dj wrote:

Sam -

Part of your hotiness is your reluctance to be treated like you're hot or dwell on your hot-ness? So try not to do a lot of things that say "Steamiest Chef" or "Look at me; I'm hot" kinda events; nothing like a little conceit to ruin a perfectly good cutie pie.

And even though I'm not voting bc, I don't want to encourage this in you, you are the steamiest.

posted on August 21, 2007 at 3:15 PM

Ericca wrote:

Sam - you rock!

posted on August 21, 2007 at 4:41 PM

angie wrote:

yay!! first to comment!.....anyway, i'm glad that you're trying to win money for jdf. you have my vote!

posted on August 21, 2007 at 4:52 PM

Nilo wrote:

Sir Steamy,

[i]I'm not quite sure Dale would mind eating off of Billy Idol.[/i] - OK, that made me choke on my iced tea. In a good way.

I really, really, [b]really[/b] wanted to hear more from Daniel Boulud. What a waste to have him there - but not really give him a chance to, you know, talk. (Although he looked too adorable at JT with his glasses on).

And I continued to be awed/appalled by Howie's stubborness. When Daniel-freaking-Boulud is telling you that something is wrong with your risotto, I think it might be worth listening to. Instead, he retreated behind the "That's how I've always done it and I've been doing it that way for 11 years". Which, really, isn't a steallar endorsement.

When I first started teaching, my students bombed one section of their standardized tests. (It was 2nd grade and I'm sure they've somehow risen above this omission). Anyway, my principal tried to talk to me about it and I hid behind, "But I TAUGHT it - see, here's my lesson plan!". Well, ok, so I taught it. Obviously, they didn't learn it. Who's to blame? Me or the 7-year olds? Me. And I learned my lesson right then - at the age of 20.

So yeah, Howie might have been cooking it that way for a long time, but that doesn't make it taste any better, I'm not thinking.

posted on August 21, 2007 at 4:56 PM

Deborah R wrote:

Welcome back--your blog was missed. You at least make a reasonable case for incorporating a blogger into an episode. Personally, though, I'd rather they didn't. For every blogger who actually has the writing chops to earn a paid position, there are millions who are simply in love with the sound of their own voice. Walking the fine line between witty, biting criticism and just plain nastiness is an art--one Bourdain has mastered and Strong has not. That's the difference between the professional and the amateur. And you're right--we get to see precious little of the judges' debates. Wasting that time on a "mystery blogger" when you could give your viewers the insights of a Daniel Boulud is just plain nuts.

I wasn't a huge fan of yours last season (I wasn't a huge fan of anyone from last season), but I've enjoyed the unpretentious, conversational style of your blog so much that I did vote for you in the "steamy" competition. Good luck on winning the money for a good cause.

posted on August 21, 2007 at 5:17 PM

Jess wrote:

dj-- I get what you're saying about Sam's modesty and I agree to an extent, but as a fellow Type 1 Diabetic, I would like to thank him so much for agreeing to do a contest like that in order to try to make that much money for the JDF. I voted and will tell all my friends to vote. It didn't come off as conceited to me, just caring about this cause. And Sam, you'd get my vote anyway, but that just makes you even better.

posted on August 21, 2007 at 5:47 PM

Heather wrote:

I absolutely agree -- snark, if it's well-written and not just gratuitiously mean, is great in a blog. I don't think Ms. Strong was the best choice. I would much rather have heard more from Chef Boloud.

So okay, Sam, you got my vote, and I'm going to stop calling you "that guy," because I've been enjoying your blog. Although I'm interested to see if you'll end up back in a restaurant. Union Pacific before Bertolli, mm-kay? Although you get a bit of a free pass on this one since it's for charity. And Rocco...well, his blog is pretty decent, too, so I'll also give him a break. But Tony B. is still *the man*, snark and all. Brainy snark, now *that's* steamy!

posted on August 21, 2007 at 5:55 PM

gary e. wrote:

SAM. great blog, i for one trust your views on the t-c show, you have been there and you know what really goes on behind the show, i always look forward to your blog, best of luck....

posted on August 21, 2007 at 6:06 PM

Nancy wrote:

Hi Sam!

Malarkey's energy...was that the stuff pouring through his clothes at the end of the episode?

Love ya!

P.S. I'm voting for you like crazy. No one else could convince me to put a Glad product website on my favorites list.

posted on August 21, 2007 at 6:08 PM

juliana wrote:

It's clear that you're doing the "steamiest" thing for the contribution that will be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation if you win. And that's perfectly respectable and commendable--use whatcha got!!!

posted on August 21, 2007 at 6:31 PM

Ethan wrote:

Any way to get full posts in the RSS feed? Since only geeks like me are going to use it, why not rock it out in Google Reader and get word of mouth props and some buzz. I'm a big fan of Sam's, and I just want to read his stuff and keep moving.

