anne wrote:

I thought the comments from the attendants
were interesting ~ especially the one about
staying away from brussel sprouts and califlower.
Very sorry to see CJ go.

posted on September 12, 2007 at 11:54 PM

Atashin wrote:

Hi, Gail!
Where have you been?
Did I miss something?
It's been so long since you've been at the Judges' table.
Not to say the others are not good, but you've been a staple on the show since day 1...you are missed.
Hope all is well!
Atashin

posted on September 13, 2007 at 12:06 AM

John Turzanski wrote:

I don't know hoe Dale made it to the top three when he forgot someones food, I thought that was a major mistake? In season 1
Dave was told that he would've won the 1 challege in the finale but he only made 2 dishes instead of three and chef Tom said that it was a major mistake because someone did not get their food, so whats was the difference from that and what Dale did?
Someone still didn't get fed!!!!!!

posted on September 13, 2007 at 12:13 AM

John Turzanski wrote:

I don't know hoe Dale made it to the top three when he forgot someones food, I thought that was a major mistake? In season 1
Dave was told that he would've won the 1 challege in the finale but he only made 2 dishes instead of three and chef Tom said that it was a major mistake because someone did not get their food, so whats was the difference from that and what Dale did?
Someone still didn't get fed!!!!!!

posted on September 13, 2007 at 12:13 AM

Andy B. wrote:

Hi Gail congratulation on your engagement.
Yes it would be nice if airplane cooking was better, especially with tthe cost of flying. I bet though, if the cooking gets better, the ticket price will get even higher.
More important then improve cusine on the Airways, will always be improving Airline and airport security. That is no# 1, not only in tthe United States, but in all countries.
On todays elimination challenge, I disagree with you that Hung was lucky to get away with cooking fish on a plane. He cooked his Bass to perfection. Therefore no need to have issues, while as you said, C.J. paired overcooked Halibut with mint creme. That pairing alone is what caused your dislike, especially serving it on a plane. Also, the reason C.J. went home was mostly due to the ttourched, and badly incinerated Broccolini, not the Halibut, although the Halibut did add to his dismissal.
Until next time, farewell my lovely,
Andy B.

posted on September 13, 2007 at 2:38 AM

Carol wrote:

Gail,

Your blog seems to be the fairest of them all. I enjoy your observations and insights. Sure miss seeing you on the show. Will you be back soon?

posted on September 13, 2007 at 3:04 AM

angie wrote:

hi gail,

this has been my least favorite episode so far of the season. The premise of tricking the contestants into going to new york only to crush ones persons' hopes was not worth the "entertainment value" it was meant to provide. This was not entertaining to watch, and pretty cruel if you ask me... Also, what is with entire episodes centered around blatant corporate advertisements this season, i.e. continental airlines, bertoli frozen dinners!! Who wants to see chefs make airplane food and frozen dinners? disappointed with this season...

posted on September 13, 2007 at 3:07 AM

julia wrote:

Gail, we miss you on the show...but you got it wrong Chef Tom immediately put Hung's dish down saying fish isn't good on an airplane. Are we watching the same show??

posted on September 13, 2007 at 6:19 AM

cynrn wrote:

Gail, please come back and lend some balance to the panel.....Tom and Padma need a vacation....the snide attitude of the two is getting old. I guess you are being punished for bad mouthing what appears to be the "golden child" of producers, etc....Hung the obnoxious......steak and eggs....come on..............snore..................

posted on September 13, 2007 at 7:20 AM

John E. Nelson, Jr. wrote:

Hi, Gail.

I agree with you about CJ's dish. Even sliced leg of lamb (3/4" cuts) would have been a better choice for a mint creme sauce, or even mint jelly. Just one look at his brocolini and I was thinking , "Dude, that is way past overdone."

Hung and Casey clearly understood the problems involved with prepping food for airlines. The galleys are very cramped to begin with, and budgeting the finish cooking time with the number of servings required can make or break an enjoyable meal.

posted on September 13, 2007 at 8:48 AM

ddn wrote:

Gail I agree with your comments on the fish, I would not like to smell that on a plane. It's almost as bad as being stuck in the "screaming child section" of the plane. Mint is a good idea as it helps indigestion (but I doubt whether he used mint for that reason). Whenever I have an upset stomach and I can't get an antacid, I look for mint (gum, mint candy, etc).

posted on September 13, 2007 at 10:05 AM

Edwin wrote:

Ms Simmons,

I'm glad you think the airline experience is improving, but then I don't get to travel first or business class; my experience with airline travel (from the early 70's on Agony Airways, through a business trans-Atlantic round trip on BA's cattle car service, to US domestic travel in the 21st Century) has been one of continually decreasing quality of service, hideous food (on the latest flights, it's been a 1oz bag of pretzels), inadequately refreshed cabin air, and cramped seats (I'm 5ft8in tall, which is roughly average height for US males, and about 180lb, which is about 15lb above where I should be).

