Richard Crum wrote:

This was a team challenge.. Therefore when Otto was overheard at the market; whoever heard him; especially when "she" questioned HIS integrity at the judges table, she should have stopped everyone and brought it to the teams attention. I believe she is as culpable as Otto and should be called on it. If she thought it was wrong, the team never should have left the market with the ingrediant. She got a pass on this after Otto was put on the hotseat when on national TV you questioned his honesty and integrity, leaving him little chance of saving face.

posted on October 25, 2006 at 11:36 PM

Samantha wrote:

Hi Tom!

I think you are amazing. You are a terrific writer. I agree that the lychee incident was not the most important failure of Team Korea.

It amazes me that the contestants, who must have worked so hard to get on the show, sort of fall apart once the challenges begin. It was obvious that much partying was being done on Team Korea's side before the basics were figured out for the challenge. I am glad that they are having a good time, but why is it that they didn't worry about the challenge first, THEN start drinking?

In Otto's defense, I would like to point out that he DID mention that they didn't pay for the lychees, and did nothing further as he got no response. If he really intended on being deceitful, he wouldn't have mentioned it at all.

I think you look really cute at 4:30 in the morning!

Sam

posted on October 25, 2006 at 11:36 PM

Tracy wrote:

it supposed to be about the food. otto should of stayed. marissa should of gone.

posted on October 25, 2006 at 11:41 PM

Amber wrote:

I think Otto did the right thing by bowing out. What he did was wrong and he knew that. He may have been under pressure to win the challenge, but taking the lychee without paying for it was unacceptable. Marissa's panna cotta was an apparent nightmare. I think Team Korea got off on the wrong foot from the very beginning and just couldn't get their footing afterwards. What Frank said at the elimination, about sticking together and being a team is very true. If you cannot put aside your egos and work together, then there are bound to be problems. Marissa seems like she may be trouble in the coming weeks, they way she goes off on Elia at the elimination is just juvenile. She should be happy that Otto bowed out because I think she would have been the one on the block if he hadn't stepped down. Congratulations to Team Vietnam and Betty on that gorgeous knife!

posted on October 25, 2006 at 11:41 PM

andy wrote:

Tom, you mention that hunger relief is one of the causes which you support. However, during tonight's episode, there was a brief moment when the Josie was tossing away what looked like a whole tray of uneaten food. I hope that it was just garbage that was being thrown away and not a viable meal that could be given away to somebody that needs it.

posted on October 25, 2006 at 11:43 PM

Tiffany wrote:

I'm sorry.
The "Purloined Lychees" being a cancer to the team? Lame!

I get it was the wrong thing to do but there obviously was not a team vibe to begin with or they would not have gotten out of the parking lot! Marisa should have spoken up then and there instead of waiting till they returned to the kitchen and misquoting what Otto said. (Unless there was some fancy editing going on.)

I also think they should have been professional enough to not let a case of Lychees infect their performance.

posted on October 25, 2006 at 11:52 PM

Kate wrote:

I agree with the first poster, why wasn't Marisa called to the plate for not speaking up when she had such a "huge" problem with the incident? It was not until she had something to gain that she brought up the situation. I feel they were both at fault and coupled with her dessert disaster should have sent her home.

posted on October 25, 2006 at 11:52 PM

Anthony wrote:

Simply Ming was not his happy, chipper self while on the show.

posted on October 25, 2006 at 11:56 PM

Laurie wrote:

She was as wrong as Otto. She heard him at the store and kept quiet putting all the blame on him. She should have gone home too.

posted on October 25, 2006 at 11:56 PM

Jessica Fisher wrote:

Terrible decision about Otto.

It was, in fact, his honest nature that lead him to mention the lychees in the first place.

He brought the extra case of lychees to the group's attention before they left the store - hoping for their feedback.

Everyone on the team heard him say it. No one acted. Which suggested their approval of leaving with the lychees.

The female pastry chef with the bad cheekbone job created the conflict and should have been eliminated.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:00 AM

sd wrote:

Otto clearly got hosed, but what makes it okay is that there is obviously going to be a wonderfully messy Marisa dismissal that will be brilliant TV and divine justice.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:01 AM

Bobbi wrote:

It was unfortunate that Otto took total responsibility for the cashier’s error of not ringing up all the food on the cart. It was obvious that Marissa felt she got lucky when he over heard him thinking it out loud to himself and was therefore able to use the information against him. It know that what I saw was Otto over thinking the situation and Marissa showing the world she is mean spirited. Otto made a mistake when under pressure, but it was then up to Marissa to call him on it right there, not go along with it and then wait to use it to hang him. She was equally responsible for not paying for the lychees. They were a TEAM.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:06 AM

Kristin wrote:

If Marisa was so "concerned" about her teams integrity, she should have said, right at the store, that they bring the lychee back in right away...and I agree that she should have brought the issue up to the team...or how about right to OTTO? She is a self righteous drama mama. Otto didn't have a chance after the lychee thing...he could have laid a golden egg and Marisa and Elia would have poo poohed it. From her smug, crooked face, it was obvious Marisa was just trying to get anyone but herself eliminated. There is something very unsettling about her and Elia and I believe that if the food was first, and Otto had just admitted he was wrong and stopped short of eliminating himself, then Marisa and her Panna Puck would have been done for.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:10 AM

Mike Whitmer wrote:

If I had my way, I would have sent Marisa packing, for two reasons. The first and most important, she knew - in advance, that the dessert was not right, and served it anyway. She had plenty of time to remake it, and her team may have won if it hadn't been so bad. There are some foods that can make you very ill, if not prepared properly. Would she have the same attitude about them (pass the blame to another, again?) The second reason she should have left is if she had a problem with the lychees, she should have said so, immediately! Otto brought it up as they were loading the car. If he were being sneaky, he never would've mentioned it, and noone would have known. Therefore the fault lies with THE WHOLE TEAM. They were notified before they left and I think Otto was expecting someone to verify whether or not they had paid for them. Nobody spoke up, so the lychees went to the kitchen. I think she was moving the attention away from her bad dessert. The fact is Marisa had a guilty conscience on the ride home and pointed the finger at Otto. When you point a finger at someone, you are pointing three at yourself.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:18 AM

Tim wrote:

I agree with Ilan that the food wasn't the deciding factor. At first, Ming said it was about "flavor", but in the end, Team Korea's 1) lack of teamwork 2) Otto's lapse in ethical judgment and 3) the sangria caused them to lose the elimination challenge.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:25 AM

Mark Fischer wrote:

Curious what the judges decision would have been without Otto's sacrifice. You seem to indicate that Marissa was saved.
Glad to read that the cooking was not good. Right team lost. Frank's comment were right on, the team failed. Elia and Marissa should worry more about thier cooking, because it is suppose to be about the food. That Japenese knife that was rewarded for great customer service. What would be the value be of such an item? 100 in the world, that must be something special.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:34 AM

Benita wrote:

Marissa's behavior was shameful! At least Otto was man enough to admit his mistake. Marissa was quick to snap at Elia and blame the gelatin mixture for her failure, she never to responsibility. I believe her days are numbered. She just does not have what it takes to make it as Top Chef!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:48 AM

Lynn wrote:

I must say that as disturbing as Otto's lapse in judgment was, the fact that Marissa was so eager to throw him under the bus was shameful. Not to mention the way she snapped at Elia when she was trying to answer your question with a little tact. What a bitch! I think you were absolutely correct Tom, she knew she blew the dessert and was trying to save her own skin. She won't last too much longer anyway, her "pastry skills" are not enough to get her much further.Team Vietnam had it going on and yeah for Betty, what a winner!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:50 AM

Sharon A. Colucci wrote:

I do believe that it was Marissa's right to bring up the unpaid lychee issue. It should have been talked about between her and Otto. After that the whole team could have been informed and a decision could have been made as a group. Otto's returning the food was of great importance, but he still didnot take responsibility for his actions. He out right lied. That in itself deserved a trip home.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:52 AM

David Ridenour wrote:

Tom, I love the show and enjoyed the early morning trip to the fish market.
Otto's indiscretion was in fact theft.Had he not noticed it until the team was back at the kitchen, I might give him some leaway.As the video made clear, he knew it before he shut the door on the van!Imagine a customer of one of your restaraunts saying in the parking lot to his friend,"I think I got my meal free." Ever driven back somewhere to pay or pointed out to a clerk they missed an item?

In Top Chef 1, a lady went home because her father was sick and A dismissed contestant was brought back.I imagine this was for the taping schedule, one down per week.In this case Otto correctly surmised his predicament/ future, and withdrew.Though admirable (because he got caught), his elimination should have been an entirely different and seperate matter than the competition.

Marisa as you determined should have been eliminated for the desert snafu as she would have been had Otto not given the panel an easy out.
Dishonesty,cheating, or other serious departures of character should not be tolerated by the sponsors,producers or the judges.As soon as the video indicated Otto knew they had not been charged and kept the items, he should have been dismissed.I wouldn't think Sears via Kenmore would condone theft in their stores,warehouses or elsewhere.

