Donna wrote:

Hi Howard,

Love you man, when I come to NYC the next time I'll have to eat at your new place. I too like simple foods with clean taste. Love the incite you give to each show through your blog, keep it coming.

posted on June 29, 2007 at 4:15 PM

Rachael wrote:

I got a kick out of the pre-made potatoes in this episode, too; I think it was successful for him and smart of him to realize he just didn't have the time so I can't hold that against him. There was some use of pre-made ingredients in a challenge last season too but apparently neither of those instances are as big a crime as the wedding cake fiasco! Ultimately it's funny because there's just no way that a scratch-baked cake would have been feasible given the conditions for your challenge.

And hey, I admit it: cakes out of a box aren't all THAT bad anyway, right? You have to make do with what you've got!

posted on June 29, 2007 at 4:43 PM

Alan wrote:

Harold, I'll never forget that your frozen chicken wings were the favorite among the poker players, so yes, you never know how things will turn out even with pre-made items. I guess it's all in how it's prepared, not where it originally came from that's more important.

In a way, it's good that Micah went home early. It seemed clear that she really didn't want to be here. I'm not sure what her expectations were, however.

posted on June 29, 2007 at 5:19 PM

sandra wrote:

What did you think when Micah was hitting that conch with a pan?! It's like you said, it's better just to leave it out. It made her look just a little incompetent and it probably cost her some time and then the rest of the dish suffered. I really think she is a good chef, just couldn't handle the pressure.

posted on June 29, 2007 at 7:12 PM

jo wrote:

Harold: I agree with your assessment of this week's show. As for Micah, it seemed awfully soon for her to be missing her child. Also, when she won a challenge, all of a sudden she was happy again. Don't these contestants know what being away from their family is like? Surely they could either brave it out or consider the absences from their loved ones before entering this contest. I do wish they'd show more of the women though.

posted on June 29, 2007 at 8:29 PM

Andrea wrote:

Harold,
My sister, mother, and I recently, well today, visited Perilla, and loved it there. It was a great atmosphere and the service there was great. Everything there was nice, the waitstaff, even the hostess came over a few times to see how things went. (And we even saw Lee Anne stop by!) Truly a great experience.

Being a big Top Chef fan, it's great to see you comment. I do think Hung does try to resonate an image that doesn't quite fit, and it is a bit bothersome, but it does add a little drama, I s'pose. I think MIcah wanted to leave, just because she can't quite focus. And I was a bit disappointed with CJ's and Lia's dishes. I feel like they're better than that, and I'm also kind of rooting for them. Great to see you comment!

posted on June 29, 2007 at 9:20 PM

Nancy S. wrote:

I think Hung is a prima donna. He was really annoyed not to be in the top three. I mean, come on, you can't always be the winner, pal. He also turned the oven off and said it wasn't his problem to worry about someone else's food. I think he is all the things that Marcel was accused of, but was really not.
I was sad about Micah, but she was never going to make it to the end. I do like all of these people this season, except Hung.
Even Joey, when he isn't acting so insecure, is okay. I think he'll get eliminated soon, though.
I also want to note that the judges' faces were priceless in this episode. Some of those dishes were kind of scary, clearly!

posted on June 29, 2007 at 9:37 PM

Cheryl wrote:

Hey Harold,
I love reading your blog. You did it first, you did it best and you did it with class. You are such a positive role model and I really looking forward to hearing your insights. You guys all make cooking look so easy (which it's not!!). I can't wait to make the pilgrimage to NYC to check out your place! Cheryl in MN

posted on June 29, 2007 at 9:48 PM

JavaJunkie wrote:

Always love reading your pov! Happy 4th!
xoxoxox

posted on June 30, 2007 at 12:51 AM

Leeann wrote:

Harold- I liked Dale's use of the instant potatoes for the dough. Smart use of time and it felt like something a cook at home would do. This season is turning out to be really exciting--the chefs keep moving from top to bottom to top. There are so many chefs to root for--I was sorry to see Micah go. In her short time on the show, she did some really interesting dishes and it's too bad we didn't get to see more of her. I think CJ had a good idea, but as Tom said the execution couldn't quite come together.
So Harold, I know Leanne is the one who works behind the scenes, but if you had the opportunity to design a challenge for Top Chef , what task would you think up for them?
Glad to hear things are going great at Perilla! You definitely deserve the success. Have a great 4th! What are you cooking?

posted on June 30, 2007 at 1:58 AM

Andy B. wrote:

Hey Harold, glad your blogging. I'm glad Howie was able to redeem himself by winning the elimination challenge. As for Micah, I think her goose was cooked with the comment she made to the judges saying Americans love their ketchup. A no no to say to renown chefs. I also didn't like her yuk face she made towards American comfort food and Meatloaf in general. I'm so glad she got eliminated. She misses her child, give me a brake, why did she sign up for T.C. 3 in the first place.