I would think this type of challenge -- where a large number of people have to be fed simultaneously -- is more difficult than those where the contestants (I refuse to use the portmanteau word "cheftestant") only have to provide a few plates for the judges and the cameras.

While I thought some of the judges' comments were harsh, they were harsh within what I would consider an acceptable range: CJ could have removed his broccolini, Brian should know how to cook lobster (I've had chewy lobster at a local seafood restaurant, which once had a very good reputation. I've never gone back), Sara M should have planned her dish better (the cous-cous) and been more careful with the fish, etc.

In any case, I love veal, and I may even try Casey's dish.

posted on September 13, 2007 at 11:08 AM

Jim wrote:

I can't fault any of the decisions, and the challenge was a very interesting one. But I couldn't help wondering if Anthony Bourdain brings out the churlishness in Tom. He just seemed exceptionally mean and nasty, choosing words my 8-year old son uses to describe food he doesn't like: "gross" and "disgusting". I'm usually so impressed with Tom's pinpoint distinctions, but not last night. And the fact that they were leveled at such a gentleman (CJ) made it all the more painful to watch. Maybe he should sit next to Padma instead of Anthony at judge's table. ("Do I have to separate you two?")

posted on September 13, 2007 at 11:25 AM

Cat wrote:

I love your input on the show -- can't wait until you have some time to pull away from the Food and Wine events to come back!

posted on September 13, 2007 at 1:03 PM

gary.e wrote:

i FOR ONE WILL BE HAPPY WHEN THIS SEASON IS OVER, AND IT IS NOT THE SAME WHEN YOUR NOT ON THE SHOW. i DO HOPE THE PRODUCERS SELECT A GROUPE OF CHEFS THAT HAVE SOME TALENT FOR NEXT SEASON.

posted on September 13, 2007 at 3:12 PM

Nathan wrote:

Hi Gail,
I miss you very much on Top Chef! I absolutely love your opinions and your way of critiquing the dishes. I began watching Top Chef the second week of season two and I became hooked. However, I have to admit that at first, I thought you were hard on the women and forgiving tothe men. But then, when I saw season three, I saw that you weren't hard on the chefs personally, but professionally and I respect that. I have to say I love Casey and want her to win, but she's got stiff competition. I would love to see Casey and Hung go to the final two and Casey seems to be on a roll! But as previous competitors such as Season Two's Sam and Season Three's Tre have proven, your record means nothing...make one mistake and you'll pack your knives. I just wanted to share that with you and once again, I miss you and Top Chef is not the same without you. Hope to see you on the show soon!

posted on September 13, 2007 at 3:20 PM

Erin wrote:

This season is by faaaaaar the worst. I feel like I'm watching a commercial for 60-minutes. My friend, who had never watched the show before last night, wants to know if someone is sleeping with someone at Glad. No way any amount of money could buy THAT much advertising.

The judges comments have gone beyond snide to just...obnoxious. Making airplane food? C'mon! This is just plain stupid now.

Of course, now that CJ is gone, I have no reason to watch except maybe the last five minutes of the season finale just out of curiousity.

And CJ, if you are interested in seeing what it's like to date a girl a foot and a half shorter than you, I will be in California next Tuesday and Wednesday. Maybe you can take me out to dinner, then I can make you breakfast, if you hear what I'm saying!

posted on September 13, 2007 at 3:33 PM

Zack wrote:

I really didn't like this challenge, it was far too gimmicky. It also was very similar to the making of frozen food and reheating it. In both cases, the food had to go in under cooked so that when it was reheated, that reheating would also finish cooking the product, without turning it into mush.

I am also annoyed that food is being fed to a bunch of people, in this case flight attendants, and it seems like they didn't get a vote in all of this. What is the point in serving this food to a bunch of people who don't have a vote? I am not suggesting that we should have another blog lady type situation where it seemed like her blog was treated as gospel. I am suggesting that perhaps the regular judges should take a step back for a week or two and let the more "common" palate have a voice.

Oh, and would it hurt to have a week of vegan cooking? Everything is meat, meat and more meat.