Can't wait for the next episode! David

posted on October 26, 2006 at 1:00 AM

susan wrote:

Everyone can talk all the crap they want about Otto, but after watching the show I really think it was a combination of nerves and honestly not knowing what had happened until later. PLUS if he wanted to be a "cheater" why the heck would he have said anything outside of the store. That girl needs to get kicked off the show, she heard Otto and it is just as much her fault as Otto's. It's clear that she isn't looking out for anyone but herself, which is reasonable in a competition, but going out of her way to make people look bad is pathetic! Marisa and her stupid expressions (that she made during the judging) needs to deal with being responsible of hearing and handling things right away if it's not right and not purposely keep things to herself to only later accuse people and make herself the "angel" and the other the "liar." Someone who is going to go around backstabbing people won't be able to work with anyone, and that isn't a good chef. HAVE A TALK WITH THAT GIRL TOM!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 1:46 AM

Melissa wrote:

Tom, as an avid fan I always look forward to your opinions and views on the challenges of the show and toward the contestants. Although on tonight's show I was completely surprised at the turn of events with the lychee situation. Look, if anyone should have left the show it should have been Marisa. The moment she heard Otto and felt it was a wrong move, she, as a Team member, should have taken action BEFORE the they left the store. She is more to blame for allowing the situation to grow and losing a member during major prep time. Very manipulative of her to slide people her way.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 1:50 AM

sunny wrote:

marissa should have been sent home. i am 100% korean and the dessert she made had no traditional korean ingredients. we do not eat jasmine rice which is one of the ingredients in her dessert as well as tapioca! all the ingredients marissa used had nothing to do with korean cuisine. maybe asian cuisine in general, but not korean. i'm so suprised that none of the judges knew that.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 1:58 AM

barbara h wrote:

I agree with the others who have posted here that Marissa is as culpable as Otto. The fact that she heard Otto say AT THE STORE that the lychee was unpaid for and said nothing shows her lack of morality and self-centeredness. This being the situation, I believe Otto's selfless act of bowing out of the competition should have been ignored. When one is willing to take responsibility for the actions of all, one should be rewarded for their honesty and integrity. My hat is off to Otto and wish him all the best.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 1:58 AM

matt wrote:

It is mentioned that Otto intended to use the lychees to his advantage. What of Marisa's concealing her concern over Otto's dishonesty until an opportune time that seemingly worked to her advantage? I fail to see how Otto's inaction after discovering the team received a free case of lychees is any worse than Marisa's inaction after discovering the same fact. Indeed it appears they discovered this at the exact same time. Shame on the editors and the show for painting a distorted picture.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 2:00 AM

JJ wrote:

Was Otto the only one who could add? Why was he the responsible one? I don't remember that he was put in charge of the bill. If what's her name couldn't add, and she couldn't make a decent dish, and she spread dissent, shouldn't she be the one to go?

posted on October 26, 2006 at 2:07 AM

robyn wrote:

TOM.
you need to pick up a phone or get on a plane- because while you parade around TC- your SF restaurant is getting horrible (according to the SF Chronicle) reviews! hmmmm?

posted on October 26, 2006 at 2:13 AM

peter wrote:

I think you made a mistake tonight. Otto did not deserve to go down, Marisa did.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 2:14 AM

Phil wrote:

I think it was a shame for the show to allow Otto to fall on his sword unless several conditions existed. First was Otto solely responsible for making the market purchases? Second, was Otto the person paying for the items. Third, what about the responsibility of the checker to make sure she had rang everything up? The way I see it Otto could only have had suspensions the produce was not paid for but unless he was the person making the purchases.

Otto's decision to leave should not have changed the judges decision as to whom should leave based upon the cooking Challenge. Someone should have accompanied Otto out the door.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 2:16 AM

meliblu wrote:

Totally agree with the first poster that whoever overheard Otto's remarks, which was Marisa, should have immediately stopped everyone in their tracks and requested clarification from Otto within everyone's hearing. Otto should not have had to go back to the market, but rather they never should have left with the lychee fruit. Very happy that Otto did the honorable thing and bowed out and salvaged his reputation and dignity. To me, Marisa did not salvage her own wrecked dignity by waiting until they returned to the kitchen to make a big deal out of the free fruit. Hate Marisa's attitude and the way she really didn't take complete responsiblity for her own dessert's faults and how to her it was only Otto's fault about the freebie when she knew. If Marisa hadn't waited to tell, her team would have done much better and wouldn't have had that cancer blighting their team experience.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 2:26 AM

robyn wrote:

OK. will check back tomorrow. (do U know the Focker's sign? "I'm watching you") don't discriminate

posted on October 26, 2006 at 2:26 AM

Tony Fernandez wrote:

Otto did the honorable thing by exiting the competition, but I wonder if he would have stuck around had he not left. I don't believe that there was any malicious intent behind the Lychees not being paid for. I guess he was not thinking clearly. Mariana should have said something before leaving the store. I wanted to see Mariana eliminated for causing the conflict and not addressing the issue at the market. Also, from the judges’ take, the dessert was a complete disaster. I honestly do not know how Elia made it into the competition. Why would she choose red wine to flambé? These two are obviously the weakest chefs in the competition and will not be around much longer.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 2:38 AM

Michael wrote:

When team Korea left the store they were a team. When Otto pointed out to the team in the car that the lychees were not paid for THE TEAM decided including Marissa not to use the lychees. They as a team made the decsion not to return the lychees right then. If Otto intentionally wanted to steal the lychees and hid them from the cashier. Then he would be solely responsible. Yet, THE TEAM decided not to return the lychees right then. They should have all been penalized for it. Not one person. I feel Otto bowing out and you the judges all looking at each other and letting him fall on the sword was WRONG. All of the teamates should have been made to return to the store because it was a group decsion. Otto got a wrong deal on this show and the situation was not handled very well by the hosts and judges.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 2:45 AM

kat wrote:

What I found most interesting about tonights challenge was the difference between the men and woman regarding the lychees. I see this in everyday life and I think it's a learning experience (for better or worse -- I'm still undecided). The men were more than willing to overlook the 'free' lychees while Marisa seem to think it was some terrible indiscretion. And I think she honestly thought she was doing the 'right' thing by playing by the rules (Altho a bit delayed, but I think she was waiting for others to step up to the plate too.) I don't think it was a competitve strategy to knock someone out of the competition just for the sake of it.

The other day when Jeff Skilling of Enron was sentenced one of the talking-heads (I believe Sean Hannity, but not 100% sure) actually indicated that the women 'fingerpointer' is the one who took down Enron. Not all the corruption.

Just a very interesting dichotomy and I understand the intentions behind both reactions. Integrity vs. the greater good.

I do know one thing tho - Marisa has alienated herself.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 2:46 AM

ANGIE VAN ROOYEN wrote:

I AGRREE WITH RICHARD mARIISA IS A HYPOCRIT SHE SHOULD HAVE STOPPED CHECKED THE REGISTER RECEIPT SEE IF THE LYCHEES WERE PAID FOR THAN SHOULD HAVE RETURNED THEM RIGHT AWAY SHE IS JUST AS GUILTY AS OTTO. PLUS SHE MESSED UP THE DESSERT THEY BOTH SHOULD HAVE GONE

posted on October 26, 2006 at 2:48 AM

Isabel wrote:

I'm a Chef, and for me Marissa need to learn the word "team" if she doesn't know that word she's not a good Chef.

We want Otto back!!!!!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 2:55 AM

Alli wrote:

Tom, you may have questioned Ott's honesty and integrity but you didn't question Marisa's. If indeed Marisa was the only one who heard Otto admit to theft, then why didn't she say anything to the team before they drove off?

Since she was aware of the duplicity but did not prevent walking off with the merchandise - nor did she challenge Otto to return the lychees - that would make her an accessory to the crime and just as complicit as Otto.

Please, who is she kidding? What a hypocrite. The nerve that she would have a righteous anger against Otto's misdeed while her silence contributed to the caper.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 2:57 AM

Tuyen N. Vo wrote:

Dear Tom,

First I would like to say that I am a fan of Top Chef having followed the first season and this season. However, you guys made one big blunder in this episode. When the contestants were choosing which side they were on (Team Vietnam or Team Korea), you used the Communist Flag of Vietnam. Now I know it's the official flag but what you should also know is that the __VAST__ majority of the people who make up the Vietnamese community in America are from South Vietnam and fled to America to escape that brutal communist regime. If you truly wish to highlight the great diversity of Los Angeles (as Ms. Lakshmi eluded to when announcing the Elimination Challenge), you should do a little more research as to who makes up the Vietnamese community in America. For your edification, if you take a stroll down Bolsa Avenue in Santa Ana, you would NEVER see the Communist Flag but instead the yellow flag with 3 red stripes of South Vietnam. You should understand that the Vietnamese food enjoyed in America today is not a product of the Communist North, but the cuisine of the people of South Vietnam.

I applaud you for highlighting Vietnamese food and don't wish to be overly sensitive about this, but you'll find much more fiery rhetoric from most Vietnamese people here in America especially the older generation. They were the brave ones who went through great hardship to bring these wonderful recipes to America for all of us to enjoy.

