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Where's the Beef?

June 13, 2007

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Bienvenidos a Miami, or Welcome to Miami, as they say. And what a welcome it was.

Miami is such a beautiful and eclectic city with so much culinary inspiration -- from fresh seafood to tropical and Latin flavors, with a particular emphasis on Cuban roots. There is so much exciting cuisine to explore if you can remove yourself from the beach and the beautiful people long enough to have a decent meal -- although those Cuban sandwiches and café con leches can probably sustain the average club-goer for an entire weekend.

My colleagues and I had some bigger fish to fry.

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There are sixty-eight comments so far. Add yours! Permalink

Comments

Anthony wrote:

What happened to Padma's arm. Noticed the scar.

Jimmy wrote:

Last year when season 2 made their debut I was kinda shocked to see a new host...... but Padma has made it wonderfully delicious. Speaking of delicious the food this year will be great from what I could see on the Season 3 debut. Keep up the great work Padma. Ohhh, and wear whatever you want!!!!! With a body like that, one can't go wrong. If they don't like it they can always turn the channel. Love ya Padma!!!!

She11ey wrote:

Padma, you've got a legitimate scar. Now, tell us... take a look at Tre's "tattoo" and tell us if it seems like a smeared drawing from a Sharpie marker.

Hey, I'm not judging his cooking, I'm just wondering... !!

Andrea wrote:

I'm with Tom in my surprise that the chefs didn't anticipate the Quickfire -- though of course, we didn't see everyone's reaction and some may have been smarter. I did think that 10 minutes seemed the tiniest bit too short considering y'all (yes, I'm from Texas, what of it) wanted them to express themselves through the item they made. OTOH, it's hard to know how many more minutes would have made it too easy, and certainly the 10 minutes was enough time for one chef to make the same mistake as the last time TC contestants had to make these tasty treats. I thought this time we had contestants who've watched the show! I'm not in any way a chef - married to an amateur, but not a cook myself - and I got that part last time.

robert conte wrote:

She's back. Thanks Patma fry your toe. Always a derogatory comment

anonymous wrote:

Padma, my friend and I noticed that you had a big scar on your arm. We don't remember seeing it last season. What happened?

Meg wrote:

I watched the Season 1 vs. Season 2 competition and wondered about the mark on your right arm. I watched last season but didn't notice before. Is it a scar?

Aless wrote:

Well it was crazy to see such crazy proteins being cooked, I mean rattle snake and kangaroo?? Whats up with that?? I hope its better than it sounds. But still the real reason i watch Top Chef is for those big brown eyes!! I lub you Padma!!

Sharon wrote:

I just wanted to metion on the episode where season one chefs cooked off against season two chefs that they should not have had a quick fire challenge. If it was done to fill some of the hour and then they could have top chef from season one and top chef from season pick who they wanted cooking be side them and had them explain their choice accompanied by some footage of that chefs food. Then have the teams meet and then do the cook off. I think in this way both top chefs would have turned out better food for this episode. Instead I thnk it was very humiliating for both of them. Very curious to see who will be the most annoying chef this season. Stephen was annoying season one but not as nearly anoying as Marcel. Tell the dude to at least get a normal hair cut! He is actually kind of cute if not for the bad do. Anyway this seasons chef look to be of a supior calibur. I await next week my glass of wine in hand.

Sharon wrote:

I just wanted to metion on the episode where season one chefs cooked off against season two chefs that they should not have had a quick fire challenge. If it was done to fill some of the hour and then they could have top chef from season one and top chef from season pick who they wanted cooking be side them and had them explain their choice accompanied by some footage of that chefs food. Then have the teams meet and then do the cook off. I think in this way both top chefs would have turned out better food for this episode. Instead I thnk it was very humiliating for both of them. Very curious to see who will be the most annoying chef this season. Stephen was annoying season one but not as nearly anoying as Marcel. Tell the dude to at least get a normal hair cut! He is actually kind of cute if not for the bad do. Anyway this seasons chef look to be of a supior calibur. I await next week my glass of wine in hand.

