October 18, 2006
I have to admit that it was kind of crazy becoming a judge. I’m going in there on the other side of things. It’s amazing to watch the new contestants, because the whole time I’m thinking, “This is going to be one of the craziest times of their lives, and these contestants have absolutely no idea what they’ve gotten themselves into.”
I don’t have any early favorites yet. And it’s still interesting to watch them get into things. Last year there were twelve, and this year there are fifteen. The contestants are a pretty diverse mix of people, I don’t know if it actually gets more diverse than what they’ve got. There are professional chefs, there are culinary instructors, caterers, people in the food world. And it’s really a wide range.
I really found myself putting myself more in their shoes. I actually thought that their first elimination challenge was so much more difficult than our elimination challenge.
They had a mystery box! We had been pretty much able to shop for -- we got to shop for our signature dish. With all the time to go out to shop, and purchase stuff and cook. It wasn’t like we were thrown in without a clue. I think that the amount of time that they were given was definitely a little...excessive. Almost crazy.
Comments
cathy wrote:
i agree on one thing you have to stand behind your food and i felt after watching most did not stand behind what they were cooking most are dishes i would try some i would not but all in all you have to stand behind your food and defend it for what it is its a competition but also a learning experience and have to take the good with the bad but again stand behind what you are making and fight for it in the long run you might change some minds
posted on October 19, 2006 at 12:50 AM
Deidri wrote:
Harold, so happy to see you on the show!!! I'm a huge fan. By the way you sound on your blog you will be on the show more than just as a guest judge( I hope so) . Please let us know how your restaurant is doing and what you have been up to since we last saw you on bravo. Are you still hanging with Leanne, Steven, or any of the others. Ireally felt sorry for the girl who lost last year to you, but i guess you make your own bed, don't you?!? Good luck in the future ,hope to see you more on this season's TOP CHEF!!
posted on October 19, 2006 at 1:26 AM
David Jones wrote:
Congatulations! For the shows I watched, you really did put out the better products. But I feel you also won because of your attitude towards your fellow chefs (the reason I stopped watching "Hell's Kitchen" after two episodes was way to negative and degrading of others).This isn't the 70's, 80's or 90's. To put out a great product, you have to have a great TEAM. I'm in the front of house and my believe is: "An individual can offer great service but only a team can offer a great experience." Good luck in future endeavors and if you happen to need assistance with quality service, let me know.
David
posted on October 19, 2006 at 1:27 AM
Dana wrote:
Harold, I'm curious: have you already drawn connections between this season's contestants and those from Season 1? Straight out of the gate, it looks as though Marcel could be this season's Stephen-- the ego being commensurate with the talent.
posted on October 19, 2006 at 1:41 AM
SuLyn wrote:
Harold
I was SO happy to see you on the first episode this season. On Tom's blog he mentions you are opening your restaurant this year. What kind of cuisine can we expect on your menu? Can you speak on that a little? As a big fan of season 1, I'd like to know more.
When I plan to come to NY, my first stop is your establishment. When you were competing last season, you were my favorite from the word go. Your dishes were focused, presented well and looked divine! Are there any dishes you made last season that may be on the menu? Can't wait to try it in person!
Thanks!
posted on October 19, 2006 at 1:54 AM
Steve Cruz wrote:
Hafa Harold! (that's either Hello or Goodbye island-style, depending on your inflection)
I think it's difficult for chefs to jump into a crazy new situation and beat their own drum. I definitely understand the uncertainty, insecurity and desire for approval. Just like I can't picture you in a pimped-out Escalade, honking the horn as you drive down the sidewalk. I did think plating was sharp and even on a couple of dishes judged indelictable, they LOOKED appetizing. Kind of like mail-order holiday petit-fors: pretty but yucky.
One thing that struck our group (several of us convened for the Gay Superbowl: Fashion Runway Finale) was the lack of hair restraint. We all thought that Marcel's goofy do looked like a strand or two could end up on the plate.
Wondering if you've made any progress toward opening your own eatery, or if the past year has been such a whirlwind that it's on the back burner. I'm so glad you and Lee Anne are buddies. It seems as if TC-1 was almost like surviving a plane crash: you guys are survivors bonded by trauma.
