Rob wrote:

I find it a tragedy that the show has consistantly overlooked and eliminated the better chefs during this season and last just so that the final contestants would be "better TV."
The viewer polls have consistantly shown that in this season Marcelle should have been eliminated, and the only conclusions that can be made are that Marcelle and Ilan's animosity toward each other would provide better ratings for the finale.
I feel cheated once again, and will no longer be watching your program. I continue to see this in other reality shows, but I really did not expect it on Bravo.

posted on January 24, 2007 at 11:14 PM

Mike Monzo wrote:

After watching the part 1 of the finals I am stunned...You let the best 3 chefs leave all in a row for no reason at all...To let Cliff go for that reason last week was ridiculous after seeing the physical violence that Marcel imposed on the camera man. If Cliff went...Than so should Marcel...I cant believe how this played out and I will watch next weeks episode, But next year...you can keep your show...I will just have to enjoy Hells Kitchen...At least ya had me for two years.

posted on January 24, 2007 at 11:18 PM

John wrote:

I recently read this article on the web. Is this true and I Marcel alright. I hate to here some crazy person would do something so cruel and insane. This kid has given you guys all the drama in this years Top Chef. I hope you take care of him.

Please comment about his condition. The article is below--

Reality television contestant isn't a very dangerous job -- unless of course your televised antics don't sit too well with viewers.

Just ask Marcel Vigneron, a contestant on the second season of Bravo's Top Chef, who was left with an inch-long scar over his left eye after a recent encounter with a "fan" of the culinary competition.

"This girl came up to me at a nightclub and asked me if I was Marcel from Top Chef," the 26-year-old cook told the Las Vegas Weekly in a story published in last Thursday's edition of the alternative newspaper. "The next thing I knew, this bottle struck me, and my friends had to rush me to the hospital. I needed 30 stitches."

The unknown assailant was apparently upset with Vigneron's Top Chef 2 behavior, which many of the show's other contestants have described as "selfish" and "arrogant." Vigneron denies both characterizations.

"I don't think I am [arrogant]. I believe in my food, and my abilities, and seriously, if you don't have that belief, how far are you going to make it in the competition? But I never went out of my way to slam anybody else, which I think would be an arrogant thing to do," Vigneron told Las Vegas Weekly. "[I] offered help to the other chefs whenever I could, so I find that [selfish] accusation puzzling."

Days following Vigneron's real-life assault, the Top Chef 2 contestant was involved in an on-air altercation. Last Wednesday's episode of the pre-taped Bravo culinary competition featured 28-year-old fellow contestant Cliff Crooks being disqualified for wrestling Vigneron to the ground and attempting to shave his head. "It kills me that these are the guys that question my maturity," Vigneron told Las Vegas Weekly. "I mean, pinning me down to shave me head, that's what drunken frat boys do, not a top chef."

Vigneron is one of four finalists still remaining in the running to be crowned Top Chef's second season winner. Bravo will air the first part of Top Chef 2's two-part finale on Wednesday, January 24 at 10PM ET/PT. The second part will air the following week on Wednesday, January 31 at 10PM ET/PT.

posted on January 25, 2007 at 1:02 AM

steve and kim wrote:

We both watched your season one and reallyenjoyed the show except for a few mind boggling events ie the judges comments never match the comments made win choosing elimanations. We both thought harold did deserve top chef but alos felt dave got the shaft because he only had 2 dishes... where clearly everyone who ate his food that night clearly said it was the best and didnt mind missing a dish... Now season 2 has totally especially after episode 12 has turned our heads from watching this show in the future ... ie cliff was elimanated for touching another contestant yet marcel clealy thru a punch at someone holding a camara but was not made to leave.. cheating and sabatoging has been a none issue and would not be tolerated in thge real world,,, and raw chicken would close a restaurant despite good veggies wouls certainly not make us return.. Tom do you let people in your restaurant serve raw food and still keep there job afterwards? It is this way for us if you dont fix this mistake and put the real desrving chefs in the final we wont watch season 3 this is the end of the line for us... We think yuo need a special edition saying you has juidges had a bad night and need to rectify an error because there is no way Marcel or ilan is better the Sam/ellia and Sam should be the real top chef.. so if rattings is what you want you got that for seson 2 job well done but season three you wont have ratings because you lost most of your viewers.. good job.