ED NOTE: Working on it...

posted on August 21, 2007 at 7:38 PM

Olivia wrote:

Sam,
As a juvenile diabetic myself, I think it's great your such an advocate for it. You are such a role model for diabetics out there. It's great to have someone out there, you know, I can do it to, diabetes doesn't have to take over your life. Keep up the great work!!

posted on August 21, 2007 at 8:13 PM

Alona wrote:

Hey Sam! I love your blog- you proved your own point, that you don't need to be snarky or insulting to have a humorous blog that gets your point across.

One thing I'm surprised you didn't mention- the judges were considering sending Malarkey home for sweating? Maybe it's that "two hours of tape for two minutes of show (or something along those lines)" thing and that's not the only problem they had with his performance this episode, but- I mean, come on, like it's his fault!

posted on August 21, 2007 at 9:45 PM

Alison wrote:

Sam - love your blog! It's my favorite of the group.

posted on August 21, 2007 at 10:08 PM

Georgette wrote:

I'm impressed with your take on the show. I, too, thought it kind of strange to have one of the chefs responsible for decoration. Though I did think Restaurant April looked more inviting, I wouldn't have thought Dale would be called out so harshly for his design choices. Good idea to mix the two shows. Maybe they'll "think of that" next season.

P.S. I voted for you. You're definitely the sexiest we've seen in three seasons!

posted on August 21, 2007 at 10:14 PM

Tiffany wrote:

Sam,

I couldn’t agree with you more. While I appreciate Andrea Strong’s blog, I would much rather hear Chef Daniel Boulud’s thoughts about Restaurant April and The Garage than Ms. Strong’s opinion. After all, he is the one who has been through this process before. I also agree that having two of the chefs work as designers was pointless. Even though restaurant April did look beautiful, the chefs’ could serve their (extremely) limited time better by cooking. That is what they are there for, isn’t it?

Good luck on the Glad contest! :)

posted on August 21, 2007 at 10:25 PM

ileana wrote:

It's called Top Chef, not Top Design--- that made me laugh so hard..

posted on August 21, 2007 at 11:18 PM

mary b wrote:

I was reading Alfred Portale's cookbook...forgot the name....and he has two recipes for risotta and gues what folks...both use heavy cream. One...just a few tablespoons and the other, about half a cup. He mixes with the final ingredients. So the jury is still out on this cream business.

I still want to know if the cheftestants decided on the strategy to take responsibility for somthing and almost adopt a divide and conquer approach. If everyone was a problem, no one would go home. Do you think they thought that up first?

I wonder if it was also in the judge's minds. After all, all the shows are planned out. This changes their production schedule...

Oh well.

posted on August 21, 2007 at 11:59 PM

Seaside1 wrote:

I always enjoy your blogs Sam. You offer great perspective on the challenges. I completely agree with you on two things: Casey is superb at keeping her cool in the kitchen and always showing the utmost professionalism. And, I'm 99% certain that next week we'll see a double elimination. My personal wish is that those two people are Howie and the other Sarah. Neither of those two people has impressed me this season, and they're both rather annoying.

posted on August 22, 2007 at 12:21 AM

Bobbi wrote:

Sam

Doesn't it seem like the producers are running out of ideas for the challenges? Been there done that kinda thing going on. And what is up with all of the endorsements? How about a charity challenge with all of the extra money coming in? I would like to see another challenge made for the "common" restaurant goer - like the Elk Lodge episode. Definitely not updates of "homecooked" type meals, but rather a showcase of each individual chef's specialty dishes, with the only judging to be made by the public whom tastes it. Tickets could be sold and the money could be donated to the winning chef's choice of charity. Make it a quickfire to play it safe.

posted on August 22, 2007 at 6:11 AM

Laura wrote:

Sam… you are awesome. Not only are you handsome, talented and smart, but a great blogger too. Can't wait to read your comments every week. Best of luck on the contest!
P.S. Any plans to do a cooking demo in the Orlando area? Just checking.... (and wishful thinking...)

posted on August 22, 2007 at 7:44 AM

Donna wrote:

Hi Sam, glad to see you back and I voted for you.

What I would LOVE to see is you and Harold (from Season One) cooking together. That would be FANTASTIC!! Maybe against chef Tom and Gail? ...cooolll To me you are the winner of Season Two, you have grace under pressure and, like Harold, "just cook".

posted on August 22, 2007 at 9:09 AM

Anthony A wrote:

Sam,

Quote:

The other team seems to have camaraderie, compassion, and a "no chef left behind" mentality.

Where exactly was this great humanity that you speak of on display for Restaurant April?

Maybe it was when Tre was over-smoking his potatoes due to overload, because CJ the self-appointed sous chef, spent most of his alotted prep time turning artichokes for the 1 dish that he was contributing to the contest?

Perhaps it was when FOH leader Brian bathed in flop sweat, stood before judges table bearing slings and arrows about his meltdown that evening and flavorless oysters, while his good buddy CJ saw it as great opportunity to throw some ill timed snark in his direction?

Snark that could have very well been turned into ammunition by the judges to have Malarkey tossed from the competition I might add.

