Teri wrote:

Tom,

Thanks for addressing some of our concerns from the previous episode. We really appreciate the insight into the things that don't make it to air.

I agree that the behavior of the Chefs in this episode was totally uncalled for and completely unprofessional. Cliff deserved to be sent home. Hopefully the remaining chefs will learn an important lesson and come back for a great finale.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 12:58 PM

Liz wrote:

Chef Tom:

Thank you for giving your insights on what happened behind the scene after the horrible event happened to Marcel. In all truth, I'm glad that the producers vetoed your decision, but are you going to be able to decide only on their food now if you have lost respect for the other chefs? You say, in the next episode, that it is about the food. I hope you hold yourself to that even though you were pissed off (and trust me, you came across as such when I watched the episode last night).

Cheers!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 12:59 PM

Jim B wrote:

To bad you didn't let Sam and the rest get fired also after all they all watched Cliff pick on a much smaller person in Marcel...Even thou I think Sam will win, I lost alot of respect for him and the others when they didn't get Cliff to stop instead of laughing all about..Marcel shold be the winner ny default..I must say Sam is the ONLY fouced one beside Marcel but I think Marcel can outcook any of them that are left...next season why not take "mature" people for your show not abunch of "kids" or kid acting..kind of makes you people look like baffoons doesn't it????

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:07 PM

Angela wrote:

Tom, Tom, Tom!
I can not believe what I watched on the show last night. It took me back to Project Runway and I hated it. Even though I must say I was glad to see Cliff go (I was rooting for him in the beginning) but I do not believe all four of those contestants deserved to go to the finale. You should have sent Marcel or Elia packing right along with Cliff. I believe more than ever that this so-called competition is merely a television show put together for no more that purely entertainment and has nothing to do with who truly deserves to win. A top chef is a top chef and if these guys/girls were supposedly the best in the country well you'll missed the boat on that one. I just do not believe a good chef can cook a great dish for one challenge and screw up so badly on a dish in the next. Do you do that? Do your guest judges who are also chefs do that? I believe someone can have a bad day but if you are truly good at what you do even a bad day won't trip you up. Marcel is a jerk and has been since the very first eposide. If you have kept him around simply for the entertainment again you missed the boat because he is not entertaining to me. I know television shows survive on ratings but if you choose who to keep based on who can keep the ratings up then you should not call it a competition. I will take a somewhat lazy person over one who sends raw chicken to my table for me to eat.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:07 PM

chief cook wrote:

Someone please tell me what Marcel is doing to drive everyone nuts because I don't get it. I'm amazed at his composure and professionalism considering the massive amount of flack he is receiving from the others on the show. I think everyone who has been getting on his case is infantile and they totally lack character. Who would act like that in front of cameras?

Despite the explanation, I still think Tom was anti-Mikey. If the team had a leader, Sam, then everyone else needed to follow and their leadership abilities and initiative become secondary in order to function effectively as a team. I think Tom just didn't go for Mikey's appearance and demeanor because it didn't jive with his image of 'top chef'.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:10 PM

Cyn wrote:

I think you summed it up better than any of the responding blogs. Knowing they were being filmed, knowing they were competing for a top executive position, knowing this, they still chose bad behavior. Thank you for clearing up the camera crew explanation.

I understand that letting Marcel win by default isn't good for the shows numbers or the viewing audience, but they are being rewarded for bad behavior. I am not sure what you can do now, but I think they owe a public apology ON TV for this. Not just Marcel, but the audience that had to watch this. Maybe that will influence others from emulating this.

Either that, or they are not allowed to blame, point, brag or comment on their dishes. Only respond when spoken to. I am tired of their complaining and insults of the guest judges. Just a thought.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:11 PM

Tommy wrote:

I just started watching Top Chef and got hooked immediately. I've been shocked by the behavior and attitude of the contestants, until I remembered "Oh yeah, this is a reality TV show - not Food Network". You're show thrives on the suprising behavior probably even more than the skills of the chefs (even though obviously, their skill is required). Marcel has stood out as nothing more than a crybaby, know-it-all, ego ego egotistical snob. However, what Cliff did was crossing a line that shouldn't have been crossed. In anger, I thought, how could they (all) be doing this - I remembered, they're kids. Children. They've acted like it in name calling and this just happened to go overboard, just like things often do with highschool & college aged mentalities. Is it an excuse, hell no. Just unfortunate.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:11 PM

MCT wrote:

I was wondering how the producers obtained the information about the night. The show made it appear as if everyone woke up the next morning to you knocking on the door. I was just wondering if Marcel actually made a complaint about the situation or if it was simply brought to the attention of the producers.
I do have to say that I'm cheering for Marcel more and more. I think he's incredibly obnoxious, but I don't think he deserves the treatment he recieves.

As for the food, it seems like it was a good choice to have each person go to Hawaii. I am excited that each of them will have an opportunity to rise above the "drama" of this season and show their abilities after they're a bit removed from this situation of living together for so long.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:14 PM

Shokaste wrote:

I am a bit shocked, but I really don't see why everyone is all, WOW HOW COULD THEY EVER EVEN THINK OF DOING THAT!? We all do fun and funny things and sometimes peoples feelings and apparently hair get hurt. This is not something incomprehensible, I would be even more vindictive if I were in that position of living in a house with a brat for day. Marcel is passive aggressive and decides to be annoying to deal with them, and they decided to shave his hair. Big f. Anyway..
Frankly, I am sick and tired of seeing Marcels plating with the SAME OLD TEAR DROP PATTERN. Jesus christ, it started with the frog leg, then was present on EVERY dish, and his bloody brushing the side of the plate with water and pouring coffee grinds or something in it. Double eww tee eff? Who the hell offers coffee grinds as garnish, and garnish cant be dysfunctional, so he expects people to eat the coffee grinds?! Shit we throw away? This time it was chocolate, but what if the ingrediant was turmeric or coffee? AND he wanted people to smell the 'essence of coffee' whilst they ate steak and eggs with... coffee foam.Steak and egg alongside a random 'base' does not a experienced molecular gastronomist make. Doesnt this strike you as slightly odd? Can you not step in as head judge and say, please stop making shit people are supposed to just.. smell? And the assymetrical plating ajshdkjahsdkj. ridiculous.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:20 PM

Morgaine Swann wrote:

That's a well-written post, and I'm sure the legal department at Bravo liked it, but Cliff committed a felony, Sam, Ilan and (my heart is breaking) Elia were complicit in it. Neither pack behavior nor alcohol consumption excuses the fact that a crime was perpetrated and your advertising of the show, during the show, and on this website is making light of the situation. The previews make it seem that it is only going to get worse. Where did you find this bunch of morons? You had real chefs last season - what happened? Why didn't the producers step in way back when Betty and Frank were screaming at Marcel and threatening violence?

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:23 PM

Ida wrote:

I think the comment on the show about who hates Marcel the most was taste less. I do not think your ratings will go up but you will lose a lots of viewers. I also think the other chefs that were egging Cliff on should have had some kind of consquences.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:25 PM

Maria Oropallo wrote:

Chef, as others have said, you write very well. Thank you for your thoughtful prose and important details that shed much needed light on what we saw.

My comments are intended to focus only on the food as the other behavior was beyond the ken and I cannot in good conscious discuss what I don't know.

I agree that the dinner menu looked and sounded wonderful. I had a problem with the lentils though, as they did not add flavor, contrast or dimension to the dish Cliff was preparing.

I feel that Elia has no confidence, and this isn't the first time she was quick to quit. She couldn't imagine how to salvage the dessert - even broken chocolate lattice could have been formed on the plate to resemble a heart, thereby saving the menu description.

I love the guest chef (sorry, I can't remember how to properly spell his name) and the effect he had on the contestants with his mere entrance at the Quickfire Challenge. They were most emphatically cowed and therefore stepped up their culinary creativity (uh, yeah, the chicken livers in chocolate notwithstanding)

Thanks for a great show idea!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:26 PM

Sheila Louisos wrote:

You called it right on the money this time Tom. There is nothing I can say to disagree with you. I didn't see how there could even be any discussion about keeping Cliff after his actions. Let's hope the rest of them have learned from the mistakes and concentrate on cooking now instead of the bullying games.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:27 PM

Joanne wrote:

The judges and producers disappoint me. No one is going to make me believe that all of you had no idea of the bashing that Marcel constantly received, especially from what looked like Tom's favorite, Betty. Personally, I believe Sam, Elan and Cliff all should have been eliminated. They were all conspirators in this. Cliff was the one that was physical, but Elan and Sam were equally guilty. Even Elia should have tried to end the madness. I so lost respect for this show. It's just escalating where your show can now be compared to Jerry Springer. Sam, Elan, and Cliff have absolutely no integrity. They treated Marcel so badly and each one of them should be ashamed of themselves. Just goes to show you how Marcel being the youngest exhibited the most restraint and integrity. He has consistly tried to raise the bar with all the challenges. I can truly say that of all the "chefs," I admire Marcel the most. He reminds me of the kid in the schoolyard that all the bullies like to pick on. To Sam, Cliff, Elan and Betty - as Whitney Houston was quoted on "The Soup" - Kiss my Ass!!!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:32 PM

Robin Larsen wrote:

I was so disturbed by last nights episode. I actually felt like it might kill your show. Seriously, who even considered putting it on the air for all of us to see the 'rape' of Marcel. I agreed with the quote you gave, Tom, and I hoped that you would have mentioned ON THE SHOW how they were all to blame, but since they didn't participate, per se, they could legally stay. It reminded me of the school bus rides where some poor kid gets picked on all the way to elementary school, and no one does anything. BUT eventually someone does step in. In this group no one stepped in. Disgusting! And the other thing is I personally think ALL of the chefs you picked to air on this show this season fail, in a long way, in comparison to the final three of last season. Is there really even a winner?

