Max B wrote:

I'll say it again Bordain you are a fool. I love your quote from the last blog "Brian, though, is leaking blood in the water. He can no longer run. Nor can he hide." Then you decided that you better to continue to trash talk Malarky because you predicted he was going to be crushed and were dead wrong. Food isn't about bells and whistles, it's for eating. Get off your high horse and go talk crap about CJ's Broccolini with him, it will be a better use of your time.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:18 PM

igiveyoumylife@livejournal wrote:

"Top Chef fans? Just as no one can say boo about the judging this week, no one -- NO ONE -- can complain about the challenges. No quirky, kooky, product-placing roach-coach stunts this time, my friends"

SO TRUE! Well said, I loved this episode, it was a classic, traditional, and refined exhibition of the chef's talents. It wasn't absurd reality TV boobery - it was a real culinary competition... well said as always Bourdain!

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:26 PM

Dana wrote:

AMEN on the comments about Brian, I am so pissed off that he will be in the final four!! How a man can NOT cook for 4 out of 11 competitions and go to the final four is beyond my comprehension. I am so sick of that guy! True, I won't cry any rivers over the fact that Sara left, I agree with you, Tony, that she had gone beyond her capabilities.

Cmon, Bravo, how & why did Brian skate through again and this makes for a fair competition?!!

Please!!!!

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:26 PM

Bryan Shelly wrote:

Reading this blog is the best part of the show.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:26 PM

Kenneth Robertson wrote:

Anthony, I love to read your blogs. They are always on the mark, and friggin hilarious! I agree with you about Casey. She is an extremely talented chef. The comment about Broderick Crawford made me choke on my drink, I was laughing so hard. Thanks for the good stuff!!!

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:27 PM

Brooke K. wrote:

I can't believe that HUNG WON!!! He screwed up a main ingredient. I think that is a MAJOR malfunction. The rest of the dish must have tasted fantastic but I think it was pretty clear that Casey had that one in the bag. If Hung wins I quit. I understand that he is talented. I understand that he has had great training. All of that is clouded by arrogance and the inability to see past the individual competion. I think a Top Chef has to be willing to bounce along with the crew as a whole and still stand out. I do think that the right person did go home tonight. Her dishes have always raised an eyebrow of mine in question. I love Dales honesty. He doesn't make excuses and he says up front my dish would be its best on the third run. Brian has potential that has been tucked away somewhere in a drawer. I am glad that he did well tonight. I hope it continues. Casey is my pick. I love her. I do wish you were on this episode, Anthony. I did miss the excitement of hearing your opinion. xo

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:27 PM

hgb wrote:

Sirio Maccione said that Hung was the chef he would hire to work in his kitchen at Le Cirque and Andre Soltner picked Hung's dish as the winner of the elimination challenge (who among the judges would stand up to him?). We already have our winner of this year's Top Chef: it is Hung. The only thing that can stop him now is a disastrous service in the final challenge.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:30 PM

Carole wrote:

Well, they've decided on the last four chefs. I'll be anxious to watch.

I would like to give my opinions on some of the chefs..

I think Hung is a good chef, but he's a danger in the kitchen. He runs about willy nilly with no concern for others. I also don't like the fact that he hardly ever gives anyone else help when they need it.

I think Dale is probably a good chef also He seems to have a problem remembering everything. Possibly nerves.

I'm a little surprised that Bryan ended up in the last four, but obviously his dish this week was good enough to get him there and I'm happy for him.

I've come to like Casey a lot and think that she may be the person to beat.

As to some the chefs who are gone:

I really liked Tre and I'm sure he does great work at the restaurnat in Dallas. I was pulling for him. II didn't like what he did during the restaurant wars. Obviously, the other team needed a place to plan and went outside as everyone else was inside. Tre said he would make his workout a little longer. I didn't like that. Tre made 4 dishes the night he was eliminated and certainly the other chefs should not have let that happen. He had one good dish of the four. For the first few weeks, I was pulling for Tre, but he always ended up in the middle. I think he would have done a good job had he advanced.

I think Sara was a nice person. I'm sure she's a good chef and I wish her a lot of luck.

I empathize with CJ. He definitely had to go through a very difficult period in his life and I'm hoping he's just fine. What bothered me about CJ is that he was always so willing to criticize the others. I didn't like that at all.

I liked Howie and I'll tell you why. Howie never said anything critical about the others' cooking. And when Howie did something wrong he never blamed it on anyone else. He defended himself, but never at the expense of others. He was a stand up guy and very honest. I liked that a lot.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:31 PM

dementia13 wrote:

I agree with Anthony about the "Casey conspiracy theory": being pretty doesn't mean that she can't cook. She obviously has a great touch. She's also not the prettiest contestant from this season, but she's the one who's still here. That's due to excellence and consistency, even if....heck, I've got better knife skills. That said, I'm looking at the lineup for the finale, and I'm not overwhelmed. Casey and Dale are great, but considering the overall talent level from week 1, they seem like marginal top 4 material. The competition level has been so tight this season that it has been a show of "who screws up first". This meant that some of the best chefs got eliminated much earlier. There's no way we should have been looking at Sara, CJ and Brian as contenders for the finals. Maybe one of them, but not all three, least of all in a season that included Howie, Tre, and Lia.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:34 PM

The Apostate Chef wrote:

Andre.
Friggin'.
Soltner.

Holy crap. This series just officially jumped the shark, cause you ain't gonna top tonights show, No way. No how.

I would have thought you would have had to sell your soul to get Soltner to appear on a tv show, if you hadn't already sold it years ago for that one last hit of black tar, or was it your literary career you sold it for?

In any case, whoever is responsible should be getting one hell of a bonus this year because I wouldn't have thought it possible, even after seeing the likes of Boloud and Ripert appear as judges. I'll enjoy it while I can , but unless you get Paul Bocouse to judge something, you're not topping this show anytime soon.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:35 PM

Travis Romero wrote:

I'll take your word for it that Casey's food taste good, but I'm a little tired of hearing her say how nice it would be if a woman won Top Chef. Although, I suppose if I were on the show, as a Mexican, I'd be playing the 'wouldn't it be great if a minority won!" card.
I saw may the best cook, man or woman, win!

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:36 PM

barbiefish wrote:

Tony (if I may be so familiar) --

This was your best blog yet. Thanks for your homage to the distinguished judges. As I'm sure many other TC fans agree, it was wonderful to see a straight-up cooking challenge with no twists. Your fanciful descriptions of the various past "lightweight" challenges with their bizarre twists and heavy reliance on highlighting the sponsors' products was a hoot. I really liked Sara -- and you came across as pretty harsh on her, but with justification at least for tonight's performance. Have read a few blogs criticizing some of your more colorful cracks last week; just wanted to let you know the "something found in Bob Marley's closet" seemed to me like the perfect description for CJ's broccolini. Please keep on blogging, and judging TC when you can!

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:40 PM

BarbadoSlim wrote:

Dude I love ya, but it's: res ipsa loquiTUR!

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:40 PM

Jeff wrote:

I can't wait to see Casey take the win and Hung crash and burn. This kid is so sickening. Tony - honestly, has this little pr*ck earned his right to be so arrogant about his food? He reminds me of UES doormen who think they're hotshots because they open doors for hotshots. This guy needs a reality check, and I'm betting on Casey to stick it to him.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:40 PM

Rob wrote:

Many, many thanks, Tony, for that wonderfully put testament to Chef Soltner. He actually did, once, miss a night of service. I heard him tell the story one night, and it's heartbreaking and funny at the same time: he left New York on a Saturday for his mother's funeral in France. Lutece was closed on Sundays and Mondays, so he'd only miss one day. One freaking day. And that night, while he was on the flight to France, they had a kitchen fire. See what happens when you take one night off? When they announced that they were leaving Lutece, the NYTimes reporter asked Mme. Soltner what she was going to do with all of her new-found free time. She said, "I've always wanted to see a Broadway show." This from a woman who had lived in New York for almost 35 years! Talk about dedication to the sacred institution of feeding people. Boy, I miss that restaurant. Thanks, Tony, for being such a fun, thoughtful, principled hard-ass. And a great writer. PS: I spent some time in Uzbekistan too. The food...well, I liked the bread in Samarkand.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:41 PM

Jim Nail wrote:

Sirio may have given the quickfire to Hung, but when he tasted Casey's dish he clearly said that he liked hers best of all. I don't understand what happened between that point and announcing the winner, unless the episode was edited very poorly or intended to confuse us and spark controversy.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:41 PM

Meghana wrote:

Your blog's deliciously candid - best one to read! Though I miss Padma, dearly.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:43 PM

CJ Casuto wrote:

Anthony,
Great blog as always. Thanks for standing up for Casey. She is not only skilled, but she is professional. She, I think, is the Harold D. of this season. She is a top rate cook, and she treats everyone well, and everyone respects her. I hate to keep reading that she is somehow only on the show to be eye candy. She might have been in the middle at first, but in the last weeks, she has been winning or in the top of both quick fires and eliminations. Plus, she isn't playing it safe. She deserves to be there, and as a fellow woman who was a military officer in the war, I get what it's like to be an attractive yet talented female in a predominantly male world. Even at Le cirque the comment was, "you should win because you are attractive." No one ever said to Sam last season...."you are a winner because you are a big hottie." Good for Casey. I hope she wins it!!!

