want consistency! I hope they don't think being arbitrary in the judging brings positive drama to the show! IT DOESN'T "TOP" Production Co.!
As for S1, it's by far the most entertaining season! I can watch those reruns everyday! You had a very nice dynamic with Harrold the nice guy, Tiffani the obvious villainess, very good chefs like Stephen, Dave, and Lee Anne, with some foils to keep us laughing like Andrea and Miguel! If you haven't watched it, I suggest it wholeheartedly! The finale was the best as well! Seeing Tiffani getting busted for taking credit for Dave's dessert made it all worth while!
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Funny; I watched the final again from tape and it came to me like a flash, Tiffany lost even with 2 great sous chefs (one that picked all her wine)! We all know she hates desserts, so she had that done for her! That must really hurt! All that HELP and with her rival's SAFE menu, SHE BLEW IT! lol! Hilarious
***Stephen was under a handicap from the getgo when Tiffani included artichokes on her menu. Stephen mentioned that artichokes are among the hardest foods to match with wines. Harold's team was also smarter where it came to matching food with wine. They chose the wines first of which there was a limited selection and then matched the food of which there was a lot to choose from to the selected wines. Harold also got an extra bonus from Lee Anne. Lee Anne, although not a sommelier in an official sense, has worked under a master sommelier at her place of work, the FCI. Lee Anne can be seen at the FCI website doing food/wine matching in a laboratory setting. She has also done food/wine demos as part of her job at the FCI.
ReplyDeleteAs for the dessert, Dave said it best: "I don't know what Tiffani would have done with dessert if I hadn't given her mine."
The funny thing is, as hung over as Dave and Stephen were, what they did put out ranked the highest among all of Tiffani's offerings. I am referring to the artichoke risotto which Stephen executed using Tiffani's recipe, and Dave's Panna Cotta dessert which he was going to use if he had made the finale.
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Aaaaah, so it's maybe a little like animosity as personified by the animus. Gotcha! And don't worry, being a pompous, elitist snob really is all it's cracked up to be--trust me, I know. Better to be that than a tool and a douche, eh?
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...I watched some episodes of TC and always found it addictive and entertaining -- too bad we can't taste any of the food. Seriously though, weren't some of the better chefs offed before they should have been? For the restaurant challenges, it was unfair to have to drop someone, but really bad of them to off Tre. It should have been Tre, CJ and Hung in the final three, with Dale also in the mix. ....***
I got caught up in the show a few eps. into S1! I missed Star and a couple others who were elim. until the reruns caught me up! I still don't even know why I have any interest in the show! I don't care about fashion as I once did when I was a kid and modeled a little! ... $100,000 is nothing compared to what they truly make and I see it as a real crime, especially since Jay was squeezed to share 10% of his future creation earnings! I still can't believe he told them to f&#k themselves and walked away making them look like mercenaries rather than talent agents! lol!
As for Top Chef, again I'm taken with the drama of the production! I almost never cook and if it takes more than 20 min. to prepare, it doesn't get made! lol! I use instant rice, frozen goods, and might fry up a steak or pork chop! Other than that if I want a good meal, I head over to Mom's or hit a restaurant!
Some of the better chefs were auf'd for confusing reasons! I've always thought they save some of the bad chefs just to make their jobs easier when it gets down to crutch time near the end of the season! No way should someone like Howie and CJ survive as long as they did, while someone like TRE was let go prematurely! I've never seen such an uproar after he was unceremoniously kicked! It was a travesty to everyone on here and we ranted about it for the rest of the season! He was no favorite of mines, but I could tell he was one of the most talented! As for CJ, how can we believe he was truly upset or sorry when he didn't back TRE up! "Well I assumed he could make it when he....!" That was lame and I was so glad to see him called out on the carpet for doing little else but to make that very bad lobster salad! My final 3 would have been Tre, Hung, Dale, and maybe Casey!
***I never saw the big controversy with Betty's actions; she competed within the rules as she understood them. To her, the challenge was to prepare a meal that stayed within a certain calorie level, and the dietitian was there to give them a number. After the trial run, her team was well below the cut-off number, and Betty knew that the amount of sugar she added to the recipe would only add about 5 calories per serving to her teams menu, so they were still well under the limit.***
ReplyDeleteI agree that was a mess! I understand where Betty was coming from with staying within caloric guidelines, but those menus and it's recipes were LOCKED! She knew that or should have known it! No question about it, something would have had to be made up to keep all the contestants for that following challenge! What a make up; getting rid of both Marisa and Josie in one fell swoop especially since they deserved it! There contribution was lame! How many hours did they have; 3-4 hours to prepare a couple cold dishes?
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***Top Chef back in the house for a Christmas special. Tiff and Stephen from Season 1, Marcel, Josie and Betty from Season 2 and Sandee, Tre and CJ from Season Three. All the usual suspect judges and SANTA!!***
I hope there are no team challenge aspects since these guys have a problem or 2 with each other! Tiff and Stephen are no great buds, Betty hates Marcel, and Cj caused TRE to be auf'd! Fireworks? We'll see!!
***I know, Betty. It should be a lot of fun. Maybe Betty and Marcel will be a little more relaxed and work well together....***
I wonder why Josie was selected to be in this holiday show thursday? Maybe it's a follow-up to find out how she is after her A & B in New England! As for challenges during her time competing in season 2, what did she do that was memorable? Was she a real player in the end like Marcel, Ilan, Sam, or Cliff? I understand why Cliff isn't there! I only looked briefly at the high-lite, but he better not be part of this show after what he did to Marcel! lol!! So looking forward to it! PR stinks so far! I don't cook, but the challenges are compelling at times! After TC, I watch a lot of Food Network's Iron Chef and other smaller comp.'s on the channel! Bravo is falling on hard times it seems to me! People aren't happy with the dumb challenges created to make most of the contestants fail because that makes better tv drama! The judging is really inconsistent! They can always justify some of it, but it's still "bush-league!"
***...Lobsters from further down the coast have a vaguely metallic taste due to an oil spill decades ago. Maine was above the oil spill, so those lobsters are still sweet-tasting.***
ReplyDeleteYears ago my Mom had a lobster at Riva's in Chicago; supposedly flown in from Australia! It really cost, but not sure what would make them special enough to charge over $100! Anybody??
Watching TC S2 again! As much as I liked the season, I can't get over how mean and vindictive the chefs were to one another! All this time, I was thinking Cliff would be a great representative as a TOP CHEF, but watching him those last few challenges, he was no leader and his food was not as good as he thought! It was about then at the 7 Sins Challenge Ilan's true colors started bleeding thru! What a rat! Like someone posted last year, he more than likely was "the victim" in the past and got to play with the cool kids for once and relished it to his own personal detriment at the end! He's no TOP CHEF! Sam and Elia were just phony and should have been auf'd long before the final! How did Mike last so long? Loved the season, but hated the result!
***...I think they kept Mike on for comic relief. Sam should have been the TC. I don't really think there was so much a winner, as they chose the lesser of "Two Evils."
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I never really got the "phony" vibe from Sam & Elia. You mean phony as to their personalities as distilled down by the show's 60 minute constraints each week, or as to the actual representation of their talent?***
Well there are many ways to be phony! With Elia, she was no chef! She may have been a great chef, but I saw no evidence of it! Her dishes were commonplace and I can't remember one thing that really stood out; mushroom soup for THX, salads, gamey sweetbreads, etc ,etc, etc! Even her presentation didn't stand out! If you didn't like Marcel or Stephen from S1, they got points for the look at least!
As for Sam, he has great potential and was quite innovative at times! My problem was with him personally! He loves to be thought of as the "good guy", but behind the scenes, he's stirring up stuff; i.e. getting Frank all worked up about the toothbrush incident, berating Marcel in a store, then having the audacity to ask for help from him after he took all the good proteins! Screw him!! That's the gamble you take when you take 1st course honors and choose all the great proteins! Notice that devilish sneer when he knew he was hosing Marcel and the others?? What a jerk! I wouldn't want to work with him! Don't get me started on Sam allowing that physical assault on Marcel to take place! As for certain people who say to "let it go," if I see a rerun, I react to it! Loved the early season, but the last few shows were almost unwatchable with all the backbiting and abuse!
***So who should have been Top Chef for S2 in your opinion??***
ReplyDeleteIf it came down to those last 4 chefs, I'd say Marcel even though I don't like him! Cooking is where he is going; chemicals, all that new equipments thrown in their to freeze, souvie, and the like! Even Sam thought he could learn something from Marcel! Elia just didn't have it and Ilan is too limited and juvenile! Sam would have been my 2nd choice with CLIFF as an alternate if he wasn't such a jerk! I really thought Cliff would make the final! He was a big disappointment, but Ilan showed himself to be an even more colossal arse! I really liked him the 1st half of the season!
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Watched S2 finale again! My views haven't changed needless to say! Ilan has been a huge disappointment to me, his craft, and the reputation of the show! When they all get together to take the flight to Hawaii for the finale, you'd think they'd be happy to go and get along! NO SUCH LUCK! They barely sit down in 1st class before we hear Ilan is more than a little uncomfortable with Marcel! HELLO! He was lucky to be there after that vicious assault on Marcel! He and SAM should have been kicked off the show along with Cliff as Tom C. wanted! It may be ridiculous to still be so upset about that incident, but I was horrified! These guys weren't "BUDS!" HOW DO YOU DO something like that on camera and then have absolutely no remorse? You'd think they would be as nice as they could to the BOY, but they all still ganged up on him! I would have sued and I hate how litigious a society we've become! AN "I'm sorry" would have helped! No such luck with these losers! Loved the season, but hated the outcome! They raved about the innovation and flavors of Marcel's faire, but they went to what they thought would be safe with the "Spanish FLY" of ILAN! What were they thinking? Such a limited repertoire and they even noted it earlier! Such hypocrites!
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Watching Marathon of S2 again! Everyone's against Marcel, but they all needed to look at themselves! In Restaurant Wars, Ilan doesn't watch Sam's bacon and it burns while he's out dealing with the very lazy Michael, Sam makes this awful dessert of watermelon nookie, Michael doesn't spend almost a $100 of his budget money and didn't buy plates for olive pits, Elia's burger was more like heavy meatloaf, Cliff was incompetent working the front of the house, on and on and on! Such idiots! So busy smacking Marcel, they all failed the task at hand! Marcel did most of the work and rightfully survived judging! Cliff was lucky Michael was so bad or he would have been auf'd before his assault of Marcel in the following episode! Loved S2 up to then! Character really lacking with Cliff passing the buck and just trying to stay out of the way! Never took responsibility for his lack of expertise working the front of the house! How do these people have the nerve to beat up on Marcel? They were all so lacking close to the end!
***Marcel was an annoying _____!***
There's annoying, then there's evil or malicious behavior! Watching Season 3 you see tons of that; Casey being a black widow (how many were auf'd right after she assumed friendship), CJ's laziness and betrayal cost Tre elim.! Hung would finish early, but not only stand around, he'd harangue the other chefs while they worked! So many of these people weren't of the quality to be TC!
***ITA with above. Just could never stand Marcel. Even remotely.***
I'm no fan of the Marcel, but his treatment was abysmal! His social skills were obviously limited, but no way should grown ass people like Sam, Cliff, and Betty treat anyone like they did! Ilan could be excused for being a douche! He's just as lacking in social graces! Really liked him before he went over to the dark side! What a goober! Will any of these people go anywhere after winning TC? I see more action with Food Network's chefs! They get exposure real quick it seems! I could be wrong!
ReplyDelete---
Watched the last couple episodes of S3 and see I didn't miss much! IT was hard to like what was going on again! Hung being a weasel, CJ being a poor excuse for a chef, and Casey being a black widow (how many were auf'd right after she assumed friendship)! CJ's laziness and betrayal cost Tre elimination! Hung would finish early, but not only stand around, he'd harangue the other chefs while they worked! So many of these people weren't of the quality to be Top Chef!
***So I was right the first time? Casey fouled the onions? I try to see it in my mind's eye but all I picture is Hung teaching that chicken a lesson. ...!***
That was so funny! I loved Cafe April turning up their noses to the creators of The Garage/Quatre, then got their asses kicked by those blue collar workers! The elitist and bougie executive chefs of Cafe April went down in flames during the qf where Casey embarrassed herself! It wasn't even close with Casey dragging her whole team down with her incompetent dicing of the onions!
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+++Season 4:+++
I'll never understand how inadequate production always seems to be here! They only have the exact # of deep dish pans and they don't scramble to help the guy out? I feel like I'm back in college! You're given a limited time to complete a program, but the computer is gagging! "Murphy's Law" was born in the 70's!
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That pizza pan business was "whack," but how many would blame the man for giving away that mayo, then needing it to remake his dish? Everyone would be saying, "this is a competition, blah, blah, blah!! I might give it up, but I've paid for my generosity all too often!
***I agree, Jay... I don't see why people are upset that Richard didn't share his mayonnaise. He did give the recipe to the other guy. He isn't required to give him the mayonnaise, and as Lee Ann says in her blog, she's given everyone a list of what's in the pantry. Why didn't the guy check his list?
Rocco Despirito! What credentials does this guy have to be a guest judge?***
ReplyDeleteHey, it's simple! Rocco bridges the gap between himself and his generation (X,Y, & Z!) and the stodgy older chefs like Tom C. Anthony B., and others! He's also the "eye candy" that Padma does for her demographics! He's come a long way since that clunker reality show which did not show him in a good lite! From what I can see and tell, he's reinvented himself! He doesn't retaliate on camera even when attacked by someone like Anthony B.! He smiles, seems to enjoy what he's doing, and gives positive and needy negative feedback to the cheftestants! He's been great!
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***Actually, I think what saved her was the fact that they pulled the mushrooms from the table and didn't serve them except to the judges.***
That's one of the things that really bugs me about this show! If something is unacceptable as the judges will say at times, they always hammer the chef for even putting the dish out! Now when they do hold back, they want a taste so they can hammer them anyway! What a bunch of goofs (hypocrites)!
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***I think Red team should have won! I'm sorry but I don't agree with the panel's advice that you don't cook for the crowd only the judges!! WTF with that? Eric was a bit off-putting talking about taco's being "street food!" ...!***
Oh he was an idiot! I could tell from the beginning he was going to be a quick casualty! His mouth wrote checks ....! Grossed me out with all the rings! Heaven knows what's hanging off of them! Gack! Glad I never hit his place when I lived in SF! - You're as bad as me with conspiracies! lol! I already said they needed a "reality check" since they were so over-confident! It really shocked me they went down in flames so hard! I knew the corn dogs would be a flop since everyone knows the steam will just kill the texture of the shell of whatever you deep fry after any significant time period! You can't trap all that moisture and expect your dish to be eatable! DOLTS! They did the same thing last week! Anything you make should wilt after all the time they waste moving around trying to "hawk" that Glad family of products! Unless they have built-in heaters and coolers, they only really keep your stuff from spilling and that's about it!
***Well, Eric had that choice. She got the pasta salad because nobody else wanted it. Eric chose to do a dish without the vision to do it well.***
Oh he was done! My GAWD; he was supposed to have all this experience, but all I could do was shake my head! He was SLOW; maybe even dense! I just didn't see it! Others that have been dumped have been for elemental errors dealing with salt or lack thereof! I'm sorta appalled by the talent level, but it may get better like S2! They started out a bit slow too!
***Personally, I think Ryan is in deep denial.***
Well that's not very nice! Ryan is cute, and it would be nice, but if he's straight or doesn't want to advertise to the world, it's his business! On MMASM, they spend half the show trying to instigate things with Ben and Ronnie knowing Ben is married! Some of us would love for him to change sides, but it's so rude to keep pushing it! Bravo is so GAY minded! lol! Let it go!
***Cool or conniving? We'll never know. Like I said, he may have compromised knowing that if the dish failed, Manny would take the fall.***
ReplyDeleteOh pls! How soon we forget! Mr. Spike is no saint! That last challenge for the block party was LOW! Yanking people's chain saying he cleaned out that pantry which was such a LIE! He will forever use the excuse of "this is a competition!" So far his brand of competition has cost people around him! He was so sure his team had won that challenge and see what happened! Now poor Manny is gone! Who's next? Avoid this guy CHEFS! He's like Casey from S3; a black widow except he's a dude! lol!
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***Richard is smarter than he looks. ...He was able to get 'chocolate' in to keep with the Willy Wonka theme, but by using white chocolate he could do it without the bad flavor combination. White chocolate is essentially vanilla flavored fat; all of the cocoa has been removed.***
Well he was very lucky! I think I read somewhere that in Hell's Kitchen with Gordon Ramsey, he threw up in a garbage can a chicken dish that was made with chocolate! Too tired to find out the exact recipe! Any one else? I still gag thinking of Ilan's attempt at putting liver inside some chocolates for Eric R. in S2! Yuck!
***Yes,Jay...I saw that. It was scallops with white chocolate.
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The key is the 'white' chocolate. All of the fat with none of the flavor. The dish on H/K had more problems than the chocolate. The uncooked scallop and venison were a big part of it. The Hell's Kitchen website has a video clip of the dish and they have even got a second clip of Gordon describing the dish as the worst 'signature' dish he has ever tried.***
Yeah, that's it! The chicken he was unhappy with was thrown against the wall and called "rubber!" That guy may be brilliant, but that demeanor would run me off! lol! Talk about tough! A lot of those people should find other work! Simple tasks are made out to be very difficult for them! Total idiots I think! Sorta like the 1st few that are tossed off this show! Who plants it in their minds they are that good? lol! Some of their knife skills are so poor!
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***There have been plenty of legitimate eliminations. Miguel, Ken, The first finale, the second finale. I could go on and on. ...Yeah I like this show. Used to love it. It's too bad that it's become so obviously preoccupied with creating drama rather than showcasing the chefs and their food.***
I SOOOOOOOOO totally agree! Producers behind the scenes are pulling strings all the time for drama's sake for sure! I have the same problem with figure skating here in the STATES! The judges really hate Johnny Weir since he's so flamboyant (and what they consider fem)! They did everything they could to make sure Evan Lysacek won this past Nat'ls in Jan. with a so-called tie just to hose Johnny (who definitely skated better)! It's gets hard to watch when you feel like things aren't on the up and up! Look at MMASM! Ben was nowhere near as good as Casey or Frankie, but he was saved over and over again from elimination just to keep the drama of his relationship with Ronnie going! They fueled it every episode even joking about it incessantly knowing he's married and had no intentions of changing lifestyles! Hard to believe these people are adults sometime!
***RED TEAM SHOULD HAVE WON THAT CHALLENGE!!***
ReplyDeleteJust goes to show you, producers are involved in the judging process! ...It's happened before on these shows! ...
***And no I can name plenty more which I thought were perfectly reasonable, but I didn't think I had to. ...
Season 1:
Ep.1 Ken - Fine
Ep.2 Andrea - Fine
Ep.3 Brian - Fine (Shrek was lucky she had immunity)
Ep.4 Candice - Fine
Ep.5 Lisa - Fine
Ep.6 Andrea - Fine
Ep.7 Miguel - Fine
Ep.8 Stephen - Fine
Ep.9 Lee Anne - Not Fine I thought they kept Shrek for Drama b/c it was a toss up with those two, but close enough in retrospect to be plausible.
Ep.10 Dave- Huge massive problem already discussed.
Ep.11 Shrek - More than fine.
Season 2:
Ep.1 Sujyai - Fine
Ep.2 Otto - Fine because he removed himself. Marisa should have been toast.
Ep.3 Emily - Fine
Ep.4 Nobody - Perfect. If they weren't ready to delve in and figure out the truth then they couldn't send anyone home.
Ep.5 Marisa & Josie - Fine (unfortunately Marisa took Josie with her)
Ep.6 Carlos - Fine (est. the "salad rule")
Ep.7 Frank - Not Fine, I think they got rid of Frank to save Sam.
Ep.8 Fine - Elia would have gone if Mia didn't bow out herself.
Ep.9 Betty - I can't really remember much of this ep so it's probably fine
Ep.10 Mikey - Not Fine. I thought Marcel should have gone for under-cooking his chicken.
Ep.11 Cliff - Fine, but under the aggressive touching rule, Marcel should have gone as well.
Ep.12 Sam and Elia - Not Fine. I thought Tom went out of his way to find stuff wrong with Sam. Trying to set Marcel against the easiest of the other three to beat and set up the good vs. evil showdown.
Ep.13 Marcel - So far past fine it's immeasurable.
Season 3:
Ep.1 Clay - Not fine. Howie didn't complete the challenge.
Ep.2 Sandee - Fine but knit-picky.
Ep.3 Micah - Fine
Ep.4 Camile - Fine
Ep.5 Lia - Fine (Hung got lucky)
Ep.6 Joey - Fine (Hung got lucky)
Ep.7 Sara N. - Fine
Ep.8 Nobody - Not fine. too much RR will wear it out and they screwed the team that won it the first time.
Ep. 9 Tre - Not Fine. CJ did next to nothing.
Ep.10 Howie - Fine but I thought Hung should have gone.
Ep.11 CJ - Fine
Ep.12 Sara M. - Fine
Ep.13 Brian - Fine but it seemed like he got railroaded
Ep.14 Hung - Fine. Completely flawed challenge, far to flawed for a finale but the result was plausible.
Season 4:
Ep.1 Nimma - Fine
Ep.2 Valerie - Fine, but her team mates should have taken more heat.
Ep.3 Erik - Not fine. Blatant attempt to keep the muffin twins together
Ep.4 Manny - Not fine. Even more blatant attempt to elim. a nice chef while saving a dramatic one.
So out of 42 episodes I have problems with 10 elims.***
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Ep.5 (by me) Zoi - Fine, the carpaccio was bad with unseasoned mushrooms! It cost her to have someone with immunity on her team!
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Thinking back to S2, I remember Cliff be the biggest jerk in the creation of the menu and buying the supplies! After all that, you don't see or hear from him again! ...That was a big example of why not have someone with immunity even work with you! They will help you slice your own throat! Morons! They always seem to cost ya!
***Yeah, but Spike should not even have brought up the soup. I mean, what was to be gained out of that, Antonia couldn't go anyway. And Tom said it himself, they weren't there b/c they did carpaccio instead of soup, they were there b/c the dish was not good. it was a jerk move of his to say it.***
Salmon is so unimaginative and cooking it sous-vide is insane! You need to crisp up that skin to give it any character! I dislike fish overall and with a mushy texture, I would have trashed it! The only thing that hasn't gone wrong for me when it comes to fish is Lobster and Shrimp! All others have to be kinda special for me to like it! I HATE fighting with bones!
***My first impression is that Spike isn't really to blame for this. He tried to tell Zoi to season the dish. He tried to tell them the dish wasn't really earthy. He tried to tell them to go with soup.***
ReplyDeleteI agree mostly! I'm not a Spike fan, but he should have said, "we're doing SOUP bitch!" lol!! I know if he had done that and succeeded, they would have said he wasn't a team player! You can't win in this society! We are so schitzo in every aspect of our society! Off topic you have the FAA who is supposed to regulate the Airline, but at the same time promote them! They actually said they were grounding planes for landing gear inspections today and we shouldn't think it was for safety reasons! Huh? Isn't that what inspections are for? They are so busy trying to minimize problems they actually said that! IDIOTS!! And we let them get away with it!
***Yeah, that's one thing that kills me about Top Chef. You're supposed to be a team player; BUT you're supposed to stand up and make your voice known when you're convinced you're right. You're supposed to stand by your dish, BUT you're supposed to tattle to the judges about who screwed up. (After you tattle, then you're supposed to go back and all be one happy team afterwords.)
But, frankly, isn't that why watch? To see how they torment these poor souls? They're worse than Satan; Jump five feet in the air, but don't let your feet leave the ground.
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Yeah,...I think I am finally sick of team challenges now. Funny how no one screams when someone who 'we' don't like gets sent home. It always seems fair then.***
I've been sick of them for a couple years! lol!! You find how inept a chef is in team challenges! The loudest and more obnoxious ones are the worst! Going back to S2, I mentioned how 'big-mouth' Cliff won a QF so he had immunity! With that safe haven, he went nuts and cost a team mate her spot! I knew Antonia's team would be in trouble with her acting like that along with her promise to bust her ass to make sure they did well! Another curse; how many times did we hear that from Casey in S3 when she would cost a team mate again and again and again! Talk about underhanded! What was she doing? lol!! As for losing another chef and no one really caring; they are all so bad, each one that is sent home can be justified. If not from what they did today, it could be from what rotten thing they may have produced before!
