Don wrote:

Eliminations are chosen with consultation from the producers

Well, that's all that really needs to be said. Sad and unfortunate. You guys blew a good season, and possibly the show's future.

posted on January 26, 2007 at 10:19 PM

Becky wrote:

That was a travesty! Sam should've never been voted off. He was, by far, the most consistently good chef we saw. I am EXTREMEMLY disappointed. I feel that the finalists were based on incompatibility as opposed to talent. "Who are the most likely to fight it out?" I am personally not going to watch the final episode. I lost the guy that I was rooting for. What's the point?

posted on January 26, 2007 at 10:30 PM

Keith wrote:

Dear Shauna,

Producing a reality show cannot be an easy proposition. The dynamics and unknowns from weather to the temperments of the contestants are unpredictable to say the least. Case in point the past two episodes.

But as a viewer, I'd like to pass on some thoughts for next year.

Alot of problems can be created or solved in casting. I learned this is my long ago experience as a former commercial actor. Most of the work or damage was usually done long before the shoot. I'm sure that there are many hoops that the Top Chef contestants have to pass through in order to get on the show. But it seems like there was a great deal more mean-spiritedness this season than there was the year before. Also, it seemed like the calibre of cooking was quite a bit higher last year as well. This is puzzling in that with the 1 st season success you'd think that talented chefs all over the world would be banging on your door for the opportunity for such wonderful exposure.

I don't know what if anything was done differently, but please do revert back to finding the best people. There are enbough quirks in us all; you don't have to go out of your way to dig them out and find "quirky" people. Find talent and variety in technique and opinions on cooking and I guarrantee that you'll find interesting people to film.

What many of us liked about season one was that Top Chef was more about good food, the variety of takes on what that meant and the suspense of who will come out on top. That in itself was more than enough drama and Top Chef thereby had a certain class. This year the 2nd class was truely "2nd class". Plus there was the distinct feeling unintentional or not that there was a bit more effort to draw out through editing or other influences the trauma of the drama. I'm not saying that you made Cliff beat up Marcel, but hey were there questions asked in the interview section that would egg people on? Perhaps not. But please, this year was increasingly embarrasing and eventually abusive and hurtful to watch. Top Chef seemed more like Survivor or Road Rules, shows that were hard to watch for more than a few seconds.

Be advised, you drew a more intelligent and non-traditional audience in season one. Don't loose us all, don't fall prey to going fopr the lowest common denominator. Competition, great food, interesting guest chefs and the talented judges Padma,, Chef Gail and my favorite Chef Tom are more than enough for a great show that is entertaining and about the food.

Remember your season one winner was the good guy, Harold, who was not only a great chef, but always showed real class, leadership and diplomatic honesty.

Be well

posted on January 26, 2007 at 10:50 PM

bert wrote:

violent assault? sorry girls but what i saw was while juvinile, immature and stupid was not violent. Marcel was laughing at first and other than ilan yelling nobody made an attempt to hurt him. once he sounded upset Cliff ( who just for the record i never liked ) let him go. Why didn't Sam try to stop him? Why didn't Marcel go to the producers?????? Because as guys they understood that no harm was done. hasn't anybody that watches this show ever been in a locker room, dorm, or barraks. Hey i love cooking but i'm still a guy.

P.S. go ahead and start the line to blast me for saying this but ask your straight friends and they will tell you that i'm right

posted on January 27, 2007 at 12:01 AM

Carrie wrote:

It's difficult to believe the finale was decided by the judges and was not "made for TV". Marcel& Ilan? I don't know what the rules are but it seems that each episode should have an opportunity to eliminate based on that challenge's food but when it comes to the finale it seems like it should be overall performance so you get the strongest chefs.

At least from the viewers perspective Sam was played as the stronger competitor and then Elia. As viewers, since we don't get the experience of tasting the food, the editing you provide is our only insight. With that said I feel like if these 2 were truly the strongest competitors then you misled us all season just to be able to shock us in the end. I feel like the NCAA Championship bowl game. It just isn't the two strongest competitors in the end. It just doesn't feel authentic.

Not really interested in the final episode. I've been an avid fan since season 1. I have to buy the season from itunes because I live overseas. Next season I'll probably buy only by the episode after this season being such a disappointment. I was also disappointed there was no reunion. It would have been nice to see the chefs reflect on their behavior and see if they learned anything.

Also, even though I am not a fan of Marcel's I do hope he has a speedy recovery and he files charges against this mentally disturbed woman. That was simply awful. I hope she gets what she deserves. Some counseling while she sits in jail for a while.

posted on January 27, 2007 at 12:54 AM

Lynda S wrote:

Hellloooo Shauna,

Aloha! Other than your magical mystery tour of a beautiful vacation spot, there was no mention of the actual episode.

This blog falls under the category of "Unimportant Choice of Topic" (ala Dave Martin's excrutiating excesses of himself!).

The wait for your message was really not worth it.

posted on January 27, 2007 at 11:56 AM

WJG wrote:

I wish production would decide what the criteria for a Top Chef is once and for all! Sam was axed for "playing it safe" - yet that was a criticism of Harold made at Judges' Table last year, and he won. Marcel has taken the most risks of any of the final four, and has won the least amount of individual challenges. When risk isn't rewarded, why is it held up as a winning criterion? How did Ilan take a risk when all he's been doing is turning out dishes that he's been preparing for his job back home? If the contest isn't about someone being consistently good, why bother having 12 shows' worth of challenges at all? I'm getting the sense that the Judges were given the edict from production to find a way to make Ilan and Marcel the final two - so much more drama! - when neither has the maturity or chops to be a Top Chef. And enough with these polls that do nothing but fuel the Marcel hate...hasn't he been through enough?

posted on January 27, 2007 at 1:37 PM

Melanie wrote:

I'm glad you feel better!

I for one am glad that Marcel is in the finals. I don't see why people dislike him so much. He is confident in himself and his abilities. I think he is witty and talented, and pushes the envelope - Marcel never plays it safe.

posted on January 27, 2007 at 2:32 PM

macktan wrote:

Have you received the countless number of questions regarding the editing of the episode when cliff is dismissed? Are you planning to answer those questions?

Your dodging them--and that's obviously what you are doing since you have not addressed them--reveals that you are indeed hiding something. And that compounds the problem--your show is smelling sleazy, contrived, predetermined.

And why all these blogs? You're just a producer, why would you write a blog? Piling on like this just suffocates your show even more.

I haven't watched it by the way since Cliff was told to leave. Not only did I think the decision unfair--the others were way too complicit for Cliff to carry the blame for that--I hated the way the others didn't even put a word in for him. THEY DIDN'T EVEN GO TO THE PRODUCERS AND SUPPORT CLIFF IN ANY WAY. What a bunch of jerks. They probably put him up to do it, so they could get him kicked off.

I'm through with your show. but I will keep asking about the editing until I get an answer.

posted on January 27, 2007 at 4:09 PM

sheryll wrote:

You're right, there's loads more hate mail heading your way, but I'll spare you in this post.

At this point, neither of your finalists are deserving of the title "Top Chef", so I'll write off this season and move onto TC3, which I know you are currently casting. There was an article in the Dallas Morning News about the casting call here, mentioning that several of the wanna-bees had come armed with lists of how they would have handled each and every challenge from both seasons. This is a good start...at least these candidates have actually SEEN the show before and aren't going to freak out over certain recurring challenges such as Restaurant Wars: part three.

Further, and I mentioned this on LeAnn's Blog, how about a viewers challenge submission contest? The selected challenges would earn dinner for four at XXXX(insert next year's sponsor here, this year, I would have said TGIFridays). The one that I suggested previously was designing an entree for the "Cafe to go" section of prepared foods for Wild Oats or Whole Foods. You get corporate sponsorship, the winner gets his/her entree featured at the grocery store chain, and I get better desperation dinners.

posted on January 28, 2007 at 1:50 AM

Big___Al wrote:

Shauna, I hope you are feeling well! And, because it seems the majority of the comments you are going to get are negative, I want to thank you (again) for a great show. Keep up the good work...there is a reason your ratings are going through the roof.

