Jen wrote:

Aww, no comments on Sam's blog? It must be lost in the fervor over Bourdain (yumola.)
Sam, you were my favorite of season two, and not because you were the hottie. You behaved like an adult, and gave Marcel the Raving Nightmare his due smackdown in the store.
One thing that I didn't think was fair was when Tom went to the dorm to oust Cliff for manhandling Marcel and he admonished you for not making them behave. When he asked you if you allowed this in your restaurant--pffttzz. You were on TC to compete, not friggin' babysit. You're not your competitors keeper.

In any event, your food was always the one that appealed to me the most, I love the combination of sweet and savory. I'm sure great things are in store for you.
Keep on keepin' on.

posted on August 1, 2007 at 9:26 PM

gretchen wrote:

You are so right Casey does look like Jennifer Aniston but what are YOU looking at her like that for.. Just Joking you're young and right so go for it! It was a joy watching you cook. Thank you for your recipes as I happen to love something light and fresh, which most things are when you have to eat with less sugar content.

posted on August 1, 2007 at 10:15 PM

Katie wrote:

OMG I LOVE YOU SAM. Me and my mom are your biggest fans. I have nick named you frenchie for some reason but thats what we call you. I think its great that you have the courage to say someone elses dish was good i liked marcel to my mom didn't because of his hair but whatever!! I LOVE YOU!!!!!!

posted on August 1, 2007 at 10:20 PM

Leanne wrote:

i love sam.. not just cuz he's flipping beautiful and sexy..he's so talented and intelligent.. and funny.. who knew?? lol.

posted on August 1, 2007 at 10:25 PM

ileana wrote:

it seems like you guys go thru so much that we don't get to see.. makes you re-think some of the moments that got showed on the tube. Thanks for that inside scoop.

You're doing really well with you're blog, its my fav. Its always entertaining and fun to read.

I

anyways have a good one hon and come back to myspace land sometime soon.. ;-)

posted on August 1, 2007 at 10:33 PM

Unfortuenately it's sarah. wrote:

That's gotta suck, not having any contact with the outside world. What does your ipod have to do with the outside world, all it has is music on it? And i totally watched that, the first time it aired! MMkay... I'm done.

posted on August 1, 2007 at 10:35 PM

Sherry wrote:

Sam, As I'm watching tonight's episode, I notice that a several of the potential top chefs smoke cigarettes. I've heard that smoking often changes dulls the smoker's sense of taste. What do you think about this?

posted on August 1, 2007 at 10:36 PM

Becky B wrote:

Sam, I think it is lovely that you are being so gracious in sticking up for Marcel. I am sure his cooking talents are amazing while his people skills are lacking.

posted on August 1, 2007 at 10:55 PM

Sharon wrote:

You all have to be the most courageous set of people I ever met. The day in and day out challenges would have burnt me out for sure. At least you know when you leave this show you will double check everything you cook because you never know when Tom or Padma is coming to dinner....smile!

posted on August 1, 2007 at 10:55 PM

Olivia wrote:

Great Blog. I enjoy the insight on the show from the prospective of a former contestent.
Keep it up:)
Oh, and love that sense of humor(who knew!)

posted on August 1, 2007 at 11:07 PM

Lizzie wrote:

Sam,

You seem embarrassed about how you appeared on the show! Nobody looks that good under a microscope, but at least you can laugh about it. Do you regret, not the experience, but the fact that it was nationally televised and able to be played over and over and over again?

posted on August 1, 2007 at 11:29 PM

Daniel O'Connell wrote:

Sam- I loved your real-to-life attitude on the show. I think you have a great talent and would love to be able to sample some of your cooking first hand. Are you back in New York running a kitchen or have opened a place of your own? thanks so much. Daniel

posted on August 1, 2007 at 11:34 PM

Jo Ann v. wrote:

Well... for the first season, they sure didn't know where they would get themselves in, right? ;)
(Heaven, my English is getting worse by the hour!)

posted on August 1, 2007 at 11:52 PM

Naruv wrote:

Thanks for addressing some of my comments about Marcel from your last blog (Directly, or indirectly, could be coincedental). Again you've proven to me that editing can make folks look great or foolish, depending on whim. It's clear to me now that you're quite the professional. Everyone snaps now and again under stress and what we saw was just one snippit of a damn long season. I'm quickly becoming a Sam-Fan and in retrospect you really were the *overall* winner of Top_Chef2. Hopefully I'll be able to taste for myself when your restaurant opens.

