Suejin wrote:

Spot on observations about Joey and Rocco at the end. As always, you're such an enjoyable read.

posted on August 9, 2007 at 12:11 PM

Rosie wrote:

Another great take Anthony. One of the only redeeming things about this episode is that the contestant chefs themselves seemed as unimpressed that Rocco was the judge as the rest of us, and clearly you were.

Bravo, Bravo!
Way to blow a great opportunity for us, the viewers, to actually learn something about Italian cuisine by throwing an hour long, no wait, an hour and fifteen minute infomercial for Bertolli in there. Is Rocco the new shrill for this product as well?

posted on August 9, 2007 at 1:21 PM

Dee Zine wrote:

OMIGOD, Anthony--I love you to pieces!

That's all--no rehashing the show, no opinions about the challenge or contestants. I just LOVE YOU! Your books, your TV show, your cynicism and passion (great balance!), your acid tongue, your golden palate! You make me laugh. And you're brilliant!

KISSES!

posted on August 9, 2007 at 2:13 PM

en-jay-aitch wrote:

Tony -- unless you were eating earthworms, you were waiting with bated breath, not 'baited' breath. Bated -- as in 'abated' -- as in holding one's breath.

Apologies for the nit. Otherwise, a great blog entry.

posted on August 9, 2007 at 4:46 PM

Rai Booker wrote:

Woo Hoo! Great blog as usual... But I doubt that Hung will win... How could he beat the sexy beast that is Tre? Esp. when I might actually eat something Tre cooked... Hung's food, impressive as it may be in theory, never looks edible... I don't get it.

posted on August 9, 2007 at 5:20 PM

Tim T wrote:

Thank god I didn't have a mouthful of coffee or a spectacular spit take would have occurred when I read the line "Rocco's frozen love juice on their face."
A witty sharp busting of Rocco's balls truly magnificent by even NYC standards. Surely Tony Rocco isn't the only one who has No Reservations in running toward the bright lights.

posted on August 9, 2007 at 5:22 PM

terri wrote:

What happened to Rocco?? Working for a frozen food outfit? I don't get it. He sold out I guess.......
I would really like to know if Anthony is single...!!!

posted on August 9, 2007 at 9:51 PM

REBECCA SILVERBERG wrote:

Isn't it funny how the comments about Rocco Dispirito in this blog sound JUST LIKE similar insults from the 10/9/06 New York Restaurant Grub Street article... "He has been reduced to shilling for Bertolli's stealth-marketing campaign", and your remark about David Gest mirrors the comment made in Bad Plastic Surgery.com or some site like that... A link to this site originates from that Grub Street article. You hopped around a lot to come up with ideas for your blog didn't you? Mr. Bourdain you seem like a VERY quick and highly intelligent man. Why are you plageurising another author?

posted on August 10, 2007 at 12:21 AM

Kay wrote:

I don't really pay a lot of attention to the show as I'm not the one responsible for tuning in to it, so I missed the beginning entirely. When I sat down and glanced at the screen I had no idea who Rocco DiSpirito was, what he was doing there or why I should care. What I saw was a sniveling douchebag who looked like his mother laid his clothes out for him, shilling overpriced frozen pasta dishes any idiot could make themselves. I assumed he was the Bertolli equivalent of that Bombay Sapphire marketing guy and the first words out of my mouth were "I bet he gets his ass kicked a lot."

Then his little ad came up during the commercial break in which he introduces himself as a celebrity and performs opposite a cardboard cutout. I found it amusing that he was so lacking in personality that the cardboard cutout actually upstaged him. I'll take your word for it that he can cook because I can't imagine why anyone would ever pay any attention to him otherwise.

posted on August 10, 2007 at 2:13 PM

Matt Z wrote:

I was disgusted from the very start to see Rocco as the guest judge. I would have rather seen Tyler Florence rewarding the winner with a spot on the menu at (, is it) Olive Garden. It was obviously a way to give out a big prize for winning the challenge. C'mon...frozen pasta? I hope this is not a sign of things to come from Top Chef.

