julia wrote:

Your insights and compassion towards Lia was very nice to read. The producers scored big time getting you to blog for the rest of the season.

posted on July 20, 2007 at 4:47 PM

Jon wrote:

Welcome to blogging Barton!!!!

It is always great to read feedback from someone who has been on both sides of this show, first as a judge and now as a viewer. Your critiques were dead on and well said. I know I am looking forward to more of your posts as the season goes on.

Jon H
NYC

posted on July 20, 2007 at 5:39 PM

juni wrote:

I agree that smoked trout is not a Latin speciality and I don't understand the brain fog that led to that decision. The polenta might have passed if Lia had not labeled it "polenta" and called it a cornmeal cake. But she showed a lack of understanding the seasoning of Latino food. I think Sarah Mair understood it better. I would have loved to taste her queso fresco. I have been looking for it for years, ever since I left Brazil . . . .

I don't think Casey or Sarah N grasped the essence of Latino flavors.

I agree, it was a touching and gentlemanly gesture on Howie's part to give the winning wine bottle to Joey.

posted on July 20, 2007 at 5:53 PM

Lisa wrote:

Barton G. - I am really enjoying reading your thoughts, and will look forward to reading your blog each week!

posted on July 20, 2007 at 6:35 PM

Megan wrote:

Congrats on your second blog! Don't ya think that Howie used the catering boxes to his advantage with the pork? While everyone else had to worry about over cooking, his was continuing the slow cook. I think he was very smart. I'd bet he has done his own share of catering.

posted on July 20, 2007 at 7:51 PM

Lori B wrote:

Dear Chef Barton G.,

Your recognition of young and up and coming Lia was commendable. She's a sweetheart and I'm glad you gave her that encouragement before she left. Sometimes in a life acknowledgment like that makes all the difference. Looking forward to reading your commentary.

L.B.

posted on July 20, 2007 at 9:51 PM

FanFare wrote:

Thank you for your insightful commentary!
I was equally surprised that Lia's dish was deemed the absolute bottom as Howie's was given the top prize. Since he seems to favor sweated up pork dishes, I find his cooking repertoire to be redundant. His lack of kitchen hygiene (i.e. sweating into his food every time) frightens me as much as Hung's cavalier knife wielding manner.

posted on July 20, 2007 at 11:12 PM

LindaR wrote:

Thank you for choosing to agree to blog the show. Since your insight is interesting and well thought out, I am sure you will live to regret is. Popular blogging is a harsh mistress.

posted on July 21, 2007 at 12:43 PM

lisa wrote:

I totally agree with the comments about Hung. The man is dangerous in the kitchen, not only because he runs around with knives, but because if his head gets any bigger the rest of the chefs surely won't be able to fit in the kitchen. He is clearly very talented, but so is everyone else. A little spice of humility might add a lot to his dishes and his personality!

posted on July 21, 2007 at 3:21 PM

Nancy S. wrote:

Interesting to have another perspective here. I agree with everything you've said, and I just wish they would get Hung out of there before he hurts someone.

posted on July 21, 2007 at 10:00 PM

Kristin wrote:

Hi Barton,

It's been a nice treat to have you on the show and back again as a permanent blogger (I'm relatively new to reading the blogs as well). I recently visited Barton G this past May while at a conference in Miami. The service was impeccable and attentive. However, a question... I was so excited to see your risotto with truffle and lobster on the menu (Risotto is one of my favorite comfort foods and you have added two of my favorite ingredients). However, I was a touch dismayed to find that it was not made to order and am curious as to why that decision was made. Otherwise, I had a nice time, but it could have been beyond stellar (I have high standards for risotto).

Look forward to your future blogs.

Kristin

posted on July 21, 2007 at 10:05 PM

Kristi wrote:

Good to see you taking up the blogging torch. :)

I was sad to see Lia go. She's sweet, talented, gracious, and absolutely beautiful! I wish I could hire her to cater a dinner for me!

posted on July 22, 2007 at 1:12 PM

Cory wrote:

Padma! We miss you but you seem to have left your blog in wonderful hands. Thanks for the great blog!

posted on July 23, 2007 at 1:27 AM

Stephanie P wrote:

Hi Chef...good blog. I agree, the tart quickfire didn't mean much to me. Tart's aren't a criteria of a Top Chef. Tiffany and Harold couldn't muster a dessert in season 1, and they were the best chefs this show has seen.

posted on July 23, 2007 at 7:24 PM

Corey wrote:

What a well written and insightful blog! I am very happy that you will be blogging, though I will miss Padma. Congratulations on being offered the chance to blog while she is unable to. Clearly whomever asked you to be a part of the site was aware that you are a good writer. In addition, you are sympathetic to both the challenges the chefs face and the tough choices the judges have to make. Well done!

posted on July 24, 2007 at 2:53 AM

Pat wrote:

Welcome to the blogging world! Enjoyed seeing your comments and thoughts about the show. Nice touch that Howie gave the wine gift to Joey! Still HATE that he sweats in the food, though! Hung's gotta go, man! His ego is too much!
Will continue reading your blogs and watching the show.

