valerie wrote:

I put a similar comment on the Executive Producers blog: I haven't ever posted on a blog before, but after last night' show, I deliberately went looking for a place to voice my opinion. Mia may have been tired and homesick, and decided she had gone far enough. But she was right. This definitely isn't worth it. Whether or not she got what she wanted, she made the decision to be part of the team and support what the final decision was. To have another member of your team turn on your is hard for any decent, responsible, mature person to take. Is this what "competition" really is? Not fair play but stepping on the necks of anyone to get ahead? I hope Cliff gets what he deserves. And I think he singled Mia out because she was stronger than either of the other two. This is the Survivor syndrome -- kick out the strongest so you have a better chance to run over the weakest and win. What this episode did for me was show me clearly what these 'competition' shows really are all about. And I have lost my taste for Top Chef, Project Runway and all the rest of the competition shows. Honestly, folks, this really isn't worth it.

posted on December 14, 2006 at 2:01 PM

Matt Schantz wrote:

Shauna - WHERE THE HELL was Stephen?!? We kept seeing promos promising a drop-by by him. He was seriously one of the reasons I was looking forward to last night's episode, and then...no Top Sommelier! What happened there?

posted on December 14, 2006 at 5:55 PM

Wendy wrote:

Well I guess that shoots down the theory that Marcel is "hard" to work with. Ugh! This isn't the only time he got along working on a team. Michael and him got along just fine in the Thanksgiving ep (of course him and Betty didn't but we all know the reason for that).

And I'll bet 20 to 1 that if they have a challenge at the end where contestants get to come back and work with one of the finalists (provided Marcel makes it) no one will choose him and say he's hard to work with. I don't believe it's him. And I imagine most would agree.

posted on December 14, 2006 at 9:13 PM

karen wrote:

You are permitting not just profanity (there should be
some etiquette rules in a contest involving such a
high prize) but vulgarity to an unnecessary level from
some of these contestants. Is that the way chefs
want their profession to be portrayed? Then let's have
a wrestling match at intermission and some x rated
pictures. It's ruining the show for me, personally.
Doesn't a top chef have certain expectations in terms
of managing people without that? Mia was way out
of line, as Betty has often been, and Frank was. If
this was my profession I'd be furious with such
behavior issues being portrayed.

posted on December 14, 2006 at 9:40 PM

Chris wrote:

Previously on this BLOG….
Chris wrote:
"Ok Mia has decided to pull herself out of the competition. “
Janice wrote:
I don't think it would be Mia. She hasn't come across as emotionally unstable. It has to be Elia.
Chris wrote:
Nope, it was Mia.
So Janice, want to defend Mia anymore?
FLIP -- She said that she was in this to win.
FLOP – Then she quits.
FLIP -- She said she was a friend to everyone.
FLOP -- She said she was no one’s friend.
FLIP -- She threw Betty under the sugar bus.
FLOP -- She said Betty was the one who stuck with her the whole time.
FLIP -- She said her Mother made her sell crack at age 11.
FLOP -- She said her Mother made sacrifices for her.

Mia is one sick sad puppy. However, I have no doubt that her BBQ is awesome.

Now that Mia is gone, Betty is #1 on the list of people likely to freak out.

Final four: Ilan, Sam, Elia, Marcel

posted on December 15, 2006 at 8:52 AM

MP Hartnett wrote:

I have one issue with an otherwise fine episode: That "bleep" used over one of Mia's expletives seems like it was placed somewhere between the 'fu' and the 'ck'. I hope your production team will do a better job at covering these words.

posted on December 15, 2006 at 8:53 AM

Chris wrote:

Shauna,
You are a beautiful woman with a smile that lights up any venue. Let’s get a more flattering picture of you for your blog up ok? The picture of you starting to pull your hair out in frustration isn’t working if its aim was to make you seem more human like the rest of us. Embrace your status as a fantacy goddess.

posted on December 15, 2006 at 8:57 AM

laura wrote:

Wow, I work big events, empty plate and running, back and fourth constantly to fill empty trays means the food is awesome not shitty!!

What did I miss

posted on December 15, 2006 at 9:06 AM

Irma wrote:

Hello Shauna,

You don't know why Mia had her hystrionic fit??? hmmm, I think you do! Your throwaway suggestions listed above cite more than one reason to have a major meltdown. She and everyone else did want the title (very badly, I believe). However, the conditions cited in Tom's earlier blog depict primitive living conditions for an extended period of time. Since many of the contestants are acting out of character (for themselves), perhaps the production powers-that-be (i.e. YOU) could provide more humane conditions in future seasons (provided the show still airs and you survive the chopping block).

