Marcus wrote:

thanks for doing television,even though you said before you woulden't.You knowledge and handsome face,keeps me and friends of mine coming back!

posted on November 22, 2006 at 12:17 AM

max wrote:

I have such a crush on Tom!

posted on November 22, 2006 at 11:36 AM

patti wrote:

I was disappointed when otto left. When he said we have the lichees for nothing to marissa, I didn't see her respond and say, Well, we can't put them in the car." She was so slow to point the finger and waited for the right opportunity to hang him, when infact her lack of response was just as wrong as otto. She knew too, how come she stayed. What, because she said it after the fact and made herself look like she was being honorable? She was being a sneaky, calculating bitch. I mean, look at the weird, ugly faces she was making. She's ugly on the outside and on the inside as far as i'm concerned. She should have gotten the boot too. SHE KNEW ALL ABOUT THE LICHEES BEFORE THEY GOT ON THAT VAN!

posted on November 22, 2006 at 7:14 PM

HDQ wrote:

What a nice break from the insanity of the show. Thanks for a recipe we can play with ourselves over the holiday. You're a class act, Mr C.

posted on November 22, 2006 at 7:14 PM

mike hooper wrote:

I have noticed a couple of times when a chef plated a dish there was use of a round metal cilinder. I wanted to know the name of it and where someone might be able to purchase it. The other question I have is what is the green mixture that is sometimes used as a garnish in the deserts. thank you in advance for your time,
respectfully
Mike hooper

posted on November 22, 2006 at 8:41 PM

pat wrote:

re tonight's show:
Betty going off on Marcel is really getting old. it's so grammar school

posted on November 22, 2006 at 10:57 PM

aditi wrote:

Dear Chef Colicchio,

I usually leave my comments on Padma's blog but thought of directing them to you this time. I'm not sure if you guys read the comments to your blogs but I do wish you would. I love cooking and so I really like Top Chef. However a few things about the show have really started to bother me.

First of all, you guys seem to have favorites which upsets me quite a bit since judging should be impartial when it comes to food. Tonight's episode confirmed my worst fear...that you guys were trying to incite drama for television ratings by pitching Betty against Marcel. Cheap technique! For starters, Marcel is 24 and represents the young, dynamic chefs among us. He may be a little smug or even cocky but that can be attributed to his age. Why is a forty-four year old Betty fighting him and calling him selfish for reasons NOT apparent to your viewers???? WHY? WHY? WHY? I'm so very confused.

And you guys are running polls for Marcel's arrogance???!!! The guy got yelled at in the face by a 300 pound hulk who threatened to beat him to a pulp ("Your mother will not recognize your face!!!" Geez!). Give the guy a break. In the begining Marcel's 'molecular gastronomy" claims did annoy me but lately I think you are framing the wrong guy as the villain. At the dinner table twas blatant how Frank and Sam were putting Marcel's dish down simply becoz they don't like him!

You know, Chef, when I visit a restaurant, I don't care about the chef's personality or temperament...I do care about the cooking. So far only Elan and Cliff seem to be doing well in the kitchen department. Pls stop trying to add drama by potraying a 24 year old kid as this season's villain. It makes your show seem desperate for ratings.

Every Wednesday night, my friends and I watch the show together. Tonight we were all apalled by how Frank and Betty both screamed at Marcel. To top that you guys showed polls voting "Marcel's Arrogance" as the most annoying!

I just wish you guys would go back to being a reality show about COOKING and FOOD. Remember those???

By the way, to be fair, I did agree with your comment where you said nobody was trying to win, they were just trying not to lose.

-Aditi

posted on November 22, 2006 at 11:08 PM

Annie wrote:

I really don't think it is fair that we all think betty is so nice and marcel is so mean because i think in the recent two episodes, betty has been unjustly rude to marcel. there was absolutely no reason for her to bring him up when asked who to eliminate besides spite. she has really shown an ugly side, and i think marcel has been trying to compromise. i am not saying anyone should be perfect; i just think that our images of these two people have been skewed. Each has his/her faults and virtues.

posted on November 22, 2006 at 11:11 PM

Cassandra wrote:

Oh my gosh Tom...It utterly amazes me how many times you have to repeat yourself to this group of people. Outside of Sam, Cliff, Frank, and Ilan I don't see anyone who really has some passion. Actually, I have had more success cooking with children than some of these chefs. I am sorry you have to be placed in the position of Yard Supervisor at Elementry School Recess. Yeap.... that is about the maturity level of several of the chefs (Betty and Marcel).
I still think Michael is going to surprise us all. He has heart and is trying to impress. He rather reminds me of Dave in season one without the crying.
I did think Carlos should have gone home this week. He didn't do anything to earn a spot next week.
I can so relate to Elia's "chocolate meltdown." I have been in that position when something has to just relieve the tension in order to get the job done. As bad as this challenge turned out this week, I can imagine how bad it could have been without that little release and laughter.
Betty is coming across as a loaded cannon. She appears to be cracking under the pressure and for the sake of the rest of the show, I hope she caves next week so the others can get down to work and become worthy of the title Top Chef.
I do love this show. Ok I will admit I think you are pretty awesome too. If these first weeks are any indication of the rest of the show, you definitely have your work cut out for you.
Cassie

posted on November 22, 2006 at 11:12 PM

N Williams wrote:

I commend U on your patience and guidence. I caught the last few shows of last season and got hook. As a daughter of a chef, from Michigan, I really do not like to cook, but can..but don't. Probably because I spent so many years in the military and did not have to.
You have sparked my interest in cooking because you are about the food not how classy it is or not.

You R a gem.

Thank U

posted on November 23, 2006 at 4:36 AM

Kimmie wrote:

Tom, you are great to watch every week. I love your insight on the food and the madcap collection of cooks you get to babysit. My big hope is that the next Top Chef will be picked by you and the other judges and ONLY you and the other judges. If the producers of the show have their way then Michael will be the next Top Chef. Then the next thing you know there will be a show with wafer thin models wearing unflattering rags by Jeffrey and they will be dining on a Snickers bar glob with a Cheeto stuck in the top at "Mikey's Place". Yikes!

posted on November 23, 2006 at 5:20 AM

PeachPie wrote:

Sounds delicious!
Would be FAR tastier if I had a sexy chef like YOU cooking it for me. : )
Happy Thanksgiving, Chef Tom!

posted on November 23, 2006 at 8:28 AM

Kelly wrote:

This is the first time I've posted. I know that there is more to what's being shown and that Tom and Gail doesn't decide what is and isn't shown on the show. However, the producers need to show more cooking and comments and less drama. I believe that as viewers we don't know what's truly going on between Betty and Marcel and Frank and Marcel, but I feel sorry for Marcel. He's being shown as the immature chef who has some growing up to do, but I don't understand how he deserves the wrath of Betty and Frank in the last show. The rest of the chefs are mature enough to cook and not have Marcel get to them. That says something about their character. Lets get rid of Betty and Frank in the next 2 shows and we might be surprised what the level of cooking the judges will get.

posted on November 23, 2006 at 12:47 PM

ree wrote:

its mia and betty that need to go asap - i was sorry to see carlos go - betty has a big mouth - and mia is hypocritical - the only few you havve that have any class at all is cliff the rest need to go - especially ellia - by the way frank i think you broke the law by your threat to marcel the way it came across

posted on November 23, 2006 at 9:15 PM

Buddah wrote:

Elia seems to have a real problem with Mike and none at all with Marcel to the degree that her biases are quite obvious. No matter what Mike cooks, she hates it, even when the general consensus of both the judges and the other cooks is that Mike's dish is delicious. And no matter what Marcel does she loves it. She likes him, so to her he is never wrong and the only one who likes even his worst dishes (the over-garlic-ed one was a good example). Elia adores Marcel and the reason is pretty clear why: she knew him before this competition. It is simple loyalty. But why does she hate Mike? Her reaction to him seems irrational.

posted on November 24, 2006 at 5:50 AM

Patricia wrote:

I was really disappointed with the menu choices for the T'day dinner. Boring, boring, boring. C'mon guys, switch it up a little -- maybe spicy pumpkin soup with glazed walnuts to start. I liked Michael's idea for a lasagna, but Marcel's roulades could also have been good with better execution -- perhaps hot sausage in the stuffing mix and some sort of pastry holding it all together. Move the cranberries to dessert -- a cranberry/peach flan would be tasty.

It would be interesting to see the chefs try to execute dishes that we non-chefs come up with for a challenge. It's easy for me to say, try this; but a good chef would know what was actually possible.

posted on November 24, 2006 at 5:09 PM

Lisa wrote:

Well, ever since I received my Bon Apetit e-mail with Chef Tom's herb butter turkey and gravy recipe, I knew I'd be at least basing my Thanksgiving bird on that recipe! In the end, I didn't remember to shop for the fresh herbs and, quite frankly, was worried about tearing the turkey's skin while trying to spread the butter beneath it, so I omitted that from the turkey. But the rest of it (the adding chicken broth and a tbsp of butter every 30 min or so) made my turkey a truly wonderful success - dry breast meat? NOT EVEN CLOSE.

But here is the true beauty - I made the gravy base the night before and then the gravy the next day (albeit, I had to double to roux for the amount of gravy base/pan drippings/juices) - EVERYONE loved the gravy - very flavorful, and of course, zero lumps! Thanks so much, Chef Tom!!!

posted on November 25, 2006 at 2:53 PM

jean bennett wrote:

I am shocked at the people who comment and find anything redeeming about Marcel; he is a bitcher and a moaner, a whiner; in other words a real BMW
Cliff, now there is a class act and it seems like he can really cook given half a chance. Betty needs to find a range outside PBJ sandwiches ... and to keep her temper in check.

