Markt wrote:

Sorry, but you blew it. I thought the goal was to crown the Top Chef -- yet any of the other three on teh losing team could have gone. None of them have displayed the skills that Tre has displayed.
You have a brain, Ted -- use it next time.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 11:35 AM

Colin wrote:

I'd comment, but I can't stop crying from laughing so hard at your "apology"!

Woo hoo!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 11:35 AM

carroll c wrote:

I agree with the writer's comments about Tre. Practically all of his dishes and presentations have been outstanding. Having had many chances to work with Tre I know he is among the very top chefs in the US. It is too bad that the judges could not see the true talent there. Leaving Bruno the Bulldog on the show indicates to me that you are more interested in personality than chefing ability. Too bad.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 11:46 AM

S. Williams wrote:

No I was not happy with last nights decision. No one who I know who watches the show was-I think that if Tre was more of a "character" then he would have stayed. He was clearly one of the best chef's there. How many times has Howie been on the bottom but he is better for ratings I suppose. So sad to see this show become like all of the other reality shows out there. Neither I or any of my co-workers who were fans of the show, care who wins now.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 11:54 AM

Meg wrote:

Fabulous blog, Ted. I absolutely loved Queer Eye and I'm glad to have you on a 2nd Bravo show now. Looking forward to the next episode.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 11:59 AM

kathryn wrote:

Absolutely the wrong choice!! Change the name of the show because its obviously not about choosing the Top Chef!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 11:59 AM

Rebecca wrote:

This is IT for me!! Like last season (sorry) someone who does not deserve the title of TOP CHEF will win the title ANYWAY!! I'm done and will be spending my Wed. nights doing something besides watching TOP CHEF - which isn't.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:01 PM

beth wrote:

You're comments are always amusing and give me a chuckle. I am also sorry to see Tre go. I surely thought he would be in the final, or at least cooking in the final. I'm also sorry because I'm sure Hung is thinking he's sharpening his mustach with an evil grin like Snidely Whiplash - his eye is on the prize - one more down and out! Finally, showing some of her true colors is Sara! Stepping up to the plate with her food and her leadership. But in true TC fashion, win one week, out the next so hopefully she'll stay afloat. Kudo's to the Bad News Bears - their strategy for the Quickfire was fabulous and that alone had me yelling at the TV!!! I love to see the underdogs win! The plot thickens.........

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:01 PM

Emma Carter wrote:

"almost-vegetarian-but-can’t-kick-prosciutto, vaguely bisexual, Volvo-and- Birkenstock set" . . . Ted, I LOVE it! Thanks for the great blogs!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:06 PM

Dana wrote:

Hi Ted,

I enjoyed reading your little asides on each contestant, but you had no other comment for Brian than he received free deodorant? No opinion at all on the fact that he has skated through judging with a 3 week vacation from cooking? I know that more goes on with the show than I will ever know but the judging of actions by the better chefs seems especially harsh when inaction is rewarded by the continuous presence of others. Thanks, I look forward to your next blog!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:08 PM

Elaine wrote:

Ted! Great Blog as always. Left wing, right wing, Berkinstock, Limbaugh, you are the gutsy one!

I was surprised to see Tre pack his knives, but if the cometition was about each challenge, as it should be, then I not only expected it, it aso didn't surprise me. TC, tough decision, but it should always be. He was executive chef so it was his fault. It seemed to me, as harsh as the blogger gave her feedback to both teams, the Garage team fixed what was negative and came out on top. They wanted it and you could see the motivation in their performance. Hats off Sara for doing what needed to be done and asserting yourself to lead the team and it showed The energy of four people working together as a team is more than four people working individualy.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:10 PM

ella wrote:

ted - i love your blog and i love it when you are a guest judge. i wish TC would axe gail and her snotty, snobby attitude and keep you on permanently. you're great!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:15 PM

Julie wrote:

Ted, Ted. I agree with you about Hung...Howie...Andrea Strong....Right Guard...the LATimes article...even GWB. But sending Tre packing? What were y'all thinking?

To quote a well-known participant, "Tre is such an excellent chef, such a class act, such a strong, solid leader in the kitchen, such a no-bullshit, no-drama guy." Uh. Yep to all that.

Question is: How many of the REMAINING 7 would you be able to say all of that about? Maybe...two? (Maybe one. Maybe...none?)

There's something wrong with the rules, imho, if they result in one of the most likely F2 being sent home and 5 other less qualified people left behind to win it.

(Sad about the result, but I still love the show & your blog).

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:16 PM

Deborah R wrote:

Oh, I needed this today. Lots of laughs--and I think you even called me a pacifist for suggesting that you not incite the right-wingers. Maybe I should buy a pair of Birkenstocks :-) When I clicked a new page and saw Andrea Strong's name, I actually groaned aloud assuming you, too, were going to slap us on the wrists for picking on the guest blogger. Instead, you called it exactly as it was, "awfully sarcastic" and "show-offy"--which is why we all derided her comments. (Lesson: What you put out there will come back to you.)

With the chop-off, Stephen's cameo, and the joy of watching Sara tame the bulldog, this was one of the more enjoyable episodes in three seasons. I love Tre, but agree with you on the judges' decision. I disagree, though, on Dale's shirt. I loved the black and khaki he wore the previous night. But maybe that's because I'm a straight girl. Perhaps we could get Tim Gunn to declare an official wardrobe winner?

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:18 PM

paula frye wrote:

Hubris was served on this episode. Much as I liked Tre, he fell into that horrible old saw about listening to other people's conversations. What's worse, his whole team did as well. Some leads should no be followed. This was one.
I have a feeling that Tre was on TC long enough to get the attention he needed and will do well if not better than the eventual winner who ever that may be.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:18 PM

Dan in ATL wrote:

Do I smell a man crush??? oh... no... it's just a vanilla scented candle.

Ted, you want us to believe that a deal wasn't already made with RG for the plug?

I was born at night, but it wasn't last night.

I'm waiting for the RONCO challenge when the chefs all finish by saying,"Just set it and forget it..."

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:18 PM

Karen wrote:

I was totally shocked by the decision of the judges to send Tre packing! I agree that CJ put Tre in the position of Head Chef to save himself. Cheap shot. Good strategy but I think it will backfire. Why is Casey still there? I have yet to be impressed by anything she's done.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:19 PM

rbovaboy wrote:

Hey Ted! I was very disappointed when Tre was send packing. But I’m sure I’ll be disappointed at least four more times before the season finale. They can be top chefs but they can’t all stay, can they?
When guest judge Geoffrey Zakarian called Hung's previously successful Tuna Tartare clichéd, does that mean one should never serve it again? Was it really that different from serving Monkfish with Buerre Blanc or Bread Pudding?

I assume chatterbox Stephen became less talkative after Dale asked him to tone it down. How can you resist Dale’s smile?

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:19 PM

rbovaboy wrote:

Also, I was glad to hear your comments about Christopher Ciccone. Though he actually made improvements, he came off like an ugly American saying that Quatre, the word for four in French, was not pretty. It’s a good thing Ciccone is not on every week or this show would become a nasty dish-fest like Simon Cowell promotes on American Idol. Besides the commraderie of the chefs this season, the judges are great, critical without being show-offy and mean-spirited. This was a terrific episode! Cheers!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:23 PM

NANCY S. wrote:

I think the judges made the right choice. I know there will be a huge outcry, but Tre really blew it. Why in the world would he make the same dish that the judges hated the night before? And why an awful bread pudding, when he said he could make it in his sleep?

Those who claim they will never watch again have to remind themselves that this is television for heaven's sake.

I can never understand why these chefs don't do something with fruit and chocolate when they have to do a dessert. They always say they are not pastry chefs, and yet they still go there. I would've done strawberries dipped in chocolate, or some kind of chocolate shell with fruit.

I think CJ might take it all. I just hope it isn't Hung.

I do get frustrated most by the inconsistent messages the judges send. They keep saying a top chef must be a leader, yet they let Howie get away with all that abuse, and Hung is too busy showing off to lead anyone.

Just my opinion.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:24 PM

NANCY S. wrote:

Oh, and I appreciate your comments on "the blogger". I think her comments were mean-spirited. You don't call a guy out on national television for sweating. Nervousness, yeah. But give the guy a break, he was trying to do something he had never done before.

I don't think Brian will win the whole deal, but you have to admit, he puts his heart and soul out there.

Ditto, re: that Ciccone guy. What a dork.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:32 PM

chad chapman wrote:

I am huge Top Chef fan--for all 3 seasons. However, after last night's episode, I will not tune in again. The judges voted the wrong person off the show. Tre was given a massive responsiblity as Executive Chef by CJ. His teammates abdicated responsibility and CJ was wrong to toss blame in Tre's direction. The guest judge was right in that CJ should have had Tre's back. Everyone has a lackluster night on a show like Top Chef, however Tre should not bear the brunt for his entire team. Shame on you judges for an unspoken agenda which was so poignant last evening. It is not the most talented Chef you seek, but a protagonist and antagonist to boost the show's ratings. You lost a dedicated TC fan last night!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:35 PM

ptrap wrote:

Ted, your blog entries are a delight to read. The folks at Bravo, with their unerring sense at hiring the smartest, funniest, most talented people, restore my faith in television. From Tom to Rocco to Anthony to Ted....just freakin' rock solid talent and entertainment. Thanks!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:38 PM

jen wrote:

ahh!! im so glad you mentioned melrose! you know it's been a good night when you end up at melrose at 4/5/6 in the morning.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:40 PM

Ed T. wrote:

While it was sad to see Tre go, I was not surprised - and in fact, I feel it was the right thing to do (though CJ would have been a close second.) Unfortunately, his dishes from BOTH services were probably the worst of any on his team - and as the 'captain', he was obligated to go down with the ship. Also, I think it was very telling that he took a relaxed, laid-back attitude - as if he knew his team had it in the bag. As it turned out, that was the WRONG attitude to take.