Thanks,

Tuyen N. Vo

posted on October 26, 2006 at 2:59 AM

Soleil wrote:

Great show... and it is the first time I have watched it... I am hooked!I can't wait to see Marisa get cut - I can't stand her! I thought Otto handled himself with integrity and yes marisa should have said soemthing at the store. I can't believe you let her hockey pucks slide.It's midnight and I logged on to write this - that is how irritated and disappointed I was after seeing the show. Elia was a bit ridiculous as well. I am going to Tivo the other shows because I need to get sleep - it's midnight. To eat all of the great food you inspire , I have to get up early for the gym. I love the way you handle the show and the chefs. I am not sure what Lakshmi's roel is...she just states the obvious - give the girl some substance...she is beautiful and I liked her cookbook... maybe she is for the male viewers. You're great for the female viewers for sure. Here's to Marisa on the chopping block!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 3:04 AM

Tim wrote:

Hi Tom! Great blog, always love reading your thoughts on the episode. Also, thanks for bringing Project to Project to us folks living outside of LA and New York.

As for the episode and the blog, maybe it was just my perception of the episode, but the scene with Otto behind loading the car was clear as day. He knew EXACTLY what was going on, and he chose to act dishonorably. Sure, maybe he wasn't stuffing food under his shirt and whistling nonchalantly out the door, but this was clearly guilt by omission. His "honorable" bowing out was even worse. That was a clear case of "I know I'm screwed but I'm going to try and save face." I can't stand that. Maybe it's because I'm a lawyer, but those folks who do something shady and then try and look admirable by copping to it AFTER they've been caught - just doesn't sit well with me.

Frankly, I think you should have let Otto "bow out", and then booted Marisa as well (would have made for a great ratings twist too! ;). For pete's sake, it was panna cotta described as "a hockey puck". I know little to nothing about you outside of the show and your blog, but I can't imagine this ending sat well with you.

Looking forward to next week!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 3:07 AM

Mike P. wrote:

Richard Crum is exactly right. Both Marisa and Elia heard Otto say, 'I think we got a case of lychees free,' while they were loading the van. Elia paid so she definitely knew that had they paid they would have been over $500. Therefore, she is equally, if not more guilty than Otto - we don't know for certain that Otto knew the lychees would put them over (not that it is an excuse), but Elia did. So not only did Elia get into a van with unpaid for luchees, but she knew for a fact they couldn't use them under the rules anyway. Yet she got in the van and drove away with the same knowledge as Otto. Marisa as well.
Worse, Marisa was throwing him under the bus from the start, gradually changing his comment to, 'I got us a case of lychess for free.' Which, of course, would make Marisa even more culpable. I don't understand why the guys on the team playing the moral high ground never asked Marisa why she didn't say something when they were at the market and she heard the comment. Otto did nothing but be passive - exactly the same as Marisa and Elia. Too bad and very odd. Hopefully Marissa will be gone soon - how does a pastry chef make rock hard panna cotta anyway?

posted on October 26, 2006 at 3:12 AM

mary wrote:

I think almost everyone has encountered the "free" situation in life, one way or the other. The found wallet, the case of beer on the bottom of the cart the cashier didn't notice, the dinner check that's missing the bottle of wine. The wallet can be easy for people to empathize with, yet businesses (large or small) suffer from the idea that their losses can just be "written off". If stealing, intended or not, in a morality & integrity concept is too hard to grasp. Open your own business! Then you'll (hopefully) get it.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 3:13 AM

Lisa Darnell wrote:

I do not think that Otto should have been made to leave. The whole team knew about the lychee fruit that is why they opted not to use it. Why is it that Otto is the only one held accountable for it? If Marissa heard him at the market she should have said something there instead of waiting until they got back to the kitchen. Marissa should go home and Otto should come back!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 3:14 AM

Brigitte wrote:

I have watched Project Runway and now Top Chef. There are typical categories like bullies and bitches, submissive and arrogant characters, team players and loners.
However, the worst type is the THE TROUBLE MAKER. She/he will start arguments, controversy, spread suspicion (Laura on Project Runway), or rumor, will use any method to get another team member ousted because it means it gets them closer to the finishing line.
Marisa is a classical trouble maker. She can't win with her cooking skills so she tries to win by eliminating others with non-cooking issues. Trouble makers distract everyone's focus and concentration, trouble makers cause unneccessary stress and disharmony among teams members, which ultimately causes mistakes, oversights, and confusion -- and, viola, the troublemaker with less cooking skill thus levels the field. -- Poor Otto. Although he would not have made it to the finishing line, he left prematurely. Otto should have stayed; his "crime" was totally unintentional and he was brutaly honest afterwards. Instead, sneaky M a r i s a should have been e l i m i n a t e d. -- Dear judges, be alert to distinguish between a legitimate complaint and a trouble maker's attempt to divert the focus from the real goal.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 3:47 AM

Andy P. wrote:

I think the entire team should take responsibility for the lychees. Otto notified marisa who could have told everyone else while they were still parked in front of the market, but she stayed quiete.

Blaming Otto demonstrated that Marisa needs to go next time because she knew her dessert was a disaster. Perhaps she shouldn't have been so obsessed with what Otto was doing and her dessert would have turned out better.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 4:08 AM

Patti wrote:

You're right, Otto saved her from elimination. Why did she not say something immediately upon hearing his comment about the lychees???? Everyone would have taken a moment right then and returned the product and it would've been over. SHE would then have been eliminated by her dessert alone.
She is one to be watched, not Otto.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 4:17 AM

Patti wrote:

I too saw the tray of food (waste?) being tossed into the garbage. Was it not "stuff" that meals couldn't have been made of?, and donated to a shelter?

posted on October 26, 2006 at 4:19 AM

susan wrote:

I was a bit baffled by the choice of ingredients made by Team Korea. Korean cuisine does not include jasmine, tapioca, nor lychee. They may seem like the ubiquitous "Asian" ingredients so it's easy to assume they would be found in Korean cuisine. Unfortunately no one seemed to know what makes Korean cuisine distinctive aside from the kimchee. Kudos to them for making kimchee. That was commendable.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 4:48 AM

winston wrote:

it is suppose to be about the food.marissa should be gone with her teaspoon of gelatin excuses. Who cuts up rice paper rolls? This is about food and skills. Not personalities. I am not convinced by Padma or Gail. You both are like half baked Heidi Klums. I will certainly not renew my subscription of Food and Wine. It is not about you, the judges, where's the objectivity? State Fair contest kitchen winners are judged on taste not on personality.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 5:10 AM

Dr Loff wrote:

Tom,
I agree with you in the difficulty in deciding which is more of a reason to go home - the lychees or the food, but it wasn't just one layer of deceit on Otto's end, he continued to try to cover up what he did which just compounded the lack of integrity.. To me, that is the fall not the initial bad decision to keep them.

In response to Andy and throwing out a tray of food -- there are sanitation issues with food being left out for long periods of time. Just because someone is hungry and is eating donated food, does not abnegate the need of the provider to serve a safe meal. The food should have been thrown out as it was.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 5:13 AM

chuck wrote:

I am surprised that both Marissa and Otto were not eliminated. Otto eliminated himeself, and rightfully so, but that should not have given Marissa a free pass for her lousy food. Based on your last comment Tom, ".......and saved Marisa in the process", it sounds like you wanted her to go, so what stopped you guys from letting her go and from Otto leaving in the same week? I am willing to bet you could have found someone to fill Otto's spot if you needed to keep the number of chefs at a certain number per week. Oh well, I love the show, haven't really found a character to hook onto yet this year (I pulled for Dave last year and thought that decision to get rid of him was horrible). Thanks for a great show.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 6:19 AM

Mike wrote:

I was disappointed with Otto but more so with Marissa. If she heard him say what he did about the lychee why didn't she step up and do something at the time, before they left in the car?? He did not do the right thing, although he did show honesty at the end. Marissa is not a loyal person nor does she know her speciality, which is desserts. Good show tonite, keep it up.
Thanks, Mike.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 7:51 AM

Mary wrote:

Why was Otto held accountable for the lychee nut situation? As an earlier comment states, he mentioned it as they were loading the car, but no one said anything about it until they got back to the kitchen and then used it to slam him.

Would he have used them anyway? Possibly. Would he have gone back after the fact to the Korean grocer and paid for them? Possibly.

It was the crappy dessert and the team turning on him that caused them to lose. Winning at all costs is no way to live or gain an advantage. What goes around comes around.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 8:39 AM

Jay wrote:

TOm,

I think the theft of the lychees was a big deal. I couldn't believe when I heard Otto brag that they'd gotten a box of Lychees for free. Marissa should have stopped everything on the curb and made Otto return them on the spot. Having said that, I do not understand wht Otto wasn't kicked off the show immediately when the facts were revealed to you. This speaks to the biggest negative I see about the contestants this season: It is not about the food - it's about winning at all costs.

While Marissa blew with her hockey puck dessert, I am stunned that if Otto hadn't bowed out she would have been the one to go. If your format only allows one chef to leave per show, Otto should have been gone immediately. If you could have let two go, then send both Otto and Marissa.