These cheftestants were apparently treated like galley slaves in some marine drill boot camp. Let them live in a nicer, more spacious atmosphere. Let them sleep, for crissake! Let them have some contact with the normal world. Maybe their end products would demonstrate their chefly qualities better than what has beem deomstrated thus far. OR - You and Andy (whathisname?) can sleep in bunk beds for weeks with no outside contact, and awaken at ungodly hours to perform culinary miracles in the dirt...

posted on December 15, 2006 at 10:28 AM

Denise wrote:

Dear Producer,
Stop hating on Marcel. It's no wonder everyone bullys him for no reason.
It's bad enough that these Chef's have little sleep, stressful competions and no mentor unlike Project Runway, that they have a Producer hating on them too.
Yep, I think the Producers did bring out a dartboard before production started because I just don't see it.

posted on December 15, 2006 at 5:44 PM

lil moon wrote:

hey you know i posted a blog on toms sight it was posted. i posted one on padmas sight it wasn't posted was it because i had nothing to nice to say to her. i would like to know why that one wasn't posted and the other was. i think i am a fair person i think she is a beautiful woman. i just feel that her professional skills should be highlighted rather than her dress that makes her look like a professional if you know what i mean.

posted on December 15, 2006 at 6:04 PM

James Han wrote:

With each passing week, one gets the feeling that this show is about survival of the physically and mentally fittest, not about the best chef. I agree with the poster Irma that better living conditions would definitely yield better cooking. While you're at it, perhaps it would be best to ban contestants with loving families and supportive friends and successful businesses to return to--otherwise, there's no incentive to stick it out to the very end. Everyone knows that $100,000.00 and the Kenmore Kitchen and the title of Top Chef are nothing compared to the love and validation of the ones who really matter in our lives--no surprise that Mia wanted to go home, ditto for Carlos.

I understand that you want to give as much air time as possible to the contestant who will be leaving that week--but in terms of suspense at the judging table, there really is none. It was so obvious that with all the face time Mia was getting on the episode, she was the one who was heading home.

posted on December 15, 2006 at 10:28 PM

Nancy W. wrote:

And then there were seven...

Wow. I am speechless. I do not agree with the assessment that Mia was selfless in her departure. I recall a scene where she was wondering how losing a catering challenge would impact her business. She may have decided leaving on her own terms was better than getting sent home. However, I can't really fault her for that either. We've all probably had jobs over the years where you'd love to be able to do that. Being a mom, I can understand where the homesickness for your family and kids could overwhelm you. I cannot fathom having little to no contact with my husband or kids for days at a time, and I got the impression from the blogs last week that the contestants live in isolation. My husband is a self-taught chef who has run his own personal chef business. He had considered applying for TC2. Knowing this, I am damn glad he didn't! I understand the homesickness, but I agree with my fellow bloggers who state the profanity at the judge's table was a bit much. My 12 year old loves to cook, and she likes this show, but I won't let her watch this episode in reruns.

As far as Marcel goes, I think people shouldn't be so hard on him for what he said. I've always been someone who works with very little supervision because I am good at what I do. To see someone else get the kudos can be a bit much when you have really done your part without micromanagement. Marcel could have put it more tactfully, but he's young - he'll learn. In my current job, I am lauded for my great people skills, but back in the day when I was Marcel's age, I recall being told I had all the tact of a charging freight train. YIKES!

I, too, was disappointed with Cliff. I saw him as the leader of the Black Team and was a bit surprised when everyone was suddenly referring to Elia as the leader. The menu was a bad idea. I wholeheartedly agree with Padma's comments about people with allergies. My husband is one of them. He cannot eat any sort of seafood, although he cooks it quite well!

Sam is an enigma. I think he is a hell of a chef. I appreciate how health conscious he is. He has done a lot while managing what I am guessing to be Type I diabetes. Between having family members with the disease, and learning a lot about it from working for one of the world's largest manufacturers of insulin, I respect what challenges he may personally have. Like my husband not being able to taste any of the seafood he has cooked for his clients, I expect Sam might have to be careful about tasting in order to keep the glucose levels in check. Yet his dishes are usually the ones I'd most like to eat (well, okay, the egg in the hole beach dish not withstanding.) With all this talent, why does he need to goad people on the way he does? I think his hair is weird looking and not particulary sexy. The George Michael razor stubble has to go, too.

Betty - you've redeemed yourself from the rants of a couple of weeks ago, but I don't see you as the winner, either. Cuteness and comfort food will only get you so far.

Elia - you've pulled off a couple of good victories, but something is missing. A lack of respect for other's opinions is one. Being able to downshift to ingredients like American cheese is another.