Looking forward to reading your upcoming blogs. Tell your folks that some queen in Denver thinks they did a great job raising a talented, focused, kind and likeable gentleman.
Stay happy!
Steve
posted on October 19, 2006 at 2:07 AM
Erin wrote:
I can understand when you say a chef should stand behind their food but you also have to remember.
As most humans, we are a humble sort. When a superior or mentor tells us negatives about our product. Ones first action is to apologize and to agree.
Most people do not want to come across as an egomaniac.
Also, you are given 2hours to make something with food not all cooks are comfortable with.
In that time how can you become invested in your product. If I wham bam, a dish and they complain. I’m going to apologize and fix it but if it is a dish I have put thought into and worked hard on. Then and only then you would have a fight on your hands.
Also, I don’t know about you but when im being judged, I just want to get it done with as fast as possible.
That might be another reason why some don’t fight for their food’s rights. They might just want it over with and out of the spotlight for that moment.
I do love the show and I have tried a couple of the dishes at home.
Thank so much,
Erin
posted on October 19, 2006 at 2:28 AM
Crystal wrote:
I am so glad to see you back I loved to watch you cook. I wish I could cook like you. Have you opened a restraunt yet and if yes were.
posted on October 19, 2006 at 2:34 AM
andy wrote:
Harold, i watched the whole first season, and i looked up to you day one when you won the first challenge. I was stoked to see you back on the show, because i knew you were going to win. Im glad you won, and can't wait for you to cook me something. I am an aspiring chef in progress and am working my way up through the fine dining experience. Thank you very much for letting me watch you grow and watching you get for what you have earned. My predictions for season 2, either Sam or Ilan, but we'll see, also - do you have your own web-site, or how can i get information on you or your food, let me know.
Thanks -
andy tanner
posted on October 19, 2006 at 2:41 AM
collie wrote:
Harold,
What have you been up to since winning last season? Did you open a new place yet? If so, where?
posted on October 19, 2006 at 2:54 AM
spoonbread wrote:
I bet it IS hard telling someone to go home, knowing how it is on the otherside and understanding that. But, as you said for one contestant, can they handle going thru the gauntlet, and that's what makes it happen, handling the pressure.
This season looks to be a very good one! I look forword to it!
posted on October 19, 2006 at 3:32 AM
OahuAmateurChef wrote:
This is my favorite blog. Right on Harold! It's a combination of the point's of view from both contestant and judge. Great stuff.
posted on October 19, 2006 at 4:47 AM
Christian wrote:
Harold... PLEASE update us on your restaurant! Did you open it? Are Leanne and Dave working with you there? I also would love to know if you are friends with any of the Project Runway crowd in New York, such as Laura, Jay, Emmett, Tim Gunn or anyone else? My partner and I are huge fans of yours. You rocked last season and we still watch the reruns of the show!
posted on October 19, 2006 at 5:12 AM
Linda wrote:
I was very happy to see you on this seasons show. I also would love to hear more about you and what you have been up to since last years win. I wanted you to win from the first show. Having worked in restaurants most of my life I know how important it is for everyone to get along and you definately had that quality character many hands over Tiffany. Hope to see more of you on the show.
posted on October 19, 2006 at 10:37 AM
Billy Luten wrote:
What an opener! A more focused man I don't think I have seen in quite some time. you and I are birds of a feather, same age, same skills set, same focused drive towards a perfection that some chefs lose sight of in the food world. Congrats on your win. Give LeAnn some love for me too. I hope to be selected for season 3. I had some personal trauma to get over, and season 2 just wasn't in the cards for me this time. I look forward to sampling your cooking first hand. Peace oiut, from Springfield Missouri!!!