posted on January 25, 2007 at 1:22 AM

Bakers Dozen wrote:

after seeing how top chef has changed to whos not top chef and whos the best ratings giver we wont be watching season 3... its sad cause we really enjoyed top chef season 1

posted on January 25, 2007 at 1:36 AM

Stupid is as stupid does wrote:

Marcel advances!!! What a sham that is ..complete joke you have just proved cheaters... liars ..... sabatoging and Ratings are more important,, then truth ... honor .. integrity and the best chef... Tom would you actually allow a chef continued employment after serving Raw/undercooked chicken..Betty clearly cheated was allowed to continue.. cliff touched another and was asked to leave .. yet Marcel thru a punch at someone holding a camara and wasnt made to leave .. wel thks for nothing because we wont tune in for season 3

posted on January 25, 2007 at 1:43 AM

Marissa wrote:

You can have your Ilan/Marcel drama. This show is all about the ratings now apparently. I'm done with it.

posted on January 25, 2007 at 2:09 AM

Mary wrote:

Tonight's episode really encapsulated my frustrations with this show in general, and I will not be watching the final episode. I enjoyed TC season 1 and have been an avid fan since its inception. The first episode blew me away. TC was different, interesting and invited me to visually "taste" new palatte profiles. This season, however, was a disaster and you have consistently chosen to highlight the character conflicts and the drama over what should be the star of your show: the food. I understand that in TV land, big personalities and interpersonal conflict are what piques viewer interest. That said, this season's pettiness, extreme unprofessionalism and childish behavior on the part of the contestants has taken away from the quality and integrity of the program. The interpersonal relationships (which consisted of mainly an foaming mob ganging up to create conflict) did not build characters. It certainly did not make the contestants more intersting and dynamic. (In fact, it did the opposite. I really can't stand or respect any of them due to their behavior. After season 1, I expected new challenges and more brilliant young chefs willing to explore the cutting edge of culinary arts. Instead, I get lousy food, served with a side of bitterness.
I don't think I'm interested in watching what's in store next season.

posted on January 25, 2007 at 4:00 AM

Aaron wrote:

I couldn't agree more with the previous blogs. Letting Sam walk away and admitting your ignorance by naming Ilan and Marcel as superior chefs is tragic. I have no respect for this show or the judges who have erred in their decision making. I can only feel relieved knowing that the viewers named Sam the Top Chef.

posted on January 25, 2007 at 8:05 AM

Jodi wrote:

I feel like this whole season has been about trying not to lose and not about winning. I do not think any of the chef's displayed the diversity that one would expect from a top chef. Marcel is the foam king. Ilan is the saffron boy. Sam is simple and clean. Elia is Olive Oyl. Betty was comfort. Mia was BBQ. and so on. I don't recall the chefs from season 1 being so limited. I know some people might consider these people to be focused in a specialty, I consider it to be predicatble and boring. The amoount of foul language bleeped out has been crazy and Marcel took smugness to a new level that Stephen from the first season couldn't touch. I really hope you guys pick better contestants for #3.

posted on January 25, 2007 at 9:17 AM

Alice King wrote:

This is the first time I have felt driven to respond to Top Chef. I have been a faithful viewer for both seasons and up until now have felt I have been given a fair product.
However, the elimination of Sam changed all of that. Yes, it should be about the food, but on other shows in both seasons, we are reminded that it takes more to be a Top Chef than the food. Marcel will not find it easy to lead a team as long as he doesn't work or care about relationships. Sam, on the other hand, is a natural leader and teacher as shown in the episodes. Shame of Top Chef and the judges for not staying true to the theme of the show.
I can't say that I will watch the finale. I am too disappointed with the decisions that seem to be based on chaning criteria.

posted on January 25, 2007 at 10:17 AM

Spencer wrote:

I feel this production completely lacks integrity.

