j dehaven wrote:

Hope Harold gets his restaurant open. He is an extremely
talented chef and deserves a chance to create and run his
own restaurant.
This new season is a little bit disappointing so far,
Otto made a mistake...but I don't think it's his fault that their group didn't make it...Otto was too focused on winning...and lost sight of his integrity...He bowed out and that was class.
The group drank too much the nite before, they weren't organized and frankly the pannacotta was a poor choice!
Korean? Since when? Who would want to eat glue?
Marissa...You should have told Otto right then and there
to return the leechi...you're just looking for the
chance to have the spotlight on you...Shame on YOU too!
Keep it up...you'll be the next TO GO!

posted on October 25, 2006 at 11:39 PM

Emily wrote:

Hey Harold!

Big fan of yours! I was just curious as to where you got the name of your restaurant. Isn't it a kind of mint? Will it be like the 'secret ingredient' on Iron Chef? :-D

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:39 AM

Clay wrote:

Just wanted to wish Harold the best of luck. I think that you deserved to win. Not only did you show that you are a very talented chef, but also that you are a regular guy.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 1:52 AM

therese price wrote:

WILL BE IN NYC ON 12/2/06 HOPE THE RESTAURANT IS OPEN. GLAD TO SEE YOUR COMMETS ABOUT THIS YEARS SHOW.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 2:14 AM

Joanne Robertson wrote:

Harold, I love you. You are so hot!! I think you make an excellent point about Marisa, the pastry chef. Pastry is such an exact science so if you are operating without recipes, then that would explain why that panna cotta was such a disaster. She even alluded to that at judges table when she mentioned what ratio of gelatin she used. Her words were something to the effect of "even an assistant pastry chef knows that ratio..."

posted on October 26, 2006 at 2:41 AM

cea wrote:

Just watched the entire 1st season, I really enjoyed it. I can only say that Harold has such a great calmness. I know that QUALITY ~ makes it easy for others to take direction. I too felt he deserved to win, and I am enjoying the 2nd season as well. I enjoy cooking and enjoyed 'TOP CHEF", good luck to you Harold on your new venture, I wish you much success!
Cea
Channel Island, CA

posted on October 26, 2006 at 2:49 AM

meliblu wrote:

Anger management = where quite a few of the Project Runway Season 3 contestants need to go and hopefully, Top Chef will not go that route this year, but after episode 2 of season 2 looks like this could happen and my stress level might go up for a couple of months again just watching a show. Really love Top Chef, so I will watch even if that happens. Very happy that Otto redeemed himself and I see it as a bad decision brought on by the fact he had been in the bottom the previous challenge and desperately needed his team to win. Terrible irony that his decision on the lychee fruit helped cause his team to be at that table all the same and he had to go to save himself, but he made the right decision on bowing out. Wish Marisa had been the one to go with her disaster of a dessert that didn't even fit into the menu style.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 3:09 AM

Tim wrote:

Harold,

Again, you show yourself to be a man of grace who sees the best in people. I had the opportunity to see the end of Season 1 again tonight, and I can't emphasize enough how great it is that you appreciate how much your people skills are as important as your culinary skills. I throughly enjoy hearing your thoughts on the episodes and I'm glad to see that Bravo made it a feature of the show.

ps. I LOVE Padma. I keep thinking I need to write a few politically-themed books in an effort to snake her away from Salman. ;)

posted on October 26, 2006 at 3:45 AM

Rick wrote:

Hey Harold, I was curious: Is there an optimal amount of time to wait after Perilla is opened to make reservations? My thinking is, that as soon as word gets out that you are open, you are probably going to get mobbed, as every noteworthy restaurant opening in New York seems to (considering you've been seen on TV by millions, I don't think it's too far fetched to consider your restaurant as a 'noteworthy' opening). My concern is that, first of all, I don't want to add to the mob and contribute to a nervous breakdown or anything, and second of all, the huge demand especially when the kinks are still being worked out can bring the quality down several notches. So, I was just wondering if it was good to try and get reservations immediately, or wait a month or two, or what? For all I know it's an unanswerable question but let me know (you too talkback people).