~EdT.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:42 PM

Jennifer wrote:

Ted,

I just want to say first and foremost that you are hilarious. Your blogs are honest and as real as they can get (besides Anthony Bourdain's....who I adore also). Also, I'm a huge Bill Maher fan as well....nice giving him a shout-out in the previous blog, can't wait for next season!!! I do sympathize with you and the rest of the judging panel....I couldn't do it. It must be agonizing at times (like last nights elimination decision for example) to make those hard decisions. To vote someone off that you know deep down in your bowls is the best and most qualified to be TC. I do wish people would pull their heads out of their a*#*% and realize that the judges don't make rash and quick decisions. That this is a reality show and we only see a minute amount of what is actually filmed after editing. Come on people! But it's great having you on this season and blogging as well and I look forward to what you have to say next week.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:51 PM

Raven Windrider wrote:

Nice blog, Ted. No need to apologize. It was apparent to
any savvy viewer that for this episode, Tre did have to be sent packing. And you are right - it does not detract at all from his ability as a Top Chef. As to Dale's attire, what exactly was wrong with it for the atmosphere Quatre was exuding?!! Seemed to me to be a perfect fit instead of donning a hoi poloi nonsense.

And, as much as Andrea Strong's writings might be enjoyed (yes, I have read her NY Times pieces before), for Top Chef her tone was not appropriate and should not have dominated Part 1's judges table. Poor production, in my view. And, if Ms. Strong cannot grasp why the TC fans ripped her a new one on this website blog, then she should take some psychology courses. The snarkyness in her writing is typical of some of the venom spewed by both neo-cons and radical liberals. Critique with honesty and sharp wit, not by dragging yourself down to a bad-mannered school kid shouting match (Did not! Did so!!)

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:53 PM

Jimmy Park wrote:

And so a nickname is born for CJ! One-Pac I will refer to him from now on until he is eliminated. CJ is quite proud of his cojone, no? I don't recall 2-Pac bringing attention to his 1-Pac in any of his songs. Anyhow, I like you're straightforward and subtly humorous writing style. I wanted Tre and Hung in the finale (I really thought that's what was gonna happen) and now I'll have to find another contestant to root for to go head to head with Hung. If neither Lia, Tre, nor Hung make it to the final 2, I'll be perplexed.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:56 PM

Beth Leitch wrote:

Ted, you are my very favorite person on Top Chef (excpet for Sam from Season 2, who is just as HOT as can be!), and I love reading your blog. I'm so dissapointed to see Tre go. He had a whole lot going for him and I was really rooting for him. So, just because you're a chef, doesn't mean you can mix flavors and hope that your customers will enjoy the dish. It seems Tre was trying to experiment a little and he should have stuck with what he knows.

I had a bad experience with a "Chef Gone Wild" at a pretty nice restaurant in Philadelphia. The waiter asked if we would like to try a special desert that chef made - Key Lime Creme Brulee. Well, I love Key Lime and I love Creme Brulee, so I was intrigued. It was probably the worst thing I've tasted . . . probably as bad as you could imagine key lime and creme brulee could be. So, I told the waiter what I thought and Chef came to the table and was a bit rude, but when he tasted it, he agreed, it wasn't so delicious. Moral of the story . . . stick to what you know!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:58 PM

eric76 wrote:

I can't quibble about this show's decision (unlike some earlier ones where Howie should clearly have been given the boot).

Tre was certainly one of the front runners and could easily have won the season. If I had bet on it, he would have gotten my bet.

In this episode, I think he was overconfident knowing that Howie was on the other team. He thought he could walk when he really needed a good, had sprint.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 12:58 PM

Kat wrote:

Ted - you've welcome to come over and sniff Chablis with us in Park Slope any goshdarned night of the week. I might even serve up some bacon.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 1:02 PM

Jessica wrote:

I appreciate the shout-out to Hung. I really don't think he gets enough chef credit, because people are too overwhelmed with his energy to think of him as a top competitor. He really does seem to be a great chef, though. On both restaurant episodes his dishes came out flawlessly--not one judge had a negative thing to say. Plus, he is hilarious to watch in the kitchen. I think Howie has a similar problem--fans can't see past his aggressive and stubborn personality enough to care about what kind of chef he is. Of course we all want to see a "nice guy" win, but isn't this really about great cooking?

posted on August 23, 2007 at 1:03 PM

Randy wrote:

Your comments about Andrea Strong ("But I found her awfully sarcastic, a little too eager to tear people down with good (but show-offy) writerly chops") reminded me of something from an old Doris Day film "Please Don't Eat the Daisies" about the pitfalls of witty critics.
"For a critic that first step is the first printed joke. It gets a laugh and a whole new world opens up. He makes another joke, and another. And then one day along comes a joke that shouldn't be made because the show he's reviewing is a good show. But, as it so happens, it's a good joke. And you know what? The joke wins."
Substitute sarcasm for joke and you have Ms. Strong. It would appear she has come to consider her wit more important than constructive critique.
I will miss Tre. He was professional, a gentleman and a skilled chef.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 1:05 PM

Jennie wrote:

My Dearest Ted,

I would have written sooner, but I had to quit laughing first. You have so accurately described a lovely left-winger friend of mine and the capper was your comment about the crystal rocks serving as a deoderant product.

Poor Tre--even spying on the other team didn't help. Just goes to show that in a competition you can never let down your guard, Right or otherwise.

Never quit writing! You are my inspiration and I hope someday to be as witty a writer as you.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 1:08 PM

Penny wrote:

I myself was a bit dissapointed in the outcome of the elimination challenge last night. I will add a caveot that reality TV is what the producers make it to be, but it seemed that CJ passed the buck when he didn't take on the role of chef himself.
I was less impressed with Tre's team mates than his own performance. How is it that he took on so much himself or that none of his team mates tasted his food or commented on ingredients? If the show were named the Weakest Link I'm sure there would have been a different outcome.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 1:08 PM

Zobie wrote:

Hi Ted - great comment on the Melrose Diner in Chicago - LOVE that place. I used to live just east of their on Melrose, and it's quite the great brunch/lunch place....and you can get matzoh ball soup year round! Gotta love it. Didn't know that Dale was working at Sola - will go and check it out. Have to disagree on Tre getting the boot last night. I agree with you on all of his positive attributes - one of the best chefs, great attitude, great management skills, great in the kitchen, etc. I'm liking all of the chefs and tho tough to choose, I gotta go with Brian getting the boot. It's TOP CHEF - not Top Guy in the front of the house.....and he was beaten out in that area, to boot. Brian didn't contribute anything to the cooking.....Tre made some tough calls (why make bread pudding if you don't know how? That's one of those comfort dishes that people will ALWAYS compare to their mom's, grandmother's, Aunt Betty's, etc.) but his contributions were so much more significant, and he really scored on a couple of the dishes, and that should have counted more in his favor, than Brian's not so competent hadnling of the front of the house. Anyway, love your blog/inside scoop/plugs for Chicago and dis of Evil Ann Coulter.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 1:08 PM

julia wrote:

You are wonderful, terrific, etc. you should have your own show. Why do you and the other judges always give Casey a pass. Yet when complimenting Hung you and the other judges always put the knife in his back.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 1:12 PM

Coaster wrote:

Ted,

My Bride and I were on the edge of our seats...so to speak..waiting to hear who was going home last night.

We were Blown Away! Tre?

We thought that it was between Casey and CJ but, Tre?

Overall, it was an Awesome episode finalizing the Restaurant Wars….and as Dale said of the Bad News Bears…..The Underdogs….they kicked some serious ass! LMAO! Go Dale!

Just wanted to let you know that We thought it was the best entertaining Restaurant War of All of the seasons to date.

Kudos’s to Tom for setting in the kitchen and eating his meals back there with the Chefs. Seems that if he was more of a “Fly On The Wall..out of sight”…..he might have seen the true Howie come out more.

Slamming the oven door twice is Mild………LOL! I have a Big problem with him sweating into the food he prepares though and if you watched all of the behind the scenes takes, you’d see that he sweats into or at least around, All of the food he prepares. The ever-hanging drop on the tip of his nose gets me every time! You ever notice how much salt is in his dishes…(BSEG)?

With the shock of Tre having left……who is next?

Casey the wimp? My 81-year-old Mother can cut onions faster than that! What a let down for her team and an embarrassment for Top Chef’s around the world. Oh…..that’s right. She’s a Line Cook. Right? LOL! I shouldn’t be so hard on her though, I’m a Scrub Chef. That’s what my Mom titled me with because I’m not Top Chef level as she is.

Well Ted……we can’t wait to see Who’s Next. Surely Casey is got to go down soon. I hope so at least….

