kroo wrote:

Great commentary as usual Harold! I agree--i didn't like the guest judge either.

posted on July 18, 2007 at 11:11 PM

juni wrote:

Very entertaining observations. Thanks for explaining about the hot boxes. An environment like that can make a difference. I do agree about Howie skating by with pork again. And it is funny to see the 2 brusiers hugging and saying nice things about each other. All in all, this seaaon has more mature people on it, as opposed to last season's really icky personalities.

posted on July 18, 2007 at 11:29 PM

sally wrote:

Harold,

You are killing me.Your commentary is ...as they say....spot on.I am amazed at how you write the things I am thinking...down to the Tres didnt get much camera time remark.Oh my ,you are hilarious. I luv this blog.

posted on July 18, 2007 at 11:31 PM

Katie wrote:

I agree 100 percent about Lia. She has been my absolute favorite since day one. She's a great chef and just missed the mark a smidge. She is also the only one who I would have eaten all of her dishes no questions asked. I'm Very sad to see her go and hope that she's having a successful career now and in the future.

posted on July 18, 2007 at 11:31 PM

ceejay wrote:

I don't know, Harold. I love you to death, but please explain and elaborate on why you love Hung, 'cuz I plainly don't get it. If you could buy the guy for what he is worth and sell him for what he THINKS he is worth, you'd make a million! He is an egomaniac blowhard who is pretty regularly named in the least favorite group. Plus, I have to tell you, if he'd almost slice me while running around with a knife like he did Casey, I would have decked him on the spot -- and I'm old enough to be his mother! I also don't get how Casey, with overcooked rice and dried out chicken made the cut. The producers and Tom Colicchio love DRAMA, so just keep manipulating the "competition". Baloney.

posted on July 18, 2007 at 11:35 PM

eddie wrote:

I can't agree with you more, I felt like anything the contestants did to show their uniqueness she shot down. Just her facial expressions when trying the food made me want to turn off the television tonight. I am not a chef or anything, but I have been in the hospitality industry since I was 13 and I am 28 now so I think I know a little bit about the food industry and know good food when I taste it. I think Frumpystiltskin has to realize is these guys are under a lot of pressure trying to impress each judge and I am sure that the food that they are putting out doesn't deserve some of the faces that she makes.

posted on July 18, 2007 at 11:36 PM

Clay Colwell wrote:

Just wanted to add my congratulations on the opening of Perilla.

I was glad for the editing on this episode for highlighting what I suspect was the kiss-of-death for Lia: that everyone at a table left her food uneaten. That made it a lot clearer for the viewer where the judges' decision was coming from.

Thank you for your comments on Hung. Is it my imagination, or is he pathologically incapable of accepting criticism?

posted on July 18, 2007 at 11:43 PM

jenna wrote:

I loved the part where you said that Hung's monkey wasnt there for him anymore. I thought the exact same thing after he kept using lines like "sure, white wine is good to use...but my monkey could do that" good commentaries.

posted on July 18, 2007 at 11:57 PM

Morgaine Swann wrote:

I was shocked about Lia, too. I really liked her and I thought her food looked good. I think it gets confusing - one week they want you to stretch and take chances, the next week they want you to be very traditional. That's crazy and stressful. No wonder they fight.

And, yes, Hung needs to settle down. He's not impressing anybody and being that wild with a knife in your hand is ridiculous.

Thanks for posting! Next time I'm in NYC, Perilla is on the top of my list!

posted on July 18, 2007 at 11:58 PM

helenOtroy wrote:

i have to disagree Lia seemed a little blah... not bland ;P
but i thought casey (kc) should have gone- she hasn't been all that impressive at all

posted on July 19, 2007 at 12:13 AM

Nadine wrote:

Great episode! And your comments were delightful. I got a big kick out of seeing Joey and Howie doing their tweedledum-tweedledee thang...I really enjoyed it. Every one of those dishes in the elimination challenge looked mouth-watering. I had to run to the fridge and eat some tapenade. I was aching for some Arroz con pollo, although I thought the same thing when he said he was making it. Arroz con pollo?? It better have lobster in it.... This is turning out to be a very lovable bunch of contestants. Sorry to see any of them go.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 12:14 AM

Stephanie P wrote:

Hi Harold. Great blog. I thought it was hilarious how you mentioned Hung's metaphorical monkey. I also really enjoyed watching Howie and Joey's love-hate-teamsters-of-the-kitchen exchanges. I bet they throw each other under when they're at the losing table though.

