Amber A. wrote:

Yay! Thank you Rocco, your this entry was well worth the wait! I appreciate your thoughtful remarks about Hung and his trip to becoming the Top Chef. It was a great ride, made all the better by your insightful blogs! I can't wait to see what you will say next season!

posted on October 22, 2007 at 1:21 PM

Christine wrote:

Rocco,

Yesterday I posted asking "Where is part II of your finale blog?", and voila, ask and you shall receive. Thank you for the insight into Hung's world. It would've been interesting to see Hung and Tre go head to head, but I do think Hung was the most deserving of all in the end. Despite his critics, Hung never intentionally hurt anybody or sabotaged anybody to win. This is Survivor in the kitchen, and Hung played to win. I don't fault him for that one bit. May the best (wo)man win! People don't expect champions like Pete Sampras or Michael Jordan to help their opponents along. That does not mean they are bad sports. Thank you for giving us perspective on the cooking world based on your own wit, humor, and experience. I hope to read you again in the future!

-Christine

posted on October 22, 2007 at 1:38 PM

Steve N wrote:

Rocco,

I have never had the opportunity to eat your cooking but I have had the privlidge of reading your words! Just like Lay's potato chips; I can't read just one....I must devour the whole blog! I think in one of your blog's you said that Anthony Bourdain writes better than you; I humbly disagree!! I think you are at the very least on the same par setting as he if not higher! Your thoughts on *hunger* is genius. I love it. I think it is the very best definition for hunger I have ever read. Thank you for taking the time out to write these blogs; they are truly the BEST part of TC for me.

Steve

posted on October 22, 2007 at 1:49 PM

Mz Anthrope wrote:

As always, Rocco... very well said.

Thank you for all your informative and insightful blogs this season. Glad to have you here as well as on TC.

posted on October 22, 2007 at 1:49 PM

Sonali wrote:

Rocco,

I love your blog and i love you. I agree that the right chef won and for me he was my favorite to win from day one (maybe being a fellow immigrant, i was biased). Thanks for appearing on the show and being one of the nicest judges and one of my two favorite bloggers (Bourdain being the other one). I hope to see you more involved next season too.

posted on October 22, 2007 at 2:35 PM

Miss wrote:

ROCCO, thank you for taking the time to write this blog!

"Never underestimate the power of HUNGer" - love that.

Did anybody here taste Hung's winning dish at the Guy Savoy Vegas?

posted on October 22, 2007 at 3:05 PM

meleny wrote:

Chef, I was impressed with your final blog. Previous blogs showed us an ego, but not much more. No tremendous insight and more of your own personal stories than were necessary. You seemed to forget who you were highlighting! But, thank you for letting us finally see the much respected chef that I had heard about. Your comments about Hung were "spot on" (a favored expression this season). I think many saw what you saw but when faced with the prospect of his personality were horrified. Yes, I too was rooting for Tre. But, it soon became apparent that Hung, bad boy in every way, was the star. Others served up phenomenal food but never as consistently technically superior or as thoughtful on a regular basis. Hung was exciting, smart, passionate, daring as he wove his way through the competitors. His worked his surroundings out. To cook for the chefs rather than the diners. To lighten up and make a fantasy plate. To realize that he needed to make some sort of peace with the other chefs. You could see his growth in so many areas, it was amazing.

posted on October 22, 2007 at 3:42 PM

Mrs. Jimmy Page wrote:

wow, thanks rocco, for defending the main man hung...as if he needs any defense now. but yeah, i was totally for hung to win that finale. dale is just scatterbrained, and casey's nasty little attitude over those huge, overpowering salmon roe got her further under my skin. even during the reunion, dale is still stuck on this "you help the person next to you". dale, hung is the man, he won the competition, i think he does not need your advice. of course hung is different in a real kitchen, else he would be out of work, not employed at guy savoy. i would've been the same way. i'm not here to be your buddy, i'm here to smack you down. bravo hung!

posted on October 22, 2007 at 4:12 PM

Meg wrote:

This is the first time I have ever read every single one of someone's blog entries for any show. I have been a Top Chef fan from the first episode of Season 1. Your appearances and blog on TC3 has made the show even more entertaining. Thanks for taking the time! Hope to see you and your blog on the next one!

posted on October 22, 2007 at 5:11 PM

Naruv wrote:

Dammit, there's no blogs left! Because I would love to hear more (in depth) about your experience with Hung in the kitchen as his Sous Chef. Of the 3 cheftestants only Hung seemed to shake the light out of his eyes and really get to work. The others seemed to doubt their dishes (and their abilities) in the face of 3 formidible "Sous Chefs".

It was clear to me after Tre was eliminated this was a one horse race. The way the challenges are setup anyone can go home on any given night. But the last two days are *always* about who's the best chef. If Hung got that far without Tre, it was his to lose. In fact, I would go so far as to say Hung was the best in all 3 seasons. It's not that big of a leap. I like Harold better personally, but Hung is a force to be reckoned with. And I have a feeling 10 years from now his name will be right up there with the Best of the Best in American cuisine.