Billy Luten, CCC, CPC
posted on October 19, 2006 at 12:11 PM
Tammy wrote:
Harold, it was awesome to have you back on the show. I was so happy when you won last season. You definately stood out above the rest. I wish you well with your new establishment, your career and your life. I look forward to seeing more of you on Top Chef and in the world of food.
posted on October 19, 2006 at 12:39 PM
Margeaux wrote:
Harold, it was cool seeing you on the Season opening of Top Chef 2. I hope you will be a regular and I also hope you do have the opportunity of opening your restaurant in NYC. Great feedback and I see you are still wearing your sandles. Way to go. A man who is ashamed of his feet. Take Care and let us know your future culinary plans. Peace.
posted on October 19, 2006 at 1:37 PM
Tony wrote:
Hello there Harold. I was kind of surprised to see you in the first episode of the season. On "reality shows" they usually bring the previous winner mid-season, nonetheless, it was great to see you. From what I saw, you were great as a judge, maybe you may be a perminent judge? I'm preparing to go off to the Culinary Institute of America in January, and I was wondering if you had any advice for an up and comer. Anyway, glad to see that the originial Top chef is doing really well.....Good luck with the restaurant!!!!!
posted on October 19, 2006 at 3:21 PM
Ellen Gavin wrote:
I feel like ther is a bias against the women on this and many reality shows (Uli should have won last night on PR!). So Harold picks a guy just like him, instead of the African American woman who everyone agreed had the tastiest frogs' legs.
Even last season the redhead does twice the number of dishes in the finals most really well, and loses to Harold who had a lot of misteps (seared tuna in a bowl in the Mission District?) that people seem to forgive. Fairness for crying out loud!
posted on October 19, 2006 at 3:33 PM
sandy wrote:
You did a gr8 job!! So nice to see you return! ;-)))
I personally would still be staring at the 'box'! To me..they were all winners..Holy Moly! The bit on the processed cheese was hilarious! Some of the chefs were looking at it like it was sheetrock! tooo funny! I really enjoyed the show and will even more, when the 'personalities' evolve. Congrats to Ilan and Sam!
posted on October 19, 2006 at 3:33 PM
bj wrote:
Hi Harold,
Watched you the first season and was glad when you won? Have you started your restuarant yet? My sister lives in New York and I visit occasionally. Hope everything is going well.
posted on October 19, 2006 at 4:38 PM
Bradley wrote:
Awesome, I had a feeling they would bring you back as a judge. I had you pegged as the winner from episode one last season. I actually got extra credit from my culinary teacher for guessing right.
posted on October 19, 2006 at 4:40 PM
Emily wrote:
Harold, I think you are so handsome! Do you have a girlfriend? If not, I think you should talk to Bravo about doing some type of one hour special/contest where one lucky girl wins a chance for a cooking lesson/date with you!
posted on October 19, 2006 at 4:41 PM
Brian wrote:
I watched last night and for the life of me I can't get a handle on who I think will end up in the finals! Last year, I pretty much had you Harold and Dave. This year I don't know. I'm divorced and use the microwave and credit card at resturants way too much! So I guess that what draws me to the show. People actually love cooking! They put thought inot their preparations! They create! Maybe I'll try my hand at it more. Good luck with the judging and did you open up your resturant Harold? Where? Did anyone form last year sign on to work with you?
posted on October 19, 2006 at 5:24 PM
MinaT wrote:
Harold:
You are very talented and appear to be quite Humble! Keep up the Good Work, it's so hard to stay grounded once you reach Celebrity Status! I loved ya from the start! I'll Always Remember TOP CHEF #1.
Be Blessed,
MinaT
posted on October 19, 2006 at 6:35 PM
Roy wrote:
Harold:
Please let us know more about your life outside the show (food-wise) and what your are doing with your restaurant. Also, I hope you are a regular judge and not just a guest - it brings a lot more to the show, a little different perspective, and your interaction with the other judges is great. Let us know if we need to write to someone to make you a judge all season. It will be interesting to see who models themselves after you in terms of your courtesy to others and commitment to the tasks rather than the one-upsmanship BS.
posted on October 19, 2006 at 7:11 PM
KarenV wrote:
Harold,
It was a very welcome surprise to see you guest judging in last night's season premiere! I thoroughly enjoyed watching you create some amazing dishes last season and was very pleased when you won.