I would also like to see a week of baking desserts, but I don't think that is doable, given what seems to be the cheftestants inability to come up with a dessert that actual wins something, I don't know if I would trust them with a Betty Crocker cake mix even if they had Betty Crocker in the room to help them.

posted on September 13, 2007 at 3:37 PM

kris wrote:

all of you judges seem to have this thing against hung. it makes me crazy. no matter what he cooks it is never good enough. it is obvious that he is one of the best chefs there but he gets no respect from any of you yet you expect him to take your nasty criticism every week and just swallow it down. please, he knows he is a good chef and has no reason to take your bull week after week. i am sure you guys will get rid of him and we will have casey and sara or some awful thing for the end. like you guys got rid of sam last year. still trying to live that little mistake down aren't you.

posted on September 13, 2007 at 11:14 PM

Jay wrote:

Gail! Please, you have to come back next season. You're grounded, beautiful, confident, and your comments are always dead-on and constructive without being self-serving and gratuitous. TC suffers without your graceful presence.

posted on September 13, 2007 at 11:27 PM

Coaster wrote:

Gail, if you're reading this, I want to tell you that you're not only a delight to see as one of the guest judges but, that you're a very gracious and sencere person. It's something that this world of ours needs more than ever.

Yes, CJ was axed because of his choices within his dish. I for one have only experienced one good inflight meal in my travels abroad. It was on a flight out of the Mid East on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. I had selected the Salmon entree. The other one offered was lamb. I agree with what you said about CJ's choice of protein. Lamb would have worked much better but, since I've never been a fan of mutton........I must take your word for it. It does make sense since those ingrediants that he chose would've worked better with a meat protein.

I wish that you could be a permanent judge on Top Chef. You're one of the best they've ever had.

Best to you and be safe,

Coaster

posted on September 14, 2007 at 12:37 PM

Matt McCuaig wrote:

Gail! Why aren't you more involved this season? I hope you're just busy because it just isn't the same with Padma. Guess I'm just bitter about that 'who's the sexiest judge' text poll that didn't give you many votes. You have mine in spirit!

posted on September 14, 2007 at 1:00 PM

Albert Cueto wrote:

Gail, I miss you! A lot! Why aren't you on?? Your opinions and judge's table comments are always brilliant. Yes, Padma is the Ms. Universe of the show but your're the one with both beauty and knowledge. Hope to see you soon!

posted on September 14, 2007 at 2:27 PM

NANCY S. - MA wrote:

I don't think it's fair that they didn't even have anyone show them how to use the equipment, or where things are. That has nothing to do with one's quality as a chef.
I will say that I've enjoyed the last few episodes, as the focus has been more on food than on personal drama.

I'm starting to think there's hope for Casey to win, and I'd love to see it!

posted on September 14, 2007 at 3:01 PM

barbara wrote:

I want to add my name to the list of people who are becoming more and more disappointed with the show. The gimmick surprises are too sad. I thought this was top chef?

posted on September 15, 2007 at 12:05 AM

mary wrote:

Gail -

I'm disappointed. You work for Food & Wine - right? It's a written publication - right? This would hopefully mean you are adept at the the English language - right? I keep seeing the highlights for next week's episode where you comment on the chicken being served. Your comment is "it's unexcusable." Gail, there is no UNexcusable - it's INexcusable. As a writer I would hope you would have a bit more respect for for the English language. Maybe it's time to brush up on your skills.

posted on September 15, 2007 at 4:09 PM

jennifer wrote:

Gail, I was so disappointed with the promo/commercial for the next episode. Why didn't they edit out or re-shoot your comment about uncooked chicken so that your grammar was correct? As a teacher, what do I tell students who heard you say "unexcusable"? Your choices were "inexcusable" or "unacceptable". Please don't give your viewers short shrift. I know it's about the food but please don't contribute to poor language. Unfortunately, instead of looking forward to this week's episode, all I can wonder is whether you and Top Chef aren't aware of the bad grammar (a depressing possibility) OR that you and Top Chef consider the bad grammar of no consequence to your audience. It left a very bad taste in my mouth and the same for my colleagues who watch the show...

posted on September 15, 2007 at 4:36 PM

Cheri wrote:

It's not about good food on an airplane. It's about allergies! All I ask is that they clearly identify what's IN the food. I react to a couple of things and if I hadn't brought food with me on a long flight- I would have been mightly hungry. When I can't eat a roll, or a snack bag because no one can tell me what's in it, nor get an apple? THAT should be the easy thing to fix - so a bit of focus on that problem, if you ever do a similar challenge, would be appreciated.