Good luck to your show after this.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:33 PM

Jennifer wrote:

I am really on the fence about Marcel. On one side, I see him as a whining child, searching for any attention. And I thought his utter protest of helping anyone before him was extremely juvenile and not "Top Chef". On the other hand, he did not deserve the assault that evening. Of course, if Marcel was any kind of man, he would not have hid the bathroom like a two-year-old, scared of the dark. I would have beat Cliff's ass, or at least attempted.
Is this a younger crowd than last season? Or are they just stupid?

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:33 PM

Chip Bennett wrote:

Chef,

Thank you for your candor and willingness to pull no punches in your evaluation of the events of Episode 11. It is sad to see that what had been building for several episodes finally came to the unfortunate climax that it did, but it is encouraging to many of us who wondered how the anti-Marcel environment and attitude of several of the contestants could be tolerated by the judges and producers, that action finally was taken.

As for the bullying itself, I will likely have more to say, though I will do so from my own soapbox, rather than yours.

I look forward to the finale, and a return to Top Chef's promise of being "all about the food."

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:34 PM

risa wrote:

Chef Tom,

I could not have said it better! I too have lost my respect for the other questionable chefs. I feel that Cliff,Sam,Ilan and Elia should have been sent home and Marcel should have won by default. If I were Marcels mother, I would have felt sick to my stomach watching such "animalistic behavior"!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:34 PM

cb wrote:

I was horrified by the sight of Cliff assaulting Marcel. (And yes, it was assault). I was equally disgusted by the complacency exhibited by Ilan, Sam, and to some degree Elia. Sam was smiling doing nothing while watching this disturbing act, and Ilan was edging Cliff on. In my mind, they are guilty of conspiracy to commit assault.

Sam and Ilan absolutely do not deserve the title of Top Chef. I have lost all respect for them. Even as a food lover, I would not want to patron a bully's restaurant.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:34 PM

Sue wrote:

Chef Tom, you're always saying, "If you're not happy with something, don't send it out". Sometimes the judges advice is so contradicting, it seems there's no pleasing you. Would you rather she send a tattered chocolate heart instead of breaking them up? I only ask because it reminds me of the saying, Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Anyway, the scary Cliff incident made me think exactly of a fraternity hazing. I just can't believe my favorite chefs, Sam, Ilan and Cliff had such stupid judgement that night. And don't even start me on Elia looking like a martian the rest of the episode! Whaat were they thinking??

I still love the show and can't wait till the reunion to see if everyone is embarassed or sorry with the way they treated Marcel.

p.s. Why didn't that annoying Frank guy get kicked off for threatening harm on Marcel?? He showed the poorest class of all of them. Your bag was on the floor - not your toothbrush! What a true loser.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:36 PM

dan wrote:

Chef; It has been an interesting season and unfortunately last nights issues have tinted the whole season with an air that questions it's credibility to really assess the contestants skills. Anyone who has worked in a Kitchen/Restaurant will realize that the inter personal dynamics of the staff have a huge impact on not only the product, the service but ultimately the patrons who partake. All parties should have taken some share of responsibility in the actions but ultimately this is an individual competitino and no one is responsible for anyone else. Marcel is also not innocent. It is no secret that many if not most of the contestants have had a problem with him and his attitudes. In my experience no matter how talented he would not be allowed to remain in any top kitchen without a serious attitude adjustment.

All that being said I really wish this season had focused more on the food, it's preparation and final execution and much less on the little tricks and twists that are invented to make 'good tv'. What's next ? Cooking blindfolded? While it is true that restaurants move quickly and often make on the fly adjustments it is the exception and not the norm. I would like more episodes that really give the contestants time to pull together complete meals without the made up hyper-technics.

I think Chef Tom, Gail and the guest chefs have all done a superb job of attempting to keep it real and focused on the task at hand but it seems like the TV aspect has driven the show to unfortunate distractions. From the previews it appears that the finale episode will have more of the same and will not really allow us to see a proper experience of each chef's techniques and talents?

Keep up the excellent work and commentary Chef Tom

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:39 PM

Pete wrote:

Did anyone else think of MTV's real world 2 where David and Tammy were wrestling when they saw this?

Being a former "frat-brat" and a now (somewhat) reformed knucklehead in my mid-30's I was suprised by the perception of cruelty of the almost haircut. Chef Tom is hitting it right on the head, in the heat of the moment it seems like good fun and some hijinks but the reality protrayed in the edited episode is that Cliff committed assault even though it was not with violent intentions it was still assault. They all seem like good people, a bit immature, but still good people and the most disapointing thing was the lack of leadership to stand up and say: "stop-it."

Producers of these shows have to take the liability issue extremely seriously and can not allow any physical contact, whether it is with intent to harm or in fun (albeit misguided fun). These shows and competitions are stressful so there needs to be hard and fast rules that can not be broken, which was the case in this episode. This would have been a good episode to be "about the food" and to see the debate between the judges over who should be sent home, it is unfortunate that it turned into something else.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:41 PM

cee wrote:

I was horrified by the sight of Cliff assaulting Marcel. (And yes, it was assault). I was equally disgusted by the complacency exhibited by Ilan, Sam, and to some degree Elia. Sam was smiling doing nothing while watching this disturbing act, and Ilan was edging Cliff on. In my mind, they are guilty of conspiracy to commit assault.

Sam and Ilan absolutely do not deserve the title of Top Chef. I have lost all respect for them. As a food lover and Top Chef fan, I would not want to patronize a bully's restaurant.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:41 PM

Betti e Blue wrote:

I agree with you. The whole lot should have been sent home. It was appalling, and I lost my Top Chef viewing partner (my husnad) as he said the show was all about immature people acting badly, not good food, good cooking, or anything remotely close to a Top Chef.
I will continue to watch the show, all by myself, which is no fun. Maybe next season the producers could find better talent, and not just people who would make good reality TV. I would also take into account the potential law suits that could stem from someone being victumized, such as Marcel most obviously was.
Bettie Blue

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:41 PM

Barbara wrote:

AMEN! Couldn't have said it better myself. Tom, I am so glad to hear you wanted to boot off Cliff, Elia, Elan and Sam, and make Marcel the winner by default! That would have been fair and just, even though no doubt Marcel would have wanted to win because of his culinary skills.

The producers who said "no way" to you showed that they are just as spineless as those four losers. You know what, it would have brought in much more publicity for the show, and let people that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated, even to the point of ending the show early. They would have saved money by having no big finale in Hawaii. And how can we trust the judging when the producers end up yanking decisions out of your hands??

Some people say it's just a silly prank, but it is just not funny for a person to be dragged out of bed and held down against his will for several minutes by a very large man, while everyone else laughs and films the action. Yuck!!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:42 PM

Jeanne wrote:

If the contract states that threatening to do harm to another is grounds for leaving the show-why wasn't Frank sent packing when he threatened Marcel? I agree that what Cliff did was wrong-but all of them have been so cruel to Marcel the entire season-I feel that Cliff was not alone in this.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:43 PM

Katie wrote:

I think what happend was absolutly stupid. They are all grown ups and yes the idea was funny but they took it way to far. Cliff should have never held marcel down like that(as much as we all love marcel and all) It was still a dumb thing to do. I liked Cliff but after that he deserved to go home. And Elia can not say she didnt know they were calling her in the room and you can clearly hear her say " No I wont do it" or something to that effect So she knew. Im glad no one else went home these are the 4 I had picked to be in the finals. But they are all very lucky to still be here. I love that Ilan and Elia shaved their heads That was awsome Elia has got "Balls" as they said and I love her for that. They don't look so bad either! I just wished they would have stopped there the rest of the episode was hard to watch. But I'll end with saying I love Sam to death and I hope he wins(And THANK GOD he didnt shave his head!!!!)

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:43 PM

bernadette wrote:

I was so completely disgusted by the behavior of the contestants (I cannot call them chefs) . Cliff, Elia, Ilan, and Sam were all to blame for the deplorable act that was committed against Marcel. All should have been dismissed except for Marcel. He kept to himself, but it never seemed like it was enough - he was hounded. I was already disturbed by the personal attacks against Marcel - which I think were ignitied with Betty (she should have been kicked off earlier for her lack of integrity in creating a food outside of the dietary guidelines ) The insults and posturing have a Lord of the Flies mentality, Elia, Ilan, Sam and Cliff - and Betty- you make me sick. I cannot imagine eating anything that any of you might attempt to prepare.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:43 PM

Roberta Groom wrote:

I am disgusted by the way "Top Chef" has devolved into personalities instead of food. It seems as if one "stinky kid" has been chosen per season for the audience and the other chefs to hate (Steven and Marcel). Some of us have spent a lifetime trying to instill a respect for others in our children but I guess this must be the norm for reality shows. Please, concentrate more on the really wonderful food your chefs present and less on the drama in the kitchen, no matter how entrancing it may be to you and your producers. How was it that the fracas was filmed in the loft in last night's show (by whom?) and why was Chef Tom just johnny-on-the-spot in the morning to let Cliff go? Do you think the audience is stupid?