1. Showing balanced / complete edited footage. Clearly, Marcel is doing lots of little things to antagonize and irritate the competitors. That is his choice (either gamesmanship or inherent personality) but we see almost NONE of it in the footage aired. Why? Is it because he made the final show so to air that footage would undermine the credibility of the show?

2. Oversight. Clearly there are many instances where the contestants could have been monitored more closely, and the producers let things go. Otto's taking lychees w/o paying (against the law) and Betty's changing ingeredients in the weight camp dish (against the rules of the challenge) were all caught on tape, yet producers let things slide till later in the process.

3. Inconsistency. The imposition of sanctions for cheating / bad beavior is clearly inconsistent. The Marcel group hazing attempt certainly crosses a line - but Cliff sent packing while Ilan who was filming and verbally egging him on gets a pass? Elia and Sam were aware and participating, albeit more passively than Sam and Ilan. Are the rules made up as you go along?

4. Contestant self-policing. Well, do you want them to say something if they think there is a problem, or not? In this round Chef Tom "doesn't care what happens in the kitchen" hen Elia an Ilan belatedly speak up about Marcel interfering with their food, yet on previous shows you chatised the cooks for not speaking up.

If there are clear production guidelines about these issues, let us know - otherwise it seems to us viewers like you as a producer are surprised by these things, and reacting/following rather than out in front.

posted on January 25, 2007 at 11:23 AM

Morgaine Swann wrote:

You know, I was shocked that Sam was eliminated, too, but let's be reasonable. If an average looking person had behaved in the underhanded way Sam did this season, people would be furious. Sam got by on his good looks as much as his good food. He was a weasel in the way he encouraged others to harrass Marcel without really doing it himself. I know Marcel sometimes makes comments that might irritate, but he took all the abuse the other chefs heaped on him class. Sam screamed at him in public - I can't imagine behaving that way in public.

I'm sure Sam will have a wonderful career. He's too pretty, and now too well known, not to have people handing him opportunities left and right. Marcel, on the other hand, offers something unique. And now he's been attacked in public! This show owes Marcel a lot more than Top Chef, and I'm rooting for him to get at least that.

posted on January 25, 2007 at 1:07 PM

seaturtle66 wrote:

Shauna,
If you are truly under the weather, I hope you feel better soon. If you're hiding out, I can see why.

Before the footage was removed this morning, I saw the videos on YouTube and still shots of Elia on other websites and it is clear that the production crew altered the time line of the Marcel hair shaving assault. Why? Why not show the chefs in the light in which they acted? Elia certainly looks worse after knowing that she was making fun of Marcel after he had been attacked. So disappointing. I also read an interview Marcel did for a Las Vegas magazing and he said that Cliff was throwing chocolate bars at him after he went into the other room to be alone, why not show that as well?

I was excited to hear a viewer ask directly about the time line on Andy's new website show last night, but, was disappointed with his answer. While it was clever, it completely failed to answer the very simply question and was very transparent.

I'm sure you don't care, but, I have completely lost all respect for you and your crew. You should have shown the events as they happened and not left anything important out.
Is this editing/time line fixing the reason that there will be no reunion show? Why don't you come clean and admit what you did?

posted on January 25, 2007 at 1:41 PM

Peter S. wrote:

Auditioning for Top Chef 3, huh?

I think you should think very hard on how you would like that season to look like. If you, your crew, and "Chef" C do not heed to the comments about this season especially about "Chef" C's irresponsible comment about "behavior in the kitchen", I predict that your show will not last very long.

I think "Chef" C should apologize and explain his reprehensible comment before he continues becoming a judge.

Thank you.

posted on January 25, 2007 at 3:09 PM

DonnaC wrote:

With the 'characters' Project Runway has had and TC 1 had, I never read about any of them getting hurt in a bar by a 'fan' of the show. Yet Marcel managed to get hurt and needed 30 stitches. I think that says a lot about what TC 2 editors have chosen to air - and none of it is good.

posted on January 25, 2007 at 3:59 PM

Konrad C wrote:

Wow...what a disappointment. I'm not a big reality TV fan but Top Chef didn't seem to be 'produced' like the rest of the reality TV genre. I thought it was actually an honest show. I think everything that can be said about the results of the Hawaii semi-final has been said. I don't agree with the judges decision at all. The one chef that was consistently mediocre makes it to the finals? WTF? In any case, I will not be tuning into the final episode nor will I be watching next season. I'm hoping the sponsors are reading this because it really affects them. The program's irresponsibility reflects badly on the sponsors; case in point.

