Richard Crum wrote:

outstanding episode, quite a challenge to the chefs as you made them think on their feet. There were no complaints about the teams as they picked them themselves.. It got their attention as Tom said COOK TO WIN NOT TO LOSE!!!! A nice touch to send two of them packing to get caught back up. And really; three hours to cook a salad with Pepto Dressing. I enjoy the show and I am really looking forward to watching the Chefs compete and I like the new Mike..

posted on November 15, 2006 at 11:15 PM

Teri Hamilton wrote:

It was disappointing that the chefs didn't get together to agree on a menu, after perusing the walk-in contents. Duck is one of my favorite things and it was another disappointment that it was just an ordinary dish. The start of the courses seemed to be much stronger than the bottom 3 courses. I would have been disappointed if this was a meal that I had attended. I think competition got the best of all of the contestants.

posted on November 15, 2006 at 11:16 PM

Philip Darmon wrote:

wow, lets not forget marcels salmon and beetroot??? i could taste that as soon as i saw it. although well executed he deserved a bolocking for this moronic pairing. at least the 'executive' pastry chef has gone - gee wouldnt we all like to have to eat her pineapple with pepto bismol?
thanks tom.

posted on November 15, 2006 at 11:19 PM

Rick Umali wrote:

Thanks for pointing out that serving hot food is no small feat. Ilan and Michael's dish would have been awful if it weren't hot. And the task was made even harder with serving 60 dishes. Thanks for the insight!

posted on November 15, 2006 at 11:23 PM

Amy wrote:

Amen Chef! So please tell Marcel to take his behind off his shoulders and stop turning his nose up at the rest of us "average joe's" like everything is beneath him!!!!
Respectfully,
Amy H

posted on November 15, 2006 at 11:23 PM

Pylon wrote:

Tom -

As a self taught "home chef", I have been puzzled at some of the choices being made on the show. There seem to be so many obvious choices that are being passed up. (The fact that there was no "main course" tonight is a great example.)

The question is, how do you punish competitors for playing it safe? I think the answer for the future may be to make sure they understand that credit is given for attempting to execute a great idea and falling short (as opposed to perfect execution of mediocrity).

posted on November 15, 2006 at 11:27 PM

drb wrote:

I agree with your assessment. The thing that struck me was that few of the chefs seemed to think about their place in the menu. Or if they thought about their place they seemed to forget the possible concept that less is more. The thing that hurt Jose and Marissa in my opinion was that they were in an entree position on the menu but were thinking as if they were number one or two on the menu. The fifth spot is the climactic spot on the menu and they failed to deliver.

As you said at the judges table, they didn't even cook.

posted on November 15, 2006 at 11:48 PM

Thomas wrote:

Wow---any of these observations, when you think about it, can might applied to any "serious" art that calls for substance over style. And the process that's described here of putting a dish together can also be applied to other arts---letting the components of a piece guide your intuitions. I'm no cook, hell, I can hardly manage to put milk into cereal, but I still took took something away from this piece that I might apply to my own creative pusuits. Good stuff. Thanks!

posted on November 15, 2006 at 11:51 PM

michael wrote:

I think the judges demanding take on the food is acurate, but then i consider they had a cool 2 hours to prepare things. Assuming that this time line is in fact the truth, not a tv gimick, then i think everyone on the show does a absolutly wonderful job. i work in a professional kitchen, and i wish my job consisted of nothing but cooking, 2 hour time limit or not.

I think Top Chef should consider working in some real world kinks. For instance, if chefs work in teams of three, and after an hour one of them is "fired" and only two are left to finish. I think this reflects something real chefs deal with many times. Also, i really enjoyed watching the lychee problem, although i found the outcome completely hypocriticle. it would be interesting to have the chefs deal with purveyors and salesman. I don't think i've gone very long in a kitchen without something braking. I understand kenmore doesn't want anyone to think their products every fail, but it happens in the kithcen, and i've found myself many times with a screwdriver, sandpaper, and a hammer willing to do whatever it takes to get back on track, i wonder which 'top chef' embodies that persona. The most 'reality tv' entertaining bit might include certain chefs having to 'fire' each other in a game of who brakes down emotionally having to do it.

i like the top chef idea, but if you want to know who can cook the tastiest meal in under 2 hours, i think we can all look at our mothers. Being a 'chef' is completely different.

posted on November 15, 2006 at 11:54 PM

Marty wrote:

I'm glad you finally sent that holier than thou Marisa home. I'm sorry it had to be with Josie though. Marisa has been a non creative snake in the grass. It was well overdue time for her to move on. Good job.

posted on November 15, 2006 at 11:57 PM

R. L. wrote:

excellent episode.. it let's us see what they're made of and how well they think standing up! I enjoyed their "reaction" to picking their own partner, nice touch. Glad to see the new Michael, he seems to realize where he's at now. Sending the salad-bar duo home made sense as well, three hours to cook a salad with Pepto Dressing ! What were they thinking? This is the time to start knocking peoples socks off, quit playing to tie... COOK TO WIN BABY!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 12:07 AM

Gary wrote:

Wow Tom,

You redeemed yourself this week over Betty's adding a 1/2 cup of sugar in-lieu-of 2 tablespoons as she said. I am glad to see this week some of the problems are packing- up and going home.

It is about time Marisa went home. She should of went home two weeks ago for the hockey puck desert. How does a pastry assistant get on Top Chef ? Did she cook anything other than pastries on the show? When she did cook it was all screwed-up. I wouldn't have eatten anything she made.

Betty should of went home last week for cheating and Elia is next to go. Elia has a real problem with adapting to the U.S.A.'s customs and food. However, she is good to dodge the bullet but, the only thing she has made are taco's and complains about American cheese products. Send her home !

Is Padma switching over to Project Runway next season? She would not be a bad one to go home either. "Padma pack your dress and leave". "You do not know anything about cooking".

Keep up the good work Tom and get rid of some more dead weight, cheaters, and lairs. By the way Jennifer Cooliage looks like she has not missed a meal in a while. She needs to pull back from the supper table and hit the gym.

Gary
Bradenton, FL

posted on November 16, 2006 at 12:15 AM

Jeanene S. wrote:

I just finished watching tonight's show. It is truly amazing that these "chefs-to-be" think more is better. I greatly agree with you that one thing done well is much better. I think the really sad part was that there wasn't any cohesion to the courses. I disagree when you say that not discussing what was going to be served was right. What's the point in having courses if you get, say, two desserts or two main courses?

posted on November 16, 2006 at 12:22 AM

Kristy wrote:

WOW....Now that's BLOGGING!!!!

You're a fantastic writer too!
GOD I wish i could cook like that

I really learned a lot from reading this.....Thanks sexy......Ol' blue eyes...*wink*

posted on November 16, 2006 at 12:25 AM

margaret trenchard wrote:

dear tom, i was very disapointed tonight at the results of this show. i couldn't believe the chefs got this kick in the ass. at least project runway told the people there would be two eliminations. i felt sorry for them.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 12:28 AM

ceejay wrote:

Grumpy? Tom, honey, you are getting downright MEAN! Annoyed! Angry! All the time! If it ain't fun any more, maybe it is time to go have fun somewhere else. Life is too short. As for chefs? Ilan, Sam, Cliff, and sometimes Betty. Ditch the rest. Divas and dunces. Ugh.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 12:35 AM

Wendy wrote:

Hi Tom,

I have to say I'm disappointed with the outcome of this episode. I agree Marisa should have gone home and I realize that because last week no one went home that more than likely two would be going this week. But, not Josie. I just think it wasn't fair to her at all.

I did notice you seem down or off this episode. Don't let it get to you. It's just a show. LOL :) Take Care

posted on November 16, 2006 at 12:41 AM

geraldine wrote:

So right...like mom always said an ounce of pretense is an ounce of horse shit. Here that Marcel. LOL

posted on November 16, 2006 at 1:11 AM

Debbie wrote:

First off I love this show. I'm one of several managers at the Almond Tree Restaurant in Oakdale, Ca, so tonight when we were watching it was my husband who brought it to my attention the Mia is from Oakdale and has a restaurant right here. I have learned so much from watching Top Chef and of course I have tried to take what I have learned and apply it at work. The show is great!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 1:37 AM

ROSEMARY RIDDLE wrote:

THE SOONER YOU CUT THIS COMPETITION AND GET A CREW SIMILAR TO HAROLD AND DAVE WITH SOME CLASS THE BETTER OFF THE SHOW WILL BE - I TUNE IT OUT ONLY TURN IT ON TO SEE WHO YOU FINALLY GOT RID OF

posted on November 16, 2006 at 1:39 AM

Soigne wrote:

No wonder you're getting grumpy chef!! Where do you guys find these people? I am 99% certain that Bravo had to have turned away a lot of chefs that were better qualified to win this competition but didn't fit the demographic or weren't photogenic enough. I have truly seen some uninspiring dishes at every challenge. One of the most necessary qualities in a chef is adaptability, and it is clear that most of these contestants haven't been able to pull that off. I agree with you completely about presentation not being the first thing one should think about when planning a dish. These kids need to look at who they are cooking for and appeal to that groups taste, while staying true to the ingredients they are provided., and seasoning with care.
Technique, taste, texture, and then presentation !!!!!!!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 1:40 AM

Shannon wrote:

I really think it should have been Elia and Carlos sent home this time. Michelle's comment that the pomegranate juice tasted like it had been sitting out until it went bad, and then the fact that it was canned, really made it sound bad. At least Josie and Marisa used actual leftovers from the walk-in. Dessert is the last note, and rancid food components leave a very unpleasant memory for even the most forgiving diner.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 1:51 AM

laurette wrote:

There is a God. I was almost going to stop watching TC2. Wow, what a show. This was the best so far!!! I was so happy For Michea,l I amost cryed!! Liam I think will be the TC2 Winner. I like Sam but he lost points last week. I was so glad those twits got the knife(Ha-HA).Thank you for killing to bad sick bird with one stone!!!