***...I think Richard might be one of the better ones left. IMHO however, the salmon should have been fatal. Richard even said it himself! Seriously, scaly fish got to slide??!!! WTF?***
Oh Richard was very lucky! I'm not a big fish eater, but if some mushy piece of fish was set before me, I'd be more than a little upset! Salmon is bland to begin with and putting it thru a water bath (sous-vide style) was unforgivable! He really needed to crisp up that skin and season it well for me to like it! Sous-vide is the height of laziness as far as I'm concerned! Chefs love to talk about how it seals in all the juices and flavor! Nyah, they're just being lazy F#&ks! It's supposed to be "idiot proof" as Ramsey loves to coin! So for all you pun fanatics, "2 W®ongs made a W®ight" and he survived! Must be the Marcel factor! He's an innovative chef and he's being "pushed" along!
***Two episodes in on Hell's Kitchen and already I want Bobby and Jen to be run through a large food processor...***
ReplyDeleteOh those people are horrid! One is given the awesome duty of deciding who should be auf'd, and what do they do, pick someone they don't like rather than get rid of the "dead weight!" So many of these people don't have a clue how to run a kitchen! What gives them the idea that will change after Ramsey puts them thru their paces? The senior personnel isn't any better than the young ones! At least they try! That one dude who couldn't remember the menu should have been escorted right out of there; 1st thing! ...THE YELLING IS TOO MUCH FOR ME THOUGH! lol!
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***Was it a team event where after finishing up early that Hung did not help his fellow chefs or was it an individual event? If it was an individual event I can understand why he would not help his competition. Why should he, with $100,000 and other perks on the line. It would be ironic if the chef he helped won and he got the gate.***
Fine, but the other chefs weren't like that! What was worse, Hung actually asked for help when he had gotten an extra half hour or so for that last challenge with the chicken, onion, and potato! All I could think was, this ASS is more than a little ballsy! Another loser that won't do anything with the title; seems like! He's good, but who would want to work with him?
***None of the other chefs were so fast that they could sit around like Hung did. He wasn't named "speedy Gonzales" for nothing and I am not just talking about him running around the kitchen(sometimes with knives). If I remember correctly, the other chefs were still cooking when he asked for help and didn't get any. He didn't make a big deal out of that.***
I'm amazed he even made the final! He would finish too quickly so his food had to have dried out or gotten cold often enough! He BS'd the judges talking about how much he enjoyed the challenge when we all heard him "kvetch" and moan about cooking that elk; "I hate it!" What a jerk! Not too impressed by judges for obvious reasons! They beat up Brian about too many ingredients, but every one seemed to love his dish! The biggest complaint was with Eric R. saying he should have made the decision on what cheese to top it with instead of giving everyone a choice! So asinine! And what's up with Casey moving on? They said they didn't like her cauliflower puree and that the meat was "RAW!" Biggest compliment was that the smokey tomato butter was great and elevated the dish! That's a reason to skip her to the final!
***Well it seems Bravo has casted Ted as the official Top Chef excuse maker. Top Chef Judge dismissing a questionable decision by telling the viewer "We Tasted the food" and not giving an explanation! ...cop out to justify their elims.***
ReplyDeleteWell again they have been caught with there pants down being as hypocritical as ever! I just finished watching the challenge dealing with movies! Antonia was up for elimination along with Miguel and SPike! Tom admitted she shouldn't have even been there except the "story" didn't match the dish presented! On the other hand the one responsible for the bad dish is spared and the follower is axed! PLS GIVE ME SOME CONSISTENCY! The judges make fools of themselves almost every challenge saying one thing one week and the total opposite in following weeks! SO SAD for these poor people who give up all their talent and time just to be auf'd for ratings! Tell me it doesn't happen!
***Exactly. Now they tell us "oh they used a tiny amount of polish sausage. so it's ok." Well Mark had a peanuts in his curry so there is your legume protein, but apparently that isn't enough. We have a contestant blow her budget on unrelated shrimp and run out of polish sausage but she gets kept because someone doesn't make "tailgate food" ...Miguel follows Spike and gets canned, Lisa follows Dale and Dale goes. The judges pretty much pick the contestant they want gone and find something to get rid of them with. Mark said just as much after his elim.***
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LISA, LISA, LISA Lampanelli; errrr Fernandes! What a horrid woman! Even though Lisa L. has a foul mouth, you can still laugh! Lisa Fernandes is just unpleasant; standing there slouching, arms folded with a scowl on her face! She's in the bottom 3 or 4 almost everytime! Why are they holding onto her? Has she contributed anything at all yet? Watching the marathon off and on, I just wonder how she survives! The judges complain about her behavior, how bad the food is, then "cans" someone else who at least has won a challenge or 2! Sheeshh!
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***I would think Lisa. She's nowhere near in the same class as the other 3, and since the finale is a bunch of solo efforts, her drama factor will have been played out.***
So true! She got compliments for having the passion, but her technique is so lacking! We've learned from Brian last season, Betty from S2, and some others, taste isn't everything! True foodie snobs will break it down to the grit on your clams or mushrooms, how colorfull and pretty it looks, as well as the flavors! Every challenge that comes up Lisa says "this isn't my thing!" What is her thang? The others have real technique and they should move on (after QC next week) leaving Miss SOURPUSS on her way back on the next illegal boat to Miami!
***Cheftestant Spike, come on down! You're the next contestant on ''Screwin' Scallops and Yourself!''***
Oh he had to go! Along with being a jerk, Spike was too concerned about what others were doing and who should be sent home next! Reminds me of Santino on PR2; in the bottom of judging almost every time, but still has this massive ego and thinks it's his destiny or something! I'm so glad he's gone! He beat out Lisa's 7 Elim. to 5 overall so I guess they chose correctly! I can still see Tom C. flinch when Spike goes after Rick for having the frozen scallops in his cooler! He was doomed then! What an idiot! Almost as bad as Mark saying Tom didn't like him! He may not have, but I don't think it had anything to do with him being axed! Spike had those 2 advantages after winning QF's and still wound up in the bottom! How do you do that? What a loser!
***Harrold may have been a bit hard on Bourdain but he was defending why Tom Colicchio is better qualified to be the head judge. Bourdain is certainly a welcome addition to the show which is why he keeps on being invited back, but as a chef he is not on the same level as Tom C. ...***
ReplyDeleteI'm not a "foodie" snob yet; I don't even cook, but from what I've heard Anthony B. and Alton Brown on The FN are considered GODS! Am I wrong? They seem to know their stuff if a bit pompous! You don't hear too much in the way of "I don't Know!" AB makes me laugh so he can do no wrong! I prefer him over the hovering and ... of Tom C. who compromises himself when he goes back into the kitchen! All the other shows like TD, PR, SG, etc, have someone to be the DEN MOTHER and help the show along without being one of the judges! I've said it before, TOM rats out the chefs if they include or exclude something from their dish! THAT "AIN'T" RIGHT!
***There is something I don't like about Anthony B. He seems to convey a sense of superiority..its annoying.
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I like Lisa and Spike. I'm not pissed Spike went home. I'm just pissed Lisa's in the final 4. ...***
Funny, I prefer season one all the way with an honorable mention of season two! It could just be me, but I think the level of cooking has dropped precipitously! I've always thought these shows keep a 'slug' up to the final 4 just to make it easy to drop them like a hot potato when it really counts! Santino on PR2 should not have sniffed Fashion Week, Christian embarrassed himself many times on PR4, but he eeked out a win, and Jeff from PR3 also snatched victory when he was "Johnny 1-note" the entire season (RcknRoll-wear)! There's no justice here!
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Like I said, they push mediocrity along for a while for production ratings! Lisa's whole demeanor should have nixed her early on; bad dishes, bad attitude, and total defiance when being judged! Spike was the same way actually attacking the judges on more than one occasion! They've learned to play the game and not give ammo to use against them! When asked why are you here, they are all rude enough to say "you tell me!" Cliff on TC2 did that a few times; the RAT!! Honesty is punished so why hurt yourself? The judging has been so compromised, true talent has little chance to shine and win it seems!
***I really thought Cliff would win season two...and I was a great fan...sigh....no words....about the shaving of heads....***
Same here! He like others just lost their minds half way thru the season! People who were genial, talented, with great attitudes fell by the way-side! Ilan, Betty, and Sam turned to the dark side and they won't be able to live down their behavior towards Marcel! It was so unnecessary and childish! Ilan even brought up the head-shaving incident last nite giving advice to this season's chefs! What a "goober!" "Do something with those glasses babe! They really make you look odd!" lol! Used to be such a fan of Ilan's early on! Such a fall from grace! Did you guys notice all the winners from S1-3 weren't very assertive with their commentary? Hung almost didn't show up at all; a mere (sp) shadow of his bombastic self! lol!
***I know it's not well looked upon to put ketchup on steak. I don't put it on prime rib or fillet.***
ReplyDeleteI don't want to say I'm more evolved and civilized, but from 7 years old, I've eaten my steak medium rare with nothing on it except the seasoning it was cooked with! My family used A1, Heinz 57, and other sauces, but I refuse to taint a good piece of meat with unnecessary condiments; definitely not ketchup! You can have sauteed onions and mushrooms on the top though! On FN's TNFN Star, that Texas girl on Rachel Ray did something with a ton of garlic butter and cheese on hers! That was too much too! Enough calories are in the steak with a little fat that is crisped! I so liked this past episode; living in Chicago, pizza, steaks, and hotdogs are KING! It was a good challenge; sorta like who can cook an egg! Do the basics well and so many of these chefs can't do it! Got rid of most of the people who don't season food enough; Lisa still there though!
***LOL I know Jay I know peeps get violent almost Ketchup Nazi's. GASP!!!
My father always did and I just always did and I love it....I dip.... I don't smother. lol!!
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Me too; rare all the way baby.***
Oh ITA! Not sure if it's a "Black" thing, but my mom and I are the only ones that like our meat Rare or MRare! The rest of the family demands all meat to be cooked well done! I hate going to restaurants feeling a little embarrassed at a nice place like Riva's at Navy Pier here in Chicago! One by one they ask for well done and I just shake my head and plead with waiters; "don't count me in this; I don't know these people!" lol!! I take it a bit farther really asking for mrare even with my pork! Outback used to have something called Jackaroo's and only once did it come so rare I had to send it back! I love all meat, even chicken a little undercooked; not raw, but just done enough and juicy! Who wants some dry piece of meat? Not me!
***Jay you kill me. I had a whole post to you about this but I deleted it by accident; godda' go get food as of course I'm starving sooo.. I'm a word thief.
I love your posts since day one. I smile at your rants and don't always agree, but I get a kick out of you for it!
YES, it's a black thing. I worked at an IHOP in a black neighborhood for a while. ...they wanted it done well and eggs well done and scrambled too. Don't know why. I've eaten soul food and it interesting to me the history of why. They eat chitlins and ham hocks because of slavery so I was wondering why about the steak?? I love chitlins. lol!**
Well if a woman doesn't win this season, maybe they can be the Next Food Network Star! lol! They love and really push to have good looking, chatty women front shows on that network! Giata, Paula, and Rachel get on my nerves being so happy and bouncing off the screen, but they are very successfull! Tell you the truth even the men are annoying! Flay is a legend in his own mind, Alton is thought of as a GAWD and believes it, and what can be said about Emiril and Irvine?
ReplyDelete***Did you watch their new set of wanabes tonight? NONE of them could make it on Top Chef...not one.***
Oh they had to be smokin' dope! My Gawd, 2 of them tried to cook meatloaf and a pork roast in less than 30 min.! The meatloaf didn't hit the oven until 10 min. to go! Talk about brain dead! I need to watch again! Not sure what was going on when judging that 19 y.o. kid, Shane! He was getting emotional for some reason, I saw him bawling, and those cruel judges wouldn't let him up for some reason! They just stared at him and let him twist in the wind! So mean and cold! I'm surprised at Flay! He's normally more 'human' than the others who are true 'cold fish' when judging! How did this LISA (Victoria Beckham wannabe) make the cut? She's an obvious head case wearing stylish threads and high heels while running around in a hot kitchen working on a challenge! Poor Adam survived her! lol! BTW, Shane is a cutie, but I'm thinking he's carrying around some loose skin under those clothes! Didn't he say he lost a hundred pounds? Seen it in the past and the stomach area is usually a nightmare for people who lose a lot of weight too quickly! Poor kid!
***He's young though...the skin recovers better than with us old folks. I didn't notice her name is Lisa. Do you think we could get all the Lisa haters who go on and on to watch that show instead? lol!***
It won't last long! She won't last another week! She is too full of herself! I saw a preview; not sure who it was, but someone goes flying! With her heels I can only hope it's her! lol!
***It was her!
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Excuse me, can someone direct me to the Top Chef boards? I can't seem to find them anywhere.***
Forgive me! I lose my mind when I see someone defending Bush and Republicans in general! I can only reply to what's written! No one's talking about the final! We already know, Richard, Antonia, and Steph are better than than crank, Lisa! What else can be said? lol! I don't really have a fan-fave; I didn't get caught up in this season as in the past! Simple challenges were bungled big time by this group! The only thing that stood out was how Bitchy Lisa and a couple of the other women were! You had Dale being a hysterical mess, but what else drew you into the show? I really didn't have much to comment on except that! You can say "Bitch, bitch, bitch; that's all you ever are!" lol! I won't take offense! I really haven't enjoyed watching since S2; and even then the final was unwatchable! Season 1 was the best and you saw some real talent and maturity! This last challenge with the steaks was good and I'll probably tape it! Love MEAT! Never thought of searing it 1st, then throwing it in the oven! Sounds good to me!
***Will you blow a gasket if Antonia doesn't make it to the final 3 and Lisa does?
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If he doesn't, I certainly will. No way does Lisa belong in the top 3.***
I gave up on this idiotic judging in Season 3! Kicking Tre out while letting a lowlife like CJ move on sent me into a land of indifference! I watch, but I haven't cared much since! The judging has always been inconsistent; "you shouldn't have served that" one day, then "you should have put something on a plate" the next! The hardest workers are canned while poor chefs are allowed to proceed to the next round for drama's sake! I still prefer to watch past seasons!
***Unfortunately, I think that all the cheftestants have been so disappointing this season that it is almost impossible to pick anyone who really has strong qualities deserving of being the Fan Favorite. As a result, I think it is entirely reasonable for viewers to hijack this award and make it into a "Cheftestant Most Screwed by the Other Contestants, plus Judges" award. I cast a couple of votes for Dale (but not my full allotment) using that thinking.***
Tell me about it! I'm still wondering why so many want Dale to be the fan fave! He was about as bad as Lisa really! Unhappy, tight assed, and victim along with other charming traits! lol! I'm sure he's a nice guy, but I can relate to how he felt! You have it in your mind you need to do it all yourself to make sure it's done right! Then on the other hand, you're made into the victim because in your mind you don't have competent staff! I ran myself ragged for 12 hours a day, 4 days a week for years! The trust wasn't there to let our staffs grow and prove themselves!
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What's the deal with the scallops? Every season, it's scallops, raw scallops, sauteed scallops, scallops with chocolate! lol!! Last season it was "ceviche this" and "ceviche that!" I'd start penalizing chefs for repeating dishes even if the preparation is different! I remember Season I's final in Vegas! Even with all those exotic groceries to choose from, what does Harrold grab; frozen wings and onion rings! I'm appalled! lol!! How do you as a chef get away with that! Tiffani's food wasn't the best, but at least it was all fresh for those challenges! lol!
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***Why do they need exposure just because they come on these reality shows?***
Oh pls! That's what this is all about! 15 minutes of fame per Andy Warhol! Come on, you know what I mean! All the people who come on these shows are looking for exposure, not just the money and work! If I just wanted work, I wouldn't put up with what these people have to go thru; being away from family and friends for weeks or months, absolutely no communication, tv, newspapers, etc! Too weird especially for the ones with small children! I find that terribly selfish! It's not always something you do to make your life better along with your family! This would be perfect for a young, single people, but most seem to have someone waiting for them to come home!
***...As far as Food Network goes, do you really think the Next FN Star people get better exposure than Top Chef people?***
ReplyDeleteOh I'm not talking about those losers! Food Network is all about food so you see Paula, Giada, Alton, Flay, Irvine (who is being fired for inflating his resume) and the rest a lot more b/c they are exposed more due to the single-mindedness of the network! Last season's winner of The NFNStar, Amy, has been seen once by me and it was more a promo of her upcoming show! I still haven't seen it! Looks like she taped the one, then jumped ship and moved to France until her little boy grows up! I read something about her coming back when he's ready for kindergarten! She and her husband are living in a small town and she doesn't seem to having any regrets!
***...If Amy moved back to Surrender Land and blew off the show, that blows my mind. She got a second chance even after she admitted her heart wasn't in it and totally screwed over the other girl. That's just wrong.***
Season 3 was a mess with Jag inflating his resume and being asked to leave in the final, Rory who really was all T & A with few cooking skills, and then Amy being auf'd, then brought back to win! I liked watching though! The judging is rather cold! They can be brutal and merciless! lol!
***That's for sure...they all looked like hanging judges. Especially Giada...I used to like her, but after how she acted at the judging, I have changed my mind about her. And did Sandra Lee have a vacant stare or what? She looked like a Stepford wife.
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Can I tell you how unappealing that show made Agida look? She looked like a bitter, mean witch. To me it just completely turned me off to her and her show.***
I just casually mentioned the judging on the show and you guys RAN with it! lol! I must be really too sensitive, but people look for facial clues of assurance or approval! The judges all go blank on purpose maybe replicating the feel of a camera on the chef they're critiquing! That's a cold way to see how they'd react to that pressure, but what they did to Shane was the worst! The BOY is 19; give him something and let him up! lol! He just twisted in that wind for so long he broke down!
***Oh, I felt so bad for him. I'm glad he wasn't sent home...I almost started crying too..LOL!***
***There is actually another season of this? LOL***
ReplyDeleteHard to believe, but look at what Bravo's bringing back; Shear Genius! How cheesy is that show? I blog it like TC and PR! lol! I'm weak for this stuff I guess! Top Design and Shear Genius are 2 shows I expected to be left off the schedule! Shocking to see Jackie and the rest coming back for season 2! - Watching Hell's Kitchen! Ramsey is screaming right into their faces today! He's killing them tonite! There goes food thrown across the room again! lol!! Why do these idiot chefs put raw or overcooked meat on a plate? Matt is going down hardcore! lol!! He says he needs a vacation; he's working thru a migraine and no one has any sympathy for the poor man! What a loser! lol!! Chef just threw him out! This show is hilarious!
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***Rory, that was her name. She got screwed. She at least wanted to do the show and could cook some stuff that I would have wanted to eat. Good riddance to Amy. If she wanted to give up then the French will make her feel right at home. LOL@ Jag. What an idiot that clown was.
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Amy shouldn't even have been a contestant if she was just going to blow the whole thing off. I'm sure that winning was a lot more important to the other contestants. Bet they are some kind of po'd at her.
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I think I only ever saw one episode of her show. I didn't like Rory much, but I did like Paul and wished he got further than he did.***
I liked PAUL too, but what happened to him in that last challenge? He was like a deer in the headlights! His voice-over while the challenge was going on specifically stated he's done this before locally! Nothing went right for him including not being to find a fork to taste his food before his 2 or 3 min. demo was being timed out! It was so BAD! lol!! He was nice though!
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ITA with your post; esp. making those grammatical corrections! lol! As for Marcel, the reason he made it thru to the final is because he thinks outside the box! Like Richard this season, they use a little more than culinary skills to enhance and produce their dishes; chemicals, technology with smoke and freezing techniques, etc! That is the new wave washing over the country it seems! The Next Iron Chef last year even devoted a challenge to it using chemicals like Xanthan gum powder, liquid nitrogen, smoke, etc.!
***Hmmm, are we gonna get all grammatically correct now? I, and MANY others will be fucked! As for Marcel thinking outside the box, fine, that's cool, but the dude thinks he invented the damn box. At least Richard isn't annoying like Marcel.***
I'll live! I wondered where you had gotten to! With KK on the board, I'm nowhere near the top poster! lol!
Judging is shady on all these shows mainly because they make hypocritical rationalizations each week! There is so little consistency! I'd be embarrassed after what happened in season 2 with Elia moving on with the simplest and ordinary dishes like mushroom soup, a frozen breakfast dish made at the beach, then blowing it with her Chocolate Kiss! Cliff helped with the assault on Marcel, but how did she make it to the final? She not only was moved on with these lame dishes, she won with some of them! lol!! Same with season 3! How did CJ skate thru for so many challenges, aufing some of their best chefs like Tre! Season 4 has been a joke! I'm still looking for something original that I can practically taste thru the tv! The steak challenge was good, but like eggs, that's a basic thing all chefs should be able to do! I still hear about a lack of seasoning! What is wrong with these people they can't get a handle on salt and pepper? lol!
ReplyDelete***Can't help but agree with most of your points here Jay. The beach challenge still sticks in my mind today because Mia and Elia used ready made items; (Frozen Waffles? Eggo's on Top Chef and she wins?!?) while Betty made a little breakfast bundle from scratch.***
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Both Spike and Lisa needed to hit the rode! How does this guy sleep at night blatantly trying to hose the other chefs? Don't give me this garbage about "this is a competition!" He actually admitted to the head judge "I was going to just let the tomato and lettuce just sit there so they could look at it!" Realizing he could select items no one else could use, he went out of his way to hose the rest of the cheftestants! He had to go for that! lol!
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***That's why they gave him the CAR!; a payoff so he wouldn't stab Lisa with the knives! haha.***
I'm surprised he didn't slip a little in the kitchen! The quarters were close he could have said, "the knife slipped a couple times across her neck!" ;-)
Lisa keeps saying I'm not here to make friends! Why is she so upset with the others who could care less if she left or not? So typical of people like her; so bitter she had to look for something wrong with her surviving another cut! Who would hire her; who would work with her? I'm bad, really not a people person, but even I'm not that unpleasant! lo
The steak challenge had the exact opposite effect on me! Talking about it, the family has to go out saturday night! Benihana's line has been busy, so ended up making a reservation at Fogo de Chao! Looked at Ruth Chris (brother hates them) and Morton's overbooked as it is here in Chicago! I'm going to have a double slice of prime rib and gorge (sp) myself! lol!! Brother will probably have the 24 oz porterhouse! Does that just make ya want to "SSSsscccrrreeeeaaaammmm!!??" I can't wait!
ReplyDelete---
...pricey, but Fogo De Chao (Brazilian Steakhouse) here in Chicago had my mouth agape! Glad I wasn't paying for it! It's one of those places with prices; so that means "if you have to ask, you can't afford it!" With a bottle of Merlot and drinks, think minimum $300-400 for 4 people; ...! It was great with a huge menu you can sample as long as you want to stuff yourself! They come around with skewers with all the meats they serve and you ask for rare, mr, or well! That included lamb, chkn wings, some kind of pork sausage, and all the different types of beef (sirloin, tenderloin, rib eye, etc)! Along with that are constant refills of a crispy hot polenta, spiced mashed with cheese and scallions, cheesy bread, and fried bananas! Oh and I forgot about the salad bar with fresh smoked salmon and other items not normally available! It's been over 24 hours and I'm still trying to digest the meat! lol!! Bon appetit! - http://www.fogodechao.com/index.htm
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***That's my choice now.. but Antonia was my first. Antonia shot herself in the foot. Based on previous shows she is definitely the better cook. She could have taken Lisa out, but she screwed up. That's the only way Lisa wins.***
Didn't she go down a little when being so bossy in that "charity" challenge; she had immunity! She caused someone to be axed when she could have been a good sous chef! Dale did the same thing practically demanding to be Exec. chef, then he was gone! You have some that want to take charge, then others trying to stay out of camera shot; "I didn't have anything to do with....!'" You guys have a chance to have a female TC after all! I wonder was Richard just plain rude and beat Lisa over the head with insults at Judge's table next week! lol!
***I don't understand why Lisa is still on the show. She has been in the bottom way more than Antonia. Yeah, they both messed up, but she is a way better cook than Lisa all the way around. I just don't understand. WHY NOT LISA?***
That's happened all to often! Sometimes I think the production is just giving a good-bye win to some of the chefs! How many times does that happen; win a challenge, then gone? Look at Tre in S3, Michael won QF and EC in one day, then he was history, but of course he should have been "iced" after the "Cheetos" incident! We all know Antonia is a better chef, but it's timing I guess! You slip up at just the wrong time, then you're gone! Frank was thought of as a finalist, but that was a joke too! He was just squeaking by, took credit for the pizza idea, and was lucky enough to be one of the 5 who were selected to sit out and eat up on the Thanksgiving Day challenge! That parfait for the QF couldn't have been that good for him to feel so full of himself! He ripped Marcel that night talking about how limited he was! Talk about the kettle calling the pot black! Staying and going so often has to do with the drama you produce as well as the food you crank out!
