September 20, 2007
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Most of you know that I work at The French Culinary Institute in New York. I was super excited when I found out we would be filming there. Not only did it make it easy for me production-wise, but I was so happy to be back amongst my coworkers and friends after being in Miami for two months.
The Quickfire was great fun. The same day I flew into Newark (the day before the actual Continental challenge happened), we scouted a bunch of locations and then I drove into the city with one of our producers to meet the chefs at Le Cirque. The initial idea was that the chef in the kitchen (the oh-so-nice Jason Kallert) would show the contestants step by step how to make Sirio’s favorite dish. Before we made any decisions, Jason and the chefs cooked Margit and me several courses, including the bass en papillote. I didn’t know what I was eating at the time having not read the menu, but as a chef, whenever I am trying something unfamiliar, I tend to take my time and try to dissect the flavors, textures, and actual components of the dish. Slowly I discussed the techniques with Chef Jason and talked about the flavors and ingredients, many of which I was accurate in identifying.
Comments
Bev wrote:
I love fried rice. Anyway you'd share your recipe? ;)
posted on September 20, 2007 at 11:10 AM
FanFare wrote:
Hi Lee Anne,
This was the best episode of all 3 seasons! The 2 challenges seemed simple at first blush. However, upon second glance, having to win over those culinary luminaries was no small feat.
Although Hung is perceived as too cocky, he is mindful that at the end of the day, he is in a competition. It is not summer camp. Hopefully, his competitors can understand his behavior is without malice. Watching him gleefully and speedily chop and dice and prepare his dishes held as much joy as he seemed to have. Since he won both QF and elimination, why did he not receive a prize?? (Casey received the most extravagant prizes for her wins in lesser episodes. That doesn't seem fair.) btw: did Le Cirque's owner dismiss Casey's dish because she was an attractive woman or was his statement edited incorrectly?
As for the others: Dale is becoming annoying with his sanctimonious statements regarding Hung's "integrity". He acts as though Top Chef is a team sport. His whines are reminiscent of "Ilaniot". Brian's dish made little sense; in that it was British Pub Grub and bore little resemblence to Haute Cuisine. Sara seemed uncharacteristically flustered on this particular day. She blew it twice by undercooking her proteins. What a shame. I liked her spunk and ability to harness Hot Headed Howie so adroitly.
Thank you for your detailed background information into this most enjoyable episode. You guys in production did a fantastic job!! (Have fun in the Windy City!)
posted on September 20, 2007 at 11:27 AM
Raf wrote:
I love your perspective Lee Anne. You're still my favorite contestant.
Any way us Chicago residents can catch of glimpse of top chef filming while you're in our city?
posted on September 20, 2007 at 12:28 PM
Josie wrote:
This has been my favorite episode so far!! This is what Top Chef is about. I believe if all of the earlier eliminations were as refined technically and thoughtfully like this one was, there would probably be a different set of chefs in the top four. Hung and Casey definitely earned their spot, but Dale and Brian?? It would've been nice to have Tre in the final four.
posted on September 20, 2007 at 2:27 PM
Swamp Yankee wrote:
Ms Wong,
Chicago is definitely a great restaurant town, arguably the equal of New York and likely superior to Los Angeles. It's also got (the last I knew...) a vibrant Greek-American community, with some very nice restaurants. I do hope that you take advantage of them.
Oddly, I pulled Chicago out of the air after some snarky comments about Midwestern taste in appetizers. I had absolutely no idea that Top Chef's Season 4 was scheduled to be there. I went to college in Chicago (at IIT, about 2 blocks from Sox Park).
Edwin
posted on September 20, 2007 at 2:43 PM
Andy B. wrote:
Yes Lee Ann, I really enjoyed this episode very much. Your insight behind the scenes makes your blog not only important, but extremely interesting. Sarah's undercooked chicken, cooked her goose. She had a good run though, and managed to stay in the competition longer then much better competitors. Dale's ambition almost got the best of him. Brian allowed the sausage flavor to overtake the chicken. Casey- wow, almost won again. I guess the Onion chopping catastrophe was an anomaly. Hung is in the drivers seat. His skills and precision make him the competitor to beat. To me the trick to each challenge besides execution is know your audience. Know who you're cooking for. The prestige panel of guess judges wanted a simple rendition of Chicken, onions, and potato. Hung, and Casey followed those instruction to a tee in their cooking. With Hung winning very closely. Dale, over simplified by making two versions, causing complications. Brian's sausage overtook the chicken flavor. Sarah just failed in execution on all levels. Now comes the finals in Aspen and anyones game. Will it be Hung as the Top Chef 3, or will Casey be the first female T.C ever. How about dark horses Dale, and Brian. Whoever it is Lee Ann, I will be watching and waiting for your very important and interesting comments from behind the scenes.
posted on September 20, 2007 at 3:09 PM
Rob H wrote:
Hi Lee Anne,
And thanks for the wonderful entry. One of the best things about Top Chef is that the cheftestants and judges talk about cooking--techniques, composition, balancing flavors, and so on. (No Gordon-Ramsay-style, Lord-of-the-Flies cutthroat action here!) To paraphrase Hung, Top Chef (and this season in particular) has elegance and finesse. I love learning about food through this show!