I feel so sorry with TC1, they did not get shit for winning!!!
But they were a better group and they will/remembered, love, blog, ect.

This group NOT!!!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 2:02 AM

Terri P. wrote:

Tom,
As I sit at my desk debriefing from a day of mountain high deadlines...all met-I would be in remiss if I shut down without commenting on last night's show. It was a good one-No, Stop-A great one-The redemption song is finally playing loudly. I completely agree with your take on how good flavor should come first and presentation, well it's the gravy-the sop it up trimming on some good ole' food. It was amazing and a pleasure to see both Marisa and Josie go-GET OUT! While I respected the attempted humbleness and united front the contestants played out (as hard as it clearly was), I fail to understand the decisions some of them made in choosing their co-chefs for the elimination challenge. Josie (in my opinion) never really shined alone, talked a good game during the team challenges only because she is so loud and unrefined, but she boarded and sank with the Titanic, the losing ship, Marisa. I'm sure everyone knows it was Marisa's idea to make the pepto-bismol soup. She wasn't going down alonethough-she planned to take her cheerleader with her! Sam and Cliff were clever and strategically positioned themselves to bring it on. Much respect to Ilan who is already one of the strongest links in the group for supporting and helping to bring out a more caring and refined Michael-and he won-they both won-great strategy. I really like Betty, but she wears her emotions on her sleeve far too often, and she too picked a bottom shelf co-chef, Mia. Had she teamed with a stronger contender, she may have been properly coached about the awkward pastry presentation-I mean Mia knew it was wrong, she thought to put flavor before that clumpy presentation, yet in the end she was too scared to speak up, and too scared to lose-GET OUT! And, Elia-The one shot she had to stay out of the bottom half she blew. Had she voluntarily teamed with her beloved Marcel, she would not have been there-How funny is that! The rest speaks for itself. All of them slept on those chicken feet in the quickfire challenge though-they make a delicious Chicken Foot Soup broth! I really enjoyed the way you managed the group, your firmness and the overall decisions made. Flavor, Flavor, Flavor!
Terri P.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 2:04 AM

creative wrote:

Judges made a good call tonight. I agree with their choices. And Tom's blog tonight was very instructive. Question- what dishes are typical for the six courses? For example, normally is the first course an appetizer, the sixth course a desert? What about the other courses?

posted on November 16, 2006 at 2:22 AM

Swati wrote:

Tom - I agree.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 2:28 AM

mary wrote:

I'm a simple girl, never been a big fan of a dozen different things put on the plate to "couture it up". The duck lacking all the sweet glaze & berries, awesome! Overcooked, not good. And the puff pastry can go with all the sweet stuff. When it's time for dessert I want one really kick-ass dessert....champagne or a nice port can always serve as a fabulous accompniament, not some wierd juice. Just some thoughts.....

posted on November 16, 2006 at 2:30 AM

Margaret Clark wrote:

Tom,
You may think you are GRUMPY,
BUT I THINK YOU ARE SEXY, and very good looking! I think you are a very fair judge, and I think you make the show!
Sincerely,
Margaret IN N.C.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 2:47 AM

Wulfbear wrote:

Don't let all these compliments go to your head, Tom, but I love reading your blog. The perspective on the progress (or lack thereof) of the chefs is invaluable. The 'presentation before ingredients and flavor' bent of some of the chefs, I agree, is getting very irritating. Hopefully, some of them are getting the message. I was very pleased to see Michael has started to wake up, and even found himself on the winning team, one he definitely contributed to. Jolting awake can evidently happen, and I hope we can start to see some of his real potential now. Seeing the potential and talent of these chefs come through is really why I watch the show, though learning about food certainly is a great benefit, too. On that note, thank you for covering some of the principles of putting together a good dish in this blog, and even more so for explaining 'not-so-obvious' lingo to us non-chefs without talking down to us.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 2:54 AM

JavaJunkie wrote:

I was really baffled at Josie & Marisa's choice for their course. And what exactly was in the juice that was served with the dessert course that made it taste off?

posted on November 16, 2006 at 3:23 AM

Shirley Smith wrote:

I fully agreed with your choice to send Marisa packing, but to send Josie as well disappointed me greatly.

I understand the why of what you chose to do, but Josie was being gracious to Marisa, and Marisa chose not to accept her responsibility for some terrible choices, e.g, that pink goo in the spoon.

So much for loyalty.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 3:58 AM

Julian wrote:

Didn't see last year -- love the show this year. Couldn't agree more with Tom's comments about approach to food and cooking. It seems to me that Sam, Cliff, and Ilon have the chops and general insight to make it to the end. Carlos, Mia and Frank are very talented but perhaps lacking the insight to reach the end; Betty's wonderfully exuberant & talented, but she's sort of feast or famine; as Josie found out one bad decision can wreck talented you; Marcel has fine technique but is almost sure to offer someone strawberry-and-liver foam for brunch; If Michael can open his brain up, he may learn more than anyone else here, and then head home. And Elia is 23 -- very talented, but she doesn't have the experience to last.

Need I say that any of these people could cook me under the table at any time -- and I'm considered a pretty good cook.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 4:02 AM

Renee F wrote:

It was right on the mark to send josie and marisa home. I knew there would be two this time because no one packed up their knives last week. It's really unbelievable how they had the best spot in the whole group and squandered it ... the plate looked bare and boring ... it was obvious it didn't taste that good either.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 4:19 AM

nina wrote:

bravo again and again to you Chef Tom! I agree with the notion that we eat with our eyes first but it has to TASTE good. I also know that the 2 or 3 components on one dish is popular but as stated, when chefs like the great Thomas Keller do it, one leads into the other...it always makes sense.

I think that the two that went was justly deserved. A "refresher" course that late in the meal is ridiculous....why did no one say anything. Josie is really good at tooting her own horn but any decent "chef" knows that the fifth course of a six course luncheon should be the WOW...why did they not work with the short ribs???

And bravo to Michael, Ilan, Sam and Cliff! I wanted to eat that paella and it's good to see Michael pushing it for a change. And Ilan's comments about the others coming over and helping them plate....finally....some teamwork! His positive and professional attitude will serve him well and he deserved to win. It was good for Michael to be a part of the winning team.

Love the show, glad that Marisa is gone...bad attitude, whiner....her lack of professionalism was such a downer! I was a pastry chef long before I went on the line and finally made it to sous chef and chef! I know that pastry chef's are a pain in the you-know-what! Because they do NOT belong on the line! She couldn't even produce a decent dessert. I'm a little sad that Josie had to go as well but she did make some bad choices.

Elia's next....it's getting more and more difficult and anyone who doesn't realize that you need to soak your kidneys and clean them properly should not be called "Top Chef". And if you're going to do three different tastes for dessert, put some chocolate on it! C'mon!

Bon Appetit!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 4:33 AM

Jenni wrote:

I love the show! I like you (Tom) the absolute best. Nursing a crush, actually! I miss the first hostess very much. She brought so much to the show, in my opinion.

Any chance for a twist, the judges could have a task, show off their skills with silly and crazeeee restrictions.

Just a thought.

LOVE YOU TOM!!!!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 4:36 AM

diane wrote:

Food is a business now. so we have to put up with wordy descriptions of simple things, unfortunatly. Alot of this crap is based in fear, greed and ego, all of which have played a big part in making food a competitive sport. This always brings out the not-so-best in people. But it does bring inovation, imagination, and brilliance to the consuming public, humble enough to step over the crap and see things as they are. You are paying attention. Keep it up!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 4:55 AM

Annie wrote:

I totally agree with you. You have been the best judge so far. We no longer see innovative food but it just all about staying in the competition. I wish there was more more energy and passion in everyone than just back-bitching like again Betty was finding something wrong in Marcel. And its becoming clear who are good..Ilan,Cliff, Sam, Carlos. Everyone else does not seem to have a vision of what their final full course meal will be. They are just all jumbled up. Thanks for your truthful insites.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 6:49 AM

Angie wrote:

Granted, Marissa has struggled somewhat since the beginning and needed to go home on this challenge. However, Josie became a scapegoat this week. This appeared to be an attempt to stay within the "timeframe" of the seasons running time to send two chefs home. Last challenge, as much as I may love Betty, she should have gone. Rules are rules, and part of the challenge is LISTENING to and following the rules. I think that the judges let their personal feelings toward Betty (and the idea that at 4:00am in the morning they are tired, and trying to make a decision on what's the deciding factor that someone leaves, poor food presentation or following rules) get in the way.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 7:27 AM

Clara wrote:

Good morning Tom, Thank you, thank you, thank you!! This is, for me, the best blog yet. One, because it's about the food and not the cat fights, two, it is very informative, (had to read the cheeseburger discription twice to figure out 'what the hell is he talking about?")and third, the way you described how you shop...it's exactly how I go about it. I was really starting to feel like a foody! Some people eat to live..I live to eat. I consider myself a pretty good cook, but by no means a chef. Just good eats. Don't know why I'm not overweight, but I'm good with that.
I'm feeling a little guilty about how happy I felt to see Marissa, the snide b@##, and Josie, the in your face loudmouth, be sent packing. Marissa didn't show me anything worthy of a top chef and Josie was just too tough to take, even in small doses. Love reading all the blogs to get people's opinions on the show. May the best chef win. (~..^)

posted on November 16, 2006 at 7:34 AM

Patricia wrote:

Tom;
Wow, I enjoyed reading your comments above, and I REALLY enjoyed this past episode! Finally it seemed to be about the food, and personality issues were thankfully left behind, at least in the edited show we all watched.
I agree wholeheartedly with the idea that, as Gail put it to Frank when discussing his conceptual mushroom dish, "food is for eating". I always suspected that, but who knew?!
My mother was not a "chef", but she was a food artisan in the kitchen. I, myself am nearly 53 years of age, but I can still remember and taste some of her wonderful dishes all these years later, from when I was growing up. They were not piled high on the plate, but the flavors, the technique, and the sheer love that she put into her cooking was so outstanding that it is remembered all these years later, and long after she is gone. To me, this is what matters most in food preparation. Funny, but although I am "just a home cook", I follow the same train as you mentioned in preparing a meal...what is available, what else goes with it, how will the flavors go together, and how will it look on the plate. I think this comes from many long years of trying to develop a repertoir of varying seasonal menus that will taste good and look good and BE good for my family.
I too, was surprised to see how some of the chefs last night really came through and put together outstanding dishes, and equally surprised at how some of the others fell short. I think the decision was correct, as I really believe that Marisa and Josie have better in them than what they put out; Perhaps they overthought the idea of placing something they felt was trendy and "high brow" on the plate, in other words, minimalism. I grew up a studio brat, my father having worked for Columbia Pictures for a long, long time, and I know that even people in the "social whirl", love GOOD food that tastes good, and has substance to it. Just because they may be socialites or whatever else, does't mean that they want to sit down to only the idea of "art on a plate" if it doesn't taste good, or make sense "gastronomically". We went to many functions and dinners, parties and outings when I was a child, as part of being a studio family, and most of the food that was prepared and served was comfort food...barbequed ribs, steaks, chops, and all of the accoutremans that went with that menu. Possibly the chefs last night got caught up in the "dazzle" of where they were and what they were doing and to whom they were serving, that they felt they had to pull off art neuveau in the kitchen. Again, many are young and learning their craft, and have a ways to go yet.
Once again, thank you for a wonderful show last night! We get it here in Phoenix at 11:00PM and I had to be up at 5:00AM this morning but it was worth the lack of sleep! Not too many shows that I watch that I can say that about. Thank you for your insight and commentary; I find it refreshing and it helps to keep me centered when I open the pantry door, and think, "what will I cook today?!" Hope to see more of the episodes be like this last challenge. Can't wait until next week!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 7:44 AM

spoonbread wrote:

I agree that the chefs had a plethora of great ingredients (even if as viewers we didn't have this knowledge berforehand) andthey did not utilize them. And even if so, the ingredients that were used were poorly executed. I was dismayed on how poorly the last dishes in the elimination challenge were executed. The last three were simply unfocused, lazy and, even percieved as a viewer, not properly concieved at all.
After such promise of creative dishes in the beginning of the series by certain chefs, this episode was clearly lackluster in ideas and concepts, especially with such a variety of good ingredients to choose from.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 7:46 AM

Victoria Kathryn wrote:

You are correct (in my book)with your summation of the dishes that were presented...It is easy to get lulled into the cool looking stack of food thinking this will wow anyone...As you said make it taste good first then find an artful way to present it..

You may be a little grumpy but what the contestants don't understand is that everything a great chef imparts to you should be considered in every dish you make..you do not have to take on the chef's style of cooking but just remember taste is the most important thing...
Thanks,
:-)
Just my lousy two cents!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 7:46 AM

TB Leek wrote:

Love your observations, Chef Tom -- it really helps the viewers see where you are coming from; which also goes to my comment.

You spoke in your opening blog about the Tim Gunn effect; maybe this presentation fixation is symptomatic of a Project Runway effect.

TV is a visual medium, as is fashion. The viewer can easily see if the designer has created something awful.

Food, however, is multi-sensory: taste; sight; smell; touch/texture. The TV viewer can only connect with one of those senses, sight.

Perhaps, on some level, the chef's realize this, and with over the top presentations they are playing not only to the judges, but to the camera (and, subsequently, the viewing audience).

Just a thought. Great show!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 7:58 AM

ljota wrote:

Yes! I have been presented with "stacked food" and it's really annoying when it doesn't make sense and you try to eat it and it falls apart in a mess. I think you're right and not cranky. You're setting standards for the show and what it's about -- excellent food!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 8:05 AM

Suzie G. wrote:

The same sentiments occurred to me when Marcel introduced himself as someone who practiced molecular fusion gastronomy or something silly like that. I don't like designer clothes and I don't like designer food. I don't care about the label, just give me quality and good taste.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 8:09 AM

Sharon wrote:

Great comments. It clarified so much of the last episode. Last year I could almost taste the food at each episode. This year so far some of the chefs just don't seem to get it.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 8:12 AM

Bonnie wrote:

For us neophytes-- can someone explain the 6 course menu and what is expected for each?

posted on November 16, 2006 at 8:29 AM

Gail wrote:

Tom-
I heartily agree with you on your assessment of the failings of the chefs. Let's cook, people. Less art, more flavor!! However, I to disagree with your thought that the chefs 'rightfully' ignored Betty's call to think thru a menu. Had that been done, perhaps Marissa and Josie would have thought about what they were cooking, and those wonderful ingredients in the pantry would not have gone to waste. That being said, I'm more than thrilled to have Marissa pack her knives and GO!! I thought Josie may make the final 5, but she really hasn't done much, so a fond farewell to her as well. I'd be sorry to see Mia go but she's turning into such a sore loser! First, when she lost the frog legs competition, she was visibly po'd. Then last week's announcement about the sugar (totally ignoring the use of additional olive oil), then just being plain nasty last night...I think she's a bit immature to be a "Top" chef. Tom, you have the most difficult job right now, but thank you for giving us some good tv!!!!

-Gail

posted on November 16, 2006 at 8:45 AM

Judith wrote:

Tom, Tom, Tom,

Don't let the responses of the "cranks" below get to you. You're the resident expert and judge - not them. In my estimation, your blog has been right on from Day 1. I totally "get" that your annoyed and perhaps even a little grumpy - imagine, a professional having to "cook sit" twelve adults whose integrity in the kitchen is suspect. Your love of cooking and ingredients shines through and is manifested by your high expectations for all the candidates. I can't imagine being disappointed week after week by the mediocrity (cooking not to lose, instead of to win) of so-called "chefs." Keep on keeping on, Tom.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 8:46 AM

Gina wrote:

I'm so relieved that you aren't impressed by the whole fancy shmancy descriptions of the foods!!!! This is SO not me either....I love fine dining, but my heart and soul is in simple, well executed dishes that don't overwhelm me with the description only! Thanks for being so human, you're my absolute favorite and the total reason I watch this show!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 8:47 AM

ChrisInTexas wrote:

ITotally Agree with you Tom'
Since this shows theme was left overs why were the only players using an actualy left-overs Ilan and Mike. They were the only ones i saw using a precooked food that looked like it had actually been left over.

And Ding dong the the trash is gone now lets work on mia although she has good knife skills "she gave us a great example when she stuck one in Bettiesback" she lacks real talent anybody from the south can cook frogs legs and pigs feet i wanna see a new dish like last years duo of beef that miguel did

posted on November 16, 2006 at 8:58 AM

Elia wrote:

Perfect.
Absolutely.

Thanks for getting grumpy ..

posted on November 16, 2006 at 9:01 AM

bob wrote:

I agree Tom with your style over substance suggestion about the presentations and wonder why some of these chefs forgot what Ming said in the Vietnam-Korea challenge, Flavor is first.......... which was basically what you said about going to the market ( Mario Batali says the same thing, pick the freshest best looking stuff and go from there), a shame about josie, Ilan dragged Mike through that challenge, and GRUMPY?? *L* i think you've forgotten about some of the people early on in season#1.....keep up the good work and great show

posted on November 16, 2006 at 9:34 AM

Pierre wrote:

Tom:

At first, I thought your "Drill Sergeant" demeanor was a bit much but then realized it was just "tough love". I was amazed that no one listened to Betty say "let's all talk about putting the menu together". They just all ran off to the walk-in and did their own thing and it showed. Obviously, Ilan saved Michael's "grand âne". I wasn't impressed with the dish. I was upset at first to see Josie go but she did allow that weird concoction to go out so, I guess she brought it on herself. It was great to see Susan Bernstein as a guest judge...I loved her on Iron Chef.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 9:38 AM

ilana wrote:

Tom,
I absolutely agree with your assessment.
Also, I think Betty did alter the recipe on purpose in the last episode. The cookies were not working out, so she purposely, and some may say, maliciously, added sugar. You are always saying to those chefs to make it work and to not serve the dish if it is lacking. I guess Betty did it to win, and it worked.
This episode was great. I was surprised to see that chefs did not approach this challenge as a team, it only shows how much no one wants to go home.

Please do not listen to those who think that Padma should go home. She is a TERRIFIC host, much better than Katie was last season!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 9:45 AM

Michael wrote:

Chef Tom,

You have every reason to be grumpy after what happened during the last show. Also, the fact that you stayed in the kitchen during the Elimination Challenge said a lot as well. I loved it when you wouldn't let the one team send the one plate out because their time was up. That showed them you were serious about the requirements

Sending Josie and Marisa both home was perfect. It sent a message to the others and got rid of some serious non-team players. Josie talked a big game back in the loft when they got there but she is not as good a cook as she thinks. Her comments at the end of the show only reinforce why she was voted off. She just doesn't get it. Marisa was a whin

Sam winning the Quickfire challenge was a good call by the guest judge. Also, he really went into the challenge with Cliff and they worked well together as a team. They did a much better job with this challenge than they did the last one.
I really think these two will be in the final 3. Ilan is my other choice.

The following still need to be gone though; Betty, Marcel, Elia, Carlos, Mia. Michael seems to be getting his act together some.
Ilan was the perfect person to win the Elimination Challenge and Michael was genuinely happy for him.

I love this show and enjoy watching the challenges to get ideas.

Dishwasher pecan encrusted salmon anyone?

posted on November 16, 2006 at 9:49 AM

Patt wrote:

Finally that phoney Marissa is off the show. She never had anything but negative things to say. I don't understand why she did not ask the Chef to take the free stuff back while they were still at the market, thats where he told her they had not been charged.... seems to me its because she wanted to make him look bad at the show, she had plenty of time to let everyone know. She definately is a snake.... sure would not want to work with the likes of her.

