Jon Hochstat wrote:

Harold,

Great to see you back blogging and to hear your thoughts on Season 3. I think the talent is very strong with this group. I got the chance to meet and speak with all the season 3 chefs that were present at the kick-off the other day in Union Square and they are all nice people and genuinely seemed to get along.

Also happy belated 30th brithday!!!!!!!!

Jon Hochstat

posted on June 14, 2007 at 6:30 PM

KS wrote:

I know someone who went to your new restaurant and LOVED it! They met you too and said you were great! Congrats on the new restaurant!

posted on June 14, 2007 at 6:31 PM

Jeannie wrote:

Want to know how you felt about the competition between Season 1 and Season 2. Is Marcel as obnoxious as he seems? Is Ilan really that immature? I think Tiffani changed. I knew the "pros" from Season 1 were going to beat the kindergarten class of Season 2. Good luck with your restaurant!

posted on June 14, 2007 at 6:41 PM

Alona wrote:

I can't believe no one commented yet!

I'm so glad to see your blog back up again! I read it all last season and I'm looking forward to seeing each episode from your point of view. I didn't watch Season 1 but after I saw the 4 Star All Star I wish I had (oh well, it'll probably be on rerun one day)- no offense to Season 2 but you creamed them.

Season 3 has me really excited. Everyone looks very promising and I can hardly wait to see how far my favorites get (yes, I have favorites after the 1st episode).

posted on June 14, 2007 at 6:51 PM

Jeannie wrote:

Would love to read your thoughts about the 4 Star All Star Cook Off. Is Marcel as obnoxious as he seems to be? Is Ilan as immature as he comes off? Tiffani seems much nicer than she was - did she change? I knew that your team was going to win! Good luck with your restaurant - hope to visit soon.

posted on June 14, 2007 at 7:03 PM

Zico Montoya wrote:

Harold, great to see you blogging again this season. Congrats on your all-star win. It sure looked like Stephen has matured a lot and made a good team captain. He was very complimentary towards you....and also, you were P*ss*d at Marcel! Man, o man, I've never seen you so upset on tv. This season looks very promising. Will you be making any guest judge appearances like you did last season? Good luck, and if I'm ever in NY, I'll make it a point to stop by your restaurant!

Z.M.

posted on June 14, 2007 at 7:12 PM

momjamin wrote:

Hi Harold -- great observations, and good luck w/Perilla. There are still a lot of people to get to know, but I thought Sara M was the cheese "whiz" (fromagier), not Micah?

posted on June 14, 2007 at 7:14 PM

Kris i. wrote:

I am such a TC fan than I felt almost the same way you did, Harold. The first episode made me nervous, watching every second of the show as it unveiled. I had thoughts about every detail, and one of them was about the pad.. I was astounded by how gorgeous their penthouse was- a far cry from your SFO apartment, huh?

posted on June 14, 2007 at 7:47 PM

Donna Cristello wrote:

I was hoping that Harold would win the first seasons challange. He is not boring, means business, has fun when he needs to, but most of all he loves to cook and I just love him!! Thanks Harold you ROCK!!!

posted on June 14, 2007 at 9:38 PM

john wrote:

It's good to see that you are still blogging. With regards to "Mike", don't you mean Howie? He's the only other 'bruiser' other than Joey. Howie looks a bit like George 'The Animal' Steele. One of my picks to win it all, Chef Hung, may say he's the villain but so far he's turning into a fan favorite

posted on June 14, 2007 at 9:41 PM

Selena wrote:

You are an amazing chef. I hope I can visit your restaurant someday soon. Could you please post your recipe for the duck meatballs and gnocchi that you created for the Season 1 vs the weak Season 2 show down? Best of luck.

posted on June 14, 2007 at 10:06 PM

suzukumi wrote:

I just made a reservation for our dinner on 7/7/07! I can't wait to see your restaurant! Looking forward to the great food and the dining experience at Perilla. Hope to see you there!
From suzukumi in Chicago.

posted on June 14, 2007 at 10:27 PM

alanah wrote:

I'm so glad that harold is back with his blog! i always enjoyed reading his the most during the second season because it was always the most honest. I guess the face that he's somewhat of an outsider now helps his perspective. I'm not sure that i love anyone yet this season but there is plenty of time for that. I'm just excited to see the next show!

posted on June 14, 2007 at 10:32 PM

Damian wrote:

Harold! I didn't know your place was open! The website is only a placeholder, so we assumed it wasn't ready yet... You know what they say about assumption. Anyway, can't wait to check it out. That's my favorite part of town. I hope you don't mind if we skip dessert and head to Cones?

posted on June 14, 2007 at 10:57 PM

Heather S. wrote:

It'll be fun to check out your blogs each week... Congratulations on your success with your restaurant, I cant wait to try it out. I had the brief privilege of working with you when you did a Chef-in-residence demonstration while i was attending culinary school at Northampton Community College, and I must say, its nice how far you've come and the success that the show has brought you. Keep up the fantastic work!

posted on June 14, 2007 at 11:00 PM

Renee wrote:

My roommate and I actually said when we saw Tre's dish that it looked like something you would put out. We don't have a favorite yet, but we like Tre - his style of cooking speak to me at least. Clean, well thought, well flavored and gorgeous to look at. Safe doesn't mean crappy, it means well done - at least in my opinion.

posted on June 14, 2007 at 11:40 PM

karen wrote:

Love your blog the best, you been there and know how the chefs are feeling, keep up the great work, its always a pleasure to hear about you, best of luck on your restaurant, its sounds awesome.

posted on June 14, 2007 at 11:57 PM

GrannaConnie wrote:

Great to hear from you again this season. Congrats on your new restaurant. I know it will be a success! I was very excited to see Season 1 win both challenges against Season 2. That was great. I felt bad for Ilan, though. I felt that he should not have had to cook the duck after he made it clear that he did not feel he was up to the challenge. It just emphasized, again, that Season 2 cannot work together.

posted on June 15, 2007 at 12:13 AM

Roy wrote:

Harold.
Glad you're back. Season 2 chefs just did not compare except for Sam. And you proved that last week in the chef's challenge.
I agree with your comments about Clay - you demonsrate that you can be critical without being destructive.
What was with Judge Gail - is "tough" the only word she could come up with?
I look forward to reading your comments each week.
Glad the restaurant is doing well. How about opening the next one in SF?

posted on June 15, 2007 at 1:54 AM

Allan Hopfensperger wrote:

Harold I am proud to say that I love top chef I started watching while in the hospitle and by the time i was out I wanted to see if you or Dave would win. I loved season 2 as well. I have a couple of questions. 1st will you be coming back as a guest judge again is it a chance that sence season 3 tasted what you and the other allstars created mabey you and the other allstars will be able to turn the tables on them? I look forward to reading more of your blogs and thank you for writing them.

posted on June 15, 2007 at 3:30 AM

JavaJunkie wrote:

I look forward to your blogs, Harold! They're always spot on!

posted on June 15, 2007 at 5:54 AM

Amy in FL wrote:

I'll be in NYC in September and we're going to eat at Perilla. I can't wait! Good luck with your blog.

posted on June 15, 2007 at 8:47 AM

Jenn wrote:

Hi Harold!

I most definitely will continue to check back with your blog. I really enjoy reading the blog comments from the judges and also past contestants.

Sounds like the restaurant is going well....I wish you continued success with it!

posted on June 15, 2007 at 8:57 AM

Trish wrote:

Hi Harold,
So glad that your blog is back. I really enjoy reading it. I'm so glad that Perilla is up and running. I was there 2 weeks ago and stopped you to say Hi!! I don't know if you remember but I have to tell you that the food was outstanding. I had the skirt steak with the sunchoke spinach and it was delicious. The group that I was with really enjoyed their meals and your staff was wonderful. We were seated right away and our server was friendly and was knowlegeable about the menu. I will definitly be back. It was sad that Clay seemed out of his element. I'm sure that he's a good chef. The cast seems impressive this season. I give them credit for working with protiens that I have never heard of. Take care Harold and I'll see you at Perilla. Trish

posted on June 15, 2007 at 9:40 AM

Jami Sinclair wrote:

So glad that your back to the blog. And it was treat to see you on the all-start shoow. I was rooting for season one. I hope that you'll make an appearance or 2 on this season. Hope things go well with your new place. If I ever make it there,,,I'll come try it out.
God bless you,
Jami

posted on June 15, 2007 at 9:55 AM

AKS wrote:

I went to Perilla a couple of weeks ago with three friends. I was a bit hesitant to go to Perilla so soon after it opened, because sometimes new restaurants need some time to get into the groove, in my opinion. However, I didn't need to worry. The food was EXCELLENT. We did not leave anything left on our plates! Usually, I don't like "fusion"-style food, but the dishes at Perilla were accented with Asian flavors, and that was very nice. The wine list was short, but there were some very nice options. We had the Spring Mountain sauvignon blanc, which I was surprised to find on the wine list. Also, the wait staff was so courteous and the busing was quick.

PS - the yam gnocci was gummy

posted on June 15, 2007 at 10:56 AM

GoddessLu wrote:

Welcome back Harold, great blog. I wish I lived in NYC (Manhattan specifically). Your food always looked the heartiest and satisfyingly robust.

posted on June 15, 2007 at 1:02 PM

Stephen wrote:

Harold. I have to say I'm so happy for you.. You deserved to win Top Chef. If not for the cooking, definately for your good looks. When I come to New York, Perilla's will be my first stop. You made some amazing food on the show. I was very impressed with your attitude throughout the show. Joe and the crew definately know how to pick 'um.. You have the looks and the skills.. I'm glad you put your winnings to good use. Now we all can enjoy your wonderful food.. Props to ya man.
Stephen from Myrtle Beach South Carolina

posted on June 15, 2007 at 1:27 PM

Lina wrote:

Hi Harold... Congrats on Perilla's! I can't wait to be in NY to go and try your food...
So will you be making a guest appearance on Top Chef in Miami???

posted on June 15, 2007 at 3:59 PM

Marty wrote:

Harold, I'm so glad to hear your restaurant is up and running and doing well. We're going to be in NYC this July, and eating at your new place is now on the itinerary.

I was great seeing you competing again, and thanks for shutting Marcel up.

posted on June 15, 2007 at 4:16 PM

Greg C. wrote:

Harold: The only TRUE Top chef so far!

Glad your blog is back this season; I was afraid Bravo was going to give Ilan a blog and I'd be subjected to how everything-needs-spanish-flavoring-to-be-a-good meal opinions and viewpoints. And thank GOD you annihlilated him in the Cook-Off. I was soooo hoping they would put you two in competetion with each other. You truly showed you were worthy of the title and Ilan, once again showed why he is NOT. I mean, you rsupposed to be TOP CHEF and you don't know how to cook duck...really? I'm by no means a chef, but just from watch the last two seasons I know how to cook duck!! Anyway, good match! Good Victory for Season 1, hoss!!

Keep up the blogs and the good work, my man! And I can't wait to go to Manhattan and go by your resturant. Can't wait to taste your food!!

posted on June 15, 2007 at 4:45 PM

Tracie wrote:

Harold, I love watching Top Chef, and season one outshined season two by miles. You were my favorite all the way through the whole first season. You seemed so humble and approachable, Good luck with the success of your new resteraunt. I hope one day to be able to taste some of your fantastic faire. God Bless. Tracie

posted on June 15, 2007 at 6:13 PM

victoria wrote:

Thanks for returning, Harold. You seem like a really classy guy, and a knowledgeable one (as far as cooking goes- haven't had any chance to find out about other topics). As a former competitor you offer insight that I find very interesting. Keep up the good work, and maybe I'll see you someday at Perilla!

posted on June 15, 2007 at 7:16 PM

Linda wrote:

Harold, Congratulations on the opening of your restaurant and all the rave reviews I've been reading. My husband and I will be taking the trainride from Lancaster PA into NYC sometime next month to let you feed us some of that food that we could only imagine tasting while you were on Top Chef. One question, is it true that you need to make reservations one month in advance?

Linda

posted on June 15, 2007 at 8:15 PM

faith wrote:

Hiya Harold, Im also glad yer doing well in Nyc & that you have put the money you won to good use for yerself.

