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Sam's Top 8

July 16, 2007

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First let me say, everyone should stop reading this right now and head to Harold's restaurant. He's doing serious food. My meal was light but hearty, restrained but bold, creative yet familiar, sophisticated but still fun. Harold, man, I'm happy I live in the neighborhood. Congrats.

I was hoping to answer some questions this week, but I've been on the road without Internet access, so next week I'll have some answers for you all. Oh, and unlike Bourdain, I'm not a writer so thanks for bearing with me on this blog.

"Top Chef" isn't easy. Each week comes with its own set of challenges, so I figured I'd make a list of the things that I thought weren't easy about this week:


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There are seventy-five comments so far. Add yours! Permalink

Comments

Dart wrote:

Sam: great blog. You claim that writing is not your strong suit -- pee-shaw my friend. That was the most entertaining blog I've ready from any Top Chef Alum!

I too noticed that Lee Ann has really up'd the "lush" factor behind the food displays. Additionally, the pantry does seem to hold a lot more fantastic items.

You mention the grueling schedule for the show. If each show takes two days, do you get a day off between, or is it two days (ep 1), two days (ep 2) etc?
Looking forward to more posts. Would love more info on season 4 and how to try out.

Kat wrote:

Sam,

I really enjoyed this blog - you are so knowledgeable and mature. I still rue the day you were told to pack up and go - you should have been the winner last season, hands down...I would love to be a guest at your table or Harold's.

I'm sure you will go far in the world of food...best always.

Kat

Liz wrote:

Good on you for the vastly improved writing! Who would have thought that you had a sense of humor?

Dyane wrote:

Sam, I agree with Dart, you are a fine, fine writer. I am a professional freelance writer (my articles have been published nationally) and I have a B.A. in English & American Literature from U.C. Santa Cruz, so I feel like I have a 'lil somethin somethin to back up my statement about your talent.

You rock!!! I've been very impressed with how many chefs do seem to have an affinity with words. Aside from my hero Anthony Bourdain, there are some AMAZING modern day chef/writers around, i.e. Michael Ruhlman, even that "wacko" Marco Pierre White (who had some help with his book, but still...) and I'm leaving so many other talented chef/writers out here, but believe me, they exist. Do a search at your local library. Over the past few years the chef bios I've had the pleasure of reading are among the most riveting works I've ever read.

I'm looking forward to reading your answers to the 2 questions I posted in your last blog comment section with baited breath.

kris i. wrote:

GREAT BLOG SAM!!!

Here are 6 comments to match your "TOP 8":
#1. Great review on Perilla. Spot on! Harold, you should pay this man for great advertising.
#2. Loved your insights-- Clear, straight to the point.
#3. NO, you did not go to Hawaii to lose it all. Would have loved to see what dessert you had up your sleeve, but,
you came, and conquered.
#4. Yes,Lee Anne ROCKS!
#5. Uh, the sashes and medals?? Can you say, DORKY?
#6. One question that I hope you'll answer: What have you been busy with lately?

Sam, until you open your restaurant, this is the only "sampler" we can get from you. So, keep the blogs coming!

ArtsyJenn wrote:

Sam... i agree with my fellow "commenters." Your writing is insightful and I even found myself reading it in your voice! I look forward to more of your blogs.

LD wrote:

Good stuff Sam!!! Love the blog and don't feel you have to live up to someone elses blog. Just keep... keeping on!!!!

Ray wrote:

Sam, great writing! …“I thought the goal was to try to just keep winning until you get to Hawaii and you lose it all.” – that cracks me up!

But seriously, I loved your thoughtful (and kindly given) criticism and the gracious respect you show for the contestants and staff of Top Chef.

Can’t wait for next week!

Carrie wrote:

Sam:Your blog was entertaining and insightful proving that a person can be on "reality competitions" and stay true to who they are. Your comments were precise and your point of view on everything and everyone came through without being rude and immature. Nicely done.

Amy wrote:

Sam, love your blog! Very funny. Keep up the great work!

Anthony A wrote:

Sam, that was a well written entry. The commentary flowed nicely, and all thoughts were cohesive.

I have to agree with you on the mundane selection of some of the proteins in this challenge, given the fact that the contestants were supposed to be feeding a group of self-important gourmands. Beef Tenderloin is an overpriced, characterless cut of meat, and I think medium rare and raw tuna are overused restaurant industry staples that surprise no one any more.

It would have been more impressive if they attempted use some offal or using some of intensely flavored - smelly fishes like sardines, Spanish Mackerel in some of there courses.