Coaster

posted on August 23, 2007 at 1:15 PM

fly on the wall wrote:

Oh my god! A year's supply of Right Guard on your doorsteps -- that's so funny! And you are totally right, I hope they sent Ms. Strong a lifetime supply!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 1:26 PM

Jane wrote:

Okay the right wing/left wing bit was hilarious. Any chance you wrote it sober?

posted on August 23, 2007 at 1:27 PM

Tusconmom wrote:

I was so sad to see Tre go, but I knew it was coming the minute you started looking for a glass to get rid of the beet salmon. Love your judging, love your blog. Keep it up!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 1:33 PM

shawn spencer wrote:

The competition is Hung's to lose.
The name of the Show is Top Chef not Top Personality, I hope Howie wins and pisses a lot of people off!!!
The name of ths show is also not Top Eye Candy and Casey needs to go and go soon.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 1:36 PM

Matt wrote:

hahaha Ted you've really won me over. The hilarious opening to your blog this week prompted me to go back and read the comments on your entry from last week. Amazing! It reminded me of reading the letters to the editor in a small town red state newspaper. A couple that really cracked me up:

"This show is not about politics. It's not about gays. It should be about food."

There are shows on Bravo not about gays?

"Open-mindedness is a process, not a position."

I thought it was more of a disposition....

posted on August 23, 2007 at 1:36 PM

Meghan wrote:

Ted-
I have to say, between you and Chef Bourdain, I routinely cause odd looks in cube land every Thursday afternoon over the lunch hour, laughing my tail off, as I read your blogs. The snarkiness is spot on, the critiques insightful and the off color remarks, hilarious.
Once Sara won the challenge as the executive chef, it became readily apparent that Tre was in danger. I applaud everyones sincere compliments to him as I had him pegged for a finale contender. It was sad to see him go, but as you indicated, it was the right decision. Keep up the good work!!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 1:43 PM

Joan H. wrote:

Ted, I love your insights into the production and you're a fantastic writer -- your personality comes through without seeming, as Andrea Strong did last week and you so rightly noticed, show-offy and writerly... usually. Could you please leave the politics out of it, though? I enjoy a lot of Bravo programming but politicizing like that makes it harder to do so. I appreciate that you're an equal-opportunity-insulter ("fair and balanced" -- oops, wrong network!) but I think we could've done without it, altogether.

That said, thanks for saying, once again, that the decision to oust Tre was the only possible result here. A lot of Tre fans are in denial about how severe his missteps were.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 1:43 PM

Joseph wrote:

Ted, as always your comments about the show are spot-on and second only to Bourdain in being hilarious. I also greatly respect the fact that you offer criticism but keep it constructive while quite rightly pointing out that others (e.g. Andrea Strong) sometimes seem more interested in being pithy than fair.

I do wish you'd drop the political references, though. I'm not a partisan of either side, but things are so polarized right now that even the most light-heated comments (which yours certainly are) can cause offense and great anger. Shows like Top Chef and the related blogs should provide relief from the raging political battles, not remind us of it. Just a respectful suggestion from a big fan of yours...

posted on August 23, 2007 at 1:45 PM

Rob wrote:

Ted, i've read the blogs now regarding Tre's elimination, and I'm left to wonder whether this challenge wasn't decided when the teams named their head chefs. Sara "won," when Hung or Dale could easily have been named the winner. Tre "lost" when CJ (who really dropped the ball, pardon the pun) or the invisble Brian (what did he do?) could have been eliminated. On Season 1, Restaurant Wars ended with the sous (Miguel) being canned. I don't remember who lost in Season 2 (but who wants to remember Season 2, anyway?) ... Yes, Tre's food choices appeared poor, but clearly it hasn't always "been about the food." CJ chose the team, made Tre the head chef, then didn't bother helping beyond making one bad dish. It should have been CJ to pack his knives.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:04 PM

Bill wrote:

Ted...
First of all, you're a cutie.

I painfully agree with you and Tom... kitchen management is crucial in making a restaurant successful. Plenty of incredible chefs couldn't keep a hot dog cart open, yet McD's rules the world. So, if Sara could be the overall winner because she led the winning team, ergo Tre was the loser. Still, like you, I will regret not seeing him in the finals. But it will be interesting to see who of the remaining competitors rises to the occassion, since all were obviously initmidated by Tre, and now have a much wider playing field. My only fear is that he was so good, the others had to work very hard to compete. I hope their standards don't slip because he is gone.

And did I mention... you're a cutie?

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:09 PM

J. wrote:

Ted!

Awesome blog. THANK YOU for knocking Ms. Strong down a peg or two, because (stage whisper) her blog was pretty pedestrian writing-wise. I don't mind barbs (HA! Not at all, if you knew me!), but only if they're good, masterly. Ms. Strong's blog wasn't bad or anything, but it was hardly the selection I would have expected from someone with her admittedly impressive credentials.

I think it's hilarious that Right Guard sent out gifts to you and Brian...too bad Ms. Strong didn't recommend some Prada threads or a shiny new Cartier watch!

Anyway, your comments were totally on-point, as usual. You're still my favorite!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:10 PM

Free Siordia wrote:

I'm so flippin bummed right now. Tre was my choice from the first episode. I thought he was gonna school the rest of them when it came to the finale. Now, the game has been blown wide open. Anyone of these bozos left could win it. Even Casey for crap's sake. I think she's a great chef and all, but she's not a TOP CHEF IMO. Just like Sam last year, Tre got sucker punched with the "it's all about what you did tonight" theory of the judges. It sucks, but probably the best way to whittle down the cheftestants. Too bad this is a one and done, cuz Tre would come back and put a whoopin on them. Good luck Tre. If I'm ever in Dallas, I'll go to whatever restaurant you're cheffin' at!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:11 PM

Marie wrote:

I always enjoy reading your blog each week. Thanks for letting us know where Dale works. Not only are Dale's dishes the ones that I usualy want to try each week, Sula is also a place I've been meaning to try. Can't wait until TC comes to Chicago to film next year!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:16 PM

Alex B wrote:

Ted! I think it's completely hilarious that you're the guy who ends up with Right Guard when it's that blogging girl who cracked it about Brian. But, how do people send a year's supply of Asshat Guard to Chris Ciccone?

Please keep writing great blogs, and your POV is always appreciated on Top Chef! You have a genuinely positive presence and it's nice to see you evaluate food with the layman's perspective! Ba-Con forever!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:25 PM

karlsie wrote:

You know it's not so much we're out for blood but that we'd like to see these guys have to cook for "real" life. In fact, I suspect the majority of us out there would rather have a meal cooked by Rachael Ray than some ubersnooty reality show chef that thinks the more trendy/exotic the ingredients, the better the dish.

A couple of weeks ago a contestant whined about cooking in high heels. Sweetheart, try cooking for 3 growing teen boys - one will eat anything, one won't touch red meat and the third won't touch seafood and they're all sick of chicken. Did I mention you're doing this after they get in from baseball, track and lacrosse practice (respectively) after you running in the house after barely meeting a deadline and spent the day in meetings?

I'd like to see what would happen if you tried to serve most people any type of foam, let alone cauliflower, in their ice cream. Oh for that microwave challenge from season one - now THAT'S a real challenge.

Smoked potatoes, dissing frozen meals and more cries about being a "chef" and not some menial hack in a kitchen .... let's just say it's not that I'm out for blood but there's a point at which it feels good, at the end of another long day, to snuggle a little deeper into the couch with my glass of Schilling Chardonnay, Vermont cheddar on multigrain crackers after watching a Red Sox game and see yet another person who would be hard pressed to do what most of us have to do on a daily basis trade in their used snit for a new huff as they exit the camera's glare.

At least Tre accepted his responsibility and fate with class and dignity. Too bad Top Chef didn't take a tip from Project Runway's book and do a challenge where they bring back the challenge winners for a one-shot second chance. Perhaps we'd be treated to the Tre showdown we all know should have happened.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:25 PM

Heather wrote:

Not happy to see a chef go...especially that chef! I just read an LA Times interview with you yesterday saying Tre was the one to watch. I guess that was right last night...

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:33 PM

Jean wrote:

Hi Ted...

Love your blog. You're my favorite...both on TC and Iron Chef America.

A few thoughts on last night's episode:

Tre...Sorry to see you go. My first thought when you were asked/told to pack your knives was, "Whoa! Holy cr@p!" I understand about him being the executive chef and being responsible for his staff...but still..."Whoa! Holy cr@p!" He seems like a nice guy and a great chef and he'll be missed.

CJ...TMI, baby. T-M-I. Testicular cancer is not a topic that usually bugs me (have three friends who are survivors), but for some reason...it just came across wrong last night.

Good for Sara for standing up for her guests and making Howie and Hung re-do some dishes. A fantastic time for her to find her backbone and to not allow Howie to run over her.

Loved Hung with the chicken. He was actually fun to watch last night. He played well with the others and seemed to take direction very well. Definitely a team player for these past two weeks.

Still love Casey. Dull knives or not...she's one of my favorites. She seems like a genuinely nice person.

Dale and Brian are still cool in my book. Loved how Dale let some air out of Stephen's sails last night. (Even though it's been two seasons...Stephen's still a huge wind-bag.)

Howie needs to go. It might be the editing...it might be the lighting...but whatever it is...he just gets on my last nerve.

Just my $0.02.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:35 PM

CrankyPants wrote:

Ted, you're classy, insightful, and just darn funny. Loved ya since "Queer Eye" (and often wished I was a guy so I could get the Queer Eye crew to come to *my* house...) Keep blogging, dude, about WHATEVER you want to blog about. Judging by the kind of right-wing rhetoric I've heard over the years (Coulter & Limbaugh being the best...or worst...examples), I never would have guessed that conservatives could be so...sensitive. Huh.

