Andy B. wrote:

Hi Harold, Not much to say.
I like C.J. much more than Sarah, and I think ether one could have gone home. The judges picked C.J. so fine. Also, great 2nd elimination challenge win in a row for Casey. Two very good prizes in a row too.
Hung had a shot to win with his Bass.
I think the two questions that will come from bloggers are: 1. Did the jjudges pick C.J. to lose over Sarah because they wanted to keep two woman in the final five. And 2. Did Casey win over Hung because the jjudges just don't like Hung, and seem to really like Casey.
Questions for though,
Andy

posted on September 13, 2007 at 12:00 AM

jamie b wrote:

First Comment!!

Go Harold!

posted on September 13, 2007 at 12:45 AM

Mark wrote:

“yeah, I’d like to eat that”

i bet you would! ;-)

posted on September 13, 2007 at 1:01 AM

Java Junkie wrote:

I love your blog. It's honest and always spot on!

posted on September 13, 2007 at 1:02 AM

Lisa wrote:

This challenge was harder than the microwave challenge of season 1 simply because they had to wear hairnets.

posted on September 13, 2007 at 1:20 AM

Christina G wrote:

You'll be pleased to know that I said out loud as Sara announced her protein "Don't do it: everyone knows Harold says to Stay away from the Salmon! '

posted on September 13, 2007 at 1:27 AM

ceejay wrote:

Spot on, Harold, as usual. Jeepers, after slogging through Bourdain's 18 pages, and Rocco's 10 (I think!) it felt like reading War and Peace!!!! Thank you, as always, for insightful, no nonsense, and NO EGO writing. Great stuff. So many of the guest judges this season are so ego-driven, so full of themselves, and some of them just plain mean, that it is hard to watch. Would love to hear your take on the guest judges. Offer your services, would you please? I know you are busy -- and Perilla is SUPERB, by the way although our budget precludes us becoming regulars -- but Top Chef needs judges like you. At least then it would be about the food, not the drama. Thanks again.

posted on September 13, 2007 at 1:31 AM

frank wrote:

Hi Harold. First off, I'd like to think that the challenge this week was a tough one for the remaining contestents, but it really wasnt. Chef Tom, I think said it best when he stated if good thoughtful dishes are going in then the result will be good tasting food. I mean i believe this challenge had more to do with your thinking process and how to cook wisely rather than i'll make so and so because they'll like it. You had alot of things to consider in a relatively short two hour prep. For the most part Hung's choice was a no-brainer...having to deal with ovens that you HAD TO SET for 10 minutes..you have to go for the high fatty-oil content meats...and in this respect i was surprised no one went for pork.pork shoulder,etc..that line of meats woulda faired well. you needed something that would be soft on the stomach and digestive tract. I thought Casey despite her great showing really did not think this trhu correctly. Was she ballsey? lucky? or did she know something about her dish that most viewers didnt. There's no way i would have thought her combo of ingredients would go together that well...as for your comment that you thought it really was C.J's
time to go...i concur...i personally would have dropped him instead on Tre on the episode when they let Tre go. C.J.'s very friendly, personable and i'm sure an overall nice guy, but he knew he wasn't Top Chef from the get-go.
When he choose Tre to lead them in the restaurant wars episodes it was clear who he thought was the best chef at the time. I believe Brian is on the chopping block for next week...he has been getting away with alot including not making a dish at all..in two episodes!..and even when cooking he's making the bottom group far too many times...I personnally believe its a Hung-Dale showdown...i can't see Casey being in there although she's gaining confidence...i believe there's some luck going her way too..

posted on September 13, 2007 at 1:57 AM

JJ wrote:

Hung should've won the elimination challenge - everything he did was great and not a complaint. Casey's was not a good choice for an in-flight meal. So what if she had the balls to try something new - veal is a controversial choice, and cauliflower makes passengers gaseous and thus not a good plane meal choice. Did the judges pay any attention to what the flight attendants said? And how fair is it that winning some challenges meant great gifts for some winners but not every time. This show is so inconsistent.

posted on September 13, 2007 at 3:09 AM

Dawn Gibson wrote:

I have to begrudgingly say that I agree it was probably time for CJ to leave. His food seldomly wowed me on a visual level and of the foods & flavors that I am familiar with, many of his choices of combinations didn't sound appetizing to me. (Of course this means little as I am not able to taste any of the food prepared via the tv, and let's face it, I am no expert.)
However, I have believed from the start that a large part of being considered the Top Chef is leadership, honesty and the ability to find a way to merge the two...to lead a team with humility...to earn respect by being the example. Harold, in addition to presenting food that looked wonderful, appetizing and was apparently tasty, you exemplified these qualities in spades. I have compared all contestants since your stint on the show to you, and not one has come close in my humble opinion. I do believe CJ had those leadership qualities covered (and I was quite excited about that as too few of the contestants in all seasons have had it), but I guess he just needs to work on the food side of being a Top Chef.
Sorry, but I just can not like Hung. He is very creative, I will give you that, but oddly enough also seems to be closed-minded at the same time. He is extremely defensive (most artists are), but he is missing out on so much that the judges tell him. I think if he would just stop, actually listen, take & use some of the advise he's given and step outside his little box, he would have a far better chance at winning. (Easy for me to say.)
I think Casey will be the one to win. Her talent and confidence has been building with each episode. I feel she is the only competitor at this point who takes the necessary chances, takes criticism well, and really thinks through everything thrown their way. My only issue with her is that pesky leadership thing. (I really enjoy and respect Chef Tom, but he seems to go back and forth about leadership being important. Take last season's top two, for example. What a disappointing finale!) I don't think we have seen much of that quality coming from her, but this is tv and scenes can be cut any way the producers wish.
I hope that I am able to visit New York again. I've only been there once (in Manhatten), but I've always felt I belonged there...for the City itself, Letterman, the busy streets, Broadway, the nightlife, SNL, so many options 24-hours a day...and now your restaurant. I will find it whenever I have the opportunity to visit the City again. Harold, I wish you success and all the best! Dawn

posted on September 13, 2007 at 4:53 AM

julia wrote:

Great insight....I agree I hope it's Dale and Hung in the final two. I don't know why CJ stayed this long but it's getting exciting.

posted on September 13, 2007 at 6:36 AM

Dana wrote:

I'm not favoring anyone either. I'd be very surprised if Hung somehow blows it and doesn't get to the final, so I'm counting on it being him and whoever else. Maybe Casey? I wouldn't mind seeing her make it. Since Tre is gone, I don't care that much who ends up there. Hung will probably take it, but I don't like him enough to be excited to see him win. It's kind of nice to not be emotionally involved in this time around. The first season, I loved so many of the people. Season two, we were all pissed, and with good reason! In comparison, this season seems like it will end on an emotionally flat note.

posted on September 13, 2007 at 7:38 AM

Nilo wrote:

Harold!

Good blog this week. I adored listening to CJ's confessionals and watching him interact with the others. When he stuck up at JT for the other Sarah when Howie was slamming her, I wanted to hug him (of course, I would have needed a stepladder to do it properly). He just made me laugh - especially this week when he was so delighted at having Padma to wake up to!

But honestly, from what we've seen, he doesn't do the kind of food I would enjoy eating. I thought it was just me. I thought that, being merely a home cook, my palate might just be too unsophisticated to fully appreciate his culinary talents. Hearing you also say that you couldn't remember wanting to eat any of his food made me feel a lot better about myself.

posted on September 13, 2007 at 10:22 AM

Kimberly wrote:

Thank you, once again, for your input on the food and how the chef prepares it. I totally agree with you that while how you handle people is important in the day-to-day aspect of working in a restuarent, it really isnt as important in a competition like this. Top Chef doesnt necessarily mean Top Nice Guy (or Gal) to Work With (or for.)

posted on September 13, 2007 at 11:02 AM

FanFare wrote:

Hi Harold,

Nice blog. It really sounds like your voice. It is short and sweet. It amazes me that Brian continues to be a one trick pony. He needs to lay off the lobster (& seafood). Although he is a successful chef in a seafood restaurant, he lacks versatilty. Since he hasn't cooked much in the last 4 challenges, he may have forgotten how to cook properly. In any event, he could have been THE ONE to go, except C.J. had the dubious distinction of being the one to serve Mt. Tom and company, "the worst dish in 3 seasons of the show"! Ouch - that must of hurt big time...