This seemed like the perfect opportunity for the contestants to make some hardcore dishes that challenge you to think about food in a different way; instead of rolling out the same formulaic menu that never offends the fussy diner or fails inspire the adventurous ones.

Anyway, great work on your blog and I look foward to next weeks entry.

AKS wrote:

Thank you for the great blog entry! I actually laughed out loud.

Megan wrote:

Sam,
Count me among the people who thought you should have been in the finals. It wasn't just because you are handsome, it was because the audience saw that you had all the right stuff to run a restaurant. Great leadership and all the rest that I think should have come into consideration with the final two decision, if it had you would have been in the finals. Your food was obviously quite good. A Top Chef needs to be able to run a good kitchen, yes? I hope that, like in American Idol, you will be a non winner who wins big later on. Most Chefs would be quite jealous that people are already begging you for a cookbook. I am of the opinion that most fine dining is perfect for diabetics, just stay away from the risotto and bread. I think you could turn it into a fantastic cookbook. I wish you all future successes.

JN wrote:

Sam, I thought I was in love with Harold, but I've decided I love you better. So if you're into older women (you know, a Demi-Ashton thing) you just look me up. LOL. Thanks for the blog, I really enjoyed it.

Greg C. wrote:

Sam,

Great blog! Love your insight (as a former contestant) and you opinions on how Season 3 is doing; yours and Harold's blog are my two favorite ones to read. Oh...and I also dig LeeAnne's. You're right, she is a ROCK STAR!! Keep up the good work and don't worry about your writing skills; your a great writer!!

Greg

Bengie Pastrana wrote:

Hey Sam!
I am a diabetic and I was inspired by your tenacity in the show. Do you think you will have a na opportunity to do diabetic meal recipes in a near future?

bug hug!

Bengie
Puerto Rico

Camille Becerra wrote:

THANKS SAMALICIOUS, SEE YA SOON. -CAMILLE

Allison wrote:

Sam,

your blog is fantastic. Really enjoyed the Sashes portion of it - so true.

Could you please list the name and location of Harold's restaurant? I would love to visit it.

Thanks!

-Allison

axel wrote:

Sam,

not a bad blog but that was 9 not 8 (two 7's) anywho. i dont get why season 3 gets the good stuff in the pantry (nice lee ann

Lauren wrote:

Sam,

Like Dyane, I also have a BA in English. I'm 22 yrs old and I love Top Chef! I live in Hoboken and I really enjoyed that Grub Street article where you chronicled your week's worth of kimchee and sushi...I've heard so many great things about Republic, so I'll have to give it a try.

Are you single and looking??? I'll cook for you :-)

Good luck with all of your endeavors. Can't wait to eat at Café Sam.

krista vandestreek wrote:

Hi Sam,
Sure was nice to meet you and I didn't get the chance to tell you the fried chicken you made at the Barclay prime was down home delicious!!
I would love to know if that is a share recipe!
Keep up the hard work, you have the talent to create your dream.
Thanks again, and you can eat at my bar anytime!
Krista

Sam wrote:

Sam,

GREAT Blog!!! You should give lessons to Gail Simmons since she can't post a blog worth reading. But I think part of that last remark has to do with the fact that I can't stand her personality on the show.

I am glad to see that you are still involved with the show and that you have moved into a great place. You were my favorite from the start of season two.

All the best for continued sucess!
Sam

sally wrote:

Hey SAm,
I also feel you not only should have been a finalist but the overall winner. Anyway, I live in Bklyn and one of our blogs states you are opening a restaurant in lower Manhattan. I hope that is true.

Nilo wrote:

SAM!!! I love reading your blogs. This one, with the listing out of specific topics/areas was very interesting and fun to read. And you're a classy man for taking time to give Harold and LeeAnne some kudos.

yvette p wrote:

Sam,

I thought you should have won b/c you're a great chef and you're handsome. How about the question someone else mentioned--Do you date older women? LOL Also, what ever happened to Cliff? I really enjoyed his creations as well and was sooooo disappointed that he could not continue. I wanted to see how far he would have went. Have you ever considered coming to the Mid-West? STL needs a fresh face like you. Talk to you soon.

Love ya!
Yvette

ileana wrote:

great blog sam!

Tanya wrote:

Hi Sam! Great blog! Looking forward to your commentary throughout the season. And I can't wait to take a trip to Manhattan and try out Perilla - glad to see you enjoyed it! Hopefully you have your own restaurant in your future, too :)

Michael Herbertson wrote:

If you're worried about doing big numbers and being successful that first year. Open up your restaurant in Chelsea - The queens will be lined up for days. Myself included. Just make sure to come out to the front of the house a lot or maybe a large glass wall so we can see you cook. Sounds chessy but take advantage. No one wants to watch Harold or Elan cook.