Curious, what did you think about Howie staying after not finishing his plate, when Dave got booted for the same thing in season 1?

Best of luck to you :)

posted on June 15, 2007 at 10:45 PM

kay wrote:

Hey Harold! So glad to see you on Top Chef again and next time I'm in Manhattan I'll definitely try your restaurant. You and your team made some inspired dishes and made the all star show successful. Why don't you put your restaurant on reality TV so we can watch you cook more! Is Marcel really that annoying?

posted on June 15, 2007 at 11:33 PM

David J Rust wrote:

Great to see your comments return to the Bravo Website, Harold and congratulations on Perilla! While New York is a fair distance from Minneapolis, you can rest assured I'll make your establishment a planned stop on any trip I take to the Big Apple.

And this is something I'd love to find out: how many of your experiences on "Top Chef" do you incorporate into your restaurant? If any, are they for some of what you learned, for a bit of showmanship, or a little bit of both?

Take care and good cooking! :)

posted on June 16, 2007 at 12:06 AM

carmen wrote:

Hi harold! I've recently got hooked on TOP CHEF and they were playing the re-runs of season 1 .. sooo i grew to like u very quick...ur overall personality was great! ... i reallly didn't want Tiffany to win :( haha.. i just thought you would represent top chef season 1 better than all of them. Thought i must admit... dave was pretty good too!! well i hope all is great in NY with your restaurant when i go over there i have to go to your restaurant! take care and good luck with everythign

posted on June 16, 2007 at 1:42 AM

Lynda I wrote:

Hi Harold,

Welcome back to your adoring fans. Love the blog. It is your voice and attitude all the way. Your comments are fair and to the point.

Thanks for letting us know exactly where your restaurant is located. I am familiar with the neighborhood (when I lived in NYC over 30 years ago). It is a great area. Enjoy your success with your new venture!

I am curious: what did you think of the S-1 vs S-2 smack down? Ted Allen implied that some (or all) of you were less than happy to do it. From this side of the set, Tiffani and Stephen seemed the most happy to show their meddle (& meals). You seemed your usual cool self ("grace under fire"). Dave seemed thrown with everything. Ilan was totally out there with his duck dish. The other S-2 crew were more or less surprised about what was to occur. For me, it was my favorite show of any season & I watch the repeats again and again. I had knew that your group would be the overall winners. (Am I being a little "Stephenesque" for saying that?)

posted on June 16, 2007 at 7:59 AM

Cricket wrote:

Congrats to Harold on the opening of his restaurant, I'd love to go try, but we're way down south.

posted on June 16, 2007 at 11:49 AM

Megan Washington wrote:

Hey Harold!
I love reading the blogs from Top Chef and of course the show, I am a high school junior aspiring to become a chef and the people these past seasons so far have acted as huge role models for me. Thanks! I hope season three will be just as enthralling. Someday I hope to make it up to New York from Virginia when I have the time, I will definantely eat at Perilla! Thanks again.
Megan

posted on June 16, 2007 at 11:58 AM

heathh wrote:

Yay, Harold! Have heard great things about Perilla. Congrats!

posted on June 16, 2007 at 1:11 PM

kate wrote:

hi harold,

so glad you will be giving us your opinions again this year, you seem to always say what you think and not sugar coat it.

tell me, in the cook off between season one and two...it seems stephen is much more likeable now,did you notice a change?

thought that first elimination test was very difficult compared to the stuff of last season. looking forward to seeing what they come up with this year.

so far i only know "hung" what a name, not likely you'll forget it.

posted on June 16, 2007 at 2:17 PM

Veronica wrote:

Hi Harold!
The season 1 was so incredible! Iwas amazed by the level of stress you guys went through and how creative the dishes were. I just don't know how you did it, but that only show how talented the chefs were. I have never been to NY, but whenever the opportunity presents, I will definitely would love to stop by your restaurant and taste your food. Are you planning on publishing a cook book or perhaps launch a cooking show of your own? Best wishes!

posted on June 17, 2007 at 12:38 AM

sandra wrote:

I was thinking the same thing when I saw that rooftop penthouse. NOT FAIR! But there will never be another group on Top Chef like first season. I'm so happy for you opening your resturaunt. I don't think I'll ever make it to NY but if you ever decide to open one in FL anywhere let us know. Congrats.

posted on June 17, 2007 at 10:30 AM

littlest ninja wrote:

HAROLD! You rock my world. I may not be a cook (toast is a struggle), but I AM an artist and a writer and I know how hard it can be to reach your dream ...