Kevin G Mullins wrote:

This was a scarey episode, with the exotice foods, I am glad I wasn't required to taste those dishes :).

marie wrote:

Hey Padma

Great blog! Always love to hear your opinion

thanks!!
marie

Diane Anderson wrote:

You are so beautiful!! I would like to now what happened that you have such a large scar on your arm? I think it is great that you are confident enough not to hide it, as it does not take away from your beauty.

Diane

Wulfbear wrote:

"This is what I love about food -- trying something once or twice you may have an aversion to it, but depending on your mood or the preparation, a previously shunned ingredient can become something you crave."

Perfectly expressed, Padma!

michelle wrote:

I just started watching top chef and watched it yesterday from start to finish and you kicked off one of the members from second season for putting his hands on that marcell guy but did not kick him off when he put his hands on eli when the cooked for the surf guys in california. Marcell picked her up and threw her in the ocean. To me that is the same thing. So I guess there are double standards in this show which I now wonder if I should even watch this show. I love Hell's Kitchen and started watching your show and loved it and I sat and watched your show for over 5 hours yesterday (thank god for sick days) but was very disappointed after watching that episode

LK wrote:

Great start to the season!

The 1 vs 2 battle was good, if for anything to prove once again how relatively un-talented and self-important some of those finalists are.

This season looks to bring a much higher level of work than 2, perhaps even season 1.

The chef's were caught off guard in the quickfire, but their talent really did show.

Howie - there was no way you guys could cut Howie after he quotes Bourdain. What a great and hilarious moment. I would love to see the whole reel of that exchange!

Good work.

Stephanie wrote:

Hi Padma,

Just wanted to say what a great episode it was. I really enjoyed the "sudden" Quickfire...although, I think most viewers saw it coming! Also, I just saw Mistress of Spices...you were great as the rebeling daughter: "I'm afriad to use the bathroom in India"...classic!

susan wrote:

Padma:

Please excuse me if this is too personal a question, but I can't help noticing the long scar down the right side of your arm.
I didn't notice it last season. Did something happen or did I just not see it last year? Whatever it is, I hope you are alright. You're a beautiful woman.

Susan

attaymik wrote:

Padma--I'm really surprised at how much you elaborated on the first episode of Season 3 in your blog, and I appreciate it. I was disgusted and fascinated at the same time by the choices of protein the Chefs had to use to make their dishes, and your description of the standout dishes (as well as the QuickFire) provided me with a better understanding of how one would go about cooking such exotic fare. I wish you would have offered a more in-depth analysis of why Clay's dish was not up to par, but I appreciate your sentiments overall, and look forward to reading your assessments of this season as we go along. You are starting out on the right Jimmy Choo foot!

clb2000 wrote:

I'm a big fan of the show, and a vegetarian. Given the variety and quantity of dead animals featured on this first episode, it was definitely one of the tougher episodes for me to watch.

Is there any chance that you'll feature more veggie-heavy foods in future episodes? Here's hoping.

Jeff wrote:

Its entertaining that the chefs were surprised with the quickfire challenge and then had to cook with unusual ingredients that not many people can cook with. Great way to start the season! You looked great Padma! Thanks for tasting those foods for the viewers, I know I wouldnt want to try some of the dishes from last night's show. Thanks for all that you do and keep up the good work!

Nancy S. wrote:

I'm glad the new season has finally started, and I like the addition of Ted Allen. He seems to really focus on the food. I'm also glad you are back. You are clearly gorgeous, but so nice to the contestants, it's a joy to have you around.

Interesting first challenge, though I agree with someone on Tom's blog, I think, who said the chefs should all have had the same options. The poor people who picked last!