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:44 PM

K wrote:

It's time that everyone listened to AB and gave Casey her props--not only has she had to put up with sexist commentary in this episode from the judges ("your looks made me want to pick you"--whatev!) but she has the most elimination and quickfire wins of all the remaining contestants. She's easily better than everyone left but Hung, and although I have worked for some really ***-holish chefs, I wouldn't put up with his sh** for thirty seconds. A top chef is a great chef and a great leader. You accept the weird temper tantrums and unreasonable craziness that seem almost normal in the biz because you respect the talent and work ethic and desire to create the best experience that the best chefs have. But even the surliest chef has to get you to that respect point, and they don't do it by constantly lying about how great they are, how moronic everyone else is, how easy clearly challenging situations are, and how they knew all along they ruled. Hung's humility from two episodes ago seems to be gone. I look forward to watching Casey smoke his butt in the finale.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:45 PM

Nadine wrote:

Sorry, Mr. Bourdain, but I will in fact venture out onto that grassy knoll. During the tasting in the Quickfire, Chef Maccioni murmured to Padma, after he tasted Casey's effort, that this was the best one so far. He had already tasted and admired Hung's effort, so it would seem that Casey's was "res ipso locquitor" -- the winner. But when he announced the results, he was very condescending with a lot of nonsense about how pretty she was and for that reason he wished she had won (blah, blah, nauseating blah) but said that Hung had won. Well, did he? Or did the exalted old-school chef simply refuse to award the laurels to a woman? And again, Chef Soultner. What was this stuff about choosing the chef who would be hired for his kitchen. That also made me very suspicious. I wonder if the results would have been the same if the tasting had been blind. I'm annoyed and suspicious. Great ideas for the episode though.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:45 PM

Melissa K wrote:

I totally agree- Casey is a talented chef, and it seems to me that if she had called her dish "braised chicken" as opposed to coq au vin that debate could have been avoided... it seemed like a silly technicality. I also just wanted to say that I thought it was a cheap shot that the rest of the contestants wanted to get advice from Hung when he went first during the quickfire and then chastised him for not sharing. It's a competition... helping to plate something when you have extra time is good, sharing your knowledge and ability to deconstruct the dish would be plain stupid. Would the other contestants ask the same of Brian or Casey?

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:47 PM

Kat Panek wrote:

I'm not surprised Casey and Hung are in the fina group. I only wonder why anyone else is going to Aspen.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:49 PM

PaulBKM wrote:

Yes, yes, once again, my personal kitchen-goddess Casey shines forth yet again. She will win the top prize, bet on it

This was a wonderful show, perhaps the best show of the entire three seasons. THIS show is what the concept of Top Chef is really about.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:50 PM

Raven Windrider wrote:

Mr. Bourdain,

Got it bad, got it bad, got it bad. Love to read your blog.

I have had a lot of fun seeing which classic rock song you choose to title your weekly blog. And, you are absolutely correct about tonight's episode. There should be no TC fan complaining after reading your well-presented blog.
Yours was a Mickey Mantle 565-foot homer at Griffith Stadium in DC. Ain't no doubt it's out of the park!!!

The semi-final should be interesting and your appearance will make it interesting as always. Can't wait to see which driving guitar and drum bombast reference you will choose next.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:52 PM

John wrote:

With another great post, Mr. Bourdain continues to add fun and excitement to the worlds of cooking and TV. Much appreciated.

The "finale" can't be one episode--must be three more, right? Several days of challenges at Aspen?

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:52 PM

Al wrote:

Brian's dish looked absolutely disgusting. The neon green topping looked liked something you would find on top of a St. Patricks day cupcake at a supermarket. I was sad to see Sarah go, but serving raw chicken is simply inexcusable. Overall, I've been dissapointed in the finalists for this season. Dale, and Brian simply do not seem like "Top Chef" material. The final two will definately be Casey and Hung unless some unforeseeable catastrophe occurs that knocks either of them out of the competition.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:52 PM

Mike Z. wrote:

The man who reminisces:

"Soltner himself, though always besieged for reservations by the world's most powerful clients, remained always humble, fair, egalitarian...
I will never forget eating at Lutece as a young student. Hair halfway down my back, dressed like absolute crap, completely unprepared…, we were, as soon as we entered, welcomed warmly by Madame Soltner as if we were regulars..., and were even visited tableside by a kindly Chef Soltner."

Then continues:

"Sara sank like a stone -- having long since paddled far out of her depth. Raw fish in the Quickfire ... undercooked chicken in the Elimination, and it was see ya, wouldn't wanna be ya."

Evidenced by your tone, you & the lot of ya have sunk from your model. It was not "Sara's food," it was "Sara." You and Tom need look back to your example at your right, should this enterprise continue. Having taught & judged myself, the best of either is humble (to use your word, Tony) & constructive, something neither of you have displayed but which Monsieur Soltner has graduated to...I suspect he would have and would approached your current enterprise thusly when you were a student in HIS restaurant Bourdain. Humble & constructive.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:53 PM

Rick Douglas wrote:

Anthony: While I have mentioned in the past that I think Casey has been a strong contender all along, I bow to you for making it undeniable for the nay-sayers, and daring them to disagree. Besides, my mom made coq au vin for us kids growing up and I never knew it was supposed to be a way to disguise the tough meat of an old rooster. This is why I love "Top Chef."
I applaud the producers for finally allowing the viewers to witness real cooking techniques instead of head-scratching Halloween tricks that turn out to be anything but treats. In past episodes their challenge ideas reminded me of teaching fellows I knew at Harvard who held secret competitions to devise hellish questions that might trip up their students in final exams. Sometimes the contests here have been so twisted, I have wondered if the production staff is actually embarrassed to be working for a cooking show, however haute the cuisine might be.
I suppose you had to be there, but as much as I respect Hung for his culinary skills, his "potato" was deemed insufficiently puffy. To me, that's a demerit for execution. Casey, meanwhile, is gently scolded for trying to tie her vision of coq au vin to chicken. Yet the judges all found her dish flavorful and expertly presented. To me, that makes her the clear winner in the Elimination Challenge. Hung winning both challenges was the big surprise. But I am happy to see both in the finals.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:54 PM

Mike Z. wrote:

The man who reminisces:

"Soltner himself, though always besieged for reservations by the world's most powerful clients, remained always humble, fair, egalitarian...
I will never forget eating at Lutece as a young student. Hair halfway down my back, dressed like absolute crap, completely unprepared…, we were, as soon as we entered, welcomed warmly by Madame Soltner as if we were regulars..., and were even visited tableside by a kindly Chef Soltner."

Then continues:

"Sara sank like a stone -- having long since paddled far out of her depth. Raw fish in the Quickfire ... undercooked chicken in the Elimination, and it was see ya, wouldn't wanna be ya."

Evidenced by your tone, you & the lot of ya have sunk from your model. It was not "Sara's food," it was "Sara." You and Tom need look back to your example, literally at your right, should this enterprise continue. Having taught & judged myself, the best of either is humble (to use your word, Tony) & constructive, something neither of you have displayed but which Monsieur Soltner has graduated to...I suspect he would have and would approached your current enterprise thusly when you were a student in HIS restaurant Bourdain. Humble & constructive.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:54 PM

Simone wrote:

Right, right, you're bloody well right . . . we get that you like Hung and want him to win . . .

Casey is still my favorite and she should have one at least one of today's eliminations. Why ??? Because she's talented yes, - but she's NICE! Hung, still a twerp and will always be . . . arogant Napoleon complex to the hilt. Go home to your "buddy" Marcel.

Sara skated far too long . . . Jamaica my ass. Poof - be gone.

Love you!

posted on September 20, 2007 at 12:00 AM

helen wrote:

mr bourdain -- you had me at hello...i thought this was the best episode too! and i, too, swooned in my lazyboy-esque chair out here on the rez when i saw mr. soltner, as did tom (he did a fair approximation of hung during the introductions). i don't lament tre's parting as much as i did when it happened b/c casey, who's unfortunate display of knife skills coincided with tre's departure, is on fire. (but he still deserves to be here.) kudos to her amazing palate (and to her granma too) and presentation skills; she is a very fine chef.

unfortunately, sara's chicken was not cooked thoroughly but i reallly think it was a coin toss between her and dale today, as lovably articulate and entertainingly insightful as he is. i'm glad he's still around. in truth, however, i'm surprised it didn't come down to brian and sara. 'nuff said.

finally, throughout the season, it's become obvious that ex-sorority girl gail just doesn't want to vote for hung...ever. she's not professional enough to be a judge on top chef.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 12:01 AM

patsy wrote:

STOP STOP STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm not happy with the results of eiter challenge. The guest judge clearly stated that the best tasting of the quickfire challenge was casey but he chose Hung. The only mistake casey made was not naming her dish right wherein Hung didnt do his potato correctly. Th is judge was obviously biased. He should have not been the deciding vote . I am disapointed because a woman did better and still lost out to a man. Bravo should have known better than to trust an "old school" chef to not let the sex of the contestants be a factor.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 12:01 AM

SJSJ wrote:

Mr. Bourdain, I agree with basically everything you've said and I too absolutely loved this challenge. Finally - no stupid gimmicks or product placements. Just, show us what you can do. And, it did nothing to change my early belief that Casey & Hung both have some serious skills.