Great blog, please keep it up!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 12:15 AM

Justin D wrote:

Well put Sam! While I thought it odd to have a highlights show in the middle of the season I was pleased to see everyone united again. I have to say that you have a hilarious sideways glance that was always cut to after another contestant would say something incriminating or scandalous.

That 'skit' you did with Elia. Priceless. She seemed to be doing all the talking though, where was your Collichio impression?

posted on August 2, 2007 at 12:39 AM

kiki wrote:

It's interesting as a viewer...I could see why Marcel drove everyone nuts, yet it seemed that the other chefs often looked down on or judged his food based on the way they felt about his personality. It's nice to see you giving props. (Do people still give props? Hmm.) But you still should have won. :)

posted on August 2, 2007 at 1:20 AM

Rachel wrote:

Hey Sam! I really enjoyed watching you cook last season and was pulling for you. I'm glad you are riding the TC wave for all it's worth! I look forward to seeing where it takes you. So, I was suprised by Joey getting the boot...only because Sara has not produced much of anything and Howie is a time-bomb. Sometime I have no idea how the judges come up with their decisions. Your thoughts? I appreciate your sincerity! Thanks for blogging!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 1:27 AM

Meg wrote:

Sam, I have to say, I wish Marcel would have been able to attend the reunion show. Although he was annoying and lacking social skills, I always thought I saw something in his eyes that belied his insecurity and I felt bad when he was picked on. Plus, he's such a little dude, lol.
Lastly, Ilan is was as much to blame as Cliff for the hair-shaving incident. He instigated the event and was heard clearly in the background egging Cliff on and should have been censured as Cliff was. Ilan got off easy.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 3:04 AM

holly wrote:

This was your best blog yet. Very funy and expressive.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 5:55 AM

Tiffany Tyler wrote:

Wow...I feel like such a dork right now!!! But ok..Sam I found your approach to food and the show was probably my favorite of all the contestants and I was the crazy person who couldn't miss the show and really wanted you to win. I think you made a fabulous impression and I really respect your views on Marcels food though clearly he was not a "favorite" (or at least portrayed as such) on the show.

I wish you the best in your culinary career and I thank you for being on the show,

Regards

Tiffany Tyler

posted on August 2, 2007 at 7:42 AM

Jane Claire wrote:

Hi Sam!
I think you are great and hope you are doing well. You forgot one more thing that future cheftestants can learn from this reunion show: No matter how many times you tell yourself to always keep your cool, you will always allow yourself to be baited by the ones you find most annoying, and they will always appear calm and unaffected on TV *ahem* Marcel *cough* restaurant supply store *ahem* buzzing little gnat *cough*.
Hee hee, just kidding. Well, not really, but I still believe that you should've been in the final 2, not Ilan!
-Jane

posted on August 2, 2007 at 8:23 AM

Michael wrote:

Surely not a 33 long?? You're what, 6'2", about 180 or so? If you said "43" I'd believe you, but "33" was what I was when I was 12. Otherwise, I loved you blog!!!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 9:23 AM

myk wrote:

you're saying that you volunteered to work for marcel in the finale because you wanted to help him win,but you seemed to hate marcel all throughout the competition...

posted on August 2, 2007 at 11:01 AM

Allan wrote:

How did you get to be so hot?! I love you!!!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 11:15 AM

Taylor wrote:

I think it says a lot about your character that you were willing to put aside the frustration that was Marcel to be willing to learn from him. I think that's the sign of a true chef (or artist, or teacher, or whatever you may be passionate about) - in the end, learning new stuff is more important than the people who teach it.

But I can't believe you couldn't even have an ipod! No music at all? I wouldn't survive. What did you use for inspiration?