It has shown up over and over in the first two episodes as well as the teasers for future episodes. Too many of the contestants are too willing to cheat or throw someone under the bus or, most cowardly, unfairly downgrade another contestant's food to try to gain a personal advantage. This is not a characteristic of a Top Chef. ( I do not see Marissa busting Otto as throwing him under the bus - she was doing the right thing) I hope you judges are including integrity and leadership as strong components. Ultimately, these are what lead Harold to his victory last season.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 8:40 AM

Kristy wrote:

Tom...... Godda love you(You're gawjuss)..BUT
Why go over the details of a show that we already watched????? We know all those details.....I love it when you do the back stories and your insights like the drinking part and your take on that...The rest is pretty boring really...Sorry....Great Chef...... Great person bad blogger....lol

posted on October 26, 2006 at 9:04 AM

Fonda wrote:

Greetings,

I watched last season, the right person won...
I feel like Otto could have waited to see what was going down before bowing out. Marissa was clearly the one to go, her attitude was what brought the team down not Otto's stupidity. I hope Otto is given a second chance later in the show. Hey, the drama would really get heavy if Marissa is still there if Otto is brought back...

posted on October 26, 2006 at 9:16 AM

Jeannie wrote:

I think the only reason Marisa made such an issue was to save herself. She was the one that should have been axed and she knew it so she pressed the Otto issue in hopes to save herself. I don't think Otto is the sole blame here and I think he actually was honest about it from the start. He stepped down becasue of the gentleman he is but he got a raw deal

posted on October 26, 2006 at 9:17 AM

Paula wrote:

WHY WHY WHY did "Top Chef" get a new host? The woman is beautiful but she has about as much charisma and charm as a wet noodle. PLEASE get rid of her and let Tom or Gail host the show.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 9:23 AM

John wrote:

Can I just say that I HATE MARISSA WITH THE BURNING FIRES OF A MILLION SUNS. Her self-righteous holier than thou attitude towards lychee-gate speaks volumes about the type of person she is. Her dessert messed up Team Korea more than Otto's absence did. She could have just mentioned it at the store if she was so intent on preserving the integrity of the team...but instead, she tattles to the HEAD JUDGE when it suits her. She is nothing but an ugly, non-talented, pointy nosed finger pointer.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 9:23 AM

judy galloway wrote:

I'm very happy the Show is back; I wasn't sure you would go through the hassle a second time. I hope Top Chef continues for many Seasons to come, but Top Chef would not be Top Chef WITHOUT YOU! I know that the competition began months ago; when did it begin and when did it end; or has the winner been named yet? If so, how do y'all keep all the secrets; I know we've seen only 2 Shows, but I don't trust some of these people; they talk a good game (as if they are trust worthy, but I have my doubts). I don't see this group of people bonding like Season One; Betty makes me smile. Have you stayed in contact with anyone besides Harold? Thank you!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 9:24 AM

Myrt Murchison wrote:

Thanks, the background music level was tremendously improved.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 9:26 AM

Bethany wrote:

From what I saw viewing the episode, Otto didnt realize the lychee until he was putting it in the car. I'm sorry, but this same thing can happen to anyone. I agree that is he was trying to be deceitful, he wouldnt have said anything at all. Really...who would have known?

posted on October 26, 2006 at 9:40 AM

Trent Pryor wrote:

Hopefully you can help me with this question. I am trying to figure out what kind of sushi knife was given to the Top Chef winner last night. Can you please give me the name? The Korean gentleman/chef mentioned that it was 1 of 100 in the world.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 10:10 AM

Lotus wrote:

What a liar that Marissa. She actually quoted Otto as saying that "he tooK" a case of lychees that he didn't pay for. What a crock. And since she's soooo honest, why not mention, right at the store, since she's the only one who heard him say that it wasn't included in the total, that they go back, right then and there, and return them. She is *just* as responsible but she chose not to confront him and then just talk behind his back. On top of that, the pastry chef made a horrible tasting dessert that wasn't even appropriate for the theme and she was *not* a team player.

I was hoping that the twist to that story was that she would be let go.

Watch your backs contestants, that one's a sneak. A sneak with an attitude.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 10:36 AM

Mel wrote:

Although I think he should have stayed & continued to compete, I give Otto high marks for fessing up and taking responsibility. If he felt the proper outcome was to leave the show, so be it. it was his decision to make. I was really looking forward to seeing more from him and will definitely miss him. I have ot say, the sushi plate he did for the Quickfire was just gorgeous!

As far as Marissa goes, even though Otto withdrew, I think she should also have been asked to leave. That dessert was a top to bottom disaster which was fully her fault. So not only did she become a major factor in her team's losing the challenge, she was also more concerned about saving her own skin and consequently threw Otto to the wolves. I seriously question not only her integrity but also her ability at this point.

During the promos for this season, she made mention that she "always gets what she wants in the kitchen" so I guess her true talents lie in her ability to manipulate rather than actually perform as a chef. I doubt she'll go too far with that attitude and hope she's gone from this season before too long.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 11:00 AM

Helen wrote:

I have to say that once Otto said he would take responsiblity for his actions, I would have kicked out Marisa. The show is about cooking skills. She failed. Additionally, if she were as honorable as she professed to be, she personally could have returned the lychees right there at the store when she found out about the mistake. She got to act all self righteous on national TV when she was as guilty of not acting on an integrity issue as he was - worse, she used it to her advantage.

However, overall, this might be my last show. There is little discussion of cooking technique and more personal drama than anything else. I enjoy Project Runway and the cooking channel so I thought this would be a natural extension of my interests - but I am getting more and more disappointed that the producers allow for Marisa-type antics and don't just focus on the food and its preparations.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 11:04 AM

Amy wrote:

Hi Tom,
I think that Otto should have stopped the team until he found out if they lychees were paid for or not. He didn't say, 'I got us a case of lychees for free", as Marisa tries to accuse him of. The comment was more along the lines of "I think 'we' got a case of lychees that wasn't paid for". It sounded as though they were under the cart basket and overlooked in the confusion, not that he deliberately schemed to sneak them out of the store. It was an oversight, and being in retail, it happens, and it honestly is an oversight. People get distracted and forget to check under there. The problem occured when he didn't stop, find out for sure, and return them. I also hold Marisa accountable, too. Why didn't she step forward and stop everyone when he mentioned it? She's just as guilty, in my opinion. I think she should have been eliminated due to her performance in her dessert. Period. It stunk, she knew it, and she took the focus off of her onto Otto in order to save her own butt. Keep up the great work. I am completely addicted to the show.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 11:08 AM

Jacqueline Swanson wrote:

Marissa was as wrong as Otto. Infact the entire team should of stood up to this error, afterall was it all Otto's responsibility alone at the store? I don't think so!
In addition i'm angry that this DRAMA got in the way of the cooking. Cooking is what i want to see, it's what the show is about, isn't it?
Marissa's "Hockey Puck" desert should of won her a ticket home, Otto's hand should have been slapped and we should of got on with what the show is all about.
The new host is aweful, who's couch did she have to sit on to get this position? Too Sexy, Too much fashion, Too much Drama.
Where's the cooking?
Sorry to be so opinionated but my favorite show just took a nose dive.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 11:09 AM

Judith Disterhoft wrote:

You should know that I flew to Las Vegas from Chicago for the sole purpose of eating at Craftsteak and Wichcraft. They were, predictably, to die for. New York is next on this foodie's list of dream meals. I was thrilled to see Gramercy Tavern on Gourmet's Top 50 Restaurants list, and I can't wait to try Craft. I'm proud to say many Chicago restaurants can give you a run for your money, however.

You continue to be a visionary and disciplined judge, making Top Chef such fun to watch.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 11:11 AM

fgmnt48 wrote:

I agree with Richard Crum, Marissa was as culpable as Otto. She clearly heard what he said and should have brought it to the attention of the team when they were still at the market and then it would not have been an issue. It clearly indicates to me that from the start of the challenge she was not part of a "team effort" had she been then that would have been foremost in her mind at the market. Instead she mentioned it to the other female chef, sorry her name escapes me, which again indicates immaturity on her part. She needs to be held accountable for her lack of inaction. I believe she clearly thought it through with the thought of bringing Otto down. I look forward to this show every week, thank you!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 11:17 AM

victoria wrote:

Otts is out due to an infraction of the rules.A thief should never be tolerated in any circumstance. Morals and values are very important in society.

LOVE THE SHOW!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 11:27 AM

Rosie wrote:

If Marissa was SO concerned about the lychee being taken without paying, why didn't she stop everyone in their tracks at the market when she heard Otto say they got them for free. By his statement, Otto knew they were unpaid for as soon as he walked out of the market, he was at fault. But as soon as Marissa heard Otto's statement she was at fault as well, for not not addressing it at the market.
Why wasn't she called on it too or was she and we didn't see it in the final cut? At least Otto was a stand up guy in the end. I just wonder how many others on the team heard Otto's statment too or knew the lychee were unpaid for and chose to ignore it.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 11:40 AM

john matis wrote:

The sous chef takes command of the production and supervises the kitchen staff, period. John F. Kennedy once said, "Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction." Josie the sous chef from Brooklyn showed the culinary world she can exhibit high level kitchen leadership when the opportunity presents itself.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 11:42 AM

Jason wrote:

Tom- Love the show..Addictted Fan of the Show and You...your a Hottie!! Season 2 is getting good!! Cheers Jason in Newport,RI

posted on October 26, 2006 at 11:47 AM

deb wrote:

I watched the episode twice so that I could be sure about what transpired concerning the little red box of lychees. It is apparent that EVERYONE on the team forgot that they had been placed on the bottom of the cart. No one spoke up during check-out. It was while the vehicle was being loaded by Otto and Marissa that the mistake was discovered. I think that Marissa carries a larger share of the responsiblilty for this unfortunate incident because she had an opportunity to return the unpaid for item before anything happened. Marissa, instead made the choice to use the slip-up as a means by which to eliminate a competitor. She was quick about setting the wheels in motion and to cast aspersions on Otto's integrity. SHAME ON HER - BEWARE FELLOW CONTESTANTS!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 11:50 AM