posted on October 26, 2006 at 4:36 AM

barbara barnett wrote:

i really hope harold gets his resturant opened it is because of him and watching top chef that brought me back to cooking i took foods 1 &2 when i was in school and kinda let it slip by my daily life until i watched top chef i watched the entire season and it was exciting harold is one of the few who are good at heart and cares about his teamates i do have an question for harold it seemed you and leann had an thing for eachother do you? also how many of the other cooks you worked with on the show that you will hire to work in your resturant when it opens? i also don't think season 2 will be as good as season 1 was also harold what kind of knives do you recommend or do you use?

posted on October 26, 2006 at 7:59 AM

Amie wrote:

I love Harold!!!! I cant wait for your restaurant to open because I will be in! XOXO

posted on October 26, 2006 at 9:31 AM

Sophia wrote:

Harold, congratulations on your upcoming restaurant! It was great to see you on the show last week, and I wish you all the best.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 10:18 AM

Di wrote:

Lychee for free? I think I missed that statement. The whole 'team' effort goes to the whole challenge, if a statement was made, Otto could have looked at the receipt himself or someone else on the team could have spoken up or even verified it. Nothing is free. So Otto took the penalty and the 'team' did too. Hey Team Korea party when the challenge is over and you can relax. Its a competition and $100,000 do the right thing..if you don't you -may be thrown to the wolves (judges)

posted on October 26, 2006 at 10:38 AM

Pauldez1@netzero.com wrote:

Hire dave martin for your desserts and yummy mac and cheese w/truffles. That just sounded so good. Wish Dave had been in the final with you. Fun personality and nice guy. Good luck on the restaurant. Will try to find it on my next trip to NY.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 10:44 AM

Viola wrote:

Harold!

It's great to read your commentary on the episodes.

I was hoping Perilla would be up & serving by the time I made a trek to NYC next month, but guess that means reason for a trip next year.

The Team challenges this early, to present interesting viewing in seeing how the chefs work when thrown with relatively random set of co-chefs; who stands up as leader or at least recognizes what it will take for this group to act as a team, who puts forth their stamp to help menu develop and who sits back and goes with the flow of others even while privately expressing doubts about the menu. The team organization last night was certainly a study in contrasts.

In the end, I was left impressed with Otto's decision to take one for the team, while having diminished respect for Marisa who rather than speak up about the lychees before the car was even started, used the issue to disrupt the work back at the kitchen and then as means to save her dessert fumble from sending her home.

Vi

posted on October 26, 2006 at 10:58 AM

Kim wrote:

Hi Harold - I think you are an amazingly talented chef. You're extremely creative, but also have enough sense to know when to hold back - and you always stood up for your cuisine and your competitors. You have real class. Can't wait until your restaurant opens... any way to get an advance reservation???

As far as this episode, it was time for Otto to go. Marisa will be next... a pastry chef screwing up her own dessert dish? Yikes.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 11:00 AM

KINDRED wrote:

Harold I have to agree with you about Padma. At first I wasn't sure about her but i had already stated in another blog that she just need to get acclimated. I think she is an incredible asset. It sucks that Otto had to go. How many times has a regular, non-chef person gone shopping, put drinks in the bottom of their buggy and the cashier not notice. And when they put the drinks in their cars, how many times do they notice the cashier forgot to ring it up, and if they did ..would they have taken it back? So back off of Otto people. He was not the only chef there to load the car and those people who heard him should have said something about it THEN. Marissa went into a tizzy because her product SUCKED, she blew it, and needed to save her own neck.
Harold we all love you and cannot WAIT for Perilla to open. I've already gotten together a group of my friends who want to make the trip up to NY (from NC) just to eat there.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 11:43 AM

Kate wrote:

Hey Harold.
It was great that you got to judge on the first episode of the new season. I am excited to find out when your resturant opens. Can not wait! I thought the first season was WAY better then this one so far. But last night was only episode 2 so we shall see how it goes! Good Luck with your success and your soon to be new resturant! Keep up the good work

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:40 PM

Kelly wrote:

Thanks Harold! So great to hear from you. My friends and I still watch all the old episodes over and over from Season 1.. We loved your cooking, but most of all, your modest and humble attitude, you were a pleasure to watch! Keep us updated on the restaurant opening!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:47 PM

Noel Vaz wrote:

I love Harold .. hes so smart and talented. I enjoyed watching him through out the competition in last season, and also as a guest judge in season 2. I wish him the best of luck with his new restaurant, and I hope i get to go there and see it and personally meet him

posted on October 26, 2006 at 1:07 PM

Noel Vaz wrote:

I love Harold .. hes so smart and talented. I enjoyed watching him through out the competition in last season, and also as a guest judge in season 2. I wish him the best of luck with his new restaurant, and I hope i get to go there and see it and personally meet him

posted on October 26, 2006 at 1:11 PM

P. Frager wrote:

Harold,
I have been a cook for about 8 years now, starting when I was 15. I love the profession, the people you meet and bond with, and I love food. I will miss it when I leave it, since I am in college for a completely different reason. As an avid watcher of the first season I am glad to see that you and the cast from that season have remained somewhat close. While it is a competition, its great to make friends. I just wanted to say that throughout the season I felt you were the greatest and certainly deserving of the title. I look forward to you opening your restaurant and hope it is a huge success. Way to judge that first round, hope to see more of you in season two.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 1:24 PM

roger ketza wrote:

hey harold great to see you on season2. I have to say you were my pick to from the second week of season 1. I really liked your t-shirt wearin', hard workin' and beer drinkin ethic that made you look like a real chef and not some stuffy I'm better then everyone else scientific chef. Wish you all the luck on the new restaurant and season 2.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 1:45 PM

Diana Michels wrote:

Congratulations!! I can't wait to check out the new restaurant
Keep us posted as to the opening

posted on October 26, 2006 at 4:58 PM

Sandy wrote:

Harold is one of those people with people skills I have been envying my whole life because I don't really have those skills. I watched him handle all those personalities on last season's Top Chef and got such a kick out of him, especially how he handled Tiffany, that nasty piece of work. I am absolutely NOT enjoying this season's Top Chef. Maybe I'm tired of the format, and I can't stand the new hostess, whose name I can't ever remember. And there are too many dreadful contestants, I hope they get rid of the nasties soon. Why do people think it's interesting to see people fighting and cursing? It isn't, and in fact when you see someone really nice, like Harold, they stand out way ahead of the pack. Does anyone know what has happened to the third place winner from last season? The emotional one? I liked him so much, hope he's working. Sandy

posted on October 26, 2006 at 5:57 PM

jennie espada-goutev wrote:

I think Marisa should have gotten the boot. She clearly saw what was happening at the store, if she has as much integrity as she claims she should have spoken out then and there, not held it in and then rat out Otto to chef Tom, when it was too late to do anything about it, but get Otto in trouble. She was the main reason the team lost, she can't even do her own stuff right!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 6:56 PM

lisa wrote:

Harold, I loved Season one. I'am not impressed with season two so far. The contestants is in for themselves, granted, everyone wants to win, but when asked to be a team, you have to work together, and so far it isn't happening. I don't see a clear winner at this point. Last season I knew you, and Leaann would be in final. Tiffany was ok. She was out for herself. She wasn't a team player. I hope you have great success and hope to see more of you on season two.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 10:30 PM

Tara wrote:

Harold,
My 9 year son and I are going to the West Village today - we were hoping you'd be open but will be looking for your space and watching for your opening. We were both so happy that you won and that you would be staying in NYC!!!! I am a great fund raiser if you want some help with capitol!!!

posted on October 27, 2006 at 7:52 AM

Annette wrote:

I think you're a real class act Harold, love your whole style and wish the best for you. I wish I was a millionaire because I would personally bank your restaurant.

I'm glad to see so many people feel the same way about Marisa.....they should have booted her along with poor Otto. She was so damn smug while Otto was literally leveled. Otto nothing but luck to you, you made a bad choice but in the end showed your a class act. Marisa.....BEAT IT!!!!!!

posted on October 27, 2006 at 2:10 PM

Cindy M. wrote:

Harold,
You are such a well rounded guy and are right on the money with this season. I am a big fan of yours and am looking forward to your resturant opening. I hope some day I can come and enjoy some of your fine cuisine and have the pleasure of meeting you. And as far as Otto goes, I really feel bad for the guy. Presure does funny things to people and I feel that as a team they fail miserbly. They should have stuck together and fought through their dilema. Sorry that Otto had to go I wish it was the pastry chef instead.

posted on October 27, 2006 at 6:48 PM

Suzanne wrote:

Harold! I love your blog and I'm so happy to hear that your restaurant will be opening soon. Your take on the season shows a lot of compassion, something that impressed me about you during the first season. Best of luck to you and yours.

