Lee Anne Wong's Blog

Return of the Midge

January 3, 2007

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Happy New Year everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. I rang in the New Year by having a porktastic party with some of my friends.

This episode really bothered me, as it turned into another Marcel bashing. I have to say, I am sometimes stunned at how the other contestants really let loose on him. Mob mentality plays a big part here, and when you’re cooped up with the same people for weeks on end, it’s easy to see how all the little things can get to you. The difference is, as adults, we have an off switch and we should know when to keep our mouths shut.

I sometimes wonder if the contestants forgot there was a camera around. I remember how in the end it became second nature to have a camera in your face at all hours of the day. As spoken of before, yes, he’s annoying. Yes, there’s an abuse of foam. But for the record, Marcel is first and foremost a human being, and actually a pretty nice guy. I have hung out with him outside of the show and I respect his ambition and focus. After witnessing the level of hostility he fielded from the other contestants, I respect him even more for maintaining a sense of humor and composure. The other contestants just come off as being juvenile and in my mind it all just becomes motivation for Marcel to win.

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Comments

Mia wrote:

Lee Anne, I agree with your entire post. The Marcel bashers are coming off like insecure little elementary school dimwits. I don't care how much stress they're under, they could learn a little self-control.

I guess they're showing their true colors. I've always found it very enlightening to see how people react under stressful situations. I'd love to see them in *truly* dire circumstances, they would probably commit assault or curl up and die. No respect for them at all.

I'm so glad Michael won, he definitely has some cards up his sleeve.

posted on January 3, 2007 at 11:26 PM

judycrayton wrote:

Thanks for sharing a little inside view of Marcel. The thing that impresses me is his quick eagerness to forgive. I am convinced he would forget all the bullying and love everybody there if they started treating him nice. He may be immature in some ways (or not :) but he is more mature in his ability to accept others even when they are unkind.

posted on January 3, 2007 at 11:28 PM

Valerie wrote:

Holy deja vu! I remember seeing a competition about the seven deadly sins on the first season of Project Runway. Oddly enough, whenever I think of the seven deadly sins, I keep thinking of the movie "seven" which freaks me out a little.

Anyhow, all the wait for this new Top Chef episode was totally worth it! I was so excited to see Mike do well. I really like his laid back attitude, and he doesn't stir things up or create unnecessary conflicts. Plus, I'm so sure that he's an awesome chef. When I listen to his comments, he seems to know his stuff, so I'm glad to finally see him do well, and get the recognition that he deserves.
I find it interesting how Betty was doing really well in the beginning of the competition, but she seemed to lose steam as the competition went on, and conversely, Mike was considered one of the weaker contestants, but now he's starting to really shine.

posted on January 3, 2007 at 11:33 PM

JB Cone wrote:

I totally agree with you! Call me weird, but I've been a Marcel fan from the get go. "Foam, schmoam, moan, moan, groan, groan," the other contestants say. Get over it! My personal opinion is that Betty has been the most obnoxious cast member hands down. Check it out -- in every camera shot she's got this big-eyed, toothy grinned, can't you see how nice I am, expression on her face. ANNNNOOYYYYIIINNNG!

posted on January 3, 2007 at 11:34 PM

Tricia wrote:

Lee Anne-You captured my thoughts on the Marcel bashing perfectly. I haven't been to this site before, but felt compelled to logon to protest the treatment he's getting from his fellow competitors. While Marcel has done some annoying things (e.g. Betty & the grilled cheese episode), everyone seems to totally overreact to him and pick on him without provocation. They talk about him being selfish, but he's the one that seems to consistently offer to help others (e.g. help Cliff pick out purple food). Unless there's some serious editing going on to not show things he's doing, he's being treated very unfairly.

posted on January 3, 2007 at 11:56 PM

Carla wrote:

I think that tonight;s show was horrible in the way that Marcel was treated. okay, yes he can be annoying, but on the other hand for the most part he is quite nice most of the time. Illan has lost my respect, I think that he is very talented, but obviously intimidated by Marcel. Sam is a great cook but has a lousy attitude. Nevertheless, I think that the top three should be: Cliff, Marcel, and Sam. Good job Michael! Every one had counted you out, way to show them you can cook! Glad Betty is gone!

posted on January 4, 2007 at 12:28 AM

Mandy wrote:

Oh, dear. Now I'm really frightened. LeeAnn, Gail and Tom all telling me that Marcel is just a sweet, but misunderstood boy, and Ilan is an immature punk. This must mean that Marcel goes far enough to make it important that we like him. That ain't never gonna happen for me though. I know just what Sam, Betty, Ilan, Frank and everyone else means about Marcel. He is so like one of the most annoying people in my life. The worst thing about him is that you can't even put into words what he does, because it's all the noodging, pushing, picking, prodding, undermining crap he does, and after you threaten to punch out his lights, it/s all your fault because he really didn't do anything. It's more than 30 years since I've seen my particular PIA, but I still shudder everytime Marcel walks on screen.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 12:41 AM

Cindy wrote:

Dear Lee Anne, Your Great!! and you look fabulous.. i saw the pics from Hawaii!! But i have to comment.. i walk away from watching this show with ONE ADJECTIVE for Ms. Betty.. SHREW.. how you and Padma could refer to her "sparkling personality" blows my mind!? i think she was one of the people that brought this season SO LOW.. she was one of the most egotisical maniacs you've had so far... She is a LEGEND IN HER OWN MIND!