To all those commenters who just can't get over their Sam-love: I too thought he was the best chef left at this point of his career. (I also thought Marcel had the most potential.) But this is a "one and done" situation...you have to cook one of the best dishes to advance. Even with all the possible conspiracy theories and the possibility that the producers influenced the decision, it is clear to me from gathering all the available information, that the two who advanced COOKED THE BEST FOOD this time. Do you think the judges would have stayed up 'til 4 in the morning agonizing over their decision if the producers already had made it for them?! Not a chance. It was about the food, plain and simple.

posted on January 28, 2007 at 8:32 AM

janeyek wrote:

Dear Shauna
Glad to see you on the road to recovery and hope that this entry was just one to quickly "catch up" (much to Lynda S's dismay). I'm glad to see that some of the venom present on the other blogs is a bit diminished here but as loyal viewers have noted, this show is nowhere near the quality of last year's. As I have noted, why not a mentor ala "Tim Gunn" style? This would stop the cheating, reduce the petty and childish sniping (to a degree), and allow a perspective of who is a "team" player and a true TopChef. I again propose LeAnne Wong (if she is available) since she was one of my favorites from Season 1, her blogs are really well written and she has a unique perspective of the show. Though I will watch the finale, it is with far less enthusiasm than I did last year's episode. Next year, bring back the "old" Top Chef....not this new, made for ratings version!

posted on January 28, 2007 at 8:37 AM

steve wrote:

Dear Shauna ...

Just for the record on Cliff touching Marcel, the rules being quoted as a contestant cant touch another contestant and if so gone .... Seems to me one of the episodes showed Marcel actually tackling elia in the ocean... immature i know but rules are rules he should be gone

posted on January 28, 2007 at 9:17 AM

jimmy wrote:

GO MARCEL! It is wonderful to finally see Marcel getting his due and attention. I cannot think of a more worthy finalist for the season ending finale. His food has been consistently good, interesting and pushed the boundaries. No one else has put himself out there as much as Marcel. Most everyone else simply made the things they have made their whole lives. Marcel has displayed the gentlemanly qualities of a Top Chef. When persecuted, he displayed a Christ-like ability to bear it all. When Betty went bonkers all those times, Marcel simply smiled and forgave her because she knew not what she was doing. When Sam went off, Marcel rebuked him as Christ drove out the money changers from the temple. When Ilan went off, Marcel pitied his younger brother. When Cliff nailed him to the ground, Marcel suffered with dignity. He has been the Good Samaritan to all the other chefs. Marcel has to win. This would be the ultimate message--good triumphing over evil!!! It gives me goosebumps. GO MARCEL!!

posted on January 28, 2007 at 9:43 AM

Jane wrote:

After watching this season I am convinced that NONE of the chefs are worthy of the title Last year you had Harold and LeeAnne who were showed the skill, leadership, professionalism, and grace to lead a kitchen. This year you have nobody. They were all petulant children.

From Otto's indecisive mistake, to Marisa's snitching, to Betty's shrieking, to Frank's scary threats, to Sam's constant excuses and angry tirade, to Mia's racist epithets, to Cliff's assualt, to Ilan's childishness, one by one you've shown that nobody deserves the title. The only thing I've seen worthy of note is that in spite of Marcel's nerdy prattling, he tends to be the most mature- constantly forgiving in spite of the verbal and physical assualts. But even he isn't a Top Chef because he needs to mature as a cook. So does anybody deserve to win? Yes. Give the title to Lee Anne. At least you will be giving the title to someone who actually has earned it.

posted on January 28, 2007 at 10:57 AM

Amelia wrote:

There's enough hate on the boards, I won't add more.

I loved this episode. Good job. The scenery and the way it was filmed was really unique and pretty.

Marcel's food looked really nice, but I can't taste it so I can only trust the judge's decision. I would be happy if Marcel won.

The only thing that took away from it was the negativity from the three. I don't know them as individuals, but it was sad to see that they couldn't resove this conflict as adults.

Otherwise, good work.

posted on January 28, 2007 at 11:57 AM

James wrote:

When you anticipate (and are receiving) a flood of emails from viewers questioning the show's and judges' integrity, do you think it's helpful to post a blog talking about what a good time you all had in Hawaii? You simply reinforce the notion that those involved in the show don't take their jobs seriously and don't care what viewers think.

posted on January 28, 2007 at 12:53 PM

Lisa A wrote:

I'm only sort of sorry Sam is gone. I would rather he'd been in the final two instead of Ilan. But such is life.

My gripe is WHY did you bring back Betty? If I have to hear one more time how "it's no secret I don't like Marcel" I will never watch Bravo again. STFU Betty! We get it already!

posted on January 28, 2007 at 12:56 PM

anne wrote:

I'm thinking a good restaurant is able to
keep stellar employees. And employees
are more likely to stick around when they
feel they are treated fairly and are valued by their boss.
A boss that is able to exhibit those personality traits is probably emotionally mature and of high moral character. Both in and out of the kitchen.
I think you need to hold your chefs to that standard next season.
(I miss Carlos!)

posted on January 28, 2007 at 2:21 PM

Patti wrote:

I just want to say "here here!" to the 3rd comment on this blog, penned by Keith. He says it best.

posted on January 28, 2007 at 4:48 PM

TopChef Fan wrote:

I just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS....for completely destroying this show's credibility for me. I never saw Season 1 until I first started watching Season 2, and I was hooked the second I tuned in. I never questioned the elimination of certain chefs as time went on even though there was that suspicious "decisions are made in consultation with producers" tag, b/c the reasoning seemed spot-on and the more talented chefs were indeed moving on.

BUT don't you dare try to tell me this "Marcel-Ilan" finale is purely a coincidence. Sam has been the most consistent chef on this show by far, never causing the judges to have major problems with his dishes with the exception of the Eggs episode. His executions and tastes always impressed the judges more than Ilan. This is total BULLsh*t, and I will now not be watching next season. Way to ruin what started out as a great show....you reality show people are all the freaking same.

posted on January 28, 2007 at 5:12 PM

Gina wrote:

Can you tell me how you chose the restaurant in Santa Barbara? I live in Santa Barbara and was very excited to see where the chefs would cook. I was disapponted and embarrassed at the choice. Santa Barbara has marvelous restaurants, with much bigger and cleaner kitchens may I add. The choice was simply not showing us at our best. Santa Barbara is a destination city, know for our fine restaurants. I think your production team needs to do a bit more research next time. Many fans watch this show for more than the arguing and fighting cooks. Although they are pretty entertaining. Lastly, I agree with 95% of you fan base, Sam should be in this final. BASED ON COOKING! IT IS A COOKING SHOW RIGHT?

posted on January 28, 2007 at 6:30 PM

Zuela wrote:

In case you miss it the first time you scan through these posts, I'll reiterate what steve wrote a few posts earlier:

"Dear Shauna ...
Just for the record on Cliff touching Marcel, the rules being quoted as a contestant cant touch another contestant and if so gone .... Seems to me one of the episodes showed Marcel actually tackling elia in the ocean... immature i know but rules are rules he should be gone."

Busted!

Please comment on this. Seems most of your core audience has been completely turned off from your blatant choice of what makes the best drama vs. who truly are the best chefs. If you don't think so, go read the THOUSANDS of posts to Tom C.'s blog this week.

posted on January 28, 2007 at 8:26 PM

susalinda wrote:

Do you want a season 3 Top Chef? Unless you stand up and correct the mess that has been corrected; say bye bye to your show; also this spills over to the entire network of Bravo and it too will pay the price.

Credibility has been lost. Last season Tom said attitude/respect in the kitchen was the final decision in Harold's win over Tiffany.

This season, well just read the comments on Tom's blog. The sheer percentage increase in the comments should wake you up that your show is in serious trouble.

Fix it somehow or say bye-bye to the American audience; you have three days. We have our remotes and we aren't afraid to use them......hmmm Wednesday's night there's the food channel (watch real integrity in the kitchen), or something else; but not TC.

Remember who has the final word.......the viewing public.

posted on January 28, 2007 at 9:10 PM

Christina wrote:

What a waste of time reading this blog.

I think that based on the challenge, the chef's who met the challenge the best made it to the final.

However I must tell you I am only finishing out this season because I hope Marcel pulls out another win. But either way (Marcel or Ilan winning) I WILL NOT WATCH NEXT YEAR BECAUSE OF THE DECEPTION WITH THE EDITING OF THE SHAVED HEAD INCIDENCE. I DO NOT LIKE TO BE DUPED AND I HOLD THE PRODUCERS RESPONSIBLE.

posted on January 29, 2007 at 1:01 PM

Gina Barresi wrote:

Shauna,

I eagerly anticipated your blog this week, what a disappointment! It's obvious you could care less, please spare us another lame blog this week. I have no more respect or integrity for this farce of a "reality" t.v. show, what a disappointment!

posted on January 29, 2007 at 3:44 PM

John wrote:

It amazes me how people accuse the show, the production staff and the judges of "cheating" and choosing a winner based on ratings. I have complete faith with the judges. In fact there have been several times that I disagreed with the judges, but guess what, I didn't taste the food, I wasn't on the set. You people have no idea of what you are talking about. Sam was a very good cook and so was Leanne Wong and Dave from the first seasons. I felt either of them could have been the Top Chef, but they made mistakes or misjudgesments at unfortunate times and were eliminated. Sam wasn't a golden child that got a pass. Apparently, he in the judgement of the panel played it to safe. If you don't like it-- get over it! As for Marcel and Ilan, I can't wait to watch the finally. I can't stand Ilan, he got a pass for being a jerk all season long. He is extremely immature and his character is extremely week.