Michael

Stephanie P wrote:

Hi Sam. Great blog. I agree with you on all your points. I'm glad to hear about Harold's restaurant. He got a good write up in the New Yorker. I'm sure he'll have a bright, culinary future. I'm also hearing great things about Camille's restaurant. Apparently it's some kind of New-American Urbana cuisine. The restaurant also features art exhibits, indie bands, and film screenings. Sounds like she's doing some exciting things. I love the idea of combining artisitic mediums and using full sensory experiences compliment the food.

Justin D wrote:

Sam the man, great blog entry. I like any blog that opens with "you really should stop reading this". Your dry sense of humor comes through quite well.

It makes me happy to know rockstars like you and Camille are still going strong in NYC. I wrote on my blog about how contestants with a lot of class are in short supply on the show. You and Camille--humble role models both--are the exception.

Open a restaurant already!

Sharon wrote:

Sam,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog. You say you're not a writer -- whatever... it was honest and interesting. Love you and wish for the best for you!

kathy wrote:

Sam

really enjoyed your blog and prespective of this season, and by the one you are my season 2 winner, my husband and i were so dissappointed that you were sent home, also It seemd padma was clearly upset as well. what are you doing now??

kathy

Lisa wrote:

Sam - Don't knock yourself, this was a well written blog! (And I know you've heard it a million times now, but I think you should have been in the finals!) My question for you: If you were a home cook on a limited budget, what would your top three splurge items be? Thanks!

Joelle Lanza wrote:

Hi Sam, this is my first time posting. I just want to say that I thought you did a fantastic job in season 2. I was very surprised when you were sent home. I love your blog and it's interesting to read your opinions on this season. I have a question for you, where is Harold's new resturant? I'll be in New York in October for a wedding and I would love to eat at his resturant! I think he is a wonderful chef and he definately deserved to win! I look forward to reading more of your blogs!

LindaR wrote:

Thank you for sharing your insight into the Top Chef experience. You need not worry about your writing, it is fine. Very enjoyable.

Shari wrote:

Sam, where was this personality during your season? This was one of the best blogs I've read and I really appreciated your insight. I guess now that you're away from the evil influence of Ilan the Whiner, you can show the real you. Can't wait to read more.

Deanne wrote:

Hi Sam: As almost everyone else commenting on this blog, you should have won last season but I'm sure I know why you didn't. You resembled Harold so much and they couldn't have 2 winners in a row that were so similar -- it would have been interesting if both you and Harold had been on season 1! That would have been cooking with a capital C! Good luck -- I still think you were the best last season.

cindy wrote:

Very informative blog. You are a good writer, easy to read, funny & interesting.

On a personal note, I'm a glad to see the "manly" hair "do". You're a good lookin' guy when you're not sportin' a girlish hair do.

I can't believe you didn't win top chef!

Trish wrote:

Hi Sam
Your blog was great. I really enjoy reading it. Luckily for me, I am a New Yorker and have had the pleasure of eating at Harolds restaurant Perilla. I have to say that it was a great meal from appetizer to dessert. The service was great and I was lucky enough to meet Harold. He was just as sweet in person as he appeared on TV. I'm sure he's going to do very well there. Where can we all catch you cooking these days?????? I would love to come in a eat a creation of yours. This season of Top Chef is not bad, but I felt that Camille got screwed when it should have been Dale for saying "lets do pineapple". I don't get the judging on this show sometimes. A classic example was what happened to you in season 2. You got ROYALLY SCREWED. In the eyes of all Top Chef fans, you were the winner hands down. I don't think Ilan or Marcel had your style or even came close. Ilan obviously didn't deserve it especially after the disaster he made on the smackdown. Anyway, love your hair short!!!!!
Trish

Christa wrote:

Sam, love you, love your blog. You should have won. Yes, you keep hearing it, but I'll keep saying it. Keep up the good work. And you're handsome whether you cut the hair or not.

Babwa wrote:

Hi Sam,
Not that you haven't heard it already, but I was very impressed with you in Season 2. You only seemed to lose your cool with Marcel ONCE, and that's impressive! He irritated me every week, and I didn't even have to cook with him! (Go blow some foam, Marcel). You, like Harold before you, seem to be a fine chef and a true kitchen professional. I was disappointed that the judges chose to overlook leadership as a distinguishing quality in Season 2, unlike Season 1. Ilan was an amazing chef also, but I felt you had one up on him as far as being a true "chef." I wish you all the success!

cindy wrote:

Very well written blog - enjoyable & informative. You look much better with the hair cut. Your hair and the show was way too femminem. For what it's worth, I thought you had much more versatility and talent than Ilan.