I enjoyed the challenges.. i thought it was incredibly creative.. but Chef.. NO EXCUSE TO ILAN.. SAM or BETTY for how they acted towards Marcel... I have never been more disgusted with their childish & judgmental behavior, and they get on national TV like where really going to LIKE THEM??..They make MARCEL LOOK LIKE A SAINT!! Ilan.. why don't you do the U.S. a favor and move to Spain so you can supposedly teach everyone how to cook and spare us your presence!! You are mean spirited and should NEVER OBTAIN THE TITLE OF TOP CHEF.. YOU HAVE NO CLASS. Why should i be so surprised that you were a Betty fan?? She had the nerve to want an apology for speaking loudly with the filth that has come out of that womens mouth that every viewer in America was subjected to??? Has this women lost her mind or is their one left??? Even exiting you can't show a spec of class... if your restaurant was the last on earth.. i'd NEVER DARKEN YOUR DOOR... you should be ashamed of your spiteful and DIFFICULT behavior.. And Sam... you are SO ANNOYING.. you think your all that and a bag of chips.. your pompous behavior throughout the show and CONCEIT blows my mind.. Funny how You, Bettys and Ilans objections to Marcel.. are attributes that all three of you HOLD VERY WELL... Ilan.. if you ever win top chef.. i don't think i could ever watch this show again, especially after almost preventing a plating from going out..and if you really think America is rooting for you.. than think again... None of you could ever hold a candle to Seasons One Top Chef - Harold... or Lee Annes character. They all had the same pressure and were.. hmmm.. how should we say this??? PROFESSIONAL!!!!!..

posted on January 4, 2007 at 12:45 AM

jennifer beegle wrote:

I agree with your take on the whole Marcel thing. However, I do not understand how you can wish Betty all the best. She is a mean spirited, low quality, pretentious, brown nosing wanna be. And I am being nice. Her fakeness, her embarassing behavior, and her outright violent and unprovoked attacks on Marcel are an embarassment for the show, and for her. It appears that you can pretty much do or say anything these days, and get away with it. I wish that you had a bit more backbone to just say that she is an awful person, and she deserved to fail because she has very little talent.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 12:46 AM

A. Cristy Powell wrote:

Sorry. Don't agree with you at all on this post. I am so tired of Marcel (and last year the red headed female who's name I don't recall) going on and on about they don't care about the other contestants, that it's all about the "food". Puhlease. Last years final show did in fact show, the relationship you have with others can make or break you. You guys would have done anything for Harold (and rightly so, he was a class act) and that was because he showed nothing but respect for everyone. Marcel is rude, self involved and I am completely amazed you constantly stand up for his attitude and run down the other contestants. In case you missed them, this "poor" Marcel is the one who when on a winning team had to pretend he was "above" having a team captain. Whined and moaned when Mike, while preparing his meals had over used the deep fryer (guess Mike was supposed to let his meal slide for Marcel). Marcel knows when he gets on someones nerves and will not let up and makes his smarmy little comments. Your red head was a strait out pain in the butt but she was nowhere near Marels annoyance quota and you made some pretty nasty comments about here on your disqualification day. Dear God, I'm annoyed with Marcel after one hour of television. I'm glad he's a nice guy when you're out drinking and partying but if you recall, these contestants aren't in that situation. They are in a tense, getting on each others nerves state. Try and be a little more opened minded and see their point of view and maybe you can stop cannonizing Marcel. He's a jerk....and yes, he is different and I tried to like him during the first couple of shows. Lets make a deal, I won't answer any more posts bashing Marcel and you stop bashing the others with their "crowd mentality" because that isn't what they are doing. Individually I don't believe they would like him. Will keep reading your posts cause I do love ya...wanted you to win last year or at least make it to the finals with Harold and Dave. p.s. what the heck was that annoying red heads name :)

posted on January 4, 2007 at 1:26 AM

Kathy wrote:

I loved seeing Mike win this week. He is fun to watch and see what he'll do.. I think he has talent but holds back .. you go Mike!

posted on January 4, 2007 at 2:08 AM

kat wrote:

I agree with you, 2007 *will* be the best year ever..

Year of the Golden Pig :)

posted on January 4, 2007 at 2:19 AM

jimmy wrote:

Thanks Lee Anne for a great blog--just the right balance of commenting on what happened on the show, offering a behind the scenes look, and oh yes, a take on the food. (It's easy to forget this show is about food.) You were right on in your characterization of the others taunting Marcel, especially Ilan.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 2:21 AM

egyptchick7 wrote:

hold up....i missed you...i didn't see you in that episode...why would editiing so callously leave you out???

posted on January 4, 2007 at 2:37 AM

Craig wrote:

Thanks Lee Anne, you were a joy to watch and a joy to read. I too was dumbfounded how everybody ganged up on Marcel. Sad, and only makes him the sympathetic character.

Has anybody ever thought of a companion book/cookbook for the show? "Ceviche", "amuse bouche", etc. Most of us common folk are losing some of the more obscure, chefly references.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 3:03 AM

Charles wrote:

I have to admit the more they gang up on Marcel, the more I find that he is growing on me. Someone needs to tell these people that to pattern you game play after what Tiffany did last year is not a good thing! Although when you guys set the bar high I don't think you meant that future contestants could walk under it. So why are the producer allowing this behavior without pentality? And why have the producer allow Marcel to be dragged though the mud? You blog is the only on that give a first hand eye witness account of what happen and that is not what is getting out to the public. Although I have seen more and more site where Marcel has gone from villian to hero. Please keep your thoughs coming and I would love to see more of you cooking in the kitchen like on other sites. Long live Season One!

posted on January 4, 2007 at 3:35 AM

Eddie Bennett wrote:

Hey there. First of, I am a fan of yours, though I can honestly say I have only known who you are for about 2 weeks, when my sister finally got me to watch the show, which I must say is brilliant.
I agree completely agree with you on the issue of Marcel. He has ambition and the others need to see that he could possibly be hurting from all the nagging they constantly bash him with. Though, Elia is one person who is NOT taking sides and is completely objective in the matter. She, I believe, is seeing the drama for what it is, sensationalism. Cheers to her and I do hope she makes it to the end.
I really can not say much about the cooking, being only a sophmore in highschool. But I do think the courses looked "sinful" (yes, I will stop now, haha). Thank you for your time, keep up the awesome work, and do continue this blog!

