Eddy wrote:

Gawd, that was so boring. He's such a child, for one, I don't think doing the opposite of what's popular/trendy, makes you special or cool, only unoriginal and shows your lack of imagination and you're stuck with a horrible looking head of hair. Addicted to your blog, so hope the next one is more fun, since my former New York living self lives vicariously through you!!

posted on December 14, 2006 at 12:39 PM

jere wrote:

What is the deal this season with team leadership? All these people are professionals and this situation isn't even close to running a kitchen or business, to elevate someone over others who have nothing invested in the team leader then have the team leader get all the glory or all the shame is not right. This isn't Trump and shouldn't try to be. I don't like this aspect at all. I understand a chef would have to hire and fire people and get them to work together, but that takes time and the idea someone is coming to work for you because they want to learn from you or need the cash--none of that is happening here, so to hold someone responsible for others getting in line or not is boring. The show was good, but now it is starting to look like other shows. I know I would watch for the food, others too, isn't that why Food Network is still on the air? Let's see some more food preparation ideas and skill and less intimate thought and face time. I rather see the chefs/caterers talk more about the food then each other or themselves.

posted on December 14, 2006 at 2:13 PM

Lauree wrote:

When I watched the first episode, my immediate impression of Marcel was : oh no! another Stephen ( from season 1 ). But, I withheld judgement until I had watched a few more episodes. Yes, I think Marcel can come off as arrogant, but I have come to the conclusion that he is young, and fighting for recognition in an extremely competitive field. And from what I've seen, it doesn't pay to be friends with any of the other chefs (except Elia), because they throw each other under the bus every chance they get. I think the one cameo comment that stands out in my mind is Ilan's : It is beneficial to eliminate certain people who might be a threat. If your strategy is to advance in the competition by lying, cheating, or other dubious means, then you are NOT a Top Chef. Marcel is at least honest about who he is, whereas a number of the other chefs are so phony, and clearly hide their true personalities.
I have been in the restaurant business for longer than most of these contestants have been alive (31 years), and I have learned a few things these "professionals" have yet to realize. First, you are never going to like everyone you work with, but that doesn't mean they don't have merit, or redeemable qualities. Second, don't judge people without getting to know them. Talking to people about their life, and their experiences, can often lead to understanding why people behave the way they do, and with that understanding, comes tolerance.
I think Marcel is unique, and I wish him well. I also think Betty is a BITCH!, and I hope she gets eliminated.

posted on December 14, 2006 at 3:30 PM

TheSanDiegoKid wrote:

Marcel...I'm totally rooting for you...but come on....lovely ladies??? Honey, you and Ilan need to stop pretending...my gaydar ain't that bad.

posted on December 14, 2006 at 3:51 PM

bonmots wrote:

Marcel is definitely an individual (as opposed to a lemming) and I never disliked him--he is always honest and forthright and I think people don't like that. They would prefer ass-kissing, I guess. You rock, Marcel! Keep on with your gastronomy world....I hope you go as far as you like and that you derive continued happiness from what you do.

posted on December 14, 2006 at 4:24 PM

Anne wrote:

Marcel;
I think you are terrific! Wish I were 30 years younger! :)
It is so rare that a young person these days takes their work seriously, and has a true purpose in life. I think that some of the other chefs didn't know what to do with that, and as they say, "we hate what we don't understand".
I was a very mature, serious young person also, and I was an outcast during most of my school years. I see a lot of myself in your personality. My passion was horses when I was young, and so I had lots of fun and friends in that part of my life. But for the vast majority of people I was "different" and a little "weird". That's okay. I learned later on in life that being different is an asset. Being serious and passionate about things while still having fun doing it, makes us successful adults.
I think you are very talented. I would love to see the final show and find out that you won the title of Top Chef! But if if doesn't happen that way, I have thoroughly enjoyed watching you cook and interact with the other chefs and judges in a state of grace under pressure. Keep on being the individual you are. You know, to thine own self be true. I think that you have a spectacular career ahead of you!
Wishing you all the best, and wonderful holidays with your family! :)

posted on December 14, 2006 at 8:34 PM

Wendy wrote:

Aaaaggh Andy LOL After reading the interview with Marcel I can only come to one conclusion. He doesn't win the whole show. Drats!!!!!! I was seriously hoping he did after watching the horrendous abuse he's had to endure from everyone and from the previews it looks like it's only going to get worse. Ugh! If that is indeed the case, Good Luck Marcel with whatever you are doing and whatever you do in the future. We wish you Only the Best!!!! :)

posted on December 14, 2006 at 9:10 PM

Caroline wrote:

I'm a Marcel fan - after the interview I understood much more how the editing put him in a bad light. It just didn't make sense that he could be a brat the first 3 episodes, really helpful and sweet and just...normal (as compared to Betty! I'm scared now when she turns on that smile) just before and during Thanksgiving, and then nasty again the next, you know?

Go Marcel! Keep doing what you do.

posted on December 14, 2006 at 9:24 PM

Timothy Mac wrote:

Does the interview with Marcel going back to work in Vegas mean he didn't win? That is what I get and I am disappointed Marcel didn't win and you reveal that info before the show's finale. I'm as sour as Betty's lime drink.

posted on December 15, 2006 at 12:01 AM

g3 wrote:

I love Marcel. I hope he does well on TC and in life. He seems like a good guy overall (though he tends to stick his foot in his mouth)!

posted on December 15, 2006 at 2:18 AM

hueypnewton wrote:

Mia is totally confused. She lacks confidence and plays the race card ineffectively and unnescessarily.One wonders how she made the show.

posted on December 15, 2006 at 11:05 AM

Katy D wrote:

Andy, Thanks for doing the interview with Marcelle.
It's fun to hear what the chefs are up to after the show. I wonder what Comfort Food Betty is up to and who she is abusing these days. We know she can't win
and if she is kept on it's only for the entertainment value. She has shown that she can not manage people
and does not have what it takes to be a Top Chef. She can't even communicate with out screaming at people.

posted on December 15, 2006 at 1:46 PM

maxie Halston wrote:

This is a good interview. It sounds like him.

posted on December 15, 2006 at 2:21 PM

anonymous wrote:

Okay, is it just me, or was anybody else wondering if Mia quit the competition to avoid the other possible outcome - her being eliminated? Yes, I am in doubt as to whether or not Mia quit solely for the altruistic reason she gave - saving Elia from being eliminated. Mia did now know who was going to be eliminated at the time she quit. As it seems from her aired interviews (haven't watched her exit interview and may be contradicted there...anyway...), she was worried about the effect this challenge might have on her business and what her clients (and probably potential clients) might think about her competency. After all, it was a catering competition, and, as she pointed out, she does run a catering business. Had Elia been selected as the one to go and then been, "saved," by Mia, her altruism would have rung true to me. However, as she quit before a name, possibly even hers, was spoken as the one to leave, I am left to wonder. Very curious...hmm... .

posted on December 17, 2006 at 4:24 AM

Smurfe wrote:

I found this interview very interesting as well. I am not a Marcel proponent or opponent but agree he is one reason I watch the show. I know where his "arrogance" comes from as others have stated and feel it comes from his confidence in his skills. I have to truly admire this trait and only tells me he will go far in his career.

As far as everyone throwing everyone "Under the bus." I only expect this from most of them to an extent. This is a competition and the number one rule to competition is outsmarting your true competition. If you do not have the technical skills to win, well, you have to use what skills you can to come out on top. Mike is a perfect example of that so far. It does seem childish as compared to last years competition but they did a fair amount of the same themselves. This show does have a different feel this year but still is truly entertaining.

For those that feel this interview was a clue that Marcel didn't win, well, I don't think I would place all my "investment" funds on that bet. I am sure the producers are very aware of leaving tips and this interview could of been done quite a while back. It could be a tactic to get your mind working and form a premature opinion. Who knows for sure? Even if Marcel does win, he very well could still be working where he did before for the time being. 100K isn't going to automatically get you your own restaurant. You never know, it might be in the works. Look at Harold for example. It is taking a while for him to get his restaurant up and running.