Go Marcel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

posted on January 29, 2007 at 5:15 PM

sundevilpeg wrote:

So, what was up with the online version of Food & Wine posting an article this afternoon naming Ilan the winner? Smooth.

This is the fitting end to a complete train wreck of a season.

posted on January 29, 2007 at 7:03 PM

Dave King wrote:

Shauna,

Your boy Ilan, who we all know has won the title of Top Chef, has been blabbing. Everyone associated with Casa Mono knows he won, and the information has been getting into the forums.

Of course, Food and Wine let the cat out of the bag anyway.

But don't you have strict rules about contestants leaking the news?

I suppose that is what you get when you choose a lowlife bully like Ilan to represent you. I have no doubt he will be an utter embarrassment to you and your network.

posted on January 29, 2007 at 11:17 PM

AC wrote:

First, the continuing, escalating Marcel bashing was very disturbing to watch throughout the season. Really distasteful. Of course it peaked with the assault on Marcel. I am appalled a producer would have allowed it to go as far as physical violence. And yes, you DID allow it - by implicilty encouraging the escalating verbal abuse and mob mentality. Shame on you.

Then to watch last week as Ilan encourage Elia to air baseless accusations of Marcel cheating... and the producers did not see fit to make any sort of statement that the accusations were untrue... Despite Tom's reaction, it left a vague stench - an implication that maybe Marcel DID cheat.

As an added bonus, all of this led to Marcel being attacked by a viewer who joined the "we hate Marcel and it's fine to attack him" bandwagon.

I'm sure the contestants signed many waivers, otherwise if I were Marcel, I would sue your show. Wouldn't you?

I'm glad Food and Wine mistakenly revealed the winner today. Hate mongering, "Get him! Get him!", smug Ilan is a perfect fit for your show.

posted on January 30, 2007 at 5:03 AM

AC wrote:

And PS - Ilan's myspace page and spreading the word at Mono just before he quit was a big tip off

posted on January 30, 2007 at 5:11 AM

Irma wrote:

Dear Shauna,

Weren't you surprised by the animosity that persisted on Ilan's part toward Marcel?? After all, he enthusiastically participated in the attack 2 months prior. Marcel appeared to have forgiven the incident, much to his credit. On the plane, Ilan (via interview) expressed more venon, in spite of HIS own conduct. That is so immature - I cannot believe that he did not appreciate the fact that Marcel did not press charges AND that the producers insisted he remain in place for the Finale. (So much for fairness...)

btw: Elia's NEW hair style made her look 10 years older and very matronly. I wonder if that was the look she was going for.

As for the cooking aspect (which escaped your commentary), it seemed as though Elia ignored the challenge when she stated, "I don't want my food to taste Hawaiian. I want you to think it was made by ELIA". Was she kidding? Again, she either did not listen or did not care. Either way, I didn't care that she was eliminated.

Ilan stuck to his saffron infused everything. That should have given him the door - but - no - Sam's beloved marinated Poke sent him home. That seemed odd because it appeared that both Chef Wong and Padma preferred Sam's efforts more than Ilan's.

Marcel's dishes looked beautiful. The judges seemed to all agree that his food tasted great. Therefore, based on all he has had to endure, his focus, & maturity to move on, my vote goes to him.

For next season, please find truly "the best chefs in the US" as described in the show's promo. S-2 cooks were anything but...

Good luck with the end (Finale / Part 2). No matter the outcome, fasten your seat belt. It is sure to be a bumpy ride.

posted on January 30, 2007 at 8:13 AM

Lani wrote:

HUFFINGTON POST, LA EATERY, IT'S EVERYWHERE THE WEEZEL-LIKE CAMERA MAN ILAN HALL HAS WON!!!! DISGUSTING!!!! HE IS DEFINATELY NOT TOP CHEF MATERIAL..... HE COULD NEVER COME CLOSE TO HAROLD, TOP CHEF #1 WINNER...NEVER.... WHAT LOSERS ALL OF YOU ARE IN THE PRODUCTION STAFF... YOU SET UP MARCEL TO BE THE BAD GUY AND YOU SET UP ILAN TO WIN.... ALL OF YOU ARE A JOKE!!!!

posted on January 30, 2007 at 9:28 AM

Joe wrote:

Shauna, great job overall. This group isn't as skilled as last season, but that aspect of things has to be hard to predict. These idiots never were able to work together -to their own detriment- because they were more into back-biting than food. The "hated" Marcel had an ego (don't we all?) but was probably the best human being in the whole lot.

Gotta admit I would've preferred a Sam-Marcel finale, but I look forward to the upcoming duel. Ilan's a petulant little prick and my evil side likes the conflict.

It's funny that Sam has been imbued with such a good-guy image; he has been a covert creep the whole time. Betty and Ilan were worse, but Sam's no angel...he just knows how to work a crowd, and you can see the sheep flocking all over these blogs. Maybe that makes him the most insidious of the bunch.

Talent-wise, this finale is pretty good and it'll be nice to see if Marcel can whack Ilan. Go get 'em Marcel.

I won't be watching many reruns of this season. Good luck on season 3 and you've done an excellent show with the substandard material you had to work with.

posted on January 30, 2007 at 11:59 AM

Gert wrote:

Shauna, Do they have an Emmy for Producers? If so, you should win it for Top Chef. Now the editors are a different story. The dynamics portrayed between the chefs is explosive, and not always good TV. Nevertheless, I'M A TOP CHEF ADDICT. GO MARCEL. All Marcel's skills and knowledge far excede Ilan's, or any other chef on this year's show. MARCEL ROCKS!

posted on January 30, 2007 at 1:00 PM

m wrote:

I won't be watching the finale based on the spoilers. What a mess this show has become. I don't need to watch another Survivor. I am surprised that a reality show based on talent would not model itself ater the most successful talet reality show, Americon Idol. Why not the constestants' talent stand up on their own. TC may be able to redeem itself if it makes the following changes:

1. Make each challenge an individual challenge. No more of this team stuff. I have never understood how teams could work well together when the team members are competing against each other.
2. No more shared living sapce. The contestants are adults. Please treat them as such.
3. No more asking the other contestants to pick a loser. You are just asking for alliances - yuck.

posted on January 30, 2007 at 1:37 PM

lisa wrote:

hey fellow bloggers,
if you go to chow.com, you can listen to interviews by ousted top chef contestants and they give behind the scenes dish on the show. eemily even talks about how production people incite problems amopngs the contestants. just click on sam and elia's picture and you will get a list of all the contestants to choose from. frank even sings during his interview.
lisa

posted on January 30, 2007 at 1:46 PM

Sue wrote:

While I have no "hate-mail" for you, I do believe editing had a lot to do with the upset viewers have of the final decision. Since I haven't the slightest clue as to what goes behind production and final end product we see on air, I really can't tell you how to do your job. But as a viewer I believe the show should be edited to favor the final contestants. For instance, on Survivor obviously the crew will know who the final people will be at the end, so therefore they will edit the "villains" to be early vote-offs and last standing contestants as the heroes. Whether this is in fact true or not and as unfair as it may be, we as viewers will feel justice and vindication and connection with the contestants and keep us watching till the end. Last season Survivor does a wonderful job of this as there were clear villains and heros, with heroes winning out of course, and editing probably playing about 90% of a role in that. When you have hundreds of hours of footage, I think anyone can be portrayed in ANY way, whether good or bad. Yes I'm aware that is pure TV manipulation, but hey its entertainment and not supposed to be real. So why you would let us feel an honest connection to a person like Sam, knowing he doesn't make it to the final round.. well I just think that is bad editing by Top Chef productions. By portraying him so favorable while pushing Ilan more in the background, it doesn't make sense. Focus more on Ilan and Marcel and WHY we should root for them! Otherwise, forget anyone watching the Finale. Just my opinion.

posted on January 30, 2007 at 2:34 PM

Patti wrote:

So I hope you have been paying attention to some of the most wonderful suggestions for Season 3 since this season of TC is a total loss; the more dastardly you are, obviously the bigger the winner you are if in fact what has transpired is indeed TRUE! And who let that cat out of the bag? I hope you made an alternate ending so that due to the forefeiture of the title and money based on breach of the confidentiality clause, the proper person may win this thing'; if you don't have an alternative ending, you perhaps should make that a reality next season! And blind tasting - now that would be a treat! Disassociate the personality with the dish until all tasting is done! And for goodness' sake, get some talented chefs in there next year, I mean cevieche 3 times, Saffron all the time, and has anybody ever heard of BEEF! You know, midwesterners are raised on BEEF maybe you should conduct the contest here, maybe Chicago, maybe St. Louis with all the jazz, c'mon, what d'ya think? Oh, and FYI I'm sure Marcel signed waivers against suing the show, but I would bet it doesn't cover any cheftestants personally! Go Marcel! You RAWK!

posted on January 30, 2007 at 4:12 PM

Danele from Alexandria, VA wrote:

Dear Shauna –

It certainly seems that the majority of fans who have written to the various Chef blogs are genuinely upset. If you take a moment to distill the gratuitously nasty comments from the more constructive ones, it is easy to see that most of these people are saying essentially the same things:
1. THE JUDGING SEEMS CONTRIVED WITH CHEF TOM CALLING THE SHOTS FOR EVERYONE.
2. CONTESTANTS WITH PERSONALITY FLAWS ARE INTENTIONALLY ALLOWED TO STAY IN THE COMPETITION DESPITE LESS THAN EXCEPTIONAL PROFORMANCE.
3. WHATEVER LEVEL OF TRUST THAT MAY HAVE EXISTED REGARDING THE OBJECTIVITY OF “FAIR COMPETITION” SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN SEVERELY DAMAGED OR COMPLETELY LOST.
4. THE JUDGING CRITERIA CHANGES FROM EPISODE TO EPISODE (with little or no regard for pervious successes or failures).

Someone in authority should address these points head-on. The overwhelming impression voiced by the vast majority of bloggers is that your show ISN”T A COMPETITION AT ALL . . . it is artificially manipulated by the producers and judges in order to produce a more “tense” outcome.
DOES ANYONE AT BRAVO HAVE THE COURAGE TO ACTUALLY DEAL WITH THIS?

posted on January 30, 2007 at 4:27 PM

IRMA wrote:

WOW!
With all of the spoilers proclaiming the winner, there is no reason to watch the Finale turn into another atrocity (like the Project Runway with Jerkoff Jeffrey as winner). I guess BRAVO enjoys rewarding morally bankrupt people rather than hardworking ones. The titles bestowed on these lowlife individuals has lost all meaning. Ilan aint no Harold! For Shame.

posted on January 30, 2007 at 4:58 PM

Christina wrote:

Keystone Reality TV. Ilan won - it was leaked everywhere, I am only thankful I didn' thave to waste my time watching it.

Good riddance Top Chef.

posted on January 30, 2007 at 5:03 PM

Marta wrote:

"Let's talk about this week's show - Hawaii!"

Are you for real? Do I have a concusion?
How could you not utter A.Single.Word. about the questions about last week's episode? It's as if you decided to skip-to-my-lou right by a 50 foot turd pile and pretend you didn't see it.

posted on January 30, 2007 at 6:59 PM

Marta wrote:

Would the board moderators be so kind as to remove the spoilers?

While my last comment was critical, I did not swear or disclose spoiler information. Yet it has not been posted on board. Meanwhile, I know the winner of the season just by scanning the comments. Geezus.

posted on January 30, 2007 at 7:52 PM

Bonnie wrote:

That was a horrible episode. I agree with many people that Sam should of never been voted off, nor Elia. Sam and Elia are by far the most consistent chefs in the competition and have had the most success of all of the challenges – so I’m not sure where you guys are coming from by eliminating them. I was happy to see some common sense demonstrated when the show took all four of the remaining contestants to Hawaii. But then again I was disappointed at the outcome. I guess you don’t really care if you have a following next season because it seems you are doing all you can to turn off your viewership. Everything has been disappointing including but not limited to the quality of the contestants, the challenges of each episode, the behavior of the contestants, and the lack of experience of the hosts and judges of the show. I am not only going to not watch the final episode but will not bother with your next season (I just removed it from my TIVO).

posted on January 30, 2007 at 8:28 PM

Amy wrote:

Will there be a reunion show for this season? If not, why not? I LOVED the reunion show for season one of Top Chef and really enjoyed the reunion shows for Project Runway...it's just fascinating to see these people we've all come to love or hate or respect get together and talk it all out. I, for one, loathe Marcel, but I'd watch every single word that comes out of his annoying, whiny, smug, pompus, pie-hole if you ran a reunion show.
Let's get the chant going people...reunion, REunion, REUNion, REUNION, REUNION!!! By the way, does he do that hair himself or do you employ someone for him? How many times during production did Marcel say "soigne?"

posted on January 30, 2007 at 9:21 PM

lisa marie wrote:

I believe I posted this comment previously in the wrong blog space. My intentions were to get through to a producer. I wanted the producers to know they really dropped the ball concerning the ASSAULT on Marcel. As a victim of a real-life assault, who attends support groups and sought couseling, I am appalled that the "bystanders" (Ilian, Sam, Elia) were not sent home as well. This was a CRIME committed on national T.V. Their lack of action sends the message to others that it is o.k. to stand back and do nothing, then justify it later by calling the assault a prank gone wrong. I have lost all respect for any of those contestants, and was so offended that I will not watch Top Chef, particularly if Ilian wins. He should not be rewarded for bad behaviour. Those in my support group feel the same way and word is spreading. You DROPPED THE BALL by your inactions against all who participated.

posted on January 30, 2007 at 9:22 PM

AngieLane wrote:

First of all, we love Top Chef! We have been faithful viewers since its inception. Although My fiance and I do not get into reality TV, Top Chef was different and we would watch riveted week after week. But we feel that last weeks episode was extremely disappointing for all of us Top Chef fans. To vote off the best, most consistant chef in the competition, Sam, was an insult to all your viewers who have watched from the beginning. To keep the two "weaseliest" chef's for the finale has made us not want to tune in to our favorite show. We understand this is a competition, but your selection of chefs for the finale seemed obvious and contrived. "Get the two chefs who disliked each other the most" seemed to be the rallying cry for your producers who thought this scenario would bring the most viewers to watch the fianle, but it probably did the opposite--as my fiance and I will not be watching the 2 sniveling weasels cook it out.
Sincerely,
Angie and Lane

posted on January 30, 2007 at 11:12 PM

Nancy wrote:

I have been reading the comments posted, and find a lot of viewers are very unhappy with this show. I am not surprised by this, only sad to see your viewers turn on you. I can understand their feelings of betrayal and lack of trust in you, after what we have seen so far in season 2. I will continue to watch this show, only to hope you all shape up, and regain some credibility. I don't think there are more than 1 or 2 contestants that would not be completely embarrassed by the way they conducted themselves for all to see. Even some of the guest judges were demeaning and rude to the contestants, probably only fueling their mistreatment of each other. I still have yet to see what Padma brings to this show. She appears to be partial in her judging and comments. She lacks credibility in my opinion, I really don't want to see her next season. I truly hope you can regain the confidence of your viewers. This show is such a wonderfully fun concept, one that has not been fully realized yet......get it together for the sake of all of us who really want to keep watching. In fairness to 3 of the judges, I believe they were correct in choosing our 2 final chefs to continue solely on the way they answered the Hawaii challenge.We may not like it, but I really believe this was a fair and correct judgement. (the way it should be). Hope :) to see season 3??????

posted on January 31, 2007 at 1:07 AM

Brenda wrote:

This will be my first time at responding to a TV show. I watch top chef because I'm very interested in food shows, having owned a restaurant, its very interesting to see how other people "cook" or present their food. I love the food network. etc.
As I watched the 1st show from hawaii and heard the top judge say that Sam did not "cook" his food and that this was a cooking show, I really had to do a double look and say HUH!!!. I thought this was called "TOP CHEF". Is he saying people who make sushii are not qualified to be called a top chef? Very very disappointed.
There are too many other shows that I can watch....food network....that has a true reality setting.

posted on January 31, 2007 at 6:45 AM

Cheri wrote:

I was so disappointed to see Sam eliminated. He was truly the best all-around chef throughout the competition. Ilan made everything Spanish and continued through the last episode. Marcel with his chemistry experiments just doesn't come off as a person capable of managing a kitchen and its staff. In fact, both Ilan and Marcel win the arrogance title. Sam was steady and non showy all the way through. It's too bad he was eliminated because he didn't "cook" anything. Marinating is cooking too, Judge Culiccio.