***...and even if Ilan secretly still disliked Marcel, he made it seem like he deserved to be there.***
ReplyDeleteThat happened; probably before Ilan volunteered to "pee" on Marcel's hand after being stung by the urchin! lol! I agreed with those choices believe it or not! Ilan was my favorite at the beginning of the season and Marcel could only be described as a jerk, but he did think outside the box and thought he was a good finalist! Cliff was good, but he blew it at the end and SAM "didn't cook anything!" lol! I said it before TOM! Elia shouldn't have had a sniff of Hawaii making frozen waffles and mushroom soup! Gack! For a chef?? Tre deserved to go in S3, but he was sabotaged by CJ; not on purpose, but he was truly lacking in his efforts in Restaurant Wars!
***I was so disappointed that Lisa stayed and Antonia left. I think they are just keeping Lisa for ratings. Nobody likes her attitude, she is the worst person to stay on that show. Lisa hasn't even won a serious challenge yet. Not one judge has complimented her food. Lisa sucks!***
The finals have to have an antagonist! S1 had Tiffany, Marcel in S2, Hung in S3, now we're up to Lisa in S4! Makes it easy to eliminate a chef when you don't like them! That's why I'm still shocked Hung won! No one more unlikeable than him with CJ a close 2nd!
***I think Andrew was disappointed to have to work with her, but handled it well.***
Funny Dale was the fan fave, but he was the one that really "blew it" by leaving that meat out! Should have served it anyway just to have a good story on bad production of Top Chef! NOT!! Steph recovered well with him! Lisa had good help, but she still wound up in the bottom 2! Has she done anything besides make that bacon dish that won? lol! So this classless broad is going abroad to Italy! I wonder who's neck she'll snap while over there! lol!
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I keep hearing about clever editing! Why is it people aren't responsible for the words that come out of their mouths? Lisa is very profane and it would be difficult to bring your kids to meet her! She has so little control it seems! Same for Spike; where is this sympathy coming from? He tries to hose his fellow chefs and like other bad people is always mentioning who should go next rather than worrying about where he is in the competition! Thank goodness he's out! Well if you want another "crank" to win TC, cool! Go LISA; NOT!! lol!! I picked Richard at the beginning, but he says something that editing is making look more sinister! He probably just blasts Lisa!
***I think it's unfair that Antonia, the winner of this challenge, didn't get a prize. She deserves to get a prize just like every other chef did during their winning rounds! ...***
ReplyDeleteThey already are thinking of enhancing the prices! The trips are getting more elaborate and with Richard taking home a car without winning the whole thing is huge! Looks like they really started last year with the trip to Italy for the frozen food challenge which CJ and and Tre won I do believe! Casey won an Apple computer for another challenge! It's so lame when they give a cookbook, knives or some other smaller award, then come back with larger prizes like the Italian trip which Lisa got for making bacon! There was no justice in that! I still see Dale's face when that happened!
***So cutting edge, in fact, that he didn't win a single elim. challenge until the semifinal. Let's not forget that Marcel spent a lot more time in the middle of the pack than he did in the upper echelons.***
I'm no apologist for Marcel, but by that time, he really performed well! Ilan was still adding saffron to every dish! We keep saying that past challenges shouldn't matter, so in that case it doesn't matter that Marcel was in the middle of the pack all season! He did excel in Hawaii and still performed well getting hassled and ridiculed by Ilan, Elia, and Sam! I can relate; big time! In a group, someone has to be the villain! Marcel fit the bill with his arrogance and alouf attitude!
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I think Bravo does this all too often; sending someone to the final who doesn't deserve it! Makes it easy to auf them in the end! On Shear Genius it was Ben who didn't do much of anything all season, but was a finalist! The switch on TC in S2 was that Ilan got away with cooking spanish food all season, then actually winning over a chef who was cutting edge! I can give countless accounts of how inconsistent or hypocritical the judging can be! They really should be ashamed, but in this time, no one has any! They just say "spell" the name right when you write about it!
***Jay, can you identify the specific challenge in which Lisa ought to have been eliminated, instead of some other chef?...***
I didn't read that long tirade about the sausage thing, but that was a major issue with me! She totally disregarded the terms of that challenge! That was almost as bad as Howie not getting his food on the plate last season and being allowed to move on! No way should he have advanced and not just for that slip up on time management! I don't watch this season like 1 or 2, so I can't go back and pull out specific reasons, but being in the bottom more than 7 times should tell you something! TC is about being a boss and how could anyone deal with her rotten attitude; swearing, excuse making, and being just an unpleasant woman to deal with? You don't need to smile and say "good day" to get my vote, but don't stand there scowling at every Judge's Table! She should have been gone long before Antonia who won challenges unlike that gift Lisa got cooking bacon!
***Please, please, please..can someone explain to me how Lisa can be in the final 3?? I do not know which is more foul: her personality or her cooking! I mean, seriously, she just comes across as a really unpleasant person. When she boasts about her cooking, does she remember she has never won a quick-fire and is 1/13 in the elimination challenges??....***
ReplyDeleteI've said it before and I'll say it again, they love advancing someone who should have been auf'd so when it comes down to the "crunch," they have someone they can get rid of and no one would be unhappy; Tiffani in S1, Elia in S2, Brian in S3, now Lisa this season! On SG no way should Ben have been a finalist, Carisa on TD was horrible most of the season, and how in the world did Christian make the final when he had so many disasters? It's all in the timing I guess; someone else is worse or the producers decide to keep ya for drama's sake! Watched Hell's Kitchen last night and Jenn survived again even though she was a mess at the fish station; cold, raw, and just plain bad cooking that night! Someone else got cancelled off the show even though all she does is talk about how much better she is! Sounds a lot like Lisa doesn't it? lol!
***Why did Tom say to Richard "it was his competition to lose?" I strongly disagree. I was confident Stephanie could beat him. I thought his comment was quite a hurtful comment to Stephanie, and it showed on her face....
Is there any place that I can confirm my feeling that Lisa was consistently among the lower third in the elimination challenges? It just seems to me she was mediocre throughout the entire competition, and I resent her even being considered for the finale.***
I know what you mean! That was a clean sweep for Steph! I don't understand the feeling by the other chefs that Spike should take Fan Fave! WHAT?? He was a jerk the entire season; winning or losing each challenge! As for Lisa, Marcel (S2) was used as an example of mediocrity making it to the final and actually having a chance to win! Steph deserved it all and I did think it was Richard's to lose! He is that new type of chef using chemicals, liquid nitro, and of course overdoing the Souvie technique! I hated it on salmon which is already borderline mushy! I'd prefer a crisp skin if the chef can manage it! Scales killed his dish for that challenge! Lucky someone else was worse! Hmmm! Thinking back, was that another disaster with mushrooms? It happened so often this past season! Why do people try to work with that fungus so much? lol! Deep fry mines!
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***Lisa should have gone home because she can not cook sticky rice with mango. She did not do it right but Dale ended up going home. At the beginning Lisa wanted to be the Exec. chef. I don't think that she will listen to Dale anyway. ...***
By this episode, had she proven she could cook anything? lol!! Watching RW again, it's the same thing with most of these people! "I haven't cooked eggs in years," the rice is bad AGAIN; WTF! All the seasons had problems, but this group was truly pathetic! It really was for Richard to win or lose, but Stephanie was obviously the best in the end! Her only problem is with her own confidence! The judges when complimenting her, she could still feel shaky and say "you guys are freaking me out!" lol!! A good ending, but the villain of the piece should have nothing to say about how people feel about her! Lisa was surly all the time, blamed others for her failures, and just wasn't a team player! She can cuss and scream and rant, but then she'd point out Dale's management skills were lacking! "HEY GIRL, look in the mirror!" My hands are getting shaky like Steph's in the 1st challenge that she won back in week one! lol!
The quality of the show is definitely going down! What was on the mind of the interviewers of these chefs? Normal everyday techniques seem to be missing in most of these guys this season; lack of salt or seasoning in general! I like Bordain as well! Very amusing and he knows his stuff! Tom C., I've been wondering about for a while! And Gail says one thing, then changes on a dime when Tom C. makes a comment! I think the thing that disappoints me the most is the lack of skill of the chefs they bring on the show! They don't seem to have a clue! They duplicate successful dishes like the banana dessert used as a scallop, the rice thing, mushrooms, whatever! They do the same thing over and over trying to get over! It's sad really! They could do so much better if they tried! These resumes must all be inflated as far as I can see! How in the world did Spike and Lisa even get close? Season 1 was great, S2 was good, S3 was a little slow, but S4 has to be thought of as an embarrassment! It made no sense to me when chefs who were creating dishes they supposedly made before can't seem to execute it! WTF!! Come on Bravo; I expect better!
ReplyDelete***It's really interesting to see other takes on the show because in my opinion, the show with the least talent was season 3. Mikey was a riot and I loved what he brought to the show from an entertainment standpoint but come on, he wasn't very impressive culinary-wise, same with Betty. Ilan was good at cooking spanish dishes and that was about it. During the last season when Ilan was sitting at the table with Harold and Hung, he just seemed so undeserving to be sitting there or maybe I should say he was darn lucky he got to sit at their table because he lucked out on auditioning for such a lackluster season 3. I firmly believe he wouldn't have won had he been on any other season.***
I agree talent fell off and those people you mentioned were from S2! Betty, Mikey, and others had no right to be there! Ilan got old real fast in my eye creating spanish dish after spanish dish! He's shown how limited he is! Trying to do something outside the box was disgusting; liver inside a chocolate! GACK!! I hated Hung in S3, but he obviously knows what he's doing! Unfortunately his ego made him look bad along with his hyperactivity; finishing too soon then leaving something off while waiting for judging! How do you do that so many times! What an idiot! Will any of these winners really succeed? Ilan at the bottom of my list even though I thought he was a cutie at the beginning!
***Here's a list of the people who were called out as among the worst QFs and elim. in the same episode:
ReplyDeleteSeason 1
Elim: Ken (Andrea, Candice)
Worst QFs: Miguel, Cynthia, Ken (not really appropriate, since they lasted the shortest time in the guest judge's restaurant)
Eliminated: Candice (Lisa, Stephen)
Worst QF (gas station): Candice (don't remember why she was the only one singled out)
Eliminated: Miguel (Lee Anne, Stephen)
Worst QFs (sandwich): Miguel, Stephen
Notes: Ken definitely had to go for reasons that had nothing to do with his QF. Candice's dish was pretty awful, IIRC; I don't think it was close. As for Miguel, it was a tossup between him and Stephen; I don't think Lee Anne was in any real danger.
Season 2
Elim: Suyai (Carlos, Marcel, Otto)
Worst QFs (flambé): Carlos, Elia, Suyai
Eliminated: Emily (Frank, Michael)
Worst QFs (ice cream): Emily, Marcel, Marisa
Elim: Josie & Marisa (Betty, Carlos, Elia, Mia)
Worst QFs (offal): Elia, Josie
Elim: Mia (Cliff, Elia, Michael)
Worst QFs (Bailey's Irish Cream): Betty, Mia
Elim: Betty (Ilan, Marcel)
Worst QFs (color): Betty, Ilan, Marcel
Elim: Michael (Cliff, Sam)
Worst QFs (Kraft foods): Ilan, Michael
Notes: ...Mia took herself out of the competition, so I guess she doesn't count. Betty's qf dish wasn't clearly worse than Ilan's (they were probably the bottom 2 of that elim.). As for Michael, he tried to coast once too often, and that would have killed him no matter what he did in the QF.
Season 3
Elim: Clay (Brian, Dale, Howie)
Worst QFs (amuse bouche): Clay, Dale, Tre
Elim: Sandee (Howie, Joey, Tre)
Worst QFs (citrus): Micah, Sandee, Sara N
Elim: Micah (Brian, CJ, Lia, Sara M)
Worst QFs (dip your own seafood): Camille, Micah, Tre
Elim: Lia (Casey, Hung, Sara N)
Worst QFs (pie crusts): Dale, Hung, Lia
Elim: Howie (Brian, Dale, Hung)
Worst QFs: CJ, Howie--this was the infamous one where Howie didn't present a QF dish
Elim: Sara M (Dale)
Worst QFs (Le Cirque): Sara M
Elim: Brian
Worst QFs (trout): Brian, Dale (won Elim. Challenge)
Notes: ...But then we get to Howie--and I think here's where your theory works, b/c the fact that he didn't present a QF dish pretty much put him in a position where he had to blow the judges away on the elim. to stay in the game.
The last 2 don't really count, I think.
Season 4
Elim: Erik (Ryan, Zoi)
Worst QFs (tacos): Erik, Lisa, Ryan
Elim: Manuel (Antonia, Spike, Zoi)
Worst QFs (technical skills): Lisa, Manuel, Nikki
Elim: Mark (Lisa, Stephanie)
Worst QF (rice-based dishes): Lisa, Stephanie, Mark
Notes: Erik may have made himself a target with his really ugly QF. I don't think Manuel was particularly worse than Lisa or Nikki, and I don't think Mark was worse than Lisa or Stephanie in the QF.
Season 5
Elim: Patrick (Ariane)
Worst QFs (apples): Lauren, Leah, Patrick, Radhika
Elim: Jill (Ariane, Hosea)
Worst QFs (sausage): Jill, Stefan
Elim: Richard (Danny, Jeff)
Worst QFs (soups): Ariane, Fabio, Melissa, Richard
Notes: The "Quickfires" are a misnomer, since Leah and Radhika were only there for their lack of speed. ...All of which mostly proves that, if you can't cook well enough to stay off the bottom in the QFs, you probably can't cook well enough not to lose elim. either.***
BTW; 'well done Carla!' As usual the one with the biggest mouth has to take in both feet! Was it Hosea that speculated Carla's q/f was too simple? That's what they like; simple with a lot of flavor! I knew Leah was going to bite it! Bacon wasn't gonna save her in that hideous dish! Why do they say on the way out the door, "my food is better than this!" lol!! Well not really! 'Good luck Leah!' You'll be back! Chicken? Why does chicken win these challenges? 2 others saved with peas and potatoes? Come on, Garlic shrimp w/o enough garlic? Overcooked fish? Simple mistakes! So much for a true Top Chef coming outta here! Looks like Stefan will lock up a final spot! It's between Carla and Fabio! Poor Hosea talks too much! Over--thinks everything! Sheesshh!
ReplyDelete---
My mom is roasting a whole chicken at this very moment! It's cheap and has a pop up, but I'm concerned! I keep hearing about disasters trying to do this! Should I have her take it out early? lol! We've never done this before! At least it was cut in half in the past!
***I never had a bad experience with the Perdue oven stuffer roaster. Came out right every time. I think a lot has to do with whether or not the oven really is at the right temp. I always had an oven thermometer in mine to make sure. Good luck!***
A little late now! I sorta remember a trick from Adam on Food Network's, Next Iron Chef last year! He roasted his chicken standing up! I didn't know the difference, but now I understand a fryer is not the same as a roaster chicken! We just basted the thing! There is a lot of fat in the pan! I'll tell her to cut time down! She programmed 20 min. per pound! Thanks!
***He "sat" it on a can of beer... Beer Butt Chicken...
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I still say if no vertical (my Uncle Bobby had a roast chix take out type restaurant and deli in the Bronx and roasted it vertically Mo Hub ...I just remembered that.. We would DIE for when he would bring the foil bags of it home to us) - put it on 500 for the first half hour...after herbing it up or whatever....I usually stuff it with garlic and onions and garlic; infuse it under skin ..and fresh herbs...if I have remembered to get them. I'm a marinating maven...I loves me some marinated meat.
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Carla! My girl let her insecurity get in the way of a strong finish. I can't believe she let someone "assist" her into cooking less than her best.***
I said the same thing! I had to get online just to beat her up for letting Casey talk her into doing something she's never done! WTF!! The Casey curse continues! Remember how each time she talked about being close to someone, they were blown out of the competition the next instant! I'd call "sabotage" if I were Carla! lol! Casey could have looked out for Carla more with the oven! What the Hell was she doing during serves? Arrggghhh! Carla started out so well, fell off with the sous vide, then didn't do what she specialized in the most; her dessert! How does that happen? What a finish! Congrats Hosea! Ya won by default! The better chefs blew it at the end! "Ya tried to hose Stefan with the alligator and it almost blew up in your face! Hope you do better in the future!
***Nice! Very classy of Casey to pummel Carla. Just like you, I never liked Casey. I thought that it was a fluke that she was in the top 3 and it showed again even when she was a sous chef. I wonder why Dale Levitsky was not in the how? He was the 2nd placer during Hung's season, right?***
ReplyDeleteWhat a horrid woman! It was like Casey went out of her way to sabotage Carla, then she trashes her! Like Meljaken mentioned, Casey is a bad luck charm going way back! I brought it up before how she was a curse on all who befriended her in Season 3! Every time someone got close to her, they were "toast" and gone that very next challenge! She seems to be totally blind to it! I hope she reads this and finally gets it! "YOU ARE ONE BAD LADY CASEY!"
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***
ALL-TIME TOP CHEF TOP 10
1. Stephanie (Season 4, 28 points, winner)
2. Richard (Season 4, 28 points)
3. Stefan (Season 5, 25.33 points)
4. Hung (Season 3, 21 points, winner)
5. Harold (Season 1, 17 points, winner)
6. Ilan (Season 2, 16 points, winner)
7. Tiffani (Season 1, 15 points)
8. Carla (Season 5, 14.33 points)
9. Hosea (Season 5, 14 points, winner)
10 (tie). Antonia (Season 4), Sam (Season 2) (13 points each)
ALL-TIME TOP CHEF BOTTOM 10
75. Spike (Season 4, -18 points)
74. Melissa (Season 5, -14 points)
73. Lisa (Season 4, -13 points)
72. Marisa (Season 2, -11 points)
71. Carlos (Season 2, -11 points)
70. Erik (Season 4, -9 points)
69. Ryan (Season 4, -9 points)
68. Eugene (Season 5, -9 points)
67. Mark (Season 4, -9 points)
66. Michael (Season 2, -9 points) ***
***...My recollection of Casey, attempting to chop up those onions in the QFchallenge and losing the battle for her team. The middle eastern gal, whose name I can't recall, had cut up and chopped her onions completely and Casey was still chopping on the first...remember the look on the face of the tall, lanky guy...just kept looking at Casey like, 'will you ever finish"...priceless...***
ReplyDeleteSara M. was the one that "murdered" Casey in that QF challenge of cutting the onions! As for the tall, lanky guy, you may be referring to CJ! The reaction of Brian was what cracked me up! He was almost in pain watching Casey whack those onions! Was she blind? Couldn't she see what was happening? Hung just accentuated her ineptitude by breaking those chickens down so quickly! The closing of the QF with Tom C. actually laughing was priceless for me!
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Well if you're a Casey fan, ya better avoid those 2 nuggets; an interview and her blog! They were both lame and terribly disappointing! I was never a fan anyway and expect her to be oblivious to what she's doing; especially if it's a bad scene! Just call her cursed! lol!!
***You can trust me when I say that it's something not to worry about. I never read the comments of those chefs who screw up as royally as she did in the season three finale....***
That season was so disappointing I can't even remember how it went! The last thing I can think of was the lead up to S3 with Brian Malarky and his venison; a thousand ingredients in it and on it with 2 dressings! lol!! The final table is a blur except for Rocco Dispirito as a sous chef and judge! The "cockamamie" decision, live in Chicago was the lamest! I can watch Season 1 in Vegas over and over, a little of Season 2's in Hawaii, but the last few just haven't captivated my imagination at all and I just flip right by it when they go on these marathons!
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Even if you aren't sure, it has to be so that extra time of 2 hours is given to create those extra plates off camera since they only create that one while the cameras are on! They'd have to go back and make those extra plates for the judges and Chairman after hour taken to produce that one on Iron Chef America! I prefer IC America! IC Japan takes up too much time trying to honor the chefs with bios, awards, and character! Give me a break! I'm hungry! lol!! I saw Arianne last week on IC America! I've seen several of the Top Chef contestants including Tre and others from The Food Network's Next FN Star! I like both shows, but if I had to choose one, it would be TC since it's a real competition that is judged over weeks, not just a few hours! See ya'll around the judge's table!
***I guess Stefan is one of those persons that at first kind of piss you off b/c of attitude, but as you get to really know them they show personality traits that offset the things that irritate. I was ok with Fabio winning fan favorite...Carla did win the car so it is balanced. My guess is that Hosea will end up in NYC sooner or later....but that is just a guess.***
ReplyDeleteSame here on Stefan! He is the best chef it seems, but his arrogance didn't help him with Tom C.! He did not like that! It all balanced out though overall with Carla winning the car, Fabio "fan fave," and Stefan getting to schmooze with Eric Ripert! That worked out better I think for Stefan! He's already good! He'll pick up a lot from Eric! As for Hosea, not sure who'll care! Like Ilan, he seems to be limited! You just can't admit you don't like doing something and he hated doing desserts! Come on TOP CHEF! lol!!
***...And while I do think Patrick is cute (really cute), I'd hesitate to say he's the most interesting person ever to compete. I mean just because he can, um, toss his legs back behind his head-that's like Gay 101 (for bottoms anyway). ..LOL..***
He was just a kid and I'd hope he hadn't been exposed to too much tragedy at such a young age! He was a little hottie and I felt terrible he was auf'd right away like that! How do you knock off someone before he even gets to see his "new digs?" They zapped 2 that morning, so why not just make it 15 from the "get" instead of 17? Some of these poor people probably traveled quite a bit for a quick cook-off with apples of all things! BTW was that actually said by Patrick that he could scratch his ears with his ankles? lol! On to MMSM with Jonathan and Sandhurst!
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***I am a HUGE Michael V. fan!! I believed he should be the winner after the 2nd show.***
I thought MV was the best chef even though he looked liked a spoiled & petulant child on many occasions! He is cute, but that wasn't why I thought he should win over Kevin! The beard really was lacking the knowledge and experience of Bryan, Michael, & Jennifer even though he performed very well! Even his winning dishes at times could use some help in it's presentation! The other 3 had it all over Kevin in that respect! Michael deserved the win with the jittery nerves of Jennifer, Bryan's under-seasoning of his food, and the "one-note" you have for Kevin! "Congrats Michael!"
***The Volt Brothers certainly had it over Kevin in the experience dept. Much of the experience difference comes with the age gap. Kevin is 26 while the Volts are in their early 30's. All have been cooking since high school while Bryan is classically trained at the CIA. Kevin was further handicapped by the fact that his wife divorced him two days before the finale. ....***
OMG; turned by Food Network to glimpse what was going on with Iron Chef! I was surprised to see another Top Chef alumni; Spike! I wondered what schmuck would allow Spike to be his sous chef! I looked feverishly around trying to find him, but the camera kept going to who I thought was a sous! (**I feel faint**); it was a challenge of Michael Symon by Spike Mendolson! I keep hearing he's a more than competent chef here in the CHGO area, but I was so put off by his appearance on TC I wouldn't accept a steamed hot dog from the man! I guess the show is going down! It was enough to see Richard as the challenger with Eli his sous! Spike never even made the final; for sure since he was in the bottom 3; 7 times! Too bizarre! Let me go check service! I'm still in a stupor! Not even sure what the secret ingredient is! Update: The secret ingredient is prosciutto! Both seemed to score well, but Symon always seems to get a little more of the positive reaction from the judges! In the end MS pulls it out! Not one of my favorites!
ReplyDelete---
On TC Masters: Gawd I hate these chefs; well not all of them! The constant complaining, bitchin' & moanin', and the huge egos are just too much at times! Marcus is my least fave! I don't even watch the show that much, but each time I do put it on, he's scheming and trying to take some kind of advantage! Is he disturbed or something? Doesn't he know cameras are watching his every move? He got busted on Food Network's, "The Next Iron Chef" last season doing something underhanded and slimy! Chef Garza won thank GAWD!
You have a couple others that hold the judges in disrepute and could care less; but we know better! They want that praise and are like petulant children when they don't get stroked! You have a few even tempered chefs, while others just make it not worth watching a 2nd or 3rd time!
***What did Marcus do on "TNIC" on Food Network!***
He was doing the usual; hogging ingredients and using up certain kitchen ware so others couldn't use them! Been a year and can't remember exactly, but it was the same situation where he used that excuse; "it's a competition and you try to gain any advantage!" Others share their tables and appliances while Marcus is more cut-throat! I also get tired of his "bold flavors" BS! It's just a way of excusing too much of everything; seasoning, heat, spice, and richness! His stuff is always "too much" in some way! Simplicity isn't in his vocabulary and he seems to undermine others by implying he's doing more! Maybe it's a personal thing! I just have never liked the guy! Notice the nice people are winning more; "justice!"