Thanks for the blogs Chef, I really hope they ask you back next season. This was the best so far, by far.

posted on October 22, 2007 at 5:17 PM

Cheryl wrote:

Ok...I've said it once, let me say it again...You my dear are "GORGEOUS". Maybe that's why Casey gave such a poor performance, she was flustered by you...I saw how you were looking at her :-).

That said... :-) There is n - o - o - o doubt! My man Hung deserved to win. Thank you for backing that up!

posted on October 22, 2007 at 5:36 PM

Lori wrote:

Rocco,
I loved reading your blogs; I felt your insight very helpful and I loved reading what you had to say. More than any other, I looked foward to reading your blog each week and even started raeding your bolgs on www. whatsyourmedstyle.com. Hopefully, you'll keep 'em coming.

posted on October 22, 2007 at 5:41 PM

Jimmy wrote:

Thanks Rocco! You were the man to read this season. Anthony's blog was biting, but yours gave us something to chew on and savor.

Thanks also for giving a loud, booming voice to all the immigrant kids out there!

posted on October 22, 2007 at 5:45 PM

Amy wrote:

Your thoughtful words should silence a handful of Hung Haters out there. I was routing for him from the getgo as well.
I hope you will make some appearances on Top Chef 4, I hear you were in Chicago recently for a book signing. You should come to Boston too!
I'll miss reading your blogs Rocco, I hope to hear lots more from you soon.

posted on October 22, 2007 at 6:15 PM

ann wrote:

Anywhere you blog, I will follow.
You were the blog-star of this season.

posted on October 22, 2007 at 6:53 PM

Georgeann wrote:

Hi Chef,

I have enjoyed reading your blogs and seeing you judge on the show this season. I know you have had your critics (I had only watched like two of the Restaurant episodes) but you do seem to be a truly gifted chef and your insight has been very interesting to read. I have myself attempted to get on the show twice now, having attended the past two open calls in NY. I am a chef/owner of a small off premise catering business in South Jersey and am in my second (struggling) year of business. I love watching the chefs and see what they will create... but more, I love listening to and reading the comments from experienced chefs such as yourself. This is a great way to grow and improve.
I had spent 5 years in the AC casinos right out of culinary school working my way up and trying to learn all I could. It was a great experience and I truly do miss having so many people around me that had the same love and passion for cooking. It was interesting to hear one of the chefs talk about this at the reunion... how its so awesome to be surrounded with people that you can talk food with and wont get tired of it like your family and friends do.
Thanks again for your great comments this season and I look forward to reading them again next season (since I wont be there first hand to hear it, haha) but I will persevere and try out again next time, if there will be one. I hope I will get the chance one day to try your wonderfully skilled cooking.

Georgeann

posted on October 22, 2007 at 7:48 PM

Julia wrote:

Rocco,
It was a PERFECT match when you and Hung worked together in the finale episode. That might be the most exciting drama in TC3. Hung's childish excitement facial expression when he saw your coming still sticks in my mind. I enjoyed reading every word you wrote to summarize about Hung's cooking skill. It's well said with a balanced view. Hung really deserves the top chef title. The exciting part of this show is the true top chef won. I also totally agreed with you about Tre. It would be exciting to see Tre and Hung being in the finale. No matter how much Tom tried to defend himself about elimination Tre, it was a big mistake.

I am still laughing so hard each time when I watched Hung’s Candy-Landapalooza diorama. It was so creative. You could see Hung’s quick thinking as chef. Howie on the other hand, hand "nothing to offer".... When Tom said he did not see soul in Hung’s food, it was totally wrong. Tom, as well as Gail, just did not understand Hung.

We hope to see you soon in the upcoming Top Chef 4, please keep your beard on, you look like a romantic movie star. By the way, you and Casey could make a perfect couple.

Cheers for Hung!

posted on October 22, 2007 at 8:22 PM

Jo wrote:

Rocco: Thank you for the good writing you've done this season. Bravo will be missing a sure thing if they don't invite you back next year and every year that Top Chef is on. I've learned so much about what makes a good chef from you. You've impressed me so much that I just bought your Italian/American cookbook and I intend to make as many of those recipes as I can. You and Mama make quite a team.

posted on October 22, 2007 at 8:37 PM

Dave C wrote:

Great and insightful blog! (as usual). Hope you continue the blog for next season...or every season of Top Chef!

posted on October 22, 2007 at 9:09 PM

barbiefish wrote:

Thank you, Chef Rocco, for a highly entertaining and informative series of blogs. This last one was worth waiting for -- as a Hung fan from episode one it's a pleasure to read your excellent recap of his many stellar moments. There were certainly many other contestants I admired (and liked), but I never gave up on Hung being "the one". It was so clear from the get-go! Hope you're a prominent presence in season 4 as well, and please keep sharing your enthusiasm for food and your knowledge.

posted on October 22, 2007 at 10:00 PM

FanFare wrote:

Dear Rocco,

Finally, your final thoughts... We certainly waited with baited breath. For me, it was "Tre" magnifique to hear your wrap up. I, too, was a Tre fan. I thought that he embodied all the best characteristics of a top chef: calm, cool, collected, & creative in the kitchen. He was also humble.