posted on January 31, 2007 at 8:57 AM

terry lee wrote:

You are going to have to get Katie Joel back and get rid of Padma if you are going to save the show. Take a lesson from Project Runway-Katie is the PERFECT Heidi Klum for the chef's world., Padma doesn't have the class or elegance or decorum that Katie does and she shows up in some very inappropriate clothing. Also-you can't show skin on a cooking show-it can gross people out-that scar on padma arma is horrible-also padma uses inappropriate language and shows alot of favoritism. Tom and Gail are prefect and so was Katie-it is Top Chef not Top Diner cook-you have to maintain a certain level of class and elegance or else change the name of the show or take over the next food network star show. No matter what youdo you have to get rid of Padma-her press outside the show wasn't good either. She's not likeable-sexy, yes,and not credible as a chef or foodie-her famous husband is too controversial also-bring on Billy Joel-he doesn't create a problem either. (if we're picking famous husbands that is-Katie stands on her own merits and personal style and presence without Billy. I don't think you need to be told again about the casting-Marcel was the only legitimate, interesting really qualified chef there (even his current job is proof of that). Elia -room service, ilan-line cook, sam-unemployed-how did they even get on the show? Please fix your show

posted on January 31, 2007 at 9:26 AM

ILICIA wrote:

I have no desire to watch Top Chef tonight. I can not believe that they booted Sam who is by far a better chef than both Marcel and Ilian.
It is a disgrace that the judges made that decision, and that Marcel was allowed on the show to begon with. He reminds me of a weasel who has slithered and smeaked his way into a show. I wouldnt call him a vilan, I just call him a weasel. I am very disappointed and can tell you that as a faithful viewer, the show should probably quit after this season, as they have lost sight of what they should be doing. ALso, I understand why they asked Cliff to leave but the finale should have been Cliff and Sam as they are the best chefs on the show.

posted on January 31, 2007 at 11:15 AM

Kelly wrote:

I've been wondering what the contestants win at each challenge? At first, there were gifts handed out to the winner, but I haven't seen anything for a while. And I agree with an earlier comment, if the decision for the FINALS is based only on one challenge and not the contestants overall performance, then why not skip straight to the end?

I like Marcel, and Sam got on my nerves the last couple of challenges, but it's not about personalities. I think Marcel and Sam would have been the best match up. Ilan doesn't seem to be in the same calibar with the rest of them......and he's got the maturity level of my 5 year old.

posted on January 31, 2007 at 1:50 PM

Kelly wrote:

I've been wondering what the contestants win at each challenge? At first, there were gifts handed out to the winner, but I haven't seen anything for a while. And I agree with an earlier comment, if the decision for the FINALS is based only on one challenge and not the contestants overall performance, then why not skip straight to the end?

I like Marcel, and Sam got on my nerves the last couple of challenges, but it's not about personalities. I think Marcel and Sam would have been the best match up. Ilan doesn't seem to be in the same calibar with the rest of them......and he's got the maturity level of my 5 year old.

posted on January 31, 2007 at 2:56 PM

Gena Humphreys wrote:

I hope the producers will consider how viewers will react to the negative drama against Marcel. You all should have edited the scenes with more caution. Basically, he is a target now. This was my first season to watch. While, I really enjoyed the quick fire challenges and such... the drama left a bad taste in my mouth. If I wanted to focus on that type of show, I would have selected a different type of program. Thank You.

posted on January 31, 2007 at 3:05 PM

Zuela wrote:

I think (I hope) this will be my last post on these blogs.

TWO QUESTIONS HAVE BEED POSED SEVERAL TIMES ON THESE BLOGS REGARDING TOP CHEF, AND NO ONE INVOLVED WITH TOP CHEF JUDGING OR PRODUCTION HAVE ANSWERED THEM, OR EVEN ACKNOWLEGED THEY'VE BEEN ASKED.

They are:

1) Why was the head shaving incident edited together NOT in the actual sequence of events? (It has been established that first we see Elia and Ilan shave their heads, then later when Cliff is trying to subdue Marcel, we see Elia in the background with a full head of hair.

2) If Cliff was kicked off because the rules clearly state that no contestant may touch another person in an aggressive manor, then why wasn't Marcel kicked off for striking the cameraman AND/OR for tackling Elia on the beach?

It seems by dodging these questions - let alone not even acknowledging that they've been asked - the GENERAL consensus seen on these blogs that the whole show is rigged may have validity. So I hope SOMEBODY will acknowledge, address, and maybe even answer these questions.

posted on January 31, 2007 at 3:44 PM

Bruce from Washington, DC wrote:

Dear Shauna -
Given the many THOUSANDS of messages that have been posted on the various CHEF blogs, I am disappointed that NO ONE SEEMS WILLING TO ADDRESS THE VIEWERS' CONCERNS. I get the impression that you, the judges and Bravo have decided just to let the whole thing blow over without meaningful comment of any kind. SHAME ON YOU! Like it or not, these people are your audience . . . they seem to believe the judges and producers have let them down . . . and now they are simply ignored. Again, SHAME ON YOU!

posted on January 31, 2007 at 4:16 PM

Amy wrote:

I still feel so cheated after last week's episode that I have come to this blog many times in the last week to try to make sense of it all. The longed-for epiphany has yet to occur, and I grow more frustrated as Bravo still neglects to even acknowledge viewers' opinions.

In case anyone other than other outraged fans read this, here are some of the key issues as I see them:

The judging is ridiculously inconsistent. The viewers WANT to get on board with this show, they WANT to be able to trust in the rules and the premise and watch the talents reveal themselves. However we were deprived of this opportunity by the lack of consistent rules and a ridiculously subjective and repeatedly self-contradictory judging system. Perhaps you can save your show next season with a clearer scoring system that could continue from week to week. Maybe something like Iron Chef's system: award points in specifice categories such as taste, plating, and the execution of the specific challenge. Perhaps the viewing audience could know how the contestants total scores compared to each other, but the contestants wouldn't, just to add a bit more "drama." And submitting the dishes to the judges anonymously wouldn't hurt either. Then maybe it could really be "about the food."

At any rate, I'm not watching the finale. Not because I'm pouting, but because I truly do not care whether Marcel or Ilan wins. I have little to no respect for either of them as chefs or even as adults, so why would I contribute an hour of my life watching them?

I would really love to see someone, anyone, at Bravo, the Top Chef judges or the production team address the repeated concerns and frustrations that viewers are posting here. Thousands of people have written on these blogs and Bravo's end has been completely silent. Are we typing into a void, or do you care at all whether or not you're reaching your audience?

posted on January 31, 2007 at 4:48 PM

LINDA wrote:

Hey Steve,
Lets get it right ok? I believe the rules were if you touch someone in an agressive/harmful manner. Two people playing and laughing in the ocean is "no harm no foul". Like it or not, Cliffs actions were criminal.

posted on January 31, 2007 at 6:58 PM

Jodi wrote:

What a disappointment. Last year Tiffany was kept around because she was contreversial. When the judging came around, they clearly stated that a part of being a Top Chef was being a good leader and having the ability to take many personalities and making them work together. Is this Marcel???? I think that this season has proved that while he may be a gook cook, he is not a leader, therefore, not a Top Chef. So why is he in the finals? I will not be watching the finale or any season from here on out. I have no use for a show that it is only in it for the ratings and shock value, not to actually prove who the Top Chef is. Sad, this could easily have been a show that I would have raced home to see.

By the way.......Sam, when you have your own place....let us know. I would love to dine there!

posted on January 31, 2007 at 8:54 PM

Don Matteo wrote:

Go Marcel! He has gotten a bum rap since day 1.

posted on January 31, 2007 at 9:32 PM

Michelle wrote:

In my view Betty is very rude. She is nice to some people but extremely crazy in the way she acted towards Marcel - screaming like she did - I mean that was like a Prozac moment. A crazy wolf who tries to where sheeps clothing but you can see right through her. Marcel is straight forward and troubled others it seems because he was indeed a better chef.

posted on January 31, 2007 at 10:57 PM

Monica wrote:

Based on the judges comments, Marcel should have won. Shamefully, they let the immature and unprofessional actions of the other contestants cheat him out of the win. Marcel was really the only one who showed Top Chef material consistently throughout with his food and his demeaner. (Anyone, who's taken a few psych classes would understand the groupthink, in this case, thug mentality, that contributed to the ongoing harassment directed at Marcel.)