posted on September 20, 2007 at 3:45 PM
Leigh wrote:
Okay, I just got all giddy at the news that Season 4 starts in Chicago. Huzzah! I'm excited that you're here. I'm very proud of the different ethnicities and styles of food we have. I hope you enjoy it.
posted on September 20, 2007 at 5:18 PM
Margaret R. wrote:
Lee Anne, I have been thinking the last few episodes about all the high-end ingredients flying around the kitchen this season and thought that, gosh darn it, why don't they suffer like the rest of us every-day cooks and just cook a chicken! Lo and behold - there lay the lowly bird now at the center of attention at the FCI! I was delighted! I thought the basic premise behind thie challenge was spot-on and perfect for really putting one's cooking skills to the test. Bravo for coming up with a real "cooks-test" for this last challenge. It was fun to watch and really telling to see the variety of choices between the 5 remainding contestants. Bravo Twice! Waiting excitedly for next week's installment!
posted on September 20, 2007 at 6:09 PM
LindaR wrote:
I'm stoked about S4 being in Chicago. My family's from there and it is a hell of a food town. Dare I hope for a pierogi cook-off?
posted on September 20, 2007 at 6:32 PM
Dorothy wrote:
Just wanted to jump the welcome wagon and express how absolutely happy I am that Season Four will be in Chicago. This is my adopted hometown, and the food is no minor reason that I stayed. Hope you enjoy your time here, expecially before the cold sets in :)
Will Harold make an appearance in Chicago at all? I have to admit, I have a terrible crush on him.
posted on September 20, 2007 at 7:21 PM
Jeff wrote:
Le Ann!
Please tell your higher ups that some of us came late to this series and would DESPARATELY like to see Top Chef season 1, from the first episode. I know that in hindsight it looks a little raw, but that is all part of what we are craving, seeing the show evole into what it is today. Besides getting to see you and your dishes!
posted on September 20, 2007 at 8:55 PM
Deborah R wrote:
Lee Ann, thank you so much for the insider details. Your instincts were right regarding the quickfire. Although Hung is not my favorite of the contestants, his technical skill is undeniable--as these challenges demonstrated. I hope they'll soon begin releasing TC on DVD and will include some of the behind-the-scenes info that we miss when watching the final one-hour product. (BTW, TC's editors are brilliant--kudos!)
I knew you had worked at FCI when you began your TC journey in season one, but did not realize you were still employed there. It would be interesting to hear how you manage to balance working at FCI with your TC duties (which sound like great fun). I'd also like to know more about the FCI founder--is she a chef? And while I'm making requests, I'm still hoping you'll grace us with your bacon cake recipe. Pretty please?
posted on September 20, 2007 at 11:08 PM
Pooka wrote:
Dear Lee Anne,
Wonderful episode, two exciting challenges. Hope all TC4 challenges make this kind of sense: mature, professional, elegant, sophisticated yet simple. Leave the nonsense challenges in the past. (Also loved the QF relay race - very exciting.)
I hope not to piss you off, 'cause I like you so much: a noun contorts inelegantly to a pseudo verb with the addition of "wise."
Also, since you are just beginning production on TC4, could you lobby for either a u-shaped judges' table or for putting Padma on the end? She leans so far forward that the judges to either side of her have to stretch in order to see around her. Not how you wish to treat your sometimes-exalted guest judges.
I think the host should not also judge. I think his or her perception of judging has to be muddied by also being the host.
Love you Lee Anne!
posted on September 21, 2007 at 11:31 AM
Megan wrote:
You say, "Hung won through technique and speed, deservedly so". Yet while he was eating the meal, Sirro said Casey's was the best tasting/closest to the original.
We are told over, and over that Top Chef is all about the food. Suddenly the second place in taste gets to win because he was faster in the kitchen?? And you obviously agree - should some had told the contestants that in addition to re-creating the dish perfectly they needed to run around the kitchen a little bit more?
posted on September 21, 2007 at 1:53 PM
almost famous wrote:
Lee Anne,
Love you & your insider comments. Yours is my favorite blog along with Chef Tom's and Anthony Bourdain's. As a fan from Chicago, let me say "Welcome TC Season 4! Chicago loves you!!"
I would love to catch a glimpse of filming -- any tips, suggestions? I'll share my korean eggroll recipe with you if you share your chinese fried rice!
posted on September 21, 2007 at 4:00 PM
Dave C wrote:
Andre Soltner loves fried rice? haha thats awesome.
posted on September 21, 2007 at 7:48 PM
gary.e wrote:
Hi Lee Ann. I for one am tired of all the B-S this year some how they have lost something special in this years judging skills, I think tom should take some time off and get some rest, i,m not sure he has what it takes any more, he seems like he has started to think that he has become the food god and how would he do in any of these competitions? And no I repeat No to Hung Being in the last two, Caesy is really the only one left that could be a top chef. some how i wish for season one or that we get something that has the same quialty'' best to you......
posted on September 21, 2007 at 11:37 PM
Saundra wrote:
LeeAnne,
Definitely my favorite blog....