Thomas wrote:

Hi Padma;
You are one of the better hosts of any cookling show that I have watched in years. I have always thought that I could be a good chef or culinary specialist. This seasons contestant do have what it takes to be TOP CHEF as did Season 1 or 2's contestant.
The two gentlemen (names I don't remeber) are probably your best pics for the finalist at this time or aleast after the first show. I know that the season will be a challenging one for them and i wish them the best of LUCK....
P.s. What happen to your left arm that it left that nasty scar that you are NOT afraid to hide. You are very beautiful and divine. Good Luck to you and Tom with your show. You bring class and professionalism to the show.
God Bless Thomas

alex wrote:

I love the show, I love the chefs, I love the Judges....But Padma is the hottest thing in that kitchen!!

Dustin wrote:

Hey Padma! Long-time fan. Wondered if your recipe for deep-fried toe would be posted on the top chef website?

Tara wrote:

I believe Padma was in an accident as a child, thus the scar. I love that she doesn't appear to be ashamed of it -- she doesn't cover it up at all! It doesn't detract in the least from how beautiful she is and she's certainly witty and articulate! A HUGE improvement over Katie Lee Joel. I love the Padma speaks her mind even when she disagrees with Tom and/or Gail.

Great show! Keep it up. I have looked forward to the new season of Top Chef since the last one ended!

Aloha :)

Art wrote:

I'm cautiously optimistic about the new season. I even managed to write an entire blog post without ripping any of the Judges or Bravo!

It seemed like Padma is playing a slightly larger role this year. And that's a good thing.

Rachael wrote:

Talk about dishy! Padma is such a beauty!

Husband Salman Rushdie and Padma together at the judges table would be so interesting and fun.

Laura wrote:

Hi Padma!
I'm thrilled the show is back, it's great having you as host again. You know a lot about food but also actually come across as enjoying your job, as opposed to simply reading your lines. It makes the show fun to watch when the people judging know how to have some fun, too. I look forward to reading the rest of your blogs and getting insight as to what went on behind the scenes! Take care :)

Alona wrote:

I'm SO glad that Top Chef is back! On Wednesday I spent the whole day screaming "Top Chef premiers tonight!" until my friends told me to shut up. The Season 3 chefs seem very promising, I just hope they don't do anything stupid like shaving their heads *COUGH*. Kind of sad to see Clay go home, especially when Howie didn't complete his dish.

Keep it up Padma, you're doing a great job hosting the show!

jane wrote:

I can't believe that you guys let Clay go when one chef didn't plate his second entree. So, are you guys always going to do that? You would have to to be fair. So now the chefs know they can be less cavilier and if they don't like one thing on their plate the chefs now know they can eliminate it. I think you guys opened a can or worms....bad decision.....you'll have to stick to your guns now and let anyone else with this problem to go on.

jane wrote:

I can't believe that you guys let Clay go when one chef didn't plate his second entree. So, are you guys always going to do that? You would have to to be fair. So now the chefs know they can be less cavilier and if they don't like one thing on their plate the chefs now know they can eliminate it. I think you guys opened a can or worms....bad decision.....you'll have to stick to your guns now and let anyone else with this problem to go on.

Irish wrote:

Gawd I can't believe how many people are so focused on Padma's scar. Just to set the record straight, it was from a car accident which she was involved in when she lived in Spain in her early 20's. Yeah it looks like a big zipper alright, but she is so beautiful, why would you focus on the scar only? The show is about food. Enough already.

Lynn wrote:

Padma's scar was there last year, it just wasn't visible most of the time. She was involved in a car accident some years ago.

She11ey wrote:

Folks, if you do a simple search on Google, you'd know that Padma's scar is from a car accident when she was a child. (That's the story, anyhoo.)

But I'm still waiting to hear the truth about Tre's tattoo. Is it REAL or not?

Venomous Kate wrote:

I'd just love to thank Brian for naming a soup after my blog. And, if Anthony Bourdain feels it's best eaten while drunk, please let him know he's welcome any time. I'll buy the first round or six.