Sosur's a bit like him; over-bearing and annoying the others more than really helping out! You saw how he spread himself over other people's space; too rude! It seems like most of the "masters" do what the common chef does and that's to complain about a challenge, do some of a challenge half-ass, then are insulted and hurt if the judges don't like it! My mouth just hangs open when I see people using pita or flat-bread, toast it dry, and are shocked when people say it's not appetizing! I love pita and always put butter or oil in play before putting it to heat! It makes it a lot more enjoyable!
--- Season 7 ---
ReplyDelete***Tim and Stephen at the bottom again.***
...and Tim's shocked each time! Why? lol! He goes for shortcuts and isn't putting forth much effort; it's obvious! Only a few really are! It grosses me out how some of these so called chefs have actually gone to their roots for some sort of salvation and it's nauseating! The tacos, collard greens, and other homemade fare is just so unimaginative, tacky, and lackluster! It's hard to call many of these people; "CHEF!"
***It really annoys me to no end when people call something simple, and unworthy of praise, just b/c so many poor people eat these foods as a major part of their diets. If they're so pedestrian why is it that so many of our most acclaimed chefs cook them, and claim them to be some of their faves? ...Please get off your high horse.***
I have nothing against common, everyday fare, but what winds up being on the plate is all too often inedible! It's usually undercooked because their timing is so bad! Overcooking is another issue when you know they are forgetting about something cooking in an oven or pan! Tom C. expresses it all the time, if you want "simplicity" it has to be perfect! These cooks are far from it! Only a few measure up to the real up-scalers they had last season! I see "fast food" and "greasy spoons" in the future of many here! Egads! Sue me!
BTW, I like common, everyday fare! Give me the meat loaf, hot turkey sandwich, veal Parmesan! I've never really tested my palate usually only going out of the way with friends when out of town; Mexican, Tai, Italian! Love it simple; American, Cantonese (Chinese), rice bowls, Gyros', & cheeseburgers! My idea of a treat is wasting cash at Red Lobster and a good steak house! IHOP is an option every couple months! Gotta watch that sodium and cholesterol!
***...These types of food are not bad. They are very good, but the preparations have been off at times during the season, so far. That only reinforces what Mr. Colicchio has to say about simple food. It's fantastic, but it's more fantastic when you prepare it with care, and love. ...It's like the difference between going to Taco Bell, and Chipotle. One is fairly tasty junk, and the other is a beautiful melding of tradition, and fresh organic products. By the end of the season we'll be at the high end again.***
ReplyDeleteCalm down Miss Thing! The judges have used the words inedible I'm the furthest you can be from being a snob when it comes to so called "fine dining!" I think blowing hundreds for a meal is a luxury I can do without! My parents like to get the family together and we'll go all out, but I'll only do it once every few months; Benihanas, Longhorns Steaks, or Riva's here in Chicago at Navy Pier! Not to be crass, but it all flushes the same! I'll stick to gyros sandwiches, hot meat loaf, & any kind of chicken!
I'd rather make my own breakfast scramble with homemade potatoes diced with onions, sausage, and leftover steak, & eggs! To me, that's decadent, but at least I can control some of the fat! I'm no big time cook, but I learned I had to start making my own food; fast food, nice restaurants, & greasy spoons all have the same denominator; empty and useless fatty calories you don't even know or appreciate most of the time! If you do it to access which is evidence in the US becoming borderline OBESE as a nation! Food has so much fat added to it! What really kills me is to eat healthy, it actually costs more! I'm sure people have seen organic food priced 50% more and it'll spoil faster since no preservative or chemical retardant of any kind has been used!
If you try to help as much as you want, then you should step up if it doesn't work out too! I didn't like Tiffani and Angelo all over someone else's dish, then walk away as if they had nothing to do with the finished product! Not like I care because Spike has been sleazier than most! Yeah, someone needs to tell some of these egomaniacs they didn't win their season! Some had even less of a chance like Isabella, Dale, & most of all Jamie who should be "walking" pretty soon if there's any justice in the world! What a horrid, conniving woman! She's like totally oblivious to her lack of skill and effort! I can hear Tom later on, "she didn't cool anything!" Deja Vu from their seasons; Jamie going early to Sam not actually cooking anything in the finale S2!
***My sentiments exactly. Jamie needs to go. - I don't know if she thinks that she's in way over her head or what, but to see her blatantly dodging the competition is bizarre and unfair. I really dislike Spike, but even I'll admit that it's not right that Jamie's still in the competition and Spike isn't.***
I've said it back in season 5 and I'll keep on saying it, Jamie's a total waste of space! People talk about her lack of enthusiasm, apathy, and down right laziness, but for some strange reason she keeps just plugging along as if nothing is wrong! Even during Chef Masters she didn't perk up as a sous! When a chef had to drop a chef, Jamie was the 1st to go! I can't picture it, but her Chef Master had worked with her in the past and knew to drop her like a bad habit! She was diplomatic about it, but again I'm sure Jamie was shocked! "Yeah, right!
***Jamie's team should have sent her out against Carla. ... - Obviously, this is a hindsight 20/20 situation, and it would take a lot to make them just accept losing, but this would have been the best strategy for the rest of the team to at least have a fair judging. If only...***
ReplyDeleteOCO! No hindsight necessary! It was a deliberate tactic "not" to offer her rotten dish! She was already saying she wasn't going up there and there was nothing that was going to make her go! She was adamant, then hiding out in the end! ...
***...and I used to hate Spike, but I was really sad to see him go. He grew on me this season, may have mellowed out on the douche-y-ness, and he was actually really gracious when leaving. At least he got rid of those ratty fedoras.
What were those horrible things on his head all season then? lol! He hasn't mellowed! He was a douche to the end "running game" trying to win the competition! Why couldn't he just make a good dish instead of trying to manipulate the process? We're still waiting for Jamie to show anything edible!
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What you see is what you get with Richard Blaise! He's a very talented chef; a step above Marcel using molecular gastronomy! During his season he was big on sous-vid cooking actually blowing a challenge using salmon for a charity conference gala! Salmon is already mushy; sous vid technique didn't help! A good sear would have been so much better w/ a crispy skin! His only real blunder that I can remember! It was no luck that Richard made the final along with Stephanie, Lisa, & Antonia!
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***Season where you totally disagree with the winners - season 5 was a mess w/ Hosea winning.***
I agree S5 was a real mess, but it happened before then and it happened later!
1) Harrold deserved to win, but he wasn't impressive at all! Both Stephen and Tiffany were by far more accomplished chefs!
2) Ilan started out well, but we found him to be as limited as Hosea in S5; "Mr Saffron!" More than likely it should have gone to Marcel only because the others were so lame; Sam didn't cook anything, and Elia was scatter-brained and lost at the end!
3) Hung the most accomplished, but he should have lost for just being careless and sloppy! Remember in Aspen when they were to prepare a fish and cook it in the QF? He finished early and still lost the challenge; no salt! What a dip! My Fave was Dale M., but he was limited too; "seafood king!"
4) Stephanie won, not making any serious errors, but again she was just competent! Blaise was a lot more interesting, innovative, and knowledgeable!
5) Hosea; nuff said! Stefan all the way!
6) Michael V; I picked him from the 1st day! His ego was his only handicap!
7) Kevin; pls! He should have been auf'd very early on! He was so bad those 1st few weeks, I'm still amazed he was able to turn it around like that and win! I can't go with Angelo even though people have acknowledged him as being the best! I'll go with ED! He was "knocking it out" those last couple weeks! He might have won if Ilan had been a little more creative as Ed's sous making that "dry ass cake" w/ salty whipped cream!
8) It's anybody's guess who'll take it! These people just aren't that impressive or they would have won before! Angelo may be thought of as the best, but why do people fail miserably when he makes suggestions or helps out? That tells me something about his lack of leadership qualities! He's only there to make himself look good! Both Tiffany(i)'s won't make it! Both Dales have too many bad days; one gone already! Mike I. has never been as good as he likes to talk! Fabio and Antonia are just holding on! Carla has had her moments, but if I had to narrow it down in the final, I'll take Richard B., Marcel, Casey, & Angelo!
+++++Season 10+++++
ReplyDelete-------------------
***Top 15 Top Chefs Ever***
My list off the top of my head in seasonal order:
Men - Stephen, Marcel, Hung, Dale, Richard, Michael & Bryan V., Kevin, Stefan, Angelo, & Paul
Women - Tiffani, Casey, Stephanie, & Jennifer (Mostly obvious choices who got far)
***There's always some jackass on Top Chef who has to preach about his crotch fruit.***
Years ago during one of those "Battle Of The Network Stars" programs, Leif Garrett's swimsuit must have exposed more than he wanted! The magazines said something about revealing his "meat and potatoes!" lol! The "family jewels" is still classy!
***They can't make eggs. WTF***
If you listen to any great chef, you'll hear the test he puts each of his sous' to is making eggs; all of them! I'd fail miserably since I'm no fan of them! Right now I just go Egg-beaters to avoid the cholesterol! lol!
***Making an egg is not an uncommon test, but I find it a boring one and think there are better ways to determine whether someone is a good chef. Not that I would do better than any of those chefs, obviously.***
Before S3 they had a mini-allstar group come in; S1 vs S2 and their 1st test was making an egg, one-handed (other tied behind back)!
***Yeah I remember that. Okay that was pretty funny :)
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Worst gimmick on 'Top Chef'? - The thing where they had to ride a bike to a restaurant, and then bring their food in one piece to the judges table.***
It's stuff like that that took TC off my "must see" list! You know most chefs, esp. the older ones get about as much exercise as walking to and from their car! Putting them on bikes and skis was so unfair! What if the person who got to the finale was 50 or so? Stupid; even LCK bringing back a chef! They went thru all that just to bring back the last eliminated chef! Sending all 4 initially would have saved us and the wasted food preps! lol!
***I wanted to throw Carla Pellegrino off of the Space Needle. - Somebody accidentally run a knife through her.***
I totally missed the episode! Being on at the same time as CSI, it was a no-brainer after that joke of a start last season! I'll have to check it out tonight! I miss all the good stuff! lol! This Carla person must be a real piece of work to get you guys all juiced up for murder! lol!
***She isn't necessarily a bitch or anything, but there is no end to the talking and running around like a headless chicken. It's hard to imagine someone like her in a professional kitchen environment.**
***...looks a little like Micah Edelstein from S3. She did the potatoes for the red team. Yes?***
ReplyDeleteI think we found Micah was a bit of a fraud; pretending to be from SA with the accent and everything! After all was said and done, didn't it come out she was from Jersey? lol! Potato dishes usually blow! One was successful with half butter while the other was lackluster and undercooked in oven squares! I barely watched so I can't give you anymore detail! The last couple seasons has been too hard to watch from the beginning! Too many people coming and going, twists, LCK; been a bit of a joke! I barely keep up with it for my blog's sake!
***1--John (5.33 points, last wk #2)
2 (tie)--Carla, Lizzie (4 points, last wk #4)
4--Kuniko (2.33 points, last wk #1, elim. this wk)
5--Sheldon (2.33 points, last wk #2)
6--Micah (2 points, last week #4)
7 (tie)--Chrissy, Kristen (1 point, last wk #7)
9 (tie)--Danyele, Eliza, Joshua (0 points, last wk #9)
12--CJ (0 points, last wk #12)
13--Tyler (-2 points, last wk #13)
14--Bart (-2 points, last wk #14)
15--Stefan (-2 points, last wk #15)
16--Brooke (-3 points, last wk #16)
ELIMINATED: Jeffrey (-3 points, last wk #18)
17--Josie (-4 points, last wk #15)
...Stefan pretty much dominated the first 2/3 of the season, and only started faltering when he got over-confident. In the finale, Hosea deliberately tried to trip him up in the "surprise" course, and yet Stefan ended up winning it. Where he went wrong was doing a dessert, while Hosea pussed out and didn't. ...let's not forget that, until Kevin Sbraga stole his season, Hosea was considered to be the weakest winner in the show's history.***
It was all on the dessert in S5 w/ Hosea winning! Supposedly Stefan's was dated! It wasn't bad, just not what they considered modern! Stupid decision! Keven was awful all S7, but after he made it to the finale, he was a different person! It was like a "mind-meld" had taken place and he had syphoned off the knowledge of a great chef! He was impeccable during that finale! I thought Ed would win, but Kevin wow'd them with a drink that knocked their socks off; if I remember correctly! Anybody?
***...Chef Falkner really WAS the best chef on the show ("TNIC Redemption"). So this time it's true. - If she was the best chef she wouldn't have been elim.***
ReplyDeleteDid you say that about Iron Chef Symon when he was elim. in the 1st round of "Chopped All-Stars" and Penny was allowed to continue? OMG, what an injustice, but he blew it; happens! He left an ingredient off the plate! Did that make "loud-mouth" Penny an overall better chef than him? I think not! I was never a fan of Symon, preferring Besh that season in "TNIC," but that man knows his stuff! He will probably out-do Morimoto in winning % eventually! He just can't be confounded! Add on the fact that like Anne B. last season, Faulkner elim. herself by choosing the person that knocked her out! I suppose it'll be thought of more as a curse than an advantage from now on!
***I feel Chef Falkner's a great chef who always came across as a nice person. Since I haven't seen her anywhere else (eg. Chopped), she's much more fresh in my mind compared to Alex or Amanda.***
Faulkner appears on "Top Chef" periodically as a guest judge, usually for a quick challenge! The 1st season she was almost featured one week creating the challenge; a sweet pornographic treat was to be created and served to customers at an "X-Rated" shop! RuPaul may have been involved as well(been 8 years at least)! That was my 1st exposure to the female "Lance Bass!" If she had an extra "y" chromosome in her pocket, she'd be perfect for me! lol!
***I don't normally watch the Food Channel other than to watch "Chopped." I really like the show and wish I could find other cooking shows that are just as engaging.***
How about "Top Chef" on Bravo? I don't particularly care for it these days! Turned into a reality show where the food is more incidental even though judges do taste it! Being on a rifle range, skiing, or riding around on bikes shouldn't be part of a challenge; esp. a finale! That stunk last season! Getting harder and harder for me to blog when I can't watch the whole show!
***Symon still had a great dish, but because of the rules he was chopped.***
ReplyDeleteThat isn't an absolute rule on "Chopped" about all ingredients getting on the plate! A couple years ago, this guy kept leaving things off needing just 30 more seconds to complete his offerings and he made it to dessert round with just one fritter on a plate! The judges aren't always absolute on that one thing!
***How can either Mehta or Appleman win now? - So basically we've been told that neither guy is Iron-Chef-worthy.***
With Mehta's ego, I'm sure he can't believe the judges didn't love his creation! I couldn't stand Appleman the 1st time around, but he's been confident without being a jackarse and he was kind enough to help Freitag with her pressure cooker! What is her problem? Sometime she's so weak in the kitchen as if she's never been in one! So sad, but she got another win!
***Cat Cora has been the only female Iron Chef so far, and the winners have been male. I think the FN wants either Alex or Amanda to win.***
I said the same thing last year and they still picked Zakarian who was in the bottom again and again: for cause! He didn't listen to challenges and made multiple components when asked for fusion! I've been impressed by Faulkner for years seeing that she's a lot more than a pastry chef! Amanda and Alex are weak compared to her, but they're egos aer strong! I'm still upset with how pathetic Freitag can look opening a simple can or wheel of cheese and trying to open/close a pressure cooker! She gives chefs no mercy in that respect when chefs are cooking for her on "Choppped!" Hypocrisy reigns with these guys; all of them!
***I missed it, but I'm guessing mehta lost? wow.***
No one was more surprised than Mehta himself! His ego is out of control in the confessionals! He talks about his passion and love for food like these other people are pretenders! It's quite insulting at times! I was thrilled to see that "face of his broken" when Appleman was saved last night instead of him! Appleman has come a long way since his first go round! I'm impressed; esp. w/ taking out Faulkner and Mehta back to back in these elim. challenges! You have to give it up to him!
***I think they were all extremely talented to be able to mix ANY of those ingredients into something edible at all! lol! Savory and sweet stuff doesn't always lend itself to fusion!***
ReplyDeleteI see these kinds of challenges as a way of bringing chef egos down a peg! You hear them grumbling and whining like any other chef who's about to produce something for them to judge! I think it's great to have the shoe on the other foot! So often they're merciless and have no sympathy for someone else's plight! Freitag struggling to open that can last week, then a wheel of cheese had me chuckling! "I don't want to hear it, just get it on the plate!"
***LOL!! Good point Fiero. You could be onto something here...!
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Since you mentioned Next Food Network Star. . .Where has this year's winner Justin been? All the other winners' shows started the next week, even though they were just 4-6 wks to start. ...That is of the ones who don't have their own shows like Kelsey and Jeffrey and Adam and Tom Pizzico.***
It seems like most of these shows fizzle when it comes to the success of the winners! You have isolated exceptions of course, but for the most part most of these people are on milk cartons or being remembered on shows like "Where Are They Now?!"
***...Copperfield will attempt his most difficult magic trick yet; make Alton's annoying personality completely disappear!***
Alton has to have a huge ego! He can't be stumped! He's been everywhere, seen and used every strange ingredient known to man, and somehow manages to fit his head into Iron Stadium and in front of a camera!
***lol! - Appleman's anger is really off-putting. it's not like an intense I want to win anger. It's like an old fat man on the corner anger.***
That kind of animus is quite ego driven! It's like "who is this person to be competing against me!" Each rates the others' reputation and following, then compare it to what they think of themselves!
***Maybe he's a little jealous of Marcel, who is handsome, personable, and had a really good friend who had his back. I wish they had got rid of him b/c he has NO personality. NONE! - He's boring too. Why it's such an old man anger.***
It's unfortunate, but these people don't have lives after all is said and done! Their entire day is spent in a kitchen; studios' and their own! When not cooking, they're talking about cooking! I know how it is to be totally isolated and in a bubble doing one thing! As an avid tennis player and teacher back in the 70's & 80's, my life was totally engulfed in the game! I was on the court all day and if not playing, I was teaching it or watching it on tv! My wardrobe was extensive, but most of it was tennis shorts, shirts, and all the accessories! It's easy to do and all seems normal until you go outside of that bubble and you're lost! It happens! My work in computers took over after that in the 90's so I know where these people are coming from! They feel someone's in their way and are so driven, they don't even see how it's destroying their personas!
***STANDINGS THRU ROUND 5
ReplyDelete1--John, 8.33 points (last week #1)
2--Kristen, 8 points (last week #3)
3--Sheldon, 6.83 points (last week #4)
4--Lizzie, 5 points (last week #2)
ELIM: Kuniko (3.33 points, last week #5)
5--Brooke, 0 points (last week #15)
ELIMINATED: Carla (-0.5 points)
6--Stefan, -1 point (last week #9)
7--Bart, -1.5 points (last week #7)
8--Micah, -2 points (last week #6)
ELIM: Chrissy (-3.5 points), Jeffrey (-3.5 points)
9--Danyele, -4 points (last week #8)
10--Tyler, -4.25 points (last week #11, elim. this wk)
11--CJ, -4.75 points (last week #14, LCK champion)
12--Josie, -5 points (last week #13)
13--Joshua, -6 points (last week #12)
14--Eliza, -6.5 points (last wk #10, elim. this wk)***
No wonder I'm still ambivalent when it comes to these chefs; still too many of them! Besides being huge disappointments, b/c there are so many spots, it'll take longer to whittle down the "real losers!" I was spoiled by S6 & 7! All-Stars was a waste of time; fell as planned with redemption for Richard!
***Piggybacking off the "Favourite to least Favourite..." thread, rank the remaining cooks in descending order when it comes to your personal opinion of their culinary ability, and thus the likelihood that he/she will take the title.
Tier 1 - The Contenders
1. Kristen (2 wins, 1 High, 0 Lows)
2. Stefan (0 Wins, 2 Highs, 2 Lows)
3. Lizzie (0 Wins, 3 Highs, 0 Lows)
4. Sheldon (0 Wins, 3 Highs, 1 Low)
5. Brooke (1 Win, 1 High, 2 Lows)
Tier 2 - Capable of Winning, but Inconsistent
6. John (0 Wins, 2 Highs, 2 Lows)
Tier 3 - Lots of ?s, Need to Show More, Could be Wildcards
7. Bart (0 Wins, 0 Highs, 2 Lows)
8. Josh (0 Wins, 1 High, 3 Lows)
9. Micah (0 Wins, 0 Highs, 2 Lows)
Tier 4 - Just Can't See Winning
10. Josie (0 Wins, 0 Highs, 3 Lows)
Obviously with Stefan I am basing his rank more on his reputation and past performance, i.e. what I know he's capable of.***
Sorry, I can't keep the chefs straight in my head besides the vets; Josie & Stefan! What a collection of losers, screwballs, and ego-maniacs w/ little or no talent! I'll start watching more seriously when they pare down some of the worst cooks!
***Would you do Top Chef? - No! I would probably look down on the people who choose to participate in TV cooking shows like this one.***
ReplyDeleteThe show just isn't as reputable as it once was; if ever! Stephanie I. (S4) is the only one to go on and get awards, notoriety, and decent exposure! I saw her on Iron Chef repeat a couple weeks ago; special ingredient bread (I think)! Season 6 or 7 was the last ones to have my complete attention! It's been quite lame the last few yrs; esp. the All-Stars! You expected more and got less! It was pathetic! Last season's Paul was a great choice and didn't fall into a win like Kevin a couple season before!
***Previously elim. contestants..I only miss Kuniko. Something about Eliza seemed crazy to me.***
The % are good you have more than one crazy person in the pile! There are so many chefs I don't even try and remember their names! "On Just Desserts" a couple years ago they had to take someone out in a straight-jacket! Anybody see it? He was certifiable! The ambulance couldn't get there fast enough to take him away!
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OMG; what a collection of losers - I couldn't sleep so I turned on past episodes! These people this season are pathetic! I wouldn't let them serve up a kennel mix for dogs! I knew it was bad watching 5 min. here and there earlier in the season, but I had no idea the level of ineptitude! I'm really spoiled by S's 6 & 7 I guess! There's a theme I'm seeing or maybe I'm nuts; the challenges aren't really challenges for the most part! There have been those odd times where they really had to work, like with a side of beef, but most of the challenges has them making something they're quite familiar with! Sometimes just "the side dish" to an entree instead of a whole dish with protein! They're failing miserbly from what I can tell!
LCK really exemplifies why they shouldn't have been selected in the 1st place! They're asked to re-do a past failure in essense and they can't do it; no matter how simple! This last one has them making a sandwich! It's like the confessionals set them up for failure, but you know that part is taped later! Whenever they're super, over-confident, that means they're going to crash and burn! The simpler the task, the more tragic the result! She couldn't make the sandwich even eatable for TOM and makes it for herself everyday! CJ is hanging on my a toe-nail; "ham and butter dude?" Is he just an outpatient working on the outside during the day and has to go get locked up at night? All he does is talk and he can't back any of it up! He's even more pathetic than the others since he's had 2 and 3 bites at this apple over the years! He has no excuse about the pressure, cameras, lack of vision! This can't be happening! Am I making a mountain out of a proverbial molehill?
***Amanda, Alex and Nate battle it out to go to Kitchen stadium and then we'll have the Next Iron Chef. Who is everyone rooting for?***
All have flaws; predominantly their egos on "IC: Redemption!" I've been pleasantly surprised Appleman hasn't been a complete douche-bag like his 1st go-round 2 years ago! The others are big time hypocrites in so many ways when they're sitting in judgement, but I think I'll go for Freitag! Nate could pull it out, but for Alex to win, I think Zakaran might have to knock off the other judges! He's fully capable; such kissie-face w/ Alex! I say bring in Madison from "Chopped" fame to be her sous!
***Seen every episode of every season of TC and I can say that this season is beyond dismal. The absurdity of the challenges and completely obvious product placement is becoming so blatant it makes the show hard to watch now.***
ReplyDeleteWell I guess it isn't "just me!" I probably won't care though until near the finale; for blog purposes! I lost real desire concerning the show 2 seasons ago!
***John's glasses - Does he need those things? They're on his forehead 98% of the time!***
It's an attention getter! We just devoted a thread to it! ...CJ hasn't gotten any more mature with age I see! Still "all talk," hating on John who won the QC, wound up in the bottom again! What is it with these guys? It's bad enough when they don't back up their own offerings, he throws other chefs "under the bus;" overtly! He gets smacked down by Hugh a week later when he tried it again and was told "CJ, yours was worse!"The judges laughed at him! What a shot to the solar plexus! And now he's winning on the "LCK track!" Booooo!