It will be quite a while before I tune in to Bravo again.

posted on February 1, 2007 at 12:28 AM

Stefanie wrote:

It saddens me that Ilan won. He, in my opinion, was one of the least talented chefs on the show. While Marcel displayed some culinary genious, Ilan showed he was the weakest link on many elmination rounds. His work should have been judged cumulatively (as well as Sam's work). I think the job of the chef's in deciding that Ilan was top chef was poor, in fact eliminating Sam instead of Ilan was a terrible lapse in judgement. Marcel is talented and the only reason why the other contestants, from what I've seen on the show, hate Marcel is pure, unadulturated envy or simply being guillble to other contestant's opinions. All in all, I'm disappointed with this season of Top Chef because I feel that this competition was more of a popularity contest than a contest based on culinary skill. Truth be told, I believe Sam should have been top chef. Marcel's shouldn't have come in second to "Ilan." Disappointing.

posted on February 1, 2007 at 12:57 AM

Jean Ortuso wrote:

THANK GOD THIS HORRIBLE SEASON IS OVER!!!!!! I really could have cared less who one - the whole cast was a nightmare. Ilan ripped into Harold in a commercial later - calling him "boring". He is not good enough to shine Harold's shoes. Ilan is what the nuns in school used to call a "Casper Milquetoast" always trying to get others to fight his battles for him (Elia in the finale). The title better for him is "Top Snake". Please get some chefs with class for next seasons show - and ones that look like they wash their hair and bathe.

posted on February 1, 2007 at 5:24 AM

Oliver wrote:

Terrible season, I won't be back for 3.

posted on February 1, 2007 at 8:23 AM

Bob wrote:

I missed the " everyone gets together and watches the show " episode that you guys ran last season. It would have been nice for the viewers to see, how Betty, and Cliff and Sam and Elia, and Ilan and Marcel reacted to what we got to see of their "Madcap Adventures". Bust still, my favorite show on the tube. Luck and Stuff!

posted on February 1, 2007 at 9:00 AM

CP wrote:

Bravo and the producers disgust me. You have edited this show to profit at Marcel's expense. Thank goodness I was not one of the 'viewers" of your finale.This show has turned me off to all Bravo shows. I will only watch Project Runway when it is re-aired on the non-cable channels (after taping and fastforwarding through any ads) and possibly not even then.

A parting word of advice - you might want to change the title of your show. Ilan a top chef? No way - even Tom said it was Top Cook. Good Bye.

posted on February 1, 2007 at 11:24 AM

Nick wrote:

Was Tom aware that Ilan worked for him as a line cook in one his his restaurants before the season wrapped up? Otherwise, it raises conflict of interest issues.

posted on February 1, 2007 at 11:59 AM

Sarkika wrote:

Two ideas for next season?

1: Have a "Make a Salad" quick fire challenge. Salad is amazing when you step out past lettuce and tomatoes.

2: At the judging table, have a "clock" running underneath to show how long it takes to get to a decision, so that the rulings don't seem flippant.

Thank you for all your hard work!

posted on February 1, 2007 at 12:46 PM

Serenity wrote:

I completely agree with the above comment about Betty.To me seeing her beable to be in the last competition down right sucked.She has a big mouth and a overbearing personality. That big mouth smile is just a front and it's only used when she gets her way.In the group competition's she acted like her opinion was the only way to go and didn't even give the other contestant's the consideration to listen.That's why they lost the thanksgiving challenge and she have gone home then.They asked for cutting edge and after they lost she said she did comfort food,(a cop out)so that right there meant maybe she should have shut up and at least find out what other people had to offer.For someone who said that Marcel was full of hisself,I couldn't see anybody on the show more full of their self then her.I was glad when she went home and sorry to see her be invited back.

posted on February 1, 2007 at 2:20 PM

nan546 wrote:

I hope you don't have Elan on season 3 in any capacity. He is a very disrespectful human being. He started out by putting down Harold after he has berated Marcel the whole season.

posted on February 1, 2007 at 2:20 PM

Lulu wrote:

Why no 'reunion' show this season?

posted on February 1, 2007 at 5:09 PM

Donni wrote:

It seems I am not alone in wishing this show was more about food. In every episode, my friends and I had to check this website to be able to remember what exactly was cooked, and there was little help when there were quickfire challenges. On the show, the food and preparation was glossed over in favor of the "juicier" storylines of personality conflicts.

I understand the desire of the producers to have storylines. The problem is that the storylines that many of us viewers would prefer have more to do with food. If we wanted to see people behaving badly, well, there are many other shows that specialize in that. One of the reasons we liked Harold last season was that he behaved well; he was a responsible adult who prepared some excellent dishes. That should tell you something about what we viewers want.

Do we enjoy getting to know the chefs? Sure. And if they are colorful or controversial, fine. But that is NOT why many of us are interested in this show. We are interested in the food they prepare, why they chose to fix what they did, how they did it. I would like to understand different theories of cooking more than I want to see adults regressing into infantilism. How do they decide what dishes they want to put together when deciding a meal? Why does one serve a series of teeny tiny pretty plates and another prefers more filling dishes? Food design, aroma, tast, beverage pairings...lots of areas of interest. A superquick view of food as it's served is inadequate. The descriptions of taste lacking. Perhaps the producers find the food part of the show boring. Many of us find it fascinating. That's why we are watching the show in the first place.

I'm in full agreement with the poster above who would like the judging to be blind-- the food speaking for itself and the judges not knowing who made what. I would like the producers to stay out of the decision on who stays and who goes.

I resent the editing of the show to thoroughly depict hostility among the competitors. This appeals only to the lowest common denominator-- and I don't think that is the audience that most enjoys the concept of this show. You do not need a villain. People are perfectly capable of choosing their own favorites among worthy candidates. It seems possible that the intense depiction of Marcel as an arrogant nit who can be picked on unmercifully could be the reason that he was attacked in Vegas. I don't know how much time was spent encouraging the contestants to diss Marcel; it would have been better to encourage them to talk about food.

A certain amount of drama is inherent in a competition, especially one that involves the contestants living together. I would suggest that you relegate that to background and focus on the food.

Too many people were disgusted by the direction taken by the producers/editors this season. If you would like to salvage a good concept, you might want to pay attention. Bravo may not need a lot of viewers to validate a show, but I suspect they would prefer more rather than less.

posted on February 1, 2007 at 5:23 PM

Molly wrote:

WAY TO GO!!!!!!! THANKS TO YOUR FINAL EPISODE OF TOP CHEF, I NOT ONLY WILL AVOID ANY FUTURE TOP CHEF'S BUT BRAVO TV AS WELL.
YOU SO CALLED TOP CHEF, SHOWED THE AGE OF A CHILD, DURING MOST OF THE SEASON. SHAVING HIS HEAD, CONSTANTLY BASHING MARCEL, WHAT A PROFESSIONAL.....WOW.
YOU HAVE LOST MANY VIEWERS. BUT NOT TO FEAR ILAN GOT THAT TITLE RIGHT.
THIS SHOW MAKES ME SICK.
ADIOS TO TOP CHEF AND BRAVO T.V.

posted on February 1, 2007 at 5:40 PM

DCS wrote:

I was a big fan of the show until the sense and sensuality episode, but the Hawaii episode put the nails in the coffin. Cliff was the only one held responsible for what was obviously a group effort. In the Hawaii episode, Tom said he didn't care about behavior in the kitchen, the food was all that mattered. However, the week before he was questioning Sam and asking about whether or not he "behaves that way in the kitchen." A consistent set of rules applied fairly is absolutely essential to making the show watchable. While Elan was praised for bringing in other flavors from other cultures, Ilia was criticized for it. If you haven't lost all your viewers, here are some suggestions for a new title: Top White Male Chef or Tom's New Boy or how about Tom Rules the kitchen.

posted on February 1, 2007 at 6:46 PM

Oliver wrote:

HOLY cheaters! I just looked at the menu from Casa Mono’s. Nice to see a third of Ilan's dishes on that menu. A menu "HE" worked from, not created!

By Bravo, no point in watching a season of a show to have it end unfair.