S

posted on October 28, 2006 at 6:24 AM

Reen wrote:

Harold It was great to see you back on the show on the other side of the table. Best of luck with your restuarant. I opened my own shop three months ago (not food related) and understand the anxiety of so many choices and having to stay true to a vision. I was lucky I didn't have "celebrity" pressures added in. Your thoughts on the Season 2 are a wonderful insight. I look forward to your blog and news on your success.

posted on October 28, 2006 at 12:10 PM

Hal wrote:

Hey Harold good to see you as this seasons gueast judge. Are you going to be a regular staple in this season? That would be great, I'm a huge fan of yours. You've done a great job so far at bieng just, honest, and fair. Cudos.

That bieng said mate I called you from day one. Told are my friends who are fans: "This guys gonna win it! And not just because we have the same first name, he's got what it takes."
And you did mate! To get through all that b.s.

Glad to see It worked out for the best. Good luck on the restaraunt mate, you deserve the best

H

posted on October 29, 2006 at 3:15 AM

jai wrote:

Hey Harold!
just wanted to let you know that i loved the show and glad you won. I did not want Tiffiany to win, not that she wasnt a good chef, because she was. I think her attitude toward the other chefs, as well as in general was the reason that kept her from winning. Being a student chef, I know how important it is to have other people in the kitchent aht are willing to work with you, and if you dont have the kind of personality, then you are going to be a lonely, out of work chef.

My question for you is how much experience should a person have before they attempt to try out for a show like Top Chef?

Good luck on the new Restaurant, and when Im on the east coast I will definitly be on the look out for your restaurant.

posted on October 29, 2006 at 8:58 PM

Jo-Ann wrote:

I'm in NYC several times a year and am always "in charge" of finding a great place for our gang to eat. To that end, I was HOPING that Harold's restaurant would be open by mid-November. However, I know you can't rush greatness. I will keep checking the blogs to see when it will open and you can be assured that I'll be there! Harold, you were the CLEAR winner last year, in my estimation and I can't wait to see the success of your restaurant when it opens.

I'm wondering if any of your castmates ended up working with you? There was some great talent there and I'm sure you snapped up some of them, IF they were available!
Looking forward to your opening!

posted on October 30, 2006 at 10:28 AM

lisa wrote:

Hi Harold,

I was so happy you won Top Chef. Will we be seeing more of you on this season?
Bravo should do another reality show on the opening of your restaurant, that would be a great show.

posted on October 30, 2006 at 11:53 AM

Mia wrote:

Hi Harold,
Great blog. Love the humor both you and Lee Anne inject. As much as I liked you on season one, I wouldn't want to see a show about your restaurant. Too much pressure and distraction. You and your staff should be left alone to do what you do best.

posted on October 30, 2006 at 9:31 PM

Stacey wrote:

Hi Harold,
A huge fan here who can't wait for your new restaurant to open up! I was thrilled to see you as a guest judge on the first episode of season 2. Hope you get all the funding you need to open up. Any chance of getting advanced reservations?

posted on October 31, 2006 at 10:45 AM

karyn hall wrote:

Harold,
I watch all of the reruns just to watch you. You are so awesome. ARE YOU SINGLE YET??!! I wanted you to win from the first episode. You should have won that quick fire instead of Stephen. Your knife skills are amazing and he just used those stupid little cups. If I didn't live in California, I'd be eating at your restaurant every night. I actually liked Katie better but I'll give Padma a chance. Who's your pick to win season 2? I think the top 3 are going to be Sam, Emily & Ilan. I loved seeing you on the first episode of season 1. Once your restaurant in Manhattan takes off, open one in Orange County. I've only been to Manhattan once, but you can bet that if I ever get to go again, my first stop is your Restaurant.

posted on October 31, 2006 at 2:41 PM

Paul Gallo wrote:

hi harold i don't know if u even pay attention to this stuff but i am a cook who has been in the business since i was a kid and just started cooking after college when i realized i wanted this and needed to be good in BOH and FOh , from the first day an apron was on me i loved it. Long story short i had never watched the show until the first episode of the new season aired so i check out your season on Itunews. Wow, the whole thing was great and the actions and cooking that you and a few other cast members showed revitalized my drive that had been a little faltering i know that i may never get a chance like you all got but thank you for showing me to keep trying and until i make it but never sway from who or what i am, good luck in all your endeveres and in life. PAul

posted on October 31, 2006 at 10:34 PM

Meredith wrote:

Just saw this on Padma's blog:

And yes, some portions of this show require you to be a functional part of a team.