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***I think Sir Simon on "IC Redemption" saying a final 3 chef cooking lemon chicken was a highlight of the competition really speaks to how far this show has fallen.***
That may be true, but even on "Top Chef," when it gets down to the crunch with the last few chefs, they usually go back to basics making them create an entree with simple ingredients of a chicken, onion, & a potato!
***Don't the newly crowned Iron Chefs ALWAYS win their first battles?***
Unless they set things up, this is no cakewalk for Alex! She's fully capable of letting time screw her up! She thinks she's a magician in the kitchen and can cook anything in 25 min.! Just watched her in "Chopped All-Stars!" She cut these huge pork chops with limited time to grill them; went to a "desperation braise" with hot water! I was appalled!! It heats things up and it gets done, but it also toughens the meat! That's not IRON CHEF worthy thought!
***Yep, and Judy Joo is supposed to be an Iron Chef on Iron Chef UK yes? I hope they delivery a shocker but it's never been the case on Iron Chef America history thus far.***
***Tier 1: The Contenders
ReplyDelete1. Kristen - 2 Wins, 1 High, 0 Lows
2. Brooke - 2 Wins, 1 High, 2 Lows
3. Stefan - 0 Wins, 2 Highs, 2 Lows
4. Lizzie - 0 Wins, 4 Highs, 0 Lows
Tier 2: A Cut Below
5. John - 1 Win, 2 Highs, 2 Lows
6. Sheldon - 0 Wins, 3 Highs, 2 Lows
Tier 3: Need to See More
7. Micah 0 Wins, 1 High, 2 Lows
8. Josh 0 Wins, 1 High, 4 Lows
Tier 4: Hanging on for Dear Life
9. Josie 0 Wins, 0 Highs, 4 Lows***
How did Josie even make it this far? I'm gonna start calling her "the Black Widow!" Casey was like that back in season 3! She takes down a team mate everytime possible! lol! What a horrible woman! Loud, obnoxious, talentless, and doesn't back up any of her bluster! I was ready to give her every benefit of the doubt, but she's been just plain bad!
***The elim. was going to be either Sheldon or Bart; Josh wasn't at risk of going home. Sheldon messed up the tempura while Josh made the various "tantrums" which the judges liked. Had the tempura been cooked correctly, they may have been with the top groups.***
Just looking at it, it had to be undercooked! It wasn't quite brown, probably still a little mushy; not crisp!
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***What about Cat Cora? - She's always insisted that she hasn't left "ICA," that she's just been busy. She's got so much more presence than some of these newbies. I wish she'd come back and defend.***
AS much as Cat Cora knows her stuff, I was never really impressed with her! She's so busy trying to be "cutsie-wootsie" with her presentation, she's lost some simple battles! I've seen her make elemenary errors which have cost her in Iron Stadium like her homemade pizza dough; too thick and she burned it! That's just not IC worth as far as I'm concerned! She wouldn't allow someone to get away with something like that, why would she perpetrate such a fraud?
***The thing about Cat Cora & Michael Symon is that they had to learn to play the game. They both had weaker starts and made some questionable food. ...Cat had a rough start, but once she dug deep into her southern and greek traditions she became much more successful.***
ReplyDeleteI must have missed those Symon flops; maybe in the season he won! My fave was Besh back then! Symon, since becoming IC has been just about flawless! He seems to really know his stuff, is obviously well traveled, and can give Austin a run for his money in overall knowledge of flavors and mixings them!
***Try to process all that, and then ask yourself what you would be like at this point. I probably would have had a Seth-class breakdown two episodes ago.***
Poor Seth! Not sure how many watched that episode a couple years ago! Did they ever say if he was ok or not? Initially thought it was on Top Dessert, but thinking about it harder, I seem to remember Padma and Tom involved! They gave the news to the other chefs; can picture that very clearly!
***No, you were right the first time--it was "Just Desserts." Gail, Johnny, and Elizabeth Faulkner got to deal with the fallout (one of many reasons why I think Faulkner is a couple thousand shades of amazing).***
I really wasn't a rabid viewer and barely blogged about it; if at all! I remember the cute winner Yigit though! That season was considered good surviving evil in Morgan! What a character! I wonder how his case resolved itself? - Did you watch Elizabeth in "Iron Chef Redemption" on FN this past season? Highway robbery again; criminal judging as usual! Marcel did well for himself!
***Considering the top 2 out of 3 would probably be Stephanie Izard and Carla Hall, I'm not sure how much of a commentary this is on female chefs.***
The business must be really rough on woman, but the few they've brought in have been real weak! I don't blame them for wilting under the pressure! I was watching Iron Chef Redemption this past season and Amanda Freitag, as good as she is in the kitchen, can look "like a woman!" She was fighting to open cans, closing her pressure cooker, and breaking into a wheel of Parmesan cheese! I don't blame her, it's tough, but in comparison to the guys, most of the ladies look rather weak and pathetic even with a lot of experience! Stephanie is great and has represented well! I saw her compete against IC Symon on IRON CHEF and I admire her a lot! There are too many chefs who are blowing smoke and can't back it up! Tiffany from Season 1 and All-Stars is good, but you can really count the woman who are good on one hand! Does that make me a misogynist pig? Sorry!
What was it the TC All-Stars? Poor Jenn was made to work all night at that museum and she wasn't in any mood to deal w/ the judges, ripping everyone a new one as she PUYKAG!
ReplyDelete***No, Jen had had some sleep that night. About 45 minutes. I've said nastier things to my (now former) boss when I've had seven hours.***
I still see her face at the end, the hysterical burst of laughter when they dismissed her, then ripping everyone else for the whole thing as she's walking out, cursing behind a door! lol! I'm pretty sure when I saw this episode, I said I would have left with Tom and Padma! I suffer from a sleep disorder and I wouldn't let them put me thru the ringer like that! These people have knives in their hands all night! Someone might get one right between the shoulder blades and who takes responsibility for that? I don't think disqualifying the chef would be enough; ala Cliff! lol!
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***You try breaking a parmesian wheel. It is not pathetic that she couldn't.***
I'm only saying it b/c when she's judging, she doesn't care about chef's difficulties so why should we care when she struggles? "Just get it on the plate" is her constant refrain! I just thought it was funny! Alex's first assignment as IC had to deal with an 80 pound roll of mortadella sunday; gross! Why do they do this to the chef? "You have 20 min. to come up with an appetizer, if you can break into this thing!" lol! They tried to pull the same thing with a side of beef and had to send it out to be butchered before taping; IDIOTS!
***I think Josie should have been sent home to be honest with you. But judging from a reality show producer standpoint, Josie (and Josh for that matter) bring drama. Bart doesn't. So he had to go.***
Josie should have been sent home a long time ago! I've been very disappointed in her! I was willing to give her every benefit of the doubt from her past seasons with nerves, but she's been just plain bad! Not sure she knows what she's doing! She's just loud and obnoxious! Stephen from Season 1 could be a "real tool," but at least he backed it up with good food! All the vets have disappointed me including Stefan who seems to be coasting; IMO! Not like I'm watching every moment, but not too many of these efforts have been impressive from my limited viewing!
***Josh has not been a very consistent or impressive chef at all, has he? Nor has Josie and though I liked Bart, he wasn't really either. Sheldon maybe was most at fault for the tempura dish being such a dud, but he has been good in the competition and it would have totally sucked to see him go. All of the other 3 really could have gone, all things considered.***
***That arrogant dickhead John was sent packing. I hope he loses LCK too and gets the official cut. Fingers crossed that the obnoxious pig Josie goes soon, if not next week.***
ReplyDeleteThe guy is obviously disturbed! No one but a 4 year old would ask to use or borrow something, then take it all! My mouth is still hanging open! What D-bag loser! "I could have taken all the pickles and told her welcome to TC!" He needs serious psychological help with healthy doses of medication; no doubt! Josie's next!
***I watched the first 8 episodes again - Josh might be the most annoying Top Chef contestant since Hosea.***
He's even more insufferable when he's in the top! He just had to add his 2 cents in during the judging of John! He wasn't even involved in the preparation! Why is he making comment? Another D-bag in the season! What a waste!
***You are so correct when he is winning he gets even more arrogant and obnoxious. Last night he kept smirking when John was talking to the judges. When they went back in after judging he sits down like he's king of Top Chef. Insufferable is correct.
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It's pathetic that he would even try to patronize the other chef by reminding us that he's willing to share pickles. Are you *beep* kidding me, former junkie? How delusional can you be? Really?***
Obviously very delusional! My mouth hung open with most of his comments and all I could do was shake my head with his actions! He asked for "some" of the dill, but took it all! What a goof and an arse! If I were the producer, "be afraid, be very agraid!" I wouldn't turn my back on this nut!
***It's really bad that he used all the dill. What a dick. - BTW, how do you feel about Tom?***
His inconsistency in judging bothers me the most! One day, "if it's that bad, don't put it on the plate!" The next day, "we really needed you to put something on the plate even if it was awful!" Hypocrite!
***Get new judges and refresh this tired, moribund show. - Yeah, I think a shake up is in order. I may not watch it next season. Ugh...- This show has been declining ever since S5 and this and last season are by far the worst. In the end, this 10th season will probably end up sucking even more than S9.***
I'm glad other people can see it! I've been shocked by Stefan as well! Not sure if he's just getting old or he just over-achieved his 1st go round! He's been sitting in the middle and not really that unhappy about it! Not like I've watched every moment, but he's definitely been subdued; big time!
***Bob Kramer knife said to be worth $500 an inch, and the knife was $4000... umm, what? - The knife he got was damascus steel chef's knife custom built by Bob Kramer at the Kramer Knives studio in Olympia, WA. This is not a production knife like a shun It is hand forged and created on sight by Bob Kramer.***
ReplyDeleteI don't understand why the OP is shocked! There are plenty of suckers out there that will pay that extra surcharge just for the name and status of that blade! This is so ridiculous! A scalpel isn't as expensive, and they have to be razor sharp! Slap an ivory handle on it and move on for a lot less!
***...Richard Blais (S 4) had one sweep, one elim. win, and two QF wins - Richard Blaise was never up for elimination...until the final 2***
Richard is an exceptional chef who doesn't use shortcuts, is innovative, and obviously has the passion for the business! He's probably risking his family life opening up multiple restaurants!
***Typical for this and most reality competitions is that one episode is 2-3 days. On this show it looks like they do the quickfire in the morning and they start the elimination task in the afternoon (and it usually finishes the next day when they also have the jury table, which can take several hours) There may be some days off included but usually not between every episode, which is why these competitions are so draining on a lot of contestants.
Most of the shows I've heard of including Top Chef finish filming a season in 3-4 weeks. A difference for Top Chef is they have been doing their finale several months after the show for a number of seasons now (which has been shown quite a disadvantage to some people that did great during the regular season but struggle in the finale because they haven't been in the zone for a long while).***
Oh I never believed they went a week btw challenges! OMG, this would take half the year to finish a season! The cost of housing all those people for that long would make it prohibitive!
***I never bought it either, but that doesn't mean that they didn't try to sell it.
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I've been watching TC since season 2 and occasionally browsed these boards but didn't really start actively participating in the conversations until this season. So I'm just curious to know where everyone stands regarding the previous seasons and chefs. So that's why I've put together this questionnaire and my answers are included.
Favorite season:
Season 8 (All-Stars)
Least Favorite season:
So far it's this one, but not including season 10 it's a toss up between season 7 and season 9.
Least deserving winner:
It's a toss up between Hosea, Ilan and Kevin
Runner up that should have won:
Stefan
Runner up that shouldn't have made it that far:
Sarah
Most unlikable group of chefs:
Probably season 2. The only one I really liked was Sam.
Winner who deserved it the most:
Richard
Most annoying chef:
Carla
Best villain:
Sarah
Favorite chef:
Fabio ***
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I started watching half way thru S1 and created a blog the following season! Check it out!
Favorite season:
Season 6
Least Favorite season:
Season 9; barely watchable
Least deserving winner:
It's Hosea w/o a doubt
Runner up that should have won:
Stefan; not on today's standards though
Runner up that shouldn't have made it that far:
Sarah; has no idea how fortunate she was making finale
Most unlikable group of chefs:
Season 2; can't even watch the finale
Winner who deserved it the most:
Richard; actually had Michael I. rip off a concept and won w/ it
Most annoying chef:
Carla; "sorry babe, you get on my last freakin' nerve!" On WWHL now
Best villain:
Sarah; with her great fortune, she didn't try and redeem herself
Favorite chef:
Paul; most dominant chef off the top of my head
***Teflon Josie who has been in the bottom 5 times lives to cook again. She can't get home soon enough for me. I really thought this was going to be the week.***
ReplyDeleteMy hands were shaking too much to even put in my 2 cents earlier! I figured if I cooled down I wouldn't still be so livid; still am though! HOW? WHY? WTF! Those poor people next week! Josie's no team player! They're in trouble!
***Agreed. This elimination was BS. How many chances is she going to get? Like you said, she's been in the bottom 5 times. Never won a challenge, and she makes it to the final 7? She was eliminated fifth in her original season. Was barely on long enough to make an impression, and then they bring her back this season as some kind of veteran all star? It's annoying and I'm so tired of seeing her just barely skate by every week.***
I figured she had to come back more seasoned! She was worse this go round floundering in the bottom and dragging other chefs down with her; that turkey comes to mind! How does she keep surviving? I have to blame production! I can't believe it's all on the judges; can't be that sinister! You know Josie's going to be a terror in a team challenge! She's too selfish, slow, and doesn't even try to manage her time!
***I think the real ass is the chef with the 1800's Rollie Fingers moustache. Why did he have to add his two cents to get a dig in against John in the last episode? If I was one of the judges I would had to tell him shut it. He already was one of the top chefs with the best dishes, and he has been doing that all season long trying to get John kicked off the show.***
He's still there, twirling his little mustache, showing disapproval, and passing judgement! What a tool! Let me go watch LCK; forgot about it! "GO Micah!"
***He's obnoxious. I was disappointed that he didn't get the boot tonight, but there's always next week. He looked pretty pissed off when Kristen and Sheldon each won ten grand. They showed a photo of his wife and she looked pretty. I don't know what I was expecting, but he looks like such an ass with that mustache. ...***
***OMG Fiero!! I so very much agree about Josie. I was so annoyed by that braying laugh and her showing of Home 305 that I was yelling at the telly to get her out. I think that if Kristen's team loses Restaurant Wars, it will be b/c of Josie, and OMG I pray she is not front of house! I don't know if I can watch her train wreck another week - and I had to laugh when during the judging, Tom referred to "the Josie Show."
ReplyDelete----
When picking teams, Kristen's motivation for picking Josie over Micah was a more-hands-make-less-work philosophy. Yes, I could guess from the editing that Micah was going, but I wonder what tipped her off. Micah had been experiencing a surge (2 QF wins and Elim top group in the previous two episodes) while Josie has yet to show much promise in any of the competition. Perhaps reality show producers are that oblivious behind the scenes?***
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As usual, b/c Micah was on a "heater," he got complacent and over-confident! I wasn't shocked he was auf'd esp. going raw like that! "This is a cooking contest!" Throwing that stuff on a pile was so offensive to Tom and the other judges! Knife work is most important in a dish like that! Pre-cutting is a "no-no!" I wouldn't have eaten it even if done better! It just showed a lot of laziness!
***I'm having a hard time getting Stefan. ...his food always look kinda boring and forgettable (tuna tartare? really?) and he just annoyed me playing the "Hey, Wolfgang, love me, I'm German too" card this week.***
Poor Stefan has just been beaten down in some way! His fire isn't there! He doesn't seem to really care! "What happened babe?" lol!
***Kristen should sit Josie in a corner and get her to peel vegetables and chop onions while the adults cook. LOL***
She wanted Stefan! She "swore" out loud/under her breath when he was chosen by the other chef! Kristen is not going to be able to deal with someone as overbearing as Josie! Why would anyone think she's going to act better now; esp. knowing she's a team mate? She can't run at your own speed! "Let's GO BITCH!"
***When the series started I didn't mind Tom. It hasn't been until the last couple of seasons that he's really started to bother me. He's just too inconsistent. ...The other thing he does is he tells the chefs to leave their comfort zone and when they do, he says things like "Why did you go away from what was familiar?"***
It's unfortunate most people feel Tom can't be trusted because he is so inconsistant and a hypocrite! I've said from the beginning, this needs to be a blind test like you have with some of the returning chefs in the booth sampling together! It's just not fair when you have biases; some more blatant than others! It is well known certain things about the judges, but not all are aware! Supposedly Tom hates green pepper that isn't peeled! I like having that skin just for that little bit of ruffage! He's just such an insufferable prig at times; more often than not!
***Is Kristen the female version of Paul from last year? - Paul was more talented I'd say. But this is probably one of the worst seasons in a long time.***
ReplyDeleteI think it has more to do with production than the talent; or lack thereof! These people would probably thrive better if they weren't so stressed! Who knows?! All I know is CJ and Stefan haven't impressed and Josie has been even worse; and they're the vets! Something's going on we aren't aware of behind the scenes!
***Kristen is an awesome chef and she really has the right mindset to do well. But I kinda have to agree with Fiero on this one; something is going on. I also think it's difficult to compare. I mean, each season has its own life. Don't forget that good chefs can do poorly on a show like this and lesser chefs can end up going far. Is this season talented or not? Who knows?!
As for Stefan, I would have loved to have seen him on the All-Stars. However, I think he might be tired of the TC nonsense and is just there to get some publicity. Also, he might be a little too old school, plus the judges already know his food really well. Maybe they find it a little bit boring? CJ and Josie, on the other hand, are doing "better" than expected. Yes, Josie is a mess, but she's never the worst, and CJ seems to be on a roll in LCK. - Josie got Kristen knocked out as scheduled! At least she can recover in LCK! Cj's out!***
Good for Kristen! I'll have to go check it out! Cool! Thanks! She really was the female equivalent of Paul, but his saboteurs got auf'd early like Ty-lor!
***How does CJ keep winning all the Last Chance Kitchen challenges? He never did particularly well when he was still in the competition.***
It was the same way CJ's 1st go round! He caused other chefs to be auf'd; total incompetence! I can still see what kicked him off that plane challenge; disgusting "broccolini" Tom commented as one of the worse things ever on TC!
***Maybe it's just me, but CJ was the biggest tool of the competition, just by how he acted. I never liked or disliked him before, but this season he acting like a kid.!***
That's a perfect name for him; 'TOOL!' He can't halp himself! He keeps talking instead of letting his skill do the work for him! He says he's great, won 6 LCK challenges! He couldn't just go about his business, he had to try and trip her up! Why do people admit to something like that only to have it backfire on them? He was typically crude as he left the kitchen!
***Let's list 101 things you'd rather have on your team other than Josie - 1. A one-armed retarded monkey***
If you remember an old Golden Girls episode, Rose had a blind sister! I'll take her even though she almost burned the house down! lol! I hope Josie reads this! I want her to know how worthless she has been! She's delusional and is walking over the dead bodies of chefs she's knifed in the back! She's always the victim though and people are picking on her!
***I think that what Kristen did is very honorable, but maybe she doesn't understand how this kind of reality TV works. In this instance, she only had one out: throw Josie under the bus. Which would be completely justified, b/c she asked her many times to prepare something and Josie just stalled. By falling on her sword as being the executive chef responsible for everything, she gave a way out to the producers to get her out over Josie. It's sad. But I'm pretty sure they would have done that anyway even if she didn't take the blame.***
ReplyDeleteHonorable, but dumb! She shouldn't have even chosen Josie as a team mate! Everyone saw how much she was struggling! Kristen shot herself in the foot from the beginning! Josie's history will drag others down around her! It's always been the case! I can't remember her doing anything and that's saying something since I've blogged the show since the beginning! I actually referenced Season 3's Casey's finale appearance! I remember her venison was blue-raw, but judges liked her tomato butter! It stuck with me for some reason! All I can remember about Josie is how disruptive she can be! She's obviously personable since no one really dislikes her like a "Lisa" in Season 4! She's tough, but most people overlook a lot of her "bravado" in just being there! "Calm down girl!"
***Top Chef has Jumped the Shark***
I think the last premium season may have been "SIX!" You had the "V" Brothers, Eli, Kevin, and others who really knew what they were doing! You had a few losers, but from the beginning they were put to the test selecting wines to go with a quick challenge, etc.! I have no clue, barely being social with champagne! I gulp, not sip; just not a drinker! I can appreciate the pressures each of those chefs had to go through since you had so many "golden children" in that group! I was terribly impressed! The All-Stars will always be a joke to me in comparison since so many of the winners weren't deserving! What does that say to take some cast-offs from previous seasons like my namesake, Jamie from season 5? She was a horrid chef, with a bad attitude, and limited skills! What was she making people say, "this is Top Chef, not Top Scallop?" Oh, I'm on today! It's unbelievable stuff that's kicking in about the show that I haven't thought about in years! I think I hang on more by "habit of blogging" the show and I'm just following it with blind loyalty! Heaven knows why I should feel that way since the judging has been a joke since it's inception!
I've always thought they should go to "blind testing" like they do with past chefs coming back to help judge QC's! The chefs and judges shouldn't know who made whatever until they decide what was best! Of course some chefs have a signature, but that's fine, at least they should judge it for that challenge rather than past history! It's obvious they do at times and that's sad to see over and over again! They wouldn't save Kristen for some reason who has been the most accomplished and it seemed like Padma had it out for her! Something's going on there! Where are each of them from; ancestry? Rotten to think, but Padma was almost dripping with venom concerning Kristen! She was rather harsh and I just couldn't figure out where this was coming from! No tears for Kristen! Was it an evil grin? I couldn't even watch it when I heard ahead of time! It was one of the worst eliminations I can remember offhand since Tre in Season 3 aftr RW or was it "Second Helping?" CJ helped him out the door with his rotten bread pudding and general lack of initiative! I have nothing good to think or say about him! "Broccolini" is about all!
***Casey?! Haha! Surely you jest? Casey 'middled' for most of her season and didn't start to show any real talent until towards the end. Hung was the only one going into the finale who showed consistent high level performance from beginning to end, had anyone else in that finale had won the season over him I would have been shamefully disappointed. - The judges say that Casey gave it away.***
ReplyDeleteHung was probably the most talented, but he was also arrogant and careless! He was speedy, but for some reason he'd rather sit on his arse watching others feverishly trying to finish, never offering to help out! I know it's a competition, but he wouldn't even help with the clean up! He would get his stuff done and say "to Hell with everyone else!" In that finale, he finished preparing his QF 1st, but neglected salt if you can believe it! That was why Casey won that 1st challenge in Aspen! The Dale just tried to do too much with extra sauces and not really making coherant decisions forcing tasters see a vision! Even though talented, Paul won by default! I can still see that blue uncooked venison Casey was trying to foust on the judges! They loved her tomato butter sauce! It's been years since I've watched this season! It's unwatchable really because of the back-stabbing and general incompetence of many of the chefs! Cj was in there and caused Tre to be auf'd during RW; which they did twice with a "Second Helping" since the 1st night was so bad for both teams! "It's called bread pudding CJ; you can't handle that?" What a jerk! Oh I forgot, Casey wound up being the "Black Widow" of the season! If you befriended her, you were toast and auf'd the following challenge!
***Stefan was the best that season and should have been Top Chef. Las Vegas was the best season. The brothers and Kevin are great chefs. All Stars was a joke. Kevin and Brian should have been contestants. Josie is terrible. She ruined her last season and now this one. I'm sick of Padma with her big mouth. She has zero experience but has the biggest mouth. SHUT UP PADMA!!***
You shouldn't be too surprised All-Stars lacking so much talent! I'm sure most of the good chefs were too busy and had much better things to do than deal with this nonsensical show! It lost it's credibility all long time ago!
***After Josie's gone ...I'm sure Kristen will be back, but - honestly - I really couldn't care less about who's going to win. Josie is probably a good chef in real life. It's just a reality show anyway.***
If we're lucky, this should be it! The problem is the other chefs stunk tonight too! They over-complicated the challenge and blew it trying to impress the judges! Morons! They ask for fried chicken and Stefan goes "cordon bleu," while Brooke decided to take it off the bone! Why? Josie's was greasy; we'll see! Padma's helping her by saying "at least she gave us fried chicken! Greasy though it was!" - OMG; I'm disgusted! - - SHE'S GONE! SHE'S GONE!
