whatwhat wrote:

props for spelling palate properly, it's a word that shows up that often in the top chef blogs as its visual arts cousin

posted on August 2, 2007 at 2:59 PM

Pete Wung wrote:

Oh Tony, you have said a mouthful, eloquently, compactly, and viciously. I love it. On Rocco, on Joey, on Hung and on all that happened in that abortion of a challenge. Kudos to you. I am forever in awe.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 3:19 PM

citygirl wrote:

Tom! Wow. That was a fan-freaking-tastic take-down. So glad to know I wasn't the only one cringing my way through the awful shill-fest, pointless challenge, and pretentious guest judge-ing last night!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 3:23 PM

James Russell wrote:

My God Tom, you can write; and write well. The precision of your knife and fork skills clearly translates into the literary craft. I just have one question: where to you get your shirts, especially the neo-paisley number you wore during Cliff's dismissal (Jesus, the arms on that guy!...I digress)?

james

posted on August 2, 2007 at 3:24 PM

steelemagnolia wrote:

Meow! Thank you, Tom, for a post that exposes what really happened last night. I appreciate your candor. This was a welcome reprieve from the gratuitous xantham gun that too often blogs these pages.

This challenge was was waste of talent.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 3:25 PM

citygirl wrote:

Ooh sorry, should've opened with "Chef Bourdain!" not " Tom!"

posted on August 2, 2007 at 3:25 PM

Nilo wrote:

You went *there*?!? That's why you're the man! David Gest, indeed!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 3:26 PM

stephanie wrote:

Yay! Bourdain's back!! Hi Chef!

And as always, you have me spitting my Fresca across my keyboard as I read your wit and sarcasm.

I think I'll cry if Hung wins this thing. I'd like to see Tre or CJ pull this one out from under him, and I'll be a very happy girl.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 3:27 PM

Virginia wrote:

I love you! Your commentary and insights are scathing and accurate. Your blog is a joy to read.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 3:33 PM

stephanie wrote:

One other thing I forgot to mention...

Joey mentioning that he'd throw someone "Over" the bus at this point in the game?

Totally priceless!

Bet he could throw Hung over that bus without a problem!

Heave - Ho Hung!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 3:35 PM

Steven wrote:

I loved the way Howie jumped up to console Joey. He's gruff but lovable. Win this one for Joey!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 3:36 PM

Kaysie wrote:

I read somewhere online that Rocco's plummet down to the level of peddling frozen food was similar to that of the evil chef in the animated rat movie out right now. If there is anything that gets on my nerves about Top Chef, it's the blatant product placement and internal marketing constantly going on within the show. This episode went beyond just dropping lines like "pack this up in your Gladware and hop in your Rav4s" to actually using this product nonsense as a way to judge the contestants, and it's starting to get tiresome. I would assume if the internal marketing goes much further, they could eventually show it "commerical free." I won't be watching anymore, at that point.

Tony you are awesomely right, all the time.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 3:37 PM

patsy wrote:

product expansion indeed........what a joke. it has turned into a glitzy show ever since padmas arrival! sexy chef my butt...........ok venting over more or less. what i want to know tony is: how much longer do we have to see howie sweat into the food before someone, anyone, says anything? this is soooo disgusting i can barely watch when the camera is on him......please tell me something is going to be done about this?
thanks

posted on August 2, 2007 at 3:46 PM

crazylove wrote:

Yes! Yes, to everything you said. Thank you for saying what everyone was thinking about last night. The other blogs that are up so far have tried to defend the 'frozen dinner' concept, but I was disgusted. These are great chefs (Tre was a Beard Rising Star nominee), and for them to waste their talents like that in the name of product placements was terrible. I don't understand Rocco at all; the man can cook, and everyone says he's wildly talented when he wants to be, so why prostitute his talent that way? Anyway, I also wanted to tell you that I'm glad someone else thinks Hung is the chef to beat.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 3:48 PM

Mary wrote:

At last! A blogger who writes succinctly, eloquently, passionately, and is so incredibly right about it all. My thanks, Mr. Bourdain, my deepest thanks.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 3:51 PM

Alpha wrote:

What fearless and clever writing, yummy to read and delightful to digest. Please continue on - frankness with wit is so rare in a reality based show.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 3:55 PM

Julia wrote:

Your comments are perfect; my heart broke for Joey. You're right about Hung...he is a terrific cook and very bright. What you haven't noticed is Howie is the one the other chefs don't like. Hung appears to be low key with the chefs and only acts out when the "game" starts. He seems to want it so badly that he forgets good manners.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 4:00 PM

laura wrote:

immensely entertaining blog, tony, but god, please stop! i just don't know how much more of you my boyfriend is willing to take before he gives me the boot. i watch at least one episode of 'no reservations' every evening, have 'kitchen confidential' on my nightstand and am carrying a copy of 'a cook's tour' in my purse. last night, i *rewatched* the first episode of 'top chef season 3,"' just to see you. the show's pretty good, but not *that* good. i gush about you to friends, family and co-workers--which is truly embarrassing-- because i don't even cook! i wish i knew how to quit you....

posted on August 2, 2007 at 4:08 PM

laura wrote:

immensely entertaining blog, tony, but god, please stop! i just don't know how much more of you my boyfriend is willing to take before he gives me the boot. i watch at least one episode of 'no reservations' every evening, have 'kitchen confidential' on my nightstand and am carrying a copy of 'a cook's tour' in my purse. last night, i *rewatched* the first episode of 'top chef season 3,"' just to see you. the show's pretty good, but not *that* good. i gush about you to friends, family and co-workers--which is truly embarrassing-- because i don't even cook! i wish i knew how to quit you....

posted on August 2, 2007 at 4:08 PM

Marilyn wrote:

Tony, thanks for another highly enjoyable recap. And for the title! A Clash reference is always welcome.

At the beginning of the season, I couldn't wait for Joey's knifing. But he slowly won me over, and I was genuinely sad to see the big lug go.

I just hope that the show hasn't irreparably damaged its credibility by having Rocco Dispirited as a guest judge. Your last paragraph was wonderful. It was the studio lights that he flew too close to.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 4:13 PM

Janine Clarke wrote:

So glad to see Mr. Bourdain posting. I love an articulate man! And I loved the comment on Rocco. What is up with the frozen face? I still hated to see Joey go.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 4:14 PM

shawn spencer wrote:

What I want to know is Who is the most annoying Chef from the poll last night. Hey I worked hard at typing in Hung's name my allowed 10 times so who was the winner or I guess loser lol

Also why all the animosity towards Rocco? I heard several crass comments about him and saw some eye rolling when they saw him. Is it that many of the chefs think he is nothing more then some average chef who just got lucky or some kind of clown? Thanks

posted on August 2, 2007 at 4:24 PM

AeM wrote:

Frozen Love Juice?
LOL!

Entertaining and insightful as usual, Mr. Bourdain.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 4:26 PM

Timothy wrote:

Ah, the Bertolli-sponsored little shell of a man making a comeback...warmed my heart to see he was still a twink - though TC should be careful of such integrity millstones they choose to hang around their collective necks.

Every contestant likely has more integrity in the spit they leave on the finger they just dipped in their sauce...

posted on August 2, 2007 at 4:32 PM

Phong wrote:

I enjoy reading your blog, but you only comment on the contestants. Can you blog on the judges also? Specifically, do you think they are always fair? I personally think Gail is out to get Hung dismissed.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 4:35 PM

michelle wrote:

Amen! I absolutely hated last night's episode. Rocco Despirito???? being able to identify bow tie pasta and oatmeal makes you a chef? Make a pasta dinner and freeze it??? WTF? Why, huh? What a waste of good talents and an hour of my time (excuse me, an hour and 15 minutes). Ironically this Elimination Cracker Jack challenge had the fat prize at the end to boot. I would have felt more fulfilled if the Latin Lunch challenge had coughed up a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula for the winners. At least the LL challenge required more cooking skills than what every working mother already knows how to do w/ their ziplock baggies at home(at least mine did). I can't figure out why it was Joey instead Sara who got the ax, but I can only gather that the judges discussed the out come at length in order to conclude the show the way they did. If I may suggest to the producers that maybe they should include more deliberating action in the show instead of meaningless snippids of trash talking from the contestants.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 4:35 PM

overoverdone wrote:

Joey is an idiot. How can you wax poetic about 300 pounds of insecurity and aggression? And he works with knives?!
His bull headed stupidity lost the challenge. Yes, it was a cheesy crappy challenge but ...