And your hair looked awesome, don't let anyone tell you otherwise ;)

posted on August 2, 2007 at 11:22 AM

Pat Magee wrote:

Didn't anyone think of a DVD player? I'm sure movies would be allowed (or old TV shows, stand up comedy, talk shows). Just about everything can be found on DVD.
I agree with Taylor about character and your willingness to work with Marcel. It's unfortunate he didn't appreciate you because if I remember correctly, afterwards he passed a comment not getting support (even though you bailed him out when he forgot one of the main ingredients)

posted on August 2, 2007 at 11:56 AM

Sara wrote:

Hey Sam, you're really gorgeous inside and out seriously! I wanted to ask you a question though. About the sit-down interviews.. I've always wondered when exactly these take place? I know you all speak in "present" time but when do you actually stop to go over that day's challenge? It doesn't make sense to go over what you did at the *end* of the day because it would surely be reflected by what transpired, good or bad. (Like saying your dish sucked when for sure you earlier thought it would win or something). So I'm thinking the best time for those sit-downs would have to be during an actual challenge, before judging. But when would they fit all that time?

posted on August 2, 2007 at 12:09 PM

Jackie wrote:

Hi Sam,
I first have to say I am a big fan of the show and you, but also Marcel and yes Hung too...okay, I actually like them all, except of Ilan. I See such a physical resemblance between you and Dale. You could be brothers!!! Wow. Also, I can't believe what the judges were saying about Clay. Statements that were completely inappropriate considering his father committed suicide. Did the judges have that information at that point in time? Well, good luck.
Jackie

posted on August 2, 2007 at 12:46 PM

Nilo wrote:

Sam,

When I was a kid, my parents would drag me to church and there were more than a few times it felt like the minister was preaching directly to me - usually on the perils of wanton/drunken behavior. Now that I think about it, he always did this after Homecoming and Prom - so maybe he was speaking to all of us, rather than this one particular wanton/drunken student.

Anyway, that's how this entry felt to me - like you were speaking straight to me and answering each of the questions I'd put forth in your entry last week. If I'd known how amenable you'd be to doing so, I would have asked better questions! About the duck fat... ;)

Anyway, your blog has become a bright spot in my week.

Thank you!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 12:47 PM

V-Girl wrote:

Right on, Sam. I thought Micah's continuing 'defense' that she had never seen the show was RIDICULOUS. Okay, so WHAT idiot goes into a competition without researching it? using that to defend being clueless is stupid. would you ever cater a function without research? and why would you even want to participate in something blindly, as in you are going into a contest you could have watched previous season challenges of (to be educated0 and NOT do so.

Funny though. I am one of those massachusetts folks who knew Micah and when she fessed up to going to high school in MA she forgot to say she also went to preschool, grade school and COLLEGE here. This is why her accent is fake. She lived in the states her whole young adult life from birth to early 20s, so where does one get an accent?

posted on August 2, 2007 at 1:36 PM

Dana wrote:

Sam, it still kind of pisses me off that Bravo (or the producers of TC) haven't admitted that the outcome of Season 2 was a disaster. Everything Ilan has participated in since, including the Season 1 vs Season 2 episode, he has performed poorly. They couldn't even give him a blog, knowing how little respect most of have for him. I just think they should have acknowledged that they did in fact award someone who clearly was not worthy of the title. When do you think he'll have his own restaurant? I'll tell you when -- never! He knows he couldn't pull it off and I'll bet you anything he won't even try. If you were awarded the title, (1) it would have been deserved, and (2) it wouldn't have been wasted.

Anyway, I'm glad that Season 3 is rolling along smoothly, and I feel certain they won't make that mistake again.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 2:30 PM

jc wrote:

Hey --

Your posts are getting more enjoyable. Keep blogging, you have something to say (not just as a chef/in the kitchen) and it is a pleasant glimpse into your personality to listen.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 2:34 PM

Mo wrote:

Hi Sam. I enjoyed watching you cooking on Top Chef and your professionalism was like Harold from season one (whom I rooted for from day one to win). You was cheated, you were the top chef. Apparently, cooking Spanish food is the requirement to become top chef, because that's the only recipes the judges liked from the winner.