I am rooting for nobody at this point. The rest of the bunch have each had their hits and misses all through the season. It will come down to the law of averages: or who is more lucky than smart. The title could be renamed, "The Least Crappiest Chef"...

posted on September 13, 2007 at 11:48 AM

Marilu wrote:

Harold,
Why aren't you in the Hottie chef contest? You have a sizzle factor every bit as hot as Sam.

posted on September 13, 2007 at 2:10 PM

lisa wrote:

I had dinner at your place last week, best meal in a long time, the duck was so decadent and the bar staff ( you were fully booked ) knew the menu. We were full, a little drunk and very happy talking about when to come back. Bravo Chef.

Love the blogs and your tell it like it is manner, keep on serving it up and we cant wait for the fall winter menu, keep the endaname fallafal please.

posted on September 13, 2007 at 2:54 PM

Kelly wrote:

Hi Harold…

Always love reading your thoughts on the episode. As a chef, I agree that Salmon is not very forgiving and I am always confused that so many of the chefs continue to try and use it. If I am not mistaken, every time salmon has been used this season, the dish has been in the bottom three. A few years ago I began catering as well as full service dining, and I have only one catering recipe that features salmon. I love it, but it is temperamental. I also have to agree with you about the adrenaline rush that you get during dinner service. You also have it in catering when you have a very short amount of time to serve 200- 600 people and I expect my catering service to provide the same quality as my full service. I also agree I love watching Hung, but I am really happy that he is not in my kitchen. I don't like chaoic people in my kitchen.
I would love to see you guest judge again… Any plans to appear on the show again???

Thanks for blogging, and I will be in New York at the holidays, and we are planning a meal at Perilla and we can’t wait!!!

posted on September 13, 2007 at 2:58 PM

gary.e wrote:

Harold: I,ve said it before you are up there with the big guns Tony Bourdian and Ted Allen are good but you have shown us that you have what it takes to express what is really on the plate thanks

posted on September 13, 2007 at 3:35 PM

Dana (Tampa FL) wrote:

I have to say that I was disappointed in the Quick fire challenge after watching Hung drop the truffle oil, deny it, then continue on his merrily arrogant way. I kept hoping one of the other contestants would deck him with that blender or at least a saute pan but no one was accomodating. Darn. Hung may be a great chef but he is a nightmare in the kitchen in the way he is thoughtless, runs with knives/cleavers, etc.

Oh well, I was hoping that CJ would cook at least once in NYC before leaving but that wasn't meant to be. Yet again, Brian skated through but to be fair he did attempt to cook this week. I really thought he should have been eliminated or even Sara - especially after hearing Bourdain say their food tasted like cat food & doll head, respectively.

Here's hoping CJ got his "slice" - till next week.

posted on September 13, 2007 at 6:19 PM

babbittd wrote:

I don't know how big that Miami penthouse was, but the noise most likely would have woken me up in two seconds, as in when the crew first opened the door to bring all that breakfast stuff inside. I too find it hard too believe it was total surprise to all of them.

posted on September 14, 2007 at 2:14 AM

jane wrote:

I still like reading your blog Harold. You always seem to be able to keep perspective of things. I'm hoping Hung wins even though I do not care much for his behavior of running around like a madman sometimes. This season has been much more of a pleasure to watch than season 2. The competitors are much more like season 1 and Top Chef seems to be back on track.

posted on September 14, 2007 at 10:03 AM

Lori P wrote:

Bye the way--This is my first time doing a blog. Harold--Love your style and hope to see you at Foxwoods this weekend. (amoungst the masses of people of course My huisband and I own a 7,500 sq. ft. historic tavern we have been restoring. Hoping to get you to maybe consult in hte future???We are located in Warwick, RI near the airport--lots happening in the area. PS You will like the atmosphere of this place!!
Hopefully I will get the chance to get info to you!

posted on September 14, 2007 at 12:53 PM

NANCY S - MA wrote:

I do not understand why you and some of the others keep defending Hung. His behavior is totally unacceptable. He spills things, breaks things, whips his knife around, and THEN, denies that he did it! What the hell? He spilled oil on the floor, said he didn't do it, and left it for someone else to clean up. He insults the judges, makes fun of his fellow contestants, and could not possibly lead in a kitchen. He should have been eliminated in the Latin challenge, but hung on, and for some reason, Tom Collicchio loves him. He has not won a single challenge, yet they keep referring to him as a contender.
Last season, Ilan's win was a travesty, and if Hung wins this time around, a lot of viewers will know that the competition is fixed. They will stop watching.

posted on September 14, 2007 at 8:43 PM

Swamp Yankee wrote:

Harold,

I think that all the contestants have made some fairly amateurish errors: Brian with his over-cooked lobster (I get better at any random seafood shack on the Connecticut shoreline), CJ with is burnt broccolini, etc, Sara M and her gelatin issues, Hung and his runny chocolate pie, etc. So have the judges (cholesterol and lobsters).