Chicago, my hometown!!! Stuck, sweating in Florida now and missing the challenge of driving on black ice.
Hoping to see a Chicago stuffed Pizza challenge in Season 4, all pizza here is crud on a cracker!
posted on September 22, 2007 at 8:35 AM
Jeana wrote:
Knew there had to be a great mind behind that challenge! Thanks...it was hugely entertaining!
posted on September 22, 2007 at 10:11 AM
Lynelle wrote:
To the poster who hasn't seen Season 1..... it's the best Top Chef Season still to date. Not raw at all. The Best! Bravo did play it all one day a few months back, I watched it all again. play it again, I'll watch again!
posted on September 22, 2007 at 4:32 PM
susan s wrote:
Someone really needs to address Chef Sirio's comments! I just got done watching the repeat and he did, indeed, say that Casey's dish was the best. If there is something else that we, the viewer, is missing, then the editting staff needs to fix it. We're all left to believe that Casey won in flavor and, yet, Hung won the quickfire. Confusing and seemingly unfair. What are we missing?
I, too, loved this challenge (and am dreading the outdoor grills and fish in next week's trailer). Every one of us is bored to tears and confused to death with chicken and potatoes. It was great to see our friendly contestants struggle with the day-to-day basic ingredients that the rest of the world exists on.
It is fun to watch Hung -- I laughed my rear off when he dissected the chickens in the relay race. He does have amazing skills. I appreciate his self confidence but he could show just a little humility once in awhile -- okay, maybe just once would work. I do think he has great joy in cooking and he's probably a fun guy but, this show does not always show him in the best light which is sad..
Love this episode .. hope the finale lives up to this one.
posted on September 22, 2007 at 9:09 PM
trish wrote:
Thank you Lee Anne for providing us with backgrounds for the chefs at the FCI. They look very impressive and after reading your blog, I know they are at the top of the game. I can see anyone feeling a little awe struck and nervous in front of them.
Sara seemed so nervous and I felt badly for her. She just couldn't seem to get it together. She has nothing to feel bad about. She ran a darn good race.
I too thought Hung excelled in both the quickfire and the challenge. Casey is doing a wonderful job but it's easy to see Hung is the better chef. You really don't have to like him to recognize his skills.
This should come down to Casey and Hung unless one of them makes a tragic mistake.
I must say I wouldn't be a bit surprised if Brian somehow made it to the final two. Everyone seems to let him keep skating through even when he doesn't cook anything. Clearly the judges see something in him that the majority of us don't see.
posted on September 22, 2007 at 11:00 PM
HungryTexan wrote:
LeeAnne,
As a fan of the show from the very beginning, I really appreciate the extra technical information and education that your blog has. Along with Tom and Gail's, your blog is the *perfect* companion to the show for those of us who are entertained not by canned drama, chopp editing, and sound effects, but who enjoy the educational and entertaining aspects of this amazing world of fine food that many of us would not be exposed to otherwise.
Your show, your blog, Tom's bio and blog, have made genuine traveling, book buying, kitchen experimenting foodies out of my wife and me. Thanks for the fun, the knowledge, the entertainment, and the food!
posted on September 24, 2007 at 3:02 AM
Lee Ann wrote:
Lee Anne- I'm with the other poster that asked for your fried rice recipe. Would you mind sharing it?
posted on September 24, 2007 at 7:55 AM
Frank wrote:
If Casey wins this please get together with Tiffany and teach Casey how to cook and make her learn some knife skills. You two have shown to be excellent chefs and if a woman should win they should be of your calliber. Nothing short of your standards should be allowed.
It would be interesting if she won to see if she could possibly be anymore pretentious.
posted on September 24, 2007 at 1:08 PM
john wrote:
With regards to the quickfire, the point of the challenge was to duplicate the dish that the chefs dined on. While Casey's dish may have tasted good, perhaps it did not come as close as Hung's version in tasting like the original dish.
posted on September 24, 2007 at 1:20 PM
CR wrote:
Regarding the quickfire, I read on one of the other blogs that Casey's potato didn't wrap entirely around the fish, also her sauce was not in dots like the original (or Hung's), it was a pool. So while her dish tasted good, it was not technically correct. I'm sure that Hung's dish also tasted great. I pegged Hung as a final two from the first episode... so hope he takes it home. I find him to be very personable and not annoying.
posted on September 24, 2007 at 5:37 PM
Katie wrote:
Lee Anne!
I live and work in Chicago! I want to be a guest diner on the show , how can I show up at the right place at the right time?
Please please please?
posted on September 26, 2007 at 4:39 PM
EC wrote:
I just said, "hi" to you at the Farmer's Market in Chicago. I know you were busy working, so I appreciate the fact that you were so kind. I'm thrilled the show is in Chicago as I love our city ... and our city's food! Hope you have a great time here.
it was fun to watch some of the filming, too. We go to the market twice a week and get to see some great chefs demonstrating their skills there, too.
Welcome!
posted on September 29, 2007 at 3:15 PM