Hung, by contrast was brash, bold, & bawdy. None of that bothered me. He was "different". (BTW: In the first episode, Hung was considered one of Tom's faves for the QF and the elimination round).

Your examples of his many successes seemed to curtail his dismal dishes: the Bertoli challenge was the worst of the day (he & partner Joey couldn't sell 'free" food); his runny banana choc. pie; his Sapphire QF disaster, his lackluster Latin lunch chicken & rice concoction, his "cheese wizz textured smoked salmon canape & chicken salad on cracker crap, etc. You see, he laid a few eggs during the season. However, so did Casey & Dale (and all of the rest of the best).

What could not be denied, was that Hung was confident. He knew he had very advanced skills that would be displayed at some point in the challenges. He was right. With all of the FCI luminaries & the Finale Judges choosing Hung as the "one", who are we mere mortals to argue? After all, none of us tasted the food.

Thanks again for staying the course (after course) by giving we viewers the inside dish. Your expertise has been much appreciated!

posted on October 22, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Aimee wrote:

Rocco - loved your comments on this season. Have you been to Harold's restaurant Perilla? I went a couple weeks ago - and it was amazing!

posted on October 22, 2007 at 10:33 PM

Liza wrote:

Rocco,
Finally!! I was waiting for part 2. As a writer myself, I have to say you have a gift for writing. I will miss reading your blogs for some of them were hysterical! Yours and Anthony's are my favorites and I stayed up until 3 am last weekend reading. Thank you for your insights. I hope you will start cooking again, like Anthony said. You have such finesse and were very gracious, especially when describing the other guest judges. I like that you write about little nuances like Hung's facial expressions, or a judge's subtle nod or frown-- things that no one really notice, but you do. I especially like your blog about Eric Ripert- I think he is awesome. Hope you write more blogs!

posted on October 22, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Mikey Motorsport wrote:

Rocco, of all the judges on Top Chef, I have come to respect you most of all. You always took the "high road" in your critiques and, indeed, in your response to Tony B. In doing so, you reminded us that award winning TV isn't simply about the bad-mouth sound bite but more importantly and even remarkably, can be about a lucid, balanced and fair minded analysis. I'm so pleased that as a judge and a blogger you endeavored to engage our better natures. In so doing, you elevated the experience and were, perhaps, one of the most important reasons, why TC was so many notches above anything else on the tube. That TC took the boob out of boob tube was in no small measure due to your appearance and endorsement.

Your humility and humor were frankly instructive. Your generous and humorous response to Tony B's blog early in the season was quite simply the classiest I've ever seen in a blog. Tony's a smart guy and it must pain him to know that he "got his butt handed to him" on that exchange. He's fortunate that those blogs weren't an "elimination challenge". Personally, I would've loved to see him pull a "Joey" in the aftermath!!

Congrats on the weight loss, Dude. I lost 19 lbs myself and know how tough a challenge that is. Good luck to you and I hope to see you on the show again!!

BTW, I think Bertolli is great

posted on October 22, 2007 at 11:30 PM

ck11w wrote:

You are a very smart man. Your comments are so peculiar. I recommended it before but do buy and read "The Given and The Made" by Helen Vendler. You'll find it stirring.

posted on October 22, 2007 at 11:46 PM

patrick wrote:

Hi Rocco,

I just wanted to say how much I've enjoyed reading your blog. Not only has it been consistently prompt, but it has also been insightful and a pleasure to read.

You didn't come off too well in your own show, but I think reading this and seeing you in action as a judge has fully acquitted you of any past sins : )

I do appreciate that you've pointed out Hung's skill and love of cooking here and in the past...he isn't terribly cuddly, but the man is awesome in the kitchen.

Thanks for the good reading, thanks for being a fair judge (it seems like some people like to 'flex' when they are wearing the badge), and thanks for changing my opinion of you (not that it should matter or anything ).

posted on October 23, 2007 at 10:15 AM

kriselda jarnsaxa wrote:

"Hung shoots for the win every time and is always ready to defend his choices. At his worst, he was never below average."

Well, I think the ice cream challenge may have been a bit below average. Cauliflower as an ice cream topping, well.... that's not going to be considered above average to very many people.

As many others have done, I wanted to thank you, Chef, for sharing your thoughts with us this season, and I hope you'll be able to do it again next season, too. Not only are your posts informative, you write in a way that I actually look forward to reading.