I am rather appalled by the acceptance of Hung's carelessness in the kitchen. I'm sure the producers would not like to have to deal with one of their guest chefs falling on Hung's spilled oil and suing them for a few million bucks. I would be very surprised if Hung is permitted to behave this way in his normal place of employment, as his employer would be held responsible for Hung's carelessness. I'm sure you would not tolerate it in one of your employees at Perilla.

Edwin

posted on September 15, 2007 at 5:24 PM

mary wrote:

I think Casy is a class act. She has poise and class and seems calm and capable. She has a gracious manner that adds to her style. I hope she wins. It is a pleasure to see her interact with the other cheftestants and the customers. I loved when she stepped in to help with the tables in the Restaurant Wars. Do you think she has the toughness to win this competition and open her restaurant? Time will tell when we see her in action as a leader. She hasn't assumed that role yet. How exciting this is.

posted on September 15, 2007 at 9:36 PM

dlm tucson wrote:

Hi, Harold! When you have a chance, it'd be great for you to include in one of your blogs how you feel about how your restaurant is going. That was a great link included in your blog prior to this one but am really wondering how you feel things are going and if life is being good to you. It is so interesting to me how you point out the similarity in challenges from the past 2 seasons yet the subtle differences. Please keep on blogging1

posted on September 15, 2007 at 10:38 PM

PeachPie wrote:

The blog contributions of the former contestants are always a good read. It's just a different perspective that the current judges can't honestly give.

I can't agree more with your comments about the "adrenaline rush". I worked front and back of the house for years and years. There's no feeling in the world like it when it's busy and your mind and body.. and those of everyone around you... are in that groove. Swirling, ducking, grabbing, reaching, turning, thinking, checking, watching, listening.... it's the dance. And when everything goes right, the synchronisity of the group is a beautiful thing.

(sigh) I do miss it sometimes.

Grateful for your weekly blog.

posted on September 16, 2007 at 9:00 AM

Samantha wrote:

The best season thus far is still season 1 and it will be hard for any group of chefs to come in and beat themin the kitchen or for entertainment value, however, season 3 is not far behind. Hung and Howie need their own private island, and if Casey and Brian don't hook up it would be a shame. As far as food goes, I would happily eat anything Harold put on a plate!!!!! Hope the new resturaunt is a smash Harold and best of luck always!

posted on September 16, 2007 at 10:43 AM

michael wrote:

Haha, I got it Harold, STAY AWAY FROM THE SALMON! ;)

posted on September 16, 2007 at 5:32 PM

Liz wrote:

Love your writing. Season 3 has been better than Season 2 (wouldn't take alot), but hands down, Season 1 rocked!

posted on September 19, 2007 at 9:13 AM

Jennifer wrote:

I can't beleive how much I love this show!!!! But I always go to Harolds blogs

posted on September 19, 2007 at 7:42 PM

Heather wrote:

Thank goodness someone said something about Hung's "act" in the kitchen. I think it is an act because he does it in the middle of running around with other chef's to through them off their game! I truly believe that Top Chef needs to straighten that out. I don't like it when he's such a smuck in front of the panel and that's not something they seem to care about. He is constantly dropping stuff and walking away.

I did love to read your blog though. If Padma were to wake me up at 6, I'd be a little cranky too!

My favorites this season are CJ and Casey! I love to cook and CJ is welcome in my kitchen anytime!

Great show...
Heather

posted on September 19, 2007 at 11:03 PM

Patricia Elsheimer wrote:

Harold you are still the best. Season 2 was a disappointment apart from Sam and Elia. However, this season, since Tre, our personal favourite has now been eliminated, I would rather see Casey or Dale win. Certainly not Hung, who thinks he knows more than the chefs that judge his food, or Brian, whom, in our opinion, should have been sent home instead of Tre, as he contributed NOTHING in either restaurant wars challenge by the way of food. We shall never understand the judges' decision then - Tre had to practically carry that kitchen on his own.....
Tre is the only Chef we have seen so far that we can attribute the same qualities to as your own.