Love the show and look forward to each one.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 9:50 AM

Jessica wrote:

I absolutely could not believe some of the things those chefs were doing. I was sitting at home being disappointed in them. I worked as a line cook for years in a restaurant that was barely better than a burger joint and I'm sure I could have done better than a lot of them. Maybe sending two of them home at once will shake the rest of them up a bit.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 9:51 AM

Butcher Boy wrote:

Guten Morgen, It was a good show last night. The two leaving were the most deserving, if you're willing to overlook the fact that one guest didn't get a dessert...but, seriously, not providing an entree course was a major fubar. Easily the worst error in two seasons.
Could we see more of the chef's kitchen skills in an episode? More actual knife skills (watch out Sam and his Salmon), pre-prep work (when do they find time to: make a shopping list?adjust recipes for the quantity to be served? prep stocks and sauces? dream of the preparation method, technique, style {French, Italian, Asian, etc}) Are any of these cooks Serve Safe Certified? ACF certified? What is an assistant Room Service Cook exactly? Show me they have their kitchen chops, because right now all their showing is their desire to build a plate-scape.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 10:04 AM

JOE wrote:

Tom I have to say that I was pleased with this shows outcome..I didnt really see that Josie should have been sent home yet.. however both chefs failed ,and with the dish they put out most Executive Chefs would not remember earlier accomplishments there Chefs acheived,they usually only remember customer satisfaction and high standards at that very moment..If you have sixty unhappy guests that complained about your dish at an event you may be fired off the line for real..This was the last dish the guests recieved and could bring down alot of other chefs work..in a real function or event..Great decision making Tom and Judges...thats keeping it true to the food service industry!!!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 10:08 AM

Art wrote:

As they would say in England, Spot on!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 10:12 AM

marla nelson wrote:

I agree with the comment left by Michael. I am a chef who has been in the middle of cooking a detailed menu when my ovens have gone out in the middle of my preparations. I have had to think very fast as to how am I going to get my entree or baked goods completed/baked/finished when all three of the gas convection ovens have decided to fail at the same time, making it very hard to proceed with my meal. And to top it off, the fans are not working and I will have to transfer my items to smaller sheet pans and cook my products in the Electric oevns in another part of the building. This happens on a weekly basis and you must be able to thibk and act fast as the clock is ticking towards meal service time.
Just try throwing in a few..'what would you do if..?'

posted on November 16, 2006 at 10:20 AM

Cathy la Bruno wrote:

Hi Tom,
Love you and the show, last nights was great but I think Josie should have stayed, your dilemma was that no one took the responsibility of whose choice it was to make that dessert, so in all fairness you had to let two go. I love to cook and eat gourmet food also, but lately I have been desiring foods of yesteryear, made myself a big peppers and eggs sandwich on pizza bread and polenta with mushrooms in a balsamic reduction, four stars for myself, lol. Keep this show going,
your number one fan.
Cathy La Bruno

posted on November 16, 2006 at 10:21 AM

litelytatted wrote:

I think both going was good (josie had made other bad choices) and I got the impression from Carlos that they knew 2 were going. He did say he felt that he could go home for the mistake but it would be unfair to send his partner home on his mistake. Maybe you guys need to look at the British food show MasterChef... then you can some of these "I think I am such a good chef" to a real line and make them rethink their greatness

posted on November 16, 2006 at 10:33 AM

Dianna wrote:

Has anyone noticed that this season's alleged "chefs" are more mean spirited than in the past. I'm hoping several of them leave post haste. Thankfully Marisa's finally gone -- that was long overdue. I'd also like to see Elia go -- all that compaining about "American cheese" Eew! Eew! I guess pig's blood is better. Please. No one on this season's show appeals to me -- Tom's getting grumpy -- guess what, I'm getting disgusted. Imagine having to "baby sit" a chef in the real world. They'd be out on their ears -- that should have happened to all -- camera crews were in there -- if someone used olive oil when they prepared the dish for the campers and not when they prepared the dishes for the nutritionists - out; if they used sugar instead of Spenda -- out. Do you realize what a simple "I thought it fit within the calorie count" mistake like that would do to a brittle diabetic. Out, out, out -- each of you. If we're left with 3 chefs to finish the however many weeks are left. So be it! Isn't integrity a part of a professional chef's job description? We get all bent out of shape about lychees that weren't paid for and we let people get away with adding calories, fat and carbs to dishes being prepared for people who must control their diets. Please. Kick all the bums out and start anew if you have to. Hey, Tom, you're not the only one who's grumpy.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 10:34 AM

Sharon wrote:

This blog entry confirms it -- I love you!!!!

Stardom has not got to your head. You have substance. You know what you are doing and write beautifully about it and are a great leader on the show. Love your descriptions of the food. Thank you so much. You are the best thing that has ever happened to cooking shows. And Top Chef (lol - was going to write TC but those are your initials too... how about that!) is the perfect venue for you because it shows off your personality too in a dramatic sense instead of just being about the food. I LOVE the fact that you are not the nerdy "mentor" type... forget Tim Gunn I'm so sick of him. Being the tough yet compassionate yet widely experienced and knowledgeable judge is a far better image. Love it love it love it!!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 10:35 AM

Lynda I wrote:

Hi Tom,

Well, I am back with you again. It's about time you pulled in the reigns of this runaway train of whiners... Marissa & Josie had to get the "heave hoe". Their dish was uninspired and looked unappetizing .

This challenge was reminiscent of the Ted Allen dinner of Season 1. Most of the dishes were far more interesting and better executed than the lunch for 60. I can't help but compare the 2 sets of contestants. Season 1 simply was far better overall than this watered down version.

You may be feeling grumpy. But I am feeling bored by some of these unimaginative cooks.
However, the saving grace goes to: Sam & Cliff's course 2 looked scrumptious. And Ilan's paella (his idea, no doubt) was brilliantly presented in the individual flat bowls. I am stealing that idea the next time we make it at home.

Thanks for your continued insight - it is cravable...

posted on November 16, 2006 at 10:36 AM

June wrote:

Your comments have the simplicity of the Ten Commandments, yet seem equally difficult to follow for many people. Getting down to the basics of a scrumptious raw ingredient is what I learned when I lived in Brussels. The care that goes into raising the produce, making the cheese and butter, curing the charcuterie, and raising the meat does not need to be tampered with. The ingredients speak for themselves.

Presentation was simple. A big steaming bucket of Moules Provencal, a cast iron pan of anguille au vert (eels in green sauce), a paper container of whelks in broth at a Kermis fair--never did I have a bad meal. At that time, the concept of Art on a Plate had not risen on the horizon. It really was all about the fantastic flaovrs.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 10:52 AM

Candice wrote:

Hi Tom--

I thought it was unfair to have 2 losers but just 1 winner. I understand you all were probably trying to make up for last week, but I felt like Michael finally stepped up to the plate yet didn't get to share in the reward. In Ilan's 'win' video he mentions that he wants to fly Michael to Miami so they can 'party together,' which is really cool. In groups of 3 or 4 it’s probably easier to hold individual chefs accountable for producing a bad dish...or a good dish...but working in pairs, it seems like success as well as failure should be shared more equally.

Also thanks for further explaining why Marisa and Josie lost. It must have been a tough decision against Carlos and Elia’s rotten pomegranate juice—the look on his face when you all asked if he had tasted it said it all. They’re under the gun certainly—but isn't part of being a professional chef being able to handle that kind of pressure?—and how could they not have tasted their food? I’ll admit I have a lot to learn in the kitchen, which is part of the reason I enjoy the show, but unless I'm cooking something really basic or I've made it a zillion times before, I always taste it, or better yet, ask my husband to taste it to get an outside opinion. And they knew they were working with ‘left overs’—food they didn’t buy so they didn’t necessarily know how fresh any of it was, which goes along with what you’ve been telling the bottom 3 contestants in each challenge—if something’s not working, fix it or don’t serve it. And as a ‘top chef,’ it seems like 1) acknowledging when a dish isn’t working and 2) being able to fix it are really basic skills.

Thanks for a great show!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 10:54 AM

P.O. wrote:

Wonderful write up, Chef. I especially enjoyed your opening pages on the cooking process, very interesting and informative. And a solid episode. Nice to see the focus more on the cooking and food this week. Perhaps you should hang back in the kitchen all the time from now on?

posted on November 16, 2006 at 11:05 AM

Bob wrote:

GOOOOOOOD BYE MARISA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You proved to be a self absorbed wicked woman. I say that because of the show where Otto left. You where with him out side the store when he said that he believed that something was not paid for. If you( or anyone else) take on the responsibility to take it bake right then and there? Because you did not, YOU were just as responsable as Otto.Marisa, you were the one making a big deal out of it. WAS IT BECAUSE YOU KNEW YOUR FOOD WAS CRAP THAT DAY AND NEEDED A FALL GUY?
TO THE JUDGES: You were wrong to put the blame on Otto. As judges you should hahe known that everyone shopping was to blame. It was Okay to let Otto take the blame, but give everyone a pass when there was real cheating on the fat camp/under 500 cal. show.
I don't think Otto would have won, but I also don't think that if he was trying to steal, that he would of told the others ON CAMERA about the unpaid for item. Why is it okay for 1 person to chastised for being observent wile other get "put on probation" for out right cheating?
PLEASE GET IT TOGHETHER JUDGES

posted on November 16, 2006 at 11:06 AM

Ryan wrote:

Sorry to see Josie go, she was definitely one of the more talented chefs on the program, but pairing herself up with Marisa was a death sentence. I am still puzzled by how someone who clearly had neither the talent nor desire to actually cook something other than dessert actually wound up on the program. Looks don't matter in the kitchen and that was clearly demonstrated tonight. It was almost comical how much she tried to avoid cooking savory dishes. Too bad it wasn't Top Pastry Chef.
The talent seems to be establishing itself on the program, which is interesting to watch. Sam, Cliff & Ilan all seem to have both the skills and demeanor to take it to the finals though I think that Marceland Elia have the potential to blow the top off things if they really commits to their dishes. Robuchon isn't a TGI Fridays, you need to know what you're doing to work there. Here's hoping that pom-pom Betty Chearleader gets the axe soon. Her cooking is uninspired, she is completely unprofessional (please, what was the story with the walk-in lovefest over poorly prepared duck on top of a pillsbury crescent roll) and sniveling doesn't begin to sum up her attempts to curry favor with Tom & co. It's like watching a cocker spaniel cook. Marcel may be a conceited chap but at least he has confidence in his abilities, maybe if Betty had the same we could go through one episode without having to listen to her prattle on about what's fair, who's nice and what she knows how to do but somehow falls short of delivering. Pack up your knives and go, Betty.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 11:16 AM