Best Wishes to you, thanks for a great season!

Kriselda

posted on October 23, 2007 at 12:20 PM

Sharon wrote:

Yay- I was so happy today to see you had written the other half of your blog. Love you and loved reading it!!! Don't change a thing about yourself! Missed you terribly and was glad to read your writing again.
--Sharon

posted on October 23, 2007 at 2:04 PM

George wrote:

Once Tre was gone I knew Hung had a clear path to Top Chef unless he messed up big time. Casey looked like a possibility toward the end, but her performance (or lack thereof) dicing onions made it obvious she wasn't the full package that Hung was. Dale really came on at the end but, as always, had a problem with consistency. Hung was consistent, imaginative and his technical skills were second to none. I think a lot of the hostility toward him amongst viewers arose from his friendship with Marcel, who is a true jerk whereas Hung is only a perceived jerk. Other than some gamesmanship (turning off the convection ovens after he was done with his dish in one challenge comes to mind) Hung was definitely a team player and appeared to get along with the others for the most part. Other than losing Tre too soon, an overall excellent season compared to season 2.

posted on October 23, 2007 at 2:42 PM

Jimmy Park wrote:

Wow, great blog entry. It definitely seems like you put much more thought and preparation into this entry than your previous ones. I personally saw what saw as well, and had it Tre or Hung all the way. Emotions removed, I thought it would have been a major upset if Casey or Dale had won the entire competition after how much more consistent and excellent Hung was. The fact that I didn't see a single Hung-hater come out of the woodwork to post a comment for this blog entry surprised me, given how vocal (and irrational) they've been, but that is also a testament to how articulate and decisive your explanations were as to why Hung deserved to be Top Chef, and why he was a heavy favorite (along with Tre) throughout the entire course of the competition. Kudos!

posted on October 23, 2007 at 4:01 PM

Gerry wrote:

Your comments are a pleasure to read. Thank you for making TC even better. Please participate in season four. Your honesty and good nature make the show a joy to watch.

posted on October 23, 2007 at 4:30 PM

Cinnamon wrote:

Rocco--Excellent blog and excellent job on the show. Seeing Hung's sheer, unadulterated glee when he saw you step off the gondola was the highlight of the show (okay, actually, seeing YOU was the highlight of the show!)
I called Hung as the winner based soley off of the previews before the shows even aired, and never had a moments doubt he'd be Top Chef throughout the show.

Please, please make more appearances on TC and continue blogging.

BravoTV...Hey, Tim Gunn got his own show, Rocco should get one too...

posted on October 23, 2007 at 4:50 PM

beth wrote:

Rocco, thanks for your blog. I enjoyed reading it. It was an objective and fair analysis of the competition and the winner. It would be great to watch a "cook-off" between the TC winners and judges - you, Tom Colicchio and Anthony Bourdain. This special could be shown in between TC seasons. You should all cook using the same major ingredients but with your own spin on the dishes. And for added drama, the names of the competing chefs will not be revealed to the judges until final selection of the winning dishes.

posted on October 23, 2007 at 5:45 PM

lilli wrote:

Thank you for your blog and for sharing your insights on Hung and the competition -- he truly deserved to win. Yes, he was a abrasive at times but was never intentionally mean or nasty to the other contestants. I would love to see Hung compete for the next Iron Chef competition on the Food Channel Network -- he would easily win. So, how about it, Hung???!!!!

posted on October 23, 2007 at 7:43 PM

lynp wrote:

Rocco

I really enjoy your blog and appearance on the show. I think Hung's cutting up the chickens was the best thing TC has ever had on the show. I also think he is the best chef of the three shows. I know you were not involved but the Season 2 winner was awful.
I would also like to read more about your sous - chef experience with Hung. Taking his cooking to that little space was brilliant. I have never had a dish with "foam" but they always look very unappetizing to me. What are your thoughts about the foam?

posted on October 23, 2007 at 10:08 PM

Tim wrote:

I certainly can't complain about Hung winning. He clearly has incredible technical skills and I have to trust those who tasted the food until directv comes up with taste vision. I did, however, have a problem with his complete inability to take criticism and his disregard for his fellow chefs in the kitchen (e.g. nearly slicing Casey's face open and smashing the bottle of oil on the floor, creating a hazardous situation, and not taking responsiblity). All in all, this appeared to be the most talented and mature group of chefs of the three seasons. Congratulations Hung.

posted on October 23, 2007 at 10:49 PM

bri wrote:

It's 9:31 pdt Oct 23, and so far no word from Caseys stalker. I'm writing from the smoke-scarred land of San Diego. I hope my palate still functions. Glad to see that you finally had a chance to blog! I thoroughly agree with your hunganalysis. I appreciate the thought you put into your writings, and I too am glad for the "inside" observations. Again, way to go Hung.

posted on October 24, 2007 at 12:39 AM

karen wrote:

As you can see we are going to miss you, love your blog, please please come back next year, you are what made me watch this season, I love how you write, your knowledge, your skills as a chef, and yes how glorious you look, when you stepped out of that door the last show, I thought oh my god what a doll and what a nice surprise. You may look glorious but you also act glorious and back it up. I never heard of you till this season, but you now have a fan and I hoping and praying your back next season, otherwise it won't be the same. Thank you for your wonderful blog, you taught me so much. Your a really nice guy. I was for Hung since day one.

posted on October 24, 2007 at 9:38 AM

Ollie wrote:

Those of us who supported Hung need not do it so apologetically. He won, he deserved to win, no buts about it, end of story.