In my book you are season 2 top chef regardless, and this grandmother knows what she's talking about. As we say in Britian..."Jolly Good Show Ole Chap!" You will go far.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 5:13 PM

gary e. wrote:

hey SAM, as a fan of yours and T-C we get more from the show when you give us your views, and as for Marcel i,m sorry but i can,t take to much of him he drove me insane with that foam gun, i think Hung is somewhat like him and Howie ( the sweat hog ) has alot to be desired, I could not eat anything that that man cooked for fear of sweat in my food. look forward to your next blog.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 5:44 PM

T.G. wrote:

Sam you were my favorite to take it all. If they would have gotten rid of Marcel and ,it became you and Ilan ,that would have been the match. I feel you were a more rounded chef.Dont get me wrong, Ilan was and is a xcellent chef. But his tastes are mostley of spanish flavored. Or if the hair shaving incident where Cliff got ousted it would be a great match also, with you and Cliff.Many yrs ahead of you and the best are yet to come. Respectfully T.G.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 7:13 PM

TCFan wrote:

I have to agree with your opinion of Ilan's pants. Just when I stopped laughing I saw that picture on page 4 and started cracking up again. Did something go wrong with a hemming job?

Also, no iPod? For who-knows-how-many weeks? I think I'd die... well, there goes my dream of being on TC one day (right after I finish college. And high school. Just watch out for me on season 14 or so).

Keep up the blogging, Sam! Yours is one of my favorites!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 7:17 PM

Theresa wrote:

To start, for Sam - I do enjoy reading your blog, you've got a (seemingly) great sense of humor, and I like your laid back writing style. I do honestly read it every week. I was a bit suprised to find that your a fan of Project Runway though. Didn't peg you for being THAT guy. ;)

For Dana - before you get all excited on Ilan, and how he doesn't have a blog, and yada, yada...http://www.bravotv.com/blog/ilanhall/2007/07/shaken_not_stirred.php?page=1

You'll find the first page this week, where he basically says that the viewers aren't smart enough to be able to support him, and that's why we don't, a real doozy...

posted on August 2, 2007 at 8:22 PM

Morgaine Swann wrote:

Hey, Sam -

Any insights into WHY they won't let you have an ipod? I understand the computer, sort of, and maybe a cell phone, but to not have anything to tune the others out must be torture. No wonder you were all at each other's throats.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 8:49 PM

Samone wrote:

Hey Dude ! so i really love your blog.do you think that the judges take into consideration the different things that being a chef requires ,like being a leader and inspiring your fellow kitchen ninjas to go the limit and tend to business.
i really think that you inspired the other contestants on the show,they all naturally listened to your input.
Mony

posted on August 3, 2007 at 7:42 AM

Denise wrote:

Hey Sam:

I thought you were awesome and would have loved to see you win. You were my favorite and while i can appreciate your appreciation of Marcel, he was the most annoying thing to watch on tv. Hope you open your own restaurant!!!!

posted on August 3, 2007 at 10:52 AM

Lori B wrote:

Sam,

I agree with fellow posters, "you was robbed". A telling scene in the finale was when Ilan's head swiveled around to gauge your reaction when he knew he was staying and Sam the Leader had to go. He knew you were the better man, but he caught all the luck that day. Yes, you were Robin (Errol) and Ilan was Will Scarlett. Elia was a little to saucy to be Maid Marion, so that role goes to Padma. Why did Elia seem to be bugged by Padma? But I digress... You gotta love Ilan , of course, I just wish that you had won. Some conspiracy theorists I know think Marcel was robbed as well, but we know you are a true and honorable chef who can separate TV from real reality. But after seeing the Reunion Show I wonder about that Mike Dude. How about a challenge where the chefs somehow trap, shoot or acquire wild game , with the help of proffessionals if neccesary, then prepare the catch. We could have a field trip for the gang and get them out of the house. Then maybe a deep sea field trip where seafood is featured. Drama on the water would be fun. Samuel, you preserve that aura of mystery (like Jackie O) that makes you so cool. Thanks for the blog.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 8:27 PM

Olivia wrote:

Wow... There are lot of pages. And they're all so different. You should suggest that they make each an individual post, dude.