I was actually disappointed in the Quickfire. In the last episode, the judges went on a rant about "no pastry" and how they knew that none of the chefs had pastry experience. And now, surprise, you need to have pastry skills (if cooking with a ready-made pie crust counts as having pastry skills).

posted on July 19, 2007 at 12:35 AM

Janet wrote:

I agree with your comments,I was very dissapointment with Lia been eliminated. In my honest opinion Susan N should have been the one to go or Hung,Susan N dish was not an entree,more of an appetizer,and Hung's arroz con pollo no one liked and in this
elimination the best judges were the cast from the telenovela.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 12:41 AM

chantel wrote:

Stuck in a hotel that DOES NOT carry Bravo--thank goodness you are "watching what happens" for me!! My face fell though, when I read about Lia. OH could I think of far weaker people to go!! Didnt see the Hung knife incident obviously, and the epi recap didnt go into it either, cant wait to see the reruns to see what the hell that was all about! Heart ya Harold!

posted on July 19, 2007 at 12:53 AM

Jason wrote:

I wish you had your own show on TV. I miss watching you. Even if Top Chef went to season 17, I think you would hands down win over anyone.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 12:54 AM

Cherie wrote:

Harold-
Don't you think Colicchio is very quick to vote a woman off over a man? Be honest. I'm thinking of starting a petition to have Coliccio voted off and replaced with a talented, even-tempered, sensitive, subtle non-bruiser WOMAN. Just think how different the judging on the show would go!

posted on July 19, 2007 at 12:57 AM

Tiaj Fuudie wrote:

Personally I think the chefs would be much better served early on by having contestants from previous seasons judging them. Granted, Bordain is the shit. But the other judges have really thrown the chefs off their game. And it hurts TC. Great blog as always H.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 1:11 AM

Tanya A wrote:

Howie and Joey are a great comedy team. I look forward to hearing Joey say, "Howie, You Are a Mental Case!"

They're way cool.

Tanya A.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 1:51 AM

tiptop manager wrote:

Great comments Harold. Like you I found the guest judge frumpy and hard to understand.

Best wishes with your restaurant!

posted on July 19, 2007 at 2:18 AM

sabrinasmom wrote:

You didn't hear? Hung's monkey is Marcel and he wasn't there with his bag of chemicals to help Hung's pie set.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 2:57 AM

FanFare wrote:

Hi Harold,

I love your blog from start to finish! It's great. The same impression crossed my mind regarding the guest judge (including how appropriate her name was to illustrate her manner). She certainly was very dour. I also thought that Brian deserved an honorable mention for his efforts. All of his tarts looked as good as Joey's (maybe better because they were a 4 course mini meal.)

However, regarding Howie's preparation of pork (ad nauseum, literally): Can't he make something else for a change? I hate watching him cook and sweat into his food. He looks as though he is going through menopause.

I thought that Sara N's dish was no more than an starter (chips & dip, anyone?) and therefore, should have given her the gate.

Hung seems to be slipping lately. Hopefully, he will keep his knives to himself. His arrogance may cost him down the line because he cannot recognize when a dish does not work.

Thank you for your perceptive insights! I am a huge fan of yours and I can't wait to come to Perilla!

posted on July 19, 2007 at 8:19 AM

Christine wrote:

Howie...pork with slaw, over and over and over..........

posted on July 19, 2007 at 8:52 AM

Rachel wrote:

I think Anthony fondly calls Howie & Joey the "Blockhead Brothers," and I most assuredly agree with him. It was hilarious watching them together, and kind of touching in a disturbing sort of way. Hung is definitely going to "hang" himself with his attitude and belligerence. I agree with you about Lia. As a viewer I can sense the talent there. You as a chef have a different perspective on where the potential is going, but I appreciated her go with the flow attitude and her professionalism in the kitchen.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 9:37 AM

Karen Kalteissen wrote:

Hung ending up at the bottom a couple of times is not only gratifying as a human being to watch hubris brought down, but will probably make him a better chef. He's god but not that good, and he'll be a whole lot better when he learns not to try to argue with the judges. He coud have learned something from Mr. Bombay and from Ms. Pastry. I doubt he did.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 9:48 AM

Donna wrote:

Talk about bad recipes... Hung is like Steven (Season 1) and the "foam" guy (I forget his name!- Season 2) wrapped into one.