Apologizing for his actions and attitudes implies that other contestants didn't have quirks of their own.

Casey, for example, was bitchy and uncooperative when she was paired with Joey and Howie. Joey and Howie took the high road and came out looking far better than she, particularly since her dish would have sent her home had she not had immunity.

Casey was "offended" by having to cook in an evening outfit - though she did have her sneakers. She was inexplicably in a big snit over that.

Then there were her poor-loser remarks to the judges at the finale ("oh, so that's what ruined the whole dish"); her blaming Hung for using half the sake; her complaint that a fourth dish was added, and worst of all, for trying to blame her sous chef, Howie, who busted his butt for her and produced her best dish of the evening on his own. That particularly revealed a very negative side of her character.

Yet, the bloggers and the judges seemed to think that sweet "Case" could do no harm and always acted professionally.

Casey fans don't feel the compunction to apologize for her personality shortcomings when singing her praises.

Hung fans, no apologies! The best man -- in many ways -- won.

posted on October 24, 2007 at 10:59 AM

Mike S. wrote:

Thank you Chef Dispirito. Watching the various epiosodes was exciting and enlightening, as was your blog. During the final episode I was struck by how Hung had set such a consistently high standard throughout the season. But he still had one more evening of greatness left. Wow! That was an amazing performance. Thank you for identifying various points along the way that pointed to the liklihood of the final outcome in Hung's favor. That dude has raised the bar to unbelievable heights for future seasons of the show.

posted on October 24, 2007 at 1:19 PM

Karl wrote:

Thank you for paying tribute to the best chef in the show! This is one of the best blogs ever written about Top Chef. Congratulations!

posted on October 24, 2007 at 1:44 PM

Deborah R wrote:

Thank you so much for posting this blog. As you can see, many of us took you at your word and returned periodically to check for your part II. I don't mind that some of the other bloggers chose not to comment on the finale, but I wish Bravo hadn't posted alerts telling us to check back for blogs they apparently never intended to write. It's nice that you lived up to the promise.

I wasn't a Hung fan, nor was I a Hung-hater. The chicken breakdown, the Smurf village--and you emerging from the first gondola--were my favorite moments of the season.
Like you, I picked Tre early on (though based on the poor dishes he presented in the restaurant challenge, I agreed with the decision to eliminate him). To some degree, I pulled for Casey--not because I thought she was the angel of the kitchen (she wasn't) but because I resented the bloggers who dismissed her obvious skill simply because she's pretty. And I loved Dale just for being Dale. But I always knew Hung was the one to beat. When you find yourself hoping the others will pull the upset, you've answered your own question about who's really the top talent. Hung proved himself to be the Tom Brady of the Top Chef kitchen and he earned his win.

You turned out to be one of the most pleasant surprises of the season, and I hope you'll return as both perma-blogger and occasional judge in Top Chef 4. It wouldn't be nearly as much fun without you.

posted on October 24, 2007 at 2:03 PM

julia wrote:

Your tribute to Hung was worth the wait.I hope you'll be judging again next season.

posted on October 24, 2007 at 2:10 PM

karin wrote:

Yep, the quickfire challange watching HUNG cut up those chickens was truly the highlight of the season for me. as a matter of fact i would LOVE to see the uncut version,,,,,,,,,,,,, hell of a show

posted on October 24, 2007 at 6:52 PM

Geoff wrote:

To paraphrase Dave from TC1, maybe Rocco and Hung should just go make out.

posted on October 24, 2007 at 6:55 PM

Brandon M wrote:

Rocco, I would like to thank you for the wonderful insights in your blog. You have really helped to make this season of TC the best so far. Also I would like to thank you for appearing at the midwest literary festival in Aurora, Illinois earlier this month. It was truly a pleasure to hear you speak and your new cook book rocks!

posted on October 24, 2007 at 8:23 PM

babwa wrote:

I appreciate your thoughtful criticism of Hung. I agree, at the end he deserved to win; his dishes were better than everyone else's. At the end of the show, I also began to feel that maybe, just maybe, he had earned the title of "Top Chef." A chef is a leader, a chief, and the one thing Hung lacked through most of the season was leadership. His failure to make friends of his competitors spoke not to his desire to win but to his immaturity, ego and arrogance. The man was just rude, rude and arrogant. I do think that as the show progressed, we the viewers were allowed to see Hung come into some humility, and to me that was gratifying. To see him accept the criticism of the judges gracefully and with honor (and without disparaging the world's finest chefs) was rewarding. He was clearly an amazing cook, and it was great to see him learn to "play nice" with others, which is truly the mark of a great chef.