posted on July 24, 2007 at 10:51 AM

Dawn wrote:

i'm not exactly sold on padma as a permanent on Top Chef either, but i am definately trying my best to like her, she needs more excitement to her voice, too monotone for me. She needs to be more upbeat. I have seen some clips of her that never made the show and she's great....perhaps it's the camera jitter? I am rooting for her to make it though. She definately is better than the first firl Top chef had. But i will say it bothers me to see people say that "she doesn't have a palate, or knows nothing about cooking. Are you guys aware that she did have her own cooking show on foodnetwork and she's written two cookbooks that i know of so far...Easy Exotic and Tangy, Tart, Hot & Sweet. so don't go knocking someone unless you know the facts. she knows cooking and most of her recipes are "exotic" so to me that means she has a palate...I definately am giving her a second chance hoping the reason she is so "monotone" and blah lately is due to personal reasons. If any one out there has gone through a divorce themselves, they know it isn't easy...i do! so please, remember what i'm sure your mother told you..."if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!:

posted on July 24, 2007 at 1:29 PM

Theresa wrote:

I love Howie!!! I don't know what it is, but he charms me. I love the way he cooks and I am going to make the granny smith cole slaw recipe with my pork chops this week. I hope he goes a long way. Keep hanging in there Howie!!!!

Sincerely,
Theresa

posted on July 25, 2007 at 12:48 AM

Morgaine Swann wrote:

While we miss Padma terribly, it's awesome that you are going to fill in! Thank you!

I was sad about Lia leaving. I think she was a serious contender, but I know good things will find her anyway. Personally, I think Hung should have gotten the boot for his behavior in the kitchen, but that's just me.

posted on July 25, 2007 at 2:17 AM

michele s wrote:

what is the scar on padma's right arm from?

posted on July 25, 2007 at 9:40 AM

Samuel wrote:

Welcome to the blogsphere Barton!

Your unique perspective, as a new viewer, caterer and restaurateur certainly add valuable insight into the world of food.

As a frequent guest at your incredible restaurant in South Beach, and a many-time invitee at some of your over-the-top special events and parties such as the one last week to introduce your services at the Moore Building in Miami’s design district, your opinions and insights into the Chef’s choices and technique on the show are invaluable.

I’m looking forward to reading your blog here on a weekly basis.

posted on July 25, 2007 at 11:29 AM

Maira I Morales wrote:

Hey, thanks so much for doing a show on Latin Flavors. As amazing as our food is, I dont think is recognized as it should be world wide.
I appreciate all the chefs doing and trying to make our food. It was great seeing all of them "playing" with Latin flavors and ingredients and even techniques. I am sure it must have been very hard for most of them, and still as good chefs (they seem to be) they went all the way.
As a Latin Chef myself, I invite you all to push the limits, learn about Latin cuisine and take it to the next level.
If I can help anyone with recipes or anything, please email me!!!
Good luck to all of you

posted on July 25, 2007 at 10:07 PM

Cindy wrote:

Padma,
You are my BEST FAVORITE ! ! ! I hope everything in your life is OK, and that your time off is for something WONDERFUL. My husband and I will miss You soooo much. Please come back soon.

LUV YOU,
Cindy and Johnny

posted on July 26, 2007 at 12:00 AM

drio wrote:

What is this 'greatest hits/reunion' episode nonsense right smack dab in the middle of the season?!? Give us the new episode! Terrible.

posted on July 26, 2007 at 1:03 AM

Lori Donatelli wrote:

I have loved this show (Top Chef) since it first came out. I'm not a big reality show person, but TOP CHEF?!!? Addicted!! I get people SOO into it too!! GENIOUS & entertaining in a curiousity and intriguing way.
Tonight they had the questions/answers/sit down as they have before. YET!! There were questions addressed to Padma that I wish I submitted for her to answer for tonights show...DARN IT! It all came out tonight, directing questions to Padma--that were answered & good questions. And, you have the BEST personality too (when you try to be sneaky though--when asking chef's to the judge's table...you are good, but you make me smile--that's a tough position).
What I loved was the compliments towards your "dress/style" tonight.. and such....because...with THIS new season, it hit me the most...
You eat each chef's dishes....and, you LOOK FABULOUS! Meaning, you are in this show, obviously you are skilled in the 'PALET' (SP??--FORGIVE ME) or, well, you just are educated enough to know what's needed (for CHEF's/a show--let alone).--YOU EAT--basically, FOR A LIVING!!!
PLEASE....tell me, do you work out like MAD?? Do you have a trainer who knocks your door down daily? Or, a gym at home? I MEAN C'MON!! I want to know what you do, in detail...please.....Please, let us know (me). If you dare say Its high metabolism....OMG!! If you say it (that), you have to SWEAR it's truth! I used to have that same blessing...but...age?? IT SOOOOO does not work the same after age...32-34, AFTER THAT....lord! Please, advise ( at least me?) how you keep your GORGEOUS figure in your line of work. I watch you sample SOOO much on the show. I envision you on a stairclimber after the show & in the morning & any downtime, with a trainer!
You look like a model honey!! So, SPILL IT!
:)

posted on July 26, 2007 at 6:24 AM

Kat wrote:

I agree with the poster Drio - I tuned in last night, expecting to see the next challenge and there's this reunion stuff going on. I believe the time for a reunion is at the END of the season, not after just a few episodes. This is a great show - please don't start messing around with the schedules or the established routines. Now I have to wait an entire week - come on! Bring on the next challenge!

posted on July 26, 2007 at 1:25 PM

michael wrote:

Hello, Mister Barton G.