CHRISTINE wrote:

I think it is a shame that Otto was forced to bow out of the competition. Everyone in the group knew about the lychees. I do not like the faces that Marisa was giving Otto when he tried to explain himself after they were to find out who was eliminated. I think Marisa is childish, and I can't wait to see her get kicked off the show! Good Luck Otto! I'm sure you will continue to be very successful.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 11:55 AM

laura wrote:

I noticed josie throwing away what looked like a tray of uneaten food and thought the same thing.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:02 PM

Nellia wrote:

I was disgusted when Otto was thrown out for what was a team effort... at taking something that wasn't theirs. The only reason that Otto took the heat was because he mentioned it coming out of the store. If Marisa was so horrified by his behavior, why didn't she return them that moment? she clearly knew what had happened! It wasn't just the team who made Otto a scapegoat, it was you judges. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:03 PM

catherine wrote:

I think Marisa should have gone, but that's o.k. I don't think she'll make it much longer. She seemed a little wacko on this episode.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:04 PM

Vijay wrote:

Tom, I wonder why you guys didnt question the fact that Marissa knew about the lychess just outside the shop and if she was reallt that bothered about the integrity she shoud have stopped everyone and returned the lychess then and there. I mean its on video-clear evidence. Why didnt you cross-question Marissa about this? Not only did she mess up her food but she was an accomplice too in this whole lychee thing. Youshould have asked Marissa about this too and after Otto said he was ready to leave you could have given Otto the option of staying if he wanted to and let Marissa go.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:07 PM

Tony Iovino wrote:

Thge show is great! Padma is a huge asset-- won't knock the prior host, but Padma seems to be the real deal and a great addition.

I agree Otto took more of a hit here than he should have. Marisa should have picked up the case and brought it right back into the store if she felt that strongly. Since it was a team challenge, Otto's misjudgment (and Marisa's) wouldn't have helped him as an individual-- if anything it should have cost the team to lose (which it did, anyway) rather than stigmatize one guy. I can't believe he's the first chef to look the other way at free food (or a case or two of liquor).

Lots of fun-- not nearly as great as actually eating in one of tom's restaurants, or sitting in Bryant Park on a beautiful day with one of Tom's panini's, but still a fine way to spend an hour each week!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:32 PM

may wrote:

If that food had been sitting out during the event, not at safe temps then not safe to donate. Wasteful, yes, but you don't want to get others sick.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:34 PM

Shannon wrote:

Tom used to be so sexy, but now he just comes across as cocky.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:34 PM

Tony Iovino wrote:

The show is great! Padma is a huge asset-- won't knock the prior host, but Padma seems to be the real deal and a great addition.

I agree Otto took more of a hit here than he should have. Marisa should have picked up the case and brought it right back into the store if she felt that strongly. Since it was a team challenge, Otto's misjudgment (and Marisa's) wouldn't have helped him as an individual-- if anything it should have cost the team to lose (which it did, anyway) rather than stigmatize one guy. I can't believe he's the first chef to look the other way at free food (or a case or two of liquor).

Lots of fun-- not nearly as great as actually eating in one of tom's restaurants, or sitting in Bryant Park on a beautiful day with one of Tom's panini's, but still a fine way to spend an hour each week!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:36 PM

Lorie wrote:

I believe that Top Chef is about a lot more than just the food. Although the food is at the top of the list, a Top Chef has integrity and inspires his/her team. Otto should have taken the items in question back as soon as he realized what had happened. Marissa should have insisted that he do so before leaving the market.

It is hard to judge the actual impact in team spirit or Otto's absence that resulted from the problem.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:39 PM

BarbP, Kenosha, WI wrote:

Hello to Tom and the contestants/judges I think this contest mainly should be about the food and the ability of the chef to communicate and present himself/herself to the public. But the food should be foremost. I think it was a bit silly to single out Otto about the "lychee" incident as all the people in the car and at the market are equally culpable or not. I think it was plainly a store error that happens all the time. No stealing was involved. I think it sets a very bad precedent to judge the morals and ethics of the contestants, unless all the contestants are judged at the same time! A food judge is not a personal ethics judge, or is he? I would have to see the written rules of the show to know what the rights and responbilities were of each party. But let's get back to the food and the kitchen, not the "mobile courtroom." Marisa did a horrible job with the dessert, and she is a professional dessert chef to boot! Marisa should have been eliminated for bad food, tearing the team apart by personal attack and not promoting a team work ethic. Otto's remark was made to the team, who then acted innocent of any wrongdoing. Maybe the show should have an on-site counselor to help these contestants act like adults while on national tv. But I enjoyed last season and will continue to watch the show! Good luck to the chefs! Barbara

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:41 PM

Todd Fulton wrote:

Hi Tom,

Sorry in advance if my rant wanders quickly beyond the specifics of the episode.

Marissa well represents the new school of American "chefs" and servers that simply don't get it. Over the last 10-15 years, food in the US has become generally much better and the dining experience has declined immeasurably.

Her self righteous defense that she used the appropriate amount of gelatin was irrelevant. Baking is a science. Cooking is an art. Dessert/Pastry is a challenging blend of each. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter how much gelatin she used- her “No, I did it perfectly” attitude does not change the fact that the dish was a miserable failure and, in fact, makes it much worse. This is no different than the anticipatory contentious relationship that has developed between servers and guests. Servers need (regularly) to be reminded that their ability to recite the daily specials does not make them a culinary authority. A huge segment of the population knows more about food than the average server, but this fact doesn’t slow them down, as they dispense useless and often incorrect information.

The problem with Marissa (and Steven* for much of last year), is that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. No amount of education can create a restaurant employee if that education is not tempered with a liberal amount of practical experience. The competitions will continue to be dominated by contestants that understand this (for example, LeAnn and Harold.)

Marissa is a trainwreck, but happily, she should be gone soon, as she is talentless as well. Hopefully her crash and burn with nudge her right out of the industry.

Had she ratted out a fellow cook in an actual restaurant, she’d have been bounced long before the episode had ended. No chef would put up with that, and I’d guess that the rest of the line would have some verbal (and possibly physical) input after work as well.

Congratulations on a great show.

*Steven's experience was one of the most compelling themes of TopChef I.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:44 PM

carrot wrote:

Gee Otto . . .I think you forgot to pack one of your knives, because there is a 6 inch stiletto protruding from somewhere in the general vicinity of your shoulder blades. I didn’t exactly see Miss Thing shouting “stop the car, we need to take back the lychees!” No, she didn’t say anything until you got back to the kitchen and then it became an issue. That to me, that is also an ethics foul.

Otto, You’re a class act, (unlike some others) Oh well, she showed her character and it will come back. She might as well have a big sign around her neck “ Does not play well with others (and she’s been known to bite.)

Whatever, by gracefully bowing out, I think your integrity is intact. Good Luck in whatever you do.

Integrity and ethics are important, Tom, but there is more than one ethical dilema that was displayed here. Should have gone back to the tape.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 12:49 PM

Tony Iovino wrote:

The show is great! Padma is a huge asset-- won't knock the prior host, but Padma seems to be the real deal and a great addition.

I agree Otto took more of a hit here than he should have. Marisa should have picked up the case and brought it right back into the store if she felt that strongly. Since it was a team challenge, Otto's misjudgment (and Marisa's) wouldn't have helped him as an individual-- if anything it should have cost the team to lose (which it did, anyway) rather than stigmatize one guy. I can't believe he's the first chef to look the other way at free food (or a case or two of liquor).

Lots of fun-- not nearly as great as actually eating in one of tom's restaurants, or sitting in Bryant Park on a beautiful day with one of Tom's panini's, but still a fine way to spend an hour each week!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 1:12 PM

Alan wrote:

Correct me if I'm wrong. The show is called "Top Chef", not - "Top Moral Chef"? It is a COMPETITION to see who can cook the best, not to find out who I want to raise my children should I meet an untimely demise. Otto disclosed the lychee issure to Marissa while they were still at the store. She waited hours until she was in front of Tom back at the kitchen to reveal the imformation to anyone. She was just as quilty of screwing up the team. I'm not sure what holy mountain peak that Marissa and Elia feel they are perched on, but girls watch out - it's gonna be a long fall down!! And you both deserve it!! Marissa, a pastry chef, made the crappiest dish and she should have been sent packing. End of story. If I go to a restaurant - I would rather eat a great meal knowing that some of the ingredients weren't properly paid for, then eat a nasty dish made by the culinary worlds answer to Mother Theresa.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 1:14 PM

Sandy G wrote:

I think that Marissa should have say something the moment she heard Otto about the case at the market, therefore she is just as to blame as he was... I think the show is about food and she making the dessert so she is to blame for the loss of the team, she needs to go for not being suportive of her team mates as well... there were to many reazons why she should have been the one to go and not OTTO........ "Otto you will be miss and I hope you do well in the future"

posted on October 26, 2006 at 1:18 PM

slf wrote:

in reference to the lychees issue, I dont think that Otto was being decietful, and if he was he wouldnt have mentioned "I think we got the lychees for free". 3 times I have put something on the bottom of my cart and forgotten all about it and couldnt figure out whether or not I had paid for it or if the person had caught it. Sometimes I would ask the clerk did you get these under the cart and sometimes I would assume they saw it. I worked in stores for 6 years and I always looked in and under the cart to make sure I got everything. Marisa was trying to cover her own tail so she figured lets distract from my bad dessert by busting out Otto, and if she felt so bad about it why didnt she say something while they were still in front of the store, I hope she is the next to go because I think she is a snake.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 1:18 PM

NJ wrote:

While not in any way approving of Otto's actions, I thought that Marisa was pretty hypocritical about the whole thing considering that since she herself wasn't exactly honest about the dessert debacle with Chef at the end.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 1:21 PM

Nancy wrote:

Tom - A must do for an avid fly fisherman. Check out www.lastorreslodge.com. Fly fishing in Patagonia Chile! Fabulous. My brother guides it during the month of March.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 1:35 PM

Lisa wrote:

While Otto did the right thing by bowing out, whomever overheard him say he didn't think they paid for the lychees should have said something then and there. That does not speak well for that individual's integrity.