CJ's much touted abilities as unifier and team leader are vastly overrated. He is all style and no substance when comes to these team challenges. At least you can see volatile personalities like Howie and Sara M. coming at you from miles away with" guns a blazin". They may lack subtilty and charm, but everything that is done by them is in your face, and in broad daylight without pretense. When CJ decides to do you in, he saunters up with that goofy smile and disarms you with his sarcasm while sticking the shiv in your stomach and twisting.

You need to stop being seduced by appearance, and look past the thin veneer that CJ presents as the affable amiable ex jock and provide some substantive criticism for a change, and stop going after the easy marks like Howie and Hung in this competition. It is this same lack of insight that allowed you and the others to be goaded by Ilan into carrying out his personal vandetta against Marcel, when in reality it was he who was the most vile figure in that house.

As for me I am pulling for "Team Ugly" to wipe the floor with "Team Beautiful". Nothing would make me happier than to see the smug smiles wiped from their faces ( except for Malarkey) and it would serve as poetic justice that the judges would see through CJ's act and him pay the ultimate price of elimination for the subtle stunts that he pulled in last week's episode.

Restaurant April as well as you, have vastly underrated the Garage team in spite of the fact that this group has more restaurant experience and has some cooks like Hung and Howie that have produced excellent food at times throughout the course of the competition.

If this were a beauty contest then CJ & Co would win hands down, but this is cook off and all you need to do is make great food for one day while your competition stumbles a little bit and I hope that it is underneath this scenario that Restaurant April is heading for a fall.

posted on August 22, 2007 at 11:22 AM

GLM wrote:

I've never been inclined to subscribe to any sort of life feed. Until you.

Thanks for taking the time to blog.

Cheers.

posted on August 22, 2007 at 1:52 PM

Tinagella wrote:

Hello Sam, you are right on, as usual! The fact that Chef Boulud was at the judges table and instead of hearing his comments we got a regurgitation of Ms. Strong's blog is frankly insulting. Let's leave Ms. Strong's comments, as illuminating as they may be, in the appropriate forum-her blog not judges' table!

posted on August 22, 2007 at 2:32 PM

Raven Windrider wrote:

Another excellent blog, Sam. As a Type 1 diabetic myself,
I love your effort to help raise funds for JDFI. Keep up the
good work.

posted on August 22, 2007 at 3:52 PM

Liliana wrote:

Like I said before, thanks for bringing attention to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, I truly beleive that is what really makes you a "Steamy chef", you trying to help, you have my vote!!
On the elimination challenge I couldn't agree more, what is wrong with the producers trying to judge chefs on their decor skills! Thank God they got another chance, I would hate to see Brian go!! I would love to see him against Tre on the final challenge. About Howie, I still don't understand why he is still there, I mean being a Chef means you would always have to work with other people as a team, so shouldn't the judges take that into consideration when the make an elimination??

posted on August 22, 2007 at 3:56 PM

Ray in New Orleans wrote:

Voted for you, Sam. You're clearly steamiest given the alternatives, but I gotta say, why aren't Lia and Elia up there? Talk about steamy!

posted on August 22, 2007 at 4:12 PM

Ray In New Orleans wrote:

Oh, one more thing. Howie has been raked over the coals because of his risotto in this episode, but didn't he make a risotto earlier in the season that got high marks? Did he make it the same way last time? If so, why the unanimous derision this time? Is everybody just piling on? Not that I mind, I like seeing mean people getting their asses handed to them, but if his risotto was bad now the same risotto should have been bad four weeks ago.

posted on August 22, 2007 at 4:21 PM

julia wrote:

Great blog....but I and many others will never forget how you were so cruel and a bully to Marcel.

posted on August 22, 2007 at 4:22 PM

Jessica wrote:

Ok so yes Sam you are hot & steamy, can we call you Chef Steamy? But also a brilliant chef, I looked @ your 2 recipes on the voting site, honestly saw mussels & thought out of my league. Once I read the recipe, I saw it would be complete success for us novice chefs @ home. I too enjoy Cold Stone in moderation, living in a Small resort town in So Cal we're not fortunate to have a Cold Stone close by, 45 mins away is the closest. Good Luck, either way I'm sure JDF will appreciate whatever money they do recieve.

posted on August 22, 2007 at 4:42 PM

Rick wrote:

Sam your the greatest. I am a great fan of Top Chef and have watched every episode of season 1 & 2 and all of season 3 shown thus far. I think season 2 was just as great as season 1. Sam don't let the smart hateful comments get to you. Just remember that you have a lot of great fans out here that are pulling for you. What I don't understand, contestants have to know that if they win they are going to have to use the very people they were hateful to and mistreated in the finale show to help the win. Human nature is real and can come back and bite you in the back side. If Howie makes it this far he may have some regret.

posted on August 22, 2007 at 4:45 PM

Debby wrote:

First of all Sam let me say I have been voting for you numerous times. You definitely deserve the title of steamiest chef. Also, I was pulling for you all throughout last season. Now on to this season. I agree with you that none of the "chefs" should be sent home due to their decor choices. This is a cooking competion not a design competion. Also, I agree with some of the other comments that it would not have been right to send Brian home for sweating about the situation because as we have seen week after week Howie has done more than his fair share of sweating and he is still there. Also, Howie may have been preparing his risotto this way for so many years but clearly it was not a true risotto and it was not a winner with the judges. Also, I do feel however that maybe they should take into consideration all of the challenges when deciding to send someone home. If someone has continuously been at the bottom it should indicate that they do not have what it takes to be a Top Chef. In the same regard when a chef who has been on the top for most of the challenges has a bad day I do not feel they should be sent home. Everyone has a bad day. I also feel that in order to be a Top Chef you need to know how to get along with others and take direction just as well as you can be a leader. We have seen that Howie has a problem taking direction and listening to others input.

posted on August 22, 2007 at 5:51 PM

Susan wrote:

I am really impressed by how much you promote and help the JDF by getting involved in contests to raise money for them. As a pump wearer, have you ever considered doing something to raise money to help low income families offset the costs of having and using a pump? I have loved mine ever since I got it and wonder how many children and adults miss out from the benefits of having one simply because the cost is too prohibitive?

And pancreas limitations aside, who doesn't love Cold Stone?

posted on August 22, 2007 at 7:24 PM

kris i. wrote:

You can count on my vote Sam =) Hope you win it for the JDRF!
Thanks again for an informative and insightful blog ."I'm not quite sure Dale would mind eating off of Billy Idol." -That was funnnyyyyy! LOL!

Love your new photo! XO -kris i.

posted on August 22, 2007 at 7:28 PM

Dolly wrote:

Sam, JDRF is my charity, also. I voted for you and told my friends to vote for you, too. I hope you win. And it's okay to exploit your looks for a good cause. I am adorable.

posted on August 22, 2007 at 9:39 PM

Andrea wrote:

Howie: I like my risotto because I don't make it like anyone else.

Correctly?

posted on August 22, 2007 at 9:43 PM

Kerin wrote:

I think it's great that you are using your "steaminess" for a good cause! Not all of us can be hot and humble.

posted on August 22, 2007 at 11:09 PM

ivone wrote:

sam
i love you.
you are the best.

posted on August 22, 2007 at 11:11 PM

Lisa wrote:

Seduced by CJ's appearance?

Howie and Hung's choices are what made them easy marks for criticism, they shouldn't get a free pass just because CJ didn't name himself executive chef. The roles he assigned put April into the best possible position of winning, I give him credit for not letting his ego get in the way of recognizing that Tre had EC experience.

CJ sticking the shiv in someone's stomach and twisting? Obviously he was joking around with the judges about Brian, he's guilty of not reading the room correctly but in no way were his comments an attempt at getting Brian tossed. The next question CJ made it clear (along with the rest of the team) that Brian did not deserve the blame for all the front of the house failures.

Lack of insight? How obnoxious, just because people don't "see" what you see doesn't mean they lack insight.

posted on August 22, 2007 at 11:54 PM

michael wrote:

Good to hear from you again Sam. Already voted for ya in the Glad contest.

I think your cool made you one of the best contestants on the show as well.

Good Luck! :)

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:57 AM

Morgaine Swann wrote:

Good post, Sam.

FIrst, we all KNOW who the steamiest chef is, but I went over and voted for you just in case the rest of the world hasn't figured it out yet. I hope you win for the JDF.

Second, in contrast to what someone said above, enjoy your "hotiness" for all of us who aren't! I was saying to someone the other day that I wish the Food Network would give you a show so we could see you more often.

I'm curious - if you could go back and do YOUR restaurant war over again, what would you do differently?

posted on August 23, 2007 at 4:58 AM

Trish wrote:

Best of luck with your JDF efforts, Chef McSteamy! :)

posted on August 23, 2007 at 8:42 AM

Jami wrote:

I gave you a vote,,,,Go Sam!
You were my favorite Season 2 chef. You and Harold tie for all time faves.
Your almost a hometown boy,,,,I am from Monroe.
And I have diabetes,,,,so I hope JDF gets a pile of cash.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 9:13 AM

Jamie wrote:

DJ--I'm sure he is going for the Steamiest Chef to give money to JDRF, which he seems to be passioniate about.

Good luck, Sam. I voted for you and will forward it to my friends.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 10:29 AM

Anthony A wrote:

Shout Out to Sammy and Lisa:

What did you think of CJ's much vaunted leadership abilities in the aftermath of last night's show?

It was almost as impressive as that salt-lick Lobster and Arugula Salad that took him all of 4 hours to prepare....right?

I stand by my comments about Sam's lack of judgement. It helped lend Ilan tacit support into bullying the annoying but harmless Marcel last season and it is clouding his judgement about some of the contestants this Season. I don't think Sam is a bad egg and he has certainly improved as writer through much hard work throughout the course of the Season, but he often reaches for the obvious conclusion rather than peeling back the layers of a situation to get to the heart of the matter.

It doesn't make him a bad person no more than it makes you a bad person for calling me obnoxious Lisa.

Have a good day.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:50 PM

Michelle wrote:

Hi Sam! I voted for you! Thanks for taking the time to write this blog. I really enjoy reading your comments on the new season. I just found out that I'll be in WDW at the Food & Wine Fest the same time you are supposed to be there - I hope I get to meet you. Are you cooking at the Party for the Senses?