Congratulations on your restaurant in New York. Can you tell us the address? I try to make annual visits to NYC and would really like to stop by and have a meal.
I agree with you about last night's challenge - it seemed a bit harder to me, too. For the most part, though, I thought the chefs stepped up pretty well.
It sounds like you will be a guest judge on additional episodes. I hope so - I think you bring the unique perspective of the first "Top Chef" winner.
Karen
posted on October 19, 2006 at 7:50 PM
Anthony wrote:
It was wonderful seeing you on the show as a judge. I absolutly loved watching you critique the quick-fire challenge. I hope we see you back again this season!
posted on October 19, 2006 at 8:01 PM
Katie wrote:
We loved seeing you return as a judge this season!!
posted on October 19, 2006 at 9:24 PM
Gigi wrote:
Hi Harold,
My husband and I are great Top Chef fans. Last season we cheered you on and were overjoyed that you won.
I have been keeping an eye out for the opening of your restaurant. We thought that it was scheduled to open this fall? Can you give us some info? We can't wait.
Thanks,
Gigi
posted on October 19, 2006 at 10:05 PM
Sallie wrote:
I felt that in season 1 that Harold was always perfessional even though this show was about drama. I thoght he always showed the right attitude and I wish I could of tried his dishes.
I really enjoy the show.
Sallie T
PS. Harold what is the name of your restaurant?
posted on October 19, 2006 at 10:21 PM
Joanne Robertson wrote:
After being sooo disappointed with Project Runway last night, it was wonderful to see you...I just love you. Most definitely, you are a top chef. I also think it's great that Lee Ann is working with the show as well.
posted on October 19, 2006 at 10:41 PM
Mun Yee L Cooling wrote:
Dear Harold,
My husband Adrian & I love cooking and are huge fans of Season 1. You along with Lee Anne and Dave were our favourites. We enjoyed the last couple of episodes immensely. It cracks us up now everytime we see a bottle of Bombay Sapphire.
Do you think there would every be a chance for you, Lee Anne & Dave to work together? We think it would be a splendid combination.
We would like to extend our sincerest Congratulations on your win and every success on your new restaurant. Please do keep us (all your fans) informed when the restaurant will open. God bless!
Mun Yee L Cooling
posted on October 19, 2006 at 11:51 PM
robert somma wrote:
harold your one true cook on the show the all thing care about the is the food and to make the best show that best comment that you make on one in the right mind get supplys from a supermaket and also you shoulkd regulger judge on the show I think a cook in restunt then gill
posted on October 20, 2006 at 12:04 AM
rebecca wrote:
Hey Harold, it was so nice seeing you again! I hope things are going well for you, and it was great to see a judge who understands how crazy some of the challenges are. I will be looking forward to your blog each week, as you help keep things real. Take care!
posted on October 20, 2006 at 1:59 AM
Kristine wrote:
HAROLD ~ I love you! I was rooting for you since Day One on TC1. Your easygoing, friendly demeanor and off-the-hook skills clearly made you the favorite! Can't wait to check out your new restaurant in NY, the next time I am there! :)
posted on October 20, 2006 at 3:39 AM
megan wrote:
I only saw the last few episodes of last season. I wish I would have watched from the beginning. I started watching because I am a Project Runway buff! I fell in love with Top Chef when I saw Harold cook! You are amazing. I love your underspoken attitude. Not much of an attitude, just confidence. I think the way you cook is sexy...you love what you do!!!!!!!! I would love it if you came to Ohio and cooked for me (incorporate those aphrodisiacs). Truely I am impressed with what these people can do. It would be difficult to choose a favorite!
posted on October 20, 2006 at 4:14 AM
Lorriana wrote:
It was great to see you as a judge! I was really happy that you won last season and your confidence just shined when you were judging.
posted on October 20, 2006 at 10:41 AM
MaryK4d4 wrote:
Harold ~ its great to see you on Episode 1. Last season you excelled above those that resorted to backstabbing, sniping and just plain nastiness. It was refreshing to see someone that put his heart & soul into his craft, come out on top. I really wish this years competitors would leave the bad behavior, curse words and (bad acting) at the door. And just try to wish with their talent and imagination. Like you did. Oh that would be so nice. Anyway...best of luck to you Harold!
posted on October 20, 2006 at 10:59 AM
Lynda wrote:
Hello Harold,
It was great to see again on the 1st show of season 2. I enjoyed your candor as a judge.