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:44 PM

Tracy wrote:

THANK YOU for acknowledging that all were at fault in the ASSAULT. This leaves Bravo with a lot of bruises and I hope that the next season of Top Chef actually recruits more actual *chefs* and focuses less on drafting a bunch of behavioral misfits. This has been a lot like watching kindergarteners in the kitchen this season. Very disappointing after the good food last time around.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:45 PM

staci wrote:

I wholeheartedly agree with your blog. I can't help but think, after seeing all the episodes to date, that Elia has some issues. I was really shocked to see that she, the one that told Marcel earlier "I always stand up for you" did nothing as he called out for her to help. I absolutely don't think she was blameless and I absolutely do think she was a huge instigator in this. I don't see any clear winners - no one that is really head and shoulders above the rest consistently. When the pressure is on you truly do see what people are made of. Thanks for a great show!!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:46 PM

stephanie wrote:

hey chef--

I just wanted to say, great episode last night. I still can't believe what happened and even though I am not a fan of marcel's, cliff definitely went too far and it's a bit disheartening to see someone with that much talent give it all up because they wanted to shave his head. they should've pulled a jackass move and swiped his head with the shaver. but that's just me...

I also think you guys were a little too hard on Elia. as you've said before, if things don't work out in the kitchen, then fix it somehow. I think the broken lattice looked so much better than the chocolate heart itself. granted, she wasn't serving exactly what was stated on the menu, but it still worked, and everyone seemed really pleased with the results. I think part of being a top chef includes being able to create something at the last minute when your original plan doesn't work out. I think elia did an excellent job of that.

anyway, great show, keep up the good work, and I can't wait to see who wins. I hope it's ilan! his food always looks delicious. oh and kick gail off and bring harold in as the new judge. she sucks at life.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:47 PM

Robyn wrote:

I asked this question on another blog, but it bears repeating: if the rules state that threatening another contestant is grounds for dismissal, why wasn't Frank canned for threatening to beat Marcel so bad his mother wouldn't recognize him?

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:48 PM

Tom wrote:

Chef -
Your comments on the behavior of everyone last night are spot on. But honestly, don't you think this whole situation could've been avoided if this type of behavior had been addressed earlier in the season.

I had to laugh when Frank was eliminated and made his self-serving speech about "being a chef is being a gentleman" after he sat at that dinner table and maligned Marcel in front of the other competitors and the judges. "I hate the little punk" he exclaimed and as far as we saw on tv no one said "that's great Frank - what's it got to do with the food and why are you behaving so badly?"

This group of "top" chefs has been petty, mean and backstabbing from the beginning. I might want to sock Marcel in the nose if I were around him all the time too, but why couldn't this group just grow up and concentrate on their so called passion for food? Why did it become slowly more and more alright to scapegoat Marcel until it snowballed to a physical assault (and Cliff can call it what he wants, it was an assault. It would cost him his job ANYWHERE in ANY field)? If the judges had bothered to say earlier on "you people need to quit acting like children" maybe it all could've been avoided.

It's really too bad - I was pulling for Cliff until he revealed himself to be the thug he is. It wasn't a "dumb prank that got out of control" - it wasn't about including Marcel in the group or treating him like the others. It was ugly, it was mean, it was scary. And I still think the producers and the judges are as much to blame as the four that were involved. Hopefully next season either the screening of the applicants or the quality of those selected will be of a higher level. This group is one of the nastiest bunches of unprofessional babies ever assembled on television.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:49 PM

Brenda wrote:

Enough already! This has been a horrible season of Top Chef. I'd rather watch repeats of season one than the Finale of season two. This seems like a copy cat of Project Runway III. It was not very surprising at all that you are taking all four contestants. Yea right they all deserve to go.

Your judges sure seem to be whimping out of making decisions. I can get that at work I don't need it whn I come home.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:49 PM

Pamella wrote:

I was stunned by what happened. I thought the whole lot of them should be let go and the person who held the video camera as well. If Ilea had been on the floor with Cliff on top of her the police would have been involved and we would call it a brutal attack.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:51 PM

Brent wrote:

Chef, this was without a doubt one of the more interesting episodes of the season. Not knowing what may have been left on the editing room floor, I have to say that I was impressed with how Cliff the decision made in enforcing the rules. While not excusing his behavior, it was somewhat redemptive in my opinion. Having seen how another participant on a "sister" program responded when he was called to account for violations of the rules ... Cliff showed better judgement than the previous night.

I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in Hawaii. Although I would have liked to see Mia or Josie come further along the way, I think the Final Four are the right chefs to be considered for the position of Top Chef.

PS: I also agree with your on-going hunch that most were playing not to win but not to get sent home. I look forward to seeing what Season 3 (should we be so fortunate) holds.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:51 PM

Cindy wrote:

Hey I am a big fan of Top Chef. I agree with Chef Colicchio in that I, too, lost respect for those Chefs. I think this season was like the worst ever when it comes to morality among the competitors. Even though they cook really great food, I think ultimately their personalities will show in what they produce so if I go to a restaraunt and they were the chefs then I think i would look at their meals and have this "disgusting" emotional attachment to it.

I love your show though! :)

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:53 PM

Hank wrote:

Chef, I appreciate your critique of the food and the criticism of proper chef behavior always. What do I know about this business other than what tastes good! I loved Cliff, but yeah, he crossed the line, as did the others present. I was sorry to see him go.

Chef, you can cook for me anytime!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:54 PM

devon wrote:

I think that perhaps last nights incident reflects an underlying issue with the structure of the program. Isolating any group of individuals in an environment of high stress and sleep deprivation is a recipe for inappropriate and even dangerous behavior. Most psychological experiments involving these types of conditions would require constant supervision, if they would be allowed at all. I know that people behaving at their extremes makes for great television, but it certainly doesn't have to be at the expense of any of the participants mental health. Perhaps it might not be a terrible idea to have regular counseling sessions during the production to head off any problems of this nature.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:55 PM

Alice wrote:

This episode was way over the top. Were the chefs coached to let loose? Not sure how the chefs conveniently had a camera to film the attack on Marcel, and I'm not sure what the head shaving signified...prisoners of war? Amazingly unprofessional, juvenile and pathetic. Hope you have a psychiatrist on staff. This team cannot take pressure, especially Elia, who initiated the head shaving and the chocale fight in one of the previous episodes.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:57 PM

Shawn Macannuco wrote:

I cannot believe I'm the first to comment after last night's episode; I thought this blog would be jammed. I'm so glad Cliff is gone, I just wish Marcel didn't have to suffer for it. I've always hated Cliff's smug attitude, and it didn't surprise me at all that he would act the way he did. Marcel has always been my favorite, I don't understand what he does that's so awful. The other chefs probably hate that he doesn't care whether they like him or not. I was disappointed in Elia, she was my second favorite, and I'm annoyed she didn't stick up for Marcel. She seems to have been his friend throughout, now she's succumbed to lousy behavior.

I loed her dessert, though! It looked light and fresh.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:58 PM

EF wrote:

Dear Tom,

I believe you and the producers made the right choice. I'm very excited to see who wins top chef! But... It's unfortunate that the mob mentality still exists in this day and age. The four of them, alcohol induced or not, were disgusting to watch, and hear, as this appalling situation took place.

I would definitely rather have watched Cliff go home for his food, than to be a menacing terror to Marcel at 2am in the morning. But as Marcel likes to say " C'est la vie". Cliff is gone, and he deserved to go for more than one reason. Cliff's ugliness caught up to him and bit him in his a$$.

I look forward to watching the finale episodes, and I believe, more karma is coming back to punish some of the ones who decided to show their true colors.

You are a perfect person to be the Head Judge of Top Chef, and you have shown great leadership abilities on this show. But the most endearing quality about you to me is, you are a down to earth person who seems not to judge others by anything else but the food, and you have proven this time and time again.

Can't wait for you to open up your new restaurant here in LA. I'm sure I will be dining there frequently. Now if you can just talk your other Chef friend Alfred Portale to do the same thing, I won't have to make such far trips to enjoy masterful works in the kitchen.

Ciao,
EF

posted on January 18, 2007 at 1:59 PM

lida wrote:

I'm surprised there are not comments regarding your blog up until now. I agree all of the other chef's should have been asked to go after participating in (yet another) "bash Marcel" scene. I'm loving the show so far, and look forward to another season!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:00 PM

Kris Brewer wrote:

I could not believe the actions of these so called "ADULTS". I was shocked by such behavior. No wonder kids today are more violent. Look at the examples they have to look at, professional players picking fights at games and no action being taken. Each of these chefs should have stopped, esp the filming when Cliff put that hold on Marcel and held him on the ground. It would have been more beliveable if Marcel had been apoligized to immediately, but only after having been asked to leave did Cliff offer. This action has tarnished a otherwise enjoyable show.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:01 PM

Todd wrote:

It was a deep seeded hatred all fueled by Betty and her constant bickering because she was outclassed by a "kid" Cliff seems like a decent guy and wasn't all to blame as we have seen (what you claim is against the rules before) Remember Frank threatening to beat him to a pulp his mom wouldn't reconise? When did anyone step in a can Frank(who btw in that episode left his damn toothbrush in a kitchen sink) Thge toothbrush wasn't onthe floor. I personally think Sam should have gone to as he may not have held him down but was the closest and biggest to tell Cliff to stop. I belive if Cliff stopped after a second all would and should have been ok. If he let him up after the initial takedown and said man sorry I was out of line Marcel all would have been good. BTW his dish did look the worst and Cliff shoul;d have gone but Sam should be right behind him.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:04 PM

max wrote:

Awesome show! These guys/girls are all brilliant in their own right. The under-the-gun creative process has been met with wonderful culinary solutions. I wish I could taste their creations.

I would like to comment on what many people in my world have noticed about Sam's experience relative to the current, remaining 4. His vast experience as a chef seems a bit unfair.
It's quite clear that his advanced kitchen experience IS the difference in the competition so far. Crowning a current chef, Top Chef seems a bit anti-climactic considering the 4 others are relative underdogs by virtue of work experience. However talented he might be, he is the apple amongst the oranges.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:04 PM

Walt K. wrote:

I respect the decision to remove Cliff from the show. I am sure it was not an easy on, but it was a good - and nowdays rare - example of holding an individual accountable for his/her actions.