Kate wrote:

I just wanted to comment on the Padma's scar question. I have read a lot about her as I have followed the show and the scar came from a childhood car accident. I agree with an earlier post that it is terriffic that she doesn't try to hide it. I respect a woman (or anyone for that matter) that doesn't try to cover up their imperfections. More people should take a page from her book when it comes to things like this.

LK wrote:

A little use of the internet will answer your questions about Padma's arm. Don't be so lazy folks.

Martha Elrod wrote:

Very disappointed in Clay's dismissal as the obnoxious one (Howie) didn't even complete the task. Remember Las Vegas and Dave not completing--the judge's discussion was simply that he had to go as he hadn't completed the order, period. Made me furious that I'm starting to think it's get rid of the Southerners' conspiracy as double standards and hypocritical thoughts are showing. You're walking a tenuous line with my continued viewership if these kind of apparently in-your-face pick and choose application of rules is becoming a trend. Fix or I'm out.

Frank/Healdsburg wrote:

Hi Padma!

You were in Gliter?What's the deal with that? Damn near ended Mariah's career...glad to see you survived.

Next time you're in San Francisco try the Bodega Bistro, just like the Slanted Door at half the price. Make sure the alarm works on the car though and remember do not make eye contact.

w!L. wrote:

The show is great, and you Padma add so much to it. I'm so glad they brought you back for season 3. :)
Regarding the scar everyone's talking about, yes, it was there last season, and I fail to see why people have to mention it. It seems like a personal matter that has nothing to do with the show. You're a beautiful woman either way. :)

Big___Al wrote:

Some of you posters are embarrassing. Do you bother to read the comments before posting the tenth question about Padma's scar?? And if it of such concern to you, rather than badger the poor woman about it, why not do a quick web search? If you had done that, you would find that as a teenager Padma was involved in a car accident which caused the scar. She chose long ago to not be self-conscious about it, and with her wits and beauty has made a nice career for herself in many fields. Padma, I'm glad you're back this season!!

Adaku wrote:

I didn't relaize that Padma was a different host from season one. But she had much more class and although her tone is firm she has more to say and with other than your food was the worst.

leelee wrote:

Not that it's any of my business...but I heard that Padma and her family had been in a terrible car accident when she was a teenager (jaws of life and all...) and the scar is a result of the surgery she had to have afterwards. Now Padma, I apologize if this is erroneous information...you are more than welcome to correct me.

meliblu wrote:

Hopefully, the next episode will have food that more of us would eat. Very hard to make it through this episode. Just a bit nauseating. Wondered if Howie would be off because he didn't complete his dish and when Dave did only two dishes in the finale quickfire, he lost. Rule change?

Sheryl wrote:

Padma,
I really am glad you are back this season. I know there was a change after season 1 and was hoping they weren't making that change every season.

I love your comments and sense of humor. I for one am glad I didn't have to try out those dishes. I do have to agree with Tom that I wasn't surprised about the quick fire challenge right off the bat. I was kind of expecting it.

Also, this season has the best digs so far. I'm a native Miamian and the Fountain Bleu is quite a posh place. This crew lucked out being surrounded by the beach.

gertiegirl wrote:

It seems that you are getting more of an opportunity to show your warm personality and sense of humor than you did last year. Everyone who worked with you was effusive in their praise and admiration, but it sometimes seemed that the Padma they loved wasn't coming across on the screen. This episode it was clear that you had an important job, and were part of the team. The change is a good one.

All in all a well-edited, nicely paced episode. Off to a very good start.

Kate wrote:

Padma explained her scar on the View a couple of weeks ago. She was in a car accident with her mother when she was young and broke it in several places. She used her arm to protect her mother (who turned out fine as well). She explained that she views her scar as beautiful and is a part of her. She also stated that she asks photographers not to airbrush the scar in photos.