Didn't see the show though. From the comments, don't think I will. I don't want to see people snipped at and set up for disappointment.

posted on September 15, 2007 at 5:47 PM

PeachPie wrote:

Wow, thank you.... I thought the whole mint thing was just me. I'm not a big fan of mint in any context, so seeing it go on not just a piece of fish, but also into the side dish... um... it just didn't even sound good to me.

I thought this was a great challenge for all the reasons you pointed out.

posted on September 16, 2007 at 8:39 AM

michael wrote:

Gail, while it's great to hear from you on the show, it's much better hearing from you, firsthand, how the dishes are.

Still miss ya, hopefully, you'll be on the last few eps. :(

Michael

posted on September 16, 2007 at 5:04 PM

smartfemme wrote:

i am hoping that maybe a female will actually win this season.
last season was the pits. immature behavior, incompetent "chef".
this group is by far more mature. they applaud each other when on leaves. they try to be supportive so the competition is fair (when it comes to food).

the first season had some drama, but that was mostly three specific people with conflicting personalities and habits (dave, tiffany, and steven).

i have actually enjoyed this season.
though i must say i am glad howie and joey are out. talk about attitude and belligerence! oy. sometimes they could cook, but not chefs in my book.Howie's risotto fiasco especially.

nice to see casey step up to the plate in her dishes. Hung is talented, but what a dangerous person in the kitchen. running with knives, dropping stuff on the floor and never cleaning up or warning anyone to watch out. Thats just plain unprofessional and rude and sloppy. and definitely cannot work on a team (though slightly better than howie)

i look forward to the finale this season.

posted on September 16, 2007 at 7:31 PM

Alfredo Plessmann wrote:

Hi Gail, my name is Alfredo, i live in Venezuela, and, of course, we don't get Bravo here! but i lived in Miami while i went to school and at that time Top Chef was just out. I loved ir since day 1, and now that i'm back home i download every show.
I just wanted to say that i think you are the most beautiful woman in the world and you make every episode better just by being there. I hate when there's a guest judge filling in for you because no one can! (i also, love you comments, but i get a little distracted just looking at you. )
Thank you for being so beautiful and for your accurate comments.

posted on September 17, 2007 at 2:33 PM

brian wrote:

come back !!!! THE SHOW isnt the same without you! First off, you are so much fun to listen to and to look at. But you never let any contestant get away with old tricks. You constantly called out Ilan's spanish crutch. And I keep seeing things on the show, where I know you would jump in and go "hey, wait a second!"

Please come back.

posted on September 17, 2007 at 8:50 PM

Jennifer Rector wrote:

Please tell Gail if she is going to act pretentious then she should get her vocabulary correct, Inexcusable!!!

posted on September 18, 2007 at 6:36 PM

Laura wrote:

Hi Gail

I am a chef working on board private yachts not unlike the yacht that the Top Chef contestants visited two shows ago. I was happy to see the participants working in a "galley" but I was also disappointed. You see, we are truly the "unknown" chefs. We work in those often cramped quarters, at sea or "under way" every day. It would have been nice to see this be a part of the challenge. You know, boat moving, having to hold pots in place so as not to be burned, (and, as the yacht was only cruising the Intra Coastal Waterway, it would not have been so dangerous as just awkward). Please bear in mind that most of us have a restaurant and culinary school background and that we are making 3 and 4 course, beautiful meals for our owners and their guests with no sous chef, no help at all (except maybe during plating). We could have our own reality show in fact! Anyway, just wanted you to know........please forward to producers and Tom if you feel this has merit.

Food and Wine has always been good to me.....even sending me emails with recipes from back issues that I'd lost to retrieve beloved recipes (goat cheese fondue......yum!).

Thank you!

Laura

posted on September 18, 2007 at 6:38 PM

Kapalua (arms embracing the sea) wrote:

One thing I would hope for is that Gail Simmons is back to judge the finals. As far as the finalists I would have prefered to see Tre, Dale, Sara and Casey but with what is left I hope for a finals of Dale, Hung, Sara and Casey. This round of finals we need the last two females.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 5:43 PM

Kapalua (arms embracing the sea) wrote:

Some may say I despise the chefs from Las Vegas. I did think Stephen and Marcel's attitude was typical of Las Vegas Chefs. Hung is also very arrogant but not on the same low scale as Stephen and Marcel (arrogance and cheating). I can say this with personal experience as I lived in Vegas for close to 7 years and was an armed security officer for a major hotel on the strip and once had to take down a chef who was drunk, violent and insisted on driving while completely impaired. On Top Chef Season 4 maybe you could get some chefs from Hawaii.

posted on September 19, 2007 at 5:53 PM