But frankly, I think it is preposterous that Padma Lakshmi lectured the remaining participants on leadership qualities necessary to be top chef.

Wasn't it just 2 or 3 weeks ago - Espisode 8 - when Elia was a team leader and not held accountable for her team? The judges at the table allowed Mia to step in front of her to fall on the sword for her. So what type of leader then is Elia? None whatsoever is the simple answer.

If the judges really want to demonstrate to the participants the importance of leadership skills, start with Elia. Her flaws and weaknesses as a leader far exceed any cooking skills she may have. Simply stated she is a coward; and certainly not a leader.

It's a good show. However, let's try to keep a lid on the hipocrisy.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:04 PM

Greg McLaughlin wrote:

Tough but the right call. As much as I may like or dislike certain contestants, we did see some ugly behavior tonight. It's not an easy decision to kick somebody off at this stage, but if something wasn't done now, would we see a person get assaulted in a future episode/season (see that whack-job from season one's reunion show. I like this show and Tom and that it stands on it's own from the other Bravo TV reality shows. I watch them for the inspiration they bring, not the behavior that they can bring on. Leave that to the network garbage shows. Later.

GreginChicagoland

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:04 PM

Gayle wrote:

My husband and I have been watching the show all season and have really enjoyed it all. We are both in the wine/food industry, so really take it all to heart: this is our world, too!
The one comment I would have on last night's show and behavior, in defence of the others, is that each of them had reached breaking point in terms of Marcel's selfishness. I'm not saying he deserved what happened to him, no one does. I was sick to my stomach by that bullying, I really was. But Marcel is an arrogant, selfish chef who refuses to be a team-player, when clearly he needs to be - it would be nice if you addressed this weakness in his behavior, too -- perhaps this comes up in the edited stuff we don't see, but so much of what we see from the chefs focuses on Marcel's behavior towards the others, yet this never seems to be addressed by you. Perhaps if it had been addressed by now, what happened last night might have been avoided...perhaps. You say it isn't about presonality, which I know it isn't, but what about working as a team when the challenge is all about that??
Otherwise, keep up the good work - can't wait for next week!!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:05 PM

Amazon wrote:

Unfortunately, during this season the issues of ethics and integrity have repeatedly come into question. And not jus tthe ethics and integrity of the chefs, either.

The question that no one has answered yet is this: what part did the production staff play in the increasingly harmful hazing of Marcel, and were they aware of the impending assault on Marcel?

It could be understood if by inexperience (this only being the second season) a bunch of immature, unethical chefs had been selected to compete. I don't know how unethical chefs could be weeded out, short of giving them an MMPI psychological battery of tests.

But more than one chef who has been sent home has indicated that the production staff, to some degree, has actively instigated some of the drama.

When I was in school, due to my height and basic amazonian nature, I was usually the first to rush to the defense of someone who was being picked on. Sometimes these victims turned into friends, and I can tell you that a victim of a hazing incident like Marcel suffered bears the marks for a long time. Worse, once it is known to the rest of the victim's peers, it further marks the victim as somehow wrong for having become the victim of thugs. Somehow he/she could have prevented it--somehow he/she caused it--somehow he/she is so different as to cause others to gang up on them.

If the production staff of TC cannot sort out what happened to have produced such a disaster of a season, then perhaps the show should end.

This season's TC was not a good reflection on TC or Bravo, and was often painful to watch for the viewer.

I think the production staff should get it right or y'all should pack your knives and go.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:06 PM

Christopher Reimer wrote:

I haven't seen the episode yet, but I'm shocked to read what happened. Is this a cooking competition or cooking reality show? I been disappointed with this season for the contestants imploding at the start, having ethical issues, pretty behaviors towards each other, being drunk stupid, and serving substandard food. The only highlight this season has been Michael winning an entire show since he's been the underdog from the beginning. I think the casting for next season need to be seriously better than this season.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:06 PM

Tina wrote:

The behavior demonstrated by Cliff, Ilan, Sam and Elia was absolutely inappropriate - a prank escalted to hazing, no doubt. Marcel could have easily called the police and had Cliff charged with assault. However, blaming only the four remaining chefs for the incident is outrageous.

Top Chef is a highly entertaining show, but the show created the conditions that enabled this incident to happen. You take a group of strangers, isolate them from their support network, severely restrict their contact with the outside world at all, put them in a pressure cooker and supply vats of alcohol. It's like pouring gasoline on a fire, and for Chef Colicchio and the show to take no responsibility is absurd. Reading how disappointed the chef is in the remaining four is laughable, given the lack of responsibility he himself claims.

The other party who must should some responsibility here is Marcel. While no one deserves to be physically attacked, he helped create a tension-filled atmosphere through snide comments about competitors, a pompous attitude and his failure to be a team player. Marcel didn't have a gas can and a match, but he was talking pretty loudly about fire in a crowded theater....

I'm not going to say I'll never watch again, because I will. But I'm so much less interested in Colicchio or his restaurants. His lack of honest evaluation shows he's just not the person - the chief - I thought his was.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:07 PM

Morgan wrote:

I'm glad to hear you say that you were disgusted by all four of them, because I was stunned that Sam and Ilan in particular and Elia to an extent were not punished somehow for the part they played in the assault. It was a criminal act, and they were all party to it-- and Ilan held the camera while it was happening.

Marcel has his foibles-- and he can be irritating, but he has consistently risen above the pettiness and malice which are constantly flung at him by his fellow contestants, and his plaintive refrain of "can we please just talk about the food" made me respect him all the more. Most reality show contestants wouldn't let something this vile go for the sake of the competition's true purpose.

I, for one, certainly hope that this incident remains in the judges' memories during the finale as a counterpoint to whatever food is served.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:09 PM

martin galicia wrote:

I think this week top chef was a huge let down.As a chef myself i love the show,but the last couple of week have seen bad judgement from all parties(producers,judges and chef).
I agree with last week of sending mikey home,he lacks leadership.But,raw chicken is raw chicken thats cooking 101.The rest of the complaint were right and none of the chef steped up to the plate.
Lasts nights conduct by all chefs was a discrace and i agree with Tom when he says all chef should be sent home,and Marcel should win by defalt.
But, that is not what happened.The judges picked two of the nights best dishes which they found little or no fault with.The three remainning dishes fell short of the mark.Don't get me wrong all chefs deserved to be there last night(more than any other chef in the competion).
Now as we enter the final stage there are four when there should be two.Elia and Marcel have shown that they lack what it takes to be a top chef,the other two are only better than a bad lot.If Marcl wins its because of what happened to him and if Elia wins its for emonitional value.Too pick a winner from the other two it will depend on who brings it on the day.
I will contiune to watch the final top chef only in the hope that it saves itself.I think that will also have a factor in if season 3 is a flop or the great show it should be(if there is a season 3).

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:10 PM

Sherrie wrote:

I think the initial thought of packing all of them up and sending them home was the best one. Ridiculous behavior that my 13 yr old knows better than. Marcel may not be my fave but after what I saw last night, the others in no way shape or form compare to what a "top Chef" should be. This entire season has disappointed me time and again with people's personalities being so unprofessional. When season one got down to the final four you KNEW they deserved to be there. I don't believe any of these deserve the title of top chef.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:11 PM

BARBARA BOYLAN wrote:

Thanks Tom,

I was wondering why in the clips from Hawaii, showed
the buzzed heads, with hair now on their heads-
didn't realize they have a few months break

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:16 PM

Lori wrote:

Hi Tom,

I always enjoy reading your blog, and your viewpoint is always very sane. Last night's show just made me weep. I, too, lost so much respect for Sam, Cliff, Ilan and especially Elia, who is supposed to be Marcel's friend! Doing nothing to stop a stronger person from hurting a weaker one is worse than doing the actual physical violence, IMHO. For me, this isn't entertainment, it's really displaying humanity at its worst. As much as I dig you and Padma, I just can't bring myself to tune in for the final two episodes. Way too much crap this season, not enough good, creative cooking. Be well.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:18 PM

Thomas Robinson wrote:

Thank you Tom for the most insightful and "From the heart" blog I've read so far of this episode.

Cliff was the man handler but the others lack of action to step in and say enough is enough was so sad to see. And I agree, I would have sent all of them home. But, since you can't have a challenge with Marcel verses Marcel, they should have sent Marcel to Hawaii and let him choose one competitor of all the other 14 to be in the one on one challenge.

I can't imagine what Marcel was going through considering how embarrassing and humiliating I felt while watching it. What if cliff lost his footings while Marcel struggled? Cliff is 3 times the size of Marcel. Can you imagine him falling sideways or face down in that position? He could have broken his shoulders, snapped them out of place, broke his neck.

Props to you Tom for standing up to the producers to suggest they all go one. I'm sure it makes you question your return for season 3.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:22 PM

Mary Hanson wrote:

Tom
Your last paragraph on page 6 says it all!!!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:22 PM

cakey wrote:

You can call it whatever you want but to send Cliff packing while sending the rest to Hawaii was wrong but then this whole season is wrong. You let Otto and Mia dismiss themselves, you let Frank, Betty, Sam and Ilan get in Marcels' face and then act appalled when the "chefs" pull stunts like they did last night on Marcel. Marcel has been picked on since the beginning of this show and it seems like it was encouraged rather than discouraged hence..this childish act they pulled last night. In my opinion your silence is the reason for last night.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:22 PM

aprice wrote:

Marcel brings out the worst in people--is THAT a top chef quality? He is doesn't seem to be able to get along, and that's a problem. Cliff had to go, because of the rules and because he went too far--but it was a bad joke, not evil. Cliff let him go, no hair was cut and Marcel continues to use unpleasant posturing to get attention. I don't think brilliant people are always fun to be around, and when the stakes are high for these chef competitors there must be a lot of tension--and Bravo doesn't mind using it to advantage in the editing. I don't think you can berate everyone for their feelings about Marcel and still run a contest to text message "Who hates Marcel the most?" Let them cook and let them be and we will watch it every week.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:23 PM

Mary P wrote:

This was indeed a very disturbing show. It certainly illustrates how quickly behavior can escalate to dangerous levels. Is it my imagination or are the contestants this season much less professional and mature than last season?