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:07 PM

CrankyPants wrote:

Sam, glad to see you using your powers of hotness for the greater good. I hope you win the $30K for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (and yes, I voted for you). Good luck.

Love your blog, love your insights, and love the inside info from a former Top Chef contestant. Helps paint a clearer picture of what this current crop is going through. Thanks for taking the time to blog.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:14 PM

Leslie P. Martel wrote:

Sam, thank you for your blog. Could you please post a more Sam like picture of yourself? The one posted today made you look sad, not steamy. Good luck w/the Children's Diabetes Fundraiser. You Rock!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:28 PM

tina wrote:

Sam:
J. Bistro- that brings me back! I'm a few years older so not sure if you were there then, but went to CofC from NY and ate at J. Bistro many times..even had friends that waited there. ( I hosted at Planter's Cafe downtown, now called Peninsula Grill.) But, the Glad people seem to think that J&W is in NC, instead of SC. Anyway- have you been back there in awhile- the place blew up! So many new and fabulous restaurants- if you haven't been in awhile, I highly rec it.
Enjoy!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:44 PM

Featherstone wrote:

Right on target, Sam!!!
Well...mostly...and I'll tell you why. I hate Hung. I hated Marcel. I hated Stephen. Yeah, that's not your problem, has nothing to do with the show, and why should anybody care? Personally, I think there's gotta be a degree of executive decision to leave those chefs in the running just for controversy. They are the Alexis Carringtons of Top Chef. You gotta watch every week because you just want to see them sent home every week. I'm sure this is no new topic of discussion. But what I'm really saying is please, please, in the name of black truffles, somebody (ahem, you, if you can) at some point try to point out that it can't be "just about the food" as we all keep hearing. Peoples personalities are definitely affecting the food. The competitions are designed to force chefs personalities into conflict/cooperation. How people behave in the kitchen is indeed strongly affecting "the food." I think you'll agree that little demon-haired twit Marcel really needed to go home long long before things came to a head and Cliff got sent home, right? Yes, in real life people have to work with people they don't like. Also in real life, though, you can complain to human resources!!! The bottom line here, I think, is this. If it's a cooking competition rather than a personality contest, then people shouldn't be kept around solely for their disturbing personalities. And let's be honest---behavior and emotion behind the scenes does color what gets set out on the judges table. Why did I post this on your blog? Well frankly, I guess I'm just venting rather than believing anyone will ever admit this on camera, and I just think maybe you're the only one that will get it! BTW, I applaud your taste in ice cream, though I myself can't have it anymore for similar reasons, and I wish you luck on your steamy competition.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 5:24 PM

Brian wrote:

Sam, you are the man - no surprise there, most people agree!!

Would love to hear more about St. John, we have a place there and a business - always looking at projects on St. John.

Two questions;

1. If Senor' uno nad CJ is so tough as described by you in a previous blog, why isn't he tough enough to keep it to himself and stop mentioning it every episode. It is not like he has one arm, or one leg , or even one tooth. He believes if he can struggle through life with one testicle he can take on and conquer any challenge - don't get me wrong, I guess I am glad I have two but - well I guess I just don't understand the handicap. Hope you were aiming for a tongue n cheek comment about his "toughness"

2. Why are the judges always harping on a lack of salt -especially comments like salt is the main ingredient for a hamburger? I produce some of the most flavorful food we have ever eaten and I do not add ANY salt - I is unhealthy and if you eat enough it can kill you - why promote it when you can use other spices and get more flavor. Seems like a cop out!!!!

Unfortunately Sara seemed to step up this week and Hung looks more and more like the world's most talented sous chef every week. Who wins now - they really don't seem to have the talent you guys had. Is Dale a sleeper or does he get fired next?

Thanks man - you're awesome!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 5:25 PM

Artemnesia wrote:

Okay I just voted for you like 40 million times. Bring on the duck fat.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 6:46 PM

Christina G wrote:

Sam, you rock. My opinion of you (as seen on TV anyway :) had slipped a lot after the Marcel Hair Hell Night episode, but all is forgiven with this blog entry. Exactly what you said about the bloggers comments at the judge's table, I really wish I had heard more from the guest chef - I can read blogs every day. The crack about Madonna's brother - priceless. Who knew that aside from being a talented chef, a (mostly :) class act, and a cutie - you are also a damned good writer. Anthony Bourdain, watch your back!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 6:51 PM

Fire Princess wrote:

I think it is perfectly okay to use your dashing good looks and "hotiness" (to quote another blogger) if it's for a good cause. If you end up on the cover of Playgirl just wearing a toque and a smile then we'll know you've gone over to the dark side! But what do I know, I must be gauche because I've been known to have ketchup with my well done steak!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 7:53 PM

Pam wrote:

Sam - I'd already voted for you before I even read this! I hope you win, I agree its for a great cause! To dj who was saying he/she wouldnt vote so as not to "encourage this in you" - what a moronic idiot!
Take care Sam, love your blog as usual!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 9:22 PM

Kam wrote:

I am so sad to see Tre go. I will definitely vote for you Sam because you are a great chef as was Tre. My problem this season is Casey and C.J. , they are cut throat. I know it is a competition but, when they have a restaurant they need to know how to motivate and work as a team.Not just a leader and a bad one at that.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 10:03 PM

April Painter wrote:

Hi, Sam,
My daughter, Lisa, is 24 and would love to meet you...She was accepted to the Johnson & Wales Culinary School in Providence, Rhode Island, can cook, and plays a mean game of softball...She's been playing fast-pitch since she was 9...She didn't go this fall because of the $20,000 price tag...She didn't get her financial aid info in in enough time...
I wish you could talk her into going next year...She could cook AND play softball...which is what she LOVEs to do!
I voted for you for Glad's Steamiest Chef...Hope you win!
Loved you on the show! Great blog! I read yours after reading Bourdain's...Take care.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 11:35 PM

Bookiebear wrote:

Well of course I voted for you and told the judges for the 100th time that you should have won. I figure the more I rub it in their face, the more they will feel guilty about it. LOL

posted on August 23, 2007 at 11:43 PM

Chris wrote:

I have no idea what I just voted for, but I dutifully clicked the link, typed in the visual box code and clicked vote only for it to occur to me afterward that this was a "who's sexiest" competition. Now I place no blame. It's nobody's fault but my own that I voted without paying attention to what it was or looking around at any other contestants in the competition, but nonetheless, I feel somehow duped.

I attribute this to having spent the day before leaving for vacation reading blogs and steadily growing more 'goofy-happy' as you so accurately interpreted CJ's comment in your last blog entry. (I'd never read any of them before, so somewhere around 'happy to be here' I got bored, put a pot of chili on the stove and decided reading them all at once was a good idea. The chili's done along with a rack of ribs and a shrimp macaroni salad I'm ashamed to admit I don't remember making.) Nonetheless, retribution should be made--and I feel this can be done quite easily. All you have to do is answer one simple question.

So...what're you wearing?

posted on August 24, 2007 at 2:21 AM

Katie wrote:

Sam

Saw you in Wholefoods last night and wished you could have helped me- I am a designer who tries to cook and I'm always impressed with your dishes as well as your style. I've got a confirmed crush now for sure but that's another blog spot I'm sure...

As for your comments, I mostly agree, though Casey happens to be on the bottom of my Top Chef candidates. While I agree cool under pressure counts, sometimes you need to lite one (the finley diced onion...come on!) I was more disappointed with Tre's departure as I thought he showed ingenuity and creativity with his food, though watching Hung and wishing I were eating Cj's dishes keeps me going week to week. And perhaps I'm naive (ok I am) but what's with everyone creating recipes they already make? Sara's gucamole from her roomate, Howie's rissotto of 15 years infamy or Brian's sausage all seemed so calculated I almost miss the element of surprise in their cooking. Sigh.

Guess I've added to the blog opinions of the world, sorry, but I'll still trust my tastebuds and a zagat reccomendation or two.

posted on August 24, 2007 at 11:22 AM

Dana wrote:

Sam, I placed my vote for you.

On a sidenote, my cousin who has juvenile diabetes, and lost her sight to the disease at 31 y/o (she's 35 now), is 4 months pregnant with twins. :-)

posted on August 24, 2007 at 12:14 PM

Conor wrote:

Sam,

When you competed in "Restaurant Wars" Season 2, you made a wildly unpopular dessert consisting of watermelon "gnocchi" with topped with gorgonzola cheese. At the time, you said that if the dish had been made by a celebrity chef like Mario Batali, everyone would have loved it. Having not tasted it, I'm curious to know if you still stand by the dish now, having the benefit of better perspective and greater experience?

Also, excellent blog and thanks for being diligent about keeping it updated!

Best,
Conor

posted on August 24, 2007 at 2:04 PM

JT wrote:

HEY guess wat we have the same last name isn't that cool lol and plus my family actually lived in charlotte before i was born and im not lyin!!!!!!!

posted on August 24, 2007 at 4:45 PM

marilyn glover wrote:

sam i loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee you what's not to love about you handsome , chef plus i thinking you should have won and not that other guy. good luck buddy

posted on August 24, 2007 at 6:22 PM

PRM wrote:

You are right on about the blogger, Sam. Whereas Bourdain has some skill to his snarkiness, most bloggers are nowhere near as skilled and, to be blunt, just plain unfunny. I, too, would have much rather heard the comments of a renowned chef over some e-know-it-all, whatever her qualifications.

posted on August 25, 2007 at 12:02 AM

Lyn wrote:

Sam, have you been reading my comments on the other Bravo blogs? LOL! I'm referring to your hillarious (and spot-on) comment, "It's Top Chef, not Top Design". In the way you suggested the Top Design contestants help design the restaurants, I suggested the Project Runway designers do clothing for Top Design (especially the judges). How about a 3-way? On a different note, I admit to being a bit perplexed by the whole "seasonality" thing. The restaurants in my town are admittedly not top-tier, but other than which soups are available, they don't change menu items as the seasons change. Do some restaurants seriously do that? My "go-to" restaurant hasn't changed their menu (except to raise prices) for 20 years.

posted on August 25, 2007 at 3:12 AM

Viv wrote:

Hey Sam,

I've enjoyed reading your blogs. Very entertaining.