Mike - get real. He's gotten REALLY lucky so far at Judge's Table. I hope he goes next. I wouldn't want to eat anything he cooked so far. He is such a slob and doesn't really seem to care. He'd be an excellent candidate for Top Chef at the Delta House for Bluto, D-Day, Otter, Flounder, etc. He'd fit right in!

My money's on Ilan. He's been producing some pretty good looking stuff and been fairly mature for someone only 24 years old. Of course, the tirade alluded to in next week's preview could change my opinion! I'll just have to tune in next week with the rest of you.

By the way, who cares what Padma is wearing? Leave her alone! Tom is sexy, but it doesn't really matter how you view his physical attributes. I admire him far more as a chef and obviously shrewd businessman. Gail - lucky you - getting to write and eat awesome food. If I ever give up my current life as a glorified paper pusher, I'd love that kind of work. I just wish you could smile more - sometimes even when you are saying something nice, you look like you're going to bite their head off.

I hate overly long blogs, but the Baily's laced hot chocolate that Chef Sean just made me has me inspired to write. He's Top Chef to me! Love you, Baby!

posted on December 15, 2006 at 11:53 PM

Liz wrote:

TC Season 1 was so great! This season has been a BIG disappointment. The challenges have actually been really interesting, but the editing and/or the contestants are really lousy. Editing: this episode's preview shows Stephen, but he appears NOWHERE in the final show. This has happened in other TC2 shows, where the weeks preview shows one thing and you never see it in the actual show. Several of the curse words weren't completely bleeped out (I don't have a problem with cursing on TV, but if you're going to bleep it, do it right) And out of however many hours of filming, the only things you can find to show are people fighting and backstabbing? Where's the food? Season 1 had confrontation and personality differences, but either the chefs last season were REALLY top notch professionals or the editing was done much better. The chefs this season haven't been even close to the level of Season 1. This contest of "Have the Top Chef Season 2 cook for you"? I wouldn't want any of these people cooking for me; there is no telling what would come out! Right now, the show needs to be renamed "Top Cook", as none of the remaining contestants deserve to be called TOP CHEF, according to the standards set in Season 1.

I personally am done with this season. If Season 3 comes out, I'll give it a try and see if it can return to the quality of Season 1, but this is a joke.

posted on December 16, 2006 at 4:46 AM

PeachPie wrote:

Irma... I gave some thought to your post and would like to put forth a couple of comments.

Most of the reality shows (PR comes to mind), has the contestants sharing living quarters. That makes sense to me, because they contractually agree to be filmed 24-7. Makes it much easier for production to film 2 suites rather than 13 individual rooms.

As for allowing them to sleep, what I see happening is that the chefs are called on to do things they might have to do in the real world. Yes... if they had to do breakfast for a group of surfers, they'd be getting up that early. If they had to shop for their own fresh produce or fish (many chefs do), they'd have to be up early to get to that market.

The difference between the competition here, and real life, is that this all is filmed in about 5 weeks. So, yes, the result is exhausting challenges.

I do agree, though, that it might be nice for them to be able to have contact with family at least a little.

I guess the thing to keep in mind is that production lasts just a few weeks. That is a short amount of time to find out what a person is really made of. And (I forget the famous quote).. but basically a persons true character doesn't emerge when things are easy, but during times of hardship and trial. The challenges may seem harsh, they may seem even cooky. But each of them is meant to force out (or illustrate the lack of) a quality every top chef needs.

When contestants sign up for other reality shows they go through the same thing. And in the end, this is a reality show as much a competition. The contestants know what they'll have to give up before they sign that dotted line.

Anyway, not saying I disagree with you. Just offering another point of view. As for me, I've learned, by reading this, Tom's, Lee Ann's, Harolds.. heck, all the blogs here by the crew... to temper my opinions. Many times after watching the show, I'll read the blogs and do a proverbial "ah!".

posted on December 16, 2006 at 6:57 AM

Denise wrote:

Hello Producer Shauna,
This is my first season of watching Top Chef.
I have watched it from the first show. I've also watched Hell's Kitchen and the last season of Project Runway.
After reading all blogs, watching all the shows thus far I've finally realized what this show is all about.
I feel passionate about the show and the chefs, and have quite strong opinions and emotions regarding each chef and eposode.
And so do those who are blogging, a lot of emotion there for just a cooking show.
I've come to realize that this is not a cooking show at all.
It's a game show.
Get 20 people who cook, throw them together in tight quarters.
Give them only 2 bathrooms to share.
Time and monitor bathroom breaks.
Deprive them of all outside stimulas.
Deprive them of all entertainment i.e. Music, Newspapers.
Deprive them of all friend and family interaction.
Deprive them of sleep and food.
Wake them up early and give them stressful timed cooking competitions against each other.
Have the producers stir up trouble by asking them pointed questions about the other chefs, plant the seeds and stir.
Sure it's a cooking competition, but that's all secondary.
This is more of a human experiment on 20 people with Type A personality's.
If this was all about cooking, why cram them in so tightly, give them bunk beds for pete's sake! What Bravo can't afford a few single beds?
And 2 bathrooms? For how many people?
This is Survivor for chefs.
Survivor contestents know why they're there, they know it is indeed a show about human behavior.
How can Bravo call this a cooking show?
I didn't watch season 1 but from reading the blogs I can assume last season was much different this this season, meaning, more of a cooking competition.
So let's all calm down and see Top Chef for what it really is.
And realize, the cooking is not the main course here.
It's all about the drama.

posted on December 16, 2006 at 12:40 PM

Vera wrote:

Hey Shauna,
I am glad one of the "insiders" from Bravo's production team is blogging. This show is totally fascinating, and this is coming from a reality show non-fan! It's made me go out and buy "serious" kitchen equipment and cook up a storm! Your posts on how everything is filmed, in what types of conditions and timeframes are really enlightening. here are a few queries:

1. Can you suggest Houston as a culinary location for Season 3? There are a number of chefs and restaurants with a lot of buzz here. And...the final can be in New Orleans! That city deserves a bit of promotion right now.. and who can deny its legendary culinary history?
2. Can you suggest to Bravo to raffle some Global knives on the website? We aspiring chefs would love to get our mitts on some of these babies!
3. If you ignore queries 1&2, how about 1 hiring me as an assistant? I don't need much sleep.

Keep up the good blog!!

posted on December 16, 2006 at 1:11 PM

suze wrote:

two comments:
1) why would you promote Stephen's appearance all week and then fail to mention that he's only on bravo.com?

2) what was the deal with showing the same clip of the large woman in front of the empty food table? TWICE?! Do you have 13 year old boys editing the show? Once might have been subtle and amusing (if you think that making fun of fat people is funny or cool and not stupid and adolescent) but twice was really really lame. and stupid. did I mention offensive? Yeah, it was.

posted on December 16, 2006 at 7:31 PM

Joy wrote:

A lot of blogger's are saying the next eposode won't show for another 2 weeks.
I know the judges right now are on the " Sam" " Cliff" love train and bloggers ......not so much so.
The previews for the last show featured Cliff yelling into his phone to Elia saying , yelling " DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU THREE TIMES " I'm assuming he was belittling the women again.
Funny I thought, that segment never made it on the show????
Would that be because it would have shown Cliff in a bad light, worse than he is now??
Why was that edited out of the show?
My thought are the producers need an extra week of editing for the next show because perhaps. it may show Sam and Cliff in a bad way???
Find extra footage, cut bad footage, add nice footage ,,,,,, cut and paste and PRESTO! brand new show for new eposide.
Sam and Cliff are really good guys... NOT
Nobody wants to see someone they hate win.

posted on December 17, 2006 at 9:58 PM

librasunnn68 wrote:

I may not be a chef-but on a personal level I related to why Mia left. I wasn't surprised as the show progressed, might have been something I would have done if in her shoes. Not that I think I am selfless, but i truly understood her as far as i could from a TC fan standpoint and can recognize decency friendship and commeraderie at it's best. also, coupled with the true spirit of being grateful for what you have. I never post, but had to, with so little of that widely demonstrate. Mia, you are a class act, and good karma goes along way! Bravo great shows and happy holiday to all. Peace

posted on December 18, 2006 at 8:22 AM

Sue Jepson wrote:

I agree with the comment about profanity and gutter talk amongst the "chefs". Although, when you think about it, who is REALLY a chef? Maybe half. Mia wasn't, nor Betty, nor Marisa, and nobody is really at an age to respect a TOP CHEF's life. Heck, Frank was only 39, but looked 49! Otto was the oldest I think, but worked to end hunger in the U.S. and the world. If Bono can't do it, why should Otto think he can? I see it coming down to maybe Sam and Cliff. Michael is too young and immature for the job, Betty is not a chef, Ilan only knows Spanish cooking, as does Elia, so we'll see how things end. I could be wrong, but last season had some pros there.

posted on December 18, 2006 at 4:23 PM

Lynda S wrote:

Hi Shauna,
Although I enjoy your insider's dish, I am surprised that you would make off-the-cuff remarks about any contestant. So far, in all team challenges, Marcel has put forth much effort and culinary success. His dishes were not compromised by cheating (ala Betty), or terrible in execution. Maybe the group dislikes him, but it would be wise for you to not fan the flame in your comments. It is somewhat juvenile and in poor form from a producer... By contrast, it appeared that Monsieur Midgely did very little to help his team. Being a runner is not so special. He did not appear to express ideas during the planning stage. It also seemed as though he did not cook either. For me, he still does not display Top Chef material (from what was shown in this episode). He seems like a big, cuddly, nice fry cook.

posted on December 19, 2006 at 9:21 AM

JoAnn Suttner wrote:

I've a suggestion for a "quick fire" challenge. You continually use knives as a symbol, and admonish the loser to "take their knives and go." How about a test centering on the knives? Have each of the chefs chose their favorite knife without telling them why, and then put the rest away. Then give them four vegatables to display their expertise and imagination on. I mean they each get one only tomato, green pepper, onion and carrot. Then give them 15 minutes to display how many ways they could cut and use each vegatable. They also have to tell you what the dish is they would use that cutting for.

My friends and I tried this, and found that there should be a minimum of four different ways - the last one always being MCD (minced/chopped/diced). We found at least 5 easy ways to cut a carrot (other than MCD), but the onion was difficult. I don't know how you could tie this test into the final cooking challenge, but I'm sure you guys can think of a way.

posted on December 19, 2006 at 4:18 PM

june wrote:

It may all come down to who has greatness in them--in this light, Marcel has the potential because he is a dreamer but practical too, though his avocado bacon icecream was a misfire. Do the rest have greatness in them? I am not so sure. He is showing that he is immature but "in it to win it." He has not let the rest of the group's sarcasm towards him pull him down. Every idea of his might not be a winner, but he embraces each challenge with passion and heart. This is a sign of greatness.

posted on December 19, 2006 at 6:10 PM

Gi-Gi wrote:

As a TV Production student, I want to know why is it that the host of this program is trying extremely hard to be sexy. I watch this show for the cooking, challenges and drama. The mid-drift shirts, low cut tops, the sultry tones and the infamous model stance is very ANNOYING and distracting! She would be a perfect cast for let's say....Project Runway? Bottom line this show, unlike many others, can and should survive without selling sex with a host that looks extremely out of place and breaks the continuity of the flow of the overall theme, entire cast included. She is beautiful and should show it, however, the Kenmore kitchen isn't where this model needs to be.

posted on December 19, 2006 at 8:22 PM

James Han wrote:

I'm so glad the extra footage showed some of the patrons praising the Black Team's food. It was nice to see Michael's surf and turf singled out for praise by so many! Don't count him out yet. People seem so ready to dismiss him. With Mia's outburst dominating everything, it seems like Michael's food got lost and ignored. Really too bad.

posted on December 19, 2006 at 11:33 PM

Dave wrote:

Another week of reruns? Too bad, guys, you just lost me. No show is that good that I am willing to watch reruns week after week with no new episodes. Especially one like this where I already know who's leaving at the end. Cheers

posted on December 20, 2006 at 10:07 PM

Illena wrote:

What happened to tonight's (Dec 20) show? Did I miss the commercial saying, "by the way, tune in to Top Chef in 2 weeks?" This is the second time this happened, what's going on? Top Chef is proving to be too unreliable, and is now on my list of I'll-just-watch-the-re-runs-next-season shows. Oh, and to Lil Moon: I think Padma's exercising the delete button on her blog as far as any unfavorable posts. I honestly don't believe that Padma has that many fans out there, but I do believe she would have tons more posts if she didn't delete those that were negative to her. I submitted a post that was sarcastic-funny, but I guess my sense of humor wasn't in line with putting a "positive vibe" for her blog.

posted on December 20, 2006 at 10:08 PM

Aaron Brown wrote:

I want to know why there isn't a new episode every week. Again, no new episode tonight, it was the same with after the thanksgiving episode. I tell ya, I don't watch much TV but Top Chef is one of the only programs that I watch regularly and it is quite disapointing when wednessday comes around and I realize that there is no new top chef. Whats the deal? Are you just trying tp spread out the season and milk it for all its worth? This is pretty upsetting for me, it would be great if you atleast offered some kind of explanation. A note on the main page or something, atleast somewhere - I can't find any info why there's no new episode. It woudl be great if an email response can be sent.

posted on December 21, 2006 at 12:12 AM

n'muakolo wrote:

A few comments:
(1) Dave's blog is terrible. It's so self-centered. It bugs me that it even exists.
(2) One thing I don't like about Season 2 is all the product placement. Doing a mixology challenge is one thing - maybe - but having Bailey's be the only option? Come on.
(3) I think Mia is sneaky (the throwing Betty under the bus, especially), and I think she gave up because she thought she might be eliminated. End of story.
(4) I'd love to see more of Stephen! Go Stephen go! He's funny and he redeemed himself at last episode of Season 1. And having Harold blog, and Lee Ann too, is great. I love their - apparently - uncensored comments. Tom's blog is often great too.
(5) I don't understand why so many of Season 2 chefs are so inexperienced. Why would Mike ever have been chosen? Even Elia strikes me as quite unexperienced. Can't you choose better chefs? (Dave of last season stood out as someone underqualified as well, despite how far he came.) It would be a disgrace to Top Chef is someone like Mike pulled it off.
(6) I really don't think chefs should be eliminated based on 1 challenge, if they have a stellar history until that point. Josie was a good example of that. I think the goal should be ultimately the best chef, not the one who is good + lucky. Sam could easily have gone home after the bagel/egg fiasco, and that would have been ridiculous.
(7) Overall, though, we LOVE your show!

posted on December 22, 2006 at 11:13 AM

Debbie wrote:

In regards to posts about Padma's choice of clothing, well I must agree that 80% of her clothes are in very bad taste. Did you see what she wore during the Hollywood Holiday Challenge? That yellow dress with what looked like thick black fish netting on the arms? Also, the outfit she wore to the Beach Breakfast Challenge? Someone needs to tell her to wear nicer clothes, or fire her current stylist, or get her a stylist for the show. Despite her bad taste in clothing, she is doing a much better job than golddigging Katie Lee Joel. LOL. I hated hearing her monotonous voice, which in my opinion kinda of brought down all the excitement from the Top Chef Season 1 show. Padma's voice is alright, although she speaks verrrrrry slowly at times, pronunciating every syllable in every word...ready faster!

As for Tom, I think he should act more as a "Tim Gunn" from Project Runway, like a mentor to the chefs. He seems kind of heartless at times, but I realize that this is his job and position as one of the judges.

Oh and Gail Simmons....she so extremely beautiful! Her clothes are always in good taste! She is a great judge and is always able to point out very clearly what is wrong and what is good with all the chef's dishes. I think Gail should be the main host because she doesn't sit idly at the table, ever! Speaking of which, I think Padma should give more criticisms at the table.

As for Elia, I don't think she will make it to top 4. She probably really talented, but she doesn't seem to be emotionally stable at all. Also one the judges were right about Elia not being able to lead a team of different personalities and directing them towards the teams goal. This was said during the Hollywood Holiday Challenge.

I do hope that Marcel and Michael get booted off because I don't feel that they take this competition very seriously, an as well, Marcel had argued with so many people on the show, and a Top Chef just wouldn't be a Top Chef if they couldn't communicate with their co-workers without annoying and irritating them. And Michael...he should have been booted off after he made those Cheetos in a Snickers bar amuse bouche.

I hope that Ilan, Sam, Betty and Cliff make it to the finals, they are all very personable, friendly and talented chefs!!!

Im so glad Mia got booted, she was really fake and annoying, trying to play this pity game near the end of the show. I hate people like that. And swearing up and down on the show...I hope her kids and young neices and nephews watched her behaviour in front of the judging table that day, and so do her clients and customers. BAD CHARACTER!

posted on December 22, 2006 at 1:44 PM

Jeanne wrote:

I really liked TC1. I thought you had alot of strong chefs. I always like the first season of reality shows because they are the closest to "reality" and not production. After the first season, you the producers figure out how to tweak things to create more drama. The signature "Magical Elf" drama technique is to create friction/animosity between 2 of the contestants. In Project Runway you had the Angela/Jeffrey, then Jeffrey/Laura conflict. So hence on TC2 you immediately have the Betty/marcel conflict. It is pretty obvious you have been baiting and encouraging the other chefs to dump on Marcel to create all this conflict. He may even be in on it. I am just very disappointed by the contestants. You have too many cooks and not enough real chefs. To me TC2 has lost alot of credibility. I realize there is a reason it is "entertainment" and called a "production". Reality TV is really very oxymoronic....but I think the Elves are getting a little stale in their editing techniques.... Maybe it does create more viewers,etc...but I don't know...to me it just becomes so obvious how the personality conflicts are staged and your editing techniques become too obvious as well..... Oh well...here is an idea..how about a Reality TV show about producing a reality TV show??
And finally, I found Laura really, really annoying on Project Runway and I find Betty's voice SO ANNOYING.....I have to turn the volume down until she stops speaking...FInd some other kind of contestant to have in the mix....
Happy holidays............

posted on December 23, 2006 at 6:21 PM

saline wrote:

I just watched mikes video entry and was shocked that he was allowed to appear on the show as one of the contestents. His video was crude to say the very least and nothing was shown about his cooking ability. I wonder exactly what ability he showed besides demonstrating how he wipes is behind that would allow him to be in the contest.
I thoroughly enjoy the show and wish I would have never seen his video as it creates a serious doubt as to the shows integrety.

posted on December 25, 2006 at 8:47 PM

judy crayton wrote:

Sorry about taging this comment to the Dec 06 entry ... it is about the first TC contest. I began late on that one and didn't see the episode regarding the sex shop. I hope you don't do that again. I understand live and let live ... but for most of your viewers and probably most of your contestants, that was degrading for the participants. Even if you are in business you have the right to turn down business you aren't comfortable with.

posted on December 27, 2006 at 3:11 PM

tinarina wrote:

I too just watched Mike's audition video and was shocked. There is absolutely no cooking ability shown and his repeated references to blow jobs and the pleasures of defecation, among other nasty stuff, were downright disgusting.

I realize that successful reality shows need a broad mix of contestants to create excitement, but Mike goes way too far. How could he possibly be considered Top Chef material? BUT YOU PICKED HIM AND PUT HIS VIDEO ON YOUR SITE! It's like the Apprentice picking an unemployed high school dropout as a contestant.

I'm not at all prudish, but I would not want my kid seeing Mike's video. You're Bravo, not Pay TV porn.

Picking someone like Mike totally undermines your credibility, and backhandedly endorses a guy who appears to have no cooking talent and leads a pretty gross life. I would love to know if the CEO of Bravo would be proud to show Mike's clip to friends at home or at an upcoming board meeting. I highly doubt it.

posted on December 28, 2006 at 12:08 PM

LynnBo wrote:

This is the first time I have felt compelled to respond to a blog; but I just had to whole-heartedly agree with Saline about Mike's video entry. I feel his inclusion is a slap-in-the-face to all of the serious, dedicated, and most likely more talented chefs who sent in entries. I understand that Bravo is looking for ratings and thought that having a wild card like Mike would probably up them, but I am beginning to see by the multitude of negative responses to him that it has somewhat backfired. If I were Tom Colicchio, I would be livid that such an unprofessional contestant had been foisted off on me! Tom seems to be a chef would takes his profession seriously and has a great deal of integrity. If I were he, I would threaten to leave the show if such an egregious error in judement were to be made for season 3. Please, remember the show is "Top Chef" ,not "Top Crude".

posted on December 28, 2006 at 12:31 PM

james han wrote:

wow, mike's video was shocking... wish i hadn't seen it... kind of hard to root for him now....

posted on December 28, 2006 at 2:54 PM

TopChef Fan wrote:

Shauna, as a new self-declared Top Chef addict, I just wanted to say thanks for such great blogs! The insight and humor you provide is truly entertaining and riveting. This show is definitely 5 notches above all other "reality" shows, because it actually revolves around skill and not shallow, unrelated drama for the storyline. In my opinion, the fact that a producer is willing to provide behind-the-scenes insight (and not hide behind cameras only caring about ratings) is only proof that you guys are here to produce a decent show!! Keep up the good work :) And please, keep Padma for next season--she's gorgeous but actually intelligent and has a role as a judge, too...hard to find, so don't let her go!!

I just got hooked about 3 weeks ago after not even hearing of Top Chef until season 2, so I've caught up thanks to re-runs....now I'm just wishing Bravo would actually be cool and send me copies of episodes!

posted on December 28, 2006 at 5:03 PM

LUNA wrote:

I agree with n'muakolo' s comment regarding Dave Martin's blog.

His blog reads more like "Dear Diary" - than a critique of the current season. It is difficult to believe the man is over 40! I cannot even read it anymore, it is so inane. Dave was the weakest link of the "final 4" in Season 1. Thoughout the competition, he did not make it to the top 3 in any challenge with his own abitlity. His dishes were either underseasoned or unattractive. His single win was a happy accident of the mac n' cheese - except -the side dishes "were like an afterthought" (as stated by Judge Gail Simmons). Although I don't wish the guy ill will, I am baffled by his success born out of mediocrity and crying a river of self pity.