I appreciate the behind the scenes explanation of what went on. I'm pretty disappointed in all of them but I get hit with less than wonderful memories of things I did/saw when I was their age.

So far, I haven't thought Marcel was the best of the lot, but I think the others have a lot of making up to do. I was glad Cliff apologized to Marcel.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:23 PM

deb wrote:

Dear Chef Tom,
I agree with you wholeheartedly - Sorry your birthday was ruined by "those heathens". By the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you! I really enjoy watching TC and think that you are wonderful.
At the beginning of the season you stated to the TC2 contestants ( How can you call them "Chef" considering their behavior?) that you were not there to mentor but to judge. With all the shanannigans that we've seen so far this season you might have to amend that speech ever so slightly next season to include referree and a collective conscience. How sad that a man of your stature has been reduced to being " the babysitter".

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:25 PM

Kathy wrote:

Chef Tom,

Thank you for your comments on this......Yes, Marcel has shown that he can get under people's skin but NOBODY deserved what he had to endure....he must have been terrified....I am very saddened that there were no consequences for the rest who participated in this act of violence against Marcel....and frankly, I am waiting for an apology to all of us loyal viewers who look forward to this show every week and were subjected to this shocking and disturbing attack on Marcel just as he was, with no warning. Had I wished to see something like this, I would have put on ESPN hoping for some professional wrestling instead of watching "Ultimate Fighting" cleverly masked as an episode of "Top Chef".......I was sickened by this whole thing and have no intention of watching the rest......

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:25 PM

Karen wrote:

I too, have been quite dismayed by the contestants this time around. I do think Sam will most likely win, but his bullying and very childish behavior don't make his winning appealing to me. I agree with another poster, this was a felony offense, and if I was Marcel I would be suing, suing, suing. At this point none of the other contsetants, including Elia do anything for me. I do not think I will continue to watch this debacle of bullying any longer, unless there is a big change in behavior and attitudes on the part of these 4 contestants.
I do feel the producers of this show have an obligation that they did not honor, to insist on a higher standard of behavior from the contestants. Certainly they could have stopped this bullying before it got this bad.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:26 PM

Janet wrote:

The Legal Department didn't think Frank's rage at Marcel was threatening???!!!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:29 PM

Sandra wrote:

I agree with Tom, in that all of the chefs were indeed responsible for the behavior/acts against Marcel. I certainly agree that Cliff, as the primary aggressor, was sent home. Although, I understand that creatively, not all of the chefs involved could be sent home, there certainly should have been repurcussions for the actions, or lack thereof. The assault of Marcel was not "in fun". Everyone involved made it quite clear of their dislike for Marcel, therefore, any prank against him would not be "in fun", but in malice. The other chefs (Ilan, Sam, and Elia) were culpable for their actions, and should have been punished for their allowance of the assault against Marcel. Don't get me wrong, I am not a huge fan of Marcel, however bullying is not elementary, middle, and high schools, so why should it be tolerated in this "professional" arena. It really disappoints me that the other chefs were not made accountable for their behavior.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:29 PM

Gail wrote:

Tom,

You were right....they should have all been sent home...and although the producers may not have believed so...it would have made for a better show. Your quote was absolutely to point, "All that is necessary for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing." Not one of the other three contestants had the moral fiber to disengage themselves from Cliff's attack on Marcel and put an end to it.

Watching Cliff's attack on Marcel and hearing Marcel call out for help and receive none made me physically sick.

If the rules say that it is grounds for disqualification for anyone to "harm or threaten to harm another contest" then Frank should have been sent home when he physically threatened to beat Marcel so badly that "his (Marcel's) mother wouldn't recognize him", and Sam should have been sent home with his incredibly unprofessional and violent verbal attack on Marcel at the store, not only publically unmercifully ridiculing Marcel but also making innocent bystanders and store employees uncomfortable and probably afraid that Sam was going to take it to a phyiscal level his tirade was so violent. None of the other contestants intervened then either.

No one acted as mature adults much less someone who should be awarded with Top Chef designation.

Top Chef cannot be just about the food, because being a Top Chef is also about how you work with and respond to the people you work with, buy your food from, those who eat in your restaurant and most importantly, you have to answer to yourself.

I sure wouldn't want any of these people to be my only hope if I was being attacked.

Bottom Line: They should have all been sent home and Marcel should have won by default.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:29 PM

Yernar wrote:

The sudden violence wasn't a surprise, as generally that's where bullying leads. The tension against Marcel had been buliding for a few episodes now and I cannot believe that nobody at Top Chef thought it might escalate to violence. You ought to be ashamed of yourselves. What could YOU have done differently so that this didn't happen?

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:30 PM

georiapat wrote:

I think all the comments about the level of culinary profeciency these contestants have versus last season's are right on the mark. These people are cooks, not chefs. We have not seen plating like Stephens, nor inventiveness like Harolds (although his popcorn use was copied), and who would ever believe Tiffany wouldn't seem so bad! I also think it's a shame they took four cooks to the finals. If they had done that the 1st season then LeeAnn would have had a chance (a good chance) at the 100 Grand. Elia should have already been gone (Mia saved her) so she could have been elminated last night. She has already proven she doesn't have the leadership skills needed.
I really like the concept of the show and enjoyed the first season. I hope the 3rd season will be better than what we have seen in season 2.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:31 PM

Mary Courtenay wrote:

January 18, 2007

I am a 62-year-old attorney and faithful view of Top Chef.

I was shocked and disgusted by last night’s episode and don’t know if I can ever watch Top Chef again. I watch Top Chef for entertainment, not to witness a gang bang (which Top Chef didn’t even see fit to warn me was going to happen).

Cliff is guilty of felony assault. No question. Yet Top Chef (and that’s you, Tom, as producer) decided it was not only okay to film that assault, instead of stopping it, but also to show the assault (and Marcel’s horrific humiliation) to the world.

Top Chef should have called the police immediately, and Cliff should have been escorted from the premises in handcuffs. And none of that – the assault, the police, and the arrest – should have been aired. Period.

In my opinion, Top Chef has a duty to prevent violence to its contestants (which, in this case, was completely foreseeable to a reasonable person). Top Chef breached that duty and, worse, actually permitted the poisonous atmosphere to fester. Top Chef (Tom) knew full well that the victimization of Marcel – by Sam, Ilan, and Cliff – was growing and could spiral out of control, yet Top Chef (Tom) tacitly encouraged that victimization.

Allowing viewers to watch that assault was like airing a rape (which I guess Top Chef would consider perfectly fine viewing).

Top Chef (Tom) owes its viewers and Marcel a very public and sincere mea culpa – so far only Padma (kudos to her) had the decency to be concerned about Marcel’s well-being.

Let me be clear. Tom is the one responsible here. It has been obvious for quite a while that Tom’s favorite is the “manly” (let-me-stab-anyone-in-the-back-when-in-danger) Sam, followed by the “manly” thug Cliff (let’s see how “manly he is in state prison). So, Tom, you let their behavior slide. Your apparent worship of “manliness” meant that you sacrificed the mental and physical health of a person who entered the contest in good will.

You are the producer, Tom. And you have shown yourself to be unqualified. You need to try to learn the difference between true “manliness” and gang bang thuggery. I don’t know if you can, or if you can even understand what I’m saying, but your behavior is appallingly ignorant and extremely dangerous.

The only contestant who has exhibited true strength this season is Marcel. That’s right. Marcel. Marcel is also the only contestant who has shown any modicum of class. He stood alone against every other person. (Elia, while not totally anti-Marcel, was too weak to stand up for him and therefore useless.) He continued to produce good food – under overwhelmingly stressful conditions, with no help from anyone. He turned on no one. Whenever he was on a team, he was a team player. He never threw anyone under the bus. He showed real integrity. The only person I would consider hiring is Marcel. While Elia is okay, she is not a leader. Marcel is as strong as they come.

You are an ass, Tom. And, in my opinion, a criminally negligent ass. To me, you are as guilty as that bunch of weaklings who can only assert their manhood when acting in a group to beat up on someone physically weaker.

You need to pack your knives and go.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:32 PM

Kathy wrote:

Chef Tom,

Thanks for your always-insightful comments. I agree with other posts that hearing and seeing more of the editing room castoffs would help viewers understand more of what goes on that isn't in the actual episode.

Cliff basically assaulted Marcel, and Sam, Ilan, and apparently Elia who seems to have at least heard what was going on, were complicit. I think it was right that Cliff be sent home, but there should be some punishment for the other four. The producers care most that "the show must go on." But to allow and tacitly approve such juvenile and illegal behavior is a horrible message to send to viewers. It would have been a powerful message to future contestants to let Marcel win by default - he may be annoying and a jerk at times, but he never threatened or manhandled anyone, and he has been consistently gracious to everyone, even those who abuse and disrespect him.

And as for the rules being that no contestant is to threaten or harm another contestant: what about Frank's threat to Marcel after the toiletries-on-the-floor incident? Frank threatened to "beat [Marcel] so bad his mother wouldn't recognize him." This threat should have resulted in Frank's IMMEDIATE expulsion from the show. Was Cliff let go because his course for the romantic dinner was the worst? No, it was because of this assaultive behavior. The producers and judges should at least be CONSISTENT!