Boo.

posted on February 1, 2007 at 7:00 PM

Ivis wrote:

I have been a faithful viewer since the beginning but I may have dough’s about watching season 3 because on the judges voting on Ilan to win. This is a completion in the end and I think Marcel by far should have been the Top chef winner. I think that he is the most creative the most passionate and the most intellectual of the bunch. I think the reason why Marcel had a hard time getting along with the others is because none of the other players where at the level of thinking that Marcel is. I think the judges voted safety over superiority. I am really disappointed with this show. I was really hopping that this program would show-case talent but it seems that we are voting for Miss Congeniality. Thank you~

posted on February 1, 2007 at 9:53 PM

LISN wrote:

Hey Shauna,

Wake up! Nap time is over. Crawl out from your blankie and get tapping on the computer to comment on the finale. See it through to the bitter end (& I do mean bitter)...

posted on February 1, 2007 at 10:02 PM

Alexa wrote:

Top Chef can thank its lucky stars that Marcel wasn't seriously hurt or worse when Cliff attacked him. Ilan, Elia and Sam should have been sent home with him too, as no one came to Marcel's aid. They all could have ended up in jail.
I thought it was also nice when Ilan threatened Marcel with his knives.

posted on February 2, 2007 at 1:06 AM

Alexa wrote:

Top Chef should be grateful that Marcel wasn't seriously hurt or worse when Cliff attacked him. Ilan, Elia and Sam should have been sent home with him too, as no one came to Marcel's aid. They all could have ended up in jail.
I thought it was also nice when Ilan threatened Marcel with his knives.

posted on February 2, 2007 at 1:18 AM

Patty H. wrote:

I believe our concerns are falling on deaf ears, we are being allowed this forum merely to vent, the only way we will ever know if any of the powers that be care about what we say will be if things change in season 3? Amen, to the blogger about not including Ilan next year in any capacity.

posted on February 2, 2007 at 7:28 AM

kathy wrote:

I really missed the reunion show this season on TC2. Was that because, with all the animosity & frat boy hijinks, it would've degenerated into the WWE? Next season let's get back to cuisine and not conflicts.

posted on February 2, 2007 at 9:00 AM

Dero wrote:

BOO. you blew it. done with Bravo.....

posted on February 2, 2007 at 10:49 AM

Mark wrote:

So, there's no new blog about the finale yet, and absolutely no explanation for the alteration of the head-shaving activities. But you know, I really don't care.

Personally, I don't bear you any ill will, and I sincerely hope that things go well for you in the future. But as much as I might like you as person, it's metaphorically time for me to tell you, "Please pack your knives and go." You did your best, but I don't want to watch your show anymore.

Let me tell you how I feel after being a devoted viewer and watching every episode week after week until the bitter end. I feel like crap. I feel like I wasted my time. After all the drama and shenanigans and fake-outs and suspense, it comes to this. I don't intend to tune in next season. I suppose it's possible that I might watch recordings a couple of years from now IF I hear enough good things about it. But I'll be skipping through your sponsor's ads, and I'll take the "marathon" approach so I can get it over with instead of drawing out the drama week after week. You lost me as a regular viewer (the kind I thought you wanted to attract). I don't know what you were trying to accomplish, but that is the result.

I'm sorry it came to this. I was rootin' for you as well as the chefs the whole time. Take care.

posted on February 2, 2007 at 1:55 PM

Corey wrote:

I completely agree with the previous comment from Ivis: This is a completion in the end. And Ilan is definitely Miss Congeniality. Couldn't have said it better myself.

posted on February 2, 2007 at 3:25 PM

shelly ss wrote:

You are a producer? Then you should be hanging your head in SHAME! Not only did Season 2 suck but you guys insulted many of us by catering to the Jerry Springer crowd. Can't you just leave the trash to Real Housewives show? I'm surprised Gail and Tom can even stand to deal with you folks. Ilan is a complete joke as Top Chef and if you need to be reading these blog comments on the other blogs and get a real sense of how disgusted many Season 1 fans are! What a waste! I only hope SOMEONE has better sense with choosing the competitors in Season 3 (if there is one).

posted on February 2, 2007 at 10:03 PM

lori wrote:

I can't believe that you allowed Ilan to take the title of Top Chef. In the episode where Tom is giving Cliff the rules he clearly states that you are not allowed to threaten a fellow contestant. What do you think most of the contestants did? Was I watching the same show or what? Betty, Frank, Illan, Sam and Cliff all threatened Marcel several times. Illan especially. Each epsidoe he slammed Marcel. The attack on Marcel was instigated by Ilan. The finale pt 1. he tells Marcel that he is going to make him cry, Marcel responds with "it will take more that Paprika to make me cry" Ilan, "I have more than paprika in my KNIFE bag." Is that not a threat? Tom said "we are not judging your behavior in the kitchen", yet they take the four people who conspired to eliminate Marcel not to mention, threaten Marcel, opinions on how Marcel is in the kitchen. It's hipocracy. Ilan should have been eliminated along with Cliff. Tom even said so in his blog yet he rewards Ilan with the title. What kind of a message are you sending. Most of the people who blog this are young kids and you are clearly sending the wrong message to them. It is ok to lie, cheat, backstab, assault and threaten your opponent as long as you win. What started out as a great concept turned out to be a great disappointment. You had the opportunity to create an excellant show. Giving a young up and coming chef the means to open up a resturant or further his career was an awsome thing to do. Then you ruined it by allowing all this childish, disturbing behavior and then rewarding it. It totally caused you to loose your integrity. This was not a cooking competition but an experiment in Psychology. I am sure professors will be using this show as an example of disfunctional group dynamics. Where did you get these contestants, a psych ward? Any way the only way that you could possibly redeem yourselves would be to go on national TV and proclaim that Ilan was disqualified due to he clearly broke the contract, and declare Marcel the true winner. He was the only one who showed true sportmanship, worked as a team player, was creative and innovative etc. It would bring back the show's and your own integrity. I bet great chefs everywhere are truly embarassed by the out come of this show. Do the right thing. Marcel was the true Top Chef.

posted on February 3, 2007 at 9:48 AM

Anne wrote:

And so, adios to season two, and it is a bittersweet thing in my opinion. I truly enjoyed season one and can watch it over and over again. Not so with season two. I was a devoted viewer from the first episode until the 12th. I really enjoyed watching creative people doing creative things. I got to liking some of the contestants and rooting for them. I was looking forward to Marcel beating the pants off of Ilan and seeing the finale in beautiful Hawaii. Then it was spilled all over the internet ahead of time that Ilan had won the challenge, and that was a genuine disappointment, from the fact that there was no point in watching the finale after all this time, as well as the choice of the winner. Somehow I find it hard to see a man who operates the camera, and filming the incident while another man is being attacked as a top anything except a top jerk. I find it totally un-chief like to say to your competitors that they should lie about someone else's responsibility in order to have them eliminated, (Ilan to Elia). I also found it really irritating to know that "ugly Betty" was brought back for the finale. If ever there was one obnoxious individual it was that one.
I am currently watching Top Design and so far so good for the first episode except that I see already a coflict coming on with Michael and John. Let's not see this turn into another Marcel/Ilan thing. I will stop watching if it does.
Here's to hoping that TC3 is more mature than TC2 was, or I guarantee that Bravo has lost yet one more viewer.

posted on February 3, 2007 at 6:35 PM

DB wrote:

Ilan has been bragging about his winning to everyone before the finale! Way to go! That's professional...not!

Why not bring back Carlos and/or Josie? Why bring the chef that strongly dislike, Marcel? This show is disgusting, this is "Top Chef" not "Top Jerk".

I won't be back for season 3 and other Bravo's shows. I'm done with Bravo entirely.

posted on February 3, 2007 at 6:36 PM

Laura wrote:

So producers make decisons on who stays and who goes based on food and personality. I guess then you just wanted to see Marcel work but because he is a vilian then he had to lose right? His food was the best obviously according to the chef's, but he lost that makes more sense now that we know another opinion is involved.

That would explain why tiffany stayed for so long when she was lying. It is not about the real world it is about the production of a show. It is not about the food it is about the drama. I would like it to be more about the food, the design, the garment on whatever show you are doing that is what makes these shows a sucess.

posted on February 4, 2007 at 12:37 AM

pvtbear wrote:

Shauna, Thought TC2 casting went a little young. Maturity level showed with most of these kids (no excuses for Betty or Frank or Otto). Also, thank-you for NOT doing a reunion show before the finale. Last year's was just skin-crawlingly awful with Tiffany falling to peices and the psycho without the shoes.
And for those so upset about Sam being eliminated, hey, I felt the same way when Lee Anne got booted on TC1. The good thing is that real life ignores reality-TV. Look how well the good guys from TC1 are doing now!

posted on February 4, 2007 at 1:29 AM

Sarah wrote:

Dear Shauna:

Well, it's the end of Top Chef 2. Overall, I think the conduct of most of the contestants this season was deplorable, and I hope Season 3 will have a better bunch. It would be nice to see more contestants in their 40s and 50s. They've been out in the real world for quite some time and, out of necessity, have learned to deal with difficult people in a calm and professional manner. Also, people in their 20s aren't the only ones to have hopes and dreams; in fact, it is people in their middle years who often have had to put their dreams aside in order to fullfill their adult responsibilities. Unlike 20-somethings, they cannot move back in with Mom and Dad if things don't work out; alot of times, they are the ones taking care of their aging parents as well as their own families. To win the title of Top Chef and the $100,000 prize would be life-changing for someone in his or her 40s or 50s. Older people deserve the chance to make their dreams happen just as much as younger people do. I hope you and the other producers will consider this when selecting Season 3's contestants.

posted on February 4, 2007 at 9:14 PM

Lynda I wrote:

Did Shauna get 86'd?