Still, this show is all about food, so... I'm still in amazement how Team Quatre (formerly known as The Garage, but probably better known as The Bad News Bears) rallied. It was amazing, and dare I say inspiring. And Howie's little hissy fit was just plain hilarious, considering Sara probably spared him the chopping block by making him cook those lambchops.

Still, awfully sorry to see Tre go. Really thought he'd make it to the finale.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:40 PM

Nani wrote:

I have been a fan of top chef since it came on, but today you lost a viewer..me. I know that is no great loss, but you let the best chef go today, Tre, I can think of two who should have been let go some time ago...Howie and Hung..but no, you let Tre go because the others let him take the fall...Oh well!..thanks for the past shows and goodbye.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:42 PM

Michael wrote:

Ted you're too funny. I think you have been a tremendous addition to the show . I find you to be honest, fair, witty and easy for us non chefs to understand.

I was sad to see Tre go and did feel he handled it with class, but he;s had several average or subpar performances in the challenges, the bbq and both the restaraunt wars come to mind.

I did think he would be in the finals though.

Anyway, keep up the great work.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:43 PM

Terasita wrote:

Ted - Thanks so much for your insights, always worth a chuckle. Personally, I feel Hung is part Speedy Gonzalez part Tasmanian devil,
but I do so love the nickname you've suggested for CJ. I would have gladly read more about Tre's "beet-cured salmon", as you appeared to to have been shot through the heart on first bite, or was it truly indescribable. Speaking of shot though the heart, did Dale really clobber Stephen as clumsily as it appeared, or was that all in the editing?

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:49 PM

Brown Eyes wrote:

Ted, you usually have one of the best blogs - funny, interesting and on target. Have you been in a bad mood the past two weeks? I have followed you since Queer Eye - love you on Iron Chef - but please get off the political band wagon. I am one of those right-winged people you dislike so much - you'd be surprised how many of us DO watch Bravo. I do not care for Ann Coulter either, but like all of us in this wonder country, she is entitled to her opinion. We would like to have our "Ted" back: the one with the witty, charming demeanor and talks about food in such a way our mouths water! The other Ted is beginning to remind us of Ann Coulter.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:49 PM

WeirdWillie wrote:

I don't know when you are just being bitchy or serious. You might tell us when you are in sarcastic mode. Don't forget, conservatives have feelings too. HOWEVER, I fully agree with your comments and I am greatly disappointed Tre went home last night. He and Hung were my picks for the finale. Maybe the producers found a way to sneak him back into the show in a later episode. :-) Regards and keep the up the truly good work on the blog.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:52 PM

thea wrote:

great blog ted! very funny but true observations...i have to say that howie made a good decision in substituting poussin for the rabbit, since there weren't enough rabbit in the supermarket. and i commend him for obeying sara and trying to be a teamplayer. maybe he learned his lesson from the late night snack episode. it was funny seeing him trying to keep his temper in check.... all in all, Good job for the QUATRE.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:54 PM

jlh wrote:

Ted,
thanks for the post, and the reminder that despite our disappointment over Tre, one team had a very good night!
I think Howie needed ana respected Sara for taking charge in their kitchen, just as any exec he has worked under.
Sara definitely earned the title "She Who Must Be Obeyed".
we're hoping Tre gets to come back to help cook in the finale.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 2:58 PM

Metropolis wrote:

Ted, Ted, Ted, Ted, Ted. Fred Thompson can't act his way out of a paper bag. Bring back Adam Schiff. I just watched Mr. Thompson give a speech to the VFW and he was just as much an empty suit there as he is on Law & Order.

You were right though about the blogger and Mr. Ciccone, though. So smug and dismissive, it immediately brought to mind "Ratatouille". (Anton Ego, anyone?) Hat's off to Dale who summed him up perfectly.

And I was also very impressed with Sara who stood up to Howie and put "The Little Bulldog" in his place. On the whole, the strength and maturity level of this year's chefs is so much higher than last season's, and Tre is the consummate example. From the moment they began applauding each other's wins, I knew this group was one I would enjoy watch. I am really sorry to see Tre go.

Now, if only we could say a final good-bye to Commander Codpiece, Fredo, and the gang!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 3:00 PM

Donna wrote:

Great Blog! I to loved Sara taking on, and winning, with Howie! YOU GO GIRL!!!

And as to the blogger... loose her, I refused to even read her blog she posted here. It's easy to dish it out, but could she take it? Probably not! That's why she blogs.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 3:01 PM

Shauna wrote:

Right wing, left wing. It's good to see that you can crack on each side equally. However, I do believe I didn't read a single comment from last week that said they "hated" you. Love your comments on the food here and on other shows. We may disagree on our political viewpoints, but that doesn't mean I can't respect you, your beliefs, or your tastebuds.

Keep blogging!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 3:07 PM

techchick wrote:

Hey Ted! I give big kucos to Tre for handling the departure with class and like a stinkin' MAN, for Pete's sake! We love him even more for not whining and crying like a little girl about getting voted off. I know the food lovers definitely haven't seen the last of him, and right now, I have such great respect. I also think that Casey is a terrific cook, but was dismayed at how slowly she was chopping away. Knives? Technique? CJ has bit the dust...he isn't able to run with the big dogs. Hung doesn't have the leadership to be a Top Chef, and ugh, who can really work for Howey when no one can really work WITH him? Sara is OK...a little too quick to throw the others under the bus at times, I think. I think it could end up being Dale taking the prize at the end. CJ? Oh yeah, is he on the show? BTW, I LOVE having you on the show, Ted. I miss QE4TSG a lot. Best to you.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 3:11 PM

Sara B. wrote:

Ted, I wish you were on every episode of Top Chef. You're my favorite! "Two words: Ba. Con." Funny mention of the Melrose, I think that's Dale's neighborhood (where I live, too). I agree that he looked cute but didn't really match the decor.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 3:19 PM

Malia wrote:

Oh Ted! Love your insightful blog as usual. Of course have to take slight issue...

as a Conservative lacto-ovo veg with gay siblings... people are dying for the right to vote in other parts of the world. To wish that conservatives would "stop voting" is well, un-American (haha)!

Anyway, I HATED to see oh-so-yummy-Tre go, but I think the judges made the only decision that could be made. The Executive chef, who was also responsible for two of the worst dishes of the night, needed to pack his knives. Keep up the great (and heartbreaking) work!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 3:26 PM

Miroslav wrote:

"I’ll shut up as soon as Ann Coulter goes away for good and you quit voting." Ted, I'm dying over here. I'm going to have to stop reading your blog at work so I don't have to explain why I'm laughing alone in my cube...

posted on August 23, 2007 at 3:29 PM

pat wrote:

ted, i love you on this show. i think you strive to be very very fair and truly appreciate the effort as well as the taste of what you are served. I look forward to your blogs.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 3:37 PM

Dai Liu wrote:

Thank you Ted for your insights. I, like the most of people, didn't want to see Tre go. Even after Tre had send out lousy dishes 2 nights in a row which he admitted that he shouldn't have in the first place. I still wanted to see Tre at the end with Hung, Casey and Brian. Anyway, keep up the good work and can't wait for the new season of Queer Eyes so I can learn a few more lifestyle tips, whether or not I apply them is another question :)

posted on August 23, 2007 at 3:38 PM

Laura wrote:

As someone who voted for Mr. Mission Accomplished (and would so again in a heart beat) - I LOVE your comments !! You were fabulous on Queer Eye and even better on Top Chef. You comments are refreshing, and "on point". I was thrilled when you were a guest Judge last year and having you around on a more regular basis is even better. Even us screaming Conservatives have good taste ;-)

posted on August 23, 2007 at 3:44 PM

david wrote:

Why exactly do 'critics' feel justified in describing chef's dishes as 'dreadful,' a 'disaster' and a 'catastrophe.'

Would you say that to Tre in his restaurant? Or in his home, if he invited you for dinner?

posted on August 23, 2007 at 3:46 PM

karen wrote:

Great Blog as always, and its a delight to read your intake on the show, makes us see the judges side of things. And you are great Ted, love having you there, I know though spliting it with Gail makes me sad, I like Gail, but I take you anyday,lol. Glad you blog on the weeks your not there though. Thanks

posted on August 23, 2007 at 3:46 PM

laura wrote:

Way to go team dysfunctional, the dream team has got nothing on you. And Ted, keep with the blog, it is always entertaining, and now I get why, we are fellow Brooklynites...

posted on August 23, 2007 at 3:49 PM

none of the above wrote:

"set I had always figured for the Bravo audience "

Whatever disease the blogger had must have been communicable to you via paper.
You are making assumptions about your audience.
You may be alienating parts of your audience.
Like me.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 3:49 PM

Susan wrote:

Hate to see Chef's go..........watching Joey leave was so sad. But, just want to ask why during the first restaurant challenge was the tuna tar tar great and a smart choice, and your comment the second challenge wasthat it was cliche???

posted on August 23, 2007 at 3:51 PM

Christie wrote:

" I’ll shut up as soon as Ann Coulter goes away for good and you quit voting."