Zeynep wrote:

Hi Sam,
While studying to be a pastry chef in San Francisco I had the chance to watch second season of Top Chef and loved loved what all of you were doing and amazed seeing the plates put together in short time periods... I am sure it is a real challange to go through a show like that.. Best regards from Istanbul, Turkey...

Alison Luscher wrote:

As an athlete I can really appreciate the way you cook. I am not big on fried or rich foods and so many of the things I saw you cook were right up my alley. I live just outside NYC and I am hoping you will be cooking in the vicinity soon. I saw your comment on Harold's gormet cooking and will be trying out his restuarant shortly.

marilyn wrote:

Sam as always your comments are as hot as you are!

Nancy wrote:

Great blog, Sam. Love your insight and humor. As for Perilla, I've been planning to check it out since it opened, and now I really can't wait! If I happen to see you there, how 'bout I buy you a drink? :)

Monica wrote:

Sam,

I’m a big fan of Top Chef. I loved every single episode and I'm so excited about your success. I work at Seabrook with Your Jimi and she is amazing. She send her regards. Feel free to send me a note whenever you want to. Take Care,
Monica M

Tawni wrote:

Thanks for the blog - I can tell you really put a lot of time and effort into it. I tuned in late to that episode and had to do a double take of those scary sashes. You made me laugh when you brought them up again. I wish you much success!

Caitlin wrote:

Sam,
My sister and i are avid Top Chef watchers. We love food and my sister just graduated from Johnson and Wales. With that interest in food aside we were wondering if you and Ilan are friends?

Pattie wrote:

Sam,
First let me say how classy it is of you to talk up Perilla. I just saw the show with all three season top chef contestants. Still looks like you think you should have won season 2, and I agree. I hope you are enjoying your new found fame, even if it isn't as Top Chef. You are still tops with us. Happy Cookin.

Kim wrote:

Hey, Sam . . . Slightly older women (40) in need of slightly younger man . . . have plenty of duck fat on hand . . . interseted ???

Diane wrote:

Hi Sam:
Although I was miffed with you during TC2 regarding your treatment of Marcel (which I feel is beneath you), you most certainly have redeemed yourself with this blog. It is mature, objective, and level headed and informative.

Oh yesh, those sashes were so laughable that I immediately dismissed the whole bunch of those "tasters" as being consummate phonies. Please! What were they considered "expert eaters"? Hysterical!

brendaperez52 wrote:

Hey, Sam, don't worry, abt. your weight, just moreto love!!!!!!

Mary wrote:

Hi Sam,

I hope you have been recognized for your talents after Top Chef 2. My boyfriend and I were so sure that you would be in the finale for TC2. We were completely disappointed by the judges' choices. I think your cooking skills are a lot more refined than both Ilan and Marcel. While they are both skillful chefs, your talents as a chef outshine them both. Best of luck with everything!!!

Susan L wrote:

Hey Sam,
Really enjoyed your blog. I really thought you would win last season. However i hope to see more of you in the future. What ever it may hold for you. Hey open a resturant in Savannah right next to Paula Dean.. HUH... If you have never been in this town it is a romantic place to visit. Thanks for a good season 2....It was nice to see a hottie on there who could cook.

Jennifer wrote:

Sam;

I married a chef and have a thing for the guys in the white coats, and let me tell you, you're the absolute hottest one I've ever laid eyes on.

You are headed for celebrity my friend...............

Jennifer

Cindy wrote:

Your hair looks better now than it did on the show. Your blog is very well written & a delight to read. For what it's worth,I think you should have won.

Sofia delosreyes wrote:

\I MEAN THAT YOUR WERE MY FAVORITE ONEI LIKE;
DAD IS DIABETIC ;I LIKE TO RECIVE YOU`R RECIPES. i LOVE THE WAY TOU COOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tim wrote:

Hi Sam,
Just read your blog. I wanted to say that I agree with you on Casey and Brian. Those two are my favorites this season. You are right, Casey does look like Jennifer Aniston. Every time I see her I think about the early friends episodes. Anyway, really enjoyed the blog. You seem like a cool, down to earth guy, and you aren't bad to look at either! Someone told me that you used to live in Charlotte, which is where I am. Not sure if that is true. Regardless, best wishes to you and your career. I hope things continue to go well for you and you have much more (deserved) success.

Melissa Wooten wrote:

I've watched Top Chef off and on since season 2 and really enjoy watching what goes on. I'm an aspiring chef myself and learn so many do's and dont's. I would enjoy more footage on the preparation for service or quick-fires, but realize that there's time limits! Keep up the good work cast members ,and always remember to keep on competing: when something doesn't work out theres always another door waiting to be opened. GOOD LUCK!to all of you, may the most deserving person win.