Perhaps all the season 2 juvenile behavior of the chefs and inconsistent producers/judges' responses will be considered, and an altered version of the TC show (including more mature contestants) will be shown for season 3. I love the concept of the show, but it is NOT fun to watch any more. I'll keep hoping for better.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:32 PM

Barbara wrote:

AMEN! Couldn't have said it better myself. Tom, I am so glad to hear you wanted to boot off Cliff, Elia, Elan and Sam, and make Marcel the winner by default! That would have been fair and just, even though no doubt Marcel would have wanted to win because of his culinary skills.

The producers who said "no way" to you showed that they are just as spineless as those four losers. You know what, it would have brought in much more publicity for the show, and let people that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated, even to the point of ending the show early. They would have saved money by having no big finale in Hawaii. And how can we trust the judging when the producers end up yanking decisions out of your hands??

Some people say it's just a silly prank, but it is just not funny for a person to be dragged out of bed and held down against his will for several minutes by a very large man, while everyone else laughs and films the action. Yuck!!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:35 PM

Pierre wrote:

Tom:

Your suggestion to send all home and declre Marcel the winner was absolutely correct. I was appalled by the behavior of Sam, Cliff and Ilan and even Elia. To watch Sam laying on the coach laughing as Cliff assulted Marcel was deeply disturbing. And Ilan's voice behind the camera egging him onwas equally creepy. Marcel should have called the police and reported this assault and had Cliff arrested. It was like watching the bullies at school breat up on the litte, weaker guy. SHAME ON ALL OF YOU. This would never have happened last year. This show has turned into a joke. Marcel is the TOP CHEF no matter who the "Producers" force you to choose. I cannot watch this anymore. It's sad to see a claasy show go down the toilet.

Déshonorer sur vous.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:35 PM

Dreya wrote:

After watching last nights show I was totally disgusted with every chef except for Marcel. I'm sorry but waking up a dude who is half your size and throwing him around on the ground for about 5 minutes is very very STUPID! Cliff looked like a punk last night and so did Sam, Ilan and Elia for just standing there and egging him on in the background. Regardless of wether they like Marcel or not, that was just plain dirty. From the first episode I liked Sam (who will probably win) and Ilan. Now after watching how childish they've been acting over the past few shows I really dont give a dam about what happens with them, and that includes Elia who I don't think is as innocent as she seems with her bald head and all! (What was the point of that??) You go Marcel!!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:36 PM

Terry Watkin wrote:

I appreciated very much reading your blog this morning. Last night's episode was frustrating. I am devoted to the show, but I watch it to see the chefs produce amazing food in a fair competition involve themselves in childlike drama.

Although I agree completely with the punitive action that was taken; I do believe it begs the question "Why wasn't Frank sent packing?"

According to your blog, Frank's actions also violated the agreement and, frankly, I found them it bit more disturbing.

Anyway...thank you -- all of you -- for a great second season. I am looking forward to the reunion and the finale.

Happy Belated Birthday, Chef!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:37 PM

Chris wrote:

As I saw the middle-school drama antics collapse further into a locker-room hazing incident... :rolls eyes:

Anyway, it's the last part of your blog I wanted to respond to. As chefs are chiefs, I think more should be said about dividing the chefs from the cooks. Great food is the most important part of both, but from what I've seen, just the technical savvy means just a cook. A fantastic cook maybe, but still.

Perhaps it just ended up on the cutting-room floor, but it didn't seem like there was all that much interaction among the chefs in planning out last night's menu into a progressive whole. I would draw a comparison to last season's wedding reception. As far as the individual plates, this group's appeared to be higher quality all around. However, what we were shown of the way the first group handled themselves in the kitchen was much more impressive. All of them seemed to concentrate on the menu as a whole, sometimes taking on extra to make things go out smoother (like the lots of little stickers for Stephen, even though they all seemed annoyed at him, rather than trying to shave his head). There was much more cooperation, and I would say professionalism, shown there. Much more 'we' without as much 'me.'

All-in-all, I would say that the major thing this group has shown us is their near desperate need to do a lot of growing up. For a winner... I'm most in favor of LeAnne right now.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:38 PM

Terry Watkin wrote:

I appreciated very much reading your blog this morning. Last night's episode was frustrating. I am devoted to the show, but I watch it to see the chefs produce amazing food in a fair competition involve themselves in childlike drama.

Although I agree completely with the punitive action that was taken; I do believe it begs the question "Why wasn't Frank sent packing?"

According to your blog, Frank's actions also violated the agreement and, frankly, I found them it bit more disturbing.

Anyway...thank you -- all of you -- for a great second season. I am looking forward to the reunion and the finale.

Happy Belated Birthday, Chef!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:40 PM

Marjorie wrote:

Cliff has said "I've wanted to punch Marcel six times" and last night be got his chance, under the pretext of "joke." But it wasn't a joke; it was assault by a big guy who outweighed the smaller guy by over 50 pounds! And Ilan taped and encouraged Cliff to assault Marcel, then followed Marcel as he ran out the room to escape Cliff; and Sam sat on the couch and laughed as Marcel got his, and Elia hid in her room not wanting to be involved, but not standing up for Marcel (or her own integrity either). This bullying of Marcel started with Bitch Betty and Ilan and was egged on by them at every turn. I thought things calmed down when Betty left, but by then the emotions had escalated out of control. it seemed to me that Cliff stood in front of the oven when Marcel was taking his food out and made Marcel dropped it.

There are many posting calling Cliff's dismissal a racist act. Statistically African-Americans kill each other more than they are killed by other people. It is precisely because they condone this sort of violence - in rap songs, in the gun culture - that causes those statistics. They look on Cliff's act as nothing and his getting booted as a racist gesture rather than justice for his act of aggression and violence.

Somebody said this will hurt Cliff's chances of getting a good gig. I doubt it; people will always hire a good chef, which Cliff is. I just hope he has learned to control his aggression and be a better person.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:40 PM

Becky wrote:

I think Marcel has gotten a bad rap all along. It was already seeming like people were ganging up on him for no good reason. You watch the videos where the chefs complain about Marcel, and you just can't agree that their anger was warranted, particularly to the extent of the rage they were exhibiting. They behaved so much worse than he did and couldn't even see it. During Marcel's interviews, he was always gracious and professional toward the others despite how he was being treated and called them all professionals, as if he didn't realize just how unprofessional the others were being. He always offered to help the others. Watching him be physically attacked last night was upsetting to see. I think that all of them should have been removed and Marcel win by default. It was that bad. Just think how you would feel to be attacked like that in the middle of your slumber. And yet again, Marcel forigves their bad behavior. So I guess even Marcel wouldn't want to win like that. He seems to be the ONLY ONE who wants to focus on the food and win by his talents. I say Shame on them and Go Marcel Go!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:42 PM

Mrs. B wrote:

I have thoroughly enjoyed ongoing drive for excellence and we all know this was seriously compromised in last night's fiasco. I am sure you and the show's producers were completely embarassed not only by the "prank"/participants but also that your guest judge, Eric Ripert was subjected to such behavior. Bottom Line: the participants revealed themselves to be cooks and not chefs. At the end of the day, I take pride in my actions, deeds, and stellar reputation in my industry which is a culmination of many years of hard work and leadership. They've got a long ways to go...

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:42 PM

Laura in Philadelphia wrote:

I love the show and your blog. I'm disappointed in this year's contestants and their apparent lack of vision and focus. I thought this was a cooking competition. At the outset of the season I had high hopes for every chef. Sadly, most have disappointed me with a show of shallow personal pettiness in the face of what is supposed to be a group of professionals striving to be the best. Personalities aside, every profession is faced with individuals who may rub you the wrong way, some who may have reached their nexus and cannot grow any more, others who do not have the skills or vision necessary to shine, some who lack the desire to learn, and those special few who rise above noise and demonstrate what it means to be the cream of the crop. Sadly, I am finding no cream in this crop of contestants. It feels more like a schoolyard game where no one really wants to win by virtue rather than default. I was truely disappointed to see the judges table join in this childish behavior by teasing Elia and Marcel, telling them to "pack their knives..." Did you really think that was funny or good sportsmanship? It certainly did not demonstrate the qualities of good leadership I know you want to see from the chefs. And I like you so much. I respect your opinion. I hope everyone redeems themselves in the final episodes.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:42 PM

Lee wrote:

Thank you for your blog, Tom. I feel for you. On my birthday, I had to teach 3 and 4 year olds for two hours. Guess what? They were much more pleasant and well behaved than these immature, selfish, ego-centric...I can't go on, but I am so tired of it. I watch this show because of the imaginative challenges and the way chefs rise to the occasion. Last night I almost vomited. I have no respect for any of the three remaining bullies. Talk about passive aggressive? What do you call Ilian and Sam? Elia is just passive (chicken?). As annoying as Marcel is, and I must say, he's not that annoying, I have been rooting for him for the last six episodes because the others are not nice human beings. I know this is supposed to be about cooking, but how could one respect and serve under such people? Blah. Bad taste in my mouth.
PLEASE have some consequences for those remaining three who hid behind Cliff!!! At least he apologized.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:43 PM

wayne wrote:

I think the producers should be ashamed of themselves. They are at the very least complicit in the assault. They set it up, provided booze, filmed an assault, and them profited from it by airing in on tv. Any way you slice it, that is shameful.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:47 PM

Johanna wrote:

Chef, I would have been right there with you on sending the rest of them home (perhaps minus Elia) for their complicity in abusing Marcel. It seemed like it was either Sam's or Ilan's idea, and fully in keeping with their behavior as we've seen it on prior episodes. Cliff has commented repeatedly that he's been restraining himself from physical violence against Marcel, and the other guys--whom he clearly respects and looks up to--gave him the "permission" he'd been waiting for. I would definitely hold Sam and Ilan equally culpable; no matter what they say now, neither made a move to stop Cliff from mashing Marcel into the carpet.