I have an upscale kitchen remodel coming up and actually considered Kenmore Pro appliances based on the show. I figured, "Hmmm, it's good enough for these great chef's to use. It's good enough for my client" However seeing the lack of integrity on the part of the judges, producers and executives at Bravo, I'm not even considering any of the major sponsors' products for anything. Maybe the integrity of Kenmore Pro products will be as bad as the show their sponsoring, I won't be the sucker to find out though. No Glad plasticware, no Fresh Direct. I can't support a product that is connected with a show that is so blatently dishonest.

in diasppointment,

Konrad

posted on January 25, 2007 at 4:10 PM

TioSuper wrote:

She cannot be more sick than us , who saw the best chef eliminated yesterday.

Marcel better Than Sam?!!!!!...Dear Lord!!! That is sick!!!!!!!

posted on January 25, 2007 at 4:15 PM

camusman wrote:

Thank you seaturtle!
My thoughts exactly.

posted on January 25, 2007 at 4:20 PM

Nancy Emerson wrote:

Shauna, I'm missing your comments! Its always nice to hear about the challenges of a job - as long as its someone else's!

Thanks for the extended look at the judging process. It was nice to hear a bit more of the comments than we usually get to hear. Although I'm a bit dismayed at the two best chefs being sent home, at least we can understand the judges reasoning, and see how difficult the decision was. I am one who does not care if I see Cliff throwing chocolate bars or not, or what the timeline of the soap opera portion of the show really was or was not. I do, however, like watching the cooking and hearing how professionals judge food. Thanks for the emphasis on that part of the show. Get well soon, and best wishes for next season.

posted on January 25, 2007 at 5:07 PM

Nancy Emerson wrote:

One more thing Shauna. If you had any part in the decision to KO the reunion show, thank you. It is so mean spirited, and last year's show was difficult to watch, with no redeeming value. I would be interested in a reunion show of a different kind. I'd like to visit all the first season chefs in their hometowns, and see what they are up to. I'd love to see Harold's restaurant, and even know what Tiffany is doing. She has obviously moved on (good for her.) It would be interesting to see how Top Chef has (or hasn't) changed their lives.

posted on January 25, 2007 at 5:43 PM

Anna wrote:

Elia has been quoted on several blogs that production has covered up Marcel's cheating using items and recipes thoughout the season that were in violation of the rules. What do you ahve to say to that?

posted on January 25, 2007 at 9:17 PM

W Brown wrote:

I find it appalling that Elia pulled the integrity card last night. Chef Tom states: "We're not here to judge your behavior, just the food". In all honesty, if Elia, Sam and Ilan were judged on their behavior last week none of them would have been allowed on the plane to Hawaii.

I guess this means no reunion show this season.

posted on January 25, 2007 at 9:55 PM

Joe wrote:

Sorry, I don't rank this season with last for bad selections, simply because there wasn't a Dave. His talent was obviously final material. Top? Dunno. Woulda had to see him vs. Harold.

It's funny how "fans" so often equivocate popularity with talent. These same people probably thought that their head cheerleader and quarterback were the best people in their highschool.

One of the most unpopular people I went to school with ate snot in front of everyone on the schoolbus once. He's now a theoretcal physicist that's been nominated for the Nobel Prize. The quarterback from my highschool football team is a used car salesman.

So much for popularity.

Some of the selection process is pure chance. Every contestant has been bagged on for one dish or another they've cooked, but were lucky enough that their dish simply sucked less than the loser's dish.

Even though it's Pompous Ass vs. Petulant Ass, these finalists deserve to be there. If you observe the comments of the judges throughout, these two have the best and most diverse talents. They seem to understand more about what was being asked of them in each competition.