But I would have taken the final moments one step further and informed Marissa that, had Otto come clean as he did but not bowed out, she would have been eliminated; that Otto's actions of accepting responsibility and losing sight of his ethics "in the heat of battle" saved her butt. She ought to be thanking him.

That said, I am so looking forward to the "reuniting" of the chefs later on in the season and the confrontations I'm sure would ensue. Last season's was great. This season's ought to be outstanding with these characters.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 1:40 PM

J.D. wrote:

Cliff is dead on here. When he says they didn't work as a team. As well as Frank. If Marisa knew what went down at the market, as a TEAM memeber, she should have said something. Pull the team together. Otto may have known the lychees were not paid for, Marisa let him take the fall. In the end, Otto did trhe right thing, but Marisa is just as guilty in my opinion.

As for her dessert. If an asst. pastry chef should know the ratio of gelatin to water, then why did she flaw it so much? Frank stepped up and took the blame for the rice. Ilan didn't even want to single one person out, but rather the whole team. Then when asked about her dessert, Marisa did what she did to Otto, except for worse, she put blame on an asst. pastry chef, when there isn't one on the show. Why? Because she was trying to get Elia in her back pocket. Trying to persuade others. Remember in the opening show, she uses her sexulity to her advantage. This is really no different. That is sad. The rest of the team seemed to realize the notion of team work, even Otto. The only reson that Marisa is still there, Otto went home for her.

LOVE THE SHOW!

J.D.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 1:53 PM

Debra wrote:

I agree with Richard. If Marissa really felt that badly about her integrity being jeopardized, then she should have stopped Otto at the market. Then making it seem that she was so bothered by it, and telling anyone that would listen to her, and how she was put in such a compromising situation. You should have stepped up in the first place! Instead of leaving Otto to take the full blame, shame on you!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 2:13 PM

Jenny wrote:

I understand that the chefs try to use unique ingredients to put a twist to the challenge, but while watching the show, Team Korea did not have enough knowledge of the different asian cultures. Lychee for one is a fruit that is used mainly by the chinese. I am a Korean-American and I have never had lychee in Korea before (unless it was in Chinese restaurants) Also, the Italian cream dessert that the dessert chef made would not have been liked by many Koreans even if it were made right. It does NOT fit with the taste of Korea. I was very dissapointed to see Otto go instead of her. She was pointing the finger at Otto for ethical reasons because she knew her dessert was CRAP. Otto pulled out and there was nothing else to do, but I wish the judges would have caught the whole problem of lychee not even being a korean fruit to begin with. It was the dessert chef who wanted the lychee as part of a Korean dish. Shouldn't they know better?

posted on October 26, 2006 at 2:49 PM

Chris wrote:

Are you looking for the top chef or the top priest/nun? This soap opera garbage is why I don't watch Survivor. The result of this show had nothing to do with food or flavor. That's why I watch the show. I want to see the top chef not the top backstabber.

Otto should have got the fancy knife since you forced him to commit sepaku!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 3:07 PM

meena wrote:

Up until last night, I had so much respect for the contestants and judges on this show - I thought, "Wow, they know so much about food and different cooking style..."
But last night, I was so angry throughout the show.
How can chefs know so much about the origins of different European dishes and ingredients, yet be so ignorant about Asian dishes and ingredients?
I forgive the fact that BBQ and kimchi is instantly on people's minds as they think of Korean food, since those are the popular dishes among non-native Koreans.
SINCE WHEN WERE LYCHEES, TARO, AND JASMINE "AUTHENTIC KOREAN INGREDIENTS"?
You walk into any Korean restaurant or rice cake store, and those ingredients are nowhere to be found, and very few will know what you're talking about.
I understand how the contestants can be uneducated in that department since they don't really teach about Asian food in culinary schools.
After all, people think all Asians look, sound, and taste alike.
But I expected so much more from the judges.
If you were chosen to be a judges of a show that's going to cover Asian food, shouldn't you know something about it?
Especially the guest judge who is supposedly an Asian cuisine expert, should have known these things.
I was hoping somebody would point that out, but the whole time, the judges were busy criticizing the hard gelatine and stolen lychees that should have never been chosen in the first place.
And to think that the viewers will believe those to be authentic...
Very disappointed!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 3:14 PM

KAY wrote:

Was it just me or did Marisa continually have a nasty little smirk on her face the whole time Otto was being grilled at the judges' table. I felt like slapping her. I hope her days are numbered and she goes home, tail between her bony legs and the 'holier-than-thou' smirk wiped right off!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 3:24 PM

sunny wrote:

forget integrity...this is top chef! marissa's dessert was all wrong. first of all, it was way too hard. second, none of the ingredients she used is korean at all. we do not use jasmine, tapioca, or lychee. she should have gone home. obviously, she is not top chef material. she even says that she's a pastery chef. what does she know about food? nothing, her dessert was nothing korean!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 3:28 PM

FJK wrote:

I felt Marisa did a good job of being a whistleblower and a poor job of being a pastry chef.

I watch Top Chef with my teen-age son. I am glad that he did not have to see Otto get away with this ethical lapse. The judges should be ashamed they even thought of not having Otto suffer the consequence for his action. It may not have been stealing but it was morally wrong.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 4:20 PM

emg wrote:

marisa is embarassing to watch. she is an opportunistic, pathetic person. i wish otto would not have left the competition- so that marisa would have been booted out. she escaped this week but i imagine you will all keep a close eye on her as she proved that she has lapses in her cooking ability as well as her integrity. by throwing otto under the bus to escape what was obviously her imminent demise- she convinced many viewers that she's the weakest link. she's gotta go!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 4:23 PM

amy murray wrote:

CLEARLY Marisa has an evil, trouble-making bone because she WAITED until midway through the competition to TATTLE on Otto. If she had her own ETHICS she would have stood up immediately when Otto said they didn't get charged for the lychees. And her defensiveness about the panna cotta!
She said it is 1 teaspoon of gelatin per cup of liquid! She is off by at least double! What arrogance. It is a Shakespearean drama, and she is gonna go down....

posted on October 26, 2006 at 4:31 PM

Mike wrote:

It was a team decision to keep the lycches, and it was a bad decision. Otto noticed it first and he mentioned it at that time. The team could have said take them back but they didn't. Marissa just showed how little class she had by throwing Otto under the bus to try to take the attention away from her terrible dish. I wasn't happy with Otto's responses to Tom's question. He was dancing around the question because the answear was not one that would leave him in a good light. While I commend Otto on his stance to bow out, I was hoping that Marissa would have been eliminated. Team is a concept that Marissa doesn't get and mostly likely won't. I'm glad I don't work in her kitchen

posted on October 26, 2006 at 4:34 PM

Faye Petty wrote:

Sounds to me like we have 2 "Tiffany" types this year instead of just one. Otto should have told to Marissa to shut up because she can't even get her story straight! It will come back to bite her in the butt. What goes around comes around!!! I wonder if Team Viet Nam would have won if she had been on their team?

She has the same attitude problem that Tiffany had last year and look where it got her - poor! When the other catch on to her antics, it won't take them long to take care of her. She will be all alone! She will never be a team player and eventually even the judges will have her figured out and they will pull the rug out from under her - BIG TIME!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 4:36 PM

Mike Cameo wrote:

Hi Tom and all blog readers!
First off, I love the show! Yesterday, Bravo ran what appeared to be the entire first season, and I watched it all day, (sick day) then the first (the Lychee episode) of this season.
With all of these episodes, I noticed that team work is the most important thing to remember if you are one of the competitors. If you are always on the winning "team", you will always advance to the next, and eventual, final two or three competitors. This show is not quite like "Survivor" in that sometimes ganging up on another competitor will make it easier for you to win in the end. With Top Chef, it's when you are on the losing "team" that you have the chance of being knocked off.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 4:53 PM

Amazon wrote:

Marisa had as much time to return the lychees as did Otto. I believe it was obvious that she manipulated the situation to make Otto the culprit.

Look, in the real world these things happen. A team member will make an unethical choice. It happens all the time. That doesn't mean that the team member who made the bad choice shouldn't get nailed for it, but it's equally important in the manner in which it is handled.

Marisa handled it very poorly, shifting all the blame on Otto and in such a manner that caused a lot of disruption in the team.

I think Marisa is our new "Tifani," and manipulative people like this make any work environment difficult. I cannot imagine any restaurant owner hiring someone who is that manipulative. It seems that the restaurant galley is such an intimate work environment, and no matter how talented if a team member causes the kind of problems Marisa and Tifani caused they turn out to be far more trouble than they are worth.