This brings to mind that fact that if each challenge is the main consideration to keep a contestant; versus, the accumulation of credits along the way, then the "Top Chef" title could go to someone without the true skill level that the title implies. In other words, the crude, unhygenic, and lazy Mikey could become the winner, by happenstance rather than by design.

posted on December 29, 2006 at 9:59 AM

LD wrote:

My question...who cleans up?? I mean I love to cook (nowhere near this level) but who does the dishes?? Maybe that could be a new show...Top Dishwasher!!

posted on December 29, 2006 at 1:11 PM

fern gully wrote:

What happened to the show? I have a vacation, my only time to stay up past 8 pm and watch tv, and the show's not on? That's a bit disappointing. The same thing was done with PR and it killed the momentum. By the time the finale came around myself and my little group of PR fans were on to other things. You can only sustain interest in something only mildly interesting for only so long.

posted on December 29, 2006 at 4:58 PM

GoddessLu wrote:

Oh boo hoo to the babies that can't come back after a holiday break! C'mon, NOTHING new was on TV for the last 2 weeks--get over it couch potatoes.
That said, I think the critisicm of Padma's attire is uncalled for. She is a young woman with a good physique--why would she have to dress in schoolmarmish clothes? The beach challenge outfit was appropriate to the beach--get over it. If I were in that type of shape again (sniff) you bet your butt I'd be showing it off. It's not like she's in hoochie wear.
I do think that Padma's is an improvement over last season's host but she also has the monotone issue with her speaking voice. Some inflection lessons perhaps would help? She's married to Salmon Rhushdie for goodness sake--life must be interesting. I also agree that Padma brings more to the table food-wise than her predecessor and she should be afforded more time to opine. I adore Tom and his gruffness is appropriate as (1) he's a judge and can't simper to these contestants and (2) he's a peer--he knows more than anyone at that table the challenges these contestants face and what is doable and what isn't. GO Ilan and Sam--my pick for Top 2!

posted on January 3, 2007 at 11:14 AM

Stacy B. wrote:

I just have a general comment, unrelated to the current specific episode. I just have to say that your choice of host lacks SORELY! Please, for season 3, assuming there is a season 3, find someone who 1) has a lively personality, 2) knows something about cooking, if possible, and 3) does not deliver their lines in the manner equivalent to someone who types by "hunting and pecking." Bring back Bob Eubanks if you can't find a token-anorexic that can do the job!

posted on January 3, 2007 at 5:58 PM

Karen wrote:

Mia is has heart. Lots of it. She sacrificed herself for Elias sake and that is what Jesus died for, isnt it?

posted on January 4, 2007 at 12:55 AM

Grace wrote:

Mia ia a very canny business woman. She realized, as an experienced caterer, that her fearsabout her team were justified and they had totally blown it.

Every caterer knows that the worst sin is no food. Mediocre food is better than no food. No food totally destroyed the cocktail party guest interactions, which involve stuffing face mindlessly while you meet and greet. No one remembers the party where the food was mediocre but they always remember the party where the food ran out.

It may not have been entirely deliberate, but I give Mia full marks for totally changing the conversation. People are debating whether she sacrificed her chances for Mia or for Mike. They are debating the wisdom of playing the "upbringing" card, but no one is thinking of Mia as a poor caterer. Unless it was edited out, she really didn't fight very hard for her ideas. When she realized that her team was going down, she definitely changed the conversation so it was about her sacrifice and not about the team's terrible performance, that she was very much part of. She could have taken some of the money and bought cheese and crackers, or fruit as fillers, for goodness sake. She's the one that really knew how bad the menu was for a catered party. She definitely owns some of the responsibility for the fiasco. But no one will remember that. She made sure that her hardscrabble childhood and tearful sacrifice for Elia are what people will remember. As a caterer, her career was on the line more than most. Mia had no chance to win TC, but the worst scenario would be to get sent home in a catering contest. When Cliff turned on her, she had to worry that she might be the one sent home. I think this could very possibly have had a direct impact on her business. Instead, she is remembered by at least half the viewers as the noble, self-sacrificing contestant. The others debate the wisdom of sharing the "poor kid from the projects" story. But nobody is saying that she must be an awful caterer, and that they would never use her services.

I applaud her for sidestepping a major bullet so neatly. Bravo, Mia! If this situation ever arises again, fight all the way for your ideas. 15 minutes of fame are not worth risking your career.

posted on January 5, 2007 at 6:44 PM

Nay wrote:

Mia was "cliffed"! I think she had just been pushed to her limit with Cliff!
He is so incredibly rude and indignant, pompass and weak.
I was so taken back by his antics and offensive behavior. That kind of maturity should stay behind the scenes in a kitchen and not in the public.
Mia has a lot of class and I back her 100%
Life's too short to put up with people with personalities like Cliff. She knows what's important, her family, her integrity and her love for what she does. She will only do great for the person she is. Sad to see her go, but wish her the best of everything!

posted on January 11, 2007 at 11:28 PM

JOHN FAIOLA wrote:

Marcel, watch out for Sam, he is scared to death of you, please do not let them crush that great spirit of yours.

posted on January 13, 2007 at 6:33 PM