AMEN Ted!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 3:57 PM

annie wrote:

Ted, hon, babe, sweetheart. Love your blog. Love you. Air kiss-air kiss. But, pray tell, or should this be true or dare?, what was the point of having Madonna's brother on as a guest? Geez, just listening to Christopher Ciccone made me want to scream at the TV: "Why don't you go pour yourself a big cup of shut the hell up?!?" And if the show is bringing on a designer why not someone the audience respects, like Thom Filicia? (Think about it - they bring on top tier chef judges like Daniel Boulud and Eric Ripert and then lower the quality of the show with someone who's only claim to fame is being the sibling of the nation's No. 1 Kabbalah worshipper? Oh, wait a minute, didn't Chrissy sew Madge's cone bras back in, what was it?, 1991? Yeah, that's hot. Not. And why was sommelier/ex-contestant Stephen pouring wines? That was stupid and pointless. Kind of like Stephen. As for the best quote of the night, consider CJ's crude, yet amusing, line that while he may have only one testicle, he has more balls than most chefs. Kiss, kiss, sweetie-darling.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 3:57 PM

Andrew wrote:

After last night's episode, I've come to realize the show is most asuredly NOT about finding the "Top Chef".

In reading the previous blogs, it's clear the judge's thought very highly of Tre, while Howie has been seen as -- ummm -- marginal at best. He's had some truly terrible offerings, but he remains in the competition. I can't buy the judges' justification that if one were to go to a high end restaurant and the chef were having a bad night and served up some truly bad food, you'd never go back. That's true to an extent. If you'd never been to that restaurant before, a bad night would send you running, never to return. But if you'd been to a restaurant several times and had excellents meals, a single terrible meal would likely make you wary of the place, but your past experience would bring you back. If, on the other hand, if you went to a neighboring restaurant and you were continuously served marginal, even terrible food, with marginal service, and you continued going while shunning the consistently great restaurant because of it's one bad night -- well, be my guest, it's your money. You can continue to eat at Howie's, but I'll be laughing at you from a table at Tre's.

If Howie makes it to the end, I'll have to view "Top Chef" in exactly the same light as I'd view "WWE Raw".

posted on August 23, 2007 at 4:00 PM

jorge wrote:

Ted,

I disagree with the decision. Tre should stay in the competition and I think the judges should have aimed to CJ or Casey. If Top chef is only about food I understand why Tre went home, but since it is not then judges should look at each individual based on attitude, skills, leadership, knonwledge, etc.

For instance, CJ had a poor dish (lobster salty), he lacks leadership and he should have step up an as a leader and take the responsability. On the other hand Casey, I don't belive she belongs in the show, she in not consistent, always looking the other way to avoid responsability.

A good chef is good leader, a good educator and a person that will take the blame for the mistakes done by his/her staff.

Another thing, why is Howie still on the show?. He has the worst people skills as a Chef. Unless he is going to work his own hot-dog stand in N.Y. He can not be a Top Chef.

Please don't meke the show abot "bad guys" vs. "good guys" keeping the "bad guys" = ratings = money. Its a TV standard now a days. Please keep the show Fresh and Clean.

I hope Bravo reconsiders bringing Tre back.

Good Luck.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 4:03 PM

Mark wrote:

Oh, dear. Do I sound "vaguely bisexual" to you? (I'm the straight guy who tried to reassure you about your good looks.)

I'm playing along with your little jest, of course. Your blog is very amusing.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 4:11 PM

timshell rivers wrote:

I love your Bush fun loving joking, lol, but if it was said by me it wouldnt be a joke...
I don't agree about Tre, Sara, is so lame, she is not really talented, can't chop an onion, andwhat does she offer. Every challenge she has only shown us that she moves slow, no true inspired new ideas, and so on. I actually was shocked that you didnt throw the dead weight(Sara) but instead gave Tre the heave ho.
Love you, I think you are just great!!!!!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 4:16 PM

timshell rivers wrote:

I apologize I meant to write Casey, for being lame, not Sara.
Sara carries her weight and holds her own, and boy she can chop an onion.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 4:19 PM

Deborah R wrote:

Ted:

Oh, I needed this today. Lots of laughs--and I think you even called me a pacifist for suggesting that you not incite the right-wingers. Maybe I should buy a pair of Birkenstocks :-) When I clicked a new page and saw Andrea Strong's name, I actually groaned aloud assuming you, too, were going to slap us on the wrists for picking on the guest blogger. Instead, you called it exactly as it was, "awfully sarcastic" and "show-offy"--which is why we all derided her comments. (Lesson: What you put out there will come back to you.)

With the chop-off, Stephen's cameo, and the joy of watching Sara tame the bulldog, this was one of the more enjoyable episodes in three seasons. I love Tre, but agree with you on the judges' decision. I disagree, though, on Dale's shirt. I loved the black and khaki he wore the previous night. But maybe that's because I'm a straight girl. Perhaps we could get Tim Gunn to declare an official wardrobe winner?

posted on August 23, 2007 at 4:21 PM

Kaysie wrote:

You... are... HILARIOUS. I love the way you aggravate all the right people with what you write in your blogs. Keep it up!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 4:22 PM

Andrea wrote:

Ted,
Oh, how I love you. Why?
I love you:
-because of your mastery of the English language
-because you have the ability to say what is on your mind without being mean
-because you are adorable
-because of your previous non-judgemental willingness to help straight boys learn to be better people
-because when you do offend someone while speaking your mind, you don't blindly apologize for it.
-and because you know how to joke and kid, and expect others to know how to take it.
As for the show, I'm sad to see Tre leave, and I think we can all agree that the eliminations don't go in order of skill level throughout the season. However, he was the right choice tonight because as they have told us a million times, a contestant's past performance matters not. Did anyone else notice that the both times Tre said he could do something in his sleep (bread pudding, barbecue) they turned out bad?
Or that the last time Casey professed her love for someone (Lia) she was eliminated? As soon as she mentioned that she had bonded with Tre, I KNEW his time was over. Weird, huh? Is there a Casey curse or is this selective editing? J/k

posted on August 23, 2007 at 4:33 PM

Tinagella wrote:

Dear Ted,

I am frustrated with last night's episode because I don't feel like there has been consistency in the judging criteria from episode to episode, let alone from season to season.

I recognize that film is left on the editing floor so we as viewers are not privy to all discussions. But TC Production needs to figure out a way to better communicate to the audience what exactly the judge's deliberations are all about. As a viewer I felt left in the dark after last night's decision to send Tre home.

Perhaps, while Chef Tom was observing the cheftestants there could have been a voice over with some of his "at the scene" observations. That would at least give us some further insights.

Not to harp on Chef Tom, because I respect him, but in prior seasons he CORRECTLY called out cheftestants for not focusing on the food. During TC1 both Steven and Miguel were reprimanded. And who can forget during TC2's Hawaii cook off Sam Talbot was blown out of the running with Chef Tom's comment "but he didn't cook anything...and it's a cooking competition".

If last night's decision was based on Tre's salmon and bread pudding indiscretions shouldn't blame have been shouldered by his teammates who seem to have skated by all evening?

Shouldn't CJ, who again underwhelmed with a salad, have felt the heat? During, TC2 Carlos was sent home for only preparing a salad. And what about Casey, whose inadequate knife skills deflated the team during the quickfire and whose overdone Monkfish dish was mediocore, at best? This season alone cheftestants have been sent home for ALOT less. Had Brian showed some initiative and augmented his nominal front-of-the-house contribution by actually cooking something perhaps he could have have been a decisive factor for a Team April win, instead of the loss.

Why was all of this overlooked?

Tre was both inventive and but not superfluous in his cooking. He respected his teammates and was a quiet leader. I have no doubt he will find tremendous success in the resteraunt business. Tre is my fan-favorite and I am sad to see him go. I will continue to watch TC3 but honestly it's not the same. I just hope the remaining cheftestants mature into the Top Chef role because, from my perspective, none left can fill those shoes.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 4:41 PM

workerdummy wrote:

"And not even just the two or three “politically-correct”-ravin’, Oxycontin-munchin’, Limbaugh-listenin’, Falwell-missin’, hard-right conservative Bushies whose tender feelings I apparently bruised in last week’s blog. (Sorry—really sorry—and I’ll shut up as soon as Ann Coulter goes away for good and you quit voting.) But also the peacenik, Chablis-sniffin’, book-readin’, almost-vegetarian-but-can’t-kick-prosciutto, vaguely bisexual, Volvo-and- Birkenstock set I had always figured for the Bravo audience we love so much!

I kid, you know. I really do. Most of my relatives voted for Mr. “Mission Accomplished,” and some of them don’t even regret it yet. But since you ask, my fundamentalist friends, I LOVE Fred Thompson. On “Law & Order.” Where he’ll be working again in November 2008—can’t wait! J"

I will not watch any further episodes that include Mr. Allen, including the finale.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 4:53 PM

KQ wrote:

Hey Ted, you made me spew my beverage with that parenthetic "apology", right there in your second paragraph. When you decide to write a blog outside of the Bravo format, I'll be there, with bells on! Meanwhile, I'll have to be satisfied with this limited format. Thanks - THANK YOU - for the delight!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 4:57 PM

John Hixenbaugh wrote:

Revenge of the Nerds meets Restaurant Wars. The Nerds (Team Quatre) outshine the Alpha Betas (Team April) in every way. We love when the underdog wins. I loved the episode and have now watched it four times (I love the way that Bravo runs repeats!)...and my partner thinks I am mad. Each time, I become more proud of Team Quatre because I see that each member really put aside his individuality to follow the lead of executive chef Sara. A few weeks ago, she was totally on my nerves and now I have her on a pedestal. Each member contributed to the success. I really appreciated Quatre's humility. Plus, I think that Dale is just so damned cute (like when he told Howie "We have faith in you buddy" in that soft supportive voice). On the other hand, Team April failed miserably on so many levels. I had no problem with Tre leaving. He takes full responsibility for what occurred. He should have tasted that salmon dish and decided not to serve it. A solid decision like that would have saved him from elimination. It seemed like no one was really making sound decisions on Team April. Tre was first class all the way and very talented. I'm still waiting for someone to present a wow dish that makes say - He or she is a Top Chef. I haven't seen it yet. Ted, keep up the great work. I like both you and Gail. If anyone has to go, it could be the little known guest judges. I just don't think they add that much to the show. Anthony Bourdain excepted.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 5:01 PM

Mark wrote:

Ted, I just finished reading the article about you in the LA Times. That thing about the chili peppers must have been a big deal, judging by its prominence in the article, or else Denise is the one who made a big deal out of it. In any case, I'm so sorry that you took so much crap about that. I'm one of the "intrepid readers" mentioned by the article. I did ask you to forgive me for being nitpicky, and all I wanted to do was to talk about food with you. I've been posting messages on message boards for years, but not on a celebrity blog that has national exposure. So the repercussions took me by surprise. I'm glad that my comments are not subject to the same scrutiny as yours.