Marcel and Ilan have consistently presented dishes that met the criteria of the challenge, with taste spectrums that resonated with the judges. -Presumably, these people have pretty decent tastebuds.

Of all the chefs, Marcel has grown and learned the most - via the epiphany that pleasing everyone else is more important than just pleasing yourself, and doing that very thing -with a touch of flair- is what wins competitions. He'll end up with a molecular-nuclear-fizz restaurant in Soho or on Melrose.

Ilan is just plain good. He isn't the technician that Marcel is, but his food is probably better, and has impressed all throughout the competition. He's exactly the guy you'd want in the back of your traditional 3 or 4-Star restaurant in Dallas or Miami. (Thinking Spanish.)

Sam is no doubt a great chef and has the kind of personality that will get him more offers than anyone else (he's this season's Harold.) Obviously he was a toss-up for 2nd. I'm wondering if, after an hour of deliberation, the judges didn't just flip a coin and poor Sam lost. Where Sam goes is limited only by his nose for self-promotion. Based just on outward appearances, that'll be far.

Elia is a good chef that can't figure out that her palate isn't the only one on earth. Her elimination was eactly correct as #4 in this group. She may end up great, or muttering in a corner somewhere. The head-shaving thing showed lack of forethought, which is a bad business trait that turned me off.

Michael and Betty are excellent cooks, but lacked the technical expertise of the final four CHEFS. They'll both have really good, "best of" restaurants in Trenton or Van Nuys.

My 2 cents.

P.S. Shauna, you're very cute...you need a pic on IMDB!

posted on January 25, 2007 at 11:02 PM

Tim wrote:

Really disappointing. We used to rush home to watch this show, but now it's an afterthought. I hope to watch next season--but only if it's more about the food and less about the high school drama. It actually takes away from the entertainment.

posted on January 25, 2007 at 11:19 PM

Dawn wrote:

Ah Shauna- good show last night. I've stayed on the Big Island close to where you guys filmed. Heavenly. I agree with the decisions. Again, we (viewers) can't taste the food, but everyone seems to be quite emotionally invested anyway. Hope you feel better.

posted on January 25, 2007 at 11:35 PM

Marie wrote:

So glad that Two Faced ELIA and SON of SAM were eliminated, they both deserved it because of their bad behavior and their plain food presentation., I wish Childish ILan went with them , too. These bloggers who are sad because Marcel still in the contest, alas, not their beloved Instigator Sam and now they wont watch the finale, then , get lost, GOOD RIDDANCE.....
Let say ,this is a cooking contest, but Sam didn't cook his food, Elia's food was just plain, not really a hawaiian food because she love to cook Mexican food only, same goes to Ilan ,always Spanish food--no varietions, period.
The judge's decision in this episode doesn't include how many Sam win in quickfire or how many Ilan win in the elimnation rounds. The judges decision is made only in every episode, Bloggers, get that in your minds, ok??? that means they grade their food only how the contestants prepared their Hawaiian food presentation.Good for Marcel, he excel in his food presentation in this episode. so he is in the finale.How DARE you question the judges decision. Have you tasted the contestants food???? NOPE....
Well, I'm looking forward to see the finale. I deeply hope Marcel will win in this contest.

posted on January 26, 2007 at 12:44 AM

sandy wrote:

You people can't be serious that Marcel should be sent home for pushing Ilan when Ilan was the one who started the whole thing! If someone who didn't help you while you were being attacked, yes attacked, was egging on the attacker and then followed you with a camera, what should he have done, smiled for the camera? Marcel can be annoying, but not as annoying or immature as Betty, Frank, Cliff, Elia, Ilan or Sam, who all have went off on Marcel. Ilan and Sam through Elia under the bus when they said she should say something about Marcel cheating. He moved a pot-whoopee, it wasn't even being used.
You might not like Marcel, but he focused on the food. Maybe Sam and Elia should have focused on their food, instead of Marcel.

posted on January 26, 2007 at 7:51 AM

Javi from Puerto Rico wrote:

My suggestion for next season is to grade and score plates.
The only way it will be a honest competition.
I hope you change the dynamics of the game.
Is not worth seeing the finale with Marcelle and his chemistry set.