How any descent chef could not know to IQF is beyond me.

posted on August 10, 2007 at 6:18 PM

Eljay Shoo wrote:

Mr. Bourdain - spot-on observations. It's bad enough to have product placement for Glad every week, but the Bertoli infomercial was intolerable. As for Rocco, it brings to mind the commercial Rick Bayless did for Burger King a few years back. So to you, Mr. DiSpirito, I have just two words of warning: Rachael Ray! 'Nuff said.

I must admit that I enjoyed seeing Joey bawl his brains out like a 12 year old girl. I just hope every kid that Joey ever picked on while growing-up was sipping champagne while watching the playground bully finally get his just (frozen) desserts.

Truth be told, though: it should have been Howie!

posted on August 10, 2007 at 7:24 PM

Ambria wrote:

I am laughing so hard! The first thing I noticed when I saw Rocco was that he must have had too much plastic surgery. He does not look so good! I love that you keep it real Anthony, peoples faces are supposed to actually move when they talk!

posted on August 10, 2007 at 8:17 PM

georgie wrote:

Unfortunately, Anthony just got married. Congrats! I love your observations and sense of humor or candor or whatever. I watch your show faithfully. I think Tre and Cj may emerge on top. Brian needs to cook some meat!! Love this show!!

posted on August 10, 2007 at 9:48 PM

georgie wrote:

Congrats Tony on your new marriage!! I love your candor and watch your show faithfully!! I think Tre and Cj will come out on top. Brian needs to cook some meat!!

posted on August 10, 2007 at 9:51 PM

Christina G wrote:

This episode was simply depressing, in every way. What in the h*ll has happened to Rocco? David Gest? I was thinking more along the lines of Michael Jackson. Eeesh. Attention Rocco: Step away from the Botox! And Hung? He was as clueless as Joey was, in spite of whatever he was saying to the judges. It was obvious that even tho he did have a glimmer of insight about what was supposed to be done when freezing the dish - he didn't really have a clue on how to execute the concept. And =that= was why it didn't get done. Not because he wasn't being listened to - but because he wasn't actually giving any usable information. All he had was a half-formed vague concept - and no real plan. You could see when he was 'helping' Joey pack the food, he was as far off base as Joey was. He didn't completely get the picture until =after= he saw CJ and Tre packing their food up the next day.. at that point the lite bulb went on - but it was too late. Still - even tho Joey was hung by hung, there was no one on the show more thoroughly (and well :) hung than Rocco. Sad. Very Sad.

posted on August 11, 2007 at 12:06 AM

Don3323 wrote:

Absolutely right, Anthony on all counts. Although I would describe Sir Rocco's new look as a cross between Phyllis Diller, Joan Rivers and Leona Helmsley. Joey should be proud of his position at Cafe des Artistes and of his generous plans for any prizes he might have won. Too bad the judges threw out the only one on the chopping block who I was sure was safe that night! If Rocco ever stumbles into another successful restaurant it won't be for his leadership or cooking talents as evidenced in his sorry Restaurant show. It was a disgrace to see his poor old mother cooking her fingers to the bone while he ran off to cookbook signings and schmoozed and flirted with the customers. It was like watching the sinking of a ship while it's captain was missing in action. I used to buy some of Bertolli's products, but with the new Leona Helmsley hawking them I think some other brands are looking better to me now. And wherever Rocco plans to do his flirting from now on, I hope he is smart enough to keep the lights low.

posted on August 12, 2007 at 3:51 PM

Elizabeth wrote:

Tony, although I love your point of view, its richly textured, spicey, self-effacingly sweet (sometimes); I gotta disagree with you. Rocco hasn't had plastic surgery (he says so on his blog)..he's lost weight. I don't mind two NYC proven chefs dukin' it out (and yes Rocco proved himself earlier in his career and yes, like you has sold out to some extent...books, shows, etc. I don't see you cookin' right now...are you? Correct me if I am wrong K because I and many other fans of yours would like to hear about it). I think Rocco is taking a good path, laying low a lil bit after his commercialism. I am sure he had bills to pay (read: lawyers). How 'bout talking about his cooking and history with positive as well as the negative? I think his response to you in his blog was gracious and I think if you two can sit down and eat a meal together and chat. I'd want it televised but that is selfish of me and probably too much of a sell-out for you. Had he had a better manager than you do (c'mon you must have one), I am sure he would have more public respect. I'll respect him for his personality and the ability to mea culpa , just as I respect yours.
I'll still continue to watch your shows, I enjoy your wry wit and cynicism and passion. I take the good with the bad. I can't wait to find out how Rocco will revive his career as well and I hope he does have the passion to do so. Perhaps a big "i am sorry for letting fame and opportunity get to me, I blew it" book is in the works or should be. I hope he says what Harold suggests and opens up a lil restaurant like that one in NYC that chefs go to after hours (Blue Ribbon or something like that). Of course he'd have to beg his peers at first but if he treats them with respect and serves good food and provides a haven for them to relax and enjoy (with a smoking section) perhaps he can win their (and your) respect over. To Rocco: if you do any such thing...name a dish or cocktail after me~ the world loves an underdog come back. PS Tony....I recently saw your trip to Seoul....did you 'do' that guide/host? I couldve swarn you were a lil in love with that girl...she was awesome. Lizzie B. (unfortunately not B for Bourdain).

posted on August 13, 2007 at 9:26 AM

Elizabeth Treston wrote:

I love you!

posted on August 13, 2007 at 1:07 PM

Suzy wrote:

Oh, Elizabeth, you naive waif. Rocco hasn't had plastic surgery because "he says so on his blog"? Darlin', I have some land down here in Southwest Florida I'd like to sell you, if you're interested...

posted on August 13, 2007 at 9:00 PM

NotQuiteJuneCleaver wrote:

Who knew? You blogging?! Well, very entertaining. I thought this was a very sorry excuse for a competition. Who really wants to cook like this? Sure we all put left overs in the freezer but geez...this was disappointing. And a horrible way to crash and burn. Not saying Joey crashed or burned. And god I so didnt want to feel for him but couldnt help myself. He went out like a man. A tenderhearted man. But a man nonetheless. He should almost be proud he lost this. He's a chef for godsakes. I really found this challenge to be insulting to the chefs. Yeah, I have used a frozen "something" a time or two myself. But never proudly. And I just cook for my family and friends.

And as for Hung being the one to beat. I will be a very happy viewer when he takes his monkey that he continually speaks of (you know the one who is a culinary genius) and goes home. I really have not been impressed with his skills. Oh he can swing a knife, but if you are going to run a kitchen you have to try not to alienate EVERYONE. And as big a pain as Howie can be, I think he is a damn fine chef. Naturally this is speaking completely from what you all tell us and having never actually tasted anything any of them cook.

And my very unprofessional opinion, Tre and CJ are the ones to beat.

posted on August 15, 2007 at 9:30 AM

chef salad wrote:

Whether Rocco has had "some work done" or not, he still looks like a cross between Isaac Mizrahi and Flavor Flav. Are those red highlights? And shilling for Bertolli is beyond selling out. He is endorsing frozen food of Con Agra quality...and using his fame and skill as a chef. Does this compare to Bourdain taking his aching feet and scarred fingers off the line to travel around the world on the Travel Channel's dime? Not sure it even compares... Remember folks, most "celebrity chefs" are supposedly great chefs who got noticed. Bourdain got noticed BECAUSE OF HIS BOOK!

Bourdain refers to himself as a cook; Rocco refers to himself as a celebrity. Bourdain is selling his books and his show. Rocco is selling himself...not really even selling HIS food. It IS different.