Why is there no explanation to a lack of FINAL comment here?
Or have the producers decided to circle their wagons and think what to do next??

posted on February 6, 2007 at 10:12 AM

Matt wrote:

No hate-mail from me over the judges' selection - even though Tom wanted Ilan kicked off for assaulting Marcel. My real beef is how the producers manipulated the clipper-gate footage to look as if Ilan and Elia shaved their heads before attacking Marcel, when it was actually the opposite. At the time, many speculated that it was designed to make Elia less appalling - but it turns out it was Ilan you were protecting (or Bravo for that matter).

posted on February 6, 2007 at 10:54 AM

maxine kressel-taub wrote:

i currently own a restaurant in long island, n.y. and the gang behavior displayed in the kitchen would never be tolerated. in a do nothing arel fairness to marcel, i believe the producers should take responsiblity for allowing this behavior to escalate to the proportions that it did. you should allow him to compete in top chef 3 to make ammends. people who watch cruelty and do nothing are just as guilty as the perpertrators. maxine

posted on February 6, 2007 at 9:10 PM

Lena wrote:

I, for one, did not watch the final episode. I have been rooting for Marcel since day one, but I was irritated that Ilan was even in the finals. I knew it was because of the feud between the two. Top chef is TOP Chef, someone who can be versatile in their cooking. Almost every dish Ilan made was a saffron dish. Hello? That is what he does in his everyday job, cooking with Saffron. Where is the talent in that? And let's not even mention his back stabbing. He was constantly egging on other contestants to go against Marcel. Why? Because he knew Marcel was better than he was and he would do anything to try and get him kicked off. I bet when Ilan gets his own restaurant, it will be named Saffron galore. Give me a break.
Marcel and Sam, you two were way more talented tham Ilan.

posted on February 7, 2007 at 6:52 PM

Lynda I wrote:

OK - I get it...
Shauna has been auf'd.
So, can her stand-in take over the reigns and give closure on the FINALE/ Pt.2 episode? Is anybody there?????

posted on February 10, 2007 at 3:59 PM

winnie wrote:

I agree that this year's episode just doesn't rise to level of last year's. Betty's coarse, unwarranted viciousness towards Marcel poisoned everybody else's attitude against him, even Elia, who turned traitor during the Hawaii episode.
The show was diminished by its focus on the characterless characters, often outshining even the best culinary results. At the end my friends and I were rooting for Marcel, who never lost his dignity and sense of professionalism. Go for it, Marcel! We wish you every success. Shame on all those who backstabbed you, and more shame on the producers, who turned the show into a soap opera.

posted on February 12, 2007 at 2:25 AM

mb wrote:

WOW....

I understand now why there is no reunion show - it would be embarrassing to the PRODUCERS.

SPEAKING OF PRODUCERS::::: Why don't they acknowledge all of these blog postings?? I don't get it - don't you want to earn back your audience?

I really liked this show last year - this year was an insult to your audience.

Funny how all of the interviews with the chefs throughout the season were bashing Marcel - and the entire audience ended up ROOTING FOR MARCEL.

Perhaps the BULLIES didn't win after all.

posted on February 12, 2007 at 10:47 AM

LMU wrote:

I so enjoyed the first season of Top Chef and anxiously waited for another fascinating season. To my disappointment, I didn't even care who won the second season competition! I feel that the viewer was not able to get to know the contestants as well and that the show was contrived for ratings alone. Shame on you!

posted on February 13, 2007 at 5:24 PM

LK wrote:

Well, its telling that after all these days there is no Finale blog entry from The Producer.

What we have seen is the result of over production, constant tampering with the field to produce "drama". And it backfired. I can only imagine the hours that went into picking "just the right" contestants, trying to produce the friction and fighting that makes for "exciting television" Blah.

Now careful selection has been going on forever, but in this case the producers exceeded their skill set. Further they apparently created such a fluid set of rules and guidelines that no episode, no judges decision could go unquestioned by the viewer. There were really no standards when it comes to the final decision. Just the disclaimer at the end that says decisions are made after consulation with the producers says it all.

The casual viewer doesen't understand that for the less real shows (like this one) an outcome must be somehow guaranteed, an outcome that produces an end product that can be further marketed. A new title "Top Chef" is created and to be passed out, supported by the network/channel/owner of the show, whatever the case may be. The holder of that title has to be marketable to some degree, has to show the future viewer that "our show is real and worth watching" If that new title holder is not marketable, then its hard to keep the buzzzzz going for a new season.

But the drive for final drama sure got in the way this time. Marcel and Ilan were two of the least liked people in the show, yet the producers clearly wanted the whiny back stabbing pair to face off.

Sam had his personality problems, but a Sam / Marcel or Sam/Ilan final would have produced little fireworks - just food. So even though the guest judge says "Sam's were the best" he is ignored.

So, next season, already looking for gerbals to put in the wheel, let's try not to overthink things too much: choose the best possible entrants, set some objective judging standards, and let the toast fall how it may. If its butter side down, oh well.

And quit crying about hate mail and all that. YOU started the show. YOU started the blog. YOU went looking for interaction. So grow up or get out the business.

posted on February 13, 2007 at 8:32 PM

Angela wrote:

Instead of harping on what a disappointing season this was, I'd like to ask you to consider the chef's integrity as a component in judging challenges in Season 3. Maybe the chefs will show their best - vs. their worst - side in order to win $100,000. Let's make the season REALLY about the food, and feel good that the winner is well deserved (as I did with Harold in Season 1).

posted on February 14, 2007 at 1:53 PM

Liza Romano wrote:

It's been over for awhile but hindsignt comments have value also. I had never seen the show before and was drawn into weekly watching...until the very last show. By that time all the backstapping had ceased to provide entertainment and like the host of a complaining house guest, I grew weary of the infighting. I had my favorite, Sam, but his setting up complaints from others and then failing to support them had become noticeable. When the last show came on, I was curious enough to log on several days afterward to see who won, but not interested enough to watch....ever again.

Of course the show is not all about food. It is also all about tyring to get the auidence to identify with a favorite and to keep enough suspense and angst to keep it interesting. It is all about getting and then keeping viewers. You fell off the tightrope there.

Now if I were to ever run across the program again, that is exactly what I would do - RUN!

posted on February 20, 2007 at 10:44 PM

Sharie wrote:

Shauna:
I was facinated in Season 1 and I even got a little upset that the chefs were fussing at each other so much but they did manage to act professionally. Season 2 however was a different story. What could you people be thinking? Did you not know that Season 1 was a hit? Was it REALLY necessary to encourage all of that babyish, bullying, low-class, unprofessional behaviour? I realize that most of the "chef's" were just kids barely out of their teens but really...a little intervention would have been nice. I actually liked Elan at first - I thought he was the most tallented chef with Marcel and Elia close behind. But his personality - does he REALLY think he WON? Does he really think that all of that behaviour will NOT come back to haunt him? I'm surprised he still has a job after his performance. - if indeed he still does. Everyone kept sayng how annoying Marcel was but all we saw was how accomodating and sweet he was. What was up with that?
Please do a better job next season. We don't need "manufactured" sturm und drang to be entertained.
Thank you.
Sharie

posted on March 19, 2007 at 5:27 PM

Monique wrote:

Can someone PLEASE be brave enough to demonstrate to Top Chef Tom Colicchio how to PROPERLY hold a fork and knife while cutting and then taking the food to his mouth??

It is disturbing to see such an accomplished Chef handle utensils in such a gauche manner, as Tom does while cutting his food (it looks like he's playing the cello) - on National TV, no less.

This lack of etiquette should be addressed immediately, as it sticks out like a sore thumb on the show.

posted on June 29, 2007 at 12:57 AM

charlie johnson wrote:

so im not sure where to post this but when can you send in audition tapes for season 4 of top chef , im sure their will be one , the show is so popular

posted on July 30, 2007 at 1:38 PM

me wrote:

TC3 Finale last night SUCKED both in conceptualization and execution. Please pack your show and go off the air.

posted on October 5, 2007 at 7:07 PM