posted on January 26, 2007 at 9:29 AM

Ann K wrote:

Hi Shauna, I hope your feeling better. I like reading your blogs and I want to respond to the outcome of the most recent show. I WAS OUTRAGED! Saddened and so disappointed. I had high hopes that the judges knew what they were doing in all the other shows, seeing Sam's potential. He deserved to be TOP CHEF and I am glad so many other people are as angry as I am and are voicing their frustrations so that you all could see and hopefully change your judging tactics. What I think would be MOST FAIR, as should have been done this past time, is that in every weekly show, judge based on food only, but when it comes to the finale, Judge the all around character of the chefs. Their leadership skills, cooking, personality. The judges should make extra effort, work a little harder and Review all tapes of chef's professionalism and talent, and WINS, and THEN judge the TOP chef (which will hopefully convict the chefs enough to behave better). IT WAS SO STUPID TO Pick Marcel who lost most of the time and ILAN who is mean spirited and can't cook anything except spanish food. Sam could cook circles around Marcel and has proven that. Sam and Ilan would have been a good nail-biting challenge to see.

I HOPE 3rd season's the charm and that you haven't lost any viewers. I also hope you guys take your time this time in screening these chefs to make sure you get the very best possible. Less drama more exquisite food. I understand you seem to get a range of personalities so eliminations would be easier. I love this show more than any other reality show. I would love to see all types of Harolds, Sams, Tiffanys, LeAnns and Davids. I want stiff, unpredictable competitions each week. I hope you guys at least come close. I will be watching. I am sure all those who say they're not watching anymore, WILL indeed tune in to give the 3rd season a chance, because this show IS that compelling. Feel Better Shauna.

posted on January 26, 2007 at 11:39 AM

Chris B. wrote:

I think all the Marcel-bashing may be misguided. AS I watch, I'm thinking that Marcel actually may be as sly as a fox. He's baiting the others into hating him so they are thrown off their game. He's (mostly) able to let their sh*t not stick to him & do his best, while they're fussing & fuming & being distracted. If that's the case, then Marcel will win EASILY because Ilan is SO mean-spirited & dead set against anything Marcel-oriented. I mean, when the first 3 were on the plane to Hawaii, the first thing they did was start bashing Marcel, so he doesn't even have to be around for the meanness to happen! And it appeared that Sam & Marcel were the only ones to use the time off to work on their skill levels. I think a Sam & Marcel twosome in the final would have been an exciting culinary event to watch. Having Ilan & Marcel, I predict a shout-fest & I'll have my finger on the mute button if I watch the show at all...
Sadly, Chris

posted on January 26, 2007 at 12:14 PM

Pattie Folmar wrote:

I now know that this show is only produced this season for ratings and not based on how the chefs cook. The "Top Chef" has already been eliminated! The best chefs you had were Sam(should have won!!), Cliff and Elia. It is obvious that you kept Marcel for the "hate" factor which also brings in viewers. You have lost a loyal viewer. I even watched all of the reruns every time they were on no matter how many times I had already seen that episode. I believe you have already lost alot of viewers for your poor choices. All of my friends that watch are also turned off by your choices and are now not interested in watching the show anymore. You should just forget about making season 3!

posted on January 26, 2007 at 12:17 PM

Pongo wrote:

I agree with the post below. This is nothing but a scam for ratings. Frankly, I don't care who wins now. With Marcelle as one of the finalists, it isn't going to be about talent, it's going to be about ratings.

Same thing happened with Top Designer....Jeffrey had the WORST designs and ended up winning. Why? He was caustic, rude, untalented and the only people who liked him were the producers. And we all know why. Geez, I feel used. No more Bravo TV for me.

posted on January 26, 2007 at 1:04 PM

Pongo wrote:

'Scuze me...it was Project Runway I was referring to...Jeffrey from Project Runway, now THAT was pimping for ratings, same as this show.

I, for one, feel disgusted that Bravo abuses it's viewers in this fashion. Anything for the big bucks.