Harold -- Until yesterday, I had NEVER "blogged" but I couldn't resist. Congrats on your win in Season 1. Please know there are some of us watching that believe no season will be better than 1! I thought Season 2 lacked talent and I'm hoping Season 3 gets better!

posted on July 19, 2007 at 10:05 AM

Sue wrote:

I don't get it. Lia did not seem all that great and several of her dishes were really bad. Can you tell me what you mean about her pedigree? Isn't she self-taught? I guess because she's working with one of the best chefs, that qualifies her. Well I was glad to see her go as I really like those other 3.

And what is with Howie and his pork. I personally find it the least favorite of any meat, it is dry and fatty as well. And I would never ever eat any of Howie's dishes with the constant sweat hanging from his nose. I had originally thought that was an editing shot and but every time he's in the kitchen you see is hanging from his nose. EWWW!!!

posted on July 19, 2007 at 10:10 AM

John wrote:

Casey is so HOT. Harold would you mind asking the producers to show more scenes of her in a bikini? Looking forward to visiting Perilla - Season 1 is still by far the best. There is no comparison. I'm still in awe of the transformation Stephen underwent. He is so likeable now but I really wanted to knock him out during the show. Even Tiffany is cool and I respect her now, but only because she lost twice - lost the competition AND her dignity.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 10:13 AM

Peter wrote:

It's probably just a coincidence, but this isn't shaping up as a good season for women. Clay may have been the first to go, but since then there have been four women in a row packing their knives.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 11:00 AM

Bilybob wrote:

Hi Harold,

Love your posts every week.
What is with Hung?!?! If I'm reading you "Top Cheftestants" right, your most prized possessions are your knives. Why in the world would anyone be running around in a kitchen with one of them like that? I think he creates good dishes, sometimes, but he really can't take criticism and that's something that a chef needs in order to become a Top Chef. You proved that in Season One on a regular basis.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 11:48 AM

Jackie wrote:

Top Chef is one of my favorite shows and I never miss it. Yours is always the first blog I read. (Tom's is the next.) Your commentary is intelligent and insightful and often expands my understanding of some of the events and comments that are made. I am an inveterate proofreader, though, and I must tell you -- it is not "Latin palettes," but "palates." Please accept this minor criticism in the spirit in which it is given -- as a loving friend and admirer.

EDITOR'S NOTE: THANKS FOR THE CATCH! IT HAS BEEN FIXED.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 12:00 PM

Siolo wrote:

Hi Harold,

Thanks for the blog, I look forward to reading it every week. Sad to see Lia go, I was betting on her for the final three - literally - oh well. (Oh yes, Top Chef betting pool) I love the turn the Howie/Joey relationship has taken, they were like best buds in this episode, so funny! Thanks again for the insightful comments!

posted on July 19, 2007 at 12:18 PM

Linda wrote:

Harold, love your blog, can't wait to get to NY to taste your food. I used to do pastry professionally in some pretty high end Chicago restaurants, so I have seen quite a range of chef temperaments. You are a credit to the industry. You always seem to keep your cool and treat others in the kitchen professionally. If I were still doing pastry, I would drop everything for the chance to work with you! I was cheering for you from the beginning of Season 1. Season 2 just didn't compare. Best wishes for great success with Perilla!

posted on July 19, 2007 at 12:25 PM

gary e. wrote:

Harold: great blog I injoy your keen witt. I still think the first season was the best, Lee Anne, Dave, and you were the ones that made the season so special, Tiffany was someone that no one could trust. but! did add a bit of i love to hate drama to it. I also did not care for the guest judge, as ever your blogs are great, keep them coming. and best of luck.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 12:46 PM

gary e. wrote:

Harold: great blog I injoy your keen witt. I still think the first season was the best, Lee Anne, Dave, and you were the ones that made the season so special, Tiffany was someone that no one could trust. but! did add a bit of i love to hate drama to it. I also did not care for the guest judge, as ever your blogs are great, keep them coming. and best of luck.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 12:46 PM

Trish wrote:

Hey there Harold,
I was very suprised to see Lia go. I really thought that Casey was getting the axe this week considering she made the worst dish last week. I also have to say that Howie is grossing me out with the sweating. Can't he keep a cool towel nearby?? Is it really that hot in the kitchen????? I'm also starting to believe that he doesn't know how to cook anything besides pork. I can't believe that Tom has yet to point this out at judg'es table. I feel that Hung's true colors are coming out. He really cannot take any constructive critisicms. Also, whenever another contestant wins, he never claps for them. Thats arrogance. That guest judge last night was a joke. Never heard of her. She looked bored and uncomfortable. Are they ever bringing you or any of the other season contestants to be a judge????? I thought you were great as a guest judge in season 2. Anyway, I am looking forward to eating at Perilla again soon. I'm sure that you are doing well there. Never ever change that menu. Especially the chocolate cake!!!!!!!!!!!! Trish

posted on July 19, 2007 at 1:42 PM

Nancy S wrote:

Everyone talked about Hung being manic and arrogant, but what offends me the most is how he disrespects the judges. "He didn't understand the concept"; "He just didn't get it"; etc.. And the eye-rolling and looks!
He thinks he is the cat's meow, and he's not. I wish he had been sent home last nite so we could enjoy the rest of the show without his smirky looks and side comments.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 1:45 PM

Debbie Santana wrote:

Harold,

You should have your own show or at least Bravo should film something at your restaurant. Season One has been the best so far and you are definately the best. BTW, I think Hung and Marcel are the same person!! Good makeup job! Look forward to reading your opinions every week. Best of luck with Perilla.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 2:04 PM

Kevin C. wrote:

Harold,
Thanks for the blog and congrats on your opening. I too was a fan of Lea's and thought she might have been a darkhorse to get to the end. Hard to see a win one week and home the next, but she really didn't do a Latin dish. Two questions: 1) Was the time frame changed planned and part of the challenge to see how the chefs reacted? 2) Was that the weakest prize ever for winning an elimination challenge - a bottle of Argentinian wine, huh?

posted on July 19, 2007 at 2:14 PM

Megan wrote:

As to this guest Chef, I am curious if her pallet is different because she is a pastry chef. If you read Anthony Bourdain's review of Chef Ramsay's food, he goes into detail about Ramsay's approach to food because he started as a pastry chef. It seems Ramsay (I have never tasted his food) wants balance and harmony, and reading some reviews of his NY restaurant, it seems they wanted more bold food and didn't appreciate the more delicate blendings. She seemed not to like the bold flavor profiles.
It is funny how people have different impressions, my take of Joey's comment is that he was showing humility to a true pastry chef by saying he was not one. That is showing respect to that profession in my book.
Why are people getting upset about the pork? Hardly anyone has done pork in all the shows and he has won twice with it. I don't think people would say the same with someone who won twice with beef or lamb. Two times is not too many with a major protein. It just stands out because it is rarely used.
I agree with the person who said the way they judge is rewarding mediocrity. It seems like the judges have decided the worst sin is not dong the exact challenge instead of producing the worst food. It seems like if you do not take risks, you can get into the final six.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 2:15 PM

Art wrote:

Definately Harold's best blog post to-date. He's getting the hang of it. Running with a knife in your hand is an automatic Suspension in every Restaurant run by a Professional, as Harold noted. And a good observation on Brian showing leadership qualities and getting a lot done.

I think a lot of people are parrotting Bravo's "the Chefs are better this year" mantra. I'm not impressed, so far.