But as the article makes clear, things seem to be going your way these days. That's great. I wish you all the best.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 5:02 PM

Nancy wrote:

You judges were really between a rock and a hard place on this one. Let Tre go and you are watching the best chef of the bunch walk away. Let him stay and you get accused of manipulating the results and playing favorites. I'm sorry to see him go, but I'm glad you played fair. Its just a TV show and Tre has the real reward - respect and a great career ahead of him.

By the way Ted, thanks for being part of this show. Everytime I see your face I give a little cheer because I know we're in for some intelligent fun.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 5:15 PM

AJim wrote:

Wow, one of your best entries so far. I think part of the huge outrage about Tre's departure is that Howie is still there after 3 trips to the bottom group. But people need to understand that the judging criteria SHOULD change depending on the number of chefs left. And while Howie definitely has deserved the boot more than once, I don't think the people that left instead of him were unjustly let go. With the number of chefs narrowing dow, the mistakes that Tre made were HUGE. Part of his downfall was due to overconfidence, bordering on arrogance. Perhaps he wasn't as willing to yell at the other chefs because they're friendly (as opposed to Sara and Howie). But it isn't a congeniality competition.

Love the blog, love you on the show. I've been to Sola before and it's one of the best in Chicago for sure. I didn't realize Dale was there now (man, what restaurant hasn't he worked in?) but I'll try to check it out on Dale night. And btw I think the shirt was Ben Sherman :-)

posted on August 23, 2007 at 5:22 PM

Lola wrote:

When Hung didn't realize that "Sara and Joey" meant, ya know, Sara and Joey, I didn't get the feeling that he'd already left them in the dust. I got the feeling that he was so engrossed in his work that he was taking everything he heard at absolute face value. Dale could have told him, "Mrs. Hung is here," and I don't think he would have realized that Dale meant his mother.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 5:29 PM

KEN wrote:

"Would you say that to Tre in his restaurant? Or in his home, if he invited you for dinner?" david: In the restaurant business you're bound to get tough critiques. In a JUDGED show, you're bound to get tough critiques. If Tre didn't want to be judged he could have a) made better food and/or b) not participated in a JUDGED competition. Welcome to the real world.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 5:29 PM

Heather wrote:

Great blog, Ted. ITA with your take on Andrea Strong. It's so unoriginal to be that mean -- what a cop-out. Your zingers on the other hand, are original, intelligent, and hilarious (also love the non-apology and succinct assessment of the US political spectrum, warts and all). And Mr. Ciccone? Puh-leeze. I hope he is not being floated for another "reality" show debut...there are limits, Bravo!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 5:31 PM

Diana wrote:

Wow, I really cannot believe so many people are blaming "personalities" for why Tre went home. He went home because it's a week-to-week competition, people. Whoever does the worst that time, goes home. It was his job as chef to make sure all the dishes were perfection. His job, too, to delegate and set the tone/pace of the kitchen. His team had 4 of the 6 best chefs left. They should have won, they knew it & that's what blew it for them.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 5:44 PM

Ted wrote:

Hey, guys, thanks for posting. I feel I just have to interject: None of us wanted to see Tre go. We all love Tre, and agree that he may be a better chef than some of those who got to stay. That's not the point. Read Tom's blog, Tony's blog, Gail's blog--we were all bummed that we had no choice but to bid Tre a fond farewell, and we know his classy performance on TC will be remembered by his future employers. Again: Chefs are evaluated challenge by challenge, based on the food they cooked that day--not on their personalities, not on their resumes, not on their looks, not on anything else. The judges do not choose to keep people because of ratings (or else we'd have kept Joey, who had a hilarious relationship with Howie), gender (or else we would have tried to keep a more balanced male/female ratio) or any other insidious, network-y, commerce-driven reason. It is, emphatically, about the food. Them are the rules. Thanks, T

posted on August 23, 2007 at 5:44 PM

Featherstone wrote:

I was scratching my head over Ciccone as well. But what really piqued my interest was him mentioning monkeys again. I won't argue with his simian tastes but where does this monkey thing keep coming from? He's a monkey, she's a monkey, Hung's monkey could apparently kick it in the kitchen....please tell me monkey's coming up on a repeat of the exotic protein challenge here somewhere. Visions of Indiana Jones race through my head-OK, I'm an archaeologist, so that's not a rarity, but still...If it weren't for the poor monkey's suffering, Id personally just love to see Hung have to serve monkey. If it weren't for the poor monkey. OK, Hung Tartare it is, then! The monkey probably cooks better, anyway.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 5:47 PM

Eric W wrote:

I will say this, as much as I am mad Tre went home, the best line of the season came out of this episode.

Casey: "Fine dicing an onion. It's not Brain Science."

No darling, and it's not Rocket Surgery either. Keep smiling, looking pretty and cooking my dear...

posted on August 23, 2007 at 5:48 PM

mary wrote:

I find it really shocking that the people chosen to compete in this show are supposedly fabulous cooks yet you, last night, called one of the dishes disgusting and Tom never seems to like anything (he has no taste, that is obvious, why HE is a judge is beyond me, i think that Garfield would be better)! Just where are these people being chosen from, McDonalds?? ridiculous.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 6:17 PM

Karen wrote:

This show is a joke! You are not looking for the Top Chef but the Top Drama person! Tre' was way better than Howie the sweating a-hole who lost week after week and he is still on the show. Sara can't cook to save her life but she is still there. Top Chef show but about the whole season and not one week. This was really a bad choice by the judges to let Tre go instead of CJ who two weeks in a row did not lead and Brian who was bad both weeks also. No one helped the Chef even though it should be a team effort. So because you judges continuously leave on people like Howie, Heung and Sara then I will no longer watch this show! You blew it and will loose a lot of viewers because of your decision.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 6:17 PM

Nicole wrote:

Hey Tom! Love your blog!
I have one quick question. Are ALL the comments you and the rest of the judges make at 'Judges Table' how you feel or are you critical of almost all contestants to intensify the drama? I was curious b/c in last nights epi there was a discussion about Brian possibily getting the boot b/c of his lack of presence in the kitchen. I wasn't sure if you guys were just throwing his name out there so it could seem that almost anyone could go in each epi or if you REALLY felt at one time during your discussion that he should go. It just seemed that Tre would get the boot no matter what and the epi needed a few other names discussed so that the conclusion wouldn't be too obvious in the final cut.
P.S My dad was considered for Queer Eye, but when someone called us for you guys to visit it was during the three days my dad was working with his boss. That was almost 4 yrs ago and needless to say, he's still in need of an intervension! LOL!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 6:25 PM

Jessica wrote:

Love you, love the blog. I think you did make the right decision with Tre, but the who Restaurant Wars thing is just a little Apprentice-y, isn't it? I mean basically every episode of that Trump Extravaganza ends with the "Project Manager" leaving for failing to lead the team effectively. It's almost a sure thing that one of the exec. chefs has to go for that reason. I like the challanges when the odds are more even and every chef has to cook his or her best dish to make it through. As Tom might say, "It's called Top Chef, not Top Imitation-of-a-host/server-from-someone-who's-probably-never-waited-tables-in-his-life."

posted on August 23, 2007 at 6:50 PM

Sous Chef Humor wrote:

Hi Ted,
So sorry we missed you on Watch What Happens last night. We even had questions ready to send in. Thanks for this blog. We at BTC are very sad to see Tre leave but love to read your blog to get the rest of the story.
Love ya Ted!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 6:52 PM

Heather wrote:

I know a lot of people are going to be writing in about Tre getting the chop. So, I wanted to put in at least one vote that I thought you made the right decision. Although Tre's a great cook, he micromanaged and tried to do everything himself (4 dishes to CJ's 1). And the dishes suffered because of it.
That said, he'll be getting my vote for fan favorite.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 6:52 PM

Edwin wrote:

Mr Allen,

Your blog does tend to be a great read (well, Anthony Bourdain's is entertaining, too). I just finished watching RW Redux, and the comments about Tre's food would indicate that one dish was a failure in execution, and the other in concept. In this particular event, he did not perform well; sending him home was not a misjudgment. I do miss Tre; he seemed like a class act, a generally excellent chef(well, except for those potatoes in RW1 and his failed dishes in RWR). Were I ever so foolish as to open a restaurant, Tre would still be my first choice.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 7:19 PM

earle wrote:

You need to just stick to talking about Top Chef, and not about your political beliefs. What does insulting your audience accomplish?