Debbo wrote:

The reason I think Project Runway works over Top Chef is because ultimately, on Runway, it is about the creativity and the fashion, with a side dish of personality necessary to make it "reality TV". With Top Chef, so far, it's all about the personalities, and the creativity and food are a footnote. This is why I think you are as frustrated as your audience, Tom. The petty ethics-deficient cast of what up til now has only been chef "wanna-be's" (not real chefs who are competing to see who is really best) is getting old. Getting rid of 2 of those last night was a great start! Top Chef and Project Runway are the ONLY 2 programs this busy Mom gets to watch - please keep me interested!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 11:18 AM

Leigh wrote:

I'm dying here. Where is Tom's PODCAST?

posted on November 16, 2006 at 11:34 AM

Andrea wrote:

After watching last night's episode I'm not sure it's worth watching anymore. The only thing that made sense is Tom telling Marisa and Josie that they had 3 hours to prepare and obviously didn't cook anything! What the HE** did they do all that time? No problem with them being sent home. However, I still see no one on this crew doing ANYTHING remotely impressive, however it may have actually tasted. I felt like I was in the twilight zone for Episode 5. First of all, who the HE** is this guest judge??? She looks like Ms. Frumpy Frowsy with a trailer park makeover. And who is this "Somebody" Coolidge person? The challenge was a clear indicator that whoever selected this group of chefs could NOT have been the same people that selected the chefs for Season 1. My guess is that whoever selected the challenges for this group is also different from that from Season 1. I actually have to laugh at the viewers being asked to vote on who is the most annoying chef. Not sure why Frank was one of the selections, as I think he and Ilan seem like the only genuinely nice people on this show. The others seem to be bland, untalented and most of them have personality and mannerism problems. Again, I reiterate this group has NOWHERE near the class or talent of the Season 1 group - save for that jerk Ken from Season 1 who rightfully was immediately booted. He would more appropriately fit in with the current crew in place. Can Mia FINALLY be sent home???? HELLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOO! What does it take to understand all she can do is barbecue? She's produced nothing but slop so far! My take on who will probably be among the remaining three: Betty, Sam and Cliff - but not because of any real talent - they don't seem to have any - only because they seem to be only ones trying to focus on the goal of winning. Maybe Ilan has a shot at being fourth. As far as my take on who these folks are as people, here is my analysis:

Frank - Genuine Mr. Nice Guy
Ilan - Quiet Mr. Nice Guy
Betty - Probably nice, but tries too hard - to a point where it's annoying
Carlos - Bland
Cliff - Distant
Sam - Distant
Mike - Mr. Slob - you mean someone is actually MARRIED to him???
Mia - Underhanded, bad sport/spoil sport, only capable of barbecue/southern slop type cooking
Marcel - Immature jerk with false sense of who he is and NO talent whatsoever
Elia - Secret b**ch, Mexican import/high end taco nothing

In fact, now that I think about it, maybe their personalities are reflected in all this bad cooking(?) - especially since they are supposedly all here because they have a "passion(?)" for cooking(?)

My take on Episode 5 - just bad TV.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 11:42 AM

Linda wrote:

I am disappointed with how the judges, particularly Tom, are handling the judging in this season. It seems to me that Tom is wearing two hats this season. He's a 'mentor' during the challenge and also a judge of the final results. This has inherent conflicts and gives Tom too much influence in the outcome. Top Chef should hire the equivalent of Tim Gunn to mentor/monitor the execution of the challenge by the chefs and leave Tom to judge the final outcome only.

I was also disappointed to see the judges eliminate two chefs, Josie and Marisa, for this challenge. It seems obvious to me that the judges were making up for their failure to eliminate anyone in the previous challenge in episode 4. The judges did make a mistake by not eliminating anyone in episode 4, but made a further mistake by eliminating two chefs in episode 5. Neither outcome (episodes 4 or 5) were fair in my view. It seemed obvious to me that the judges were not willing to eliminate Betty for cheating because she's a favorite and previous winner. They should have eliminated Betty as they eliminated Otto for not following the rules, regardless of any subjective determination of intention to break the rules.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 11:48 AM

Gary Chaney wrote:

I enjoy the show but..... this year the talent isn't there. I find myself looking forward to how quickly some of these "Chefs" can be sent home. When I say Chef, I not just talking about cooking skills. Two more are gone. It is not about getting caught up. I can think of four that should be lined up at the beginnig of a show and sent home.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 11:48 AM

Sophos wrote:

Right On, Tom!

I'm wondering if you judges write these blogs after reading our (viewers) responses to prior ones. I hope so, but this was filmed so long ago. In any case, this blog "appears" that you are reading them. :)
Thank you soooo much for sharing your approaches and preparations with those various protein-governed meals.
Too bad Josie was sent home, but I doubt if she would have won anyway. As for Josie's partner, ... BE GONE! (I don't even want to write her name, lol.)
Michael got lucky with this challenge. It is nice to see his good side, but he is not a top chef (not yet, at least). Ilan is talented; he knows how to make things taste good foremost, and he has a natural eye for presentation.
Wish Mia went with her gut & did not "compromise." Hopefully, with your remarks, she learns to be more decisive and confident. Betty showned us her lack of versatility with fine dining. I'm glad this was finally demostrated.
Great Blog, Tom, thanks again.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 12:05 PM

GrannyFan wrote:

Awwwwww!!!! Now we are down to a more workable group of contestants. Too many cooks in the kitchen seemed to have bogged down the show so far.

How about that Michael !!!! Looks like you saw beyond his juvenile antics to find a genuine "cook" worth giving another chance to become a "chef".

Hopefully, the "team" concept will give way to a "cook vs. cook" contest. Finally, we will be able to see who can really think on their feet and produce the expected quality expected of "chefs".

posted on November 16, 2006 at 12:07 PM

John wrote:

Does anyone else find it odd that, after the "surprise" non-elimination of last week, that this week's episode was clearly designed for twelve (and not eleven, as it would have had to have been if the last challenge had eliminated someone)? I mean, I suppose that the producers could have tweaked a challenge to send two home this week instead of one, but you can't design a challenge around teams of two when you know you will have an odd number of contestants. Clearly, this week's challenge couldn't have been invented on the spur of the moment - it was a dinner party after all. What's up with that?

posted on November 16, 2006 at 12:11 PM

Dominic Tiberio wrote:

Last nights episode was very educatioal as far as the contestants go. They do not like or trust each other that is why there were 6 different dishes served but no uniying theme or goal. I don't think Josie should of gone I think that blond cheater should of been thrown off the show either last week or last night. Ignorance of the law is no excuse and to bad Josie had to pay in the end. She was one of the most talented on the show.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 12:15 PM

Nadine wrote:

Fans are judging people by their personalities. It's tempting; Betty's likeable; Michael's a fool; Cliff is the strong, silent type; Marcel's a puerile snob; Marisa's a snitch; Mia, a backstabber; Elia, a whiner, etc.

But it would be better to simply judge by whether they have the chops. Evidently (based on the judgment of the chefs) Cliff does; Ilan does; Betty might; Sam might. The jury's out on the rest. Just based on what's happened so far, it appears that Marisa simply didn't have it--quite apart from her snakey behavior--and it appears the same can be said about Elia (although she's likely to blame it on the judges' prejudice), and the very likeable Carlos. Looks as though Michael and Marcel are very inconsistent at best. Mia seems to be at odds with the style of cooking that does best with the judges, and lacking in originality; Frank isn't sophisticated enough (though an awfully nice guy.)
I'm just always glad when the people who appear talented hold on.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 12:24 PM

Suzanne wrote:

So happy to see Mike sober. Maybe he hit a meeting!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 12:28 PM

Fonda From Kentucky wrote:

Marcel reminds me a bit of last seasons mr. high and mighty, Steven. Guess we need the extra drama.

Who reads these besides we fans? Does anyone from the nentwork or the show read them?

posted on November 16, 2006 at 12:29 PM

Avaleen wrote:

I enjoyed the show last night very much, and I have enjoyed reading the blogs. It would be great if these people could spell correctly and make complete sentences.

It is evident that Ilan is the most talented chef. Michael does not appear to have any talent, knowledge, or experience. He would not have won had he not been paired with Ilan. Michael speaks like a young idiot: "Yeah, man. Like I don't know how to be myself. Bring it on. I can take it." This is the person who made a sloppy steak sandwich and thought he was going to win.

Betty appears to be a decent cook, but she really does have some type of emotional problem. Getting raked over the coals for putting sugar in the cookies and being treated like a criminal has probably added to her emotional problems. What about all those chefs who were using extra olive oil? Why were they not treated like poor Betty?

I would like to see Dave from last season come in and serve as a judge. He had a very interesting personality and loved to cook.
Where is he working now?