posted on January 4, 2007 at 3:54 AM

Sammybarb wrote:

Lee Anne, Lee Anne! That's why we love you! You are so refreshing (like the other judges) and say it as you see it. You, as well as the others, embodied exactly what the audience was feeling, and we didn't know if you guys got it as clearly as wel did (Can't see the forest for the trees thing...)
I DO agree that this nit picking on Marcel is getting very old, and is growing to make the others look very petty. I'm sure it must be hertful to him, but he handles it with aplomb, and I am very glad Elia is there to support him, with her maturity and grace..(except for the forgivable lapse with the melted chocolate face cream...).
Makes you wonder if we all shouldn't be rooting for MARCEL to win!! Cliff was hateful and totally insensitive to Mia's past hardships, and how they shaped her cooking perspectives, and the other two boys are seeming like just that, goading on each other ti diss Marcel. Not the makings of a TOP Chef in my book.
How would an employee feel, with their boss snickering in the background?
I sure hope Mikey pulls it out, He has always been a good sport, and seems to be getting more focused, but one wonders if he would have the discipline and confidence to be a Top Chef.
Well, I guess time will tell, but it's been terrific to have you posting your ideas along this season. (You must have someone that doesn't like you, but for the life of me, I can't imagine who that poor pathetic person might be. You are a ray of sunshine..Best to you in '07! (Hope yo uare still back for next season!!!!)

posted on January 4, 2007 at 6:36 AM

Lynda I wrote:

Hi Lee Anne,

Happy New Year to You, too! This is your best blog to date. I appreciate your insider perspective of the dishes (& behavior). I also felt that Marcel did not "snap" at Betty. He needed to stop her from taking out his dish before he was ready. It appears that she snapped and played it up big to instigate a brawl. (At the T-day challenge, she certainly snapped at Marcel plenty.) I am glad that the wicked wench has gone back to her "grubby" hash house.

Mike's immunity comment cracked me up, too! However, I really thought that Sam's dish looked more creative (conceptually). I would have eaten every morsel...

posted on January 4, 2007 at 8:40 AM

Lauren S. wrote:

Yay Mike! I was so excited for him this episode, I find myself rooting for him week after week and at the same time getting increasingly disgusted with almost everyone else. Very bad showing of sportsmanship on Ilan's part, except for the fact that Betty's dish was not so great, Ilan would have been a good choice to go home for that alone. Marcel doesn't seem so bad, he's getting a sympathetic edit, that's for sure.

Leanne, I enjoy reading your blogs every week, it's the first thing I do when I get to work on Thursday morning. I'm a big fan!

posted on January 4, 2007 at 8:57 AM

Kevin wrote:

Hi Lee Anne,
Thanks for your insights. Watching this episode, and the nastiness from Ilan and Betty, I have to give major props to you and other contestants from last season who kept things civil and respectful. In my opinion, none of the competitors from this season are of your caliber.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 8:59 AM

Nikki_Darling wrote:

In addition to the hysterically funny and spot-on blogs: (the you scream, I scream....BS Ice Cream an absolute classic!) I love your class and style, can't wait to taste your cooking!

posted on January 4, 2007 at 10:22 AM

deb wrote:

I think that this particular cast of chefs is the most disappointing by far. Not only have there been numerous incidents of rule-breaking and tattleing (YOU SHOULD COME FORWARD IMMEDIATELY WHEN YOU SEE SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT- JUST NOT WHEN IT'S CONVIENENT TO POINT THE FINGER AT ONE OF YOUR OPPONETS) but the vicious personal attacks on one particular person (POOR MARCEL- YOU MAY NOT LIKE HIM BUT HE DOES DESERVE BETTER) not to mention the immature and unprofessional behavior of the other Top Chef contenders (SHAMEFUL! SHAMEFUL!) has me wondering why I'm still watching the show. I enjoy the interaction of the three hosts. It has truely made a much better viewing! KUDOS TO MICHAEL! Who'd have thought that the kid had it in him! He may even end up in the finals - WOULDN'T THAT JUST BLOW A FEW PEOPLE AWAY!

posted on January 4, 2007 at 12:08 PM

cmk wrote:

I agree with Leanne and most of the comments. Marcel may be annoying but he is starting to look better and better in the light of the other contestants actions. Eliah is the only mature one and tell the others to cut it out. Mike and Cliff stand back and let the Marcel bashing go on. It 's like a mob mentality. Thank goodness Betty is gone. I agree - she did everthing she could to make herself look good. Remember the cookie episode on the 500 calorie menu? She altered her recipe, cried a little and batted her eyelashes and got away with it. Had it been Marcel, the rest of them would still be berating him today. Grow up Sam, Betty and Ilan - you really made yourselves look like fools on nation TV. Your parents must be proud!

posted on January 4, 2007 at 12:19 PM

nancy wrote:

Lee Anne,

I agree with you that Ilan let Marcel get under his skin but don't you remember how frustrating Tiffany was to be around? Marcel seems to have some of that abrasive pushy behavior that just sets people off. I personally dont like to watch him-at all !!! Marcel must be doing stuff at the house we aren't seeing to have everyone but Ellia disliking him. I know that the show is about the food but isn't a top chef supposed to get along well with the people around him? I thought that Tiffany should have been cut last year for that alone & that did wind up being a deciding factor in the final show.

That being said, I love the show and wish you could make a guest shot on it !

posted on January 4, 2007 at 12:58 PM

Chris C. wrote:

Lee Anne,
Both Harold and you were my favorites last season and both of you handled yourself with dignity and humor during the competition.

You stated in your blog that you have been in Marcel's company and you do not believe that he is as bad as the other chef's are making him out to be. But I have a question, is this Marcel's intentional strategy, the way Marcel is "playing the game"?