Speaking with regard to the producers, though, it seems like this escalation was destined to happen--the group went from personal annoyances with Marcel (led by the ego trio of Betty, Ilan, and Sam) to verbal confrontations (Sam's angry tirade, Ilan's repeated kitchen snarks), to taking actions against him and later taking them back (let's refuse to help him serve/prep his dish). Marcel did the right thing by in general not fighting back, thereby preventing an escalation in all of these cases, but the unfortunate consequence was that the group's shifting rules about what's okay to do to another human being became looser and looser. At some point--and perhaps they did this--the producers could/should have pointed out the dynamic of ostracizing Marcel for its own sake that was taking place, and the likely outcome of a physical confrontation that nobody wanted. These "cheftestants" (much more the latter than the former, I fear) will have to be remembered for this event far more than for their food--but so will the show itself, and the producers, for letting it get so far out of hand.

My last comment: I am almost positive that had Mike been there, he would have stepped in and been the one to say "Guys, this isn't cool, leave the guy alone." This makes him far more of a leader and a stand-up guy than any of the others who talk a good game, but are really even more insecure and immature than they accuse Marcel of being. For that reason and others, it's too bad Mike was no longer there.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:49 PM

margaret wrote:

by the way you could have emailed me to explained why you deleted my email. it would have been the courtious thing to do

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:52 PM

Jedidog wrote:

All I wonder is, Why 3 months until the finale? I could see taking a short break to re-energize, but 3 months? Are the cooks in Hawaii that whole time acquainting themselves with local cooking techniques and flavors?

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:54 PM

Rachel wrote:

Tom, I agree with you that the behavior of the chefs was simply embarrassing, but this is not the first time we've seen this craziness. My only disagreement is that none of the chefs were sent home. I believe that Elia should have been sent home for a couple of reasons.

Last night was at least the second meltdown for Elia. The first one was during the Thanksgiving show when she felt it was not fair only some of the cooks had to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for the others. She smeared chocolate all over her face and did not want to participate at all. Her behavior last night was far worse though. She again said that she "quit" when her chocolate hearts were not able to be cut and without Sam's help who knows what dessert the diners would have received. According to the video we, the viewers, saw, Elia was the one who came up with the idea to shave her head and Ilan joined her. We did not see Sam's participation or intent to participate. As you say, a chef must be a leader, and Elia seems mentally unable to lead. On the episode where Mia quit, it should have been Elia that went home because she was not able to lead her team.

As far as the incident with Marcel goes, I was horrified. As a person on the shorter side, I can appreciate how intimidated Marcel must have felt being woken and thrown to the floor. I do not agree with Sam or Elia doing nothing to help Marcel, but at least they didn't come to Cliff's aid.

I still absolutely love Top Chef though and hope that next season the chefs are a little more mature and realise they are here for a cooking and leadership competition, and not just to have fun.
Any plans on visiting Denver Chef? There are a lot of us out here who'd love to meet you and of course try your food.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:55 PM

Diane wrote:

I just don't understand why so many people are so supportive of Marcel. He showed his annoying personality when he "pitched his hissy fit" over Sam's first course lobster/scallop/beet selection. Sam earned the right to choose first as a result of winning the Quickfire and yet Marcel acted as if Sam's selection was aimed at hurting him. Marcel is like the "no see 'um" and "gothca" bugs in the South--always buzzing around and annoying people. That being said, I am not excusing what happened to Marcel. Like Cliff said, it was a prank that got out of hand. I hated to see Cliff go but, from what we were able to see, he handled his expulsion from the show extremely well. He took it like a man and without pitching a fit!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:56 PM

Jill wrote:

I cannot believe what I witnessed on your show last night. The four accomplices who committed such a disgusting act was so inexcusable. I watched the show with my daughter uncomfortablly and she actually turned to me and said "aren't they supposed to be cooking on this show?" Not only Cliff, but Sam, Ilan and Elia should have left - no excuses. Top Chef looked for ratings but with the lowest form of reason - violence. To see Sam laughing, Ilan screaming to cut it off, Elia of course not stepping in, and to see Cliff actually physically hurt Marcel was DISGUSTING. Marcel has shown dignity throughout this tortorous tenure living with those animlas. And did anyone notice Padma laughing when she first heard what happened? She's a pig as well. Chef Tom, I will never watch, or let my daughter watch what was once an entertaining program. You're no different than the show "Jackass". And I loved the comments by this pathetic gang how they wished Marcel well. What a turn around all of a sudden! Were they thinking "lawsuit"? You should all be ashamed of what happened and condoning the behavior of Sam (your golden boy), Ilan, and Elia. Hopefully Marcel kicks their asses in Hawaii. But we all know that of course Sam will win because he never is reprimanded for anything. He is no Top Chef. Your show is a joke!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:58 PM

jc wrote:

You're a very good writer and your mind works in a peculiar way. You're blog is enjoyable to read.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:58 PM

Keisha Rankins wrote:

I was hoping for the final three to be Sam, Cliff and Ellia. I enjoyed watching the other two cook as well. But they were my top three picks for the final.
It disappoints me to see someone as talented as Cliff throw such a wonderful chance at life doing what he loves away. I have never seen someone on a reality TV show that I found so disappointing and cold. I hope you see the WRONG in what you have done. Know what you did will not go unpunished. I work with people on a daily basis I can't stand. But I couldn't do what you did to Marcel to anyone. What ever the cast saw wrong within Marcel, take a good look in the mirror. Because we see some of you in the wrost light, that you brought on yourselfs.
Remember, when you try to dig a grave for someone else, dig one for yourself. Then grow up.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 2:59 PM

Christina wrote:

I am surprised that Elan and Sam were allowed to stay. Ilan kep yelling "Sam shave his head" and Sam (obviously an instigator or why would Ilan be yelling at him to do it) just laughed. Cliff was SO wrong but he took the fall for ALL of them.

Had Marcel been kicked off after every personal attack and lack of professional courtesy he has had to endure (only one burner to prepare his course right before he was to serve!) I would have stopped watching this show immediately.

Furthermore I am really disappointed about the lame handslapping Ilan and Sam got from the judges. Can you say pre-rehearsed?

I'm not sure if Top Chef still has any credibillity as a cooking show.

Marcel is starting to really intrigue me. Once he started showing off his other skills (no more foam) he is quite impressive. He had never made potato cannoli before and ended up impressing the very talented and esteemed guest judge! If I had to trust one chef to execute under fire, pressure and ridiculous circumstances it would be Marcel.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 3:04 PM

Joanne Turner wrote:

Chef Tom, I think you have done a tremendous job. You laid down the law when necessary, and you have equally been kind and generous when it was called for.

I love this show. I watched with delight Season One and am completely enthralled with Season Two. I am an amateur cook, but I love to cook. I have learned so much from you, the guest chefs, and the competing chefs. All of you are an inspiration to me.

Early on, I was rooting for Betty. As you said, she was great at PR as well as her various culinary talents. She lost my respect, however, when she yelled at Marcel during episode 3. He was annoying, but Betty just should have ignored him.

As you said, "Chef means 'chief' in French, and 'chief' implies someone who leads -- not by bullying or even popularity, but by example." I love that. It's so true.

Granted, Marcel is arrogant, and he leaves an unsavory taste in my mouth. He is extremely talented, but he needs to get over himself. He's got some of the weirdest hair I've ever seen, but I suppose he's got to make his mark. He needs to choose between his hairstyle and his foams.

I'm now rooting for Elia. Although she was complicit in the "hazing" of Marcel (and I agree with your decision that Cliff should go), I love her background, her fight with traditional Mexican values about women not pursuing careers and instead cooking at home, and I love her accent.

I was hooked when Elia told Otto, "I like you as a person, but this was an act of dishonesty." She was very sincere in saying something very uncomfortable. She might be young, but she is a true talent. Her truthfulness is a real plus, especially in this rabid competition. I hope she wins. If not Elia, I vote for Sam.

Thanks for the opportunity to share my views (and please pick me as the winner of the Top Chef dinner for 10!).

Joanne Turner

posted on January 18, 2007 at 3:08 PM

Christina wrote:

Shokaste you will never be a TOP anything with that attitude.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 3:11 PM

Jenny Fisher wrote:

Chef,
I have a suggestion - let a cast member "win" the competition this season... but do not award anyone $100,000 and do not award anyone a new kitchen and most of all do not award anyone the title Top Chef this season. Bravo needs to protect the integrity of the show and send a message for season three!!!
Jenny

posted on January 18, 2007 at 3:19 PM

cakey wrote:

WTF was that statement.."'it is precisely because they condone this sort of violence - in rap songs..." If that wasn't a racist statement I don't know what was..I don't like rap and don't listen to it but I have family members that do and they don't condone violence of any kind. Just like all White people aren't racist..All Black people don't condone violence because they like rap music; what a stupid comment!!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 3:20 PM

aynqendal wrote:

'the camcorder somehow found its way back to the producers'..... like the urnaium cake somehow found it's way back into bush's state of the union addrress?
the producers chose to air this assault! we didn't need to see this. we want a culinary show not a soap opera.i suspect the whole thing was staged by the producers..as the war was staged by the bush regime.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 3:21 PM

Nancy wrote:

Tom, thank you for saying that you were willing to send everyone home and let Marcel win by default. The last three episodes, starting with the Seven Deadily Sins episodes, have really made me have a change of heart for Marcel. I've been rooting for him because he's been such a target. Thank you for your kindness.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 3:21 PM

Sue wrote:

The best part about this show is watching the chefs cook and come up with amazing and interesting dishes. I love watching the plating part. So why oh why do the producers think editing down to nothing but drama will make for a better show?? And if you think its not the editing then why did they show a preview where no one would help Marcel as if it were a big drama, and it turned out to be completely fabricated as Ilan, Cliff, and Sam all helped him.