I'd have won both rounds this week, rather easily.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 2:27 PM

Trish wrote:

Trust me, you don't want to be a "bruiser"! The ladies really don't go for those types, and you're doing fine just the way you are as far as that goes ! I agree completely about Lia's elimination; I was really hoping to see more of her and feel that she had a lot more to show us than some of the remaining chefs. Love your blog - and I'd love to visit your restaurant; just open one up in S.F. and I'll be there!

posted on July 19, 2007 at 2:33 PM

Sierra Quebec wrote:

I would like to say something that has made me a little suspicious since last week's show. (the one where Casey won for quick-fire, but then she turned around and "forgot" to season her tuna tartar) Suspicious as to what is going on behind the scenes.
So, I am going to use a little sarcasm to get my point across.
So, here I go.
When Casey's group (Joey & Howie) were into final plating, Casey was no where to be found. Finally she got tracked down to some pantry area, and if you look real closely, you will see a person (a man?) in some black clothing leaving the pantry area. (This takes place very fast and quickly) And if you notice, Casey did not have her microphone on while she was in the pantry area.
Is there some hanky-panky going on with Casey and some Top-Chef camera crew or producer or some kind of insider??
I had meant to direct this question to Le Ann. (and this is where the sarcasm comes in) Did not something like this happen to Le Ann too? (not during TC Season1 but after) Could that be why she was chosen to help out in the show, and now with the blogs too. And to top it off, with her how-to-cook short videos?? But I can't direct this question to Le Ann, since she does not seem to be blogging for this week's episode. So I have to post this on Harold's blog.
I have nothing against Le Ann. But if the rumor is true, that her boyfriend is someone from Top Chef, she should come out and say it.
But I truly can't stand that Casey. Please enlighten us.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 3:08 PM

brandons98 wrote:

Harold, you mentioned Lia's pedigree. The others have strong pedigrees as well. Tre has been nominated for a James Beard Award 2 years in a row. Do you think you he may be overqulaified? And is it a coincidence that Tre and Casey work for the same people in Dallas, or are there just not that many people applying for the show? I am interested in applying for the show, but am afraid I don't have the right power people behind me. I have submitted this before on other's blogs, but it has not yet been posted. Would like to hear your thoughts.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 3:10 PM

Meg wrote:

Harold's blog is the best! He calls em how he sees em and its so entertaining! He always says in his blog the things I am think while I am watching the show....like about Joey and Howie's love/hate relationship and about how all Brian makes is seafood....and Howie being a pork promoter! Haha! its hilarious! Plus its great to get his techinical point of view on the dishes since he is a former competitor...and is the first top chef!

posted on July 19, 2007 at 3:39 PM

Deb Casey wrote:

Harold, basic rules for a web site is to include more than the name and address of tour restaurant and contact information. You'll draw a lot more interest to your site is you put a photo or two online. Right now it liks a sail boat on calm waters. Doesn't take you anywhere and tells your less. Good insight on your analysis of the group. Best of luck, Deb from Hill City, SD

posted on July 19, 2007 at 4:46 PM

Jimmy Park wrote:

I agree, Maria Frumpkin was a frump. Lol. Perhaps she has a different palate, with her pastry background. But her attitude is so... frumpy. It's her facial expressions. I just think it's professional to keep a straight face while you taste the dishes. I know saffron can be overpowering, but CMON. In the quickfire, she shows more emotions that any guest judge I've seen on this show. She simply came off as a b**** with her facial expressions and lack of positive feedback (to go along with her abundant criticism). Better to say IN WORDS what you think of the food, in an analytical approach. Don't scrunch your entire face before you even provide some feedback. Btw, I'm a professional web designer, and if you need some help, reach me at jimgpark@gmail.com. You need some help with your website.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 10:37 PM

Brian wrote:

Harold-thanks for your honest-to-goodness feedback. We all know that you speak your mind. Lia-what can I say. Lia was my favorite, but she should be proud of what she has done.

posted on July 19, 2007 at 11:00 PM

David Fernandes wrote:

Belated congrats, Harold! I so wanted you to win Top Chef and was thrilled when you did! Just found your blog and am not surprised it is as frank and honest as you were on TC.
I agree about this week's frumpy guest judge. I wish Tom and Ted were the sole judges!
Hung drives me even more nuts than Marcel did! What a jerk!
I liked Lia and was sorry to see her leave.
Could be an interesing season, but,it'll never match season one! I wanted you and dave in the finale, but, it was great seeing Tiff get her come-uppance!! Good luck with your restaurant!

posted on July 20, 2007 at 12:05 AM

maqui wrote:

Hi Harold:
Your blog is the best... I did enjoy this weeks episode.
I can't believe Lia was eliminated, she was my favorite!!! as your fan, I know you like old school chef judges, and this
week guest of course she is not, as per my understanding, she is Latin, and a well known pastry chef in Miami? and I really enjoyed her, I found her, fun, honest and a very expressive person, at the end, besides Anthony Bourdin, the other guest judges of this season, they looked with no expression on their faces, and no exciting criticism of the contestants...
All the best with Perilla!!

posted on July 20, 2007 at 12:23 AM

Chris wrote:

I liked dale's comments at the beginning of the show, where he talks about being raked over the coals for not knowing anything about pastry during the last challange, and this challange what do they have?....Pastry....love the irony and when he flipped them off, I almost fell out of my chair laughing.

posted on July 20, 2007 at 12:31 AM

Elizabeth wrote:

Harold, I so agree with your take on things. I think you hit the nail on the head with Hung. He's talented, no doubt. But he thinks his arrogance and snobbery will be enough to win him the competition, and that's just not so. Donna (comment 7/19) -- if you remember, on the Season 1 vs. Season 2 show, Hung is friends with Marcel (Mr. Foam); I think they have the same arrogant attitudes and you see how that worked for Marcel. I don't think Hung will get to the top 2.

Harold, you're still the Top Chef. I've never been to NYC, but if and when I get there, your restaurant is on my list of places that can't be missed!

posted on July 20, 2007 at 9:18 AM

Nadine wrote:

I can't help feeling that the incident with cutting down the three hours of preparation time to one and a half hours did not have to do with a change of Telemundo's schedule. It was pre-arranged by the producers. A very nasty thing to do, but I'm surprised they didn't own up to it. If I felt this way, I imagine other viewers had the same reaction.

posted on July 20, 2007 at 12:18 PM

Adam wrote:

Harold, I really like your no-holds barred approach to blogging. I notice your comment about the judges being on record that they are going week to week with judging. Am I reading it properly that perhaps you don't agree with that approach? I certainly don't, and particularly now after Lia's departure. She is clearly a superior chef (or at least far more consistent) than Howie, who was in the bottom three in 3 of the first 4 elimination challenges. If you are really looking for a Top Chef, then elimating a more highly talented person for having a single off day isn't the right way to go about it. This approach seems really capricious and arbitrary. Line up everything Howie has done to date against everything Lia has done to date and tell me who should be gone and who should still be competing.

posted on July 20, 2007 at 12:29 PM

Lynn wrote:

I'm jumping ahead a bit, but I was dismayed to see that Rocco DiSpirito is going to be a guest judge next week. Granted, never had his food, it might be wonderful, but I did watch that reality show of his, and he really comes off as more in it for the fame and money than the food. I'm wondering if your blog next week will give us YOUR impression of Rocco? Because it seems to me that you are really in this profession because you love what you do, not for the fame, etc. My favorite thing you said during season 1 was "I'm a cook" - that summed it all up for me!

posted on July 20, 2007 at 3:45 PM

Sue wrote:

Thanks Harold - I enjoy your blog everyweek. I was wondering why no one seems to mention how much Howie sweats every week? This seems very unsanitary to me - could a chef be sweating all over my food and I don't know it?

posted on July 20, 2007 at 3:49 PM

Mary T. wrote:

Harold, you are the only one top chef!
Thank you for taking time to write your blog, which is at the same time absolutely interesting and true.

As far as the time limit at the ellimination challenge - the judges did mention at the beginning that the film/telenovela?/ crew often works under pressure because of changing time schedules - that, I think, was enough to give the contestants a hint of what is coming; and the fact that they were given three hours to prepare - a luxury in the usual time-crunched limits.

Love your blog, and you, and wish you a great success!!!

posted on July 20, 2007 at 3:57 PM

ellie wrote:

Love Top Chef. The first and second seasons were the best. Knew from day one that you would be the winner. Your calmness, and knowledge (from CIA) of course were well presented. Good luck with Perilla, it is sure to be a success. I will throw a few hints to my son also (CIA) to take me to your new establisment to check it out. Ellie

posted on July 20, 2007 at 6:59 PM

Brendan wrote:

I was pulling for Lia as well. My palatte isn't the most refined, but when I saw her dish and heard her talking about serving it cold, it sounded crisp, clean and refreshing. I guess the mushy polenta was her undoing.