Looking forward to your continued blogging all season.

posted on June 30, 2007 at 3:22 PM

Trish wrote:

Hi Harold,
I feel l like I'm writing to an old friend when I post a comment to you. After watching you on season 1 and following your progress, I am so glad that things are going well for you at Perilla. Of course eating at Perilla and meeting you was a highlight for me. I can't wait to come back and have that skirt steak again. Also, I have to say that your pastry chef is outstanding. That chocolate cake was to die for and I could have eaten 2 more. Also, the cookies were yummy and a really nice personal touch. Anyway, I'm kind of glad that Micah was told to pack up her knives and go. It didn't seem that her heart was in the competition. Nice to see Howie step up but the sweat dripping in the food was gross. I have to say that at this time Tre and Hung (even though he's slightly annoying) are headed to the end. I could not believe Hung did not clean up after himself. Lia was right to say what she did. No wonder him and Marcel are friends. I really like Brian and CJ too. Well, we'll see how the competition goes. Also, are any of your old castmates in the kitchen at Perilla? I spent so much time looking around the restaurant for familiar faces I gave myself a stiff neck!!!!!!!! Again, it was great to meet you and I hope that you are very successful. Trish

posted on June 30, 2007 at 5:41 PM

WK wrote:

I think Micah used absence from her child as an excuse. She seemed to focus well when she was winning and then to miss her child more when she was losing. It was not a valid or believable situation. I think that she was way over her head. She may be a great chef ... in other situations.

posted on June 30, 2007 at 7:18 PM

Dave wrote:

Harold,
Man did I get a kick outta you telling Marcel to stop acting like a little kid in the season one vs two show! I was rolling on the floor. I think they may need to have you come on a show and put the smack down on hung as well, there needs to be more chefs on this show with your kitchen demeanor; just put your head down, get your work done, and be professional and respectful. Anyway congrats on the new digs I look forward to visiting. I have been in the food service industry for for 15 years, and am moving to NYC soon.. how bout a Job?

:)

posted on June 30, 2007 at 10:55 PM

Dana wrote:

Hi Harold. It'll be interesting to see if you're right about Hung. He has to end up in the finals, so I guess there will be plenty of time for him to show his true colors. I hope Tre goes the distance too.

Howie is my favorite on a personal level. He seems like a hard worker, straight forward, not an ego maniac -- an all-around good guy. He kind of reminds me of Vinnie on Orange County Choppers (anyone agree?). So I hope he sticks around as well.

posted on July 1, 2007 at 3:51 PM

gregg wrote:

Been in the business for almost 2 decades, but on the other side, y'see i am a waiter. It would be an honor to work for you, you get it. Good luck and Peace.

posted on July 1, 2007 at 9:28 PM

Kate wrote:

HI
What I really want to know is if you have opened your new restaurant yet? If so, what's the name and where is it? I thought I recalled you were going to open one in NYC. I would love to go there and enjoy a meal and say hello.

posted on July 3, 2007 at 10:07 AM

Liz wrote:

Hi Harold,

I just wanted to tell you what a genuine class-act you are. I truly feel your represent the "reality" television spectrum with dignity and complete knowledge cooking. You by far are the best Top Chef and I appreciate reading your blogs and opinions of the episodes that are airing. Top Chef is the only TV show I make an effort to watch and reading your comments definitely enhances the whole competition. I would love to come to your new restaurant in NYC and hope I can make the trip out there in the near future. Congratulations on your continued success.

Liz, Buffalo NY

posted on July 4, 2007 at 10:48 PM

kryss wrote:

it's so interesting to read your thoughts... just a couple questions; do you keep in touch with anyone from your season? do you ever read websites and forums and if so, is it odd to see all the debates of whether you or Sam are the most attractive?

Thanks for taking the time to put your thoughts out there for us! :)

posted on July 5, 2007 at 1:59 AM

Teresa wrote:

Hello Harold,
You are and will be my favorite of the TOP CHEF inductees. You respect others, you are creative when it comes to your dishes. and you have a professional demenor that comes natural which makes people feel warm and welcome. I think you are on the right track you should stay with your Traditional Hearty seasonings. It really doesn't matter what cooking venture you do because you bring yourself into the meal and that what makes it delectable. You are hearth and home. Never lose yourself.

posted on July 5, 2007 at 12:01 PM

Jonathan wrote:

Harold,

I'm always a fan of how even-handed, candid, and insightful your posts are. It really enriches the watching experience.