I wish all of the Chefs good fortune and hope the all can capitalize from their exposer on this program and continue to succeed in their endeavors. I really would like to see individual culinary shows from some of the contestants from this year as well as last year.

posted on December 20, 2006 at 1:54 PM

tracy wrote:

I find it truly disturbing the way Marcel has been treated on this show by the fellow comptitors, with the exception of Ilia who defends him on camera but not to the others, when watching this verbal and emotional abuse of Marcel I think back to middle school when the popular group ostrasized someone and every one joined in. It makes me sick, I admire the way Marcel has been able to continue on through this. I don't think everyone else would be able to.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 4:45 PM

Carla V wrote:

I was so happy to read so many people who found Marcel interesting and entertaining. I feel he is one of the stand outs on this season's show. Each week, I find myself thinking that with a couple of exceptions, this is the most classless group of chefs I've ever seen. Talk about petty! Well, I am rooting for Marcel and Mike and Elia. As far as I'm concerned, things only got better with the elimination of Betty ... what a cretin. As for Sam and Ilan ... they can walk off into the sunset together each regaling the other with stories of what makes them Masters of the Universe.

posted on January 5, 2007 at 12:28 AM

matt wrote:

I agree with Jere on this one. The editing for this season has been really disappointing and almost distracts from their culinary talents. Chef Tom is really starting to get on my nerves as well with his almost Trump-like demeanor. Project Runway is fun and amazing because we form our own opinions about the design and then see and hear how the judges react. We don't have that liberty with food we can only see, yet can't taste. Please edit the judges' critique more into the food as opposed to them saying, "She's a quitter" or "If she were more vocal..." I hope Season 3 can hold my interest!

posted on January 5, 2007 at 5:53 AM

Martin wrote:

I agree with Tracy's comment. To me, there isn't a bigger turn off than seeing these "CHEF MEN" assert their masculinity and dominance against Marcel while sporting hair bands, leather braclets, and diamond earrings. Pleeeeease! Elia is the only true class act on the show. These bullies need to go soon. I admire Marcel's unwavering conviction.

posted on January 5, 2007 at 1:47 PM

Shannon wrote:

I am totally rooting for Marcel!!! THE ONLY REASON ILAN IS SO OBSESSED WITH MARCEL'S VIRGINITY IS BECAUSE HE LUSTS AFTER HIM. YES?

IT'S JUST LIKE ELEMENTRAY SCHOOL.

The only reason Marcel is being treated this way is because he is being real, himself and everyone else is being fake. So they point there finger at him. He is what they wish they could be. But there afraid so they bash on Marcel because he's not afaid to speak his mind.

I hope Marcel wins!!!!

posted on January 8, 2007 at 7:40 AM

Cynthia wrote:

I love Marcel.. and i hope to God this interview doesn't mean he doesn't make Top Chef!! But i'm sure their under contract not to give the show away with any clues... I find Marcel an incredibly strong man with strong values. I mean.. think of it.. if anyone of the other chefs were put through what these low life chefs did to Marcel.. they would have FOLDED along time ago!! Did you notice in the interview.. he wouldn't sign an autograph on the menu that a customer requested becuz it was not "his" menu.. but the Chefs. I find his "righteousness" refreshing and extremely honorable. I read somewhere Mike hates Marcel.. becuz Marcel told on Mike who while being on very strong medication started drinking.. NOW ANY DOCTOR WILL TELL YOU.. NO WAY!! Mike actually states this in an interview.. which shows me.. HOW CRAZY IS MIKE??? There are warnings on medicines NO ALCOHOL.. but this looser gets his beer from Ilan and Sam.. why are we not surprised??? How could Mike ever be a top chef with his track record of Never Caring... unbelievable!! When Marcel is questioning rules.. he's chastised.. hey everyone.. your on a show where there are rules!!! God Bless Marcel for withstanding such personalities... i know he will go far and i'm sure the Chef he works under is proud to have him.. Still rooting that he will win!! or Elia.. and thats it!! :)

posted on January 10, 2007 at 8:18 AM