Any who, I always saw Marcel as talented.
Tim Gunn was a positive part of Project Runway. I don't know about his "fashion sense" or style though.
I knew from watching reality TV show revealed, that you guys are cut off from the rest of the world. It would suck for me, but I would be a little glad too. I'd be VERY tempted to share things with my friends and family lol.
And as far as the other pages, sorry, I have a short attention span.

Oh yeah, you're hot, HOT. Burn down the kitchen hot.

^.^

posted on August 3, 2007 at 9:33 PM

LSE wrote:

Hey Sam,
Thx for the openness in your last blog. I am with you on the public speaking etc which makes me wonder what your audition tape was like.
On the Hung issue, thanks for eloquntly saying what we've all been thinking. He needs to realize he is far from perfect. At first I thought it might be an act but I seriously think he believes only the judges are flawed.
Anyay thanks for keeping us informed. Good luck in all.

posted on August 4, 2007 at 1:54 AM

Patrick wrote:

I'm glad to hear you say something nice about Marcel. It always bothered me that you flipped out on him for bringing up the fact that you were all breaking a rule by accepting a discount, especially given that you were the person who brought the olive oil use up in front of the judges.

Given what you wrote tonight though, I can see how living with someone you normally wouldn't even talk to could push you to such a hypocritical outburst.

posted on August 4, 2007 at 3:24 AM

Leisal wrote:

You know, I was thinking the same thing about Micah. I didn't like her to begin with, but then saying "I've never watched the show"?!??! What the heck was that about? V-girl- are you serious? Interesting stuff. When she said she was "African-American" did you see the look on people's face. LOL
Hilarious.
Really wish Elia was on the reunion show. I thought she was great. I think Cliff was wronged too. The clip that I saw showed Marcel laughing while Cliff was restraining him. I didn't see fear in Marcel at all. It was a joke. Marcel's reaction afterwards was a joke too. Pathetic. Laughing during, then afterwards in disbelief. Don't get it. And the way that the judges seemed to point you out, Sam. Hello, everyone was there. Why should it have been you to do anything. The whole thing frustrated me. I was sad to see Cliff go. I really think it would have been a good finale with the two of you in it.
Would be great to have a TOP CHEF ALLSTARS!
Only if you are in it of course.

posted on August 4, 2007 at 2:19 PM

Antonios Patrikios wrote:

Dude, I don't care what anyone says you should have won season two. I worked in Manhattan for years and my last gig was working as Wylie Dufresne's sous chef at Clinton Fresh Food so im not just a fan of the show but consider myself somewhat of a gourmand. Marcel is more of a scientist than a cook. Ill bet he couldnt make a good meat loaf to save his life. Hes still ridding that tired old trend that that crazy dude from Spain started years back(Im sorry but i cant think of his name at the moment) And as for Allan he doesnt seem to have enough range to reach a broad audiance. Its always Spanish inspired i mean come on dude! You really got cheated my friend and good luck to you

posted on August 5, 2007 at 1:32 AM

April wrote:

Just a note about iPod content for "Unfortunately it's Sarah" - I have no music on my iPod, only podcasts. I have a friend who has only audiobooks. Listening to 20 hrs of music would probably bore me, but I learn so much through the podcasts. They keep my mind interested even when I'm working on boring stuff (like painting the inside of my house.) If you have a chance, go check out the free podcasts in the iTunes store. They've even got a lot on NEW MUSIC! :) Peace.

posted on August 5, 2007 at 2:03 PM

watts2525 wrote:

Sam - have you seen this? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Talbot

You've been wiki-ed! That is so cool! You might want to check and see if all the info is accurate! :)

When are you going to post some recipes for us? I am sure you have some great ideas for different types of meals.

Are you ever able to respond to comments? I think it would be so hard to read what everyone says without the ability to respond.

Sorry to see there was no blog for the last show - you must be travelling again. Hope we get to hear from you soon!

posted on August 6, 2007 at 1:53 AM

Ziggy wrote:

Comment: I think its great that your sense of humor is finally coming out. I found your imperturbable jokes on the show hilarious. Not everyone needs to boisterous in their fun. And I also wanted to say I enjoy reading your blogs. Especially since you take so much time in making them thoughtful.

Question: Have you ever been caught off guard by a celebrity randomly showing up at one your restaraunts? (you know, back when you used to cook for a living) ha!