Watching Hung chop is one of my favorite things about this show and it appears to me that Casey has an amazing pallete. Fun, fun, episode! I can't wait for the finale.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 12:10 AM

cynthia wrote:

Excellent and entertaining as always. Thanks for clearing up the coq controversy

posted on September 20, 2007 at 12:13 AM

help me rhonda wrote:

Kudos to Hung. This challenge was his to lose and he didn't miss. We know that Casey has gained kitchen experience from family, and hard work - not trained in the clasics like Hung - yet she was still able to 'hang with Hung' (sorry) in the quickfire and elimination. Will Hung's skills and training top Casey? I doubt it. In the end, I agree with Dale. Casey has the heart and the magic touch. Tony, your horse is coming in second.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 12:17 AM

JC wrote:

Hey Anthony,
Halleluiah, Sara’s departure was long overdue. How she made to the final five is beyond imagine for me – Howie should have made it further than she. In my opinion, Hung has been the most intelligent and the most methodical consistently as compared to the other chefs. He thinks about his strategy for every quick fire and elimination challenge with constant precision, and in many cases his strategies have been “spot on,” as so many TC bloggers like to say about your blogs. As the competition goes on, the chefs are increasing commentating on their concern about how they perceive Hung as the chef to beat. Even Casey, with her two recent elimination wins, now that the competition is thinning she’s suddenly becoming the judges’ front runner, considers Hung to be her “main” competition. I wonder what Dale will think of her comment about Hung being her main competition? I suspect boo hoo will be Dale’s reaction. What’s interesting to me are Brian, Casey and Dale’s comments how they’re chef’s who cook with a heart, implying that Hung is technically proficient, superior to them, however he doesn’t cook with a heart. Please—that’s a low self esteem judgment. That says to me, I have no confidence because I lack classical training. I can’t tolerate individual’s who bemoan education and advanced training, who want their lack of schooling, education , and choice to move ahead in cooking or business or whatever without formal training as a badge of honor, and to have more meaning than those who choose to incorporate education as part of their learning. As for Brain, Casey and Dale, they smack of their own insecurities as they try to diminish Hung’s superior-technical skills. I do think Hung is confident, smart and thoughtful about his cooking, I think Hung takes a holistic approach to his cooking, and I’m rooting for him in the finals. Go Hung! Keep shining bright despite your collegial detractors. Way to shine in front of an incredibly impressive and prestigious group!!!

posted on September 20, 2007 at 12:31 AM

Andy B. wrote:

Ah Broderick Crawford. Out of all the kings men, all that shined were ttwo. One was not a man but a lady. Sir Hung, and Madame Casey. His Majesty, Andre Soltner with a heavy heart, and supreme confidence choose Chef Hung as one of his would be cooks to cook in his castle if he could.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 12:31 AM

Mike Z. wrote:

ps. 'constructive' can be something as simple as alerting the producers that it's "pommes dauphines," not "pommes dauphin" prior to air. And, I'm not a chef, I just parse French speech. What was the quip from earlier in the season, Tony? "Flintsonian"?

posted on September 20, 2007 at 12:38 AM

Amalia wrote:

Anthony:

Enjoyed your post. I also enjoyed the show although I kept wishing that TC had made the trek to the CIA to tape this episode (I guess it's more impressive to have the chefs roaming around NYC than Hyde Park, NY! Although, the Hudson Valley can be pretty darned impressive)
It's interesting that you mentioned roasting the chicken as a sure way to impress the FCI judges because I found myself thinking exactly the same thing. Although Casey and Hung seemed to do fine with their respective approaches, executing roast chicken perfectly could probably show more clearly the chef's skill than other cooking methods, such as braising, for example. In addition, it is perfectly doable in the time alloted and it would give the chef time to complete the sides during the roasting time.
Many people will say that the wrong four people are in the finals. However, at the end of the day it is the actual performance of the contestants, not the expectations we had of each of them that really matter.
The only questions I have at this point are
(1) whether Brian will have an advantage in a challenge that seems to have something to do with fish? (I too noticed Eric Ripert in the coming attractions)
(2) If former contestants will be involved in the finale as they have been in both prior seasons, will those people who were alienated by Hung in Miami be willing to let bygones be bygones or will it be a replay of the Tiffany and Marcel situations? It remains to be seen...

posted on September 20, 2007 at 12:41 AM

Sandra wrote:

Hung should win b/c of his skill, but also becouse of his culinary education. An education should alway prevail over no edu. It makes a person more "well rounded" and better able to take on every aspect in a kitchen I belief this in most fields and careers.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 12:43 AM

marc ingram wrote:

I dont usually visit television-related web sites. However after religiously watching Top Chef for the past three seasons I felt compelled to watch the Watch What Happens post show. Afterwards I stumbled onto Anthony Bourdain's blogs. What a treat! I needed help off the floor from laughing. I cant recall the last time that I've had gut-busting outbursts. (i.e. Ina Garten on Thorazine). Thank you Anthony Bourdain. Are your books this funny?

A new Bourdain fan
Marc Ingram
Cleveland,TN

posted on September 20, 2007 at 12:44 AM

Laura wrote:

Perfectly-stated, Mr. Bourdain! Your assessment is "spot-on". What an honour to cook for such a panel. I think I would have wet myself. I have only to add, why did no-one at either the dining or judges' tables comment on how ridiculously ugly Brian's dish was??? I mean, what was that? In the TV version of the events, only Dale commented on the atrocity that was Brian's presentation. I can only believe that the comments must have been edited out.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 12:45 AM

Ruthie wrote:

As annoying as Hung is edited out to be, I have to admit that a) he is entertaining and b) he has the skills to back up his inflated ego.

I'm troubled by the number of times Casey references the fact that she is a "woman." You rarely hear Sara dwell on this fact; she just puts her head down and cook.

One has to wonder if Casey plays up this fact to help stay in the game...

posted on September 20, 2007 at 12:48 AM

p wrote:

First off, can I just say that you are truly a hilarious judge and blogger? Seriously, one of the more entertaining parts of the show is watching your (all too infrequent) stints as judge/commentator/comedian. You give new meaning to the old adage: it's funny because it's true.

I particularly have to say thanks for your comments on Casey this week. I'm not really in the habit of responding to internet bloggers, but the amount of crap Casey has taken throughout this competition from disgruntled viewers is flat out ridiculous. So she can cook AND she's attractive? Fine, more power to her. People who assume that the TC judges are just out to give free passes to good looking chefs need to get a grip. Plenty of attractive candidates have been eliminated every season, and I doubt anyone would dispute the fact that the finalists in every season haven't necessarily been the hottest contestants.

Face it people, the judges make their decisions based on the food, like it or not, and the other contestants don't seem to doubt Casey's talent either. So why is it that people automatically jump to the conclusion that just because Casey is a woman and happens to look good on camera she must be receiving special treatment from the judge's table? I blame stupidity, jealousy, or some weird combination of the two.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 12:53 AM

April Cour wrote:

Mr. Bourdain,

You bring a wonderful flair to this show, both with your judging, and with your blogs. You make me laugh out loud.

I agree that Hung and Casey should be the final two contestants. Casey is a sweet person who has conducted herself with maturity and class, and I've been impressed by her versatility lately, but I have been rooting for Hung from day one.

Why? Because I have never seen him as a villain. Sure, he's quirky, self-involved, and possibly dangerous in the kitchen, but I see real genius there. This latest episode just confirmed that he's able to perform at a higher, more refined level than the rest of the contestants. I can't wait to see what he cooks if/when he gets to choose an entire menu. I think it will reveal more of his personal style.

By the way, I also thought it was ridiculous for Dale to expect Hung to share his techniques with him during the Quickfire Challenge. Give me a break! This is a competition! Why on earth would he tell Dale how to win?!?

posted on September 20, 2007 at 12:55 AM

workerdummy wrote:

"No quirky, kooky, product-placing roach-coach stunts this time, my friends. No one had to make quesadillas over an open can of sterno in the back of a moving Rav 4."

From the looks of the preview, that's back next week.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 1:06 AM

Jeannette wrote:

As always Mr. Bourdain a very good blog and thanks for illustrating me about Monsieur Soltner. I'm in complete
agreement with you about Casey and once more to some a woman's looks are more important than her intelligence
skills and hard work. I'm glad that the judges,specifically Signore
Maccione and Monsieur Soltner saw it and spoke about it. Of the
final four the only one that I don't agree to is Brian. He is the
executive chef of a restaurant that specializes in seafood and
most of his cooking in the show included seafood and not done
very well. Hung is Hung,and eventhou this is a competition you still have to respect your fellow competitors and his antics in the kitchen have only shown his lack of it. I predict that Casey and Hung will be the final two and I'm giving my vote to Casey.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 1:16 AM

Ted wrote:

I have to say, after watching the way you have critiqued the chefs thus far on the show, hearing your comments on those chefs I can only consider some of the highest praise possible. I really enjoyed hearing it, and wish I had an opportunity to dine at their restaurants when they were serving. Thank you for that description.

Perhaps at the risk of incurring your wrath, I will have to say I was surprised by the decisions for Hung's wins. Maybe this simply had to do with the bits of show that I was able to see (I don't know if you had access to more material than regular viewers), or maybe it was simply because Hung has come off as this guy that doesn't care about anyone but himself, whereas some of his teammates have shown willingness and concern for the others. In any case, I was really pulling for Casey, because as you pointed out, she is a GREAT cook. Not just in her skills she has been displaying especially recently, but because of the way she is willing to work with others.

Again, I know the judges usually have good reasons for their decisions, this was one of those that I'm typically confused about until Chef Colicchio or someone explains what happened behind the scenes.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 1:22 AM

jmay wrote:

I am not a chef, although I have worked with some excellent chefs. I am a front house person and I find it rather insulting on the way you comment on on some of the chef's work. I realize that people screw up and I also realize that you are looking for the best, but.... sometimes you are rather harsh. I certainly hope that you have never had to go through something similar to this, and if you have, that you wouldn't have to deal with the sarcasm that you have a tendancy to deal out. Also, have you all considered trying to give a challange where the chefs have to come up with a meal in a common "housewife's" kitchen for 10 people in 30-45 minutes? That is what is in their cupboard?

posted on September 20, 2007 at 1:25 AM

Sara E wrote:

I agree, Brian slipped through because Dale and Sara M. (especially Dale) dropped the ball. If Dale had done another dish and Sara M. hadn't fallen down on her technical skills, Brian would have been gone. And Should have been gone a long time ago.