Seriously the show is only 45 minutes. Can we get more scenes of them cooking and plating instead of it cut in place of fabricated drama?? Thank you!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 3:22 PM

Helen wrote:

Chef,
I couldn't help asking myself, "Was I watching Top Chef or an episode of MTV's Real World?" Why hadn't the producers stopped the nit-picking earlier on? My husband and I watched this speeding train wreck knowing that something like this was going to happen to Marcel. I expected a fist fight, but this episode was close enough. I blame all of chefs, not just Cliff's behavior, for this outcome. I too have lost respect for these four. Chef's are to be leaders and mentors, not bullys and frat boys.
I hope Season 3 is better.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 3:25 PM

Cheryl wrote:

Okay I knew from watching Cliff's audition tape that he was a smug bastard however I was willing to overlook this fact because he has some pretty good cooking skills, even as smug and arrogant as he is I could not believe the antics that he pulled last night. I was appalled at his behavior as all the contestants. But to hold Marcel down like that and he did it for such a long time it was really horrible I don't understand why when he noticed the others weren't going along with it he didn't stop. I agree that the show did the right thing by sending him home as Tom brought out the rules say if you threaten or harrass another contestant it is grounds for dismissal. what I can't understand is why if these are in fact the rules Frank was not sent home for threatning Marcel earlier, had he been sent home possibly last nights debacle could have been prevented.

As for Ilan and Elia how inmature they acted if they wanted to shave their heads fine but this was obviously on a whim and it shows me how unstable Elia really is and I wonder should she even be trusted around fire or knives. At this point even though I believe that Sam is a grungy and childish wimp he should be the winner. He comes up with very interesting and appealing dishes so he should win. Marcel is a pest and get's under peoples skin but even if he didn't he just does not execute his dishes well enough to be Top Chef.

Lastly to Cliff I have one thing to say to him Payback is a Mother, it was all Karma for how he treated Mia.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 3:25 PM

george c wrote:

Ok, Ok!!! Yes Cliff had Marcel in a full nelson and Marcel was scarred...so what. I think Tom should have chewed all of them out and if he wanted to let someone go, and it was Cliff, then base it on the food. I am disappointed in the whole thing because just like last year, it seems those who are passive aggressive, like Tiffany and Marcel, get a pass and the others who have to suffer from it are left....that's right boiling or getting the shoe. As for the so-called "assault" I think a mountain was made out of a mole-hill. Marcel was not hurt, a little scarred, but not physically hurt. I have seen girls go thru more than he did and they reacted to it by, you guessed it, fighting back. Later on everyone was fine. I guess my point is this, as I watched a couple of weeks ago, Sam and Elian cursed Marcel out in public as well as in the loft. No one was sent home after that. Did that not qualify as "aggressive", "mean", "verbal assault"? What about Marcel on the roof and his rant or poem? Ah, I guess you can do things like that. Last year Tiffany turned off ovens, lied about development of dishes and she made it all the way to the finals. Cliff gets into a little rough housing and gets canned. Tom even though the right choice was Cliff because of his food, a little rough housing did not mean Cliff was trying to hurt Marcel. No one said "Let him go." or "Ok, that's enough." We all have to stand up for ourselves and I agree in your statement that the only way evil is victorious is for good men to stand by and do nothing is true...so I ask is Marcel a good man? Food for thought? Good show but lets make sure we are being consistent in our behavior and how behavior is judged.

George

posted on January 18, 2007 at 3:26 PM

Deb G wrote:

Chef,

I enjoyed the show last night. I am NOT going to comment on the "prank" that they played on Marcel (only because everyone else has)
The only thing I wanted to comment on was Elia's dessert and how she tried to fix it 'last minute".... I specifically remember from the 7 Deadly Sins episode that EIan tried to salvage his desert and you guys told him that if something about the dish doesn't work get rid of it instead of ruining the whole thing. Well Elia and Sam used their imaginations to Salvage the "Chocolate Heart" portion of her dish, but, all the judges did was tear into it .. like she had commited a crime, not serving her dish exactly the way she stated it on the menu ... "the only crime was a drunk Cliff assaulting Marcel" How many times have you or anyone gone to a restuarant and ordered a dish and it didn't come out of the kitchen looking exactly like the picture or exactly like the description.
She was able to think on her feet (with help from Sam) and that I think is a very IMPORTANT quality in a chef!! ADAPT AND OVERCOME !!!!!!

Love the Show Chef and will continue watching!!!!!!!!!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 3:26 PM

Christina wrote:

Marcel hasn't done anything to deserve his treatment whatsoever. The worst thing he has done is to say that his team didn't need leadership. Period.

Personally I think Ilan is a little hanger on who only acts nasty if he has his backup, Sam is as full of himslef as Marcel and a mean spirited an instigator who I think stated all this to take down Marcel - his biggest competition, and Cliff is curt, rude and unfriendly.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 3:26 PM

E.L. wrote:

Hi! Much as I can't stand Marcel, the other chefs' behavior was way out of line. I feel like I need to point out, however, that I remember Sam telling Cliff to stop. I can't help but wonder if Sam chose not to pull Cliff off because of the whole "don't put your hands on the other contestants" clause. I, too, remember Elia saying she wouldn't participate. I only wish Marcel had been awake and made the choice to shave his head - that X-Men Wolverine haircut has to go!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 3:29 PM

Barbara Adams wrote:

Thanks, Tom, for another insightful blog. I would agree with you that no respect can be held for Clif, Ilan, Elia or Sam. There were 4 wonderful chefs left at the end of the first Top Chef program, and these 4 are quite a sorry contrast. Maybe in casting the future programs more care will be given to finding mature individuals.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 3:31 PM

Deborah wrote:

Wow! I am glad to see at least one person involved with the show say that all involved in the assault should have been sent home and the title automatically awarded to Marcel.

That's exactly what should have happened.

That the producer's vetoed the idea only shows that they are more interested in preserving their precious little show, and it's ratings and drama, than in preserving the safety of a human being. Badly done!! And after reading the opinions of the majority of viewers posting here, I think they know that now.

I applaud you for being willing to show up the producers for what they are by letting us all know what really happened re: the producers in their response, or lack thereof, to the incident. Very classy move on your part.

I will be checking in to see if Marcel wins -- I hope!!! But I don't plan on watching Season 3. I really enjoyed this show, but Season 2 has gotten increasingly ugly and has culminated in violence and assault (let's not forget that Marcel has been threatened with physical violence before, and has suffered psychological abuse all season). I just can't countenance supporting the show anymore by continuing to watch it.

I'm curious if your sponsors read this blog, and how many of them will pull their sponsorship from the show? All of them, I hope.

I also hope Marcel sues Bravo for every penny he can possibly get. He's handled himself very well during the prolonged torture session. I live in Seattle, WA and am proud to call him a fellow Pacific Northwesterner.

I hope to get a chance to eat some of Marcel's food some day, but I wouldn't touch a dish made by the other contestants if I were just coming off a 30-day hunger strike.

posted on January 18, 2007 at 3:31 PM

Nan wrote:

Dear Chef Tom:
Was appalled by the behavior of the finalists. I'm guessing stress led to their letting loose inappropriately. Cliff's behavior,though, may have been an assault for which Marcel can press charges at a future date. Since we didn't get full viewing of all that went on, the producers must have been privy to it and should have seen this coming. Cliff, if you noticed in prior episodes, berated and showed his rage with his peers and intimidated them constantly. I wouldn't be surprised if he has a personal background history of abuse to others.

Since we don't get the full taping view, I think other people do not pick up on the nuances of Marcel's behavior. It's childish and selish. If anyone noticed in last night's episode, he placed his grocery bags right in the way of the other contestants, in an already very small place - essentially HOGGING all the room to prevent others from performing, then he refused (on camera) to assist anyone else with plating. His peers in turn, wanted/desired to turn about and give him the same payback, but you'll notice, Sam and at least, Elia, maybe even Ilan re-thought it and decided to help after all, thus being the better person for it. Marcel has his cooking moments, but he has an obnoxious ego and selfishness about him, that should weigh in on decisions about his performance. It shouldn't be just about who did the best cooking of the food, if they were uncooperative, selfish and/or intimidating to their peers. Look back on the episodes where Sam got picked as best in quickfire, or best on the team - and there's Marcel, mouthing off how he didn't need anyone else's advice or help, and it was all HIM

posted on January 18, 2007 at 3:32 PM

Eric wrote:

Why not keep Marcel, dismiss the other four, and bring back the last 3 eliminated chefs, Michael, Betty, and Mia (better yet, forget Betty and bring back Frank), for the finale in Hawaii?

posted on January 18, 2007 at 3:32 PM

Marjoriewa wrote:

Oh, I want to add - a radio station that hosted a water drinking contest is being sued because one contestant died and the other contestants got "water poisoning." I hope your producers keep this in mind the next time verbal violence turns into bullying which escalates to assault because decent people refused to speak up or stop it!

posted on January 18, 2007 at 3:32 PM

Thea wrote:

Chef Tom,

As an avid viewer of the show, it would have been a better example to send the four home. Bullying is a very serious problem here in the states and I find it much worst that p