I can't imagine ever having to work with such lumbering hulk of dumb. Ghah... Have the cigarettes finally choked the oxygen out of your brain?

posted on August 2, 2007 at 4:37 PM

Bets wrote:

YAY! That has got to be the comment to be quoted!

"Rocco's Frozen Love Juice!" You are killin' me here!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 4:40 PM

Judy Webb wrote:

Hello- I was disappointed in the judges decision. I think Casey and Sarah should have been gone and last night Joey left instead of Sarah. A great oppotunity missed. Since towards the end of last season the judges don't seem to have their decision agreeing with the comments made at the judges table.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 4:41 PM

bets wrote:

Nothing like hitting send before you are done editing. This was a great post!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 4:42 PM

Matt S. wrote:

Mr. Bourdain, or if I may, Tony- I hope you read this. I just want to let you know that reading your book 'Kitchen Confidential' changed my life in so many ways. I'm sure you've been told that by countless individuals, but I see know other way of letting you know the impact your work has had on me over the past few years. Thank you for doing what you do. Les Halles is where I dine to celebrate special occasions and I hope you do cook in a restaurant again someday.

Cheers.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 4:43 PM

littletree wrote:

Thank you for calling a spade a spade. I've almost turned off my television several times when these challenges become little more than glorified commercials. Some of the judges' blogs even read like commericals, touting the benefits of this frozen pasta! Are you kidding me?

posted on August 2, 2007 at 4:51 PM

Lon wrote:

Actually, the Freezer Burn segment was my favorite so far this season. I liked how the people won; I felt sorry for the people who lost. It really showed off chef personalities. The number of survivors has shrunk to the point where I can relate better to the show.

15 is too many. Where there's only one Quickfire winner, one elimination loser and one elimination winner (per show), it's hard to figure out most of the contestants until this point in the show. Now we can see who has the most potential. Casey has really impressed me along with Brian, CJ and Tre. Casey looks good, she has a great personality and appears to be a fine chef.

15 chefs also means too many challenges that stray too far from the type of work a Top Chef really does. While they are entertaining, I find unbelievable that a Top Chef would really do "treats" for a sex shop party (season 1), or redo items from a Convenience Store (season 1), vending machine (season 2), or prepared frozen meals (seasons 1 and 3). I understand the purpose is to test originality and the ability the adapt, but we're stretching here.

While I appreciate that "real" chefs operate at a very high level, most of us (a) can not afford to eat like that all the time, and (b) have other jobs that restrict our cooking time. Sometimes have a good frozen meal is what keeps us alive.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 5:02 PM

Nickie wrote:

I have never been much of a fan of Tom, but after the last episode, I think he is even more of an A$$. How can he say that Truffles are not Mediterranean? I mean come on. Is he saying that Italy is not a Mediterranean country? I give Rocco many props for standing up to that idiot. Tom...get a friggin' clue!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 5:02 PM

Amy Sisson wrote:

I'm sorry, I don't understand all these references to Rocco's love juices, and tragic Icarus-like trajectory. I guess I'll go google him to see what I can find...

I'm also not sure where your obvious distate for this particular episode comes from. You say you sympathize with Hung's contempt for the challenge, and that this was a contest you would have been proud to lose. Is is because you find the blatent product placement distasteful? I understand if so, but I'm not sure how it's different than last season's TGI Friday challenge, or this season's product-placed cocktails Quickfire challenge.

I enjoy watching you on the show and reading your blog; I'm afraid I'm just baffled by your entry this week.

Thanks!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 5:02 PM

Sebrina wrote:

Thanks again for your insight. Although, I thought Tre and CJ's dish did look good. However, I am not an expert. I'll leave that to you and other TC chefs and judges (smile). Thanks again and I can't wait until next week.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 5:05 PM

newyorkmiddleagemom wrote:

Top Chef has become an addiction--but the Tony Bourdain comments make it all that much better. I must confess that some of the preparations this week look a little like our family dinners. And there's no Top Chef cooking around here. On Top Chef and Ruhlman--these comments are sharp, witty, humorous...my adjectives are so inferior to yours!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 5:06 PM

Lisa in Tx wrote:

I really love that you're obviously not restricted here in terms of calling it as you see it. This was, indeed, not a challenge for a chef. This is something the home cook confronts often, and knows how to prepare and freeze, but you don't want restaurant meals re-assembled like this.

I've done it, because I make my family's Sicilian recipes for myself, and in quantity so I can have my favorite soups and dishes easily after work. And I've long known the trick of freezing the ingredients seperately. For the home cook, this has the added benefit of being able to buy certain ingredients when they're in season, since we don't always have (affordble) access to these out of season. So Grandmom's Squash Soup gets frozen in parts - the tomato base in one, the veggies in another - and reassembled and finished with the "egg sponge" fresh.

Heck, I'll buy the ingredients when they are in season, even if I don't have the rest - and prepare those - and eventually have the complete dish in my freezer! In individual portions, so I can serve just the 2 of us.

Yes, it's better when it's ALL fresh. But life doesn't always allow that. So we learn :)

I don't think I'd be wrong in saying that a lot of pro chefs don't do as much cooking at home, at least not like most folks do. I'd think that eat out a lot, and if they cook at home, it's all fresh. This season, we really do have all *chefs*, not homemakers who can cook really well, or 'novelty contestants'. This challenge wasn't really good for this crowd.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 5:14 PM

Pat West wrote:

Stupidist challenge I have ever seen! Next year better improve or I'm not watching. The only thing that could keep me interested is if Anthony Bourdain would become a regular at Judges' Table.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 5:18 PM

Tami wrote:

Tony,

I agree with everything you wrote. What a shame for Joey to have to go when he is clearly a very talented chef. I got choked up myself with his emotion at the end. He should feel very proud of himself. And what is with Rocco??? Could his head get any bigger??

posted on August 2, 2007 at 5:18 PM

brian wrote:

i take it you really don't like that Rocco guy.

i have to admit i am always surprised when i see the contestants smoking, it has to effect their ability in the kitchen. being there is so much on the line you would think they would be after every advantage they could get and not be actively hindering their chances.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 5:21 PM

Laura wrote:

I love you Anthony Bourdain - your take on the action is always true and as well as a fun read!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 5:22 PM

Daryl wrote:

Was it just me or did the some of the contestants seem to exhibit casual (or not so casual) contempt for Rocco?

As an aside to whatwhat, so do we take away points because of his misuse of "baited breath", should have been "bated breath"?

posted on August 2, 2007 at 5:24 PM

Southpaw wrote:

As much as I don't like Hung, even I felt bad for him. He distinctly told Ginzo to freeze the sauce in little pieces, and like an idiot, he totally ignored Hung and puddled the sauce on top of the pasta and froze everything together. Was he not listening at the beginning?....didn't everyone learn the first step -- which was that everything was frozen separately? He deserved to pack it up because of that...it was a completely stupid move on his part. And, aren't stupid moves what everyone's trying to avoid -- so they can win?

posted on August 2, 2007 at 5:26 PM

Mo wrote:

Are the judges on the panel smoking or drunk? I'm a grandmother who watch the show each week and for the first time I pissed-off with your decision to eliminate Joey and not the 'DO-NOTHING-BUT-WHINE" Sara M. Her excuse is "I'm from Jamaica". Well so am I and..."she nuh need feh deh pon deh show noh longer". That's Jamaican for..See Yah!

I was upset in season 2 when you gave top chef to the chef who cook Spanish foods...Period, Sam should have been top chef of season 2. But you were "SPOT-ON" when you chose Harold in season one, then again season one chefs were the best ever, they could COOK

posted on August 2, 2007 at 5:29 PM

Tiff wrote:

Tony, Rocco didnt look like David Gest! He is great looking at age 41.

I must be so numbed by all the constant subliminal advertising messages here and there that I completely accepted last night's ostentatious Bertolli marketing scheme as a brilliant show idea. Although I love you, Tony, I have to say I was happy to see Rocco's cute face along with Joey's departure. Joey is a big baby who needs to get burped by his mama. And I almost cheered out loud when CJ and Tre were announced the winners. Finally, people with more smarts and maturity, without ego and drama. They effing deserved it.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 5:32 PM

FDR wrote:

Wow, that was a pretty precarious final paragraph about Rocco. Rather than hide behind obscure analogies, why don't you just say what you REALLY FEEL, not just about Rocco but about the product placement that you freely participate in every week on Top Chef.