***The judges are so snobby about food it gets on my nerves sometimes; like the remarks about chicken cordon bleu. I know it's their job, but they don't have to scold them everytime, maybe offer some constructive criticism instead. They literally make fun of them at times.***
ReplyDeleteIt's so sad that foods I grew up with is thought to be passe, outdated, or too heavy! I love most chicken dishes that Stefan would make and I'd eat 'em up; cordon bleu and kiev! Can't get enough of them; esp. the kiev with all that butter! Split over a bed of rice and I'm happy! You never see anyone making a fondue either! I miss so much of that stuff from the 70's and 80's!
***I'm feeling with you, brother. Two or three years ago, everybody was doing their WILD AND INNOVATIVE CEVICHE dishes and mostly failed, today everything's wrapped up in East Asian spices and hamachi and God knows what.
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While classic Cordon Bleu is of course stuffed veal, the cheaper every-day-variations for most people who actually grew up here in Germany consist of stuffed pork or chicken. I grew up having Cordon Bleu on festive occasions, such as birthday feasts for the elder ones etc. There's nothing resembling "American" fried chicken in Germany; Richter went to something that never really went out of style here. - The crunchy pork wasn't the only issue with Stefan's dish. The judges claimed that you could barely taste the eel in the ravioli, the sauce was greasy, and the pork didn't go with it at all.***
Poor Stefan had run out of gas! He was subsisting on fumes! He was really ready to go home! He had a lot more passion 5 years ago!
***I'll definitely be voting for him in the "Save a Chef" contest if he doesn't survive Kristen in LCK.
- I'm hoping that it's Kristin just b/c I think she put more of her heart and soul into this season than Stefan did. Stefan didn't really seem to take the competition as seriously this time around. I love him, but he was really fair to midlin on this season. Kristin was much better and only got sent packing b/c she took the fall for Josie in Restaurant Wars.***
You're completely right about everything! Kristen should be in the finale and Stefan lost his fire! He was really coasting and didn't seem to care; even when eliminated!
***You are right! I liked stefan more as a character on the show-but Kristin was my favorite because she really seemed to care about every challenge and she was confident in her work. IMHO she channeled all of the bad about her life into her cooking and was all heart. I PRAY she wins LCK!***
She's more skilled than Beverly from last season, so she should pull this out in LCK! The next elimination will probably be LIZZIE and I think Kristen can get past her as well!
***Yep...I think you're right. I really like Lizzie, but it seems that for the first part of the season she was flying under the radar. I'm absolutely Kristin all the way.
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I really think Lizzie lacks the confidence any top chef should have, so I hope she goes next, and then when Kristen wins LCK, they can bring her back. Josh can be axed next so it will be the perfect finale with Kristen, Sheldon, and Brooke.***
***Challenge: The chefs cooked dishes using offal.
ReplyDeleteKristen: Chicken Livers with Garlic and Mustard Caramel, Pickled Fruit, and Herb Salad
Stefan: Beuscherl of Innards with Cream Sauce, Bread Galette, Liver, and Parsley Salad
WINNER: Kristen***
I wouldn't put liver on the "offal" list of ingredients! They're fairly normal in comparison to tongue, tripe, hearts, and other inerts that need a lot of seasoning and work to make edible!
***Liver definitely falls under the category of offal. Offal is simply "internal organs other than muscle and bone."***
I think I'm taking the sound of the word as "awful" to heart! lol! To me, liver is far from AWFUL! Loved it since I was a kid! Still crave pate, but not on my diet anymore!
***I can't say I've ever had plain liver. My mother-in-law makes haggis, which contains liver and various other organs, and I always enjoyed that, but it's mostly oats so I have no clue what the flavour of liver would be like.***
The closest I've come to haggis is seeing it being used on Chopped last year; IN A CAN! Looked like dog food; yuck! In the States "liver and onions" is very popular; just seasoned, flour dusted, and fried! Sometimes it's smothered in brown gravy with either rice or mashed potatoes! Of course it's raw when served in pates, but seasoned well and prepared; sorta like what's done with tuna in a can! I never think of myself eating something raw, but it is! Never done ceviches, sushi, or tartares! Love meat very rare though and bloody! I just want it hot!
***Fiero -- no offense, but calf's liver is awful. My sainted mother, who was a better chef than you'll find in 90% of restaurants today, tried to get me to like liver. She'd dress it up with onions and bread crumbs and salt and pepper, and the first few chews were heavenly. But when you got past the coating, you'd be left with the liver, which tasted like mud. I ate it b/c I wasn't allowed to leave the table until I did, but I hated it. Still do, many years later.***
It's an acquired taste! I just learned to enjoy things like spinach and liver at a very young age! We didn't do fast food back then as much as today! You also didn't want to toss something that could be made into a dish! In my day my mom would go out in the country and purchase a whole cow and have it cut up! She'd share it with a neighbor and everything was utilized; most of the offal maybe being ground into the hamburger! My grandfather would purchase a live chicken and we'd go back to see it's head cut off and a machine used to strip off the feathers! Those were the days of true freshness! Fish were alive and in tanks as well in the market!
***Blasphemous! You can't have canned haggis! I enjoy haggis, but wouldn't touch the canned stuff - it DOES look like dog food! Traditional haggis is banned in the US due to the ingredients, so you can't get the real stuff there. Therefore, I'd only try it in the UK, where you can get the real stuff. It's very good. BTW, I've had goose and chicken liver pate, so I suppose I have had liver.***
***Kristen will come out of "Last Chance Kitchen" and go on to win "Top Chef: Seattle." The way that this season is being edited, there's no other way that it can end. It's quite obvious that this is the way things are going.***
ReplyDeleteLizzie was so dumb! She goes all out making a stew for a LCK challenge, but given all night to think up a menu with salmon and sour dough, she makes a weak sandwich and eliminated from the main competition! I have no sympathy for her plight! She's just plain WEAK!
***In my "after the greasy meatball's gone" thread, I stated that I really didn't care which of the remaining chefs won the whole thing. I think I really do care. I want Stefan (save a chef?) to win. If not him, then either Brooke or Kristen. When Josh put bacon in his King Crab dish tonight, I knew I hated him. King Crab? Really? Then Sheldon talked about keeping his "package" warm? That was it for him. He's been second to last the last two challenges -- time to go. Take your package back to warm Hawaii.***
Josh lasted only due to the incompetence of the other chefs; not to mention judges! It's really fallen for me! I haven't really cared since maybe season 6! They had a great group; even more impressive than the all-stars! It's more habit than anything! At least last season's reunion had us entertain! Was Emeril called an asshole by a finalist? "I would never, and if I did I didn't mean it! That's a real crappy thing to do!" Yeah, put her on the spot for something she actually said! What a nerve!
***In any food judging show, whether its Top Chef, Chopped, Hell's Kitchen, or Master Chef, I've always thought the dishes should be judged WITHOUT knowing who cooked it. I feel sometimes personal bias can get in the way of judging a dish.***
Most cooks have a signature and I'm sure Tom and others would figure it out after a while and it could still be a problem jduging fairly!
***Is there really a framed photo of Andy Cohen in LCK's kitchen? That man is the most narcissistic person in television.***
What's your point? HUNTY, that's part of being a "screamer" on tv! Self promotion takes over because no one else will do it for you; usually to beat you over the head in some way I suppose! RuPaul's DRAG Race is all about promoting him, his book, shoes, makeup line, CD, whatever! It's none stop like brand placements in a Bond movie! So what else is new about him being a narcissist?
***LOL Josh - "NAILED IT."
"Let's talk about our least successful dishes."
"And Josh."
LOL. Nice to see that douche get put in his place.***
I must have missed the tongue lashing! All I know is he's probably about the luckiest chef to make the final 3 since maybe Season 4's Lisa! She was on the bottom an unprecedented # of times and Josh hasn't been impressive! I really haven't watched enough to know if he's won more than one challenge; if that!
***They didn't like the quail dish (regardless of the style); it was bland and the treatment of the pine nuts did not work. They liked Kristen's main course, they just thought there should be more protein on the plate. If you read the judges blogs his prawn was well cooked but underseasoned.***
ReplyDeleteI tried to watch the finale again with Tom expediting; OMG my hands are still shaking! This guy is like a nagging, old wife; "you're killing me!" I would love to; "shut up old man!" He was worse than Gordon Ramsey in "Hell's Kitchen" constantly on these people to 'get food out!' They say rush and get it out, but if not presented well or tasting the best, they give you "it shouldn't have been served!" All of these judges are hypocrites and idiots! Why put them under the gun in so many ways if you want a good effort? STUPID!
***Was that Josie?!? - At the end, high-fiving Kristen? Like her and Kristen worked the elimination and LCK comeback out in advance. Wow - Way to try and grab some last-chance-camera time...***
On WWHL she didn't have anything bad to say about her! They must have kissed and made up! I was ready for the daggers!
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CJ is just unbelieveable inept - Why does he hover over a dish and still let it burn? He's such an idiot! He may have cost Brooke from the 1st offering! D-bag extraordinaire! What a loser!
***Maybe the burning aroma takes longer to get to his nose.***
He's always been a saboteur; unintentionally, but nonetheless a saboteur! He can't be trusted to do his best work for someone else! He hosed Tre in his initial season way back; S3! He was incompetent then and he's still incompetent!
***LCK should be eliminated, but not just for the reasons you listed. It is clearly rigged to maximize the drama of Top Chef (just like the show), and is starting to have a negative effect on the show. Kristen was always going to make it to the finale, so they needed to "drama it up" by eliminating her early and having her "earn" her way back in.***
Cj could have eliminated her in LCK, but he was more concerned about making her life difficult that first outing! He blew it for himself! She got the "smoke machine" working and kicked him to the curb after several wins of his own! Justice seeing as he hosed Brooke in the finale! He's such a loser in so many ways!
***I was just wondering how recent it was that Kristen won and how long she had to keep it a secret to everyone not in the crowd of 300? Also did they do away with the reunion episode or is that coming up? - S/B next week!***
Not sure what purpose it would serve! Fan Favorite announced and awarded on WWHL and I can't remember too much drama going on! You had a couple chefs who got on your nerves, but there's nothing to "HASH out" like Beverly's mistreatment by some of the girls last season! Will someone be called out? On what really?
***Topic for this seasons reunion:
ReplyDelete- the Josie drama/hatred
- Josh's bacon fetish
- Stefan being Stephan
- Kristen's come back thru LCK***
I thought of those things, but in each case, they'll be in "complete denial!" Josie wont see, Josh won't see, Stefan won't see, and Brooke too classy to make an issue of Kristen eliminated, then allowed to come back to win it all! This was a very mild, boring season! If not for Josie's big mouth, it would have been totally uneventful; nee LCK survivor winning the season!
***The judges have their favorites and know who they want to win. There's no objective way to say one judge liked something more than the other. That's why I agree that they shouldn't know who cooked what; just like on "The Tastes." I don't know what the expression in Colicchio's face was exactly, but it seemed to me that he was probably a little guilty over his choice. It seemed like he as well as Emeril knew who they wanted to win as opposed who they knew should win that round.***
I think it ridiculous to pretty much give Kristen the title by acclamation, but these same judges kicked her to the curb just a few short weeks before! Why back then did they deem it necessary, but so overwhelmed by her skill this night they about embarrass Brooke in front of her fans, family, and friends? They could have been kinder; we know how scripted this is so it could have been fixed to promote more drama! It was obvious they had made up their minds earlier and it was just a formality for the tv viewers! At the reunion, this will probably come up! It's amazing how thin skinned Tom can be checking this stuff! He'll probably BS his way thru saying "I keep hearing..." from fan mail or his blog! "Bullshit Tom my boy; you're checking the reviews like any other DIVA!" lol!
***Favorite and least favorite chefs - my fave chef overall would probably be Paul Qui. I had such a big crush on him. I also liked red beard Kevin from season 6. Least favorite... Mike Isabella. Spike and Marcel are annoying and arrogant, the Voltaggios are robots, Josie and Robin were pains in the asses, but Mike Isabella is the first person who i really hated. He should've been on "Jersey Shore" or something instead of Top Chef. I'm sure he's talented, but I cringed every time he said something sexist or racist and felt so bummed every time he won.***
Season 1's Tiffany was a bully and totally obnoxious, but she redeemed herself in "All-Stars!" Mike I. is right up there "ripping off" Richard's idea for a challenge; winning with it! That was more obscene than a chef ripping off someone's pea puree a year or 2 before!
***Fave: Ariane Duarte, season 5. The celebrity chefs like Martha Stewart liked her. She was winning consistently. Then mysteriously she lost on a butchering challenge to Hosea and his girlfriend. Something not quite right there. Also Lisa Fernandez won her finale challenge (most dishes) but they wouldn't give it to her because she was not popular. Least: Ilan or Hosea. How did they ever win?***
ReplyDeleteAriane was nice enough, but she was "no chef!" The 2 challenges she may have won with didn't involve cooking; one with a watermelon salad of some sort for morning tv challenge!
***Editing ruined the finale - This new finale style was a terrible way to end a mediocre season. There was absolutely no suspense in the finale, it was obvious Kristen was going to win based on the way the episode was edited. Before the finale vote, there was only 3 minutes left in the show; pretty obvious there wasn't going to be a final course and that Kristen was going to win. In fact, I started typing this before the vote was announced (watching a recorded episode), because I was so sure there was no way there was going to be a tie-breaker course. Don't get me wrong, Kristen deserved to win, but this new finale style ruined what could have been a very suspenseful episode.***
Agreed! It was very anticlicmatic! It was almost embarrassing the it was cut; esp. with CJ being his usual, incompetent self! He may have cost her with his own blithe attitude in his sous duties! Did he really take it seriously? What a douche-bag!
***Kristen wasn't a loser. She was booted off b/c of Josie's incompetence as a "Chef" and for taking the blame. She deserved a second chance, and she was a BEAST during LCK. She earned her way back into the competition. If Brooke was the better chef she would have won, no matter how Kristen came back, but she didn't. Kristen was better than her. You act as if Josie was in the top 2.***
I'm gonna beat this "dead horse" again; CJ decided a lot of this! He had the opportunity to take out Kristen in LCK! He seemed to be more concerned about hosing her by supposedly taking advantage by forcing her to use "smoke!" Then he sabotages Brooke by burning the pig ears in the appetizer round last night! He's a loser!
***Normally, the judges debate for hours, but in front of this live audience, I'm not sure what happened. (I worked on a season - rather tricky show.) ***
I heard this years ago; 8 hour judging! How analretentive do you have to be to break down so few dishes for that long? I personally wouldn't sit in the stew room for that long cooling my hills; even for $100,000! That's stupid!
***Excellent chef, you have not had her food.***
I guess I felt she was over her head with the V Bros, Kevin, and a few of the others! I wasn't impressed!
***Tom says Paul Qui is the best ever - I'd say Michael Voltaggio, but Tom says Paul Qui is the best Top Chef contestant ever.***
ReplyDeleteI do too! Paul was almost infallible, without and ego and attitude! That was one draw back with Michael V., his ego is a little out of control! He had some serious missteps while Paul won a lot of challenges and money! Michael's season had more skilled chefs of course, but Paul really was impressive and humble! I can appreciate that; heaven knows Tom has little humility! lol!
***You know the season sucked when they dont even do a reunion - They are trying to forget about this season asap. lol.
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You're absolutely right. I'm so happy there was no reunion. This season was too scripted/fake and too boring. Good riddance.***
We talked about this earlier! I contend there was little to rehash! Heaven knows there wasn't as much drama! We had no Sara and Beverly kabooki dancing! The chefs seemed to genuinely like each other unlike past seasons where you had factions, cliques, and kabals! lol! You need some real animus between chefs and the judges to make a reunion worthwhile! Laughing and giggling throughout only goes so far with most people; esp. me! I hate that! No one was panting over Padma so you can't have that bit of frivolity! That's my opinion with what little I watched of the season anyway!
***Caught a rerun of "Dinner: Impossible" on the Cooking Channel where Robert Irvine has to get CIA students to recreate dishes native to different nations. I was thinking to myself before they were introduced that there could be a Top Chef contestant among the students and lo and behold, there was Jeffrey Jew who apparently finished first in his class. He did a good job. If anybody is interested, the title of the episode is "Infiltrating the CIA," and it originally aired 3/7/2007. It is one of the better concepts for a mission on the show.***
Top Chef continues to try and rip off The Food Network! Didn't TC have the CIA Director come in for a challenge a few years ago? That season, they must have been in Washington because Leon Panetta showed up one day and the Speaker of The House, Nancy Pelosi on another!
***Why did the girls get a cheater step on the wall? - The better question is why are chefs vying for a job climbing a damn wall anyway? Did Ramsey have to pass a job interview as a chef by doing this? They need to focus back on cooking challenges. Cheftestants on 'Top Chef' don't have as many broken bones and rolled ankles as these people do. Teamwork amongst chefs is learned in the kitchen.***
"Top Chef" went through the same nonsense starting a couple years ago! There were older or heavier people being subjected to bicycling, running, diving for their shell fish, and actually skiing after shooting a target for ingredients! I'm just about over them! They jumped the shark a long time ago! What show hasn't these days? If not for my blog and keeping up with the most obvious of information needed, I'd probably stop! At least Ramsey gives me a chuckle beating up on these lame cooks!
***Anyone else done with this show? - I didn't even watch the finale. Last Chance Kitchen and the Iron Chef finale rip-off and tweeting to save chefs has destroyed this show. That and celebrity judges who have nothing to do with food and the selection and marketing of 'winners' as of late is so blatant.
ReplyDeleteAlso managed to know each show you listed - and I hardly watch Food Network anymore, but I've only really watched Iron Chef; during my essay all-nighters nights.***
Funny you brought up the finale; just watched the tape of the few scenes kept! I ended up taping over it! It was such a bastardization of FN "Chopped" and Iron Chef; it was unwatchable! Kirsten quite deserving; shouldn't have been auf'd in the 1st place! How many times did they save that waste of space, Josie; even with the raw turkey? When off season I don't miss it! If not for keeping up with my blog and homepage, I wouldn't bother even surfin' by wed.!
***Yes! Then again, I tend to say that every season but I still end up watching. Ugh! I'm really done with the orchestrated drama and Tom's favoritism. This season was particularly bad in that regard. I didn't like either of the finalists. Kristen and Brooke are both very forgettable, both as people and as chefs. You could tell they were set on having a female winner.
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For a twist on "Chopped," how about a Vegetarian episode? Gluten free? Low fat/low cal or diabetic meals? Low sodium for heart health? Can you imagine? At least every episode it seems like the judges are whining about not enough salt.***
Vegetarian is tough even when you allow more time! They were asked on Top Chef to provide veggie plates for actress, Natalie Portman a few years ago; season 6 I think with the V Bros! Only one, Kevin, came up with a cohesive dish that satisfied as well as any full meal with meat! Normally you get side dishes and a salad; that's not exactly a well-balanced meal!
***The only thing worse than having Scott Conant on the panel is having Chris Santos. When they're both on the panel, it's just awful. My husband and I hate Conant. He's a jerk.***
I dred Chris and Scott on the same "Chopped" panel! They are just merciless! At least they got smacked down on "Chopped All-Stars!" You find out who really has talent and it ain't those two under the gun; ALL TALK for sure!
***Can't Stomach Scott Conant - I dislike him as much as Alex Guarnaschelli and Geoffry Zakarian which is saying something, and something not good at all, because they're all obnoxious jerks.***
The real hypocrisy occurs when the judges are put under the gun in competition themselves! All of a sudden they sound like any other cook; whining about time, not getting everything on the plate, & lack of seasoning! Remember Patricia from "The Next FN Star" outlasted Iron Chef Symon last year in "Chopped All-Stars!" You need to throw Conant in there more often to humble his obnoxious arse! He ain't all that; definitely "FOS!"
***Somebody won and nobody cares - Just goes to show how awful this incarnation of Top Chef Masters has become. First couple of seasons were ok, but this time I was bored out of my mind. Same with regular TC last season. You only need to look at the 1st seasons of TC to see how awful it has become in comparison. It used to be about the food; now it's all about the gimmicks and tearjerking.
ReplyDelete---
I don't understand why you'd take the time out of your life to make a post about a show you dislike so much. Why bother? Just don't watch.***
...and you posted a reply to such an old message! The same could be said about you! I agree it's a waste with me surfing by periodically, but not really caring what happens! Poor Brian V is bloated beyond belief! WTH happened? No ones worth watching as far as I'm concerned and miss the 1st 2 seasons which were quite compelling w/o turning into a carnival with sous chefs, jumping out of planes, etc.! It's a colossol joke now no matter how much money goes to charity!
***I have watched every season and incarnation of Top Chef on Bravo without fail, but I just bailed out of this season for one of the reasons you just stated:
1. What does jumping out of a plane have to do with cooking a meal? It added nothing to the show.
2. The cast. They seem to have gone through all the real Masters. I’ve never heard of any of these new contestants except Voltaggio, and I really don’t rank him with the traditional Masters of previous seasons.
3. Too many people to keep track of. I didn’t like TC Texas when they started out with 29 contestants and cut them down by half. It was a TOTAL waste of time. When they were announcing the challenge last night and pulling the camera back, they couldn’t even squeeze all 22 remaining competitors into the shot. Too much going on.
4. If you’re doing this new format, don’t bring us into the show and tell us if we wanted to see what happened we should have watched the sous chefs compete online. If they want us to get to know these people and identify with them, make the episode 90 mins and give them screen time. I’m so tired of shows doing all this behind the scenes crap! Most people will commit to 60 mins, maybe 90 mins, but we all have lives to live.
The show format is now so chaotic that I was in the kitchen unloading the dishwasher while it played in the background, and I shut it off 20 mins in. That’s just how uninteresting it seemed. Something tells me by the lack of activity, Bravo has oversaturated this concept and is driving people away who may not come back.***
You covered it for me! I don't even include this in my TC blog it got so ridiculus these past 2 years! I'll give TC a chance, but it'll probably end up being dropped as well if it continues as it has the last 2 years! - What kills me is the usual "whining" you get with cooks! These are supposed to be chef Masters and they're grumbling like common short order cooks! It's just not professional! What is wrong with these people? They should know by now production is going to make them jump through hoops! "Suck it up and perform, nimrods!"
***That's exactly what I said about the chef's on "Chopped." Lol - But So far, everything they've been given to cook should be easy for them. I get that they may be out of practice in running their restaurants, but they don't have as hard a time as those on "Chopped." If you compare them to the chefs of the 1st and 2nd season, they 're acting like amateurs. The chefs of the earlier seasons took all the challenges in stride and humor. They actually loved being challenged. The chefs of this season don't seem to be having much fun and their attitudes are making me feel sorry for their sous chefs.***
Bout time Justin got the boot! It was always something; never his fault he was in the bottom 4 straight times! What a loser; all talk! I expected so much better from day one with this guy! He was so sure about a challenge and would pull up the rear again and again!
ReplyDelete***Totally agree. I get the feeling that one day he's going to appear on an ID Channel program like 'Stalked.' Lol...There just seems something a little off about him.
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If RW's not a gimmick, then let each of the cheftestants plan their own restaurant from stem to stern and be the executive chef in the kitchen w/ an anonymous line working for them. Go down b/c of their menu and execution of the menu - not because someone has to seat Padma's dumb ass and explain dishes to her.***
You forgot having to ski, shoot a rifle, and whatever else to get ingredients in a finale a couple seasons ago! I probably would have walked off if I had been one of those heavier "beasts" who've never exercized in their lives! That was not just lame but stupid! Someone like Sarah could have keeled over and had a freakin' heart attack! Beverly tripped her up by accident and she was floundering like a beached whale on those skis!
***That's the one I was talking about in my post. Skiing, shooting, and chopping your food out of ice is definitely a gimmick b/c most chefs don't have to do that and it's not taught at culinary school or in business or the hospitality field. Dumbest challenge ever! Lol!
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I'm watching the Texas season on Esquire. I love it. I can watch Sarah lose to Paul over and over and over again. I still can't stand that witch.***
Speaking of witch, I pulled out an old tape and came across finale of Season 1! Poor Tiffani was busted lying about doing the dessert and cocktail that the judges loved so much! It's all over the tape that she didn't want to do it and turned the job over to Dave! Funny, in front of the judges, she made up this tale of talking about it "at length" before preparation! No chef has been so cut down; esp. after all 4 sous chefs thought Harold should win, totally dismissing her as a bitch! She was obviously good tv; brought back 2 or 3 more times to compete in reunions, all-stars, etc! She redeemed herself and acted much better the 3rd and 4th go-round!