All that being said, damn! Team Tre forever!!!

posted on October 24, 2007 at 8:26 PM

Mike wrote:

Finally! I enjoy reading your blog. I agree that this was a competition after all, and in the team challenges, where it counted, Hung was a team player. After my favorite, Tre was eliminated, I think I knew that Hung would be the next top chef when he was not intimidated working in the Le Cirque kitchen, and he was not intimidated with having a celebrity sous chef. All in all, I think the right contestant won. After giving up watching season 2 , I am glad that I gave season 3 a try, because of the three seasons, this was my favorite.

posted on October 24, 2007 at 9:03 PM

Lynn wrote:

Rocco, thanks for blogging all season. I think I'll miss logging online to read your posts more than catch the show every week!

posted on October 24, 2007 at 10:50 PM

adina wrote:

hey chef... will you marry me?

posted on October 24, 2007 at 11:12 PM

silvia wrote:

Dude, Rocco, you take forever. I guess it's cuz I like reading your blog so much that I kept coming back to check if it's here.

posted on October 25, 2007 at 2:36 AM

Andy B. wrote:

Thanks Rocco, for appearing on Top Chef, and your wonderful blog. Your writing is insightful, and inspiring. I honestly can feel the story in your words. I am glad Hung won. As each week ended, it became clear that Hung, was the best contestant by far. Every other contestant, had flaws. Hung had none. He has it all. Style, imagination, skills, and wonderful cooking techniques. Even if Tre made the finals, Hung's experience, and cooking skills, would have blown Tre away. It's too bad Hung haters, are blinded, by Hung's rude personality, in this contest. Hung said it himself, he came here tto win, and not make friends. However, Hung was friendly near tthe end, and gracious in winning. No one acted as bad as last years Top Chef contestants.
So thanks Rocco, I hope you continue blogging, on next seasons Top Chef, Top Chef 4- Chicago. See ya then. Andy

posted on October 25, 2007 at 10:24 AM

diana wrote:

I sincerely wish that the food on Top Chef would pop out of the TV so that we, the viewer, could taste it! I have no idea how good Hung's food really is because I've never tasted it, and I'm sure the judges made an excellent decision, based purely on Hung's obvious technical skill. BUT, he was so arrogant! Like Marcel (I don't know how to spell that) his mannerisms and speeches about being better than everyone else were just off-putting. He may have been the best, but have a little humility, admit when you make a mistake here and there. Any time the judges criticized anything, he would raise his eyebrows and say they were wrong. I don't have a problem with him standing behind his work, I have a problem with him acting like he is perfect. No one is perfect! If he was perfect, he would have had the best dish for every course of the finale. On that note, for all I know, Hung was the victim of bad editing that only showed that arrogant side.

posted on October 25, 2007 at 10:26 AM

Ames wrote:

Rocco, your blog was wonderful. **Sigh**

Hung's inability to take criticism was annoying, if not sometimes entertaining. But it seems like he's learned from his experience. When asked at the reunion what advice he'd give to new contestants, he said among other things, to learn how to take criticism better than he did. We shouldn't assume that Hung didn't learn from his mistakes after watching himself on the show. Howie admitted as much. It's always better late than never.

posted on October 25, 2007 at 2:47 PM

dorothy wrote:

I echo everyone's comments that Bravo should have you blog again. And do more judging. I enjoyed reading and watching you this season..I am so glad that there really is more to you than what we saw from your other show (sorry, didn't mean to remind you of that)!

posted on October 25, 2007 at 3:53 PM

teresa wrote:

i can't understand how hung won...there wasn't a week that went by that his attitude and his actions in the kitchen WEREN'T obnoxious or rude...he was more in the bottom than in the top...how did this happen when surely there were other chefs who had better repitoirs ...not to mention no burcitis from patting themselves on the friggin' back all the time only to be told his food wasn't up to par...ie: his arroz con pollo..i guess the judges weren't looking for leadership or humility or cuisine...sort of Like marceau and his damn FOAM!

posted on October 25, 2007 at 4:06 PM

Roxanne wrote:

Bravo Rocco ! Your updated blog had me right back into the thick of things for Top Chef Miami, and I must say, it was the best of all three seasons. Hung was the man, and I agree with your assement of Tre's skills, however Hung needed to prove himself and his flavors perhaps a bit more than Tre...By the way Rocco, I think you played a large part in Hungs' victory, by just listening to what he needed, and then, following thru !