Just come out with it, already - you are losing your dignity when a fine chef such as yourself judges other fine chefs while shilling cheap pseudo-Italian frozen meals. The fact that they think real people pat themselves on the back and think they accomplished something when they reheat a synthetic mess of a meal is an insult to the general public. If that is the main selling point of that particular brand of frozen dinner, then I am not buying. And if you don't believe in selling it, just simply say it.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 5:34 PM

rae ann wrote:

loved your title's homage to The Clash. great song, entertaining comments as always. never thought i'd ever see rocco dispirito on television again. with bertolli presenting rocco online instead of on air, i guess they do too.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 5:37 PM

Bill G wrote:

Can someone explain the disagreement between Chef Tom and Rocco about Italian vs. Mediterranean? I'm naturally inclined to take Tom's side but is Italy not part of the Mediterranean?
Casey was impressive last night but I think Sara N. is going to surprise a lot of people and be there in the end. She still seems to be trying to find her Top Chef Rhythm while flying under the radar but I have the feeling she really knows her stuff. Hung will implode at some point.

Bill

posted on August 2, 2007 at 5:59 PM

borbor wrote:

Joey got robbed. What a bull***t challenge. Yes he should have paid attention and frozen everything separately, but Hung was no help. Sara the cheesemaker should have gone home she contributed little but whining and nit-picking. Rocco is an egomaniac. Why was he even at the quickfire challenge? He didn't do any tasting or judging! He just stood there with a smug look on his new face. He's supposed to be a world-class chef and he did nothing but taste and critique frozen entrees, in between starring in numerous commercials for his corporate masters. BTW Rocco, they didn't get your new eyelids to match very well. That surgeon needs to work on his knife skills.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 6:00 PM

CincyMom wrote:

Oh! This weeks comments are absolutely delicious. I can't believe that those contestants had such a case of ADD that they couldn't remember to individually freeze the ingredients. Amazing! But not quite as amazing as the chef who couldn't remember that fresh pineapple and gelatin don't mix.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 6:01 PM

Huge wrote:

I heart you, Anthony Bourdain. Thank you for saying everything I would have said, except much smarter and funnier.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 6:09 PM

julietg wrote:

Yes! Bourdain 10 Rocco zip!

It's so nice to have a blogger that doesn't have to toe the sponsor line. Would that you were a permanent fixture. But then you'd probably have to say how much you LIKED the frozen challenge, and that frozen bags of pasta are the WAVE OF THE FUTURE, I guess...

Promise you'll never turn sponsor shill, OK?

posted on August 2, 2007 at 6:13 PM

Ally wrote:

My friends and I look forward each week to see who is packing their knives. It has become a bit of a tradition a good meal and a great show. For the most part we have sided with the judges, but last night we were really surprised to see Joey go. We all felt it was an unfair call. Joey has come a long way in a short time, we felt although the meal wasn't great he did his job unlike Sara. She didn't pull her weight. Shame on the judges.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 6:17 PM

Tricia wrote:

I was so very sad to see Joey go. I know that decision couldn't have yours or Padma's... Joey was way too good of a chef to let go over Sarah! WHY is she still there!??Get rid of her already. I'm starting to lose faith in the show, and if Howie goes before Sarah or Sara N., I will certainly not understand.
Anyway, I love your personality and the way you deal with issues. You are the Top Chef in my book.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 6:24 PM

julia wrote:

you are wonderful. I thought Rocco was really good last night and I enjoyed the little "give and take"with TomC at the judges table.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 6:25 PM

eden wrote:

You're invited to watch Top Chef in my living room any time. You articulate better than I do the sentiments that we share... I just haller "Not Rocco" at the TV. The overt product placement is starting to get on my nerves, but I can't stop watching the show. I'll deal with it.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 6:33 PM

Dana wrote:

Haha! That line about the "highway safety film" was classic.

Sara needs to go next week. That would be at least three weeks too late. Four weeks and we will be bordering on an injustice that could rival Ilan's winning of Season 2 (needless to say, that one will never be topped!).

posted on August 2, 2007 at 6:34 PM

flaming_mo wrote:

Thank you, thank you, thank you for writing so concisely some of the observations I have also made concerning some of the contestants this season. I also appreciate your pointing out some of the valuable lessons that could be learned either by the contestants, or viewers of this program. While the shilling this season has not been as bad as previous seasons, this last challenge was almost as tacky as Season 2's T.G.I. Friday's competition.
As for Rocco, from Food and Wine's Best New Chef to pimping frozen pasta that doesn't even bare his name on the product; what a fall. What was the brand name again? Bertolli, or Hubris?
Here's hoping that he'll eventually learn his lesson, climb back up and make some good food again.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 6:36 PM

luv2stride wrote:

Bravo Chef Tom! Rocco Dispirito tanked in a big way w/his former reality show and was really surprised to see him on Top Chef. Glad to read this was a bit of an abberation for the show, which has always been great....except for last season's hazing incident....let's not go there.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 6:36 PM

Dana wrote:

Excellent recap! And you mentioned something that I've been curious about for a while -- chefs smoking. I've watched every episode of every season of Top Chef and I'm amazed at how many chefs smoke. These people brag about their extensive palates, but how discerning can your palate be if it's coated in nicotine?

posted on August 2, 2007 at 6:39 PM

Lori Burnett wrote:

Rocco / David Gest... once I saw through the glass darkly, but now my eyes can see. Anthony, you always articulate so well what we feel. As a former viewer of Rocco's "Restaurant" and currrently your "No Reservations" , the authenticity meter reads true. You put the Real in reality TV. Hugs To Joey, and thanks for lifting him up when he must feel down. Hung was being honorable in a way, by not attacking Joey, and I think he was expecting someone on the other team to go. (I wish it had been Sara)

posted on August 2, 2007 at 6:40 PM

Ashley wrote:

So Anthony, I have a question.
Shortly after this season of Top Chef began, I had this dream that Casey came to my house and told me that Hung and Joey were dating. Do you think that makes me a tad bit...insane?

posted on August 2, 2007 at 6:40 PM

Ang wrote:

Are Rocco and Gail dating? I'm not sure if it was the handy work of the camera operator but... It looked like Gail was at her flirty best with Rocco at the other end of the table.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 6:40 PM

pat wrote:

Thank you, Tony, thank you. For saying what said Gail and, even more disappointingly, Ted, would not about Rocco. I found this episode to be a Top Chef low brow, lowpoint. What the?? Let's bring out the Bertolli pitchman who long ago lost all the street cred he ever had - the guy has been shilling gourmet CAT FOOD for God's sake - to have chefs make frozen pasta. Geez, Louise, he turned the entire episode into a frigging infomercial. Frozen pasta. Now, really. Ponder that for just one minute. Is this a Sandra Lee episode? Funniest part of the night - Rocco trying to explain how frozen pasta (Bertolli, that is) and Home Meal Replacement (Bertolli home meal replacement, that is) is oh-so important now. Colicchio looked - and maybe I was just hoping - a little peeved. The Big Roc certainly earned his paycheck.Now, he can go get more eyebrow waxing done and dye his hair as orange as Carrot Top's. But the viewers got screwed. Who's the judge next week? Ron Popeil? Will Top Chef hand out Veg-o-matics?

posted on August 2, 2007 at 6:54 PM

Jim wrote:

Tony, I love ya dude, but are you sure your breath was 'baited'? Mine was bated. It didn't smell at all.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 6:59 PM

J. Gonzalez wrote:

Right on, Anthony. I was shocked to see Tony go when all he was guilty of was tuning out Hung....! Rocco - was there to pitch his Bertoli deal. I guess a man has to eat. I think I'm going to pick up a bag of that....whatchamacallit? Never mind. Keep blogging Mr. Bourdain, you rock!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 7:02 PM

~Anna wrote:

awwww sumbody misses his weedle Rocco.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 7:03 PM

Mitzi Fenno wrote:

To the below poster, this post is actually full of spelling errors..."bated" isn't spelled correctly. And it's heckling, not hectoring. Tom, I know some ESL summer intern is probably transcribing and butchering your blog, so I can't blame you...and we love you on the East Coast!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 7:05 PM

Emily Goodman wrote:

Amen to Anthony Boudrain's blog, "Lost in the Supermarket."...and thank God for chefs who can write:)

posted on August 2, 2007 at 7:10 PM

elle smith wrote:

Tom, no matter how much I disagreed with you in the past....your raking of Rocco was brilliant. I have similar thoughts about the man. Props to all those that get recognition from their peers without seeking it. While I may disagree with you again, I will NEVER question your intentions. You sir....are a gentleman and a chef!!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 7:21 PM

kathy from austin wrote:

Sheesh, I feel like I need to bathe after that episode.