I think both Otto and Marisa should have been booted off. They both knew about the lychees but either didn't do anything about it or handled it so poorly that the team's performance was impacted.

If only one person had to go home, it should have been Marisa. Otto didn't slip the lychees under his coat and tip-toe out of the market with them. It was the checker's error; Otto mentioned it to Marisa that he THOUGHT they might have gotten the lychees for free, and brought it up immediately after they checked out (when loading the vehicle with their purchases). For Marisa to wait until the team was involved in the dishes, and then to do it in such a way as to shift blame entirely to Otto, was responsible for the disruption of the team. While both Otto and Marisa knew about the free lychees, it was Marisa who caused the damage to the team.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 4:54 PM

Alison David wrote:

I love the show!!!! My only suggestion would be to focus less on the drama and more on Tom. You can cook for me any day!!!!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 4:55 PM

Jennifer wrote:

Hi Tom, I am such a fan of Top Chef and you! In this last episode, Marisa should've gone home --- she makes it hard to watch the show with her pettiness. It seems funny that all the mentioning of "integrity" --- no one seemed to mention that if she heard Otto say the Lychees weren't paid for, why didn't SHE mention it right away instead of waiting for you to come in and "tattle"? Also....why didn't anyone bother to review the tape...he clearly said "I THINK we got the case of Lychees for free" ..... He DID NOT tell Marisa a thing personally that I observed.....she's pretty unbelievable. Obviously Frank and Ilan didn't think it was an issue and I would so rather take their opinion of the situation over her. The show is about the food right? Then why didn't she go home? I really thought you all were going to stop Otto -- or at the very least, send Marisa home too after he did exactly what you talked about him doint -- owning up to it. I can't wait until she goes...........she's worse than Tiffany was last season if that's possible. Anyway, glad to see you and Gail back. The new host is a bit dry.....she changes the show a bit....but, you're worth the watch.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 5:20 PM

Regina wrote:

I think Marisa and Otto both needed to go. Marisa, because if she is a pastry chef, she is obviously not a skilled one, and consequently her team losted because of her short comings (Note to Marisa: Alton Brown was simultaneously doing an episode on the use of gelatin and the quantity to use to attain the desired degree of firmness). She also needs the boot because she participated in the theft. She knew before they ever drove away & yet said nothing. Marisa was like a card player with an ace up her sleve. She bided her time and used it to trump Otto and save her own skin when her lousy dessert got called on the carpet (pretty much by every poor soul who tasted it). Otto needed to go because, let's face it, if you're 46 years old and have been teaching the younger generation for years and you don't know if ripping off some mom & pop store is unethical, you need to be 86'd. If Otto accidentally took a tin of caviar home in his apron pocket and didn't return it to the Culinary school or restaurant he was working at, would that be theft? Yeah, it's theft. Hopefully Marisa will be cut loose next.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 5:20 PM

Greg wrote:

Great show..I was an avid fan from day 1. I question that these chefs are the best of the best. Many of the actions and food choices appear amateur at best. What seems more accurate is that they were chosen for their personality and possible potental for conflicts during the contest.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 5:20 PM

Tally wrote:

I love the show and the blog. I appreciate the info, Tom. I know very little about Asian cuisine and feel lucky we're able to even get Thai in Texas.

I kept hoping the judges would go back and review the tape. I do not think Otto should have been the one to leave.

Kudos to Betty and to her team for going above and beyond by creating the drink.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 5:35 PM

Barb wrote:

If there is any blame to be distributed it should go to everyone who knew about the lychee debacle. Marisa should have stopped immediately and looked at the register tape with Otto. Her waiting made her at fault also. Then everyone who knew about the box of lychee was equally at fault when they found out about it. A review of the video tapes proves he only thought they got them for free. Marisa turned the whole story around to serve her purpose. I am sure that she knew she was probably going to be released from the show because of the desert and that is the reason she brought the whole thing up. She should be released from the show because of her distortion of the story. Everyone who knew of the free lychees was equally at fault. Fair is Fair.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 5:36 PM

Lazarus Long wrote:

Kudos to the Vietnamese team for their professional performance in this challenge. It was great to watch them work together even if their main dish wasn't all that good.

Unfortunately, I have to agree with Greg's observation that many of the contestants were picked based on their personality rather than their cooking skills. I hope that's not the case, but if next week's episode focuses more on the drama rather than the food, I think I may have to pass on the rest of the season.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 5:41 PM

Team Aurora wrote:

The women on Otto's team not only turned their backs on Otto, they also turned their backs on one another. They did not try to be a part of the team they tried to find a scapegoat. Otto was just the one who noticed that the food was not paid for. He should not have had to take the full blaim for the stolen product. Otto was not the one to push the cart through and was not the one to pay. Maybe the one who paid should have payed more attention to if everything ran though or not.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 5:49 PM

alice wrote:

first off, love the show! this season's contestants haven't grown on me as much as the first season, but it's still new..

anyway, i'm going to skip the whole marisa/otto debate other than to say that i respect otto's decision but thought marisa should've gone home and that she made him look a lot worse than he was, maybe because she was in jeopardy of going home too...

i mainly wanted to say that i agree with meena's comment (maybe others have made this comment too but i only briefly skimmed them.. there are a lot!). i don't understand how the jasmine etc could've been considered "traditional korean ingredients"... as a korean american, i've grown up eating korean food all my life and never have i come across anything with those ingredients on a korean menu... jasmine, taro, and lychees etc seem a LOT more chinese than anything else and it irked me to see that the only issue brought up with team korea's dessert was that it was too hard (which is obviously a valid complaint) because it wasn't even a korean dessert at all! how did anyone let that one slip?

posted on October 26, 2006 at 5:58 PM

Becca wrote:

Marisa was trying to turn the tables on Otto, because she KNEW she screwed up the dessert, and her butt was on the line. It was pretty obvious to me why she was making a huge drama out of the whole thing - i think she should be the next to go for her bitchiness alone.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 6:10 PM

Nina wrote:

I totally agree with Richard Crum and what he wrote could stand repeating. Marisa took advantage of the situation by waiting until they were back in the kitchen before reporting it to Tom. I'm ashamed for her because apparently she doesn't have enough sense to be ashamed for herself.

Heres what Richard Crum said about it:

This was a team challenge.. Therefore when Otto was overheard at the market; whoever heard him; especially when "she" questioned HIS integrity at the judges table, she should have stopped everyone and brought it to the teams attention. I believe she is as culpable as Otto and should be called on it. If she thought it was wrong, the team never should have left the market with the ingrediant. She got a pass on this after Otto was put on the hotseat when on national TV you questioned his honesty and integrity, leaving him little chance of saving face.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 6:13 PM

Sophos wrote:

Hey there Tom,
For starters, do you read these blogs? If so, when? I see that your blog Intro isn't insink with last nights' show. Like everyone else here, I wonder if these numerous blog comments have any value at all. Please, tell us if its otherwise if you can. Certainly, I know you are very, very busy. (These questions are genuine, not intended as judgements about you or the show.)
Secondly, how much say do you have as to what content Top Chef decides to film &/or air? We want more "Why did so-and-so choose to use that ingredient/ seasoning." Specifically, elaborate even more on what flavors were achieved and how with each Chef's challenge. We want to taste what you taste!

For What Its Worth

posted on October 26, 2006 at 6:26 PM

Sophos wrote:

Hey there Tom,
For starters, do you read these blogs? If so, when? I see that your blog Intro isn't insink with last nights' show. Like everyone else here, I wonder if these numerous blog comments have any value at all. Please, tell us if its otherwise if you can. Certainly, I know you are very, very busy. (These questions are genuine, not intended as judgements about you or the show.)
Secondly, how much say do you have as to what content Top Chef decides to film &/or air? We want more "Why did so-and-so choose to use that ingredient/ seasoning." Specifically, elaborate even more on what flavors were achieved and how with each Chef's challenge. We want to taste what you taste!

For What Its Worth

posted on October 26, 2006 at 6:30 PM

snowvillage wrote:

Back up!!! Team Korea dropped the ball in the first minute of the game when they missed the word TEAM in red flashing lights. Each individual should have been aware (and this was BEFORE the sangria) that a team challenge is fraught with pitfalls. What's the procedure? Who's the leader? What's the menu? How will the budget work? The guys were bent on partying after only one elimination challenge. Everything that happened after that was merely fallout from cooks (let's hold up on the chef label just yet) who put themselves off the clock when a critical part of the challenge loomed large. They opted instead to swim in a sea of sangria. Food shopping on a timer with hangovers guaranteed disaster.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 6:36 PM

kate darrow wrote:

is it just me, or is tom quite taken with betty.

i have never seen him smile as much as he does when he's around her. very cute.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 6:57 PM

Debbie wrote:

I believe that Otto which made a mistake , we all make mistake least , with gusts, and imagine embarrased about the situation, forfeited himself from the competition. and as for marisa, really flew off the handle with one of her team mates, which i believe she shouldnot done. Its a team effort, need to be more considerate, and not thinking of oneself to make her look good, but need to make the whole team look good.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 7:07 PM

sallll wrote:

Been in and out of the biz for 30 years - still cater on the side. I love your writing, judging and the show overall. Sorry I missed seeing you in NYC recently -- it was a whirlwind trip. All that aside. IMMEDIATELY when Otto made the comment -- WHY DID SHE LET IT STAY IN THE CAR!?? SHE failed in her dessert and equally failed in her team effort. My disappointment was in the fact that she's still on the show. Honorable of Otto to leave on his own, but seriously, if ever a time for TWO contestants to leave -- last night was the night. C'est dommage. She won't last long. I was sorry he did the silly stupid lapse in judgement - I was interested in seeing a Clevelander on the show. C'est dommage. Tom, you are the bomb.............Hot!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 7:21 PM

Joe in San Francisco wrote:

I think Otto should have been dismissed for recognizing the theft and doing nothing. C'mon, now. It is against the law, and allowing the theft to take place means he should have been dismissed for ethical reasons as soon as it came out in the kitchen. Who needs a "show rule" when there is the rule of LAW? Shoplifting IS a punishable crime, you know. Duh!