I think it's going be a battle between Casey and Hung, unless Dale pulls himself together at the last minute. And Casey deserves to be in the final four. She started cooking to the best of her ability and didn't let the stress get to her.

I am really looking forward to the finale.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 1:33 AM

Andy wrote:

For all you Hung-haters out there (and no, I'm not a fan of his ego/personality either), I think Anthony hit the nail on the head with his analysis. Hung is a supremely gifted chef with great imagination and flair. Classically trained, experienced, and confident (perhaps overly so, yet a quality I would much prefer versus underconfident), he consistenly demonstrates entusiasm, passion for food, and a great understanding of fine cuisine.

Would I want to have a beer with him (a la the inane Presidential candidate litmus test--look where that got us!ughh)? No. Would I love for him cook for me? Absolutely. And that's what Top Chef is all about.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 1:41 AM

hyperqube714 wrote:

Yay, i'm the first hopefully. Is it my imagination or are they positioning hung to be in the finale. This challenge in particular seemed suited to put him there due to his classical experience.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 1:48 AM

Alex B wrote:

Wow, wow, wow. Chef Bourdain, your comments totally confirm my impression that watching this ep was a vast improvement over the product placement challenges of the season. It was even great to read your own awe for the Lord of the Rings-esque judges Sirio Maccioni and the French Culinary Institute. Hope to keep reading your comments, and Bravo to Top Chef for indeed being a fantastic, entertaining show far above the competition.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 1:55 AM

Anders wrote:

I keep pulling for Hung to screw up. Mainly I have been around that arrogance in a kitchen and it is destructive. However, he can COOK, which also seems to be unusual for people with that size egos, usually.

I agree that Kasey is a much better chef than I thought at first, she is top notch.

My only disagreement was your comment with Brian. While I do usually put French food at the top, there is something to be said for the rustic French food, often overlooked unlike rustic Italian which is revered. Both are fabulous, just not with that GREEN disk on top..

The judges were correct. You can make a LOT of mistakes in a kitchen, you under cook chicken, your clientel CRUCIFES YOU. It is better to CHAR a beautiful piece of Kobe beef than undercook chicken to all but the most dedicated foodies and chefs. (the dedicated foodies and real chefs would propose a death penalty imposed on a extra well done Kobe beef fillet)

Anders

posted on September 20, 2007 at 1:59 AM

Andy B. wrote:

Hi Mr. Bourdain, this episode was also my favorite this year. The one on one competition is a must from this point on. Everything you said about all these famous heavyweights that made cooking what it is today is fabulous. Your awe of Sirio Maccione, and especially Andre Sottner is so much inline of what we bloggers feel for you.
Hung was very inspired to win this challenge. Besides winning the ttitle of Top Chef, this is the challenge to win. Hung understands tthe meaning to have the acceptance of Andre Sottner and the honor that goes with choosing him for this win. Casey might have won prizes for her elimination wins, but winning this challenge is priceless to Hung.
Mr. Bourdain, your evaluation of all the contestants sucess and failures, in your usual intelligent and witty dialect, truly is spotless.
In fact, you convinced me to come to my senses in the way I think of Casey. Casey is for real, and a major player. She did win two elimination challenges in a row, before placing 2nd today. Perhaps her knifing skills with Onions was a misstep. I guess you made me see the light. Now onto Aspen for the final four. It looks like a lock for a Hung, and Casey final. Just like in sports though, anything can happen. I will pick a Hung and Dale final, with Hung being crowned Top Chef 3. My reason being I like Hung the best, and Dale 2nd. I just don't want Casey to win. It seems too programed by the producers if she does. However if Casey does win, it won't ruin my life. Certainly unlike other bloggers I won't quit the show.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 2:00 AM

Eugene wrote:

Thank you for the wonderful blog.

But, it left me with one burning question: How would you make an omelet?

posted on September 20, 2007 at 2:11 AM

Badbonez wrote:

Hung amazes me with his abilities on pairing flavors and his kitchen techniques are unparalleled. But Hung is going to out-think himself in the finale. He "knows" how to cook but doesn't seem to connect on how it is supposed to make us feel. And that's the whole point of cooking - feeling, specifically, making us feel good. Casey to me seems to be the one that actually is completely emotionally involved with her cooking. But she also knows food, flavors and presentation. Casey should win...without doubt.

I like Dale, but dude, you're gay and your presentation skills are...(sigh)

And who's the other dude?

Bourdain - you more than anyone know that cooking is all about making an emotional connection. It's visual, it's visceral, it's flavorful. Hung is the terminator, Casey is your mom. Who's restaurant will you visit more often?

posted on September 20, 2007 at 2:12 AM

mercenary cook wrote:

I agree with Chef Tony. This was, by far, the best show of the season! I had the honor to meet and cook with Chef Andre Soltner when I was but a student and he is everything Tony has written. Not just a great chef but one willing to share his techniques, philosophy and recipes. The week that I shared with him, I learned more than I had in the previous 4 years in industry. The challenges put the test to the con"test"ants. I can't believe that Brian made it through...I'm sure it tasted good but he really needs to work on presentation! I was sorry to see Sara go, there are definitely not enough strong female chefs on the show, but raw chicken is raw chicken. Hung and Casey are definitely the ones to watch. Hung has impeccable technique and Casey has soul. Can't wait to see what they come up with next week! And seeing Chef Eric makes me finally have faith in the judging side of the show. Bravo, bravo!

posted on September 20, 2007 at 2:23 AM

Lilly wrote:

What a great show! And once again, a great blog!

So great to see all the heavyweights out tonight!

Much love and respect to Chef Andre Soltner. Out in LA, I wish we had some history like Lutece out here!

If Hung doesn't clinch the title, I don't know if I can watch next season.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 2:26 AM

Lisa Vanosdale wrote:

Wow, I can't believe no one else has posted here yet. For me, this was the most exciting episode thus far. The quick-fire was fun to watch. Seems as thought you could predict the outcome before it happened, and I like that.

The main challange was so interesting. These 3 ingredients are what I was brought up on in the south, and probably the most common 3 ingridents for a meal anywhere. All I can say is that my mom was the master.

That is all.
xoxo,
Lisa

posted on September 20, 2007 at 2:32 AM

jennifer wrote:

I love this blog, and think it should be mandatory reading for any one who watches Top Chef. I learn so much. Bourdain is the king!

Go Casey and Hung. I like how this season, there really isn't a villain. Yes, the editors try to make Hung the villain, but to me, he just comes across as confident, and he should be. I'm so happy for Casey. She is so talented and also seems like a very classy person. The finale is going to be awesome and I'll be happy if either of them win! Brian or Dale? I would eat at their restaurants, but beat Hung or Casey? I don't think so.

And...what is Dale's problem? Why should Hung tell Dale how to make a dish? It is a competition, not a team effort. Why should Hung tell Dale anything? It just shows us all that Dale doesn't know what he's doing, and Dale actually has the gall to demonize Hung for this. Huh?!?! I don't get that at all.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 2:33 AM

summer wrote:

brilliant!! i enjoyed reading this blog as much as i enjoyed the episode!!!!!

posted on September 20, 2007 at 2:33 AM

Luna wrote:

Ok, I am a bit confused , in the quick fire, chef Soltner picked Hung but when he was tasting the food he said that Casey’s was the best and then he gives it to Hung…..hmmmm, can a girl get a break!!!!! and what Dale said is true that you can have all the techniques but if you don’t have the heart the food does not taste as good. I know that when I cook just to get the job done my food is not as good as when I’m cooking with love

posted on September 20, 2007 at 2:47 AM

My Cat Mikey wrote:

Yo Chef B:

Awesome challenge. Worth waiting a week for this one. Kudos to Hung and alright already about Casey. I take back everything mean and snarky I've said about her.
Besides, what the hell do I know.....I'm just an effin' cat.

Mikey.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 2:47 AM

jun-tao wrote:

immigrants = good freakin food

posted on September 20, 2007 at 2:51 AM

Jimmyh wrote:

"I would have collapsed in a twitching, gibbering heap." - nice one, man. I didn't know some of the names of the judges, but now I do, and I guess I won't be forgetting. I really wish I hadn't seen Casey flub with that onion in the mise en place, but I have to give her credit for otherwise top notch cooking skills. She definitely belong her. But can she take down Hung head to head?

posted on September 20, 2007 at 2:54 AM

Christy wrote:

But Tony- what about Hung's whining that no one helped him "plate"? ( and he even blamed the failure of his potato dish on this )- I see that he's far and away the best classically trained chef on the show, but do things like that matter in the final judging? Just wondering.... oh hell... you don't answer these things anyway so ... let me just say that "Tony in a Tux" is what I'm taking away from your South Carolina episode- ahhhh- now that is truly a thing of beauty!

posted on September 20, 2007 at 2:59 AM

Nathan wrote:

I LOVE CASEY!!!! AND THAT'S ALL I'M GOING TO SAY!!!!

posted on September 20, 2007 at 3:06 AM

Adriane wrote:

I was thrilled to see a challenge based on chicken! Honestly, I think i've only seen chicken used in one recipe in all three seasons (a canape I recall). No one ever chooses chicken as their protien - it's often fish, secondly beef, occasionally veal or pork. And yet, for the home cook, chicken is an inexpensive year round staple. It was nice to see that the humble chicken could rise to the occasion.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 3:06 AM

julietmml wrote:

Chef Bourdain: Spot on! You're the best (and funniest).

posted on September 20, 2007 at 3:16 AM

Alden wrote:

Bourdain - just admit it you've got a crush on Casey; and who doesnt? Mr. Maccione said it - as a man he wants her to win, after all she's the best looking and can cook as well. As for Malarkey the expression on Coliccios face when he was cooking the green turd said it all - what the f** is he doing! How about this for a conspiracy: they keep him around as part of a contest to see what he can screw up next. The guy is so far in over his head I almost have sympathy for him.... naw not really. Love the Bourdain blog it is my third favorite feature of the show.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 3:27 AM

Rachel wrote:

i'm still laughing loudly tonight over the "doll head" lobster last week. haha, how horrible! but yeah, i can't believe brian's dish. seems like something along the lines of what roman soldiers ate. "peasant pie"? i'm sorry, but that alone is enough to laugh about. go ahead and yell "bring out your dead!", why don't ya? it was sad to see sara go, although i can't imagine why she'd want to give "jamaican comfort food" a shout out in front of these guys. plus, i'm glad one of the chefs mentioned that he didn't detect any obvious "jamaican flavor" in the dish. i think it's not that jamaicans eat this, it's that sara eats this. this true coq a vin sounds disgusting. nothing like old tough "undesirable proteins" disguised! glad hung made it though. it finally seems as though hung isn't just assuming he's a great chef anymore, he's being told by someone whose words you take to the bloody bank. i liked the "immigrant" bit too. i like the "immigrant song". i've been smoking, *eh hem*, eating some of CJ's broccolini. so good night chef bourdain! tonight's show was great, but a little dull without you. come back soon, and tell people that their cabbage dish smells like a birkenstock on barney rubble's foot - or some such. either way, i have "doll heads" to think about tonight, so goodbye!

posted on September 20, 2007 at 3:34 AM

Robin Ross wrote:

No matter how you try to sell the idea to me, that Casey is in the same league with Hung, I can easily use music as a perfect comparison. If Casey were a musician and told a panel of judges that she "played " Mozart's Flute Concerto in D, just like her French Gramma, played it and then proceeded to play at her own tempo, with her own interpretation, with a clarinet, instead of a flute..No matter how good it sounded, it would not be acceptable.
Coq au vin, is coq au vin..and that is not what she made. It is rather obvious that she is a gourmet cook, not a Top Chef and you forgot, the coffee and molasses chicken dish, which was her take on mole. Mole? Not! Coq au vin? No! Top Chef? Not!
Before one takes off, in the realm of interpretation, one should
master the techniques. There is only one Chef on the show, and that is Hung.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 3:34 AM

seebee wrote:

I disagree with your assertion that Brians food was poor. Why are french classics like coq au vin so super special when Scotch classics like sheperds pie are "crap". Anthony has a great writing style, and I love his writings, books and tv shows. However, as a critic he holds the criticized to a higher standard than himself. The swill he serves out of his restaurant,(Yes, I have) is unimaginative regurgitations of hopelessly antiquated dishes from like 1964. Everything he does is right out of the cia textbook of that era. BORING. Ditto for Colicchio. Brians dish was a modern and visually attractive take on a Classic, albeit not French dish. You heard the judges, they loved the flavor. Hung only won because he utilised a seemingly popular Cutting edge" technique of sous vide. I was doing this long ago, so what. Dale had it right: cooking comes from the heart- all this technical crap with dots on the plate quite frankly bores me. It seems that everything NEW (foams, emulsions, sous vide, trio tastings) is so banal as to make the classics new again.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 3:49 AM

Eric wrote:

Mr.Bourdain,
Thank you once again for your very vivid and creative description and assessment of this week's episode.I feel this task was well designed to really discern which chef truly has the skills needed to bear the title of the show.Not surprised Hung won.Casey has excellent instincts and a real naturally intuitive sense for cooking.
It appears the finale may juxtapose the classically trained technically sound chef,who seems to lack imagination and heart versus the naturally gifted chef who rose to ranks from real world experience.
This resembles the show The Apprentice,where it once posed the college grads against the self made people whom held high school degrees.Not to mention one being very humble and likable,vs someone very confident and cocky.
Anyway,I am very glad to read your post.I used to read many of the replies to the blogs.But,people seem so subjective in their nitpicking with the show,I do not bother now.
I respect and enjoy yours,Rocco's and Tom's blogs and that is sufficient and definitive enough for me.I love your writing and graphic metaphors.I hope you become a full time judge-I thought Simon from American Idol was the only caustic, entertaining and accurate judge on tv!
E

posted on September 20, 2007 at 3:49 AM

Adriane wrote:

Something you said in your blog reminds me of an old riddle: A little boy and his father went on a fishing trip. On the way home they were in a car accident. The boy was injured. he was rushed to the hospital and prepared for surgery. The surgeon entered, looked down at the table and said "I can't operate. This is my son." So who was the surgeon?

His mother.

I would like to address the sexism in the posters and bloggers that suggest Casey is getting by on her looks. I NEVER heard a similar comment regarding handsome male contestants in previous seasons. Too often women are considered "cooks", while only men are considered worthy of the title "Chef". Bravo even posted a poll "Who's better - the men or the women." Yikes. Please let the days be over when "nurse" was synonymous with a woman and "surgeon" with a man. Will a woman ever win a season of Top Chef? I doubt it.

Casey's dishes appear well thought out and beautifully prepared. Her unflappable focus in the kitchen is a pleasure to watch, yet evn with her calm demeanor, her passion for food shines through.

Thank you for your passion Chef Bourdain!

posted on September 20, 2007 at 3:54 AM

linda wrote:

I HAVE TO SAY TONY..I AM MADLY IN LOVE WITH YOU..I HAVE READ ALL YOUR BOOKS..SOME MORE THAN ONCE..AND EACH TIME I BECOME MORE CRAZY ABOUT YOU..I WAS BORN TO A VERY TOUGH ( BUT LOVING) ITALIAN FATHER AND MOTHER IN BROOKLYN..BOTH PATERNAL GRANDPARENTS LIVED WITH US UNTIL THEIR DEATH SO MY COOKING BACKGROUND IS WHAT I CALL BROOKLYN ITALIAN..I HAVE TO SAY THAT I TRULY BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE AN ITALIAN SOUL..ANYWAY I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I AM A BIG FAN OF YOURS AND HOPE THAT YOU WILL CONTINUE TO WRITE YOUR WONDERFUL BOOKS AND I ALSO HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO HAVE THAT WONDERFUL ARROGANT ATTITUDE OF YOURS..IN MOST PEOPLE ITS RUDE AND OBNOXIOUS..FOR SOME REASON WITH YOU ITS ENDEARING..THANK YOU FOR BEING A ONE OF A KIND

posted on September 20, 2007 at 3:56 AM

Curt wrote:

I agree with your assessment, Mr. Bourdain. For me, this episode was all about testing the contenders' abilities to meet and exceed certain specific expectations, in the unforgiving illumination of some truly legendary culinary heavyweights. Given Hung's obvious familiarity with the Classical idiom, I found myself interested primarily in seeing how some of the less buoyant chefs would speak eloquently and powerfully to this panel in its language. I have to say that Hung definitely did the best job of reading his audience, and of course his skills shone admirably. Casey also hit the target, although it seemed to me that some of the judges were taken aback by the pretense and impropriety of the 'coq au vin' label, enjoy her food though they did. I agreed with Dale's and Hung's descriptions of Brian's dish. The dish was apparently quite tasty, but it lacked thematic focus and any semblance of finesse. Ramps or none, neon green from horizon to horizon does not in any way epitomize French simplicity. The fact that Sara did not realize that some of her chicken was badly undercooked--especially at this level of the competition--was unforgivable and frankly somewhat shocking from a chef with such professional demeanor and proven sensibility. I felt that letting her go was the best choice, especially since I disagreed with Chef Tom's depiction of the final judging dilemma as a matter of poor conceptualization versus poor execution. Both Dale's and Sara's dishes were poorly executed in different ways, but I don't think that Dale's dish was an especially bad concept. Could he have executed it, it might have been impressive. The parts of the presentation that he did remember, to me, showed the mark of tasteful elegance. I would say, in comparison, that Brian's pie was a much more sophomoric dish conceptually.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 3:57 AM

pariah_kerry wrote:

Good points, Bourdain. My cronies and I have been waiting for Casey "the poor man's Jennifer Aniston" to crash and burn. Well whadoyaknow. Thinking the Onion Incident had "press and sealed" her fate, we reluctantly paid the bookies. And Hung is fun to hate; I admit it freely. Like the suma cum laude of Marcel Training Camp. Is Vegas the new New York for big swingin' D's? But I am respecting the little sh**. I'm seriously thinking about almost contemplating deciding to root for him. And with crafty editing, his teary immigrant-proud speech (as he should be) and fresh haircut raised my eyebrows. Hmmm....Been waiting for Sara to get the boot (undercooked chicken; how dare you madam!), and Big Gay Dale to shine...still waiting, bless his big gay heart. Less gel, more cooking Dale. And Mr. Malarkey. Despite your excellent choices in the millenary field, which, because I am shallow will secure my vote,
I just don't know. I want to know. I just don't know.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 4:02 AM

Scott wrote:

Very well said Chef Burdain, you were dead on in your summation on tonights episode. I have felt it was Casey and Hung in the finals for a while. And with tonights judges theres no argueing the outcome in either challenge... pretty cut and dried. Could you imagine you, Tom Caliccio, celebrity chef Emeril and season 1 & 2 winners a few other top chefs from around the country going for a challenge in front of those judges this evening... a show in its self

posted on September 20, 2007 at 4:02 AM

CR wrote:

Great insider commentary on the distinguished panel this evening. Going into the competition I thought either Brian or Sarah would pack their knives. Sarah has some good skills, but I agree she lasted longer than some better chefs (Tre). Can't wait for next week... looks like a campfire cookout....

posted on September 20, 2007 at 4:06 AM

Jess Henryes wrote:

Andre Soltner. The name alone brings awe and incredible memories of when I was a young self-trained chef in Westchester. I'd opened my own restaurant and was trying to emulate Alice Waters - without ever having eaten her food! In 1978 nouvelle cuisine was just peeking out from the parsley patch and that was the food I wanted to create. I'd read all the great French chef's cookbooks, but it took a pilgrimage to the mecca of Lutece for it to begin making sense. I tried - and was usually failed, to attain Chef Soltner's command of ingredients and flavor. I combined what I learned from that tasting and what I'd heard about cuisine nouvelle into dishes that in no way resembled either one of those concepts. But somehow the food I made sent people away happy. It also brought them back. Eventually, I crashed and burned in a manner that one could say was pre-Bourdained. I left the kitchen a few years later, but the memory Soltner's cooking remains. I've since dined in many outstanding restaurants, but that first meal at Lutece is one of my life's highlights.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 4:09 AM

Gilana wrote:

OK, I may or may not be a graduate of the French Culinary Institute, so my comment may or may not be biased... What could be more perfect than "cook me chicken?" What could be more pinch-me am I in the big leagues now than André Soltner? (With the exception, perhaps, of a still-floundering pastry chef hoping to turn half a pound of chocolate into Jacques Torres' wet dream.)

posted on September 20, 2007 at 4:13 AM

Aaron wrote:

Dear Tony,

After having just finished reading Kitchen Confidential, why didn't I see any people who appeared as though Spanish was their native tongue working in the kitchen during the scenes filmed at Le Cirque?

posted on September 20, 2007 at 4:28 AM

Karen wrote:

"Or prepare a festive snack out of Froot Loops while wearing a Glad Family of Bags over their head. "

You slay me! I completely agree about Hung...his talent is undeniable. I'm not sold about Casey not at least partially getting by on her looks. I'd bet a good sum of money that Sara would be in the finale if she looked like an actress on "Friends." Dale is popular but has little business in the finale, and Brian just got lucky. It's Hung's to lose.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 4:51 AM

sara wrote:

What was with Hung this week? Fair enough if he's treating this like an actual competition and not pretending to be everyone's best friend. No one can fault him for not telling the others how to make the quickfire dish. But where does he get off complaining that the others weren't lining up to help him plate his dish?

posted on September 20, 2007 at 5:39 AM

Jeri Adleman wrote:

The first four pages of your blog had to do with you and who cares. Get over yourself.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 6:03 AM

hai wrote:

i know everybody can't wait to start hating on hung. "hung's an a**hole". "hung's arrogant". "hung's selfish". boo f*****g hoo. this ain't no popularity contest...this is a competition...and this dude is here to WIN! he said that from day one...he's here to win and not to make friends. he's not going out of his way, like howie, to make everybody hate him. he just cooks his best and doesn't give a s***t about what others think of him. and his cooking, for the most part, is better than everybody else's. that's why he is resented by everybody else. he killed the quickfire challenge tonight...then the other cheftestants started asking him all kinds of questions about the challenge....did you do this? did you use that? is this how....? blah blah blah. he said "i ain't tellin, so stop askin". and now what? he has "no heart" because he doesn't want to share knowledge that these "top chefs" should already have? if hung can figure it out and you can't....then maybe he's more qualified to be top chef. this dude was chosen, by probably the most qualified panel of judges in the world, as the winner for both quickfire and elimination challenges. don't say you hate him because he has personality issues...say you hate him because he has cooking issues....which is that he's a better cook.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 6:07 AM

CAS wrote:

Well, Mr. Bourdain, it is a good thing Sirio Maccione didn't hit on your date, and in doing so taint those rose-colored memories of yours. Hearing his lecherous comments about Casey - after watching his staff drooling over her - illustrated what a nightmare it must be for attractive women trying to be taken seriously as chefs! I am guessing none of the male bloggers will notice his revolting attentions, but at least they are unlikely to be as fawning as you... Padma doesn't seem to mind that sort of attention, or I might feel sorry for her too, having to share Quickfire tastes with that gargoyle - but it is all in a day's work for her (in case she doubts which "talents" she is recognized for, witness the "I hear she can cook" comments from the contestants!). Casey may be taking a longer, more difficult road than Padma, but it is definitely the high one. Go Casey!

posted on September 20, 2007 at 6:19 AM

Rachel wrote:

Casey has improved considerably since the earlier challenges. It has been nice to see that she is capable of preparing superior cuisine rather than her earlier poor offerings (displayed prominently in the Telemundo, Tasting Menu, and other episodes).

posted on September 20, 2007 at 6:21 AM

Doodad wrote:

This was my absolute fave episode so far and what I would like to see in all challenges. All about the cooking. And French cooking, which has been my muse lately thanks to you, Tony, and a few other like minded chefs. Simple, delicate and untold man hours of prep just to reach a stew of braised short ribs in time for the show. Now that is good living.

Sad to see the cheesemaker go, but she went out with dignity and no shoemaker. I noted that like her, Hung got no prize from the elimination. Funny.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 7:17 AM

Marnster wrote:

Tony,

I couldn't disagree with anything that you said regarding last night's show. I like that you're also giving credit to Casey, who obviously does have skill, common sense and a palate in spite of her lack of classical training.

It will be interesting to see who does prevail; Hung has excellent technical skills but lacks composure and what Casey is missing in knife skills she makes up for with food sensibility, calmness and natural charm. I pick Casey, because at the end of the day, I'd choose her to run my business because she'd piss off less clients.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 7:45 AM

Dr. Gonzo wrote:

As always, Bourdain speaks the absolute truth! After watching this episode, I couldn't help but notice the differences in attitude between the judges of this episode and judges of the past. The past judges sneer at the contestants' dishes with contempt, obviously boasting that they would never be caught making that mistake, or "couldn't imagine the thought of serving something like that". In this episode, we finally get a group of chef/judges who, by definition, have the qualifications to make those accusations and claims that previous judges have made. The only difference is they are complete professionals in their critiques. Is it because they are so respected in the culinary world that even their softest spoken words carry a ton of weight? I just don't understand why some judges think that they need to be jerks in order to get their points across. Does it make for better T.V.? Some would say yes, but I think that a lot of people would agree with Mr. Bourdain that this was the best episode yet and it didn't include some celebrity chef making wild claims about almost vomiting. Take note future judges.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 7:53 AM

FanFare wrote:

Dear Anthony B,

Your comments cracked me up - continually throughout the read. Last night's episode was my favorite as well. It was all about the food, pure and simple. Although I am not a professional chef, it was clear that the Elimination judges were demi gods. Even Tom cooed with awe! That was something to see. Yet they seemed balanced and fair. In the QF, the Le Cirque owner seemed male chauvinistic when he stated that Casey was too pretty to win and gave the nod to Hung. (During tasting, he seemed to prefer Casey's)...
Speaking of Hung, I am appreciating his skills more and more. If he did not win the title, hopefully, he would get his own show on some channel and chop, chop, chop for the masses. His technique is fascinating to see.
Your observations on Brian and Dale were completely on point. Brian seems to skate by with little effort or thought of his food. He seems to "wing it". The peasant pie may have been flavorful, it lacked finesse and did not address the task at hand. Dale is cute and warm and gregarious, but his "bold moves" have backfired time and again (his dessert course early on, yogurt for goat cheese more recently come to mind)... Sara was a very interesting cook. She actually had many successes at times with her unual style. However, she blew it twice in one show by not cooking the main ingredient thoroughly. It was sad to see her go - she was the one person who handled Howie adroitly.
Thanks again for your caustic humor in this blog!!!

posted on September 20, 2007 at 8:03 AM

julia wrote:

Your blog was wonderful to read. Regarding Casey...I agree she is a good chef but what bothers me most is the way the judges (Tom, Gail) aggressively push her forward. Gail last night at the final table would not mention Hung's dish.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 8:21 AM

joey graben wrote:

Wow tony! nuff said. your enthusiasiam for this group of judges is quiet impressive. I thought, while watching, that this was the coolest, most straight forward challenge in 3 years of top chef. Hung shined. They all seemed surprised during the quick fire when Hung wouldn't tell him what he did, but why would he? At this point in the competition why would he? It's every man (and Casey) for your self. Casey is very easy on the eyes and seems to be Hung's competition now. Tony, I would trade all the Ted Allens and Gail Simmons in the world to have you as a judge every week. Thanks for the cool blog.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 8:29 AM

Ellen wrote:

Tony - I look forward to your blog posts as much as each episode of Top Chef. Another brilliant post that gives the viewer an insider's look at the skills required to be a Top Chef , not Top Good Cook.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 8:39 AM

Gina wrote:

Anthony's review of this episode is spot on! The only thing he missed was Dale's observation. Cooking with a heart. That's what has me pulling for Casey rather than Hung. Casey has impressed me ever since the episode with the Quick Fire Challenge of identifying ingredients based on smell, taste, or looks. She was right every time. But she's also willing to help in the kitchen. I liked Hung's comment about winning for all the immigrants, but Casey also mentioned she'd like to see a woman win Top Chef. I'd like that too. One with a heart. Too bad Trey still isn't here for the final four.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 8:43 AM

Rachel wrote:

From your article: "I will never forget eating at Lutece as a young student". Were you , by any chance, a young law student? I couldn't help noticing the frequent references to legal terms of art (example: res ipsa loquitor). It is reminiscent of how first-year law students speak. Did you drop out in favor of pursuing your quest for culinary excellence? As a member of the legal profession, I am well aware that many attorneys, myself included, have more than a passing interest in culinary arts.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 8:55 AM

GALenty wrote:

Anthony - I have always believed throughout this entire show from the beginning, that it was about the cooks/chefs (hypothetically) attempting to get hired by whoever the guest chef/judge was there for any particular challenge. You're at the French Culinary Institute and you're going to serve the great panel some sausage?!?! COME ON!! Even as a couple who are into the culinary arts as a weekend hobby know better than that! Hubby and I couldn't agree with you more with regards to this challenge, except to say that we think Sara should have been elimanated quite a few challenges back.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:04 AM

Clancey wrote:

Tony,
Your comments are spot on as usual!! When are they going to make you a full time TC judge?? You rock!!