I liked the quickfire. I liked the pace, and by and large it was interesting (note to Howie: when you identify a cheese slicer, go nice on the contestant who nailed the farafelle). Hung perhaps also learned, along with throwing people under the bus, a modicum of humility with the celery seed blunder.

But why on earth they would eliminate Joey rather than Sara is a mystery to me. First, he's a much more interesting character. I know, I know, it's about how you did tonight. Sara bitched and moaned, but really brought very little to the table. I would have been embarassed to let my co-chef do all the work as Howie did in the supermarket. Sara has displayed very little creativity or guts during the entireity of season 3. Yet Joey has won several quickfires and has been in the finals for many elimation rounds. As I said, I know it is about tonight, but Harold has pointed out in his blog that there is no doubt that historical performance, even at a subconscious level, plays a part in the judging. How could it not?

Tony, love your insight, honesty and respect your love of food. You are truly a breath of fresh air for this blog and if Bravo is smart, they will snap you up at whatever capacity you'd allow.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 7:25 PM

petra wrote:

Oh for god's sake it's "bated" breath, NOT "baited". Unless you're trying to catch something in your big ol' trap. Sheesh.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 7:39 PM

Morgaine Swann wrote:

C'mon, Tony, don't hold back - tell us how you really feel about Rocco! Damn!

I feel bad for Rocco, though - I thought he was treated very shabbily by Jeffery Chodorow, though I know no one in the industry can afford to say that. Since he was actually on Top Chef one time, I'm sure no one there will say anything against him.

This was yet another challenge that measured something other than one's skill as a chef, and they're tiresome. I want to see what these people can do when they really let loose - I don't care what they can make out of the crap in the vending machine nor do I expect a French chef to prepare the world's best Arroz. I do expect a chef not to sweat in the food, though, and to be careful when using sharp objects.

My favorite challenge of the three seasons was when they went to Julia's kitchen in Napa and got to cook with truffles and rare wine. I notice they didn't waste such fine ingredients or surroundings on the childish Season 2 finalists. Do you think they'll get back to making wonderful food at some point this season? So far, it's not looking all that promising.

Hung is talented but his arrogance will do him in pretty soon. My money is on Tre. His food is always good and he's quiet - he's going to let the others hang themselves and waltz away with it all.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 7:47 PM

SHERRYL wrote:

Look at the Facts Hung really needs to be a prep cook! Chef NOT!!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 7:48 PM

petra wrote:

Actually, Mitzi Fenno, "hectoring" is correct. Please check a dictionary and have your ESL summer intern read the definition for you.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 7:48 PM

aajay wrote:

And maybe Sara and Hung are just plain scared of those two crazy B**t**ds. And they are HUGE as well as mean!! Joey got kicked off because it was his dish AND it was LOUSY!. Maybe Sara's dish was lousy but it was NOT her creation. I would have been happy to see Joey, Hung and Howie go last night.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 8:04 PM

samforpresident wrote:

Hung was hung out to dry! I can't believe that Hung had to defend Joey's inattentiveness and victimhood! I have to admit, I have not been a fan of Hung this season, but I don't think he deserved what he got! Granted Joey got ousted, but let's be real about what this is. These are TOP CHEF's working with each other. They don't work in partnership. They are the bosses and their sous chefs and cooks and prep staff do what they are told. Hung is not Joey's mother. He shouldn't have to keep insisting that Joey do things his way. If it was agreed in the beginning that that was how it was going to done, Joey should be mature and take the responsibility for not listening and for not honoring what they as peers agreed they would do. And while we're on the subject of mothers, Sara needs to get off her high horse and start competing. That woman is in this competition by default. She has been consistently in the bottom and has offered absolutely nothing to this competition. She's a complainer, bossy, and has no respect for any one else. If this starts going down the path of last season where Marcel ended up in the final two by sheer luck, that would be a travesty. If there were an award for Medicore Chef, she would win.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 8:07 PM

scout wrote:

Tony, you're my favorite celebrity chef, ever. Your pithy prose delights me on a continual basis, and you are the only thing I've ever encountered that makes me nostalgic for New Jersey. Thank you for your lovely blog entries as well as your books and your own incredible show.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 8:14 PM

Josh wrote:

On last nights episode, I may have missed this but will the winners be having their dish made as a Bertoli product to be bought? That should be an added bonus.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 8:22 PM

Stephanie wrote:

Chef Bourdain,

As always, you make my day!
Brilliant, insightful, yet biting.
Perfect as always. Perfectly Bourdain.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 8:26 PM

Josh wrote:

I have to ask....And I trust your judgement on this.

What is the perfect Root Beer?

posted on August 2, 2007 at 8:38 PM

Hal wrote:

"You haven't heard the last of me"...unfortunately Joey, I think we have. You need to lose your stubborness and learn how to LISTEN. And it all came out in the end - you're not soo tough after all. I found your constant need to remind everyone that you're "Italian" and that you're "from NYC" was not only annoying, but masked some deep insecurities about yourself, your manhood. And I just don't understand - why be so hostile and aggressive all the time and then exit in a blubbering mess? Instead of touching, I found it to be strange, awkward, and embarrassing. Mike Schmidt-esque.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 8:48 PM

kelly moran wrote:

tom,
do you, or don't you, like rocco di spirito? i can't tell from your blog!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 8:49 PM

Sheryl wrote:

Tom, wow, that was a great post. I really do feel bad for Joey. I hate to see him leave. His tears at the end were heart felt. I had tears in my eyes too. I felt that Sara should have been the one to leave. She hardly contributed anything and just kept bossing Howie around the whole time. I must say I haven't been a big fan of Hungs. Tonight though, I felt bad for him. He had the right idea and just didn't realize, as Joey said, that he needed to bang Joey over the head to get him to understand the challenge. A sad night for Top Chef.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 9:11 PM

suzi wrote:

my first blog ever--to say, i disagree, truffles are found in the mediterranean.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 9:25 PM

Mark wrote:

Tom, Tom, Tom, Tom....

First, a friend of my said, "That Tom C. he's not a chef of the people when a steak at his place, just a steak mind you at Craft, costs $128." Don't be throwing too many stones.

Second, I still think I'll go with Rocco in my mix of guest judges for the winners smack down. Bravo will need him in the mix for the drama and his profile not to mention his talent as a cook.

And my good man, how is this any worse than making TV dinners for junior leaguers or a meal out of gumball machine? Come one now.

So, who thinks of these crazy things? Did Rocco insist on the product placement? A trip to Italy? Great. Bertolli? Who cares? I think we saw the Bertolli Rocco this night.

Meatballs? Well, they are on the side, or if you're feeling very American, on top of the pasta but in this case, there wasn't a choice and it's FROZEN FOOD, for cryin' out loud, so lighten up on that score.

BTW, I think you're an excellent writer. Very good blog. Well done.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 9:46 PM

Mark wrote:

Duh! Ooops. Etc. Me pongo rojo!

Will someone PLEASE get Mr. Bourdain a blog of his own. Come on people, they're cheap. Crips, get him two. Chop, chop.

Tom's a pretty good writer, too. Funny thing is, I thought entry this was in a very Tom like voice.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 9:50 PM

InyamoRian wrote:

People Chef Tom did not write the main blog entry... guest blogger Antony "Tony" Bourdain has been filling in for Chef Tom for the last few weeks.

Mr Bourdain - I was glad to see the new season of "No Reservations" begin. Your written words are as sharp as any knife and as much a pleasure to read as it is to eat a well cooked meal.