All this being said, the episode was the lowest point in all three seasons. I'd rather see Marcel's backside forcibly shaved and Dave cry than that horrible challenge. ROCCO, Please pack your knives and go...

You had to figure that Bertolli only got the product placement 75 minute infomercial because they paid huge bucks--and offered a trip to Italy.

Bourdain remarried?! Well congrats old buddy, but you could've really had a nice thing going in every country, city, continent on earth. Isn't amazing how the ladies love scarred hands, crackling knees, and flat arches!

And one last thing: Ms Silverberg, if you are going to take a writing shot, at least spell PLAGIARIZING correctly (not plageurising)

chef salad out

posted on August 16, 2007 at 1:50 AM

Starrchile wrote:

An excellent review. And might I just add I own everything you have ever written, watch No Reservations religiously, and would happily eat anything you made and put in front of me, even if it was just a pop tart. Anyone who dedicates a book to Johnny, Joey and DeeDee AND can cook is ok by me!

posted on August 16, 2007 at 1:32 PM

Sarah wrote:

I didn't realize you were writing for Bravo! It was truly the highlight of my day. Your blunt, caustic wit often echoes what we shout from our barcaloungers, so welcome!

Here's my gripe about the product placement: if they're going to feature a certain food/chain/restaurant, can the winning dish NOT be made available to us untalented public?

posted on August 16, 2007 at 3:26 PM

dave wrote:

Bourdain is to Stevie Wonder as Rocco is to Jamiroquai.

posted on August 17, 2007 at 9:32 PM

Alex wrote:

Icarus like trajectory might be the funniest thing i've ever read. You're awesome, Tony, keep it real and guest judge TC as often as possible!

posted on August 18, 2007 at 1:55 AM

Elizabeth wrote:

Suzy:
I may be naive but I am not a waif (wtf did you come up with that....a waif? I wish (looking down at fat stomach and pile o' bills LOL). I live in Southwest Florida...native actually...so I own my own swampland muh dear...but thanks for the offer =). I have yet to see real evidence of Rocco's plastic surgery (even went to Awful Plastic Surgery.com for photo comparison but none are drastic enough for me and I've interned in plastic surgery offices but I am not saying he definately didn't ...just not drastic enough to insight such brouhaha...let me know if there are more drastic pics to be seen because I LOVE that stuff!).but there is sure evidence that he weighs alot less and the bloat is gone and hair style change is not plastic surgery . No late night restaurant work or carousing in his own lately....for sure..I am sure you can agree. Bottom line...so the eff what. I expect Chef Bourdain to not have to go there as he has much more experience, influence and things to say having to do with COOKIN'...that interests me and I suspect HIM as well. It was a low blow from someone I think has more important things to say not to have to 'go there'. I was disappointed in his attack of things not having to do with the show, cooking, reality shows and 'cheffin'. That was my point. I still lust him just disappointed he went there...thought he was above that, especially since there is no public knowledge about it and its none-of-his business (literally) anyway.
Cheers!

posted on August 18, 2007 at 6:52 PM

Mas_Tequila wrote:

Hola Tony!

I figured with all your Mexican sous chefs you'd be used to it! Anyway, I love your style and am happy to see you've made the leap a while back from our perennial favorite frothy channel Food Network to edgier Travel Channel where you seem to be much more at home. I hope you continue your stint on TC.

Anyway, love your snipes at Rocco, you are right on. I watched every spellbindingly mortifying epi of The Resteraunt (including the one you were in, hee) and was stunned by the fatal combination of dreadful mismanagement, horrifying treatment of staff, publicity whoring, and arrogance...all in a single individual! WOW. A more thoroughly unlikeable person I cannot imagine. Even his name annoyed me.

That said, it seems our little Rocco has grown up. I never wanted to see this guy again, but he was suprisingly, well, likeable in this showing. I may have to revisit my view of him.