Leisal wrote:

LOVE your blogs. Don't compare yourself to anyone else. You're in a different league. =)

twelve wrote:

sam have you ever cooked soul food , if so what was your far. food . have you ever been to south caroline we can show you how its real made

Antonios Patrikios wrote:

Great blog dude. I had no idea the days were so long. Great call on the stupid sashes those idiots were wearing.Who in the hell did they think they were the knights of the round table. Did you see them sitting there with their smug faces like they were some kind of authority on something. What a joke. Did you see the look on one of the bufoons faces as he was looking at one of the contestants dishes, like he was about to perform open heart surgury. What a bunch of pompas as@@ I mean really?

Ava wrote:

Sam,
My mom and I love you. You are our favorite chef. Anyway, my mom was supposed to go to the food and wine festival in aspen but the friend she was going with backed out at the last minute. So she didn't get to meet you or Elan. We still REALLY want to meet you. Do you have a resturant???

Janet Magnusson wrote:

Agreed that Camille exited too early.

DISLIKE the focus on columns & graphics on your website for these shows only because they are about food & foodies
please give your fans better blogs about for example where Harold's restaurant is and what the menu is like...


kristie wrote:

sam grow your hair back stil hotttttt cant wait to see your on show i know it has to be soon you should have won hands down season 3 has nothing on season 2 you should be a guess on the show and show them how its done

rachel wrote:

sam, i'm reading this a little late but wanted to mention- i actually used the knowledge about the sash people on the street. apparently there's a convention here in st louis right now and a group passed while i was walking my dog. the sashes looked exactly the same. my first thought- i know what that is now! and my second- don't laugh out loud!

Belinda A. Bombay wrote:

Hello Sam,

I almost scream when I heard that you are one of the finalist, I'm so excited to know who will be the top chef... Sad to say your not the judge best choice but for me your the number one infairness to Elan I like him also.. Good bless you and more power...

Belinda

Kia Wells wrote:

Sam, I think your the sexiest chef on Bravo!

Denise wrote:

Sam,
First of all I have to say that I knew from day 1 that you were going to be Top Chef!! You have a very kind personality and the looks to go with it. I could not wait til the next episode came on to see what you were cooking next. Now I have the re- runs. You are going to make someone very happy in life just by being who you are. Thank you so much for the great recipes and your gorgeous smile!!

kristy whitmer wrote:

Hey Sam,
When my 14 year old son Skylar and I started watching “Top Chef” last season he had recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Skylar, after only 2 episodes, had you picked as the top chef. The reason was simple, not only did you demonstrate integrity towards your fellow chefs but you demonstrate it in your cooking by making creative healthy dishes. Skylar has always had a positive outlook about his diabetes. In fact the day he was diagnosed and put in the ICU he smiled at my husband and I and said, "It is what It is! Now we can move forward and I can still eat sashimi!!! I thought he had a parasite.

You seem to share that same positive spirit and drive that Skylar has. He understands that diabetes is part of his life just like an added spice in a recipe. Your example is inspirational for
Young people like Skylar who are working hard to maintain a healthy life style and mind set.

I want to thank you for sharing this part of your life with the audience. It gave me the opportunity to see a young person realize his dreams in spite the challenge of diabetes. It helped me to let go of the some of the fear and instead embrace Skylar’s future with confidence. Whether he becomes a "Top Chef" or climbs Mt Everest, whatever his passion, he'll achieve it!

Thanks again Sam and thanks for your support.

marty wrote:

I think that you are the best looking chef on this show Sam!

Taciana Spencer wrote:

Hello Sam,
Even though, season 2 of top chef is over. I still like to watch the reruns. I like you the best because of your compassion to all the other chefs. You are a true leader and was a great inspiration to all. Keep up the good work. Like a lot of ladies out there, I think, you are the sexiest top chef. Even if you didn't win, you are still a winner in my book.

Tess

MAGALY wrote:

alo!, im a mexican , so im sorry if i write so bad.... well sam this is an excellent blog... and also i like so mucho your personality which is reflected in tha way that you cook. perhaps you have a plus... you are so handasome!... well thats all bye bye^^

婉楨Jenny wrote:

Every time I am happy to see you on the TOP CHEF,and I am come from Taiwan . A small but
beautiful place. And our night market is very
great,too.Hope you can come to Taiwan.Enjoy
our food.And my grandmother is also good at cooking delicious food.Maybe you will like
the Taiwan style.

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