We can all be thankful that so far there are no brands being advertised on the chef's jackets... lets hope next week we don't see patches sewn on advertising the "I luv Rocco and Bertolli" club.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 10:13 PM

Kristy wrote:

Tom, I really don't like Rocco. I'm a Sicilian woman and I think he is a bit,well,I can't say. Is Joey single?

posted on August 2, 2007 at 10:16 PM

mark wrote:

Tony, I'm speachless. Only 1 word. AMEN!!!!! I'm going to Cafe des Artistes this weekend. New York is one of a kind brother.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 10:16 PM

Mark Mirra wrote:

Enter Rocco and Joey.
Padma looks sad.
"Rocco, please pack your knives and just go away"
Rocco exits crying, sucking his thumb and.
Fini
Short film by Mirra
Love you chef!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 10:25 PM

gh wrote:

I was so sorry to see Tony voted off. I felt it was not judged fairly and that Hung should have gone. If your just keeping him around for ratings your wrong. He repluses me and his comment about going both ways is totally disgusting and has no place on a food and family show and also shows a person that I would never go eat at his restaurant. He can't cook either at least Tony won few challenges. If your changing your ways to get ratings we will be tuning you off.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 11:13 PM

elle wrote:

I have a serious crush on you Anthony. I've read all your books and am living for these Top Chef blogs.

Did Bertoli stipulate that Rocco's face had to be FROZEN to match the product placement?

Everything Top Chef is supposed to teach us non-pros, but food lovers - WAS LOST in that horrible product last night? 10 minutes in a skillet? What's next's week challenge the White-Trash-See-What-You-Can-Do-With-Cheeze-Wiz squeeze off? LAME.

Keep blogging. We LOVE YOU!!!

posted on August 2, 2007 at 11:18 PM

Anita wrote:

Thanks so much for the honesty. I watched Rocco's show a few times and was just astounded to see him spiral downward through a combination of immaturity and narcissism. It seems somehow fitting that he was the impetus behind last night's ridiculous product placement episode. I was a little sad to see Joey go home but understood the reasoning. I have to wonder, though, is Howie developing into this season's Betty? or Mia? He is really becoming very unpleasant.

posted on August 2, 2007 at 11:24 PM

Kramer wrote:

Tony --

I know that you like the lack of obligation of perennial pinch-hitting: Ruhlman, Colicchio, etc. But there are many of us waiting for you to find your own place to write every day/week/fortnight.

Love the work.
-K

posted on August 2, 2007 at 11:56 PM

Nicole in Alaska wrote:

Chef, I love reading your blog -- very insightful :) Pop quiz for you -- this is a true test of your culinary knowledge and actually something that I recently found out about you and was quite impressed... so here goes: What is well known product comes from Cordova, Alaska?

posted on August 3, 2007 at 12:03 AM

Tami wrote:

Well, again the work of a brilliant thinker, although you said little of you opinion of Sarah and her work on last nights episode...curious what your thoughts were there.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 1:48 AM

Steve wrote:

Great reading your blogs Anthony !
I love the Rocco attacks.
No complaints from me with them.
Frozen Food challenge...UGH.
This season of "Top Chef" really isn't happening....at least for me.
I mean...is there really any "Top Chefs" here ?
And I agree with others that Season 2 suffered as well.
In retrospect, it appears there wasn't a "Top Chef" amongst that group.
And methinks...(although my favorite) even Harold seems a little OVERATED at this point from Season 1.
But, I enjoy watching the show though...and I suppose that's all that matters.
But still....well...it COULD be worse.
It could be that Train Wreck of a TV Show "Hell's Kitchen".
That show is so...BAD.
Any...(I repeat)...ANY of the current contestants on season 3 of "Top Chef" are BETTER than those knuckleheads still "competing" on "Hell's Kitchen".
Hmmm..I don't know.
Maybe they should put a LIMIT on "Top" shows (Top Chef, Project Runway, American Idol, etc....) ?
After while...it just becomes mediocre talent.
Talented but not..."TOP".

posted on August 3, 2007 at 2:04 AM

Susan L wrote:

Mr. Bourdain, you rock. Your wit and humor along with “telling it like it is” makes reading the blogs enjoyable. I usually skip the blog and go to the comments, but now I can’t wait to read your brilliant insight.

I’ve never liked Rocco Di (whatever). On his short-lived reality show, he sit his elderly mother in a corner of his restaurant to make meatballs, it made me ill, along with his entire lack of personality and apparently good judgment.

This last challenge was a bummer. My only dubious claim to fame in the cooking department is when I first got married I tried to boil eggs in the microwave. Needless to say my husband is the one doing all the cooking in the house. That said, I would never buy frozen pasta. The blatant commercialism of this challenge made Bravo look shameless.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 2:12 AM

nate wrote:

"There was no glory to be had last night. There were no winners. Not when everybody, contestants and judges alike, were left wiping Rocco's Frozen Love Juice off their faces at the end." Brilliant, man. I love how ridiculously honest you are. Refreshing.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 3:04 AM

realitybites wrote:

mitzi... don't you feel silly now?! It's Tony not Tom.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 4:13 AM

Lager wrote:

Certainly, this week's Top Chef was one of the most advertised of the series; and yet this "supersized" episode was quite disappointing. While I really don't mind product placements -the show has to make a juicy profit, and that is quite alright-, it was a mistake to focus the main challenge on the frozen food.

With regards to Mr. DiSpirito's downfall... I guess it's safe to blame it on Gourmet Magazine, it was them who gave them the cover all those years ago -I remember it from the recipes for English puddings and shortcakes it included, delicious!

Sad to see Joey go...by himself. After all, it was a team challenge... so both team members should've packed their knives. In the end, the only thing worth remembering of this episode is Chef Bourdain's blog about it. Hopefully, next week's episode will be better. Cheers!

posted on August 3, 2007 at 4:48 AM

Carol wrote:

Chef Tom,
Your eloquent assessment of Rocco's personality and Joey's exit was extraordinarily executed. Your words were poignant, well-chosen and went straight to the mind and heart. If you ever decide you want a job as an English teacher, drop me a line.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 7:00 AM

Nancy wrote:

At the beginning of the show I did not like Joey but he proved that he was a really good chef. I could not believe he had to leave; I did not want Hung to leave either though.
At one time Rocco was one of my favorite tv chefs. What has happened to him??? I hope he will wake up and go back to the sweet young man my daughters and I learned to love so. At that time he always seemed so humble and glad to be on his show but now he just seems so egotistical. Please wake up Rocco; we still do love you but not the new you.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 9:54 AM

JJ wrote:

Hi,

It was soooo sad when Joey was leaving......I was crying also. This is first season of TopChef that a contestant made me cry.
Under all Joey's anger / frustration / mean-ness / aggressive verbalosity in previous episodes, we find out he is just a frightened young man who wanted to be understood. The humanity!!!! Oh Joey! We love you Joey! The TopChef challenge is not just about cooking! It shows the contestants and its viewers the humanity, the dreams, the best, and the close - to - worst in all of the contestants.....and the contestants are just a mirror of perhaps a bit in all of us.
Happy cooking Joey, you gave it your 200%, good luck and best wishes for the bright future awaiting you.
Most sincerely,
JJ

posted on August 3, 2007 at 10:26 AM

Sam wrote:

I agree with you on Hung's talent but I no longer think he is the chef to beat. No way. 3rd or 4th place maybe. Thanks for the blog and I love you on the show too.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 10:38 AM

Mother Hubbard wrote:

Chef Bourdain—
Please say you meant "bated breath" and that you're not sitting in front of your TV with worms in your mouth trying to catch fish!

posted on August 3, 2007 at 10:39 AM

laura wrote:

joey shouldn't of been sent home!! That girl sara should of. She is so forgettable i forgot her already!! What a joke. sometimes i wonder what those judges were thinking! i'm so disappointed i'm thinking of not watching anymore.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 10:41 AM

chuck wrote:

Tony,
I love your insights and commentary and wish you were a permanent judge on Top Chef. I hope we get to see you again this season, or that at least you keep on blogging. Thanks again for the enjoyable spin you are putting on the show.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 10:52 AM

gary.e wrote:

Tony: you are a great chef and you have a great wit , now about, Howie and Hung, how much longer do we have to put up with them.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 11:00 AM

Amanda wrote:

hey tom, I agree with most of what you said, except one person, Hung. I started out liking him for his ambition, but he really has turned me off with his attitude lately. He really seems to think he is better than everybody there and he is not....there are chefs there that, to me, are a little better then he, (Anybody remember the "knife" incident with Casey? Hmmmm.........), namely Dale and Tre. Those two are my favorites, and when it really comes down to the nitty gritty, they seem to really want it the most....I know a lot of people get on Howie and maybe he did go overboard with Sara, (who I also like), but for the most part, he seems to have his heart in the right place. Can be more of a team player if he would just relax, but seems to be a great person otherwise. Looking forward to next week's show!

posted on August 3, 2007 at 11:08 AM

Elaine wrote:

What's with the sweating into/onto the food? Howie needs to wear a head wrap, hat, or something.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 11:32 AM

Carol W hunt wrote:

I have been a faithful viewer since Season 1 of Top Chef. In the past there have been some instances of foul language being bleeped out, however, Howie's language, especially last night (8/02) was way over the top and unnecessarily obscene. Surely, the producers can caution the contestants to display at least some restraint. Honing their language skills surely could serve them well in the professional kitchen as well as in within their interpersonal relationships. I am no saint, but I was personally offended, and my enjoyment of the show was compromised.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 11:40 AM

Connie Howard wrote:

Tom, I am a very big admirer of your approach to cooking, and your judging on Top Chef. I really enjoyed reading "Think Like a Chef."