***There's no way that Stephanie would have EVER fallen on her sword and resigned from the competition if she was in Nicholas' position with immunity. Sorry; not buying that for a freaking second. Her giving a lecture about how she would have done the right thing came off as VERY phony and self-righteous.***
Some people have more integrity than you think! I'd of done the same! I've fallen on my sword when warranted! People may say it's stupid, but I have to live with myself! This will haunt Nick for the rest of his life no matter how it all turns out! At the reunion, if there is one, it'll be brought up for sure! He will get lambasted by all concerned!
***I believe Steph would've left, even with immunity if her challenge dish sucked. It's not that far off from all the people in the past that have fallen on the sword during RW. A lot of them have a certain "standard" of honor they want to uphold. Just from the way she speaks and acts, I can tell she would've done it. There's no way in hell I would've, but I'm competitive.***
Going back to s2, they were about to send Elia home, but Mia stepped up and took herself out! Elia was the better cook, but she was incompetent as a leader, falling short several times! She really should have gone home, but Mia was pretty fed up with that loser, Cliff, and fell on her sword for her!
***We have ten Top Chefs now, we're about to have an eleventh, and assuming every Top Chef would be willing to return to reality TV, how would a Top Chef: Top Chef edition go?
ReplyDeleteRefresher: Harold, Ilan, Hung, Stephanie, Hosea, Michael, Kevin, Richard, Paul, Kristen and Season 11 winner.
I would think Ilan and Hosea would be kicked out of the running pretty quickly, but that's mainly b/c I don't remember them being all that versatile as chefs. I would also want to see how Stephanie and Richard would face off, considering they're both Top Chefs now (GO STEPHANIE!).
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Finals would be Michael Voltaggio, Hung Huynh, and Richard Blais. Michael would win. That's my guess.***
Sounds like we would have the same picks, but I'd add Stephanie in the mix! I'm a big fan of Michael and saw him compete on Iron chef; most of these chefs have in the past! The show is more than a little crooked with MV getting all kinds of praise, had a significant lead with an early curveball, but still lost to Flay! It was total BS!
***I agree about the Iron Chef episode. I like Bobby Flay, but Michael was robbed. Unfortunately I couldn't taste the dishes, but going on looks and the judges comments, I thought he was the clear winner. As for the original question, I think Michael V and Richard Blaise were the best "Top Chefs."
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Nick won immunity and it saved him. Anyone who thinks he should have resigned instead of playing by the rules that TOP CHEF puts in place, is absurd. There's a huge prize at the end - this prize would change his life, wife, and kids lives. If you really think he should have been loyal to those 2 chefs instead of his real family, you are batshit crazy.***
Regardless, he'll have much to answer for at the reunion; if there is one! I've seen chefs with immunity who are either sloppy or don't seem to care, sabotaging their teammates! That's exactly what he did with that stupid "cornsilk" idea!
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Still getting immunity? Shirley got it for a pedestrian "Poor Boy!" Maybe this is the last one! They all missed the mark according to the guest judge! "Food truck" fare the elimination challenge I guess!
***I agree. I'm surprised they are still giving out immunity at this point. And was it just me or was Roy Choi extra douchey tonight?***
Well he said they totally missed the mark! Never been a poor boy eater; too big and tough for my little mouth! Prefer flatbread and pita type of sandwiches!
***Forget about Nick -- his hours are numbered.***
Well both these losers are still there! Carlos needs medication or some kind of profession help! He's like a child; you say don't do something and he can't wait to piss you off! Nick said "don't move my pots" and Carlos just couldn't help himself! What a dick! I'd have to kill him! After getting scolded by Nick, you have to wonder did Carlos sabotage the guy by turning up the oven on him to get back at the guy? He seems just the type; childish, selfish, and vengeful! As Tom said, "you keep having these mishaps!"
***...The worst choice they ever made IMO was that douche Ilan. Sorry, but I'm one of the few people that think Marcel was robbed. Love him or hate him, he's an awesome chef.***
ReplyDeleteFor sure Marcel was a lot more innovative than Ilan who used saffron as a crutch! It was about as ridiculous as the alpha male, Sam not cooking anything! Tom even made a joke of it; "he didn't cook anything!"
***...What a piece of work Elia turned out to be! Didn't she insult Colicchio's cooking or restaurant?***
I have a faint memory of them getting into it about whether the beef Tom bought for his restaurants were grass fed or not! She seemed after him that's for sure! Of course he wasn't going to let her get away with that and told her off! Not sure if he ever really answered the question! He's the king of deflection and is the biggest hypocrite around! "Get it on the plate" or "you shouldn't have serve it!" He's too full of himself! I congratulate him on his advocacy concerning "hunger," faulting Congress for cutting food stamps and other programs!
***I'm happy it's Nina and Nick who've made the finale; they've been my favorites all season.***
Both Nina and Nick might be the best, but he had a number of stumbles where I thought Shirley was more deserving! He made things more complicated and hurt his status in so many ways while Shirley just cooked from the heart and I appreciated that! Nina was the standard bearer all season and she should be very proud of herself!
***What a finale... :-( - The Queen of Boredom against the mopey douche. Anybody going to watch this snoozefest?***
I'll probably only surf by periodically! It's been too hard to watch for years, really hating that "Iron Chef" format last season! I just haven't been that impressed by any of the chefs since season 6 or 7! It's been absolutely lame for quite a while now with chef and their overinflated resumes! All those NO chefs were a disappointment spouting how good they were in the local cuisine department; total BS!
***Nicholas has no business being in the finale. It should be Shirley. She's the best chef they had this season.***
Well it's over again; a few care! Nick is the winner and will probably be more anonymous than Hosea! What an attrocity!
***I definitely think Nina deserved to win over Nick, but lets not bring race into this. That's a tired excuse.***
Typical Colicchio calling into WWHL; always at the ready to defend himself! No one's more thin-skinned than he is and read Elia at a reunion for criticizing his restaurants not buying grass-fed beef! He was his usual arrogant self and all you can do is "roll your eyes!" He's a troll! He should get along real well with one of the biggest douche-bags ever to win Top Chef! Congrats to Nina for winning fan fave and $10,000!
***Nick's food was consistently underseasoned. I would have voted for Nina. I would go back to a good restaurant with one bad dish, I would not go back to a restaurant with a chef holding a noticable temper tantrum.***
ReplyDeleteI thought they might think back and say to themselves, "this guy has under-seasoned his food all season, why give him this bone of being Top Chef?" Nina was superior and was rarely, if ever called out on something! Another sad ending to a season!
***Yeah I'm done too. Esp. w/ the way Colicchio shredded Nick after the competition was over. It was clearly a production decision to pull a "surprise" win for the loser who never won anything and if that's how it's going to go, I'm out.
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I'd love to see a rotating panel of guest judges for the 4th judge. I'd suggest Marcus Samuelsson, but he's gotten a lot of exposure on "The Taste" and "Chopped" these days.***
Love Besh and Acheson; wouldn't mind addition of Izard, but she should be busy here in Chicago! Never been a fan of Samuelsson; huge ego and very opinionated on other chefs' efforts! He just rubs me the wrong way seeing him enough times on "Chopped," "Iron Chef," judging and participating on "The Next Iron Chef!"
***Fiero, we think alike; re: Marcus. I hate when on "Chopped," the other judges praise a dish and he starts picking it apart ad nauseous. I have been known to make some acerbic observations about his nit-picking. He was also a selfish contestant on "Masters" when one chef had a problem; he was the ONLY chef who didn't try to help, and even made a comment that one should worry about oneself. The other Masters disagreed and he looked like a solipsistic brat. He has too high an opinion of himself as a judge.
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I didn't really like either one, but still hoped Nina would win of the 2.***
Being Top Chef means little really after all is said and done! You can win the competition, then fall into obscurity like Ilan, Hosea, and Kevin! Nina will probably go on to do great things, get invited to participate on "Iron Chef" and other shows! Nick is weak, even with all his skill, and he'll disappear soon enough!
Oh well, these days I just surf by to keep blog updated! My last fave season might have been #6 with the V Bros, Kevin, Jennifer, and Eli! It's been a joke ever since with challenges, judging, inflated resumes! They could be better, but under the gun they fell on their faces! A biscuit got Travis kicked to the curb! You had so many actually "from" New Orleans that disappointed; big time!
***I had been behind on watching all season so I avoided imdb - glad to see Nick is not very well liked. I can't believe he lasted all the way to the finale much less winning it all. Boooo hiss.
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I felt like I was watching Season 5's finale again, when Hosea won. This finale felt the same way - meet Nick, who is really Hosea 2.0***
- - "Hell's Kitchen" - -
ReplyDelete***I will say this..Scott definitely had to work to be the winner of season 12. I don't think there hasn't been a male underdog that got the win since maybe Rock, but I didn't think Rock was that bad, but he had an advantage b/c Bonnie wasn't the ideal runner up. Bonnie turned it up in the finale, but overall she wasn't ready to be a head chef for a restaurant.***
I was shocked Bonnie got that far; including Virginia the season before IIRC! They got better at the very end maybe!
***I saw Virginia's biggest problem was she was too inexperienced and naive in the cooking industry. Wasn't she a "Salad Girl" or something like that. - Rank All The Winners (Including Scott)***
You can say that about a lot of them; including Christina who won Season 4; very inexperienced, but worked hard to win! I guess I shouldn't be surprised that Dave and Heather are at the top of the list; both hard workers and had a lot of heart! Heather's my all time favorite since she didn't whine and complain like the rest! Dave worked through pain of a broken wrist so he was quite deserving! Nona at the bottom of my list as well; weak competition! Rock was good, but that outburst in the finale was psycho! Scott very deserving who really grew into his win:
1. Heather
2. Dave
3. Christina M.
4. Rock
5. Michael
6. Paul
7. Scott
8. Ja'Nel
9. Daniel
10. Christina W.
11. Holli
12. Nona
***Christina M. was inexperienced, but she was confident and talented. It didn't really matter, she was very intelligent and knowledgeable of cooking.
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Nona will always be the bottom. She practically was the default champion b/c there was no way in hell Ramsay was going to give Russell the head job. IMO Jillian was my pick to win, what was her downfall, lack of leadership qualities, esp. at the pass and Ramsay knew it. Holli was such a fluke as well b/c Blue Jay was talented, but too cocky. And Ramsay was attracted to Holli even though she had a son. . My pick that season was Ed.
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When it comes to the food I eat, I prefer perfectionists. I don't know, but it seems Jason would be more likely to pick up a scallop from the floor, blow it off, and then put it on a plate or drink from the restaurant milk jug--if no one is looking. I think Scott's cooking integrity is better. Thus, he's better and his food is better quality.***
Agreed! I'm not so sure of Jason! I feel like he needs to be watched like a hawk!
***Scott's quality control was a deciding factor, I'm sure. - Scott can cook better than Jason.***
+++ Season 12 Top Chef +++
ReplyDelete***I don't think there's any question that the All Stars season--#8--was set up for Richard Blais to make up for his 3rd-place finish in season 3. There were multiple times he deserved to be PYKAG'd--e.g., the fishing challenge--but the judges always seemed to deem someone else just a hair worse.***
Blais' original season failure was in the 4th where Stephanie won over him and Lisa! There were so many bad chefs to choose from from day 1 w/ Lisa and Spike on the "chopping block" 7 and 5 times respectively! Richard's problem was his persona; so confident, but at the same time questioning himself! It got old fast! People can't stand him, but he's all over the "TELE;" his shows and others! He appears to be a genius of sorts using new age techniques, but some take it to the extreme and to the detriment of their offerings! As soon as I hear something like "pineapple snow," my eyes roll to the back of my head! Richard had a family, so you'd think he'd be a little more humble at times, but he must really rub people the wrong way in his tv appearances! I preferred Marcel over him believe it or not! At least he had a reason to be odd!
***I already know Nicholas wins s11 and that a lot of people were PO'd by this, but 13 episodes in I'm quite baffled by all the comments I've seen calling him a bully, or saying he has a terrible attitude, etc. After helping Nina in the drumstick QF to his own detriment and handling the disagreement w/ Carlos quite well, I'm really curious what he could do in the next few episodes to warrant this level of backlash?***
So it didn't bother you in the least how that 13th elemination went down? Nicholas had immunity from QF win earlier! He probably shouldn't be expected to fall on his sword when he cost his team a challenge, but all kinds of guilt was being heaped on him and he just stood there and withstood it all from other chefs and judges! I don't think Nicholas went out of his way to be a bad guy, his constant kvetching to others and in the "talking heads" just made him look like a whining "momma's boy!" He has friends, but not sure how he keeps them w/ his rotten demeanor and attitude toward others! I know of what I speak since I'm the most difficult person I know! I didn't watch enough to get a more definitive read on the guy! Surfin' by was enough last season and this!
***I've been racking my brain since the premiere trying to figure out why Gregory looked familiar, then tonight it came to me - he was on an episode of Food Network's "Cutthroat Kitchen" several months ago (and won.)***
It happens periodically; chefs making the rounds to different cooking shows! That's probably why Gregory's so cool, calm, collected, and "winning;" QF & EC! I still remember several of the TC winners and "also rans" doing "Iron Chef: America;" Stephanie (s4), Blais, and Spike!
***I thought Gregory was a goner tonight. I'm glad he pulled through. - I figured he was safe for now. He's arguably the best chef there; w/o him, there wouldn't be much of a competition.
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Me too! So glad they didn't send him home. I guess cooking goose in less than 2 hours over an open flame is not a good idea.***
W/o that goose fat produced, his team may not have had such nice faire! It may have been tough, but definitely enhanced the flavors of the other dishes served!
***I was really worried about him until they kept dawging Stacy's dish.***
'TC' would have been "mauled" if they had eliminated Gregory! W/o watching much, I'm pretty sure he's won at least 4 challenges and a couple QF's the same day! The show was excoriated back in s3 when pretty much the same thing happened; Tre was the sacrificial lamb that time who supposedly was really good, but auf'd prematurely! In that case, he was undermined by teammates; 1 being CJ in "RW; a Second Helping!"
***I had forgotten about Tre; that was unfortunate. Gregory has won so many QF's & EC's that I can't count them. I know it's been an awful lot of them. From what I see/read, Gregory is clearly the fan favorite, so it would have been horrible had he gone home. - I'm beginning to wonder if Greg is getting the "Paul Qui" edit.***
IDK about the edit, but I've already said Gregory has been just about as infallible as Paul! He bombed out in that RW challenge; not totally his fault though! You have to rely on so many other people who you know may be average at best! It was about the same circumstance depending on other chefs!
***...Anyone that has ever cooked a REAL Thxgiving dinner knows that it takes way more than 2 hours; it's like at least 2 days. This challenge ala Plymouth was unrealistic and totally unfair.***
People forget "Iron Chef" doesn't even get 2 hours; really less than 1! They have the advantage of being in Iron Stadium, but they still cooked turkey and venison in less time than this past challenge! Oh, the marvels of the pressure cooker!
***I have a pressure cooker and agree that it saves time. ...Yes, it cooks the meat much faster, but it does NOT get the deep flavor you get from roasting/simmering, etc. for a long time. I love my pressure cooker and use it sometimes in a pinch. The taste is nowhere as intense as when I cook the same items on low in the oven.
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For me the most annoying contestants were Stephen, Josie, Howie & Mike Isabella.***
You refreshed my memory; these for sure w/ Howie who survived w/o even getting everything on the plate! Bogus judging from day one season 3!
***What's wrong w/ Spike and Mike Isabella? I liked both of them a lot. And yeah, Stephen was a trip!***
ReplyDeleteYou're kidding right? Where do I begin? Spike was in the bottom at least 7 times back in season 4! It's a wonder he got as far as he did! Michael I. was just a bad guy! I can't get over him actually stealing an idea from Richard Blais during All-Star season a few years ago! MI just rubbed me the wrong way; his attitude, the arrogance, and slovenly disposition/behavior! Like me, it's like he's barely living in that fat ass body of his! He'd trip a blind old lady in a foot race to win! He's much too competitive; even undermining Antonia who he found to be a cousin!
***I always remember during '4 Star All Star' when they were having the pissing match back at the house and Harold put on the 'Daddy pants' and basically told everyone to STFU and it just ended. That's what the season really needed, someone w/ both the skills and personality to tell everyone off and still be respected.***
For a new show, I thought it well made and I enjoyed it from the 1st time I saw it! I came along halfway through s1! A chef got a 2nd chance (Andrea) b/c Cynthia had to leave due to father's illness! It was entertaining even though it looked like the chefs were about to be shot by a firing squad during judging! What's so weird, I don't really cook! I can do the basics, specialize in greasy-spoon breakfasts, and can throw a brunch like no one else I know! I watch all these shows; "Iron Chef and Hell's Kitchen!"
Just happened to surf by and saw this tired looking guy; "I know this person!" It was this season's ego-maniac we all know and can't stand Katsuji! His tortilla in the 2nd round did not go over well; too greasy, but still made it to the dessert round! I didn't see the appetizer, but supposedly he won that round! He never ventures too far from his roots; lame and limited! It was from 2013 entitled "Walk On The Whelk Side!"
***This season is bunch of uninteresting chefs who would rather talk about who they worked for than produce new and/or unique food.***
Is it my imagination, but do these chefs seem to pay too much attention to what everyone else is doing? They're so opinionated; esp. Katsuji! He's a real ass! Gregory's overdoing the coconut milk making a curry dish! The judges love it though!
***It's not your imagination, but it's also not the chef's fault. They're not only edited for the snarky remarks they have towards others, but in their confessionals they're also asked leading questions about everything that goes on and all the other chefs. The ones w/ the negative or funny things to say get shown the most.***
All too often they look foolish, esp. if the chef wins! Why 2nd guess Gregory who's won so many QF's and EC? Such idiots; "worry about yourself and what you're doing!" - Richard Blais is an a-hole! He says he didn't want to sabotage his team, but he goes out of his way to get chemical, gastro ingredients! What a DICK! I'm so done w/ him! I tried to give him every benefit of the doubt, but he's so narrow-minded in his cooking! He knows more, but couldn't just pick up normal groceries! Idiot!
***Also noticed that his critiques are almost sarcastic. He never fully praises the chefs and if he says anything good, it's tongue in cheek. I feel like he thinks he's better than all these guys. - I didn't see the assholic behavior before, but I saw it in this ep. He's very sneaky and passive aggressive. He doesn't want to be seen as a mean guy, so he talks in a soft friendly voice while finding mostly negative things to say. He doesn't want to seem like a jerk by giving the chefs something difficult, so he says he's trying to help, while giving them things most chefs don't work w/.***
***What I notice is the ones that win are the ones that mostly focused on their own cooking and feeding people delicious food no matter what. Even when Gregory fails, his priority is to give the people something good to eat. He doesn't whine about the challenge or being screwed over.
ReplyDelete---
...Tom pretty much gets what he wants. There have been several controversial winners in the history of Top Chef; all pushed by Tom. I'm not making this up.
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I've wondered about that as well. Why worry about someone else's food? Do what YOU do and hope for the best. It's also funny when a chef talks badly about another chef's food and then that chef wins. It's esp. funny when they talk about the chef's choice of ingredients and about how they don't go together. When the judges love it, it just cracks me up!***
The judges; esp. Gail defers to TOM at all times! Going back to S2 finale, it was bad enough Tom insinuated himself a little too much in what was going on in the kitchen, he gave the other judges expectations, actually getting Gail to repeat his comment about Ilan's dessert being "really smart!" My eyes rolled; "poor Marcel" was assaulted from all sides including his "sous chef saboteurs," Michael and Sam! I thought Marcel could have made better choices, ignoring the honesty of Mia and her desire to do well for him for one! Michael and Sam had no respect for him and made fun of him long before they even got to Hawaii; "what an idiot!"
***Yet Gail, who s/b the Queen Bee of "Top Chef" is actually a chef. Tom & everyone else have not even earned the title of chef by getting any certification and they oversee who earns 'this tile!?' Andy Cohen needs to get a backbone and see that this cast is getting stale and need 'Masters' this far in.***
Gregory's offering must have been tasty, but I wasn't impressed by it relating to POE at all! He was lucky to survive; AGAIN!
***Lucky to survive? He is easily the best chef this season. Like I said his dish wasn't literal. The man is clearly very intelligent and it seems like he overthought it. As I said his dish was more symbolic as he seemed to think more of the actual story and what it represented as opposed to an on the nose interpretation.***
That was his problem; it wasn't more literal! I remember him saying his cornish game hen was supposed to represent the Raven, but all I remember is that wedge of steak catching my eye more than anything! It just didn't look like any thought was behind the plating like some of the other chefs! As I said, "very lucky" to still be in it! Him being the best chef means nothing when it comes down to what the challenge requires!
***How are they able to eat a 5 course meal and then go eat another 5 course meal; in the ep. of RW's. Do you think they only have a bite of each dish or are they allowed to gobble it all up?***
The chefs usually only put a tasting portion in the QC and for RW and the like, they'll ask for 2 of everything and share! During one of those online talk shows; CHOW.com, I think Padma admitted to putting on weight during the season!
***W/ the exception of the octopus, I thought Mei had the more appetizing menu. Gregory did 3 dishes that had some sort of seafood component. He would have automatically lost my vote for that reason. One seafood dish is acceptable; 3 is not.
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I think Mei won w/ her dessert. W/ the way Tom raved about it, you knew she was going to win. - I think Mei is a strong woman, which I admire, and a great chef who deserved the win, but I really wanted Gregory to win. Not sure why, just did.
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I think Gregory would have won had he not messed up that fish dish. I wanted him to win, but it's cool to have another female top chef.***
***Rank your favorite/least fave TC seasons
ReplyDeleteI saw every season except S #1.
1 - S5 - NY - My all-X fave cast, which included Carla, Fabio, & Radhika. I didn't think Hosea was the best chef that season, but I liked him, and his "relationship" w/ Leah during the show.
2 - S3 - Miami - Hung deserved to win it. He was an interesting chef/character, along w/ Casey.
3 - S8 - All-Stars - I wish they'd do another 1 of these. It's fun to see most of the chefs that they bring back. It was pretty obvious early on that Blais was going to win though.
4 - S6 - LV - The Voltaggio brothers and Jen made it an interesting season.
5 - S2 - LA - The 1st season I watched it. Fresh & interesting, although I didn't like that Ilan won, nor did I think he deserved it over Marcel.
6 - S10 - Seattle - Kirsten comes back from LCK and wins it.
7 - S12 - Boston - The 2 best chefs from the very beginning (Gregory & Mei) make it to the finals.
8 - S7 - Wash. DC - Not very memorable, although I'm glad that Kevin won.
9 - S3 - Chgo - After all the fawning given to Richard Blais that season, I was glad that Stephanie had won, who was just as good, but they rarely mentioned it.
10 - S11 - NO - What ruined the season for me was the obnoxious and unlikeable Nicholas winning.
11 - S9 - TX - BY FAR the worst season of TC, IMHO. The "Mean Girls" bully Bev @ seemingly every opportunity that they can. I'm no bleeding heart, but it was horrible to watch.***
I haven't been that thrilled w/ the show since S6 really and have only watched intermittently to keep up w/ the winners at seasons' end.
1 - S6 - LV - The Voltaggio Bros and Jen made it an interesting for me too. This was 1 of the most impressive groups of chefs ever IMO. All you needed to do was see the professionalism w/ a late challenge called "The Bocuse d'Or;" very impressive.
2 - S3 - Miami - Hung deserved to win I guess, but he was a real jerk. He wasn't 1/2 as interesting a chef, but loved the also-rans like Brian and Dale. Tre was sacrificed thanks to that idiot, CJ! There was no justice allowing him to return and win on that "Duel" season yrs later.
3 - S4 - Chgo - After all the fawning given to Richard Blais that season, I was glad that Stephanie had won since she's from Chgo.; was just as good.
4 - S2 - LA - The 1st season I watched it from beginning to end. I didn't like that Ilan won, nor did I think he deserved it over Marcel. He was just a bully.
5 - S1 - Couldn't stand some of the chefs; esp. Tiffany, but loved the outcome w/ Harold winning.
6 - S10 - Seattle - Kirsten comes back from LCK and wins it. I felt for Brooke who was just run over in the finale.
7 - S12 - Boston - The 2 best chefs from the very beginning (Gregory and Mei) make it to the finale. I didn't care for some of the challenges; esp. going "Pilgrim."
8 - S7 - DC - Not very memorable, although I'm glad that Kevin won.
9 - S8 - All-Stars - I didn't like Jamie getting away w/ murder.
10 - S5 - NY - Liked Carla enough, but the rest c/b done w/o. I didn't think Hosea was the best chef that season and I make this 1 of the worst.
11 - S9 - TX - BY FAR the worst season of TC, IMHO. The "Mean Girls" bully Beverly at seemingly every opportunity that they can. It was horrible to watch. The Reunion was a hoot making them watch their behavior, then apologize for it; HILARIOUS!