But I thought it was about the "food", not who could outlast the most annoying contestant without killing him or her.

I believe Ilan broke, he soaked in all the needling from Marcel and finally he just had enough and broke.

Sam, I believe, is a leader and to try and lead someone like Marcel is a true nightmare when you are under such time constraints in these crazy challenges, it just makes him crazy and he broke.

Cliff, knows his limits and probably believes that it is better to just ignore Marcel than to break and get in a physical confrontation with him (think back to the Bada Bing Betty episode).

Mike is laid back Mike, but could be just waiting until this disruption destroys one or more of the front runners (as it almost did to Ilan) so he can move up in the ranks.

If Marcel's strategy works, Marcel will take Elia with him to the finals and that would be a shame. They are both great cooks but to advance because you annoyed everyone else to their breaking point is not entertainment, and not why most of us watch the show.

For it really is all about the "food"!

posted on January 4, 2007 at 1:17 PM

Dawn wrote:

This particular challenge was one of the best with regards to revealing the imagination and capabilities of the individual chefs. They had almost unlimited perimeters in choosing their dish and in executing it, and some of the chefs showed real wisdom in their food choices; namely, Michael , Elia, Cliff and Sam- all in that order, as far as I am concerned.
Without refering to the silly bickering on which I commented in Tom's blog, the three losing dishes all deserved their spot in the lowlight. Betty, as an experienced cook, should have anticipated the difficulty of presenting her soups in flutes easily. Perhaps she should have taken a little more time to consider her offering as much criticized Marcel tried to do. I'm an amateur and I know better than doing something like that just from my mousse experiments. I have to go with the opinion of another viewer and say that she would have done better with one outstanding soup in a bread bowl -no cleanup for sloth. As it was, service of the three flutes was fraught with trepidation for the chef/servers who looked mortified lest they drop one of those precariously balanced trays. I would honestly not have been satisfied with lukewarm, lumpy soup in a hospital setting, much less in a fine dining environment. Without reference to personality, Betty deserved to go home this week- Ilan's bringing of Elia into his own failure was inexcusable. He's a big boy and he didn't need to do as Elia suggested; he also did not need to make snide comments about Marcel's cherry dessert to the dinner guests. It showed a definite lack of leadership. I felt that Marcel's dish was probably the best of all the bottom three, if only for the beauty of the plate itself. Not lush enough though for lust. It amazed me though that it seemed that no one caught the very appropriate connection between the use of cherries and sexuality, regardless of llan's insistence that they are supposed to lower the libido. Besides being a euphemism for virginity, tieing a cherry stem in a knot (without hands) is a well-known collegiate drinking challenge for young coeds, which is supposed to demonstrate other, er..., potential abilities.
I am glad the grocery was out of crab for Michael's sake. His envy concept was very clever- what a great duo of fish. Elia's dish was almost too simple, but how beautiful to have a table carving. Fine dining at its best. Cliff's dish would have been perfectly decadent with a little more broth- how heavenly to have all that tender seafood in your mouth at the same time; better than dessert. Sam's ceviche- a great manifestation of his deadly sin, anger. Personally, I am not thrilled with the popcorns I've seen this season, accompanying more serious entrees. Popcorn can be very filling temporarily, and is especially not a good choice for a first dish unless it is served intentionalloy to sabotage subsequent offerings. I have to give Sam more credit than that, even though I am dissapointed with his behavior on this episode.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 1:44 PM

peter cruize wrote:

hey lee anne, thanks for your pizza tip using the peta bread. i will try it tonight. whatever happened to tiffany?

posted on January 4, 2007 at 3:51 PM

bikimn wrote:

I’m disappointed that the chefs (particularly Betty, Sam and Ilan) have allowed Marcel to provoke them to unprofessional and immature behavior (and I would suspect, UNCHARACTERISTIC, given their otherwise warm and friendly behavior toward each other). However, I’m surprised at all the comments about how the anger directed at Marcel is unwarranted, as if Marcel is some unwitting victim with no responsibility for the response he evokes. He likes to hide behind the claim that “I’m not here to make friends,” as if it condones the behavior that so clearly upsets everyone else. I’ve watched the show and although I know it isn’t a thorough documentation of the events, from what I’ve seen, Marcel is the only contestant who has deliberately tried to sabotage a fellow chef during competition. If you recall, he harassed Betty while she was cooking in the firehouse episode, justifying his behavior because she had insulted him earlier, which was absurd because her insult occurred AFTER he cooked (and, I might add, AFTER he provoked it out of her). Also, much has been said about Ilan’s slamming Marcel’s cherry dessert, which I admit was extremely bad form (as was much of his behavior in this episode—but he IS the youngest--please note that youth is the excuse many make for Marcel). However, I suspect he was responding to Marcel’s disparaging of Sam in the catering episode, in which he insinuated that Sam’s leadership was flawed and that he didn’t deserve to win, even though the other two in the group, Ilan and Betty, were transparent in their regard for Sam’s abilities and happy that he won. Given Marcel’s history, it’s no wonder that the other chefs’ responses to seemingly minor annoyances could be so extreme (they are responding not only to an isolated incident, but to a history of incidences; and not just to Marcel’s slights to themselves individually, but his slights to others). Ilan disparaging the cherry dessert, Sam yelling at him at the store, Betty refusing to serve—all extremely unprofessional (and unacceptable) behavior, but understandable. I wish they all could have summoned the focus to ignore him, but I completely understand, and although I feel sorry for Marcel being ganged up on, I probably would have let him have it, too (but hopefully, not in public, and not attacking his private life)! Also, I have to add, maybe his behavior might be easier to swallow if he actually won anything or if the judges (or his fellow chefs) were impressed by his work, but he’s only won 1 QuickFire Challenge and more often than not is in the bottom 3. There has not been one dish of Marcel’s that I’ve wanted to dive into except the watermelon steak and that’s only because I love watermelon and have been known to eat an entire one in a single sitting. Anyway, yes, the Marcel-bashing is getting boring, but so is the Marcel-is-victim refrain because he his hardly that. It would be interesting to see what would happen without him in the mix. The remaining chefs, outside of their interactions with Marcel, seem to be decent and genuine in their regard for each others’ abilities. I suspect without Marcel, they would just cook. Wouldn’t that be great?!