Bravo Hung, I knew you'd win, and Bravo Rocco, because you are a breath of fresh air for Top Chef !

posted on October 25, 2007 at 4:55 PM

Kali wrote:

Dear Rocco,
Thank you so much for your final blog of the season. I thought it would be a recap of the finale but, as usual, you've given us so much more.

I so enjoy your insights into the season, and your generous tribute to Hung's skills, talent and the (imo) wonderful, confident enthusiasm he showed for any challenge he was given. What a terrific overview of his consistency throughout the season. I hope even Dale will read this and realize that Hung is truly the most deserving to win.

If I had to choose one TC blog to read, it would be yours. I so enjoy your eloquent comments, fairness, sincerity and unusual ability to inform us about a concept while describing a particular event. Can't wait to read your blog for Season 4!

Thanks again. :)

posted on October 25, 2007 at 7:44 PM

Cam Beck wrote:

Well done. You need to keep writing. I'm disappointed now that I can't keep reading. :)

posted on October 25, 2007 at 10:48 PM

Morgaine Swann wrote:

Thanks so much for another wonderful post, Rocco! My favorite moment of the season was when you stepped out of the elevator and Hung realized you were going to be his sous chef - priceless!

I thought Tom gave it away when he said Hung was technically the best chef there - it that were true, and it was, then Hung clearly should have won. My only problem with him throughout the season was when he nearly cut Casey. That was quite unprofessional and I was surprised they didn't eliminate him then. As the season progressed, though, it was really fun to watch his knife skills. I loved the little smile when Padma and Sirio walked into the kitchen at Le Cirque - he knew he had that challenge cold. I don't think he would have lost anything by telling Dale how to do the fish, but with 100 Grand on the line, I'm not sure I'd be so anxious to share my know-how either.

Please keep blogging with us ~ your writing is delightful!

posted on October 26, 2007 at 1:52 AM

Hung Fan wrote:

Funny how people kept saying Hung almost cut Casey. Yes, that's what they alleged in the commentary to add drama. But if rewind to that scene if you have to, you would realize Hung was holding a Chinese cleaver with a broad blade. It is not pointed. The way he turned around and the angle he was at, there really was no way he could have touched or cut Casey. In any case, you should not disqualify people because of accidents.

posted on October 26, 2007 at 5:56 PM

Sol Lucet Omnibus wrote:

Wow! What an entertaining TC season 3 was (well, except for the cheesy shoots in Chicago). The drama factor was spiced just right to keep the audience engaged but was not getting in the way of what the show is really about: cooking your best under extreme circumstances. The selection of the guest judges were impressive and the challenges (by and large) were well thought out (with the exception of Padma’s early risers cook-me-breakfast QFC catered to the blender maker).

The judges’ blogs are also awesome. My favorites are Rocco’s whom I think is very observant, thus did a superb job of analyzing the personalities; and Anthony Bourdain’s whose remarks are so humorous. Since life consists of shades of gray, all of the different perspectives collectively enable us to get more out of the flat TV screen.

Now, when it comes to voicing an opinion, my view is that the premise of our assessments might differ but the observations must be unbiased. I won’t repeat what most of the thoughtful bloggers already posted but I would like add a couple of points I haven’t come across.

About Hung, the “technician”:
Hung is skilled and exact in his execution but that doesn’t make him “mechanical,” or being just a “technician,” or lacking “soul.” In his home submission video, Hung talked with passion how he doesn't like Las Vegas because it is too “fake” and because “there is no culture, no neighborhood where you can go and find your little click.” He went on and gave us his view about cooking which is part art part science. To paraphrase him, cooking is not just throwing a bunch of ingredients together, “else you are just a robot.” You’ve got to “taste, taste, constantly taste,” he said. Need I say more?

“Survey says”:
Before the finale, one of BravoTV’s poll showed a larger percentage of votes against Hung. However, in order for a poll to be valid, samples have to be chosen through some (scientific) random process. Survey set up of “self-selected responders” who text or call a number are biased and carries only entertainment value. I believe that the SILENT majority agreed that the right contestant won. Yes, there is a squeaky wheel lurking in here craving for grease, but it is a minority voice. Just because “a hollow pot makes the most noise” doesn’t make it a majority.

What became satisfying to me is to see Hung realize (toward the end) that it’s great to win over others but it’s even greater to win over himself. What a great achievement for a young man!