Top Chef, must have an ego or be relegated to sous chef.

jean bennett

posted on November 25, 2006 at 11:36 PM

mitchell smiley wrote:

Chef Tom, can you tell me if your chef's are made aware of any food allergies your guests might have. For instance, onions and cheese cause migraines for me. Makes life difficult because I love traditional hoiday recipes.

Can you suggest a substitute for onions when using recipes for dressing, salads, sauces, etc.

Thanks ... mitch

posted on November 26, 2006 at 12:24 AM

Decafmoka wrote:

well I just lost a huge post I typed because I didnt have an email? Didnt I give my email when I signed up for this site?? do I have to enter it every time I make a post? why? I dont want to post an email with every comment I make, the whole point is to talk HERE not to have people email their answers to me!

posted on November 27, 2006 at 6:50 PM

L Miller wrote:

I love this show with a passion! It actually makes me think about cooking again. I do not usually watch TV but I am addicted to Top Chef and Project Runway.

I am surprised at the quality of the chefs on this season's show. They do not compare at all with the first season's competitors. I agree with most that the only true chefs are Sam, Cliff and Ilan. Hopefully, the rest of the group will be gone shortly.

I could not believe the Thanksgiving dinner that was served. Horrors!!! I sure would not have been thankful for that dinner...it would have ruined my favorite holiday.

Tom, you are a pleasure to watch and the show would not be the same without you! Hopefully, next year the hostess will change.

posted on November 28, 2006 at 9:38 AM

E. Gay West wrote:

Cheif Colicchio,

I love the show and hope it runs for many seasnons. The contests on this episode are acting unprofessional and very ignorant about the creation of their assigned tasks. I'm just a good ole country cook and can turn out better dishes than I've seen them do, and as far as Michael, I wouldn't let him walk through my kitchen much less cook in it. He looks so unkempt and so blase' about the assigned task given. All are getting good at making excuses and blaming others for their mistakes. However, this keeps the show interesting and I look forward to seeing it on Wednesday night.

I'd like to be on the show long enough to see you and get an autrographed copy of your cook book,

An avid fan,

Gay West in SC

November 30-2006

posted on November 30, 2006 at 1:09 AM

Brian wrote:

I like the show, you make it great, your comments on the chef's, and the look on their faces make me laugh.

posted on December 3, 2006 at 1:18 AM

patti wrote:

Hi Tom, This is in regards to the panel of judge's making fun of MICHAEL'S stuffed thanksgiving shrimp. At least he tried to be innovative, and if anybody thinks it sounds ridiculuos to top a baked potato with shrimp???? I just watched Paula Deen make a twice baked potato with shrimp. (after the top chef episode) So, if Paula thought of it,it wasn't so far out there for MICHAEL to do it!!!!!
love the show,
Patti from Boston
December 4, 2006

posted on December 4, 2006 at 4:23 PM

Martha Avila wrote:

Hey Tom, Happy Holidays... Love the show. I am addicted. Really getting sick of Betty though. No need for her displays. Professionalism is not dead is it??? Not in my line of work it isn't. She needs to get over her Marcel obsession. Definately not attractive... Actually, everyone (except Elia) needs to get over their Marcel obsession. It's boring.... And I believe that Marcel is talented and should be given a chance. I would love it if he won!!! Cliff, Sam and Ilan are my other favorites. Very talented!!! Loved Anthony Bourdain on the Thanksgiving show. He is the best!!! When he asked you what kind of crack house you were running, I lost it... Great moment!!

posted on December 4, 2006 at 8:49 PM

paul Hydock wrote:

Way to go Tom !!You have a GREAT show ,and you make all the boys from Elizabeth proud !
Paul Hydock
St. Marys...class of 76

posted on December 5, 2006 at 7:34 PM

Paula wrote:

Perhaps some viewers tune in to Top Chef to see infantile histrionics (e.g., Betty vs. Marcel), but I'll bet most of us want to see more real cooking. I expect most if not all of this season's shows are in the can already, but I'd like to plead for more real cooking in the future. How about showing us a dish from start to finish, focusing on one chef? Hey, you could even start with the winner, then show how the dish was conceived and executed. Don't assume your audience is too stupid to go without the silly "suspense" of the usual format.

posted on December 6, 2006 at 3:51 PM

Lisa wrote:

I made Tom's turkey recipe for Thanksgiving. It tasted amazing, everyone made comments on what a difference the fresh herbs made. Their flavor can't be beat.
Thanks Tom!

posted on December 6, 2006 at 10:56 PM