Greg C. wrote:

Padma,
Just wanted to let you know I think you are still doing a FANTASTIC job as host of one of my favorite shows!! I'm not a chef/cook myself, but I LOVE the show!! By far a more superior choie than Season 1. Too bad you weren't available (due to scheduling, I believe) for Season 1, but glad the producers got a hold of you in time for Season 2 and you decided to tick around for Season 3.

And for all you bloggers, her scar is from a car accident she was in when she was a teenager; it was there last season. I, for one, commend you, Padma, for not hiding it and having it out there. Bravo to you!!

First comment, Season 1 vs. Season 2: was there ANY doubt who was going to win. Harold and the rest o' the gang from Season 1 displayed the skills and maturity we all knew they had. Harold ABSOLUTELY cooked circles around Illan. Ilan definitely showed he was the inferior chef that week and was unworthy the title.

This year's contestant's look very promising...I can already see Hung playing the Stephen/Marcel role. But the skill set this season's chefs have already look impressive and I totally agree with the Judges' decision - Clay seemed a little out of his game and league. BTW, please remind these bloggers that the difference Dave was eliminated was he forgot and ENTIRE dish!! Howie just suffered from poor time management.

Anyway, keep up the good work, Padma. Glad to see you are more involved than last year and the Judges' deliberation seems longer and more detailed, as well!! All pluses in my book!!

Early Pick for the Final - this week's finalists - Hung and Tre!!

Rachael wrote:

Hi Padma,

I think you are a great beauty and am glad you are Top Chef's top gal! Your style on the show seems casual/eclectic. I would love to see a little more haute couture in your dress. But no matter, you are lovely.

R. Christian Anderson wrote:

Padma... just a quick note to say THANKS for looking so comfortable and at ease in front of the cameras this time around! You look great and you're clearly relaxed. Miami seems to be good for you! Love the higher grade of talent and the beautiful Miami locations. The penthouse is gorgous, as well. Great choices!

corazon wrote:

Regarding the scar, here is what's written on Wikipedia...
She was in a car accident when she was fourteen, which left a distinctive scar on her right arm.[1] She is a graduate of Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, where she majored in Theater Arts. She married novelist Salman Rushdie in Manhattan, New York in 2004. She is a Hindu.[2]
I love the scar. It's beautiful. Thank you, Padma, for sharing it with us.

Lynda I wrote:

Hello Padma,

Welcome back! It ws nice to see a side of you that was not previously shown: your impish humor ("...You could fry my big toe"...). Enough has been said regarding the inconsistency of keeping Howie who did not complete the assignment vs Clay who completed it poorly. I do agree that Howie should have been eliminated for that alone (even though he "tawked" a good game). With all of those exotic ingredients, I was surprised to see the omission of "Rocky Mountain Prairie Oysters". That would have been an interesting protein to pull off.

Soooo, what did YOU think of the S-1 vs S-2 face off? It was pretty interesting to see Ilan wither under the heat. Perhaps he should get out of the kitchen, no? The rest of the dishes all looked great. I would have loved to sample them all (minus the foam and gelee, of course). I'm glad that S-1 proved who was mightier in the kitchen. It was great to see the team comraderie of S-1 come through.

Thanks you for your insightful comments here.
Have fun this season!

robert wrote:

Padma, I hope that you have taken the comments on the scar with the concern with which they were meant. I regret that if that has hurt your feelings. I appreciate your upbeat attitude, knowledge, and literate comments on your blog. Very well thought out. So, a tongue in cheek questions. Does Mr. Rushdie edit your material? finally, what an improvement you are from the host on season one.