I know you have beliefs,but just shut up about them already. "Nice Job" insulting people whom you know nothing about. Stick to badmouthing people who wear the wrong clothes {like that has anything to do with food}, and leave your politics at the door.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 7:40 PM

TNnis wrote:

This may be your best blog entry yet, Ted!! Love it -

As soon as Sara was announced as the winner, I felt that Tre was gone, as the theme of the episode seemed to have a lot to do with the "captain of the ship" model.

In the 'real world' a big enough mistake will get the best, brightest, most consistent and competent fired, and it's refreshing to see that TC decisions reflect that.

On another note, as far as my household is concerned, you were pretty much 'spot on' - all the way down to the deoderant crystal!!!!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 7:45 PM

Artemnesia wrote:

Despite all the belly-aching, Tre screwed up and deserved to go. And he totally knew it. He was a great guy and I'm sorry to see him go. But that doesn't mean it was a bad decision. Actually I think the decision did much to convince me that the judging is fair and goes the way it's supposed to-- with each challenge judged individually. Ya can't rest on your laurels and be a Top Chef. Worst performance goes every week (more or less) and unfortunately this time it was Tre. We'll miss ya buddy.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 7:55 PM

ollie wrote:

Tre was good, but I must have missed the part where he walked on water.
The decision to send him packing was tough but fair, as long as TC sticks to the criterion of judging each show separately. I hope, for TC IV, the option of judging cumulatively is considered. Some of the remaining chefs - Casey, CJ, Brian & Sara - are clearly not in Tre's league.
I also hope, for TC IV, that we hear more from the judges at the judges table. Less Padma, please. If Bravo must have her because of her beauty, then keep her, but off to the side, hosting, not judging.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 8:01 PM

maurice wrote:

i am soooooooooooooooo tired of reading how you judges are all sooooo sad to see Tre go, and how you all pretty much think he is the most talented and yet you turn around and still defend sending him home over, say, howie, or one-note brian, or even ms even-keel -herself Casey! Just shut up about it, it just reminds me of a saying and a life lesson i learned at a young age, sorry is just a word.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 8:10 PM

Lara wrote:

You rule the world. Thats all from me haha

posted on August 23, 2007 at 8:16 PM

asa wrote:

i am still trying to figure out why brian remains on the show. he hasn't done anything! tre was booted for what?! your producers need to realize that top chef viewers are not drifters from mtv's real world audience! we are mature, high-minded individuals who are voyueristic along with the rest of noisy ass america, except that we have standards. watching tre's exit video speaks volume to his character. for me this show was about the pleasure of pure competition and the measure of personal character. when the two are balanced within an individual there is nothing to stop them.

so tim, please explain to us the judges decision making process. you seem to forgive people who are difficult to get along with(howie) and kick off people who don't fit a particular mold (sara).

my predictions for the finale aren't good. if hung or sara don't make it, that's it for me. sara is starting to blossom but hung is bumping his head against the wall. once he gets his stride that will be it for howie, casie, brian, and sorry cj. i bet you guys want the cute white guy to win this year, right? or is it the bulldog east coast? i believe the producers make their decisions based on the ratings and are in a booth going here's our top four. and the challenges come in such an order to create these outcomes. of course we don't know that you can control the contestants behavior. like pavlov's dog. tempting the cheftestants with strategic guest judges and coordinating challenges will provide advantages to some. its so transparent. i am so sick of the same old ish! i can't believe that i am actually blogging...that's just how upsetting last night's decision was. this show should be renamed TOP DRAMA!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 8:19 PM

R. Christian Anderson wrote:

Hey Ted... yeah, count me as one of those who hated to see Tre go out the door. He was certainly one of the most talented chefs in the bunch. He was also a consumate gentleman and gracefully understood what did not work in the challenge. I have to say I think Dales choice of dress in the restaurant made me wonder if Carson shouldn't take him in hand and give him some lessons on the appropriate dress...my feeling is he would certainly know how to put jeans and leather together on Saturday night, but not a dinner jacket in a restaurant... but Dale remains immensely talented and was unafraid to take charge of his end of the restaurant. I like Dale very much and was very proud of him during both challenges. In the end, the judging made sense and the competitors is light years ahead of season 2 and more in line with season 1. At the end of last season, I no longer considered myself a fan of Top Chef... but I am now re-recruited and respect the show once more. Interesting that the blog showing the contestants where they are now has Ilan seriously lacking. Marcel may have been the brat of season 2, but incredibly talented he is and I respect him highly for all he is doing to futher his career. Oh, one more thing... ut Christopher Ciccone was a total bore on the episode. He was as useless as the "blogger" was last week. You guys don't need guest judges for the show like that. Keep real chefs or food critics on board for those tasks, not minor hyper-critical "celebs" that have no restaurant experience. The tasks these competitors are made to go through is so tough and deserve your level of expertise and understanding. You're the greatest Ted! Big hugs from Palm Springs!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 8:34 PM

Karen wrote:

Ted,
Love your blog, but was really hoping for more food commentary. Especially when Mr. Bourdain said you were " harpooned" by the salmon. I see many people complaining about Tre being ousted and i'm disappointed too. So a bit more of why might quiet the dissenters. I enjoy it when you are on the judge's panel. Im sure Gail is good at what she does but you seem to have a better way of presenting your point of view. Is it my imagination or were the first season chefs the best group so far?

posted on August 23, 2007 at 8:36 PM

Betz wrote:

Ted, You and the team made an idiotic decision in sending Tre home. Shame on you. Tre was one if not the best chef there and you know it. His skill, finesse, and talent was a joy to watch. You made a bad mistake. Shame on you.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 8:54 PM

victoria wrote:

Hey Ted, watch the conservative bashing! Political, religious, and other such socialogical issues have nothing to do with this show, it's fans, or you, in this forum. I am one such conservative and I never let that get in the way of my enjoyment of the show or you, so please meet me on that level. I'm sure you were just trying to be amusing, but you weren't. That aside, I always enjoy reading your blog and getting your insight into the competition. So leave the bashing to Bourdain, eh? Political correctness shouldn't just apply to the majority!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 9:08 PM

Jen wrote:

So Sara was pushy, bossy, and overbearing this week...exactly what she has been griping at Howie about...and she wins.

That wasn't the Sara we've seen in other episodes. Personally, I think she saw Tom C. in the kitchen and gave him what she knew he would want to see. Perhaps she knows how to compete more than I've given her credit for.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 9:11 PM

PeachPie wrote:

Oh snap!

I haven't read the other posters comments, but I guess someone must have pissed you off. Ted, it's your first season on these blogs. Don't let anyone get you down. You're wonderful. (Yes of course I was one of the bloggers who petitioned Bravo to get you).

As for Tre leaving, in the guidelines of the show, it really was the correct choice. I loved Tre and hoped he'd be there to the end. But every good chef will have his day. We've not seen the last of Tre.

Luv ya!

PS.... I'm so sick of the term PC. Damn!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 9:32 PM

Patina wrote:

Ted,
You are still a hoot even though you are a typical intolerant left-winger. Nobody's opionion is correct but your own. I still like you because you seem to know food and style.
But why don't you save your political rants for another blog.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 9:32 PM

D0LLY wrote:

So, CJ drafted Tre as leader, then did not back him up. Brian cooked nothing at all. Yet, this was open and shut?

posted on August 23, 2007 at 9:50 PM

Tre Cool wrote:

I completely agree with the other blogers...Tre should not have been the chef to go. He had proven throughout the season that he has the skills, experience and drive to be the top chef. Maybe paring the grapefruit with the Salmon was a mistake--but it was a risk. Chefs who don't take risks are not innovative--and without innovation in cuisine we'd all be eating bland versions of fish and chips....I think the icing on the cake for me was to have Padma telling Tre to pack his knifes. I still don't understand how someone so unqualified can be sitting at the judges table....

posted on August 23, 2007 at 10:00 PM

Janice wrote:

Loved your blog. You need to come up with a really cool definition for us middle of the road 'center'ions.

Though it makes me sad, Tre was the right choice for the knifing.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 10:06 PM

Lia wrote:

Tre had the wins. He would have won if he stayed. Wish him all the best.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 10:19 PM

Denise Martin wrote:

Awww, Ted! This made my night. I only wish I had more space (and time) to do you more justice. I really enjoyed our chat and appreciated you hanging on the phone for so long with me. Although, I totally thought you were hinting to me that Tre would be in the finals...fooled!

As usual, loving this week's blog. You and Bourdain send me into hysterics every week.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 10:29 PM

ely wrote:

Ted, I am glad that the decision to let Tre go was a difficult one, but, as much as I expected and wanted to see him in the Finals, it was the right decision. If you follow figure skating, you will understand when I say that Tre, at least on the last episode, was the Sasha Cohen of chefdom. She may well be the Top Skater alive today, but when she falls on her ass, the judges have no choice. Tre is classy enough to recognize reality.I'm sure his career will not suffer for this minor setback [Look at Sam, if you have any doubt! I have to remind myself that he didn't even make it to the final round. ]

Thank you for your comments about the mean-spirited blogger and her ridiculous companion. I don't care whose brother he is. Remember the Clinton brother? The embarassing Carter brother? Although I liked his design for Quatre, his comment on the name change was as absurd as it was wrong. Just because HE doesn't speak French doesn't mean we are all stupid. And, apart from the new wall color, I did not care at all for his design for April. He took out the hot red-orange flowers [every restaurant designer knnows that a touch of red is an appropriate appetite stimulant], replacing them with brown [a laxative?]. And that stencil! So seventies.