Bottom line, there are so many talented chefs out there, it does not pay to be an arrogant douchebag - you ARE replaceable. Are you listening Hung?

posted on August 19, 2007 at 12:59 AM

chakrateez wrote:

Uh, chef salad?

WHY Tony is a million times the man gonad-lacking, collagen injected DiSpirito is,
doesn't dwell in their respective cooking abilities! Like the difference between a juicy, hot, hole-in-the-wall made chilli cheeseburger and a Big Mac, it lies in the fact one's a sell-out and one isn't!

As his reputation has grown, surely tony's been offered the Big Bucks to pitch this-or-that, but has he cashed in? And as his reputation declines, instead of going back to what made him famous in the first place, DiSpirito is hawking frozen crap and calling it gourmet!

And tony, as lambasting this sorry-assed excuse for a top chef challenge proves that no matter what the incentive, or how it's going to make him look, he's going to tell the un-botoxed, wrinkled, burn scarred, flat-footed truth!

posted on August 19, 2007 at 10:30 AM

Amy wrote:

I thought Rocco looked like The Carver from Nip/Tuck.

posted on August 19, 2007 at 3:55 PM

Catherine wrote:

Thank you so much Chef Bourdain (I am a huge fan of yours by the way).
I have despised Rocco ever since seeing his behavior and failure on his reality TV show. I was disappointed to see him on Top Chef. Regardless of his training and past successes, his current track has made him lose all respect in my book. I was bummed that Chef Tom would even allow him on, although I was reminded of Chef Tom in the past saying how these decisions are made my the producers, not him.
As always, I love reading your beautifully crafted thoughts. Keep it up!

posted on August 27, 2007 at 11:35 PM

Cindy R wrote:

I missed this episode, thankfully. As usual, I love reading Bourdain's take on things. To do all this work it takes to run a successful restaurant in NYC, one must maintain ones sense of humor. Tony always leaves me laughing.

posted on August 29, 2007 at 11:54 PM

Rebecca wrote:

Mr. Anthony Bourdain, you're so rock-n-roll! Referencing The Clash in a blog about Top Chef. Awesome.

posted on August 31, 2007 at 3:32 PM

Iman wrote:

Dear Mr. Anthony Bourdain,

How did this happen?

I suppose you're doing just what you promised you would do should fame and success ever land at your doorstep. You knew you would never be Scott Bryan, with four someliers playing guardkeep at a 3 star restaurant; no, you always knew thyself, and here you are, hamming it up on the Food Network. I mean Bravo's Top Chef. Pardon me.

Don't get me wrong - I adore you, you once Hunter S. Thompson of the chef world, but really....a blog where I have to "keep it clean" ?!

And please, spare us the sloppy cyber hugfests; "he's already a winner in my book." What is this, preschool for the kids who take the short bus? He fu...oops, I mean, goofed, up! And it was about time.

I like my stinky French cheeses soft. Not my Anthony Bourdain.

With all due respect,
Iman

posted on September 3, 2007 at 10:36 PM

lori kelleher wrote:

i was thrilled to see anthiny B as a judge i think he is just the best no frills says what he see here to you tony Bodaine love you

posted on September 6, 2007 at 9:12 PM

jake wrote:

Bah. TC is a reality show. Therefore the quality of the contestants is subordinate to what produces good, cheap, lowbrow "drama." Reality TV is an appeal to the lowest instincts of the mass culture. Let's not pretend that TC is any different and should be based upon how good the chefs actually are. Reality TV is not about human dignity, fairness, compassion or anything else. To pretend otherwise is to be kidding ourselves.

That said, watching Joey get kicked was satisfying. The guy is an obnoxious lummox. I am sick unto death of the New York snob-dreck ("he/she'd never last one second in New York") crap he kept mumbling. Good riddance.

posted on September 8, 2007 at 4:50 PM