Anyways, I have a question I'd like to ask. As a professional chef, are there any food products that you wouldn't cook and serve? By that I mean 'exotic' food (ie. whale, dolphin, ostrich, etc), or sometimes I'd call them 'eeuuwww' simply due to the fact that I'm not very adventurous particularly when it comes to meat and their by-products.

So In their quest to be creative & innovative, do chefs cook anythng & everything as long as they are edible and there is a demand for them due to the competitive nature of the profession? Or would their conscience override that? Your thoughts or anybody else's thoughts on that would be nice.

posted on August 25, 2007 at 11:13 AM

HELEN HUNTER wrote:

way to go sam, i've voted several times every day. i hated to see you and tre go more than anyon. keep up good work

posted on August 26, 2007 at 10:07 AM

HELEN HUNTER wrote:

way to go sam, i've voted several times every day. i hated to see you and tre go more than anyon. keep up good work

posted on August 26, 2007 at 10:07 AM

Fire Princess wrote:

Self promoting your "hotiness" (as one blogger wrote) seems quite alright if it's for a good cause. Now when you show up on the cover of "Playgirl" wearing only a toque and a smile, then we'll worry! But, what do I know, I'm gauche and have been known to have ketchup on my well done steak. Speaking of which, bottom-line shouldn't the pleasure of eating be all about what tastes good to an individual's palette? If one gets too caught up in trends and and develops a food superiority complex, where is the pure joy in that?

posted on August 26, 2007 at 4:43 PM

dlm wrote:

Enjoyed this entry very much and could not agree with you more about the relevance of the "guest blogger" - huh? I found it really sad, sad, sad that Howie is going further than Tre. Just doesn't seem right to me but Tom has stated more than once that their judging is not taken on the whole of a person's performance but more on a "what have you done for me today" basis. Shame because otherwise you certainly would have won Season 2. Anyway, I've been voting for you in the Glad contest - it'd be great to see your charity win.

posted on August 26, 2007 at 6:21 PM

melissa wrote:

I can't wait to see what you have to say about the upset w/ Tre. Also, old nes I know but, I was so upset when you didn't win season 2. I felt you were really the best chef on the show and a way cooler person than Ilan or that smarmy little guy...'whathisface.' Anyway, keep cookin' ya hoottie!

posted on August 26, 2007 at 8:39 PM

Deepali wrote:

I can't wait to hear what you have to say about Tre's departure. I think it was a really tough call but the right decision. Tre has a wonderful personality but in the end he was in charge of everything going out of that kitchen. On another note, are you currently working anywhere in NYC? I'm really curious about trying your food. It seems really light and healthy and full of flavor. Anyway, good luck with your Glad Contest. I voted for you many many many times ;-)

Cheers,
Deepali

posted on August 27, 2007 at 1:26 PM

Hinata Huga wrote:

The only reason I started watching the show is because Sam is the hottest! You are sooooo dreamy, I couldn't turn the channel! You should have won that show, you were the best hands down! I stopped watching after you got voted off! I think they only kept that stupid Marcel guy for the ratings! You are the real winner in my book!

posted on August 27, 2007 at 2:24 PM

Hinata wrote:

Sam, you are the only reason I kept watching this show! You are soooooooo dreamy! I think they only kept that stupid Marcel guy for the ratings! You should have won that show, you are way more talented than all the others! I stopped watching after you got voted off. You are the winner in my book!!!!

posted on August 27, 2007 at 2:42 PM

Pecos Bill wrote:

Sam, you're fantastic in my books. I can't imagine doing the grueling TC.

Just fantastic.

posted on August 28, 2007 at 12:37 AM

Jo-Ann wrote:

Hey Sam,

Enjoy your blog! My comment on Ms. Strong is that she was so busy commenting on Brian sweating that she failed to realize that she was most likely consuming Howie sweat as she ate. The ultimate payback! :-)

posted on August 28, 2007 at 6:40 PM

bellabugg wrote:

I saw you about 6 months ago at Sermet in Charley South during the Food + WIne Festival. The big rumor around town was you were going to come back to your roots to work on somethng here. I wanted to ask you then but you seemed very engrossed in your conversation and beer plus I didn't want to interrupt. Love to know if you're involved in something currently or planning on getting involved in anything down this way.

posted on August 28, 2007 at 7:18 PM

stephanie wrote:

Sam-Marry Me?

posted on August 29, 2007 at 10:26 PM

David wrote:

Sam, you should've won Season 2, andI hope you win the steamiest chef contest (I voted for you, not because I think you're hot, I'm not into guys, but I believe in the charity you chose). You're an inspiration to people like me that would like to be a chef. Keep up the good work! You rock!

posted on August 30, 2007 at 12:14 AM

Helen T.Jackson wrote:

Hi Sam, I still think you were the Top Chef of season 2. Just wanted to say thank you for what you are doing as I have a dear friend who has a child with JD and he himself has done may fundraisers. Keep up the good work. I look forward to eating your food some day...A hugh fan in Philadelphia

posted on August 30, 2007 at 2:43 PM

Kari wrote:

You are so adorable, Sam! I'm so glad you're doing this for JDRF. My 5 year old was diagnosed with Type 1 when he was 2, so it's all he knows. Thank you for being such an inspiration for others, showing that they can do whatever their heart desires! Someday, with everyones help, they WILL find a cure!!! Good luck!

posted on August 30, 2007 at 5:49 PM

christy wrote:

Voted for you Sam-good luck for a good cause. Two questions maybe you can help with:
1.
Why did Tom scream that he didn't care what went on in the kitchen in one season because it was all about the food they served, and then influence ( my opinion ) the voting against "April" because Tre didn't run the kitchen as well as Sarah?? He sat in the kitchen one season and not the other. Doesn't seem fair, eh?
2.
Why the heck was Casey dicing the onions with a serrated bread knife??
Oops- one more.....
3.
Has Casey done anything outstanding that I must have missed? Sure she keeps her cool, but that's because she's never put herself "out there"... I loved her and C.J. the best until I realized it was just because they were the cutest ( okay, I'm shallow )... I think Howie's horrendous personality is just keeping him there for the drama ( which is really sad for Tre ) but I have to admit Hung , although not very likeable, has excelled from the start, and Sarah ( who DID put herself "out there" during RWs...) is coming up fast. IMHO Brian should not have been criticized for his perspiration problem- at least he wasn't sweating into the food like Howie. Just sayin.........

posted on August 30, 2007 at 6:25 PM

Rebecca wrote:

The first time I ever read a blog was by accident. I was trying to find your shrimp/banana recipe that you did in the chocolate quick fire competition for Chef Ripert (which I still long for) and accidentally stumbled upon a blog site completely devoted to Top Chef Season 2. Most of what was there made me cringe. It appears there are a lot of angry people out there more than happy to spend a vast amount of spare time taking pot shots at the talent on Top Chef. I couldn’t help but imagine that these people being so nasty and cruel in their blogs about all of you were probably those who were the brunt of such cruelty in high school, now taking on the role of the bully when spewing their hatred from behind the safety of their faceless keyboards. I thought that the intensity and pressure of a competition like Top Chef was tough enough and that being a contestant shouldn’t necessarily set you up for the world to tear apart. Anyhow, reading your entry illustrates that blogs can be used for good as well as evil, so thank you for that. Thanks also for putting up with some of the crap that comes along with reality tv stardom. Top Chef is one of my favorite shows and it wouldn’t be so interesting, or such an example of quality reality tv, without contestants like you, who clearly aren’t in it simply to become a reality celebrity. It seemed to take it’s toll a bit, at least from what was aired on the Four Star All Star challenge. It looked like Season 2, who had a lot less time between their season and the Four Star challenge, as opposed to Season 1, was a bit guarded getting back in front of the cameras again (with the exception of Marcel perhaps). As I watched that Four Star challenge, I couldn’t help but wonder if some of the things being spewed on the blogs were the cause for Season 2’s somewhat restrained demeanor. So your advice to Season 3 about not reading the blogs together with your commentary on the whole reality genre in your most recent blog made me glad to see that you were taking it all in stride. You were absolutely my favorite in Season 2 – I’d like to think that if I were in your shoes I would have handled things exactly the way you did. You took the challenges on seriously, with dignity, creativity and a boatload of talent. Anyhow, thanks for keeping things interesting without resorting to the type of conduct that often appears to keep reality players in the game longer than they deserve to be.

posted on August 30, 2007 at 10:22 PM

marie wrote:

It's my first time to blog here.I'm Not voting you for whatever Glad contest cuz I'm so mad at you being mean to Marcel. Your attitude during season 2 was terrible, that we wont forget. I hate snakey Ilan won.

posted on August 30, 2007 at 11:21 PM

Venessa wrote:

That's great commentor "DJ". Don't vote Sam the "steamiest" chef to prove a point that you don't want to "encourage" those sort of things. You are absolutly right. Who would want to encourage 30K to a charity? Not you obviously. Did you actually think that one out? The "Steamiest" Chef contest is a play on words for the new glad steam bag. Maybe you could try not taking yourself too seriously and have a little bit "Bigger Vision"...a 30,000 donation to a very worthy cause. Kudos Sam! You got my vote!

posted on August 31, 2007 at 2:40 AM

nicole wrote:

just wanted to leave a quickie: the word "snarkiness" made me chuckle. don't know why it struck me as funny, but it did, so thanks for unintentionally making me laugh :D

posted on August 31, 2007 at 6:13 PM

Mark wrote:

I voted for you. I guess I'll have to just believe Ted that you are gorgeous! So, you must be steamy too. ;-)

Gotta go back to work. Owners never sleep.

posted on September 10, 2007 at 11:42 AM

SUZAN wrote:

vote! i think this is a cool thing

posted on October 4, 2007 at 1:06 PM