At any rate, Top Chef is always a great show. Keep up the good work.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 1:02 PM

Caroline wrote:

Tom,

It sounded like you were hungry when you wrote this!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 1:12 PM

Big D wrote:

I have to agree they are not cooking with "love",but with the intention of impression. I did see a behind the scenes clip of betty cutting celery, and I was shocked to see her not use the "whole" celery stalk , granted, the ends are bitter,and great for stock , but to cut the celery at the joint, leaving 3 to 4 inches aside,says alot!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 1:36 PM

Johnny B wrote:

The tough part about the second season is that all of these people have seen the first one. THey come into thinking that the need to do particular things, or have a particular personality. Marcel is the new Steven, but atlease Steven turned out to be likable inthe end. Mike is like a retarded Miguel... and I thought Miguel was mildly retarded! Cliff is the Harold and Sam is like sugar free Harold. By the way, go Frank the Tank!!!!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 1:36 PM

spade wrote:

Hey Tom
Thanks for an interesting and informative blog. Perhaps show #5 should be called the Pepto Abysmal show. I'm sure the party guests could use some after courses 5 and 6

Kudos to Mike and Ilan for using left over rice and creating a great dish.

I found in very interesting that Josie let a pastry chef decide what the main entree course should be. Just on that pathetic decision she should be gone. [Is there something more cooking between those two than just food?]

There are a couple of things that bother me about the show format. First, If you are going to judge theperformance in the kitchen and final food result, then your vote should be separate from the people who just judge the food as served. Your evaluation sheets then can be combined with the other judges to reach a final decision. Perhaps your vote can be weighted as two votes because of the prep portion.

Secondly, I don;t think that the people judging the elimination challenge food should know who prepared it before they select the bottom three. Even though the judges seem to be of utmost integrity, there seems to be personality conflict that influence.

Obviously the quick fire challenge is test of creativity and orgbanization. It seems that you try to hard to turn the eliminations into the same kind of challenge. I would like to see more elimination challenges where the chefs are given enough time and opportunity to really have sufficient information to plan a menu item that will give them time to really shine.

One comment about reality. Noone in their right mind would have a sit down luncheon for sixty of their closest friends without preplanning a menu.

The measure of a successful luncheon is how the guest were treated and reacted to the food and presentaions. It would seem only fair that all sixty guests should be able to evaluate their meal, too.

Perhaps we should consider the guest lucky who didn't get the final dessert. However, it is not reality to refuse a party guest their dessert because of some artificial plating deadline. When something comes back to the kitchen is it not replaced and sent back out? There should be a better way to penalize the chefs than to make the customers suffer because a plate was ten seconds late getting to the line for serving.

I also like the idea that an entire team will go home. How closely will they work together then? My guess is it will eliminate comments like "Betty's cookies are really sinking." Marcel would be kicking a@@ to make sure her cookies were okay.

Just some thoughts that crawl around while I am watching the show. Good luck to all the remaining contestants.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 1:43 PM

Bob C. wrote:

Love the show! The only issue I have (and it would go for Top Chef as well as any others in this mode Runway, DWTS) etc.. is to give the competitors a greater chance to show their abilities.

Meaning, don't have an elimination every week, but one (or two)
after 2 or 3 shows....rank and average each and then at end of week 3....2 competitiors would leave.

Would this not be more interesting and challenging to see?
Just a thought but especially with what happened with 2 going home last night....Wasn't crazy about Josie but 1st time in bottom 3 and she's gone! Yes, she and Marisa didn't cook at all but don't most of us get 3 strikes?

posted on November 16, 2006 at 1:45 PM

spade wrote:

Hey Tom
Thanks for an interesting and informative blog. Perhaps show #5 should be called the Pepto Abysmal show. I'm sure the party guests could use some after courses 5 and 6

Kudos to Mike and Ilan for using left over rice and creating a great dish.

I found in very interesting that Josie let a pastry chef decide what the main entree course should be. Just on that pathetic decision she should be gone. [Is there something more cooking between those two than just food?]

There are a couple of things that bother me about the show format. First, If you are going to judge theperformance in the kitchen and final food result, then your vote should be separate from the people who just judge the food as served. Your evaluation sheets then can be combined with the other judges to reach a final decision. Perhaps your vote can be weighted as two votes because of the prep portion.

Secondly, I don;t think that the people judging the elimination challenge food should know who prepared it before they select the bottom three. Even though the judges seem to be of utmost integrity, there seems to be personality conflict that influence.

Obviously the quick fire challenge is test of creativity and orgbanization. It seems that you try to hard to turn the eliminations into the same kind of challenge. I would like to see more elimination challenges where the chefs are given enough time and opportunity to really have sufficient information to plan a menu item that will give them time to really shine.

One comment about reality. Noone in their right mind would have a sit down luncheon for sixty of their closest friends without preplanning a menu.

The measure of a successful luncheon is how the guest were treated and reacted to the food and presentaions. It would seem only fair that all sixty guests should be able to evaluate their meal, too.

Perhaps we should consider the guest lucky who didn't get the final dessert. However, it is not reality to refuse a party guest their dessert because of some artificial plating deadline. When something comes back to the kitchen is it not replaced and sent back out? There should be a better way to penalize the chefs than to make the customers suffer because a plate was ten seconds late getting to the line for serving.

I also like the idea that an entire team will go home. How closely will they work together then? My guess is it will eliminate comments like "Betty's cookies are really sinking." Marcel would be kicking a@@ to make sure her cookies were okay.

Just some thoughts that crawl around while I am watching the show. Good luck to all the remaining contestants.

Thanks again for providing us the venue to comment.

Spade

posted on November 16, 2006 at 1:48 PM

Diane wrote:

Very satisfying episode. Finally, we get to see what these chefs can do with ingredients that allow them to try their wings. It's too bad Josie had to go along with Marissa, but I had a strong feeling that two would go this week. Marissa leaving was way overdue. I hope there is a reason to bring back Josie at a later date. She never really had a chance to show her stuff, and the partner she was with was not an asset.
I like the new Michael, but I also think that Ilan made Michael look good. Michael still seems to have problems with neatness of a dish, and I think Ilan made the dish look better than Michael would have had Michael not had Ilan as a partner. I'm so glad Ilan won.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 1:49 PM

Randi wrote:

I just started watching the show and was really starting to like it, then you cut Josie, what a mistake, now the show is like the "Real World", getting drunk at night and doing a job during the day!! No real need to watch anymore. I think Josie had a lot of Talent and was a great asset to Top Chef, good job screwing up a good thing. I really hope the rumors are true and Josie does have a show of her own in the works, I would much rather watch that. Sorry, you made that mistake. Next time look at the WHOLE picture and send someone home who really deserves.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 1:52 PM

Karen Taber wrote:

Have to respond, glad to see Marisa let go, hated to see Josie let go. Hasn't Marisa ended up on the bottom in nearly every show?

I don't think Josie should have gone, I think the show should start tracking the number of times people end up on the bottom row and if it's a choice between someone who consistently fails and someone who doesn't (who among us hasn't had a bad day), the consistent failure should have more weight. It should have been Marisa and one of the other consistent failers like the person responsible for that pomegranate juice! They both looked like neither one of them tasted the juice -- hello!

I think it's time the judges started to think on the fly, too!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 1:57 PM

Lib wrote:

Thank you for your comments. Enlightening. I, for one, am happy to see JOSEY and MARISA pack their knives and go home. However, JOSEY'S infectious laugh and smile will be missed. Guess she needs some hand holding now.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 2:05 PM

Ray wrote:

Tom,

The episode last night blew me away! Sure, there were two people who was involved in that pepto dish, but letiing go of two people???? That was outright mean and if I may say so....RACIST!!!! Remember what happen to Lee Ann last season??? I think the judges were just racist and maybe a little bit homophobic in their choice to let go of Josie. I could understand Marisa but Josie who was on the chopping block for the first time.....I really cannot believe it. I guess Asian food with the exception of Japanese food will never have a place in American cuisine.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 2:09 PM

AHOTA wrote:

Tom,
After last week I was glad to see Betty not being treated as the "Princess Chef". The two that had to pack their knives both needed to go - they were sliding by each week by staying in the middle of the "not good - not bad" category. Good show last night!!!
AHOTA

posted on November 16, 2006 at 2:12 PM

Theresa G wrote:

Tom, the frustration you are feeling mirrors mine as a viewer.

These chefs work well together when in a group but as a whole cohesive kitchen, they lack maturity. On this challenge it bit them on the ass. Betty walked into the kitchen and immediately thought they should coordinate the dishes. It was definitely premature but it should have been done after they cruised the pantry, scoped out the walk-in, and talked with their partner. To create a tasting menu required checking with the other teams, divulging primary ingredients, eliminating overlap and creating complementary or contrasting dishes that mesh. The overall goal was to please the guests as a whole and create a menu as a unit, they failed.

Maybe it is the editing of the show so far but I don’t recall hearing one of contestant chefs compliment another contestant. Sam and Cliff came the closest in this episode to recognizing each other’s strengths. Marisa and Josie only worked with each other because they felt they could ‘trust’ each other. Elan simply stated he could work with Michael. Marcel’s pretentious self-serving comments are only overshadowed by his inability to extend himself to even think about someone else’s strengths. Betty and Mia are too similar in the way they approach cooking, I would have grabbed Sam, Cliff or Elan to partner with if I were one of them. Elia and Carlos was a good match, although they seemed to only partner up as a last resort. We saw in the last episode that Elia can create a yummy and fresh dessert restricted by calories; this should have been a no-brainer for her and Carlos. Michael’s choice of Elan as a partner was the smartest move of the episode.

A Top Chef must be aware of all things available to them to create the most delicious cuisine including the skill of their fellow chefs.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 2:56 PM

Deborah wrote:

Great episode. Less personalities drama, more food! I wasn't surprised that two got sent home, to "catch up" from last week. Nor was I surprised that it was Mia and Josie who went home. I was actually happy that it was them, because I did worry a bit that it might be Carlos and Elia, due to that ill-conceived pom juice. I am neutral about Elia, but I like Carlos. I don't actually think he'll make it to the end, but I like him.

In the end I believe it will be Sam, Cliff, and Ilan for sure, not sure on the 4th.

As to Betty, she constantly complains about Marcel, harps on him, calls him names to his face and behind his back. I know that Marcel is a food snob, but other than saying she is his "arch - nemesis" (she is that only because she made it so), he has not said a bad word about her. He isn't constantly sniping every time he's in front of the camera.