BTW: How about the judges? Holy smoke, this is the best you can do?

posted on January 26, 2007 at 1:44 PM

merry wrote:

I am glad Marcel is in the final 2. But, ashamed at Bravotv. You are all a bunch of immature children. I take back the word 'children" because my children show more respect towards people then the bunch of you. You teach hate. You need to publicly apologize to Marcel for putting a hate poll out on national television. I am only going to finish watch this season with the hopes of Marcel winning....then I am done w/topchef. I don't want to watch a show which promotes hate.

Tom, you seem like a decent man and a good chef...don't let Bravotv ruin you. Get out while you can.

posted on January 26, 2007 at 2:14 PM

Eileen wrote:

Shauna I have some suggestions on how this show should be done to eliminate the fiasco of eliminating the best chef before the finale. I think that the challenges should be tallied and the people with the most wins should get to be in the finale. That would also include the quickfire challenges. And these tallies should be posted on the website.

posted on January 26, 2007 at 2:20 PM

Patty wrote:

Sam was a horrible terrible person. He was an instigator and a coward (he made comments to other top chef contestants to make them angry with Marcel) - he humiliated Marcel in front of strangers - what show are you watching. So he was nice looking - so what. Looks don't make you a good person. Marcel is pulled out of bed from a sound sleep and held down by some big hyena (and that is what most of the contestants were - a pack of hyenas) and you have the nerve to blame him for swinging at the camera. Ilan and Sam egged Elia on to report Marcel for cheating and when Sam saw how the judges looked - he backed down and said let's see how it plays out. How is moving a pot cheating - there is something wrong with the people crying about Sam & Elia being eliminated. These shows were so awful - stop blaming the victim - he did not deserve to be treated this way.

posted on January 26, 2007 at 2:51 PM

MoGuL wrote:

WTF, beyotch has had how many weeks since this was filmed to produce a blog entry and can't do it until after the episode airs. As the exec producer, it's not like she didn't know exactly what was edited in or not. How freaking hard is it to type an entry. Unless her freaking fingers are swollen as hell and she in a freaking coma, type of effing blog. Just goes to show how effed in the A the production of this show is. Drama over all else.

posted on January 26, 2007 at 4:22 PM

Honest one wrote:

Elia is SUCH a sore loser! I honestly couldn't believe her - she is the Arrogant one for sure. Even Sam said that all the dinner guests LOVED Marcel's food. All you Sam fans go read his exit interview.

Sooooo glad she lost and looked so lame while doing it!

posted on January 26, 2007 at 6:18 PM

Dawn-Marie wrote:

I was completely disappointed to see Marcel advance to Finale 2. I truly believe that Sam IS a Top Chef. However, I also watched the live stream after the show, and I believe that Chef Tom is sincere when he says that the judges only use the final product to make their decision. The baseball analogy was totally "on-spot."

So here is my suggestion: Tiffani & Marcel vs. Harold & Sam
They choose their staff from the past two seasons' contestants and run a restaurant for, whatever, a day -- a weeek -- a month.

Let's see who is a true "chef!"

Dawn-Marie
Cape Cod, MA

posted on January 26, 2007 at 8:01 PM

Maureen wrote:

Lost another fan!!!
Last season it wasn't easy to get over Tiffani making it to the finals after turning off ovens but it was a new show... This season, no more reason to watch. They let another cheater into the finals. Sabotage is Sabotage regardless of how subtle the guilty party tries to make it. BTW, unless the people working on this show are deaf, blind and mute, they know what goes on. The fact that it's not taken into consideration by the producers robs the show of it's credibility.

posted on January 26, 2007 at 9:23 PM

Mike de Bronx wrote:

Big disappointment this season is. I really tried to believe in the separation between production & judges, but it didn't pass the smell test. Even at the hint of cheating, 'Judges Table" should have stopped right there and looked into it. These are the finals after all! And the complaint that Sam didn't cook anything; I as a home cook know a dish doesn't have to be 'cooked' to be tasty and appealing. Why does Marcel have to use one of Elia's burners? Shouldn't there be enough for each contestant? And how can you pick the TRUE Top Chef if you don't consider their entire contribution? It defeats the whole notion of who's the best overall. I'm sure you have your own TV industry reasons. As for the judges, if they are as concerned with integrity as they say, I'm sure they'll have a tough decision about returning for TC3, unless you go back to the quality of season 1. I have no plans to watch further, unless I have an urge for low-brow drama and heavy product placement.