posted on January 4, 2007 at 3:56 PM

Nancy Spivey wrote:

I agree with you all about Marcel. He is annoying in the way a little kid can be annoying, and he is definitely as odd duck, but I think he is talented. It is clear that he has become the "whipping boy", and they all take their frustrations out on him.
Betty, as someone said above, is a shrew. Remember the Carlos ending? Jeez, the woman was wild! She also does not have the ability to stretch as far as the food is concerned. I'm sure she makes very good dishes in her real life, but a big part of this competition is the ability to adapt. She does not have much imagination.
Last night in the quickfire challenge, I thought green would be the easiest to do, and her plate was a mess!

I am so pleased for Michael. And it was not just last night. I have noticed in recent episodes, even when he comes out in the bottom, that he has learned to keep his mouth shut. He behaves more appropriately than Ilan and Sam!

I used to think Ilan would win, but I am rethinking that. He has turned bratty.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 4:15 PM

Carol wrote:

Sorry, I don't think Marcel uses humor to deal with the other chefs. He comes across as an arrogant, irritating, aggressive little pipsqueak and I understand why the other chefs treat him the way that they do. I know that the show is edited and we don't see everything that happens, but for my money Marcel is wrong and the other chefs are right. I hope he gets cut soon.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 5:01 PM

Tad wrote:

leanne,

i couldn't agree with you more here in regards to the marcel issue, but i just have one question: shouldn't a responsible producer have done more to show the kinder side of marcel in last night's episode? his willingness to help others, assist cliff with his color blindness, etc was reduced to a few seconds worth of footage. the rest of the episode was nothing more than a free-for-all bashing against him. now, to read all these blogs in defense of him just seems a bit cheap. the guy is clearly trying harder than what he is being given credit for on the air. i am not a fan of the petty drama the producers seem all to eager to air, while waiting to tell the other side of the story in a blog that few people will read. your viewers are deserve better, and marcel certainly deserved to be treated better than the footage the production team presented to the public last night.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 5:18 PM

Tammy wrote:

Yes! Finally, someone else voices what I've thought all along. I know that we don't see everything because of editing, but the behavior of the other chefs toward Marcel is downright abusive at times. I have to exclude Elia from this comment. She does at least "try" to support Marcel. But the others are pathetic. They whine and complain about Marcel constantly, yet he always works as a team player even after their sometimes vicious tongue lashings. He carries himself well and should be very proud of his performance. Go Marcel! Win this thing. You deserve it.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 6:26 PM

Aida wrote:

When Sam, who's a nice guy in my book, finally snapped at him, Mikey who is pretty easy going, can't stand him and even Elia (who's defended him before) had to admit last night that Marcell has managed to alienate all the other contestants with his passive aggressive arrogance ...I have to believe that I'm right in what I percieve Marcell to be: An inmature self involved kid who thinks he's better than all the others and refuses to be a team player thinking it's shows that he's a leader, when in fact his drama is what he'll be remebered for instead of his skills.

I guess I agree, he's being "built up" to make him likeable to viewers. I think he needs to grow up.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 6:40 PM

shannon powell wrote:

I was saddened by episode 7. This group of chefs comes across a lot meaner and less likable than the first season. I am sure Marcel is annoying, but I feel like I am watching MTV's Real World and not Top Chef. Stick to the food and the menus and culinary skills. That is why I liked watching this show in the first place. I am not seeing as much of that this season. I feel like I am waiting tables again.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 7:13 PM

Lanie wrote:

Betty is petty.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 8:42 PM

ti leaf wrote:

Nice blog. You're cool. I agree that Marcel becomes more likable the more he's bullied. When Betty wouldn't even say goodbye to him, he looked genuinely sad, and I wanted to give him a hug. Which brings me around to all the discussion of his virginity. What the heck is that all about? No one should comment on someone else's sexuality, and for the record, I think Marcel is far more sexy than Sam or Ilan. OK. I'm done.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 8:44 PM

Bridget wrote:

Everything about Betty annoyed me and I was suprised that the show didn't cover her obnoxious behavior more. She struck me as a very fake person - like a dr. jekell & mr. hyde. I think she comes across so fake because she has to try that hard to cover up who she really is. I found her extreme facial expressions, her condescending tone, and attention grabbing schemes - not to mention her slutty and tacky civilian clothing (a woman of her build & age should never wear a key-hole halter top - my husband and I have yet to recover) to be so gaudy and phoney. I'm so happy she left. I just wish she left sooner. ::shudder::

posted on January 4, 2007 at 8:47 PM

cyndi ducote wrote:

I realize that all is said and done but If my first graders ganged up on a another child as the other chefs have ganged up on Marcel , there would be some serious reprecussions. Bullying is not acceptable from anyone , at least not from adults who know better! Kudos to Mike who finally won. I knew you had in you.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 8:51 PM

Ruben wrote:

Lee Anne,

My wife and I couldn't agree with you more about Marcel. It is so funny - at the beginning of the season, we both did not like him at all, but as things have progressed, now he is the closest thing to a favorite we have amongst the six remaining contestants!

While Marcel is far from perfect, he displayed a far greater level of professionalism and teamwork than the others in this episode. In fact, he demonstrated more professionalism than I would (I am ashamed to admit).