posted on September 23, 2007 at 1:15 PM

Doreena wrote:

Love this blog.. You are so right about Hung.. this would just not fly in any kitchen and I have no clue why his lack of safety skills has not been brought to the judges table.. the man runs with knives and is also a total slob!! Would I let him cook for me? not before the maid dissenfected.. lord knows where your dinner has landed!! Love Dale.. great team player.. wears a heart on his sleeve, and his goofy shorts!! And then you have Casey the consumate proffesional!!
Thank you for this show.. for those of us who spent many years in this business it is so much fun to watch.. Unlike that '' other'' show that to me is a nightmare.. beep bleep..

posted on September 23, 2007 at 6:02 PM

Joey1996 wrote:

Sorry Folks,
But I have to disagee with you about Hung. I loved CJ and Tre and I realized they goofed. But Hung has changed a lot since the beginning of the competition. He had the rest of the contestants in awe when he took those chickens apart.
Yes, he's still super competitive (this is a contest, after all) and he wants to win. And frankly, I think he deserves to win. He may be a little brusque, but he gets the job done and there's no doubt in my mind that he can run his own restaurant very, very well. He's got a sense of humor, but you have to look beyond that competitive spirit.

posted on September 24, 2007 at 4:48 PM

Nicole wrote:

Hey Harold,
I'm sitting here watching reruns of season 1 and remembering how good of a chef and person you must be to work with. You are right on the money with your blog and I am rooting for Casey. I think Hung has a lot of talent, but you just can't get over his attitude sometimes. Hope everything is well in NYC with your restaurant.

posted on September 27, 2007 at 5:41 PM

Mary Jo Davis wrote:

I am a new Top Chef viewer and really enjoyed watching the replay of Harold's win. He seems to be a very talented chef and I would love to go to his restaurant when in NY. I would like to view a menu first and share with my husband but the link on the website did not work. Menu or not, I will probably come to the restaurant anyway.

posted on September 27, 2007 at 6:50 PM

Dana wrote:

Aww... come on, Harold! We need your thoughts on Part 1 of the finale. No show is complete until you throw down a blog entry on it. ;)

Personally, I don't think Dale or Brian deserve to be able to say they made it to the finals. I think it's a disservice to Casey and Hung, who have both proven they are way more skilled. Just another why Season 1 remains the best!

posted on September 27, 2007 at 8:15 PM

Thom wrote:

Oh God, Please allow Hung to trip over himself with a big knife in his hand. Go away Hung. You have worn out your welcome.

posted on September 27, 2007 at 8:43 PM

ed fontaine wrote:

think of these people in this light; Brian-snake oil salesman, Marcel-poodle salon, Joey-beer vendor at ball park, Howie- plumber Hung-hide your wallet, Casey-girl next door and Tom-walmart greeter. Sorry I could not resist my self.

posted on October 1, 2007 at 2:56 PM

Jeff wrote:

Harold where the hell are you man? I know Perilla is keeping you busy (had a great meal there, thanks!) but we need your opinion here.

I hope you're rooting for Casey, because Hung is worse than Tiffany and Marcel's love child.

posted on October 3, 2007 at 2:42 PM

alkira wrote:

Harold, I really want to know your favourite color. If someone here knows his favourite, please let me know. My friend and I will go to NYC early next year. We will make a reservation at your restaurant. Can't wait.

posted on November 6, 2007 at 7:45 PM

Mark wrote:

You know, I think Hung understands the difference between cooking in a kitchen and cooking on a reality TV show. He decided that he was going to win the competition not be the best chef in a kitchen. He has the rest of his life to do that.

Sometimes, as in your case, you win by being the best chef in the kitchen, which Hung was as well, and sometimes you just decide to win.

Simple. See you again at Perilla.

posted on November 8, 2007 at 5:44 PM

Nutmeg wrote:

Harrold, we need an update on you and Perilla.
Love, love, love your restaurant, the wait staff was as amazing as the food. Congrats on all of your success.

posted on November 8, 2007 at 5:59 PM

Neelam Salvi wrote:

Hii Harold..
I got addicted to this show..And from the beginning I had a gut feeling that you would win..and Thank GOD , you did. I think you were the most consistent, focussed and most importantly a no-nonsense guy.
You are the best..
May GOD bless u and ur family..
Lots of best wishes to you..

posted on March 10, 2008 at 5:35 AM