So who has more class? The 24 y ear old food snob. I'm not a huge Marcel fan, but I am even less a fan of the phony Betty.

I agree that a brief discussion about the menu in this episode would have made for a more cohesive menu, which would have been nice for the diners. But it was great to see my favorites--Sam, Cliff, and Ilan--shine.

P.S. Notice to all: in the paragraph above I wrote "would have" not "would of". It dirives me absolutely bonkers how many writers and bloggers--here and elsewere-- make this mistake. In a post above someone used "should of gone home" about 3 times! It's "should have gone home". I know the contraction "should've" sounds like "should of", but don't they teach grammer and usage in school anymore? I'm only 33 but I learned that sort of thing in grade school.

Sorry, personal pet peeve

Let's hope the rest of this season of TC is as drama-free as last night's episode.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 3:16 PM

Beth B. wrote:

As a student about to enter the CIA, it's heartening to read that while presentation is certainly important (the whole you eat with your eyes idea), that it is not the end all be all in the vast culinary landscape. As a relative novice, I admit that I've thought about adding more ingredients just to say I have more ingredients, thereby providing a method of inflating the description. What it really comes down to is how appetizing the food is, no matter what or how many bombastic words you choose to describe said food. Thank you Tom for dispelling these hackneyed culinary theories before I went off to school and made a dope out of myself.
P.S. Super excited to see Anthony Bourdain next week.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 3:40 PM

Vince wrote:

Tom,
I adore a good cheesburger. Can you lighten up on Micheal a bit, the guy is trying. Betty is a phoney, too bad because she has got a nice rack.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 3:41 PM

karen wrote:

Much better show. Betty makes too many mistakes,
though. I think she should be the next to go. She's
also very annoying!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 3:55 PM

Bill G wrote:

Great advice from Chef Tom, especially for us non-professional cook-for-fun at home types. I may have just been inspired to buy one of his cook books.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 4:07 PM

erock wrote:

Chef Tom,

I don't blame you for being grumpy. I've never met a chef that wouldn't be grumpy in this situation. There were only 3 or 4 in this whole group that seem worthy of being TopChef. The producers choose contestants based on the comedy or drama or whatever other entertainment value they can bring, and they seem to have no desire to choose from the most talented applicants around the country and make it a real chef competition.
Why don't you go on your own, without these producers, and put together a show that showcases young chefs with the talent and skill necessary to carry an iconic title like "Top Chef"? Have a panel of judges that consists of proven successful chefs like yourself and leave the spokesmodels for Project Runway.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 4:18 PM

Sheryll wrote:

Hi again,

I have a question.

I presume that the elimination challenge was set up in advance.

How were the producers going to set up the teams if there had been 11 contestants, as there should have been, rather than 12?

posted on November 16, 2006 at 4:24 PM

Maureen Kennedy wrote:

Tom - I greatly enjoyed your blog and learned quite a bit about cooking from it. I think a great episode would be to have a great chef like you go into the kitchen and prepare a entree dish having all the chef's watch your preparation and then they eat it. Then your challenge to them is for them to use the same main ingredients and come up with a different version.

Anyhow, I feel that the "rules" were not applied fairly tonight. And that is that you plate all your dishes in 20 minutes or you are OUT. Elia and Carlos not only failed to plate 60, but one of the plates sent out was returned meaning TWO guests did not receive their plate. So not only was their contribution foul tasting, but everyone did not get their portion. So inspite of the equally foul tasting of Marissa and Josie's service, they got out all their plates on on time.

Why is it that the judges cannot follow their own rules that they set up and apply them equally and fairly through all the episodes. I think you should address this issue in future blog.

I also agree that "the winners" (meaning two people) should be going to Miami to cook and learn. Dave Martin's win to go to Cannes was a single competition, this competetion was NOT.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 4:39 PM

Lisa wrote:

I am not a chef but do admire those who cook, preferrably for me. As such, presentation is the last on my list when dining. While I appreciate that food may be art to some, for me, food is to enjoy and savor ... and eat. Thus, I eat food; I don't eat "pretty". It's not "pretty" once in my stomach. And if it doesn't taste good, it's not going in my stomach. In other words, and I'm with you here, Chef, worry about how the food tastes, and not so much it's presentation. All will flow together if you start first with the idea of pleasing the customers palate.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 5:07 PM

arwriterphotog wrote:

I enjoy the show and don't consider myself a fancy cook by any stretch of the imagination - just the usual comfort fare. But I do find myself being more critical of meals consumed in our local restaurants. (Expecting a little MORE, perhaps)

I must say that everytime I look at Marcel I see......."Jimmy Neutron!!!"

posted on November 16, 2006 at 5:40 PM

silly sally wrote:

ON the NOSE Tom !! The best blog, as many have said, and also the best show of THIS season , as others have also said. Bravo on your choice to knock them both off . . . Marisa -- sooo long over due. For HER to call Mia hypocritical .... after how she handled the Otto incident by NOT calling him on it IMMEDIATELY at the curb -- she has NOOO room to talk down on another. Honestly -- I expected her to be removed that night - firstly due to her behavior and then because of the Hockey pucks she passed off as a dessert.

Having worked at a French 4 star as a SERVER -- I learned then that while she may quote knowing the ratio of gelatin to water . . . she of all people should have known the larger the recipe, the more you need to adjust . . . . She will not be missed. At all.

Then Josie off -- I kind of THOUGHT that IF Josie HADN'T so quickly taken the call of BOTH being part of the crap served -- Marisa -- THINKING it was to her benefit -- WOULD HAVE but shut her mouth once Josie opened hers. What WERE they thinking with NOT taking the lead in the ENTRE course -- well, it's all been said before... WHo in their right mind who serve an AWAKENING course (whatever they called it!) before the dessert? Absurd. Good choice. Too bad for Josie c'est la vie say the old folks . . . it goes to show you never can tell . . .(am I showing my age here?)

I was thrilled that Sam one the Quick Fire, (after some disappointment, albeit understanding - that he didn't call the cheaters out -- who cares -- cheaters always get caught . . . ) and very happy he sided with Cliff on this episode ... The final three will be those two and Ilan -- ALL of them are professionals!! Figures they are all in NYC or NJ!!

Teamwork TeamworkTEAMWORK! -- the saddest part of last night -- was the lack of it. I saw the camera scan those PURPLE vegetables you mentioned and was stunned at what the teams over looked. Bravo on your choice == although you could have taken the dessert duo with their crap trio OFF and saved us the agony.

LOVE you -- LOVE YOUR WRITING and YOUR JUDGING -- BRAVO TO BRAVO -- and THRILLED BEYOND WORDS to see Monsieur Bourdain on next show ---- last few chapters to go on his great book - Kitchen Confidential -- really taking me back to the restaurant biz that I love and miss. Thank you -- a million times over -- just grateful for good TV like you deliver -- now please just don't disappoint us like Project Runway did in selecting Mr. Jeff-I'ms ober-so I can be mean and ugly!

Happy Thanksgiving to a great crew. Now maybe we can start seeing some of the talent show through -- stack where needed but - frozen puff pastries? PUH-leeeze! XOXXXO

posted on November 16, 2006 at 5:48 PM

yolanda wrote:

aloha..last night show was so good and also everybody was lik doing there own and not to talk about the menu..but the judges made a right chooses to send marisa and josie to pack there knifes and go home..now the show getting so intresting and harder..see what Harold and lee ann went thur..so yah..i also want to say that "TOP CHEF" IS DA BESTEST SHOW AND I LOVE WATCHING IT..!! hi tom and the rest of the judges!!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 5:51 PM

kate darrow wrote:

what did someone say, only 38% of the population enjoy fine dining. so lets throw away 2% who don't like anything, that leaves us with 60% of us who were gagging at the quick fire.
then to make matters worse, harold says in his blog, a lot of that stuff is used in fine dining....well, you lost me, no matter how good it tastes. "pigs blood" double yuck... you need a vegetarian top chef next year.
oh yes, i didn't think you were cranky, but you did scare the be'geesus out of betty.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 6:05 PM

Christy wrote:

I loved this episode. I am planning on buying a bed and breakfast and I know I will a need to be creative with leftovers. Kudos to Mike for stepping up! I was impressed with the Paella...which I love to make..especially on cold fall nights. I also love Sam...what a great guy..a very cool character..much like Harold from the first season!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 6:09 PM

David wrote:

I have to agree with Chef Tom. The majority of the chefs are not team players. They have big egos that leave little room for team-building. In addition, the chefs insulted the establishment they were in by not reviewing Social's "reknown" dishes and being sure that some flavor/style was honored in their creations.

I honor my parents/grandparents on both sides of my family (Hawaiian/Chinese and French) when I cook. Flavors and textures rule our family traditions. I am surprised how I am not seeing deep-seeded traditions coming to the surface for many of the chefs. It is apparent that many are taking their culinary schooling as their only sources of flavors and textures.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 6:09 PM

David wrote:

I have to agree with Chef Tom. The majority of the chefs are not team players. They have big egos that leave little room for team-building. In addition, the chefs insulted the establishment they were in by not reviewing Social's "reknown" dishes and being sure that some flavor/style was honored in their creations.

I honor my parents/grandparents on both sides of my family (Hawaiian/Chinese and French) when I cook. Flavors and textures rule our family traditions. I am surprised how I am not seeing deep-seeded traditions coming to the surface for many of the chefs. It is apparent that many are taking their culinary schooling as their only sources of flavors and textures.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 6:10 PM

Hellene wrote:

Tom, thanks for your well-written and right-on blog. I'm no fine-dining afficiando, but I kept wondering, "Where's the d--n ENTREE???" My S.O. is a real meat-n-potatoes guy and really didn't get it. Who the heck would want a little salad and pepto- where's the hunka meat!?! The only belly-filling dish was the paella.

Moreover, I couldn't believe that the cooks didn't confer at all when putting together their dishes. There was the "oops, we'll have 2 drinks" ; then let's have 2 "Trio" dishes in a row; did anyone notice there was puff pastry not only in the first course, but the dessert (phyllo).