Michael's victory in the challenges this episode were satisfying, especially as this is the same guy who seemed teetering on the verge of elimination for a number of previous episodes. Now, my wife and I find ourselves hoping for a Final Three of Marcel, Elia, and Michael - as unlikely as we suspect that will be...

posted on January 4, 2007 at 8:59 PM

Matt wrote:

Reading this week's blogs I see Harold and Lee Anne bashing the chefs for bashing Marcel and accusing them of being immature and acting childish. I really like Lee Anne and Harold, but I don't recall them defending Tiffani during season one. I haven't seen a single one of these chefs tell Marcel, "I'm not your bitch, bitch."

posted on January 4, 2007 at 9:25 PM

Jung wrote:

Lee Anne,

Thanks for your insider viewpoint. Marcel doesn't seem all that bad, and your comments verify that the others are picking on him. Do they read these blogs and viewer comments? Are they aware of how distasteful their behavior was to us viewers? Hopefully, in some follow-up or reunion, they will apologize.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 9:57 PM

evett726 wrote:

Thank you Lee Ann for blogging, what I had been screaming to the tv, in my heart I feel as if some of them were jealous of Marcel. And Cliff you dingaling, you should of sit down and said nothing in the challege when quit.
But is manners shows a ticpical brother against sisthas.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Erika wrote:

First! I loved you on season 1, Lee Ann. I was so excited to see the webisodes with you! Yay!

Second! Eh! I'm so with you on the immature Ilan behavior. I'm not the biggest Marcel fan, but this juvenile exchange really irked me. It was very unprofessional and totally lame. I was so hoping to love Ilan. Alas, he has proved to be very, VERY eighth grade. Ick.

posted on January 4, 2007 at 11:57 PM

RENEE wrote:

Hi Leann,
Totally agree with all the comments regarding Marcel. I REALLY wanted them to vote off Ilan for his extremelhy rude and tacky behavior. The manner in which everyone is treating Marcell is totally uncalled for and is starting to backfire on all of them. I totally want him to beat both Sam and Ilan, which is sad because prior to this episode I wanted both to at least be in the final 3, along with Cliff. I have not seen Marcell do anything to warrant the level of hostility that is being directed at him.
Some of the chefs really need to grow up!!!!

posted on January 5, 2007 at 1:37 AM

Rich wrote:

I really liked you on the first season but I don't like you so much in the blog. I think you are incredibly unfair to the contestants and seem to have forgotten some of the the things that happened in your season. You criticize the "ganging up" on Marcel, but I seem to remember the first episode of your season when everyone ganged up on Ken. Now granted he was a jerk but so is Marcel and they have put up with him a lot longer that you guys put up with Ken. And it was specifically you that at the table criticized his behavior, not his food.

Some other pretty scuzzy stuff happened in your season. Remember Brian, realizing that he said a stupid thing when he told the judges he always overcooks his carrots, tryign to throw Dave under the bus by claiming that Dave was the leader?

And what about Dave and Stephen going out and getting plastered the night before they were to be sous chefs for Tiffani. I was not fan of Tiffani's and wanted Harold to win but what those two guys did was completely unprofessional and far worse than anything anyone has done this season. I was very disappointed that no one called them on it on last season's finale.

The fact is that you lived with those folks for the whole time and came to understand them and overlook their oddities and ego breakouts but now from a distance you are being pretty harsh about the current folks who are really not all that different.

posted on January 5, 2007 at 4:49 AM

Bob wrote:

One of the Many who thought you should have been in the Final 3!!
Everyone is wondering where all this animosity towards Marcel is coming from but I guess that most think it is deserved because just about everyone seems to dislike him ( except Elia).
What was in the carrot chip recipe??? That needs posting on the site since Ted and Padma made such a big deal of such a seemingly simple food.
GO MIKEY!!!!

posted on January 5, 2007 at 7:08 AM

liz wrote:

Hi Lee Anne,
I'm a big fan of yours and love reading your blog. I just wanted to say that my highlight of this week's show was seeing Mike win both challenges. He's got talent and a great sense of humor. I don't necessarily think he'll win the TC title, but I do enjoy watching him. He reminds me of a high school stoner who everyone likes, who never does his homework, but still manages to ace his exams and maintain a clever sense of humor.

posted on January 5, 2007 at 8:49 AM

CindiO wrote:

If all the judges and those of you that are still involved from last year are tired of the poor behavoir why doesn't anyone say something? It's too bad the chefs couldn't watch the episodes before the next competitions.
I really would like to see how the dishes are prepared, not just the drama while they are being made.
By the way your turducken was a huge success at our xmas eve dinner! I had enough mouse to make 2, so I wrapped the second in bacon as I was out of chicken skin. I served it with a persimmon & dried cranberry chutney. Thank you!

posted on January 5, 2007 at 1:00 PM

Lisa wrote:

Hi lee Anne,

I really miss the Season One contestants. Season 2 really does not have any favorite for me. How am I supposed to vote for my favorite chef? I think I may just vote for Marcel to piss off the other contestants. I really do not see what he is doing so wrong that cannot be either ignored or addressed at a later time. At least treat him like he is human! I am so glad to see Betty gone. Her fake smile and lack of depth and creativity is not something I could have taken much more of this season. I will watch to the end to see who the "winner" is but that term is used loosely. I guess someone has to win. In my opinion, it should be none of who is left except for Marcel possibly for all that he has endured during this season.

posted on January 5, 2007 at 2:11 PM

jimmy wrote:

Ruben,

Can I watch Top Chef at your house? lol... I thought I was the only one gunning for a Marcel, Elia and Michael finale...

posted on January 5, 2007 at 3:32 PM

Vaudelita wrote:

Cliff is a jerk and he lied on national television. He needs to go back and review the episode where he said that Mia Bitched and Moaned. Mia did try to get her point across and he did stop her. Mia went along as she said with her team and she did do a good job. Cliff is a loser and owes Mia an apology. I can not believe he made fun of her hard times in the past. He does not deserve to be Top Chief.

posted on January 5, 2007 at 3:38 PM

Vaudelita wrote:

Lee Anne
You took the words right out of my mouth. The comments about Marcel have become so juvenille, that irt comes off as if the other chefs are jealouse. When Betty goes home and watch the eposide when she literally cursed out Marcel, she should find a rock and hide under it. Betty never took responsibility for her own mistakes.

posted on January 5, 2007 at 3:42 PM

pat walsh wrote:

Lee Anne,
Where does one get to taste some of your food?