I know that you are truly one of *the* top chefs, so I was really surprised at your questioning of truffles as part of mediteranian cusine. Yes, there is the Perigord truffle from France, but there's cultivation of truffles in Spain as well. Last summer, in Tuscany and Umbria, every single restaurant I visited had at least one, and often, 5 or 6 truffle pastas on the menu, for very reasonable prices too.

In reading "A Taste of Tuscany," the authors identify 6 different types of truffles growing in that region alone. Next door in Umbria, there are more, and In Northern Italy, there are even more. Many truffle products that I keep in my kitchen are Italian, including both black and white truffle oils for pasta.

I'm hoping that this posting will raise your truffle consciousness, and that maybe, you'll look at using them in your kitchens, at home or at work;-) They have many price points, their popularity is growing, and of course, they're really yummy!

posted on August 3, 2007 at 12:13 PM

Kim wrote:

I have no idea what Tom is talking about? Can someone explain the whole blog to me? What's so bad about Rocco?

posted on August 3, 2007 at 12:13 PM

jatie wrote:

I may be the only one, but I think this challenge was about more than product placement. It's also more demanding of these chefs than fine dining snobs would have us believe. Knowledge and experience really showed in this challenge, linking it with the food bee. You have to know enough about the way foods cook, freeze, and defrost to make a proper frozen meal. And though Rocco is a total douche (he's more sculpted and exfoliated than Nicole Kidman), he was right that "home replacement" is a major factor in future chefdom. We can't all work at Per Se, so making great flavors for the majority has to be a noble mission as well. Isn't there something meaningful in creating the best frozen pot pie on the market? Hung expressed disdain for the challenge, but he still didn't win, did he?

PS> Anthony, you're brilliant, and you remind me of Bob Garfield.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 12:18 PM

Carol wrote:

What was Rocco DiSpirito doing on Top Chef? We all showed up to his restaurant in New York to taste the world's worst meatballs. The public wised up quickly and it closed down. Now he is judging frozen Italian entrees on Top Chef? Next week will Ronald MacDonald be there to judge hamburgers?

posted on August 3, 2007 at 12:38 PM

Jacqueline wrote:

Chef Bourdain~ Thanks for this entry, and for yet another reason for me to insist that my two teenagers refer to you as their "real daddy." If only!

posted on August 3, 2007 at 12:39 PM

julia wrote:

I hope Hung and Tre make it to the final two...but then again CJ and Brian are terrific. It's wonderful that there are chefs on Season 3 and not hatefilled, cruel people pretending to be chefs like Season 2.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 12:41 PM

Beth wrote:

Mitzi, you're correct about bated, but hectoring IS a word and no doubt the one he intended. And this blog was written by Anthony Bourdain, not Tom.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 12:49 PM

Jane Chopper wrote:

What makes CJ and Trey's tomato "confit?"

posted on August 3, 2007 at 12:53 PM

Daisy wrote:

I'm just done watching one of the re-runs and I'm so upset at the judges, why didn't they just watch the tape? Hung must have said about 10x to freeze everything separately.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 12:57 PM

Diana wrote:

Man, you got "sting" like mouthwash on a sore on the inside of your cheek! You've got good sting when you cringe even after you read or hear the comment for the second or third time around (...David Guest...OUCH!) SO enjoyable to read your writing!

posted on August 3, 2007 at 1:18 PM

LD wrote:

Didn't read all 108 responses to your blog so if this has been mentioned sorry. Do you title your blogs?? Who ever did...love the reference to the Clash!

posted on August 3, 2007 at 1:35 PM

mary williams wrote:

I AM REPULSED AND DISGUSTED WITH THE AMOUNT OF SWEAT THAT POURS DOWN HOWIE'S BALD HEAD AND FACE WHEN HE IS COOKING. HE NEEDS A HEADBAND ON OR SOMETHING. WHO WANTS TO EAT FOOD THAT HAS SOMEONE'S SWEAT IN IT?

posted on August 3, 2007 at 1:39 PM

Deb wrote:

I was disappointed in the Judges' decision to send Joey packing NOT because I am a Joey fan (in fact, I think it is absolutely the greatest irony that Mr. New York *@&!!* You, this is the way New Yorkers Are" was in tears over being canned...how many times has Joey reduced someone else to tears with his comments? Maybe he will learn to think of other people and how THEY feel now that he has been on the receiving end.
No, I am disappointed because Big Mouth Howie Sweatyhead wasn't given HIS marching orders. Anyone who disagrees with Howie is told in no uncertain terms that they can go !*#*!# themselves...that's Top Chef material? Sara didn't do much because HOWIE WOULDN'T LET HER! Is it impractical to think that Sara would keep her mouth closed instead of putting herself in the position of being insulted and put-down again and again? Howie behaves like an egotistical brute. Maybe he is a huggy bear fighting to get out (Some inherent insecurity perhaps? Does he have a problem with assertive women who have their own ideas and don't glom onto some guy to do the thinking for them?) but his demeanor around the other contestants is hardly engaging.
I can imagine the scene at Howie's restaurant if a client expresses any disatisfaction with the food. Howie will be telling them to go *@#(!? themselves. Yeah, real Top Chef (and will he charge extra for the sweat?).

posted on August 3, 2007 at 1:55 PM

Barbara Hughes wrote:

Bravo (no pun intended)!!! Well said!!! Any respectable, creative cook/chef worth their salt would find this challenge
offensive. We viewers are watching to learn. What is NBC/Bravo thinking? This is a cook's cooking show not a ratings grabber. Being a cook's cooking show is what has made "Top Chef" the ratings king, why go for the glitz?

posted on August 3, 2007 at 2:12 PM

Karin wrote:

Tony- Wow pretty ballsy blog I loved it Ha Ha Ha!!! Thank you it had me laughing out loud. I am so sick of hearing everyone coming down on Howie for sweating - something he obviously cant help-unlike those that dip their fingers in food lick them and redip or lick their spoons and then stir the sauces. Sure a bandana would definitly be the way to go but hell someones back wash in my food sickens me much worse

Anyway as far as who should have gone home? Not Joey - Hung really did not get his point across to joey - Joey was busy cooking pasta sauce etc while Hung "hung" around talking to no one in particular - Joey should have thrown him over the bus. Sara is equally annoying with saying Howie is a bulldog over and over uggh ok enuf really - she did nothing to contribute except treat Howie like a sous chef when she has not shown me she can cook anything. For example during the dessert episode she tried to trick the judges and served them whipped cream - She should have gone home that week insted of Camille Hopefully she gets the ax next - I am such a fan of Top Chef but this weeks Bertolli episode was way over the top for bad taste. Hopefully the producers will not waste their time with this nonsense again. I watch to see Top Chefs using their skills - My mother has been doing tonights challenge for years.

Looking forward to next week - and Howie you hang in there. You have me rootin for you to take it all - I look forward every week just to see that goofy smile of yours when you win.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 2:12 PM

Marie-Claire wrote:

Over the seasons, I've come to respect and enjoy Tom Colicchio, but after this frank discussion of a challenge driven by product placement and a judge driven by famelust... now, Mr. Colicchio, I love you - platonically, appropriately, but truly.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 2:17 PM

Lisa wrote:

Is it true that Rocco DiSpirito is really a cyborg?

posted on August 3, 2007 at 2:30 PM

Kailuacats wrote:

"gh", I was not aware that "Tony" had been voted off. Did I miss something? Granted I was well into a bottle of Chandon Pinot Noir, but I don't think it had affected me THAT much.