posted on January 26, 2007 at 10:11 PM

Cara M. wrote:

I was under the weather when I found out that Sam was voted off... and for what??? Bravo better figure out a way to redeem themselves for this insensible loss. Sam deserved to win from day one and for whatever reason the judges or the producers or whoever decided to make this decision they better realize that it was a big mistake. Sam doesn't need you measly $100,000. His skills will take him a heck of a lot farther in life than Marcel or Ilan. I really hope that no one watches the season finale and rest assured me and everyone that I know will not watch anymore seasons of Top Chef!!! Get better soon.....

posted on January 26, 2007 at 10:27 PM

Tiffany wrote:

If Marcel was truly assaulted in Vegas last week, your show is not without fault. Brodcasting Marcel's assault last week on TV along with poll saying "who hates Marcel the most?" and offering ME as a choice both send a message to the general public that aggressive behavior is appropriate. Think of the Bandura Bobo doll experiment (google it if you don't know about it.) I hope he has a lawyer.

posted on January 27, 2007 at 7:22 PM

Maryellen wrote:

After watching part 1 of the finale I was so bummed that I had to take some time before writing. I am a BIG fan of Top Chef , Project Runway and Bravo in general. My Kids laugh at me because I watch the marathons all the time even though I have seen every episode allready. I am sorry to say I won't be watching the end. I believe the judges went in the wrong direction and it was because you think Marcel makes better Tv. I can't believe Sam is gone. What happened to the Top Chef having ledership qualities and knowing how to motivate others to be the best they can be. I will say that Harold from season I was all of these things but your two finalists ARE NOT. I am so sad that I will not be watching the final as I don't care who wins. I am also missing quite a few of my favorite shows on Bravo because I am still so mad. I think the judges really blew it. I do believe that Sam does not need to be Top Chef on your show as I am sure he is a TOP CHEF to all of the viewers that you lost when you voted him out for all the wrong reasons. Please go back to staying true to your viewers and not to what you think will up the ratings. Those of us that love Bravo will be there unless you continue to make these stupid decesions.

posted on January 28, 2007 at 11:23 PM

laurenella wrote:

IT'S A GAME!!! GET IT?
If you play, you must pay and the rules are whatever "they" say they are - but the contestants all agreed to play, didn't they.Taking it personally is, duh, dumb.

posted on January 31, 2007 at 5:25 PM

Dana wrote:

Season 2 was very painful to watch. I will not watch the reruns like I did of Season 1. The immaturity and unprofessionalism of Betty and Ilan were overbearing and played too much part of the last several shows. I was very disappointed to see Elia get pulled into it at the end by Ilan - she had been my favorite until then. And then Ilan wins after making all of his petty and snickering comments and his poor attempts at humor attacking Marcel. I never saw Marcel do anything to deserve such treatment. He seemed a little nerdish at the beginning showing off his knives but harmless really. It was disgusting to see everyone gang up on him over nothing. I realize that if you had sent everyone home who deserved to be sent home after the attack on Marcel that the season would have been over and Marcel would have won by default so I agree that the producers had a tough decision. I hope the producers do something in Season 3 to prevent a repeat. Possibly give the contestants a personality test and weed out those who cannot leave middle school behavior behind? Act immediately and threaten to send people home when it starts? I really love this show but know I will not watch Season 3 if it goes down this same road. I felt guillty watching it and it totally overshadowed the food and the point of the whole contest.

posted on February 2, 2007 at 5:49 AM

Melanie wrote:

Someone commented on another blog that this should be called Gang Chef. I agree and Marcel would be Top Chef and Ilan is Gang Chef.

posted on February 3, 2007 at 2:45 AM

Peter Kruse wrote:

Great show Shauna. I am a winemaker with a treatment for the ultimate winemaking show. Have a reader contact me, thank you.

posted on January 26, 2008 at 11:03 PM