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:04 AM

meleny wrote:

Ah, it must be Thursday! My favorite blog day of the week! I don't know if I am more upset about the upcoming end of Top Chef or the fact that I won't be able to get my Bourdain fix once a week!
On to business. What is a sous vide anyways?
It was amazing having you rapture about the French chefs.We are used to your biting (but fair and often funny) critiques and this was almost reverential. It made me long to try their food just on your recommendation. You would probably classify me as a food failure. I don't like caviar, truffles, balsamic vinegar makes me asthmatic, I don't drink, and I have a preference for beautifully prepared simple foods. (You may stop reading now if your disappointment has you immobilized.)
(Are you still here?) Hung and Casey are certainly the ones to beat. The other two are just that...the other two. Hung is growing on me. His skills were never the problem. He just wasn't someone I wanted to see torturing others in a kitchen. Perhaps it is the same reason that Marcel both fascinated and horrified me. The judges have said that they are only interested in what is put out and not what goes on behind the scenes. Sorry, can't agree with that! A chef is many things. Just look at the grace of the French contingent on last night's show. I acnnot believe that all of their success came from preparation. Hung is learning. He could be a great chef. Even if he is just smart enough to be playing along it shows that he can doesn't want to make the same mistakes twice.
Casey is a fierce chef. She plays up both her skills and her sexuality. (I am dodging around so that I am not hit by your bludgeon on that last one.) She brings up her grandmother, adding that homey touch, and never appears to brag. Her cooking should speak for itself as it ifs excellent, creative and clever. But, the woman is stunning, and good for her that while rueing the fact that it is still a "man's world" in the kitchen, she still allows herself to be all woman.So she used a "spring" chicken instead of a rooster? Her dish was beautifully presented and tasted delicious. You go, girl!
On to Aspen. If, as you say, the next challenge involves fish, then it should be interesting to see if Brian hits a homer.
Goodbye for this week, Le Bourdain. Have a great one!

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:04 AM

Robin wrote:

I could not help but notice that there were only men in the restaurant at the first quickfire challenge. And that even after the restaurant owner said "This is the best one yet" when eating Casey's (and after Hung's), he awarded it to Hung. I couldn't help but say "WHAT?" when Hung's name was called after his comment about Casey's dish. then I just kind of felt like, well, he is an old-school chef so no wonder...

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:05 AM

lori wrote:

Wow! If only you could have been a judge on this panel too! That would have been awesome! You make me laugh so often with your clever wit and comments that are always on the button! I love your show on Travel channel and have read your books! I can't get enough of you Tony! Hope you stay involved with Top Chef, cause if it weren't for you I would have tuned out a long time ago!

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:10 AM

Shawn spencer wrote:

So Casey is really not there for eye Candy???? Very interesting because I thought I heard that first judge on the Quick Fire say he wanted to vote for her because she was prettier. Ok its still Hung's to lose, "Eye Casey" and he will make it to the final but Hung should win he has the most talent and skill. This is not "Top Personality, or Top Eye Candy" but top chef and the winner should be the one who can show those skills, (cannot even chop and onion and uses the wrong knife too, sheesh.)

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:11 AM

Matt wrote:

Why so down on Malarkey -- his shephard's pie was pretty enthusiastically received from what I saw (shades of Dave Martin's mac and truffle hit of season one)?

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:12 AM

Christine wrote:

On Top Chef, within a few episodes, it starts to become noticeable who will be in the final 4. Hung was always there for me (as Harold was in Season 1). If people have been saying that Casey is there for her looks, it's really unfair. She earned her spot, quietly and calmly going through each competition, shining here and there, working as if on a team. Hung's knowledge, skills, and take-no-prisoners attitutude is great to watch but I'm glad Casey is there to challenge him and represent women in this very male culinary world. I have no favorite between them and know whoever wins will deserve it. I'm not sure why Brian is there. I actually liked CJ better.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:14 AM

Thorne Wenner wrote:

As usual a perfect blog from Anthony. So adept at analyzing the contests foibles and giving cred where it's do.

I have to say that I am sorely disappointed in season 3 lack of ability and imagination. Do they suffer from adult ADD? or is it so hard for Bravo to find chefs willing to participate?
Lets have Anthony interview season 4 contestants.

Oh yeah, I really don't need to see one more sunny side up egg, I'm all foamed out.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:20 AM

Tina wrote:

I know I am one of the few, but I always liked Hung. I am impressed with his skills, and his techniques intrigue me. This episode has cemented him as my favorite. Casey on the other hand I really didn't like in the start of the season. I thought she was little more than something to add to the decor of the show. But damn, she has shown in the last few episodes some skills. And thinking back to the few earlier episodes they peaked out here and there (the identify this substance quickfire) but never came out as strong as they have in recent events. My only thing is I wish she had started strong. I hope it is indeed Casey and Hung in the final two, anything else would be disappointing.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:21 AM

snotrax wrote:

I've been telling my girlfriend for weeks that it's going to come down to Casey and Hung and last night's show proved my point beautifully. I respect and admire both chefs, but I think at the end of the day Casey is going to prevail. She's got the skills and the smarts to win it all.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:21 AM

NANCY S. - MA wrote:

A very fair and even-handed assessment of the show.

I am one of those anti-Hung viewers, more because of his attitude than anything else, but clearly he was in his milieu this time around. And Casey has, as you stated, finally proved that she deserves to be here, and I am rooting for her to take it all.

The most important factor this time around was, as you said, the ability to read the "audience", i.e., the judges, and give them what they would want, not what you wanted to do. I'm so glad to see a challenge, finally, that is about superior cuisine rather that hokey product placement.

Thanks for an insightful blog.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:28 AM

Wendy wrote:

Hi Anthony,

Didn't really know who you where until TC 2 and didn't come away with a good opinion, however, I've read your last 3 blogs and think your a riot. :)) This cracked me up "I would argue that it was an effort more redolent of chickenshit than actual chicken". LOL Too funny. Anyway, I just wanted to say I love your blogs, they're witting and funny. Thanks for taking the time to write every week. :)

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:36 AM

Melissa Atteniese wrote:

Hung won and rightfully so. However, I for one am sick of his "I never make a mistake" attitude. Does anyone else notice that he never once, ever, not on single time admits that maybe, just maybe his potato wasn't puffed enough or whatever?? He has said things all season just like that and it's wearing on my nerves. It wasn't his potato it was that nobody would help him plate. Get over yourself.
And where the HE double hockey sticks did Casey come from? She has skated under the radar until the last few weeks. I don't know if that was a strategy or freak accident, who cares it is a game after all! She should get props either way.
Sara should have gone home a long time ago.
Brian does not have enough "guns" to take this, not even close.
Dale frankly lets his "gay" get in the way. He would serve himself better to just be "Dale" instead of "Big Gay Dale"

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:37 AM

glenn wrote:

Anthony, I disagree in regards to your comments about Brian . I don't think he is afraid of the classics . I feel he was making sure he didn't shoot himself in the foot. The goal this round was not to come in first . It was not to finish fifth . He is in the finals right ? How funny would it have been if he had made a lobster shepherds pie . I enjoy your blog .

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:38 AM

Elizabeth wrote:

While I loved the challenges last night, I was disappointed that Casey didn't win. Each time, the judge(s) said that her dish was the top dish and then, quibbling over minor points, gave the wins to Hung. Are they so old school that they don't see women as respectible chefs?

One other minor detail: Hung asked Casey to help him plate. This time she couldn't because she was busy with her own dish. So, he plated himself and made sure the judges knew that he had no help whatsoever in getting his dish ready for them. This is the guy who's all about "me" ... not going to help anyone else and yet he expects people to drop what they're doing to help him? Talk about a double standard.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:40 AM

Jackie wrote:

Mr. B
Love your comments as always, and I totally agree with you. I think they kept Dale in the competition as a throw-away for the next episode. Both he and Brian are in over their heads and it wil come down to Casey and Hung in the finals. My only question is why didn't they keep this panel of judges for the finale?

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:41 AM

Nancy wrote:

This was an excellent episode, and your blog comments truly enhanced my appreciation for it. While I'm often reluctant to read your comments because they tend to be a tad crude for me, I'm very glad I read this column today. Although I'm not in the food industry, my sense is that every single one of your comments in this column was spot on. Thank you!

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:41 AM

Shannon wrote:

As always Anthony, you blog is engrossing. I too agree that Casey is Top Chef material. I do disagree about Hung. He may be able to cook but he is far to arrogant for my liking. I doubt any of the chefs on the panel ever acted as self serving as Hung continually does. My vote is for Casey. She talented and more suited to be a leader becuase her chefs would resepect her and work hard for her.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:46 AM

may wrote:

Was a great show, but missed your shmarm!