I felt that throughout season 1, you were the "Go-to Guy". The rest of chefs seemed to gravitate toward you for advice or support and you in turn treated everyone with respect (including the waitstaff in Las Vegas.) I am curious, whether your restaurant open in NYC. If so, what is the name and location?
Best of luck in the future with all of your culinary endeavors!!
posted on October 20, 2006 at 12:09 PM
Mari Velez wrote:
Harold! YOU ARE SOOO HOT! Last season, I KNEW you would win. Instead of drooling over the food, I was drooling over you. You are so cute! LOL! Glad to see you back!
posted on October 20, 2006 at 2:10 PM
Damion wrote:
Harold: cool cat you seemed real honest and telling it the way it is on your judging!What is the name of your restaurant my friends all want to make the trip from Maine to try your expert cooking!!!???
posted on October 20, 2006 at 2:25 PM
MelanieAnneMcF wrote:
Yes, standing behind the food is a good thing, but the chefs should also have discernment and have some idea as to what was wrong with their recipe's taste or with the presentation. No, they shouldn't fall apart and trash their own food, but possibly come up with an explanation of what they would have done differently and some small idea of what was wrong and why they're standing there with the losing group. Truly having absolutely no idea of what was wrong is a very bad thing. Very happy that you won last season and good to see you back as a guest judge. Look forward to reading your blog.
posted on October 21, 2006 at 7:12 AM
Thomas Bourne wrote:
I was very impressed with your judging on the first episode of Top Chef. Your expert knowledge, communcation skills, and overall professionalism really underscored that you were the correct choice for last season's Top Chef. I wish that you could become a permanent judge for the current season.
posted on October 21, 2006 at 2:37 PM
kayla wrote:
Hey Harold! I'm really glad you won season one-you deserved it! I agree, they're first elimination challenge was much harden than yours, but what you said you would have made if you were in the contestants shoes shows America why you came out on top last season.
posted on October 21, 2006 at 3:42 PM
CW wrote:
Harold, I am so glad you are on TC2 as a judge. They couldn't have chosen a better chef for the job. You seem so honest both as a judge and as a contestant. It's great to have a judge who tells it like he sees it.
I had looked forward to TC this season and now more then ever.
posted on October 21, 2006 at 4:18 PM
karen halgren wrote:
Harold,
I was so pleased you are on Top Chefs as a judge now. I pulled for you the entire time you were on Top Chefs #1. You have a level head, good plans and follow through on your challenges for the day. Keep up the good work.
posted on October 21, 2006 at 7:47 PM
geli wrote:
Bravo + Harold - seriously cool. Sounds insane but Harold - you were my fav to win from the start and it is great to see you back here. Had you not won i would have been upset --- Harold winning really topped it for me and i also liked Leanne and Dave. You certainly got me back for Season 2.
posted on October 21, 2006 at 10:33 PM
Lisa wrote:
I am sooo glad I found your blog, Harold! It sounds like you didn't totally like to be an alum of Top Chef (except for winning, right??? lol). I was happy to see you appear on epi 1, also, but sorry there was no update on what you're doing. I hope in subsequent posts you'll have news to share on your restaurant and seeing other TC 1 graduates and such. Good luck to you. I enjoyed watching you succeed last year with class and integrity.
posted on October 22, 2006 at 1:55 AM
mathew wrote:
marry me harold!
posted on October 22, 2006 at 5:05 PM
tony kinsel wrote:
dear harold,
first off belated congrats on winning tc1. and congrats bravo on bringing back the big fella as a judge on tc2 (please consider making it permanant if ya have time.) your cool and no bs personna is refreshing, and believe me, i've seen it all having 22 yrs in the culinary game. you're even my gf's on screen heartthrob, and that's allright by me.
like the new hostess, and keep up the good work chef tom. you all have a standing invite to come see us (@firenze trattoria) if you're ever in san diego.
your friend, tony kinsel
posted on October 22, 2006 at 6:24 PM
Charles wrote:
I am not sure, though, I think I had a chance to work with you on one of your internships during your school years at Trader Vic's Catering Department. I am glad to see your advancement, achievement and success in the culinary arena and field. God Bless and Continued Growth.
posted on October 22, 2006 at 9:18 PM
Robo wrote:
Harold,
When and where in NYC is your new restaurant going to open?? I can't wait!!!!