And you, sir ... you are an inspiration. You fought for what you wanted, you did it fairly and you achieved it.

The work you did on season one, the come back special and in real life is something I really admire.

Good luck and keep rocking out, man.

posted on June 17, 2007 at 12:58 PM

Asia wrote:

Hi Harold!

I will be in NYC the end of this month. I will definetly visit Perilla, I've heard it's a delicious experience!

posted on June 17, 2007 at 6:53 PM

loreen, corona ca wrote:

It was nice watching the reunion of both seasons to compete for charity. I hope you return back for another competition, of course you'll probably be busy with your new restaurant. Congrats on Perilla. I know the judges picked the right winner. You seemed to be the most easygoing, uncomplicated and professional chef of the bunch. Again, congratulations!!

posted on June 17, 2007 at 7:34 PM

Stephanie wrote:

Hi Harold. Glad to see your blogs are back. I noticed that the digs for this season are pretty fancy. Maybe after last season the producers realized that stacking type-A personalities on top of each other for months doesn't make for good television...or at least for good cooking television:-) Hope everything goes great at Perilla. If I'm ever in New York (I'm in Florida), I'll have to stop by. Hope you have a great first year!

posted on June 17, 2007 at 9:06 PM

Amy wrote:

Thank you for your blog. Yours is one of my favorite TC blogs, keep up the good work and if I ever in your area I will be sure to go to your restaurant! Good luck!

posted on June 17, 2007 at 9:33 PM

Maria wrote:

Hi Harold,
Congratulations on opening your restaurant in New York. Next time I'm in the city, I'll definitely make a point of stopping by...but I live in CA so it'll be awhile.
I actually had the same question that an earlier blogger had--what do you think about Howie's vs Dave considering that they both made the same mistake? I definitely agree with the judges decision to send Clay home but I didn't agree in Season 1 when they sent Dave home as opposed to Tiffany.
I very much enjoyed the Season 1 vs Season 2 episode... it was good to see the top 3 chefs from each season go head to head.
Take care and much luck in the future!!

posted on June 18, 2007 at 2:54 AM

Nikki wrote:

Season 1 definetly seemed more professional than season 2. I thought you and Dave were awesome! I like how season 3 started out. I was impressed to see that the top 2 winners in the challenge admitted to the judges that eachothers food was delicious. Lets see if that professionalism lasts. Congrats on Perilla!

posted on June 19, 2007 at 4:53 AM

Amelia wrote:

You are a class act, Harold!

I can't wait to come to your new place!

best,
Amelia

posted on June 19, 2007 at 6:12 PM

Mike wrote:

Hey Chef Harold,

I must say that you truly inspired me as a young apprentice! I started watching the show the first season, and since day 1 in the first episode I was hoping you would win. You can tell that food really inspires you and just your combinations of food are incredible! I just want to congradulate you and tell you that you really inspire us cooks hoping to be what you are, "Top Chef" Good Luck my friend!

posted on June 19, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Rachel Fowler wrote:

Had dinner at Perilla july 8th, DELICIOUS!
I had the duck gnocci and the skate, and the sticky coconut cake - wonderful wonderful... it was great to finally get to taste some of Harold's cooking after dutifully watching the show! The restaurant is beautiful, terrific wine list (we had a rose from Italy, yum) and the service was attentive, but not overly rushed. A lovely leisurely experience.
CONGRATS!!!

posted on June 20, 2007 at 3:04 PM

Heather wrote:

Harold - had dinner at Perilla Monday night, wrote a review on a few web sites, Zagat included. It was a perfect experience on all fronts. Best of luck.
~HB

posted on June 20, 2007 at 10:35 PM

JENNIE KING wrote:

harold,
i went to perilla last saturday night with my mom and boyfriend and it was A MA ZING. i was wearing a yellow dress and you came out to say happy birthday to me. it was so nice and i was glad to see that little pencil behind your ear.
bye.