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:47 AM

C.B. wrote:

You nailed it on the head. This was definitely the best episode so far because it was about honest food and cooking skills. That has been my biggest problem with this show, too much cooked-up drama (pardon the pun). I don't care if it would, in effect, be an Iron-Chef rip off, but just give them some required ingredients, maybe put some limitations on what they can spend or how much time they have, and let them go at it! Hell, Brian went like 3 episodes without cooking a freakin' thing!

One final comment. I know F&W is a sponsor of this thing, but Gail Simmons is a terrible judge. She sounds like a sorority girl who happens to know a little about food. Ted is a far superior regular judge, and, you, Tony (if I can be so familiar), would also be a welcome regular. Gail, sadly, is just annoying, and seems to be able to do little more than complain than add any real substance.

Hung and Casey are clearly the top-tier of the chefs left. If Hung can check his ego, I think he'll win.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 9:51 AM

elizabeth wrote:

Tony,

Before I ruminate on the remaining contestants, I must say that I've learned so much about French cooking from reading your Les Halles cookbook--not just flipping through recipies, but actually reading your descriptions and explanations you provide before some of the dishes--your explanation of roasting a chicken is a personal favorite (as is the recipie itself).

On to the contestants. Casey was never one of my favorites in the beginning--she had an air of condescension to her during her "talking heads" that rubbed me the wrong way. That said, for all I know, she could have been asked some very asinine questions by the producers during those tapings, so who knows, right? If she's doing well now, it's because she knows her stuff, and it's entertaining to watch.

Hung--oh Hung. He's kind of a...well, you know...but I have the utmost respect for him and for what he does. I actually find myself rooting for him, mostly because my judgement isn't clouded by "drama" the same way it was when his colleague Marcel was on this last season, but also because he, as Ilan Hall would say, cooks from the soul. I'm really looking forward to seeing these two go at it in Aspen--if one doesn't make it, I will be shocked.

As for the other three--I was really expecting Brian to be going, just because he doesn't seem to really want to be there anymore. I don't see the fire in him that is so obvious in the other chefs, so I hope he doesn't keep Dale from going to Aspen next week. Dale I like well enough, but he's turning into more of a male ditz by the week--what chef wouldn't know what to do with a mandoline? Sara was a dark horse and she certainly held her own against Tre a few weeks ago, so while I'm not sorry she's gone, she is to be commended for making it as far as she did.

All in all--this is a fantastic season, and such a pleasant change from that of season 2--who'd a-thunk that you could be entertained by watching people cook instead of watching them stir up drama instead?

posted on September 20, 2007 at 10:00 AM

cwinters wrote:

Nice report, and quick too. Last night was an interesting Food television night as the premiere of the U.S. version of Kitchen Nightmares was on earlier in the evening.

Why or why do we find the need to mess with good things.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 10:05 AM

Sandy wrote:

Anthony - I admire and appreciate your comments. As always, you manage to cut throught the sanctimonious overblown hype and bring it all down to the basics - pure skill in the kitchen. Hung isn't my favorite, but I respect the judges choice in picking a chef that they would hire for their own kitchen. These chefs would be on the front line carrying (or defaming) a restaurant's reputation every day. Onward to Aspen! I can't wait to read your comments next week.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 10:08 AM

Jeff wrote:

Hung's eye-rolling inducing behavior is ramping up on high. I give Casey a hell of a lot more credit - she's giving him a run for his money without having attended culinary school and regurgitating classroom lessons. Casey FTW.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 10:10 AM

sheila wrote:

Wow Tony, was that you actually gushing? No wisecracks this week? I'm sorely disappointed. It was a very good episode however, and I agree with all your comments. Dales dish looked awful, and if the idea was simplicity and purity of ingredients then he and Brian failed. Also why did Sara have to try and make everything Jamaican? Lets face it, you can only take those flavours so far. I'm Irish but you don't see me making corned beef every week!
One last thing, again I take issue with that whining little monster Hung. When told his potatoes should be puffier, he stammers that he had to plate it himself cos no-one would help him? Didn't they each have to plate their own? And why should ANYONE lift a finger to help him......he never did for anyone else.
Thanks as usual Tony, sad it's nearly over and we won't have you to look forward to every week.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 10:16 AM

Eric Stoveken wrote:

Spot on, Bourdain. This was the kind of challenge I would love to see more of, if only for the lack of standard issue reality TV hucksterism.

The pedigree on this episode was truly intimidating, and I think gave us a clear insight into the outcome of this thing. Dale needs to get his head on straight. These errors of ommission are killing him. He needs to cope better under pressure.

Hung and Casey, conversely, may very well end up in a to the death struggle to see who can cut off their own hand and best prepare it before bleeding out at Collichio's feet. These two thrive on pressure and such a contest might be the only thing to cause one of them to blink.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 10:18 AM

Rick Umali wrote:

Anthony: I enjoy reading your BLOG!

What I liked about this episode was the challenge to "reproduce that dish". I liked seeing how each contestant approached it, and to me it showed off people's skills. Good stuff.

Just bought Kitchen Confidential, BTW. I'm sure I'm going to enjoy it!

posted on September 20, 2007 at 10:18 AM

Pupster wrote:

How is Top Chef getting such amazing luminaries as guest judges? I was just blown away by the presence of such greatness in last night's episode. These shit contestants will never NEVER cook for such dignitaries in their mediocre cooking lives ever again. Hope they took a moment to appreciate, slack-jawed with awe, their good fortune.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 10:20 AM

Jon O wrote:

The judges get it, Anthony Bourdain gets it...what the heck is wrong with the other contestants? Is it editing? Dale suddenly looks and sounds like a Dave-from-season-one redux, whining about Hung being all technical and doggonit, mean. Ugh.

I just gotta ask, why is it that women and persons of color get edited into the bad guys, the shrill ones, the incapable ones on this show? And never win. Listening to people and reading comments it looks like audiences, even the discerning ones of Bravo, are happy, eager to be set up for this--to gobble up negative perceptions like a sweet pile of spam hash.

Tony is so totally right, it's going to come down to these two--and if I had to predict, we've got about 3 more hours of catty whining about Hung to sit through before papa Tom is forced to sternly chide his shortcomings and crowns Casey, to the outcry of countless fans who lament the losses of CJ or Dale or whoever.

If it's Casey, then Hung won't be totally robbed. Anyone else? I call shenanigans.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 10:22 AM

Jim wrote:

So Antoine --

Who would YOU want running your kitchen? Hung, who seems like he might be the world's greatest sous-chef, but might lack the heart and other esoteric qualities to be a head chef, or Casey who isn't as technically sound but seems to always come up with great tasting dishes, with a soul?

posted on September 20, 2007 at 10:27 AM

karen wrote:

Your best post yet, funny, witty and downright informative, I'm glad your blogging, you know what your talking about, and you say it with wit. Thanks great read.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 10:27 AM

Lucy wrote:

My favorite Hung moment was his little swagger as he presented his Quickfire meal to the judges. He knew it was damn good. He's confident and the only person who seems to remember he's in a competition. Go Hung!

posted on September 20, 2007 at 10:30 AM

ghweiss wrote:

I literally stood up and threw happy-punches in the air when Dale survived this episode. He's got the most soul of this bunch, and humor to boot. Tony - you're exactly right, Dale misread the judges - or maybe he just isn't playing the game that way. I'm still rooting for him.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 10:31 AM

Louise wrote:

I thought Casey held herself well last night. She is in a tough competition and I agree that it will be between she and Hung (really pulling for Casey!!) My husband & I argue over Hung almost every episode. His view is that it is all about the food (given), I still feel as though actions should be included as well. From what we are able to see, Hung is forever breaking something, not practicing logical kitchen behavior (thoughtlessly skittering about with the knives), and not concerned with cleaning his wake (things knocked from the refrigerator, shelves, work surface, etc.) And heaven forbid, one of the guest judges or main judges criticize his perfect dish. Please. Guess you can tell he is my least favorite. My opinion, worse than either Tiffany or Marcell. Go Casey!!

Anthony, I would love to see you replace Gail. I trust your opinion as much as Tom's. Great to see you everytime your there.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 10:32 AM

Jeff wrote:

Tony,

Love your blog as always. Could you comment more on the judging decision on this episode, regarding the whole conception vs execution rationale that was given? Didn't Dale fail on both conception (acknowledged by the judges) AND on execution (not serving the sauce)? How then does Sara's failure on execution come out on the bottom? I'm not trying to defend Sara here, but am a bit mystified by the explanation given. And for that matter, why did Brian seem to get a pass for avoiding the challenge (the simplicity of three key ingredients) and making a dish that was so heavily flavored by the sausage? Thanks by the way for characterizing the dish correctly as a sausage dish. I was actually hoping that they would send both Sara and Dale home, since they clearly were in a different cluster from the 3 others.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 10:33 AM

Dee wrote:

Is Casey even that good looking? I can't tell on tv. She looks pretty regular. Nice looking but nothing special. I just don't she how her looks gets her by because she pretty standard looking. She has some skills with tast and she's basically just lucky with her slow cutting onion self. Anyway...Hung whom I don't like has this competition in the bag. Who's left that can compete with him.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 10:34 AM

slange wrote:

great comments, as always....

posted on September 20, 2007 at 10:35 AM

Tricia wrote:

Thanks for the insightful comments; there's been a lot of discussion on other boards that Casey should have one the EC based on taste, but now I can see that technique should (and did) play into a judge's decision as well.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 10:36 AM

Carolyn wrote:

Once again there is nitpicking over the name of a dish--in this case, Casey's Coq au vin. I personally would have been more concerned over that hideous green thing that Brian served. I can't believe he is still in this competition at this stage.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 10:38 AM

Jeff wrote:

Loved Jacques Torres' comment when asked which was his least favorite dish ... "It was the turd". BWAHAHAHAHHAAHAAA!

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