What is the tattoo on your left arm of? The bottom is always sticking out of your sleeve and kind of looks like a jellyfish. (insert raised eyebrow)

posted on August 6, 2007 at 3:41 PM

Mike wrote:

I am a big fan of the Top Chef and Project Runway shows. I think it takes a great deal of confidence in ones ability to be on a show where your really putting it all out there. However, there are other benefits. Sam how does it feed for you and Ilan to be judged not only for your culinary skills, but for being a hottie too? It was quite obvious that you and Ilan were the Top Chef hotties. I am sure you received many invitations to cook in more than one kitchen after the show? Does it give you a big ego and how does it affect your personal and intimate relationships after? Fill us in Sam....

posted on August 7, 2007 at 8:06 AM

Bobbie wrote:

Hey Sam,

I just have to say I really enjoy your blogs. I've been a Top Chef since the beginning and it's actually changed my life to the point that I now know what I want to do with myself. I plan to attend Culinary school next year to become a baking and pastry chef. It seems silly to me that the thought never occurred to me prior to now. I'm 29 years-old and already have a degree in creative writing. Can you guess what I wanted to do?? Seriously though, I've learned a lot about myself here recently, finally coming to terms with what's really best for me and I truly have the show to thank for that because you guys inspired me to take a deeper look at what I am passionate about. Who knows...maybe someday I'll be on Top Chef 8 or something. Thanks again! :o)

posted on August 7, 2007 at 10:00 AM

Ava wrote:

I remember when you helped him. It was sweet :)

posted on August 7, 2007 at 6:39 PM

Nancy wrote:

Hi Sam.

Let me get right to the point. Will you marry me?

Much love,
"that girl"

posted on August 7, 2007 at 8:03 PM

Jennifer wrote:

Hey, that skit was by far easier to watch than Marcel's rapping. I'd rather endure a feminine rash than listen to THAT crap again!
Sam, Sam, Sam...my hubby and I agree that you was ROBBED! We were so disgruntled when you were chopped, we didn't even watch the finale until a week after it aired, which was a shame really, because you showed so much class by helping Marcel. Your karma's glowing!

posted on August 8, 2007 at 7:36 PM

JessicaRabbit wrote:

Sam~
I love your blog.
I was sitting watching TC and thought I would get on the website. Season 2 is actually the only season I haven't watched from beginning to end. I have through the wonders of re-runs and would just like to say that you are not only the best looking of any of the three seasons...but an accomplished and very talented chef.

posted on August 8, 2007 at 8:34 PM

Mistica wrote:

Sam,
I have felt ever since the end of season 2 that you were robbed. I don't read these blogs, but I imagine that many others have expressed the same sentiments. Neither Ilan nor Marcel deserved the title of Top Chef. You excelled in every way over those two. One of the falacies of Top Chef is that the judging is not cumulative. It is impossible for the judges not to maintain some opinion and partiality from show to show, so to claim that they must select winners and losers solely on the current elimination challenge is counter-productive to the just outcome of the show. They are also very selective about when they decide to take into consideration the qualities other than great food that are an absolute necessity for a great chef. You seem to possess those qualities...I never saw them in Ilan or Marcel. Good luck in all your future ventures!

posted on August 9, 2007 at 11:35 AM

Carol wrote:

Hi Sam,
Loved your cooking style in season two. What is happening on Season 3, these cooks are absolutely boring. When they can cook any protein they want all head for seafood or pork. Are they afraid of beef ?? I must admit I not that great a cook , but I swear I could do better than these new chefs. I loved watching season 1 & 2 because of the skill & great presentations shown, this season is once again boring boring. What do you think ??

posted on August 9, 2007 at 1:41 PM

Kay wrote:

Sam
I liked your cooking except for that watermelon gnocchi thing you tried in restaurant wars. I would have liked to see you and Marcel in the final, not Ilan.
The only time I thought you were a complete jerk was the store episode with Marcel. You looked like a loud idiot, but other than that you were one of my favorites.

posted on August 10, 2007 at 1:30 AM

Marianne wrote:

Sam, I like your blog. Your list of "things you'll learn" this week completely cracked me up. Thanks for the great read!:).