Mr. Bourdain, I read each one of your blogs with enthusiasm, often laughing out loud. I have to disagree with you that Hung is the one to beat. Now that Joey is gone, I think that Tre is the one to beat. His dishes are consistently good to excellent, he handles himself well in a kitchen, works well with others and can organize a team so that others can work well with others. That said. I love the show. I had not watched before this season, but a friend told me to watch it saying I would love it and she was correct (she knows me better than I do). These hard working chefs deserve the best wherever they go. Maybe someday even Hung can learn to cook rice (think "rice cooker" if a pot is too difficult) Keep it up. Just don't move to Tuesday night. I absolutely CAN NOT miss House.

Love ya

posted on August 3, 2007 at 2:42 PM

Melissa wrote:

Awesome. I wondered while watching it if you'd have to play along with this exercise in product placement. This just solidifies my opinion of you as a guy with real guts. Honestly I thought Sara should have been the one to go. Both messed up, but Joey was at least trying.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 3:00 PM

Carol Masters wrote:

As an italian home cook I do agree about meatballs and pasta not being served together ..but as in everything in the kitchen there are some exceptions..small ( mini) meatballs are used in carnaval lasagna from naples and also in wedding soup which has pasta.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 3:19 PM

Kendra wrote:

Mr. Bourdain, quite simply, I love you! Never stop blogging this show!

posted on August 3, 2007 at 3:45 PM

Taria wrote:

Chef Bourdain, I enjoy reading your blogs and I adore your sense of humor. My Masters is in Communication Arts and I completely agree that egos and ambition are dgoing to decide this season. Hungs communication skills are poor, at best. However, if he could lower his arrogance factor a shade, just long enough to play well with others, he could win the title.

~ I agree that Joey needed to go, the judges made a good choice. Howie will be out next, at least that is my prediction. His ego and hot headed temper won't assist him in this endeavor. I noted that he mentioned his father died at a young age, I think that is tragic and wonder if he's ever dealt with that traumatic event through counseling.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 4:37 PM

Beth wrote:

Barbara Hughes, I would strongly disagree. I avoid cooking like the plague but I love Top Chef. No one I know who watches it does so for the learning factor. It's entertainment, first and foremost. If this were an education show they'd spend a lot more time on recipes and how-tos.

And why are people having such trouble grasping the fact that Tom Colicchio is not writing this blog ... ?

posted on August 3, 2007 at 5:14 PM

Deborah R wrote:

Ah, the voice of reason. So glad you're aboard in Tom's absence. Until I read your blog, I feared I was alone in my irritation at the shameless product plug (can anyone spell "Apprentice"?) and the unfortunate contest demise of dear Joey. I still marvel that the person I once found so annoying managed to grow on me to the point that I, too, teared up when he left. I try not to second-guess the judges, but can't resist saying that it should have been Sara. Howie won't be the same without his other half. They were the best TV buddy act since Fred and Barney.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 5:15 PM

karen wrote:

Chef: Can you explain to me why TC complained the turkey/pork meatballs weren't Mediterranean? My Sicilian friends have slapped me hard fo wanting to make "tomato sauce" with beef -- "absolutely no flavor" -- and although they don't advocate serving meatballs IN th sauce, they do advocate pork, veal, or chicken to flavor the sauce. Was it about NewWorld Turkey?

posted on August 3, 2007 at 5:21 PM

Jennifer wrote:

I understand this is a cooking showing but can someone stop Howie from sweating over every dish he prepares. It is very disgusting to think of all his dishes including a salty flavor from all the sweat dripping off his face into every dish.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 5:29 PM

Kathleen wrote:

I have to say, it was refreshing to see a blog that called the show on the shameless promotions that this show has embraced as of late. Sure, there were always the gimmicks, but this episode took the cake!

Mr. Bourdain, your show is one of my all time favorites. I would love to see your blog become a permanent feature on this site. It would be nice to see a little more snark on here now and then. ;)

posted on August 3, 2007 at 5:34 PM

Tanya wrote:

Ouch, Chef! I take it the regular judges have nothing to do with picking guest judges? :)

posted on August 3, 2007 at 7:28 PM

TLB wrote:

It's times like the ending of this Top Chef episode, when you suddenly forget all about the food, and you watch a grown-man cry in front of millions of people. It is heartbreaking, but I agree, Joey had to go. Actually, I felt somewhat scared for Hung in that challenge (despite looking down on most of his actions). He seemed to think that he would be the one to leave, and I think you scared the living daylights out of him by sending him to the bottom four.

Still, I was not disappointed in the least.

PS: Is it hard for you to watch yourself telling everyone what they did wrong when the season premieres? How does it feel?

posted on August 3, 2007 at 7:51 PM

TLB wrote:

It's times like the ending of this Top Chef episode, when you suddenly forget all about the food, and you watch a grown-man cry in front of millions of people. It is heartbreaking, but I agree, Joey had to go. Actually, I felt somewhat scared for Hung in that challenge (despite looking down on most of his actions). He seemed to think that he would be the one to leave, and I think you scared the living daylights out of him by sending him to the bottom four.

Still, I was not disappointed in the least.

PS: Is it hard for you to watch yourself telling everyone what they did wrong when the season premieres? How does it feel?

posted on August 3, 2007 at 7:54 PM

Jeanne wrote:

Nicole: From Cordova Alaska comes Copper River Salmon!
(Also, Baja Taocs...a lesser-known treat).

posted on August 3, 2007 at 8:05 PM

San wrote:

Chef Tom,

I know that this has all been decided and you'll never see these contestants again...but going forward can HYGIENE please be more of a consideration on Top Chef? Howie sweating body fluids into foods is enough to turn my stomach.

If talent is a factor, then maybe Joey should have gone. If the balance sheet counts for anything then we should probably see Howie leave soon. Ick.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 8:18 PM

eric76 wrote:

It could easily have been a worse challenge. How about having them cook hospital food?

What was interesting about this challenge was that the two teams who couldn't or wouldn't work together were at the bottom.

Hung and Joey were pretty much the same. Neither communicated well to the other and neither was inclined to listen at all.

Sara and Howie didn't work well either, but from what I can see, the fault was nearly all Howie's. From the edited version we got to see, Howie showed no inclination to cooperate at all. His actions basically just set up Sara to be kicked off the show. I really doubt that Sara will remain to the end, but I'd like to see her go for something she did, not for having a team partner who sets her up for failure.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 8:25 PM

Aly wrote:

I am sorry but your statements do not take away the fact you allowed Joey to go. The comments about Howies team should have sent one of them home. You can not tell me that Joey did not have good flavor - I heard you and he was man enough to admit he didn't hear that whiny little guy (my words) Hung. Wht does it take to succeed with you? On season two you worked to get Sam eliminated by your comments.
There is a whole area of the hospital where I work tht was discussed with your decision and the that challenge. What chef would ever be in that position . We are debating whether towatch anymore. Joey should know that San Francisco nurses were pullilng for him.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 9:31 PM

henry rururp wrote:

Bravo Chef Tony, I aggree you 100% that that the challange from Rocco was not showing what the Chef COULD really do, but, what it showed is what chef have to deal with in a kitchen with many different people and you get when the kitchen falls apart during the RUSH it showed how Hung (who by the way Fucked himself) in that challange. and how Hung was crying about how nobody listens to him, ( I would'nt)

I must disagree with on the fact that as you say, " Joey is the Chef of a famous NY Restaurant. " Well my friend if he was that BAD ASS he would have done the right thing and would have won, but as usuall Joey had his mind made up and did HIS WAY.

(Thanks Frank) & thanks to the Judges who finally saw that Joey is not a real Chef but played one on T.V..... BADLY and the shamful act of crying at the end ( I thought NY chefs were tough) As for the west coat Chefs I think we can hold our own and we dont cry.....

Next Hung will be eliminated from Top Chef his arrogance will be his demise. My guess is that CJ or TRE will win the Top Chef.

