July 18, 2007
While Padma continues her break from blogging, we'd like to remind you that Harold Dieterle and Gail Simmons have each sent in some really incredible blogs this week.
In the meantime, we asked Kristina Lilley, one of the lovely ladies of Telemundo to fill in for Padma this week. Here's her take on the episode:
I really enjoyed being a guest on Top Chef Miami. It was truly a great experience. The hosts listened attentively to our suggestions and comments regarding the Latin food and the cultural aspect of cooking a Latin American meal. The chefs did a wonderful job despite the pressure and stress of the competition.
I was surprised at the concept the chefs had of Latin food. They did not step outside the stereotypical spicy Latin food and they did not embrace the diversity of ingredients and dishes Latin American countries have to offer. The producers were very clear as to what I was supposed to do as a guest on the show, and the efficiency with which the production staff and the crew worked with was great.
I was honored to be asked on the show. I would be a guest on Top Chef anytime. It was truly a pleasure.
Thank you,
Kristina Lilley
Comments
Morgaine Swann wrote:
Thanks for posting, Kristina! I was surprised, too. There's so much variety in Latin food, I thought we'd see some wild stuff. Joey's dish sounded interesting, but green ceviche? Did she know what ceviche is?
posted on July 19, 2007 at 12:05 AM
Stephanie P wrote:
I don't have much experience with Latin food, but I felt that Casey's dish was the one that should have been sent home. Her dish has three components: chicken, rice, and a coffee sause. None of them worked AND the dish wasn't Latin. Your thought?
posted on July 19, 2007 at 12:41 AM
art wrote:
Very astute comment. The Cheftestants were weak yet again.
I'd have won both competions easily, and I'm not Latin.
posted on July 19, 2007 at 2:20 PM
glen wrote:
Great Latin food episode.
Didn't any of the contestants notice that the guest judge was from Argentina? How about some carne a la parilla (meat from the grill/barbque)?
Latin food is incredibly varied. The chefs seemed a little clueless. Que lastima.
Glen
posted on July 19, 2007 at 3:00 PM
avey wrote:
Tell padma that she is gorgious!@!
she has beauty blessed from god for sure!@!
maybe oneday she'll let me cook a meal for her!?!
Mr.A
posted on July 19, 2007 at 8:12 PM
Good Eats In Santa Cruz wrote:
So when is bravo going to switch it up and have
Tom C., Gail S., Ted A., and Padma L. cooking with the judges
panel populated with select cheftestants from seasons one, two, and three? i think theres entertainment value here!!!
posted on July 19, 2007 at 10:14 PM
Nancy S. wrote:
I know next to nothing about Latin food, but I thought Joey was the only one who really did something ethnic. As you said, everyone else had really limited perceptions.
I disagree that they are all weak. I do, however, think they have really limited experience.
posted on July 21, 2007 at 10:07 PM
Jan Marchand wrote:
Yes, when will the judges cook? And the contestants judge them? Or the judges cook with the chef contestants, and the special guest judges judge the contest? And even more, how about ordinary America join the judges' table? I'll volunteer with my friend Lynn.
posted on July 23, 2007 at 1:41 PM