Patrick

posted on January 5, 2007 at 4:40 PM

Lorene Goodrow wrote:

I think Marcel is the most honest of them all! I admire his strength of not backing down & wanting the gold even more. I really had an issue on how everyone picks on him...BACK OFF! The confidence that he has will only give him success in life. I was glad to see Betty go. The next should be Ian because how he kept on knocking Marcel on being a virgin. Kudos to Marcel! I really liked Sam, but after his outrage in the store...really made me want him to be the next one to go. In the real world, you take that person aside if you have an issue with them. I think everyone's bashing Marcel is childish & makes you wonder...who is the MAN of the show? I love Cliff & Elia, for they try not to get involved...especially Elia. She appreciates everyone in the group & sees on how everyone is gaining up on Marcel. High School was so yesterday...get over it and move on people!

posted on January 5, 2007 at 5:17 PM

Shar wrote:

To Liz (Jan 5, a few blurbs up) -
Had to reply to your comparison of Mikey to the stoners in HS: YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD. I actually started laughing when I read what you wrote. Although I don't know if Mikey is as "refined" as a TC need be , I do like him a lot mainly for the fact that he has grown so much during the season, doesn't get involved in all the drama, can actually cook (hopefully not Vicodin-related) and seems like a genuinely nice guy.
Thanks for a good chuckle !

posted on January 5, 2007 at 6:08 PM

lola wrote:

All I have to comment is about the whole Marcel issue. Why is there even one? Does everyone there have to have a scapegoat so they pick on the youngest, or even, God forbid I mention maybe the smallest? Why do they have to bash him so much? I have worked with people like him and I have seen alot of personalities in the kitchen. He is just a young eager person who loves what he does. I actually like Marcel. Yeah, he abuses the foam (LOL) but he strikes me as just a kid. You think everyone else would grow up. I watched the 7 Deadly Sins episode and I completely lost respect for Ilan Hall. He had no right to act like a jerk to Marcel. Hey, Elan! Find someone your own size to pick on!!!!

posted on January 5, 2007 at 8:07 PM

Leonard wrote:

Lee Anne

I followed last season and respenct you greatly.

I've yet to read any other posts but was floored with your comment about the guests having a smoke break.

A SMOKE BREAK after what? the second or third course no less?

Don't get me wrong, I am a tobacco user, I consider my cigar as a course in itself, but only to be enjoyed after the last.

I would consider that anyone I was serving who excused themselves for a smoke in the middle of a multi-course meal was asignifying that THAT was their last chosen course.

In short I would be insulted, I am fairly certain that the regular judges don't excuse themselves for a Winston between courses - tell me I am right, please Lee Anne.

Leonard

posted on January 6, 2007 at 12:17 AM

Wendy wrote:

Hi Lee Anne,

I'm glad you were there to give us all the Real truth because as some have so rightly pointed out, if Marcel was actually doing Anything that warranted this complete stupidity they are POSITIVE that Bravo would be showing it. With your word and that definite I will stand by my opinion til the end. It isn't and hasn't been Marcel at all the entire time. It started with Betty in ep 2. She was the ring leader all along. Showed she was definitely good at pulling people into a group but the poor woman was delusional. I mean they would show her doing something or acting someway and then they show her in the confessional saying the complete opposite. Anyway, Thank You Lee Anne for your blog is awesome. :)

posted on January 6, 2007 at 1:06 AM

EJC wrote:

I agree with all of you. I am watching the rerun of 1/3 and they are really awful to Marcel. They are acting like a group of spoiled kids. I hope that when this is over, they take a good look at the way they acted. Sam, Cliff, Betty & Ilan should be very embarrassed when they return to their real life.
The headline of Bye Bye Betty was music to my ears!! Thank God she's gone. Talk about a know it all. They all talked about Marcel w/ the foam..how about Betty w/ soup. I don't even cook & I would be able to make the soup!!! Top Chef? I think NOT.
I wish Mia had stayed, i think she could have won or at least been in the top 2!!

posted on January 6, 2007 at 7:21 PM

ann wrote:

What Wendy said about your description of the Marcel attack.
I think so many of us have seen gang mentality that the bullies are all too easily recognized.

OK, I'll admit it. I've never tasted foam. I don't even know how it's made. Or why? (That's basics question 1.)

How do serious chefs salt dishes? So many people expect salty, others can't eat salt or aren't supposed to. How many guests at the Top Chef dinners salt the food before tasting it?

posted on January 6, 2007 at 7:38 PM

Kim Traner wrote:

I was appalled at Sam, Betty and Ilan's treatment of Marcel! I work in a kitchen with 7 other people who all posess different personalities, work ethics and ways of doing their tasks. I would never treat a co-worker in the manner that they have been treating Marcel. Their actions show how truly disrespectful of people they can be and if I had to choose from these three to win this contest, none of them would win. In any workplace there are many different personalities and you need to work along side each other and work as a team, giving and taking as needed. Behind the scenes turmoil will eventually show through in the food and they will lose the respect of their patrons. Seeing what I have of these three, I would choose not to eat in their restaurants if the occasion arose and there are a lot of other people who agree with me. They need to take a step back and reevaluate their treatment of their co-workers if they want to be successful in the future.

posted on January 7, 2007 at 11:39 AM

june wrote:

I don't think screaming at a person in public is a good way to handle any issue. Sam going off on Marcel in the store, Betty going off on him at the T-day and Firehouse, Ilan laughing at him behind his back every episode, Frank threatening to rearrange his face in the toothbrush incident, even Mike saying he'd knock him out during the Firehouse challenge, and Cliff saying he would hit him in the head--Literally, the only person not bashing him has been Elia, since the whole Betty-Marcel thing began. Elia was sitting next to him and said she would not go against him when the others were lambasting him.