Robo
posted on October 23, 2006 at 1:05 AM
Beth Sizemore wrote:
Just wanted to let you know that I am STILL watching reruns of Top Chef I. To be perfectly honest, I always did think that you ARE a Top Chef. Most of my career was spent in the Health Care Profession (Critical Care and Nursing Instructor). Now, I find myself following my "hobby"....cooking (mainly pastries). If my catering business EVER gets established, I hope I can remain as calm and collected as you seem to be. Your demeanor definitely sets the tone for your staff. In my opinion, that is one of the reasons you ARE the TOP CHEF! Now, why am I NOT surprised at all to find that you won't say who the loser is? LOL
posted on October 23, 2006 at 8:24 AM
meliblue wrote:
Well, New York is kind of my personal idea of hell although my significant male other loves it and has tried to infuse me with his love of the city, so unless he drags me there again soon, I won't get to eat at your restaurant. Haven't really enjoyed eating out since law harassed someone in a Mario restaurant in 2005 around us. Environment is very important in a restaurant and I had always said the atmosphere wasn't that important until that incident and one involving screaming lunatic children whose parents absolutely refused to control them at a pizza place. LIke to admit it when I'm wrong and so okay, yes, the restaurant environment and atmosphere is very important because hard to enjoy your food when disturbing things are going on around you that are so completely out of your control. I'm sure your calm attitude will influence the ambiance of your own establishment.
posted on October 23, 2006 at 9:21 AM
Anisley wrote:
First of all, I want to say that Harold is my favorite contestant ever. Not only because of his abilities as a chef but because I think he is so damn adorable. I remember tuning in for Season 1 every Wednesday night without fault. I love you Harold. As for Season 2, I don't have any clear favorite yet. I'm really hoping that this Season we have a female winner. Some of the female contestants really seem up for the challenge. However, I will never betray my Harold.
posted on October 23, 2006 at 12:08 PM
Beverly wrote:
Great blog! I'll look forward to reading it each week. I was one of your fans last season and was happy you were chosen Top Chef. My only disappointment last season was that Lee Ann wasn't chosen as the second place winner.
posted on October 23, 2006 at 1:10 PM
Monica wrote:
Harold,
I hope that you actually read the comments to your blog site. I was unable to catch the premier of the show and am sitting here watching a rerun of it right now.
I thought that you were absolutely exceptional on the first season, you had everything that made you a great chef, and lacked a lot of what great chefs have that really tweaks my last nerve. I really appreciate your approach, ability, and passion.
My boyfriend and I have been facets in the industry for quite a long time, and watching this episode scares me. I know the lures that come along with the job, and I hope that your behaviors have changes since the taping of the show. I think that you are a great guy, please don't let the lifestyle that goes with it make you any less great. On this awesome page of Harold praise, I have to tell you my friend, you don't look healthy. I'd love to talk to you more about it, I don't want to call out all that I see in a public format, I think that would be rude. Please feel free to email me at monica.l.walsh@gmail.com. I promise it's not that bad, and I'm sure that my boyfriend and I could come up with some natural ways to help you out. Much love and respect!
posted on October 23, 2006 at 3:46 PM
Steph wrote:
Harold, yay!! I'm so glad to see you're back (though wearing different shoes this time). I absolutely loved you on season one. You are just the down-to-earth kind of person that this season can use. (I can tell already that there's going to be major drama this season!) You always seemed to take the high road in season one. That, coupled with your obvious expertise as a chef, assured you would be the winner. Top Chef made an extremely wise decision in keeping you on the show, and you can bet I will be an avid reader of your blog. More Harold! Yay!!!! Welcome back!
posted on October 23, 2006 at 6:48 PM
Dorothy wrote:
Harold I was happy to see you win and back on the show as a judge. Did you open your restaurant yet and where is it? I live in NY and want to have dinner there with some friends who also know you from the show. Hope to hear about your restaurant. Do you still see Dave?