I know nothing about you, but thanks for filling in for Padma.

posted on July 27, 2007 at 4:37 PM

Scott wrote:

All fine and good. Padma isn't as hot as she'd like to believe...

I wouldn't kick her out of bed for eating crackers, but it's my ne'er to be humble opinion that she is nothing less than Captain James Kirk, reincarnated as an ego-maniacal, self-important something...

...God only knows what.

Diesel N Dust Guy

posted on July 28, 2007 at 6:00 AM

RCULBRETH wrote:

Having spent alot of time in the kitchen which probably started when the COOK not a "Chef" Ms Padma was still sucking on Mammas tit. I have never heard her say how many decades she spent on the line. For her and all of you other pilgrims...most lines are 3 to 4 cooks that put the food to plate. Depending on the type of food and amount of business. Some outfits are dishup and some are cook to order. I worked the saute station in upscale Italian that required each dish to be cooked separtely. Fresh garlic and spices and either seafood, veal, or beef and then finish with a sauce. It sounds simple but timing is everything. I really doubt that MS Padma ever worked the line and is in no way a "CHEF" but just a pretty face that the producer hired for her "attributes". I'll bet you she couldn't cook pasta or rice without a timer...as a good cook can see by the color and knows when its done. Ha and they use the CHEF word. There isn't a chef on this show......

posted on July 30, 2007 at 3:25 AM

T. Gon wrote:

Honestly.. what was Hung thinking? Arroz con Pollo? Come on... I mean really.. If your Arroz con Pollo is not ike your dear old moms and it's not "A la Chorrera" there is no WAY it's gonna fly. "Arroz con Pollo" is typically very moist that's what "a la Chorrera" means... also it's cooked with a hint of beer at the end and is supposed to be infused with the flavors of the peppers peas and spices... and spanish people love fish (take a look at "paella") so the polenta dish had little to do with the fact that it was fish and more to do with the fact that it wasn't that spanish .... the sad truth is that lia was one of my personal favorites it was sad to see her go.

posted on July 30, 2007 at 4:27 PM

Josh wrote:

Just unfortunate to see that Howie is still in the show... his bulldog attitude shouldn't be rewarded by letting him stay.. after all he has been in the bottom more than twice already. But I suppose you guys like his arrogance.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 2:24 AM

judi wrote:

Padma,

Aside from 'host'... a title, I feel, better befits a true Chef - such as Chef Colicchio... or one of the guest chefs... or as a judge, what is your purpose on the show?

When I see you enter the Top Chef each show, I don't see a chef entering, I see someone more concerned about being a fashion plate and a distraction.

The clothes you have chosen to wear, or have had chosen for you to wear, at times, are scanty (like the top you wore at the beach breakfast for the surfers in Season Two) and inappropriate... and I was disgusted that your breasts were barely covered or concealed... especially for the hour of the morning you all were at the beach.

Please find some more decent clothes to wear. You are a beautiful, tall, graceful woman and I, for one, would love to see you in a properly draped sari and choli.

I really don't mean to sound catty or mean; but... from the time you walk into the Top Chef kitchen until you walk out after the Quickfire challenge - I lose interest in the show.

Sincerely,
judi_87110

posted on August 2, 2007 at 3:36 PM

carla wrote:

Well put, Judi! Our group has been boycotting this season of TC simply becuase the show is ruined by Padbra Lakbrain. When someone told us she was off the blogs, though, it gave us hope that next season someone else will be host and we'll all be spared having to listen to vapid, monotone remarks muttered through clenched teeth. Those who enjoy Padbra's "look" would be better served watching America's Next Top Model. Hey! if they hired Janice Dickinson at one point, they'd probably be willing to consider another car wreck like TC's disastrous host!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 6:11 PM

s. Hunt wrote:

Speaking of Howie, there is money, big bucks to be made!! Lets put a big spout from his bald, sweating head, and let it drip into bottles for retail sales. We can label it, " Howies Sweaty Seasoning & Soaking Marinade". That aggressive, rude and arrogant bull dog, wouldnt make a penny though. Viewers who stick with the show, would get a weekly allowance for having to endure the thought of all that sweat going into the judges and other tasters food!! YUK!

posted on August 7, 2007 at 10:43 PM

Sarah M wrote:

You are so right and you were correct in your prediction - Tre should have been the Top Chef!

posted on September 11, 2007 at 10:51 PM

lynne wrote:

Padma, you're the bomb. Billy Joel's current wife was stiff and rather nasty. I also saw you on Martha Stewart making a rather intricate Indian dish, and I realized you are not simply another beautiful face.

I love the show, hate the fighting and rancor that goes on, wish that all seasons would be like the last (season 3)

Best Wishes,

Lynnne

posted on December 15, 2007 at 8:17 PM