posted on August 10, 2007 at 10:10 AM

Chris wrote:

Great! It's nice we can stay in contact with you and hear your comments on what it was really like. I was on your side the whole way. I was probably influenced by the fact that I have a son Sam that you remind me of. But mostly I liked that you were proffesional in your approach yet maintained your sense of humor. You could say a lot with out saying anything, in the reunion show just the way you watched everyone telegraphed a message. Thanks for taking the time to do this blog.

posted on August 10, 2007 at 7:40 PM

kim wrote:

Sam:

I miss your hair. Please bring it back!

posted on August 10, 2007 at 10:07 PM

Delidy wrote:

I wish Marcel's team would of won. I thought it deserved it the most, you guys tried new things and experimented with it. It turned out awesome, and I think you handled things amazingly. You probably have a sea of women as fans who think you are one hot guy and smart. Man your girlfriend is one lucky girl.

posted on August 15, 2007 at 3:07 PM

beach bum wrote:

Sam, you did a great job and were a joy to watch cooking and managing the craziness of the show. In the end I came to like Marcel and thought he was an excellent chef if a somewhat strange one. Great job and maybe one day you'll be replacing Anthony when he gets kidnapped by the HUTU nation deep in the jungle.

posted on August 15, 2007 at 7:15 PM

Melissa Payne wrote:

Sam,

You were my fav to win season 2, you were focused and creative. and stuck it to Marcel when he needed it. I am a huge fan of the show, and enjoyed reading your blog. It also has giving me some ideas of different ways to prepare food. In my book your are the Top Chef. I was hoping to see you and Elia in the finale. from one New Yorker for another! you are Tops!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:25 PM

Phil wrote:

Sam,
I want you to know that I think you're fantastic - probably should've won the title. And while I understand that this is taboo and old hat, Marcel, for all of his annoying ways, is a damn good cook, and should not have been flattened by Cliff no matter what. And if anyone else was involved they should've admitted it and not let Cliff take the fall alone. There are things you do and things you don't do, and you can scream and carry on all you want, but you don't strip another person's dignity and self-respect from them and humiliate them on TV. I know you're not everyone's guardian, but that image of you relaxing on a couch with a smile on your face while Marcel was screaming just doesn't go down well, and left many people disappointed in you. I guess you're just human, Sam, like the rest of us. Watch and see if that, together with talent and a good bit of luck, just makes Marcel's career.

posted on August 25, 2007 at 10:12 AM

Cheryl Vainglorious wrote:

I would love to hear about someone holding you down, shaving your head, and humiliating you in a very public way while smiling people lounge by and watch. Until that occurs, I guess you will coast along with "goodie good vibes" on your "pretty boy" praise by these clueless stalkers/bloggers(until you become an old geezer and aren't so pretty in the face anymore and are forgotten by them).

You never apologized to Marcel on that show for that cruelty and you are a** in my book because of it. You may have culinary skills, but, you are not a good person. You've tainted your reputation before you even had one. Thanks for the warning.

posted on August 30, 2007 at 12:58 PM

Sandy wrote:

Cheryl, as a Marcel fan I gotta disagree. Sam gave Marcel the best apology and compliment he ever could when he wanted to be on his team. Yeah, yeah, I know all the conspiracy theories about the end. It doesn't matter anyway. Marcel's fine and will continue to be fine. Ilan on the other hand, well...

And hey Sam, keep up the great writing and trust your inner voice. You may be Bourdain's fan boy ("We're not worthy!"), but you have your own stories to tell around food and life. You're starting to make thesaurus runs every bit as expertly as cuts on a watermelon. Errr.... you get my drift.

posted on August 30, 2007 at 3:17 PM

Joe wrote:

Ok, most of my friends think Marcel is a bit of an eccentric/overinflated Ego. I argue constantly that he is an extremely talented chef who pushes the envelope (a up and coming Wylie Dufrense?) although he was a target he continued to show professionalism in the kitchen amd turn out consistantly good product. I am a Culinary Major and although probably half his age, I would love to have his talent and Palate and vision in my future. He as well as Sam are always my TOP CHEFS.

posted on September 20, 2007 at 2:38 PM