Nevertheless, I thought that Sara N.'s effort was lacking. To go back to Season 2's finale, when Sam got sent home for not "cooking" anything, neither did Sara in this episode! She threw some seafood into a guacamole (an unsuccessful ceviche), and served it with store bought tortillas - with one and half hours of prep!!!

Perhaps Lia's dish was that underseasoned, and that non-Latin, but I thought she put forth a solid effort for a chef without a background in Latin cuisine. I want to see Sara N. really step it up in the next few episodes. She hasn't shown much character or confidence in her cooking up to this point - none of her dishes have blown me away, conceptually at least. For Lia to be sent packing in her place, she had better stick around for more than one more episode!

posted on July 20, 2007 at 10:14 PM

maqui wrote:

Hi Harold!!! I love your blog....Last night episodes for me was one of the best!! It was so sad that Lia was eliminated, she was my favorite.. about this weeks gust judge, completely disagree with your comments... I believe she was great. The other guest judges, ( most ot them) they didn't have expressions on their faces, and also on quickfires, they hardly said a word about the dishes, is that correct?? I believe she was expressive, honest and fun, at the end, this is a reality show, and if she would be a celebrity chef , maybe nobody will say a word about this matter...

posted on July 20, 2007 at 11:24 PM

Steph M wrote:

Great commentary as usual. About Perilla, My boyfriend took me there for my birthday in early June and it was amazing. The langoustines were phenomenal, and I loved everything from the table tops to the service. You walked by at one point too. Great job.

posted on July 21, 2007 at 1:16 AM

Bob wrote:

I agree, losing Lia was a shock, and I'm not sure how they could change the way the Top CHef is chosen to better reflect something about the cumulative-winning as opposed to the " worst dish goes" philosophy> It seems odd that people who stay in the middle of the pack can stay until the pack is thinned......I know it is difficult for us to judge the food based on sight as opposed to taste, but I thought the guacamole dish looked weak in comparison with Lia's smoked fish..........i also thought on the redo the Classics show, that the green Tuna casserole was so unappetizing that should have been the worst dish
*L* I think I'm saddened by TopChef's letting all the women go..I keep hoping that a woman will win this
Great blog Harold!!

posted on July 21, 2007 at 7:44 AM

Cathy wrote:

As always, Harold, you perfectly articulate what all of us observe and some of what we don't. I appreciate your talents with translating the dishes and the skill required to bring them to the table. Thank you for your keen observations.

posted on July 21, 2007 at 10:02 AM

Samantha wrote:

Harold, I just adore you!

posted on July 21, 2007 at 2:41 PM

Cie Kay wrote:

NOT LIA!!! Hung was right there at the Judges' Table with Lia, and he could just as easily been sent home--except Colicchio seems to hate women (he has sent home four already). Lia was my favorite chef, and the show will be empty without her. I can't watch this male-chauvinist crapfest anymore.

posted on July 21, 2007 at 8:54 PM

Cory wrote:

Your best blog ever, thank you for posting! Keep the blogs coming, we really appreciate them!

posted on July 21, 2007 at 11:26 PM

Tina wrote:

Once again Harold, you just get it-thank you for your insights! I just moved in NYC and my hubby and I can't wait to have dinner at Perilla. By the way, it cracks me up that Perilla is a familial leaf to shizo-Steven A's much maligned ingredient from season one. My question to you is having just moved into my apartment with a small kitchen what, in your opinion, are the key appliances I should own? More importantly, should I invest in a Vita-life?

posted on July 22, 2007 at 10:13 AM

ROSA wrote:

HEY HAROLD!