I have reservations at Perilla next week--I'm excited!

Keep up the amazing work!

posted on July 5, 2007 at 1:16 PM

Morgaine Swann wrote:

Harold - I know Micah talked about her daughter a lot, but I got the impression that she was really uncomfortable around the other people. Did you notice that the people who had the most trouble with the comfort foods were non-Americans who hadn't encountered them before? I don't think Micah really understood what a meatloaf is/isn't, and the other girl didn't really "get it" where chicken a la king was concerned. I felt as if they were at a real disadvantage.

posted on July 6, 2007 at 6:51 PM

Katrina wrote:

Harold, after watching you in Top Chef I'm really looking forward to getting a taste of your creations in your restaurant!

Haven't been following the blog, what's the name of your restaurant and where in NY is it at?

Best Regards!~

posted on July 7, 2007 at 11:01 AM

Christy wrote:

Hi Harold!

I've been hooked since season 1 and I said all along that you were the real deal. I hope to make it to NYC to experience Perilla! Congrats!

Hung...I'm already tired of his childish behavior..just cook the food and let it speak for you.

I was really let down by the lack of creativity in re-inventing American favorites. As a single mom...I could have blown most of the dishes out of the water on a much smaller budget.

I love the show..can't wait to watch on Wed.

:) Christy

posted on July 7, 2007 at 12:19 PM

Cristina Delgadillo wrote:

Hi there,this is the first comment I send to harold,I just want to say ,for me you the best chef,not only for the food,is the way you are!keep the same always,and I hope to meet you someday at your restaurant of course, to enjoy your great dishes.Gracias por leer mi correo.Cristina

posted on July 7, 2007 at 9:36 PM

jayne wrote:

Great blog and insights Harold. I like the chefs this season so much more than last season. Even Hung is preferable to the finalists from last season. I think he is trying to look like a badass, but, is a sophisticated chef and confident guy. The only chef who I didn't warm up to was Micah because it really annoys me when people from other countries constantly seem to put Americans down. I swear, every other comment she made was to point out how she's a south african, like that makes her a superior person. She seemed to be the weakest link, not necessarily as a chef, but, as a drama queen. I thought it was ironic that she pointed out in her comments at the end of the show how the others are cutthroat and she's glad to be going because she's not like that. Wow, her ego!

posted on July 9, 2007 at 1:17 AM

billy luten wrote:

Harold! Kudos on your opening, no one deserves it like you! Micah had to go. Issues like a roll of tissues. She was a great winner, reserved and bashful, but when she lost, the cloak came off, and there stood Micah... the real Micah. I miss my child... I am a single parnet raising an 8 year old... I leave my child everyday. I call major BS on Micah! Can anyone say floor spice as to Hung's attitude? I think that Stephen could cook circles around this pretentious primadonna. Ugh... Go CJ.... and Tré... you are my doppleganger! When I first saw you on TC S4... I thought I found my other half LOL! You rock Buddy!!!!!! Go for it.. don't hold back or play it safe! Peace!

posted on July 10, 2007 at 9:13 PM

Pop Cultured wrote:

You were hilarious in Season 1 when you guys didn't sleep (i think) the night before the challenge where you had to create your own restaurant kinda. I think it was 2 teams of 3 and you just stayed in the back, cooked with your head down knowing you were safe if you could just get past this one. Stephen ran around like a chicken with its head cut off, overanalyzing wine for every guest. It was so funny and I'm laughing now by myself just thinking of it.

I picked you from very early on so I guess we will have to come visit you in NYC and see what your food is all about. Hope all is well.

posted on July 11, 2007 at 11:05 AM

Marie wrote:

Wonderful luck in your new restaurant, Harold...You're such a class act....really the best of the best....

posted on July 11, 2007 at 7:25 PM

Carrie wrote:

Harold:Thank you for commenting on Hung. I was telling Marcel that integrity is important and that when your friends show a lack of it that can reflect on you ecspecially when you are standing up for them. When he put that oven on cool down I truly think he knew what he was doing. Over both seasons you stand out to me that you are still the original Top Chef. I think that has we progress in this season we will see that sometimes back to the root cooking is the way to go.

posted on July 11, 2007 at 7:44 PM