I thought that Betty & Mia were in real trouble when even our favorite drunken-yahoo Mike commented that you "never overcook duck." If the man who can't make a steak sandwich knows it, you're toast - or maybe a bit of puff pastry? Much as I disliked Mike in past episodes, I have to give him that he assisted Ilan like a professional, contrasted to Marcel's bickering over Frank (a real class act).

posted on November 16, 2006 at 6:14 PM

PeachPIe wrote:

Well, here I am at the end of an 800 long line of comments. But here it goes anyway....

You rock, Colicchio. Getting your take on the show each week is such a big enhancement to watching. You're always dead on.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 6:29 PM

Lisa Barone wrote:

On the Camp Glucose Episode, the Black team made pizza. It was Betty's idea, Whey when the judges asked who's idea was it to make pizza did Frank take the credit?? This is why he won the callange.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 6:55 PM

Ravi wrote:

Tom, great writing! A real pleasure to read. I'm no chef at all, but I enjoy cooking once in a while (with lots 'o spices!). I agree that it's always a good call to call something what it is rather than have its meaning de-flavored with jargon. I think what you wrote can certainly be applied to anything in life--and that's really why I'm responding to your blog. In sense, you presented the "Ocam's Razor" of food preparation. Very cool. If I didn't know you were a Chef, I'd guess that you're a Philosopher. Great blog! And the show is fun to watch, too. (However, the only thing I'm still having trouble understanding in the context of the show is Padma's presence.)
If you've published any books, I'm definitely going to pick them up.
Peace.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 7:20 PM

Rebecca wrote:

I can't believe you allowed your contestants to use Foie Gras! "Making" Foie Gras is a distgusting and inhumane practice and should not be encouraged by fine dining as a "delicacy." Force feeding geese to death in order to gorge on it's diseased, fatty liver is the most appalling practice in the culinary arts, even worse than the veal remains featured in the same episode. Shame on you Bravo!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 7:28 PM

Josephine La Rosa wrote:

Hi Tom, I respect your critiques of the chefs and their creations, because you don't use malice. Also, you know what you're talking about! I love the show, but am somewhat disappointed in this group as far as teamwork. They all are operating as separate units at all times. Although this is characteristic of creative people, it works against them when it's a team effort. I think you'd like to deck Michael at times, but he's so honest and guilless ! He's not a shark like some of the others. And I think there's a great chef under that sometimes careless exterior. Cook on! Josi La Rosa

posted on November 16, 2006 at 7:50 PM

Phil the REAL top chef wrote:

***NEW*** Top Chef Desert: The Grumpy Tom

Mix 1/2 cup of sugar or what Betty, the dingbat, calls 2 tablespoons.

With 1 ounce of "Josie the loud-mouth hypocrite " brand "i cheated too" oil.

With 1 tbs of Marisa's "it only took me 3 hours to prepare" pepto bismol.

With 1/2 cup of Carlos's "i never tasted it" spoiled pomegranate juice.

With 1 returned box of "Uncle Otto" brand stolen lychees.

With one pound of salt "to taste" as per Emily aka Medusa.

Add 1 packet of Marcel's "Bad Ideas" avocado and bacon artificial flavoring.

Mix slowly with the 1 box of the self esteem that Mikey the slob is missing.

-----

Tom you need to be more forceful... on the next episode just tell everyone except Ilan, Elia, Sam, Frank, and Cliff to PACK THEIR KNIVES!

-phil-

posted on November 16, 2006 at 9:12 PM

Windy wrote:

I love you Tom, you are the sexiest man alive to me and many other good looking twenty somethings! Thank you for making my day every Wednesday. You guys keep up the great work.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 9:25 PM

Windy wrote:

Tom,
You are quite articulate. As for the show, I appreciated that Marisa is gone. She was a terrible chef in many facets. I like the aforementioned idea of judges getting involved in an episode with a challenge, anything to see more of you!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 9:43 PM

Lan nguyen wrote:

this episode was great, i was shock to see Marrisa and Josie got elimidated but it was clear that their dishes are not impressive.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 9:53 PM

Linda Baldwin wrote:

Hi Chef - I've got a great idea for a challendge for season 3. My husband has dilated cardiomyopathy and is on a restricted salt diet. He is permitted 2500 mg of sodium per day. Due to medication, he is unable to use any salt substitutes. It was a huge relearning curve for me as I was taught to cook PA Dutch style!

I'd like to see the chefs create a dinner using a maximum of 1700 mg of sodium. Of course I'll be nice and not expect them to suffer under my conditions - my husband refuses to eat ANY vegetables!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 10:19 PM

Kenny wrote:

Tom,
There seem to be some significant challenges this season with integrity. It does appear that you are losing some patience with some of the drama when the real focus should be on the cooking. I think you have sent a clear message this week to all the chefs that the honeymoon is over and it is time for some true top chefs to emerge. Some very unusual choices this week as far as ideas for dishes. I'm guessing a few more episodes and they will grow tired of being held to the fire and start working together. This i'm sure will make judging even harder. Thanks again for the great shows.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 10:48 PM

busymom4kc wrote:

Somehow you've got to find a way to get these cooks to COOK!

Not everything has to have a mango chutney with ginger and lime.

When they did the "Eastern" challenge now that was great. They had to push themselves, think outside of the box. It seems that when left to their own devices the same sauces, garnishments, et. al are being used over and over.

I'd love to see them stretched to cook a good American meal. Oh wait! They had the opportunity and wasted it. Those poor firemen.

Love the show but this group, for the most part, leaves alot to be desired.

Keep up the good work.

posted on November 16, 2006 at 11:15 PM

amy wrote:

SO glad marisa was sent home - her smug aggessivenss in each episode seems to come from a deep insecurity that she was out of her league with the other chefs and became obvious when she lost the ice cream competition - her specialty! I love all of the other personalities - so what if they're not all Thomas Keller - it add depth and richness to the storyline. Thank you for not interjecting false drama to sexy it up and just let the natural drama unfold...

posted on November 16, 2006 at 11:16 PM

Sherry wrote:

I love the show! But where do they find these chefs? And what is the criteria for qualifying? Michael needs to step up, he seems more like the grill guy at a local diner. Marcel is becoming quite annoying and needs to step off his pedestal. Can't wait to see the episode next where Frank has his say-so about Marcel. Betty, Cliff, and Sam are favorites so far. Regarding recent episode, how could they NOT take a few minutes to "brainstorm" on a menu?!? If I was a guest at Jennifer's luncheon, I'd have expected better. Looking forward to see who becomes the winner of this bunch!

posted on November 16, 2006 at 11:19 PM

Rita wrote:

Hmm...I'm pretty sure I remember one of the judges (Tommy Clicks, I think, but I'm not certain) remarking repeatedly that the cheftestants seemed not to have even spoken with each other about planning who was making what for each course.

And yet here he slams Betty for trying to coordinate with the others.

I understand his point -- don't plan your menu before you check ingredients -- but it seems just angry to, in the moment, judge the contestants harshly for not coordinating and then, in the blog after the fact, judge Betty harshly for trying to coordinate.

Have I remembered incorrectly?

posted on November 16, 2006 at 11:30 PM

Cassandra wrote:

Grumpy Tom? Well I am right there with you. These chefs were supposed to be having a difficult time with the challenges because they are "elegant" dining chefs, well, one would have thought they would have handled this week's challenge a bit better.
I could be wrong, but whenever I have had a meal served in courses, there was a definate order to the food to be served. For example, I have always been served soup at the first course, yet none of the groups thought to have the traditional flow of plates. It just seemed to me that everyone wanted to be the shining "entre" star, but that wasn't really the way it should have gone.
The guests should have been told they were going to a taste testing rather than a six-course meal.
It seemed the last two courses would have been more suited for the between meal items created to cleanse the pallate.
I am sorry you feel as though you have to be "babysitter" but in order to maintain the integrety of the program... thank you for your dedication.
I am glad that Michael was finally able to shine this week, perhaps it is what he needs to pull out the chef within.
See you all next week.
Cassie

posted on November 16, 2006 at 11:49 PM

Cheryl wrote:

Tom, you're a hottie...I love the baldies! I love the show and look forward to it every Wednesday. However, I cannot stand that new host. She is such a bore and I can barely understand her...I just want to put a knife in my head to stop hearing her try to speak. Please have them get someone with a personality next year for host. It seems the only requirement for host is they have to be eye candy. Come to think of it...why can't you be host? Eye candy for us girls and a personality!

posted on November 17, 2006 at 12:45 AM

Kristine wrote:

I've been hooked on TC since last season. I love it.
IMO, Last season was MUCH better. Better in terms of creativity, flavor profiles, and passion for food/cooking.
Like most others, I loved Dave and Harrold; I enjoyed the other cooks to some degree as well. GREAT SEASON.

What happened this time? Where did TC get these characters? Personally, I am not learning anything new or interesting about food. Last season there was real competition between "good cooks". The only reason I am watching now is to see who punches who first! It's like watching the keystone kops, lol.

I think that Sam, Cliff, and Ilan are probably the best of the lot, so far.
So, come on--WHO used the extra Olive Oil??? I know you have it on film/video. Someone said that Betty "Big Teeth" but more than 2 teaspoons of sugar in her cookies? Is that true? I am not inclined to believe that anyone has done something illegal on purpose--but the rules are the rules, no?
The other thing that seems stranger than before are the quick fire challenges; especially the vending machine challenge. Reminds me of Iron Chef ("secret ingredient") on that channel that shall remain nameless.
All in all, TC is VERY entertaining. I do wish that it was on more than once a week. A week is too long to wait for another episode.

Have fun everyone and watch your back; those "Chefs" are packing knives, Yikes!!

posted on November 17, 2006 at 2:18 AM

Ryan wrote:

You know what? Tom is right to be a bit grumpy. With what happened last week with the fitness challenge, Tom had to babysit them this week in the kitchen and if he di