Marisa is just as guilty. She knew about the theft and did nothing. Accessory after the fact, folks. She too should have been dismissed for breaking the law right alongside Otto.

After that, who knows how the horrible desert would have turned out? But one thing is for sure: the lawbreakers would have not been part of the dynamic. Everyone who knew about it, but did nothing, should have been dismissed immediately for stealing. Theft is theft is theft is theft. And if I found out someone had stolen from ME, I wouldn't be bothering with judging their food. But a judge WOULD be involved...

posted on October 26, 2006 at 7:26 PM

victoria wrote:

Apparently Marissa didn't pay attention to season or else she'd know that backstabbing gamesmanship doesn't pay. On the other hand, maybe her best shot for staying the competition is to be this season's villain.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 7:35 PM

Eva wrote:

Marrissa is bad. Very bad. She had no morals to be able to respond to Otto when he told her he THOUGHT the leychees were not paid for. She then wheT around telling people he STOLE a box of leychees! Then Elsa ran with it and told Tom! Tom turned around and sent Otto off to the store. Tom should have taken the accusation more seriously - maybe then he could have gotton to the real story. Instead he let the show go on, as they say. Then at the end, Tom still believing Otto was a thief, said he should be let go because of it. Tom, Elsa and Marrissa are all guilty of slandering. The fact is that no one ever calculated the bill.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 7:40 PM

MaureenKennedy wrote:

Marcel was the one handling the money and paying the cashier. Elia was the one deciding what to "take back" in order to meet their budget. Someone received the register receipt. Otto was the one wondering to himself, "I think we got a box of lychee for free." Marissa heard the "question" . The producers knew about it because they taped it (and they put his entire remark in writing on the screen). And evidently the TEAM knew about it before Tom was told, as the lychee was put aside and was not going to be used.

The entire team was culpable on this incident. I believe, according to health regulations, when the lychee was returned after the purchase, the store would have no option but to throw it away because of health regulations. The Show need to pay the store for their loss.!!!!!

Otto, not having time to think the entire thing over and yet knowing he was being televised in this confrontation, did the only thing he could think of to do. Otoo should be given another chance, and Marissa should have been the one gone for the bad dessert as well as culpability!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 7:56 PM

Adrian Sanchez wrote:

This Lychee incident was a complete blow up of nothing. Otto did quote "I think we got the lychee for free." He said I "think" Which means he really wasn't sure, but it happened. So why the heck didn't the Korean Team stop where they were and pay for it right then and there? Especially with miss thing trying to cover her ass. What a dumb bitch!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 8:24 PM

BH NG wrote:

Am from Vietnam and think that the Vietnam Dishes were a total fraud. They may taste good and the table setting looked good - but the food are not Vietnamese. Infact, except the name calling, there is nothing Vietnamese about these dishes.

The Vietnamese "Pho" was a fake. It had no Noodle, the essential ingredients. Pho without noodle is like fried rice without rice and spaghetti without pasta. Adding to the ignorance is the pork. It is the wrong meat. Pho is made only with either Beef or Chicken - NEVER with pork. It's revolting like having spaghetti with cut-up chicken in place of meat sauce.

The "summer" roll is NOT Vietnamese food. We dont eat our fruits that way. It is a lame attempt to copy the Springroll which is made with salad, mint, rice noodles, pork and shrimp - to be dipped in peanut sauce. Yes -there is a springroll but no
summer roll. In Vietnam, we dream of spring - but never summer!!!!

The cucumber drink was very charmingly done. But again, there are no such thing in Vietnamese cuisine. We do not drink cucumbers - We eat them the old fashion way -slides by slides! Some Vietnam sweets/desserts do have a base of green color liquid - and a mixed of fruits, beans and jelly. The green liquid is a mix of coconut milk and the mashed up of leaves of Pinapple. THAT mixture of green had a different texture, taste and aroma. Comparing that real stuff to the "liquid cucumber" is like comparing made-from-scratch spagetti with a "spaghetti" made from ramen noodles mix with ketchup.

It was such a let down to see this team won by committing such a high fraud. I say, forget the lychees and get Otto back and fire whoever from the Vietnam Team who prepared the menu. Clearly, he/she had no clue what Vietnamese food is -and that is a bigger dishonesty.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 8:39 PM

Camilla Kauffman wrote:

Chef,

I strongly disagree that OTTO was to blame for the purloined lychees! He WAS the one who made the statement that they had gotten them for free, but TO WHOM did he make the statement??!! To the entire team. That includes the bitch Marisa. Did she -- or anyone else -- have anything to say until they were on camera??!! If she -- or any of the other team members -- had any true issues of conscience on the matter, they most certainly would have spoken up then and there!

The only reason the bitch Marisa threw Otto under the truck -- as well as her other beloved teammate -- was to save her own skinny ass! The only thing worse than what Otto did was what the bitch Marisa did. She's a whiny, incompetent bitch and SHE'S the one who should have packed her knives and used them -- on herself!

I think the judges used poor judgment on this one!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 8:40 PM

tommy b. wrote:

I am disappointed that you people let Oto be washed out to sea and just stood by and did nothing,, he did not pay for any of the groceries to begin with and yet he is to blame for the case of stuff that got put in the car anyway,, without being paid for,, that is bullCRAP,, ans he was railroaded,, Chef Tom I am deeply dissapointed in you for believing the stupid girls just trying to clear themselves of any wrong doings as if someone was going to get caught,, the dam stuff was taken back ,,END OF STORY,, OTTO SHOULD HAVE STAYED

posted on October 26, 2006 at 8:45 PM

Kent wrote:

Human nature is annoying. The LCD (lowest common denominator) seems always to be the loudest and the worst amoung us. Otto...please...look at the tape. He knew from the beginning the he "got something for nothing". However, Marisa knew also. I blame him 100% and say to her, be a little more brave next time. Otto really tried to make himself out to be a martyr, a misunderstood cipher. Come on people, he lied! He lied through his teeth! That's all there is to it. Thanks, Tom, for accepting Otto's "out". I don't think he was really serious, but I'm glad you called his bluff. You know, I really hate to love this program. I try my hardest not to watch but I get caught up in it. Please assure me that the drama is real and not staged. That would really piss me off. Don't make me lose faith, Tommy. That would be as bad as what Otto did. And...have a nice day!

posted on October 26, 2006 at 8:56 PM

Lauren wrote:

What Vietnamese Chef did Josie work for and what was her position there, dishwasher? Pho is a noodle soup and the Pho they made did not have any noodle and was not a soup. Also, pho is made with beef or chicken but never pork. They made a pork stew, put it over carrots and called it Pho? What the #$%&? Has any of the chefs on that team or judges ever had Pho before. A chef on the Korean team was right. The Pho was a joke. Also,Vietnamese food does not have any Aloe cucumber drink. If this was a challenge to make creative food using Asian ingredients, all right. But it was a challenge to make Vietnamese food and they did not make Vietnamese food. I was born in VN and have never had any stewed pork over carrots or Aloe cucumber drink before. Ha Ha Ha. Funny show.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 8:58 PM

Lolly wrote:

What I heard Otto say was "I think we got a free case of Lychees" and the team drove off. We have all had this happen to us in one form or another. The moral ground would have been for them to stop look at the reciept and verify whether the things were paid for or not. If not paid for, then take them back .

Otto did the right thing in leaving, but Marisa is
on as shaky moral ground as Otto, since she knew what happened and did not address it at the time. If she had been a team member, she could have show some leadership and said "let's fix it." No team drama. No moral hand ringing. No finger pointing. Do the right thing and get on with the project at hand.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 8:58 PM

Kent wrote:

Oh yeah, and the Padma thing...

I don't know the name of the "young lady" from last year's show, but I thought she fit the bill very nicely. She seemed a little snotty, but in her role, I liked that. As for beauty, either one is nice to look at. So, snotty or sultry, which do you prefer. Padma seems to have a little more actual cooking knowledge, but she may be over the top for sex appeal. Isn't it possible for a dessert to be too sweet.

posted on October 26, 2006 at 9:04 PM

Joanne Mahlowitz wrote:

I agree with another comment I just read and had the thought as well before I read it. Marisa was as culpable as Otto as he said,
I think we got a case of lychees for free" Now he wasn't showing the best integrity but Marisa if she was as moral as she puts herself out there to be should have said, Hey, you said you think these weren't paid for. Hey gang, we need to go back in and pay for these or return them. Her immediate reaction was not moral either and then when she thought about it she just wa