You CAN do that, keep your integrity, and still be a competetor.

Ask Harold Dieterle.

You are the best. Can't wait to see Perilla!

posted on October 31, 2006 at 11:14 PM

Diane wrote:

I agree with the post that recommended hiring Dave for your new restaurant! I would seek out Lee Ann too. The three of you seemed to work together really well and the food would undoubtedly be amazing.

You were really a pleasure to watch last season and it was great to see you pop up this season too. Best of luck with the restaurant!

posted on November 1, 2006 at 12:35 PM

Charles Kozmits wrote:

Hey Harold,
Hope all is going well with your store opening up, I am currently running 10 corporate stores and long for the time to have my own four walls and executing on a more detailed basis...great food and great service. Good luck.
CK

posted on November 1, 2006 at 8:28 PM

Brandy wrote:

Just writing in to let you know that I completely agree with your viewpoints on Padma. See is absolutely beautiful, personable, and intelligent. I think she is the subject of totally unfair judgement. Give the girl a break! Last year, Kathie Lee was not my favorite host, but I'm not about to butcher her on some blog. I just think her personality did not translate well on camera and several season one chefs have commented on her sweet disposition. Also, I wish you the best of luck on your new restaurant. Next time I'm in New York, will have to try it.

posted on November 1, 2006 at 9:42 PM

nancy bradley wrote:

are you going to hire leanne to cook

posted on November 5, 2006 at 2:16 PM

Chris wrote:

Congratulations and here is to lots of money for backing your new restraunt. My daughter is a foodie so I will be sure to take her when it opens. Secondly I love Top Chef , so much in fact I am doing a research paper on it. I wish you could tell me what drove you to entering to compete. Good Luck

posted on November 9, 2006 at 8:31 PM

Helen De La Torre wrote:

This Message is for Harold!
Congratulations and good luck with all your future endevours. I'm a cook, and man, you would be the ideal Chef to work for! You're humble, honest and level headed, it would be owesome to be a part of your team! I mean it!
Your new place, "Perilla" is it? Spanish name? Will your menu have a Spanish flair?
Love "Top Chef", loved watching you win...I knew you had it! This season...I don't know....
Helen

posted on November 14, 2006 at 11:01 AM

Denise wrote:

Harold,
I'm a big fan. I hope to be in your restaurant soon. Just let us know when it will open. Are you hiring any of the chefs from the show to work for you? Leann and Dave would fit right in.

posted on December 3, 2006 at 2:26 PM

moises wrote:

harold

what type of cuise menu and prices will their be at you restauratant

posted on December 13, 2006 at 3:51 PM

dutch hauser wrote:

congratulations!

posted on January 19, 2007 at 1:57 PM

Cyn wrote:

HAROLD!!!! WOOOHOOOO!!!!!!!!!! (Sorry, here in Argentina we just finished seeing the end of the season where you won 15 minutes ago and we would have thrown our TVs out the window if you hadn't beat Tiffany). You deserved to win because you never forgot that in order to be a top chef you have to be a top person first. I am so happy that you are still participating of the next seasons, I look forward to watching them. As far as your restaurant... I can't wait! I hope it's open for May 07 because I don't wanna miss it on my treck up there to NYC. You're the best!!!!!!

posted on January 31, 2007 at 9:30 PM

lilian godoy wrote:

harold!I'm from Brazil and i just saw the finnale now.Congratuçations!I'm really in love with you man!you're every woman's dream.Before I die I have to go to your restaurant.Keep on going, Bro.

posted on January 31, 2007 at 11:46 PM

Carolina wrote:

oh my god harold you are awesome ... really SALUDOS FROM PERU, felicitaciones por tu partcipación y porque hiciste un gran trabajo... y que eres un chef increibleee!! I HOPE SOME DAY I CAN TASTE YOUR FOOD... congratulations!

posted on February 4, 2007 at 7:21 PM