Dorothy
posted on October 24, 2006 at 12:17 PM
Sharon wrote:
Well I'll add to the numerous fan comments already here... :)
I LOVE YOU HAROLD!!! I was so so happy to see you, and a lot of air time of you, on this episode!!! You are so down to earth and true to yourself. I'm also so glad Lee Anne is on the website!
Love you, love the show.
posted on October 24, 2006 at 4:45 PM
Sunni Blue wrote:
Hi Harold,
I'm sure you don't have time to answer all these notes people are sending you but, if you do, there is something I'd like to hear your take on.
I'm perplexed and unhappy with the result that eliminated Dave and would like to hear how you felt about it.
Yes, Dave only make two dishes when there should have been three, but what Tiffany made, according to the judges, was pretty bad. So, which is worse, omitting a dish or serving food that is not as palatable as it should be?
They said he would have probably won that challenge if he had made anything at all. Sorry about that, they said it, not me. So how does it stand that, even though tasteless, Tiffany's offering was better of swill was better than Dave's lighter plate? Ok, it wasn't swill, but they didn't have a nice thing to say about it, did they?
Whatcha think, Top Chef?
posted on October 24, 2006 at 8:28 PM
Gilles Deraiche wrote:
I can't believe Harold won the first season's competition.
I just finished watching a rerun of the show where they cooked for the Ladies and Harold made a soup.
The task was to prepare an ENTREE and as far as I know soup is not an entree.
Why didn't the judges pick this up.
posted on October 24, 2006 at 10:12 PM
Jake wrote:
i think every nyer who has watched top chef loves you, so do I!!! when i saw preview of top chef season 2, i thought you might be there to judge contestants... dun~!! i was right....^^ i just hope you have good luck for your bussiness, i wish i could be on of your customer~!
posted on October 25, 2006 at 12:37 AM
Brian wrote:
D-Train,
This is great, you are living the dream. Nobody believes me when I tell them we were buddies at school and partners in multiple classes. There is a woman that comes in my restaurant that is a huge fan for yours and is dieing to meet you. Keep bringing it, buddy.
posted on October 25, 2006 at 2:40 AM
jennifer wrote:
To start, you were my favorite from day one. You're good-looking, smart, humble, and an incredible chef, although I can only imagine that until I visit you restaurant and taste it. I am so proud of you, and I wish you all the success in the world, you certainly deserve it. I was very happy to see you on the new season, although i can only imagine how awkward and hard that was for you. This new group is incredibly diverse, and there's actually a pastry chef in the mix this time. Last season you and Leann were clearly the best of the bunch, and I knew you were going to end up on top, but I'm not so sure this time around. Also, I completely agree with what sunni blue wrote-Dave's food was obviously better than Tiffani's, and it should have been you and Dave in the final challenge. Anyway, good luck with the new restaurant, I'm sure it will be very successful from all your supporters from the show alone. Keep us updated!! Love you, Jennifer-Kansas City, MO
posted on October 25, 2006 at 1:05 PM
Sharnell wrote:
Harold,
I think Lee Ann should have been in the top three because i don't think tiffany's food is good neither is her attitude and when she is confronted she lies. Anyway you deserved to win because you have been true to the food and that's what it's all about.
posted on October 25, 2006 at 6:53 PM
Ciania wrote:
Just started watching Top Chef about two hours ago. Congrats on winning Harold!
posted on October 25, 2006 at 7:15 PM
Christina wrote:
Hey Harold! I am a huge fan of the show. I feel as if I know you all. I am a high school home and careers teacher and have used some of your challenges with my own students. It worked out great! It was so good to see you on the first show. I hope they bring you and the rest of the gang from the first season back on a regular basis. When will you be opening your restaurant? Where in Manhattan will it be? Will you be hiring any of the other top chefs that were on the show? Good luck with your restaurant and with the show!