12 - S5 - NY - One of the worst seasons w/ a bad winner.
13 - S11 - NO - What ruined the season for me was the obnoxious and unlikeable Nicholas winning. He's a loser and shouldn't have been allowed in the finale. I do believe he sabotaged another chef and showed what a true a-hole and immoral scumbag he was! He had immunity after a QF & produced some crap that got a teammate elim.! The judges gave him a chance to make it right and fall on his sword and he failed miserably!
---Season 14 TC (1/2 returning chefs w/ Brooke, Sam, Sheldon, Shirley ...)---
ReplyDelete***The introduction solidified how much I like both these chefs, & how excited I've been for this finale. I like how Shirley likes to communicate thru her food, to share a memory w/ people, but I have = respect for Brooke's ability to make a creative twist to turn out the ultimate version of various dishes. So, game on! It was sort of relaxing to know I'd be =ly happy w/ either winner, but as the ep went on I started getting so anxious to see who it w/b. I was on the edge of my seat in a great way for most of it; was everything I wanted it t/b -- Loved Brooke saying regardless of who the judges pick, she's honored to have cooked w/ Shirley in the finale, & Shirley saying Brooke took the words right out of her heart.
I'm glad Shirley's Plan A worked so Brooke could get the pork belly; like Shirley (and like I'm sure Brooke would feel if roles were reversed), I wanted it to be about whose best effort was the tops, rather than someone stumbling due to a mishap. (I know the flan didn't set the way Brooke wanted, but it had other issues, so I'm not putting it in that category.)
So, by the editing of the judges' comments @ the dinner table (& diners' comments) & pretty much backed up by the editing of the Judges' Table comments, Brooke took the 1st 2 courses, the 3rd was a tie, & Shirley really took the 4th. To me that's an overall tie, & a hard decision that involves lengthy analysis in reaching a decision. Two dishes worthy of the title as Tom said at JT.
Congratulations to Brooke & to Shirley. This was a great season & an = better finale. Maybe the best finale of the series.
Random thoughts:
Personal tastes: I wanted Brooke's oyster desperately.(Shirley's crudo looked beautiful; I just don't much care for red snapper, so it did not have me drooling in the same way.) 2nd course, I again wanted Brooke's dish more, just based on the ingredients. 3rd course, I wanted to devour Shirley's; I hate beans, so my love for pork belly was not enough to make me want Brooke's. 4th, neither rice pudding nor flan are my faves.
I like Brooke giving such praise & credit to Sam at JT for those garlic chips.
I know they have limited resources to purchase ingredients w/ which they must serve a lot of people, but I think dessert is something where I'd buy what I needed for a Plan B if @ all possible (like they both did w/ their main protein).
I liked them talking about, in "isn't this ridiculous?" terms; being only the 2nd X in 14 yrs the finale has consisted of 2 women.
Chatterboxes normally drive me batty, and maybe Shirley would if I was working alongside her on a regular basis rather than just watching a few mins per wk, but given that level of exposure, I find her endearing rather than annoying.
Shirley was cute introducing herself to Brooke's son.
Hmmm! I really can't get over how much I liked this. No crazy twists. No sous chefs drama. No major missteps. Just 2 excellent chefs who are also pleasant people cooking their hearts out to create 2 delicious meals, 1 of which edged out the other for the win. This, right here, is why Top Chef is one of the only reality shows I watch. I'm rather ridiculously happy right now.***
Another season's come & gone & I couldn't agree more! ;-)
--- Season 15 -- w/ vets: Marcel, Lu Anne, Kwame, & Jennifer (LCK) ---
ReplyDelete***Stephanie Izard is now an Iron Chef. I wonder how Richard feels about it?***
Stephanie's the best & not j/b she's from Chgo! I've seen & been a fan of hers since she won S4 of "Top Chef," & she's been killing it in every challenge given to her on TV! I still remember that bread challenge when going up vs Flay! I can't remember who won, but knowing the shady show IC had become, it was fixed to give it to him instead of her! She supposedly had a great finishing ice cream made w/ the secret ingred.!
***The chefs on "TC" must present dishes based on their own heritage for immigrant food influencers.***
Gregory from S 12 was so overly critical as one of the judges during the challenge! I thought of him being a more kind individual! = if he were right, let someone else kvetch who has tenure on the show! He finally gave Chris kudos at the end thank GAWD! As usually, looks as if the hot chicken's going t/b the winner! - Chris won the QC & EC sending Tyler to LCK!
***I hate when they have to cook for kids on this show. It assumes kids have shit for palates, which only happens if their parents cater to their pickiness & feed them nothing but the 5 foods they love most.
...Chris's fried chicken & biscuits' not my type of food, but he nailed the heritage aspect & I LOVE him coming out on top w/ cuisine so often dismissed. Bruce was my pick for elim. b/c he's the one who didn't = understand why he was on the chopping block @ 1st. Joe's dish had more overall problems & ultimately Tyler failed @ the concept, producing something all over the place, = though it had some good individual components; so I agree.***
Their egos preceded them all unfortunately; esp. Bruce & Tyler who speak so confidently about their fare! They stunk & deserved t/b on the bttm! The Bears are in serious trouble; the delusion real!
***Fiero425 -- you're right; his ego got in the way! I'm not a fan of Bruce. He hasn't impressed me @ all. - IDK why Bruce is so bad at this. He's clearly familiar w/ comp. cooking comps. He's done "Chopped, Knife Fight," & "Beat Bobby Flay." ...But yeah, Bruce kind of sucks @ "Top Chef."
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The mini pots & pans were pt< & producers trying too hard, but the kids being honest in their reviews made up for it.***
Well they have to make it tough; might as well put a twist on a simple challenge like elevating a kid's meal! It's a shame how limited the options are for kids! Parents do take the easy way out since they're so finicky & someX's just won't eat! What's more boring than hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken nuggets, & fish sticks day in & day out? It's not = nutritious! No wonder kids are fading intellectually! Lucky for me as a kid I didn't mind liver, spinach, potato skins, & med. rare steak! We were carnivores; mom bought 1/2 a cow out in the country & shared it w/ neighbors!
***There are other links from Bravo, they think it’s a highlight of the season. (hard to watch)
- http://morningafter.gawker.com/top-chef-contestant-says-show-destroyed-him-with-psycho-1681842501 -***
I'm surprised there haven't been more tragedies related to these type of shows! I know my limitations & would have snapped the 1st day! They make it seem so easy, but we well know they're all put thru the wringer! I never understood "Hell's Kitchen" actually putting it in the finished product how the chefs were abused by waking them up w/ drums & horns early in the morning & then the punishment for losing a challenge; eating some slop to make them puke! I can't tell you what I'd say to someone pulling that shit on me! This is America, not the freakin' Russian Gulag!
***So unsurprisingly Tom loves his salt.***
ReplyDeleteIt's shocking to see & hear how most judges invoke that same refrain; "not enough salt!" It's like the chef is supposed to season the food so much that salt/pepper isn't allowed on the table in a restaurant! It makes no sense! I stopped being a sprinkler of salt back in the early 80's, only using it when nec.! I have to season meat or it's tasteless! It goes into rice & spaghetti water of course! I had the same "Morton Salt" box for over 20 yrs & only used that much due to pouring it out of the shakers to clean when I moved! Tom & the rest of them need to start seasoning their own food & stop pushing chefs to over-season food to make them happy! Maybe their taste buds are shot due to eating too much bacon! I can do w/o all that salt in bacon as well!
***If you can, watch the season w/ the Voltaggio brothers. I still consider it the most talented group ever on TC. Kevin will forever be my fave from that season, but it’s one of the few seasons that I can vividly remember the actual dishes prepared by the chefs. ...I probably favor Joe F. from a pure personality standpoint this season, but I’m good w/ any of these 4 winning. The presence if the Volt. bros. though makes me consider whether any of this season’s final 3 measure up to that Las Vegas season & I just don’t think so.***
I thought I was the only one that felt that S6 had the all X great group of chefs! From day one they were under the gun doing some pretty amazing things culminating in that French challenge of Bocuse d'Or! It was terribly impressive = though Kevin seemed t/b the "pork king" throughout! I love pork, but it seemed like an unnec. crutch b/c he won a challenge making something vegetarian for Natalie Portman! I find it hilarious w/ this show & others where a vegetarian goes to a steakhouse w/ friends, but they're expected to jump thru hoops to make them happy! Why go to a stkhse? Senseless!
***LOL! I remember every single one of those challenges. Yep; that season was the best ever. - I follow Kevin on Instagram & he's still adorable. His love of pork is legit. I think he = has a pig tattoo. His restaurants seem to showcase a lot of refined non-pork dishes. Every X I watch TC, I wonder if the contestants could compete w/ the top 4 or 5 from Vegas. I honestly don’t think any of the chefs from this season could compete. I do think Brooke, Sheldon, Kristin, Paul Qui, Stephanie Izard, & Hung w/b an awesome group w/ that final group from Vegas. I’d love to see another All Star group w/ these guys, but some of them are completely killing it right now.
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...I have to suppose that Adrienne cooked well enough (or @ least >er than someone else that day based on the judges standards) to still be there. She's on Chris' Instagram a lot, so I can't believe that she won, but if she does it w/b an upset.***
We've had "comebacks" of epic proportions going back to S7! Kevin was mediocre @ best & failed challenge after challenge, but somehow got his act together during the finale to win it all! Obviously anyone who survived LCK to win was huge like Kristen in S10 & Brooke from S14!
***He also got the sheer luck of drawing Mike Voltaggio as his sous chef. IMO his "victory" was due more to Mike V rather than himself. As for Kevin Sbraga's culinary endeavors w/o Mike V to help him - ALL of his restaurants in Philly have closed. He's currently AFAIK & out of the culinary scene for the time being.***
He truly was middle of the road, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised! The sous chef is crucial! To this day I think Casey all but sabotaged Carla in S5 overpowering the girl during the finale w/ her suggestions! ;-)
***EVERYONE used their bare hands to handle & plate their food, including RIGHT IN FRONT of both the judges & the diners. As previously noted, Adrienne was shown rubbing her nose w/ her bare hands then went back to prepping her food w/ those nose-rubbed-hands. All of them also shook hands w/ various people like the judges & famous chefs (thereby transferring germs from the hands of those other people to their own hands) - then went back to prepping their plates w/ their food using those same bare hands.***
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the reasons I hate nouveaux cuisine; much too much handling of the petite food to place it on the plate to make it look pretty! What happened to serving spoons, spatulas, & forks when it comes to plating? If I shake hands w/ some idiot while cooking; if I shake their hands, I wash again! People are gross; sneezing & coughing into their hands, opening doors, & in gen. passing around germs & bacteria! You don't have t/b a germa-phobe t/b considerate of people you're preparing food for!
***Adrienne was extremely lucky to make it to the finale. Pulling that "1st Black female winner" bullshit made me root against her. It was editing tricks anyway; apparently it wasn't = close although it seemed close according to the editing.***
Excuse me, but why is it bullshit? It's not like she said it in front of the judges trying to guilt them! I think she only mentioned it in her "Talking Head!" I hear things said like that all the time; "being the 1st" is no shame in saying aloud! When Stephanie Izard won S 4, she was the 1st female! People took note! Technically I rooted for her b/c she was the best; not just from Chgo where we live! I still haven't been to any of her restaurants; Chgo's loaded w/ any imaginable cuisine just blocks away!
***I liked both Joe F & Adrienne. I think both chefs were treated w/ a lot of well-deserved respect and praise by the judges. What I am having a hard time squaring is that the judges are always yammering about cooking your heart out, taking risks & pushing the creative envelope. I feel like Adrienne did that way more than Joe F did. She was edgy & creative. How can spice cake win over her deconstructed banana pudding? The judges even told her they would have LOVED the dessert if she had not stressed the banana in it's name & called it something else? WTF? I get that it was a "flaw," but if a semantics change means you would have loved the visually stunning dessert, than fuck you judges. And fuck you judges for letting overdone beef ride & sniping @ Adrienne for mashed black eyed peas. The crack about the peas just seemed a way to justify wanting Joe to win. Over rested beef is such a rookie mistake that it should never get a pass @ this level of comp.***
Hypocrisy is nothing new when it comes to judging; esp. w/ Tom who's so full of shit! He can't keep his comments str.; one day saying "it shouldn't have been on the plate," then reversing himself saying "the plate needed something!" He's such an ass & Gale normally 2nd's every commentary so she has lit'l to no credibility IMB! Parroting everyone in gen. doesn't look good; "have some integrity & @ least act like you have a brain Gale!" In the past they've given us this BS of hours quibbling over their meals! It's hard to believe that makes any sense! Their video commentary on the show only lasts a couple mins so we're barely breaking the surface of why they judge someone >er than the other! ;-(
***I was a fan of Adrienne & thought she was more creative & interesting & would have loved for her to win, but I think the emphasis that some people online are passing on the criticism of Joe's beef seems t/b grasping @ straws. Joe's beef was described as "chewy." Sure that's not the ideal texture, but it isn't like the meat was inedible like certain other proteins we have seen.***
***The show really suffers from not having Gail as a regular judge IMO. Tom & Padma are bougie, elitist A-holes. Gail is actually relatable to the viewer & has just as much if not more food knowledge than Tom.***
ReplyDeleteYou think so huh? Over the yrs, = w/ all her expertise, it seemed to me she defers to TOM! At X's she would use the same words to describe the efforts of a chef like "that was smart!" I've seen her change her mind after he makes his opinion known!
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They're doing "Restaurant Wars" early this season &'ll have 3 teams instead of 2! I see Eddie screwed his team over 2 wks ago by blowing over $500 on lamb which is why the camera went to him when the rest of the team had to share quite a bit causing lots of upheaval!
***Ugh, a 2-parter. It’s okay for binge watching, but wk-to-wk it’s a drag. Brian looks like a goner, but it’ll prob. be the chick w/ short hair.***
With 3 teams, it whb impossible to get it all in in an hr.! Are they desperate for viewership in having "RW's" so early in the season? Why do the chefs have to come up w/ a theme & actually construct these restaurants anyway? It's ridiculous!
***They could’ve given us a 2 hr. ep. The fraus @ that other board seems to think there w/b a 2nd RW when they’re down to 8. Highly doubtful.***
Remember a few yrs back when both teams failed miserably? It ended up w/ another ep. called "Second Helping!" I wouldn't doubt there w/b another "RW" just to get the viewership! It's always a train-wreck when the nicest people turn into a-holes! We've already seen them losing their shit in preparing the place! It's only going to become more stressful when they get slammed by guests invading the place in droves next wk.!
***...unfortunately Nini seemed t/b clueless about front of house - I seem to remember one of the other chefs had to go out @ one point & help them understand their jobs. Also, Nini was changing around tables too which might've led to the table # confusion. It appears the server have no idea what’s going on, except that they’re on Top Chef.***
It's ridiculous to have the chefs dealing w/ anything outside of cooking IMO! What's never sit well w/ me is making them create a restaurant from scratch in a day or 2! The best of them will fail more often than not! It takes months normally & here they're fk'n around w/ painting the walls & setting up tables! It's entertaining for most, but unrealistic! If you want to put a strain on them, have 'em order dishes, silver, & glasses, but have a building w/ walls & tables already there!
***...I fear "TC's" starting to go down the road of 'Face Off' or 'Project Runway' where they have plumed the depths of talent & now it's just watching mediocre boring people make food.***
What does it really do for chefs t/b on this silly show? Few if any have really made a name for themselves that I can think of! You hear about how much stress is put on them for those wks during production being roused early in the morning, getting stupid challenges thrown @ them, then have to deal w/ the inconsistent judging from Padma & Tom! One day it's like "they didn't get it to the plate," then the next "if it's not eatable don't put it on the plate!"
***I despise the LCK aspect of this show, = though my girl Brooke won that way. S/b a single-elim. comp., but that's pretty much gone in reality competitions now. At least call it something else. It's not "last chance" if you make it out of the 1st one, get elim. & then go back for another "last chance." It's moronic. Two chances is bad enough, but 3? So unfair, esp. when the person that comes out of the last one is in the Final 4.
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Actually it keeps a chef who had one bad day in the comp. & still in the contest - w/ 2 bad days, they go home, & those who don't have bad days still stay in the comp. I have no problem w/ that.***
Agreed! If I look back, 1/2 the X in these last sev. yrs, the winner has come back from LCK & it was an occasion they were either sabotaged or had a bad day! The 1st LCK winner was Kristen Kish where she was kicked to the curb unfairly! Josie served up raw turkey & wasn't elim. in one of these lame challenges! I've been disgusted ever since & have lit'l respect or regard for Colicchio for his judging! Allowing Nicolas to go on in the following season j/b he had immunity was the most tragic thing to have happened sending Stephanie packing = though she had a good dish! Even the judge, Chef Pepin hinted that Nicolas should fall on his sword, but he of lit'l character wasn't about to do that! They could've fixed this, but the show's producers are A-Holes; which means Colicchio again!
***Unfortunately, I foresee yet another LCK winner taking it all. It's getting old. I really don't want Eddie to win. He's not that unlikeable really, but the fact that he's the protegee of the worst winner ever keeps me from pulling for him.***
If I heard, not sure; who's Eddie a protégé of? My all X disgusting winner was Nicholas from S 11! He squeaked out over Nina after a horrible ep. of sabotage during the season!
***And indeed he is Nick Elmi's protegee. And what happened BTW? I do remember Nina screwed up the final. I was rooting for Shirley though.***
IIRC, Nicholas had received immunity by winning the QC of the 13th ep.! For the EC, they put 2 teams of 3 together! The 2 teams being led by the top 2; Nicholas & Nina! Nick screwed up his offering in the group challenge & the judges were forced to elim. one of his teammates = though they had good dishes! The judges were trying to lean on Nicholas to give up his immunity, but he wouldn't go for it!
***It's as if the producers are reading this thread and really want a female winner this season. Imagine if Eddie's mentor came back & the hand wringing you all w/b doing when Nicholas was on your screens. Voltaggio brothers are always great when they are on the show. It's a mini version of the Fuck/Marry/Kill game.
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I liked Justin fine, but he was a lit'l into his own hype. It's a lit'l wild that his major mistake was plating too quickly. ...W/ 4 women & 1 man left I feel confident saying that Eric will win. TC editing always throws me off, but I think he does stand the best shot of this crew as he's been most consistent. I really enjoy Sarah & she's been coming on strong when it works well in TC. I love Kelsey, but IDK if she's going t/b able to pull this one out. ...I'm a big fan of Michelle for no reason @ all & could see her being anywhere from 5th thru 2nd. Just don't let Adrienne win this one & I can accept the results now that Eddie's permanently gone!
Did anyone else get the vibe that Eric only worked w/ the V Bros for a very short X? His story seemed to be "I worked w/ him when I decided to go to school, but he told me I could come back!" He also couldn't quite figure out how to connect his dish to his mentor, prob. b/c there wasn't much of a real connection behind the scenes.***
---Season 17 - All Stars---
ReplyDelete***I can't believe they brought Jen back again for TC All-Stars. She's train-wreck TV, but still.***
If that's the Jen I remember, she was very highly regarded & studied under one of the greats, French Chef Eric Ripert! It was in the All-Star season I remember they tested her patience & she flipped out w/ lit'l sleep & expectations of excellence after spending the night in a museum! She had a real brk down, but it was so funny!
***Yep, that's the same Jen! She's insanely talented, but also her own worst enemy. I w/b curious to see how she does this season.***
It's "Restaurant Wars" & it's all going to shit early on! These people have so much experience, but it started off being a mess! Lee Anne's expediting never got going & she was replaced by Stephanie due to her own incompetence! Hilarious how it's usually someone else's fault she's been failing! Melissa's a Klutz dropping food & spilling customers' drinks!
***I've no idea who Malarkey is, but there a few others I’d rather not see.***
I don't = watch that much, but still remember Brian Malarkey! To me he's just as exposed as Carla or Fabio! He's made a ton of guest appearances around! Malarkey was prob. a fan fave! He was handsome, charming, & seafood dishes were his specialty that were the best! He's been brought in several X's from S3 to the 1st All-Star season!
***Malarkey's THE WORST. My God.***
Due to so many having that same deep-seated feeling of Brian, it was easy for Lee Anne to scapegoat Malarkey for her failures during All-Stars! I used to love Wong, but since her short last stint, she's been a bit of a snot, always talking shit in the confessionals! I don't = watch the whole show, but I always seem to hear her badmouthing someone; usually Brian! She should know better! It just made her look desperate!
***...And he survives yet again. - Tell me about it. And yet still, I do think the right person went home. The cuts & un= cooks on that duck were inexcusable.***
There was really no excuse on the execution of Karen's dish seeing as the plates are being created w/ tweezers! As soon as I heard "un= cuts" meaning diff. temps to each piece of duck, I knew Karen was toast; & deservedly so!
***W/ the person that did go home, all I have to say is FINALLY!***
Lee Anne was a fan fave, but her last couple X's being in comp. has been about as frustrating as Malarkey; overpromising, plenty of excuses, & mediocre results! Lee Anne really started getting on my nerves her last performance up in the mountains! WTF was she doing up there pregnant? High altitude & constant stress on the body w/ breathing issues are only reasonable to expect under the circumstances!
***Of course Kevin's back in thru LCK. He's Tom's baby.***
As good a chef as Kevin's been since his original Season 6 stint, but he was "the PORK KING" then! What happened? When'd he become so well-rounded? I'm disappointed Malarkey didn't do better; @ least w/ his seafood!
***Wow I was looking back @ the track recs on this season & I didn't realize Melissa won 6 EC's. For some reason I thought she didn't start winning til the last few eps. Bryan & Stephanie don't = come close; Bryan won 1 X & Stephanie won 2 X's. If she doesn't win, she has to absolutely bomb the finale & then based on track rec., it w/b a toss up btw Bryan/Stephanie. Stephanie's riding > on almost winning the F4 challenge. Bryan's on the ropes w/ almost going home last wk. There's only a one win diff. btw the 2. Bryan has been high once > & low 2 X's < > Stephanie, so that's still close.
ReplyDeleteI personally would love to see Stephanie win. She's such an underdog despite holding her own all season long, despite her low moments, but if Melissa pulled off the win, I w/b thrilled for her too. Even Bryan, I don't mind if he wins, all 3 have done well this season. This isn't like the last All-Stars where the chefs I wanted to see in the finale got booted just before it & we got stuck w/ 2 shitty choices.
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It's a strong & likable F3, for sure. But I think Bryan has played it very safe, whereas Melissa has excelled. For the Italian chefs to say, repeatedly, that Bryan's cooking has no heart & soul summed it up for me. I've seen Bryan's creations on LA menus 5 yrs ago.
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So, as an editor, I'm trying to wrap my head around Stephanie's edit from start to finish. Essentially, she was edited as an invisible nobody. She didn't really have any meaningful wins or talking heads @ all til the last few eps... & = still, no part of her edit made it seem in any way that she would/could win.
So... to me she was a huge underdog w/ an invisible edit. I didn't care about her by the X we finally saw her personality. Why would they let her get that far w/o throwing @ least some sort of bait that she would go deep?***
It's happened before; in = > mysterious circumstances! Back in season 7 you had some huge egos; among them Angelo Sosa! The eventual winner Kevin not only wasn't on the radar, he was bombing w/ food that was puked up & thrown out IIRC! He had 7 "LOWS;" including one of those in the final 4! They're in Singapore of all places using local ingredients & techniques, but Kevin killed it; sealing the deal w/ a drink in the final course! I'm still SMH over that one!
***What esp. made this win of Melissa's so sweet was she beat out Bryan Voltaggio. Let's let that sink in.
Melissa beat the embodiment of the "perfect" reality show comp. winner as far as editing goes; male, attractive, white. Redemption Arc w/ his Bro; white, Male, attractive, a total dingbat, low IQ. In 99% of reality show comps, Bryan would win. "Thank you, Top Chef."
Judging by the way Padma reacted to announcing the win (openly bawling), I don't think production let them just hand the win to Melissa w/o a fight for it by the judges. I have slightly adjusted my neg. opinion of Padma.***
Well it wound up not much of a contest = though all the finalist did very well! The problem was Melissa was superior & took this All-Star season "going away!" "Congrats Melissa!" Bryan remains the eternal "bridesmaid/runner-up!" ;-)
***I do think Melissa's one of the best humans this show has turned out, so seeing her as Top Chef All Stars is a pretty big deal. It sort of makes up for Carla not winning. She has all the goods t/b a celeb chef, but I highly doubt she wants to. I hope t/b able to eat @ one of her restaurants one day.***