MY DAUGHTER AND I (I'M 31, SHE'S 12) HAVE BEEN WATCHING TOP CHEF SINCE IT'S FIRST SEASON...AND YOU ARE BOTH OF OUR "FAVORITE CHEF". DESPITE ALL THE DRAMA, YOU ALWAYS KEPT YOUR COOL AND ABOVE ALL....TREATED EVERYONE WITH RESPECT...YOU'RE A GREAT ROLE MODEL FOR KIDS LIKE MINE THAT WANT TO BE CHEFS!!!! BEST OF LUCK IN EVERYTHING YOU DO.

posted on July 23, 2007 at 1:03 AM

Pop Cultured wrote:

the woman i will be in nyc on saturday for the james morrison concert that night...we're gonna try to come see you at Perilla in the afternoon...can't wait...

posted on July 23, 2007 at 2:06 PM

chenika wrote:

i just think you are so hot harold now that is as all i have to say

posted on July 23, 2007 at 6:46 PM

Kathie wrote:

Hi Harold, It's certainly a credit to you both as a chef and a personality that so many of us still follow your blog. Your comments are always relevant and insightful.

I would love to visit your restaurant and hope to the next time I'm in New York but I have one question -- how did you ever come up with the name Perilla??? To anyone who gardens, at least in the Northeast, Perilla is bordering on a noxious weed. I planted it a few years ago becasue of it's interesting color and shape (kind of like a mauvy coeus) and it was ok the first season for a garden accent but now it's overwhelming -- it is everywhere -- it even comes up in my driveway.

I didn't even know it was edible but after hearing it as the name of your restaurant I looked it up and it seems to be used in Chinese cooking. Is this the focus of your restaurant? Youy didn't seem to do much Asain cooking on the show but is that what you're doing now? Your website doesn't seem to have menus.

Thanks for your continued participation in this.

posted on July 24, 2007 at 7:21 AM

Faye Petty wrote:

DON'T YOU GUYS REMEMBER WHEN THEY HAD THE SEASON 1 VS. SEASON 2 CHALLENGE! MARCELL HAS KNOWN HUNG FOR A LONG TIME, HE EVEN MADE THE COMMENT THAT WITH HUNG IN THERE, THEY WOULD HAVE SOME SERIOUS COOKING AND THAT HUNG WAS EXCEPTIONAL! LIA WAS OKAY BUT I WAS GLAD THAT HOWIE AND JOEY MADE UP - WHO NEEDS ALL THAT DRAMA. GOT MY FILL LAST YEAR WITH MARCEL AND HIS MAJOR ATTITUDE. AT LEAST THIS YEAR THEY ARE APPLAUDING PEOPLE WHO ARE ELIMINATED WHICH I DON'T REMEMBER THEM DOING LAST YEAR. THAT SHOWS CLASS - LIKE SEASON 1.
HAROLD - YOU ARE A FANTASTIC PERSON AND IT SHOWED DURING SEASON 1. YOU ALWAYS SHOWED EVERYONE RESPECT, WHETHER YOU LIKED THEM OR NOT, AND WE COULDN'T REALLY TELL BECAUSE YOU NEVER SAID MUCH.
JUST FOR FUN, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THOSE TC COOK A BASIC MEAL, LIKE FRIED CHICKEN, MASHED POTATOES & GRAVY WITHOUT SCREWING IT UP TOO MUCH. I DOUBT THEY COULD DO IT. JUST PLAIN ORDINARY GOOD FOOD THAT EVERYDAY PEOPLE EAT. DON'T TRY TO UPDATE IT - NOTHING WRONG WITH THE WAY IT IS NOW! WHAT DO YOU THINK?
KEEP UP THE GREAT BLOG. YOURS IS ONE OF THE FIRST ONES THAT I READ. LIKE TOM'S, TED'S AND OF COURSE, LEE ANNE'S.

posted on July 24, 2007 at 3:35 PM

Phong wrote:

"high-end Latin palates"? You're kidding, right? It's the crew of a soap opera!

posted on July 31, 2007 at 9:41 AM

Patricia Roberts wrote:

Harold,
You are a wonderful chef and we were rooting for you from the beginning. It is great to see that you have opened your own place. However, we in New Mexico cringe when people willfully mispronounce Spanish. Your restaurant's name has in it a double "l",which is pronounced with a yuh sound similar to that in a tortilla chip. It is Per-ee-yah, not Per-ill-a. Copme to Santa Fe and we'll be happy to help you pronounce anything!

posted on August 1, 2007 at 6:12 PM