Well, I'm off to have dinner at Brian's restaurant. I believe I've gained 10 pounds just thinking about it. How the HELL do you and Padma stay so thin?

posted on August 23, 2007 at 11:05 PM

Rachael wrote:

I'm glad that someone's mentioning that the blogger was a little over the top.

I spent the entire "critique" rolling my eyes at Andrea; clearly many things did go wrong at each restaurant but I felt like the blog was such a desperate attempt at being writerly while being "funny" that it was overwrought and obnoxious. But hey, it got her some hits, right? Yuck.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 11:34 PM

Susan from FoodBlogga wrote:

Oh, Ted. I cannot imagine how the stars could align for Tre to be cut at this point. It was all the more difficult to watch as he left so gracefully. He certainly has much success in store for him in the future.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 11:45 PM

Jeana wrote:

Ted.. I absolutely cherish your blogs.. and I, too, was sad to see the Tre go. I wish we could all be able to taste and smell the food because as Tom is fond of saying.. "It's all about the food." So, I am trusting that the judges are "judging" right.

posted on August 23, 2007 at 11:47 PM

Lara wrote:

I commented here and i cant find it so here is another one I love you,keep up the good work!

posted on August 23, 2007 at 11:52 PM

Steph wrote:

Hey now, some of us are more than vaguely bisexual! ;)

I loved seeing Sara stand up to Howie--let him slam all the oven doors he wants, I think she made the right call. Go Sara! But I was terribly sad to see Tre go--I thought he'd make it all the way.

posted on August 24, 2007 at 12:00 AM

mol wrote:

perhaps i'm wrong, but isn't a top chef someone who is consistenly great? a chef has to contiunally put out great meals in a restaurant in order for it to succeed. he/she does not get the job by having a good night- and firing someone who is consistenly great for having an "off" night seems illogical. the whole "judge them based on this one challenge" bit seems irrational.

posted on August 24, 2007 at 12:39 AM

trish wrote:

I'm sure you know by now most of us were not happy with the so-called judges choice.
You blew it last night as did the rest of the panel. Tre should never have been eliminated.
I'd like to see all of you go through what these contestants go through and have someone critique you. How long would you be able to hang around before someone told you to pack your knives? Ugh!!!!

posted on August 24, 2007 at 12:59 AM

debutaunt wrote:

I was sad to see Tre go because, well, he's gorgeous. And just a lovely personality. Tre will go far with his winning ways.

But even I can make a no-brainer bread pudding. And I'm not much of a cook (except for my lasagna - which brings all the boys to the yard).

posted on August 24, 2007 at 1:00 AM

Dan wrote:

It's your blog and you have every right to your opinion but you write poorly and I won't read your "stuff" anymore.

This blog needs some Right Guard, I'm glad you have plenty.

I'll stick with Chef Tom or Bourdain's blog to actually get some insight into the show and cooking.

posted on August 24, 2007 at 1:18 AM

Elle wrote:

It's funny how so involved we get, watching television! I feel so invested in these "characters" on your show. Although my logical self knows that my favorite chef Tre had to go, I feel as if I can't ever watch Top Chef again, at least for this season. It's hard to watch something when you have no one to root for. I could root for Dale, but only because he's funny. He does not seem as accomplished a chef as Tre. I am so so dispirited by Tre's dismissal.

In essence, the challenge of Restaurant Wars is fun to watch but a failure as an elimination challenge. How can you properly judge the chefs when they do not have equal duties and the playing field is not leveled? Casey and CJ messed up the ONE dish they had to cook and Brian didn't even cook anything. What did THEY risk?

posted on August 24, 2007 at 2:23 AM

Bernie B wrote:

Do people that post here actually watch the show? Tom has said on numerous occasions that the Judging is based on that nights performance, what an individual chef has done in the past is irrelevant.

I'm shocked and amazed that Tre tanked hard, and it was definitely a trainwreck to watch. In the end though, it was clearly obvious who would have to go based on that days performance.

We loves ya Tre, hope to hear about you in the food circles..

posted on August 24, 2007 at 3:25 AM

Deanna wrote:

*high 5*!!!

Priceless: When Dale tells Hung, “Table 7 are Sara and Joey,” and Hung says “Who are Sara and Joey?” And Dale has to remind Hung they’re two of the people he has already left in the dust. “Oh, nice!”he says. Evidently, Hung ain’t looking back.

That was my favorite part of the episode.

posted on August 24, 2007 at 3:31 AM

Jason wrote:

WRONG WRONG WRONG! You guys got it completely wrong! Tre should still be on the show! He's the one who stepped up to be the executive chef. Where was CJ? If CJ himself, as the assembler of his hand-picked dream team, doesn't think he's as good of a chef as Tre, then WHY is he still in the competition for Top Chef? He himself didn't think he was the top chef of his own team!! So not only did he duck out on any responsibility, he then produced a lousy lobster dish...his only one! Bits of his personality are starting to show...he's a little to quick to "gently" throw his teammates under the bus. And he hasn't really shown a whole heck of alot so far in the competition. Sorry to burst your bubble buddy, but your single testicle does not give you more balls than anyone else...seems like you have the smallest cojones. You should have been the one packing your knives. And Casey, if you didn't look so good in a bikini, you would probably already have been kicked off too. I've been to your restaurant Shinsei in Dallas and let me tell ya...Tre's Abacus beats yours by a mile! How could you have let Sara of all people, so thoroughly kick your ass? I would have committed hari-kiri out of embarassment!

posted on August 24, 2007 at 4:59 AM

Sheridan wrote:

Am I the only person who thought the decision you all made had great integrity? I thought it was obvious that you all adored Tre. He was voted off by the rules, not because of personality. Yes, he is a fabulous chef, but he blew it. I think you all did the right thing. By the way, Ted, your blog is like a great desert! When I check the blogs I read yours last because I love it the most. Very much a treat. Thanks!

posted on August 24, 2007 at 6:46 AM

Diana wrote:

Ted, I love to read anything that is intelligent and funny, so while I've been eating up Anthony Bourdain's blog and book, I've just had a real blast reading your blog (especially since I am a single, minority female, living in Massachusetts, who wouldn't be sad if people like Ann Coulter got hit by a bus tomorrow). Anyway...thanks for the great blog, and to all those "fans" out there who can no longer watch the show because the judges have made such an egregious decision: Buh-bye! Get over it! It's just a friggin' TV show! In the real world, people often get knocked down for one mistake even though they have a good track record. Tre made mistakes in Part 2 of Restaurant Wars, but he will rise to the top because a whole lot of people in the restaurant/food industry know that he has great skills and great character from watching the show. All of the praise and endorsements the judges and guest judges have heaped on Tre since Part 2 aired because they felt so bad about him leaving doesn't hurt either! The "controversial" decision and resulting exposure are worth more than the prize money the ultimate winner will get. Not getting first place doesn't mean Tre will disappear into oblivion. Just ask Chris Daughtry and Clay Aiken from American Idol. I felt bad for Tre for 5 minutes, but the judges made the right decision, and Tre will be a success in whatever he decides to do from hereon.

posted on August 24, 2007 at 9:28 AM

fitc wrote:

The decision was the right one, even if it wasn't popular.

Love the Right Guard story. These blogs add a nice dimension to the show.

posted on August 24, 2007 at 10:13 AM

PBSmith wrote:

I still haven't gotten over how ridiculous the last elimination was. I understand that each individual challenge is a new test, but Tre is the only one on that panel that is consistent, strong, and worthy of the Top Chef title. He has class and composure. I have been to Abacus several times because of him, and the food is about the best I've ever eaten. Shame on the judges for sending him home. They blew it.

posted on August 24, 2007 at 10:40 AM

Santo Ingrilli wrote:

Ted,

I love Top Chef and even though I am a right wing zealot I love you on the show (see not all Republicans are mean). What people are forgetting is that Top Chef is judged show to show and the chef's must put it out there every week regardless of past week's achievements. There is no doubt that Tre was to blame for the team's failure, although I do agree that CJ took the easy way out by making Tre the executive chef. People continue to pick on Howie and Casey but I think both of them are very talented and it wouldn't surprise me to see them in the final 4.

posted on August 24, 2007 at 11:03 AM

Donna wrote:

To commenter David… can you say competition?

These chefs aren’t cooking in their own restaurant or home. They are competing! I NEVER understand why every time they cook, it isn’t the BEST they can do. Why try to slide one week? The judges are going to get you if you do. Would you want to spend your hard earned money on a meal that the chef just half way put together? No, you want their best.

The chefs know going in to it what they are signing up for. Only season one can say it was all a surprise to them and if you are a contested on any of the following seasons and haven’t watch the show… that is just plan silly.

Get a grip people, Tre really messed up and had to go. Yes, I too think he was probably the best chef on the show but if I was eating at his restaurant and he served me something that tasted as bad as those meals did… I wouldn’t be back

posted on August 24, 2007 at 11:03 AM

Leigh wrote:

Ted -
Again - your blog is FANTASTIC! Thank you!

While disappointed to see Tre go - I absolutely understand the judges' decision. In the end, isn't it about the food?

From what we were shown, it wasn't as though you had to decide on the least of what was good, but in fact, Tre's food was not quite edible.

I think Hung could go all the way - and I would not be disappointed. Indeed, when Hung said "Who are Sara and Joey?" - Priceless - as is your blogging!

posted on August 24, 2007 at 11:09 AM

Ms. Thang wrote:

no... the judges have made one of the worst decisions they could have made. i agree with the writer who said because Tre was not a "character"... just a quality chef, he got the boot. if that is the case, just get some of the nuts from other reality shows, slap a white jacket on them and let that be