Even if he is the most annoying gnat in the world, there are ways of handling such people without making yourself look worse than they are in the process. This is why Sam, Ilan, and others sank in my estimation during this challenge in particular (Sam has been instigating against him and Ilan has been laughing at him all along). I don't think they are acting like men. They are more likw whiny kids.

Betty was painful to listen to and watch, except as a study in two-faced, grinning hypocrisy. That little girl, eye batting at the TGIF challenge was hard to take. The big-toothed fraudulence of her smiles at the judges, which could turn any minute into the mouth of hell sspewing obscenities, outshouting everyone--was not a pleasant sight. I am not crazy about flirty, pseudo-sexy, chest-baring, people of a certain age, anyway.

I think Mike's strategy of being likeable and not a threat is working. His food so far has not been anything to wow a sophisticated audience. And let's face it, he relies heavily on salmon, which is almost impossible to mess up, though he managed to at the Greenmarket challenge. I just don't think he has the range to be a great chef, though he does cook with heart.

posted on January 7, 2007 at 3:44 PM

Patrick wrote:

Lee Anne... It is great to read your blog giving an insider's and professional chef's view of what is going on. I just watched this episode again and I am just as strongly put off by Sam, Betty, Ilan (not so much Cliff and not Michael and Elia at all) and their immature behavior toward Marcel during the show. It's hilarious that Sam is talking to Ilan in the Kenmore kitchen after they decide who cooks what course and he tells us Marcel is insecure in his own shoes (I don't see that at all...insecure people seek other's approval...this is NOT Marcel); then he tells Ilan Marcel will be intimidated and afraid (or something like that) of Ilan beating him out on the dessert. How ridiculous, especially since Ilan's dessert was such a monumental disater and complete failure...even I know that fried food doesn't travel well and was the worst possible choice he could make...and he's a professional! I think Sam was so put out with Marcel for speaking up for himself at the judges table after the Holiday spread episode(whether or not it was necessary) and he just couldn't see anything Marcel did after that as being okay, and then further fell into Betty's web to ensnare Marcel. Such children. It will be interesting to see if anyone has the strength of character to apologize to Marcel next week. I won't hold my breath, but I hope someone is that mature. Also, I loved the look on Elia's face when Ilan went off on that tear at Marcel while waiting for the judges decision...the look and the eyebrows...priceless! This is a woman who has previously worked with Marcel and knows him differently and better than the others. I would tend to believe her take on Marcel more. I am pulling for Marcel at this point! Thanks for all you do...the blog is terrific!

posted on January 7, 2007 at 6:13 PM

Gabrielle wrote:

Frankly, I have to disagree with you. I find Marcel smarmy, insipid, and annoying beyond belief. Do you not recall the way he had to try and steal Sam's thunder when he was on the winning team? I must concur with the other chefs: Marcel needs to go home!

posted on January 8, 2007 at 1:32 AM

LISN wrote:

Hiya LeeAnne,

You gave us a great blog, thanks!

Regarding the behavior directed toward Marcel: Since the ringleader and followers of the hatemonger squad behaved like bad seed little kids in the playground, they need to do a long time out in the "thinking chair".

posted on January 8, 2007 at 1:46 PM

jgg wrote:

Lee Anne,
Loved you on season 1 ("I'll buy you a beer dude, when we get back to NY.") Fair commentary too, your observations regarding Marcel seem spot on to me, and you were there in person! Best new year to you!

posted on January 8, 2007 at 6:25 PM

Pam wrote:

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EVERYONE NEEDS TO GO TO TOM COLICCHIO'S BLOG & READ MELANIE'S POSTING ON JANUARY 7TH @ 8:25pm
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THEN GO TO THAT WEBSITE:
http://bloggingtopchef.blogspot.com/

JUST KEEP TABBING DOWN UNTIL YOU SEE "CHEF MIKEY IN THE KITCHEN" - THEN READ WHAT LITTLE MIKEY SAYS FROM HIS OWN MOUTH!!!!!!!!!!

Chef Mike: As far as Templeton goes, Marcel...I call him that because he is a rat. He told on me for drinking when I was on my meds. Sam, Cliff and Ilan had beers stashed so I could have a few and Marcel rated me out. That was it for me. I gave that little rat the most chances and he blew it, so let people hate him. It's awesom

SAM, CLIFF & ILAN COULD HAVE HELPED LITTLE MIKEY TO AN EARLY GRAVE, AND DID EXPOSE BRAVO TV & TOP CHEF TO A POTENTIAL LAWSUIT!!!!!!!!!!!!

MARCEL DID THE RIGHT THING AND EXPOSED THIS OUTRAGIOUS SITUATION!!!!!

SO, THAT'S THE REAL REASON THESE MORONS ATTACKED MARCEL AS THEY DID!!!!

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO THINK SOMETHING ELSE MUST BE GOING ON THAT WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT....THERE IT IS!!!!

HEY BRAVO TV.... HEY TOP CHEF..... WHAT KIND OF A CRACK HOUSE ARE YOU RUNNING???????????????

I CANNOT BELIEVE THESE LOW-LIFE WERE ALLOWED TO REMAIN ON THIS SHOW!!

MARCEL, TOO BAD YOU DIDN'T JUST LET LITTLE MIKEY MIX HIS BEER & DRUGS... MAYBE HE & HIS "BUDDIES" WOULD ALL BE GONE... SPARING YOU AND ELIA FROM WASTING YOUR TIME IN THIS HALF-BAKED COMPETITION!!!!

posted on January 8, 2007 at 7:12 PM