Last, here’s a riddle: what’s the cross between a zebra and a chihuahua? Please let your voice be heard by calling 1-888-gimme-moolah. Each vote will be charged 99 cents. Sorry, defaulted mortgages are not accepted…

posted on October 26, 2007 at 11:53 PM

'Nucster wrote:

Rocco-
I really enjoyed your thoughts throughout the seaon. You were insightful and your opinions added to my enjoyment of the show. You really seemed to be enjoying the whole blog-thing and wrote the best ones this side of Chef Tom and Anthony,rounding out a heck of a triumptrive.I was impressed with how detailed and as a result,how long they were.Not to beat a dead horse but I had the same reaction as some of the chefs when I saw you were the guest judge in the Bertolli challenge. After that episode and especially your blog that followed I had a total change of heart.In the ensuing episodes that came after, it became clear that in the environment of the cooking t.v. show you are in your element.I hope to see you on future Top Chef episodes as well as see what Bravo has in store for you. Good luck in your future endeavors!!

posted on October 27, 2007 at 4:39 PM

Kate wrote:

Rocco:

Very well-said. Thank you for summarizing Hung's road to Top Chef triumph. I couldn't agree more.

Top Chef redeemed itself after last season's weak competition (and winner). Looking forward to the next season.

-Kate

posted on October 28, 2007 at 7:17 PM

Kate wrote:

Rocco, very well said. I couldn't agree more. Thank you for summarizing Hung's road to TC triumph.

Top Chef redeemed itself for choosing highly skilled chefs this time. A far cry from last season's acrimonious and weak competition.

Looking forward to the next season.

Kate

posted on October 28, 2007 at 7:20 PM

Jenny wrote:

As my anniversary present, my husband flew me up to Vegas for dinner at Guy Savoy, Hung's restaurant. He was extremely gracious and professional. I hugged him! I live in Dallas and have been to Tre and Casey's restaurant. GS's is in a totally different league. Interestingly, salt was presented (quite elaborately) on the table and I have a saltier palate. I wouldn't say the food was underseasoned, but I did add salt. My husband did not. Given my GS experience, I can see where some of the comments on the show may have come from regarding his lack of seasoning. So now, I wonder if his cautionary seasoning stems from his training at GS? At any rate, I have never been starstruck...and I used to work for Michael Ovitz. I was a babbling fool and Hung was just really gracious. I've met many of the countries top chefs at fundraisers, so I have no clue as to why I was starstruck by Hung. I knew pretty early on it was between Tre and Hung, but given the level of detail at GS, Hung had it all the way. They must have little Keebler elves with tweezers for fingers plating some of the food.

posted on October 29, 2007 at 2:41 AM

mg wrote:

Nice summary, I liked how you pointed out things to think about in an objective way, all of the little signs of the top chef as the season developed. However, you forgot to mention CJ's humor, that was a high for the season as well.

posted on October 29, 2007 at 9:15 PM

David Scop wrote:

How about a cook off:
Bourdain, Dispirito, Colliccio
vs.
Hung, Dale, Casey?

Each cook 2 dishes, 3 hours start to finish for a Thanksgiving episode?

posted on October 30, 2007 at 1:18 PM

Tara wrote:

Gosh, what a nice tribute to Hung. Thanks Rocco. At the beginning of this season, I was on Bourdain's side. Now, I'm squarely on your side. You are a class act. Enough said.

posted on October 31, 2007 at 1:12 PM

Sandy wrote:

What a pleasure it is to wander back into this blog and find you've left us another taste. I'm glad Bravo chose you to stick around with us during the offseason.

I could only laugh as I read your favorite moments. Most of them are in my short list as well. The look on Tom's face while Hung butchered those chickens, the Candy-Landapalooza -- Hung never struck me as more of a mad scientist of food as he did at those moments. For me, that was never a bad thing. It was a sign of someone who loved food THAT much.

Onward to your new entry.

Sandy

posted on November 1, 2007 at 8:07 AM

Lisa wrote:

Rocco - I'm glad I checked back to see if you ever posted your part two. Excellent blog as always! Thanks for adding another dimension to the season with your thoughts.

posted on November 1, 2007 at 8:36 AM

Jay-Jay wrote:

Rocco, thanks. It wa a great 2nd part blog.

posted on November 4, 2007 at 2:14 AM

Evelyn wrote:

Rocco,
Late to the party, but excellent blog as always. I'm diggin--"true that" and "ain't got no soul". LOL!!. Who have you been hanging with?

posted on November 14, 2007 at 10:55 PM

nancy wrote:

hi Rocco...I heard about you in Us Weekly and about your Mama...my mom, too, is having valve replacement surgery...and I'm so worried...can you tell me anything about the operation and the recovery. Thank you! Nancy from Canada

posted on November 17, 2007 at 10:39 AM

Laurie wrote:

Rocco you should replace Gail for Season 4. Or maybe alternating seasons with Tom would be a better idea... that way we could have Top Chef all the time! I love the show!

posted on November 22, 2007 at 8:42 PM

gordy wrote:

A pleasure to read your 2nd finale blog. If Hung makes true of his remarks (after the finale) that he will donate half of his winning to a buddhist temple & takes his mom travelling then I will only be more amaze of the kind of a person he is. Now chef Rocco, will you please come back to the next season as a permanent judge?

posted on December 13, 2007 at 1:38 PM