Sunny wrote:

A simple Google search will solve the mystery of Padma's scar. She was involved in a car accident with her parents. She has written an article about the experience, which includes a picture of her modeling at Monkey Bar.

don wrote:

who cares about your scar!!!! at least you have the self-confidence not to try and hide it, like every other corny, pretentious, phony, empty hollywood employee...You bring natural class and natural beauty to the show, something so much American television lacks.........You can pack your knives and come with me anytime!!!
buon appettito......d~~~~~~

Nikki Bridges wrote:

I watched Padma on THE VIEW. It was a pre Memorial Day cooking segment.....now I see that she really likes to eat! How does she stay so slim. It also gave a more informal glimpse at her personality....I enjoy watching her on the show much more after seeing her in a different situation.

Robert Ruch wrote:

Padma,
You are interesting and beautiful. My wife and I both wonder about the beauty mark on your right arm. In your spare time are you like one of the "chicks with swords" that we see on the "Ask.com" tv commercials? Keep up the great entertaining work you do.
Robert

Jennem wrote:

Padma was in a serious car accident when she was 14. That's where the scar comes from. Since she is on the record as not liking to cover it up, I'm assuming that we didn't see it last season because the show producers required her to cover it with makeup.

I'm glad that Padma now has the choice.

For more information, see: http://www.lakshmifilms.com/padma_lakshmi_press2.htm

Tracy M. wrote:

Hi Padma, good episode, so glad to see you're back this season!! Ireally enjoyed reading your blog and some of the viewer's blogs. I just hope that next week we'll all focus on the show and not Padma's personal life. Insensitive bastards.

Leigh wrote:

Welcome back, Padma! Glad you're still on, as I was concerned what with the unexplained change last year. Hard to tell what and why decisions are being made, but I am pleased to see that this year's shake-up is the addition of Ted Allen!

Nice. And again, nice to have you back! Love your input, your personality, and that beautiful scar.

Please, no fried toes, though.

Commodore wrote:

Glad to see you back Padma. Still gorgeous as usual. Will people please stop being fixated by your scar!!! I adore and admire you for refusing to cover it up. If viewers would just do a simple internet search of you they will see why you have the scar. I recently saw an episode of "Enterprise" and realized it was you. I wish the producers of Top Chef would show more of you instead of the contestants arguing and cursing but I guess whatever brings in the ratings is what will be. I hope this season will focus more on the food instead of the personal issues between contestants. Thanks for being back for season three.

Laura wrote:

Her arm was scarred when she was 14 and in a traffic accident. If you follow the link on here to her website and check out some of the articles about her you will find that out.

Loved the show!! So glad you guys are back!!!!!!!

peterp wrote:

Padma, Welcome back to TC3, I am a big fan of the show and watch wHenever I get the chance (reruns too). Have read through most of the comments before mine, people are so insenstive and haters, it is incredible....I really got a kick of the comment you made about frying your toe during the judges table with the four least favorite dishes....true Bourdainian! lol
If I was around and you were to have to fry your toe to eat I would like to get a taste as well for you are such beautiful woman who has great presence wherever you go.....Your husband is a very luck man!

Melissa wrote:

Have Anthony Bourdain judge every week...he's hilarious. And, i love the chef that used his word back at him...priceless!

Raul wrote:

From many peruvians

Thank you for defending our ancient dish. This is what we wrote to the other host. Hopefully if he is courageous enough he will post it.

My comment to Mr. Colocchio's is to don't show favoritism for italian dishes. Since the day that he insulted ceviche as something that "is not cooked" i have been carefully watching closely how quick is Mr. Colocchio's to favor certain conservative italian dishes. For your information Mr. Colocchios ceviche was invented by the incas more than 1800 years ago your co host is right the acid from the lemons completely cook the fish turning it all white (cooked). The incas if you do not know is a civilization that cover1/2 of south america. As a peruvian i feel offended by your remarks on this dish that is making a breakthrough around the world. People want to experience all kind of tastes and cultures no just pasta.

Nan wrote:

How can I find a dress like the one Padma was wearing during the Season 3 Opener show? I must have that dress!

Junette wrote:

Hi Trey i wanted to say that you are a very good chef, Not to mention sexy. Are u married?

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