posted on October 25, 2006 at 7:18 PM
Miriam A. Leon wrote:
Harold,
Besides being a judge now what else will you be doing or what have you done? Have you open your restaurant yet?
posted on October 25, 2006 at 9:02 PM
Thom wrote:
Harold, thanks for taking out tiffany, season one. You deserved it!
posted on October 25, 2006 at 9:56 PM
Joaquin A Lopez wrote:
I havent missed a show yet....im hoping to be on it one of theese times....you're gonna make a great judge! good luck!
posted on October 25, 2006 at 11:06 PM
Celeste wrote:
hi Harold!
You got me glued to Top Chef from the start & to see you back as a judge to the new season was a real treat. A lot of us is excited to visit your restaurant & hopefully meet you, please let us know when you are opening & where. Im sure it will be a pleasure & a wonderful experience. Hope to see more of you on the show....
posted on October 25, 2006 at 11:25 PM
Tim wrote:
Harold, great to see you on Season 2! Hope everything is going well with the new restaurant!
I have to be honest - I had a hard time watching you in the judge's role. It's not you. As we all learned from Season 1, you're a mellow guy that tries not to make waves. You try to be courteous and respectful to everyone, you don't needlessly talk ill of people - which is what made us all love you, but that's a tough thing to do when you have to bring the axe down on a less-than-experienced chef.
I don't know if this was a one-shot for you, of if we'll see/hear more of you - but it was great seeing you again! Good luck with the new restaurant!
posted on October 25, 2006 at 11:33 PM
Janice wrote:
Of all the reality tv stuff out there, this is definately one of my favorite shows, v. useful and entertaining, plus I like to cook, so its cool for me to watch and i have to confess, i like to judge too....without the food tasting part thrown in... I also thought that this group had a very tough first challenge, but I was pretty amazed/impressed at what they came up with, especially the group with the frog legs.... I love frog legs as well and there were a couple of dishes that I would have loved to taste, but all in all, it should be quite interesting to see how this bunch is gonna fare over the coming weeks... Looking forward to watching!
posted on October 27, 2006 at 7:31 PM
Daniela wrote:
Hi Harold first just wanted to say congrats on your win because u are amazing chef and down to earth person. Wish u the best in your life and your restaurant. I love watching the show and thank u bravo for bring back the handsome chef Harold "just cant get enough of u" hope to see u more on tv because u have a lost of fans. love always daniela from Pasco, Washighton
posted on October 28, 2006 at 12:41 AM
KariP wrote:
Hey Top Chef!
It is GREAT to see you back on the show! You were always our favorite, you have such wonderful charisma and unbelievable talent. I did not miss an episode and watched most more than once. I hope this season is as entertaining as the last.
Keep us posted on your new place. I know it will be a success and can't wait to see it and you hopefully!
posted on October 28, 2006 at 1:07 PM
Cathie wrote:
Harold, can't wait for Petriella. What kind of format will you have? Regular menu plus specials; any special ethnicity? Cathie
posted on October 29, 2006 at 9:44 PM
Natalie wrote:
DO YOU HAVE MYSPACE????? I cant find you on myspace and the Harolds that are on there, Im not sure if they are fake or you LOL... would like to be added as a friend if you are!!! Nat
posted on November 1, 2006 at 9:02 PM
Jolene wrote:
Harold
Congratulations on winning Top Chef. I was rooting for you and Leanne to be the top two. I can’t wait to see season two but I am in Canada so that won’t be for a month or two. Just had to ask Are you and Leanne and item? …or are you just good friends?
Congrats again! I love dining out and I can’t wait to try your restaurant if I ever make my way to New York.
posted on December 20, 2006 at 2:29 AM
Abby wrote:
i totally agree that the challenges are harder. i mean, they had to use pig's bolood? and do a cutting edge thanksgiving? and the breakfast challenge? ouch!
posted on January 1, 2007 at 4:43 PM