posted on June 20, 2007 at 11:21 PM

Linda wrote:

Hi Harold,
First, congrats on your new restaurant..I was so happy to see you again in the All Star and i knew you guys would kick butt..I'll be looking forward to your blogs this season..

posted on June 21, 2007 at 1:51 AM

Pamela wrote:

omg i am so happy for you. YOU ROCK! i am definetly going to go to your resterant!!!

posted on June 21, 2007 at 11:59 AM

Kim wrote:

Hello-This is quite new for me -blogging (technology-EEEK!!!) but I love watching "Top Chef". Your blogs (I've read all of them yesterday) are quite humorous. I was disappointed that there were no blogs for the 4 star challenges. :( WHY??? I 'm just curious...what were the Chefs' thinking at the time? Lastly, I genuinely wish you the best with your career.

posted on June 26, 2007 at 10:29 AM

Lenny wrote:

Hi Harold

I can't wait until I get the time off to come to the city and check out your rest. You were the best in all the seasons. I never though I would be into the show like that but people like you made it worth the while. You have such a humble spirit and everybody loves you. Good Luck and can't wait to meet you.
Look out for me when I come

Lenny in CT

posted on June 28, 2007 at 5:17 PM

Cyn (Manila) wrote:

Great to see Harold back blogging!!!! (Seriously, I was SO afraid that it would Elan -- eeew).

CONGRATULATIONS on Perilla. I managed to stop by during your soft opening, and it was AWESOME. I count myself lucky since I live around the world. Literally. So if you opened one week later, I would've completely missed it!

And thanks for sticking around to blog about Season 3. :)

posted on July 1, 2007 at 8:57 PM

KIMBERLY DIXON wrote:

Harold congradulations on opening your resturant, that's awesome. I never get into reality shows, but I couldn't stop watching Top Chef. I think you are a spectacular cook and my favorite to watch on t.v. I noticed on other comments that your birthday just passed, so happy belated birthday. Mine passed recently in June. Anyway, I just wanted to say you ROCK! Good luck with your business, I'm sure you will do well.

posted on July 5, 2007 at 3:12 AM

lori wrote:

Hey Harold!!! I love Top Chef!! I make my boyfriend watch it with me now and he enjoys it, too. Congrats on the restaurant. I think its great that you have come soo far from the first season.

posted on July 8, 2007 at 6:51 PM

lori wrote:

Hey Harold!!! I love Top Chef!! I make my boyfriend watch it with me now and he enjoys it, too. Congrats on the restaurant. I think its great that you have come soo far from the first season.

posted on July 8, 2007 at 6:51 PM

Sherrill wrote:

Harold,

So great to see that you are keeping up with the new show. While some of them look good, some of them appear to have made the show for publicity and not cooking. Can't wait to get your take on who the new Top Chef may be.

posted on July 11, 2007 at 5:44 PM

linda welchman wrote:

Harold,

My husband and I recently had the pleasure of dining at perilla's. Fantastic food, service and staff. You did a wonderful job turning a rather small space into a lovely dining area.

Needless to say, we will be back

Linda

posted on July 19, 2007 at 10:59 PM

linda welchman wrote:

harold,

My husband and I recently had the pleasure of dining at Perilla's.
The food was fantastic, the service flawless , and the staff friendly. Not to mention your ability to transfer a small facility into a beatiful and relaxing experience.

We will return.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 11:09 PM

Virginia wrote:

Harold,
I missed the last episode when the winner was pick, i am so glad that you made it as TOP CHEF. From day one i liked you style of cooking. I know i dont have to say good luck because you natural. Enjoy what you do best COOKING

posted on July 30, 2007 at 6:01 AM

Chantal wrote:

Congrats on the restaurant you sexy thing you! Harold, you and your season introduced me to the wonderful "Top chef" world and I'm hooked. You are an inspiration to aspiring chefs like myself. P.S. I've had the wildest CRUSH on you since around the 3rd episode of the first season. Love the flipflops, would love to kiss your face! Love, Chantal.

posted on August 1, 2007 at 1:41 PM