And for Rocco, he had to to what he had to do, So shame on the guy with all that cash from Bertollinis who could only find Rocco Desprito??? to do a 5 minute bit selling crap, thank god his restaurant doesnt use bertolinis

posted on August 3, 2007 at 10:03 PM

Anna wrote:

Love your writing, Tony. However, I did not think this challenge was stupid, as you and other commenters suggest. Producing a decent frozen entree is much, much, much more difficult than whipping out a delicious fresh dish. This challenge, and the other challenge where the chefs had to make something healthy and nutritious, were much more interesting to watch than the others where the chefs just had to cook. This one made them think. The product placement was a bit much, as was Rocco's botox or whatever he had done. Seeing him was a bit jarring. But botox wears off and he'll be back to old good-looking Rocco in no time. I'm glad I wasn't the only one shocked by his appearance.

posted on August 3, 2007 at 11:06 PM

ScarlettD wrote:

I'm still baffled about the number of people commenting who have not figured out that the brilliant, erudite, and totally badass Tony Bourdain is guest blogging for Tom. Really, folks, if you missed the disclaimer on the homepage, it's in the installment title!

That said, I find TB's comments on the absurdity of this week's challenge spot-on. Long live Bourdain!

posted on August 3, 2007 at 11:35 PM

christi wrote:

I am completely disgusted that Sara M. was not voted off..She has not shown anything throughtout the competition. What are the reasons for keeping her?

posted on August 4, 2007 at 12:33 AM

Juanita wrote:

I just don't get it at all, if everyone was sorry to see Joey go why did he have to go? Sara should have gone home, that was clear. The judges stated that the dishes were equally bad, thus one should look at the performance as a whole thus far in the show. Sara is useless, and has no personality whatsoever, I forgot she was even on the show until tonight, but I surely won't forget her now and hope she is the next to go. I think that a Top Chef has to have a strong personality and an overwheming passion for it, Howie is that kind of guy, Joey is that kind of guy as is Hung and Trey, but Sara is just nothing (she's just "void" to paraphrase my fav 80s movie). Second season was annoying (esp Mr. Saffron himself), and the third season WAS awesome until this totally over-commercialized schtick they called a challenge, I am embarrassed that they had the nerve to be so blatant about the product placement. It was an exercise in futility and completely meaningless and if bad TV was a tort, Bravo would def be liable.

posted on August 4, 2007 at 12:45 AM

Megan wrote:

If they want Chefs to freeze and re-heat pasta, I was also thinking they could have a show where they spend a whole episode making salad dressings, or maybe they can do some canning - jams, soups, pasta sauces.....Whadayathink?
Mr. Bourdain you are a celebrity Chef, do you have a food line coming out? Exactly how are you going to tell the corp’s to freeze or can or bottle (!!) your product line? : )~~

posted on August 4, 2007 at 1:21 AM

Jen in GB wrote:

Some common threads running throughout compelled me to comment.
1.) Joey deserved the axe. He didn't have any comprehension of the challenge--of what IQF is, and why it's important. His jackassery aside.
2.) It wasn't a suck challenge, it was good. Once you're over the kitchen scene, sick of the hours, and working every holiday, knees and back giving out on you after stomping around concrete floors for X amount of years, there are other careers out there that utilize your knowledge--and this frozen dinner dealio is one of them. It's good to show other avenues that are available besides the line and weasel waitstaff.
3.) Getting all negativo on Sarah isn't fair. What was she supposed to do? Harp at bulldog nonstop so he'd stop acting like a pouty little girl? He behaved horribly, and she was just trying to get along and get through it. He didn't want her to ask, or add, or contribute in any way other than what he directed. Well pfffttz on that. He needs to grow up.
4.) Rocco gets a bad rap, but I don't think he's that bad. Not every chef is going to land a sweet post cooking career like my (did you hear me? MY. MY. MY!) sweet sweet Anthony. Rocco is doing his best with what he's got. So he's a bit of poser. Big deal. He still knows food, period.
5.) Product placement--again, big deal. Gets the show better locations, and more money to play with.
6.) They need Gordon Ramsay in that back room to smack the shit out of the whiners while the judges are deliberating. Especially that punkass Howie.
7.) Anthony--big ole baby bear hugs and wet sloppy kisses.

posted on August 4, 2007 at 1:32 AM

food for the masses wrote:

I disagree with everyone who thinks this challenge was a waste of time. Most Americans don't live near, or have the financial means to go to top rated restaurants on a regular basis. I think talented chefs should be honored to cook for the masses. True, frozen foods will never taste as good as fresh... but, instead of cooking for the select few, imagine influencing the palate of millions! I would think any chef dedicated to the art of cooking will want their dishes to be enjoyed by the masses. And for the product placements... I just watched a 'free' episode of top chef online... and if it means calling it a "glad" challenge... I have no problems. But, if I pay top dollars to attend a concert and they do product placements... that's where I'll be pissed.

posted on August 4, 2007 at 2:52 AM

Amanda wrote:

Props Tony, for calling Rocco out for being the mega coporate tool that he is, now he's peddling frozen schlock.

PS. Finished reading Nasty Bits, its awesome. Loved the chapter on Singapore, lah!

posted on August 4, 2007 at 3:35 AM

Janice M. wrote:

What is wrong with you friggin people??? Pay attention please! First, let's start off for the people that keep referring to our talented, dear, wonderful, funny blogger, Anthony Bourdain as Tom. Hello! He has been guest blogging for a few weeks now. I don't know why you can't distinguish the two different blogging styles. Secondly, it was Joey, not Tony that was eliminated. They re-run the weekly program at least 20 times in a week if you care to watch it again. I think we all agree that if Howie should win this competition, no one would come within a mile of his food, given all the sweat we see pouring off his face week after week. Gross! Also, I am in agreement that I do not like to see the chefs dipping their fingers into the food to taste it. I use spoons to taste my foods. I see this a lot on Iron Chef, and I am grossed out by it, and would never eat any foods cooked by these chefs. This all goes back to when we were kids and taught never to double dip a potato chip. Anyway, Tony Bourdain, if you read this, I love you and enjoy reading your blogs. Please don't stop!

posted on August 4, 2007 at 10:46 AM

John wrote:

Joey was thrown off because he was arrogant and didn't take Hung's (good) advice.

How many times did Hung say, " We have to freeze the ingrdients seperately" and big stupid Joey starts throwing sauce all over the pasta.

Compare that with Howie and Sara. Sara is limited - she doesn't even try to cook outside her comfort zone and hasn't won a single challenge. She gave Howie (bad) advice on nearly every aspect of this dish. Howie just accepted her input without really challenging her.

Howie needed to be more discriminating and communicate with Sara - Joey had no hope because he was too pig-headed.

If anything, I think Hung gave Joey enough rope to hang himself with.

The judges made the right decision although Sara SHOULD be the next to go - she brings nothing to the show. Howie needs to be more assertive and Hung needs to start cooking - he's been coasting the past few weeks.

posted on August 4, 2007 at 11:47 AM

Jim Williams wrote:

Tom,

What gives?

After watch all last season, and this season a a painfully
slow pace. I was very glad to see somone stand up to
your bullying!

You did that last season to Sam in the final episodes and tried
to do this last episode with the truffles. Three cheers to Rocco for standing up to you.

What gives? Howie has been in front of thejudges talble more
than anyone else, and his temper and lack of respect for others
is beginning to be more than just nerves, it's his personality.
Is this what you want in the final 4. You all missed an oppoprtunity to allow Joey to learn from this episode and begin
to temper his stubborness, and if I never hear Howie mention
a "lapse in judgement" it will be ok with me.

This is the second time that Howie has been in front of you and you've sent home people who were either in front of the table on
their first time or erred with a partner.

You guys to pick up on patterns and not have favorites.

Tom really needs to come down off the high horse and get with it.

Jim Williams

posted on August 4, 2007 at 11:54 AM

topchefaddict wrote:

Why do you feel sorry for Joey? Hung told him multiple times to IGF the food and he chose to do what he wanted. I don't have a problem with him being eliminated for that reason. Yea, Hung is an arrogant ass but why should he have to slam somebody down to get them to follow directions.

As for that nasty Howie? He is overly aggressive and demonstrated more hectoring than Sara.
There were comments about her lack of participation but no one (except you) acknowledged the fact that his bullishness contributed to her alleged "passive-aggressive behavior" ... And since she had minimal input and the dish was crappy, should he have not gone home intead of joey?

Glad to see that CJ finally won a challenge but I'm hoping that Tre will win TOP CHEF!

posted on August 4, 2007 at 12:09 PM

IheartSam wrote:

Mr. Bourdain you said it all! Your intelligent wit and twisted take on the top chef episodes add some fun to even dull shows. My first thought when Rocco came on screen was "it looks like Rocco sort of but what is up with his face?" Plastic surgery isn't a good idea for everyone! I'm glad you said it first!

posted on August 4, 2007 at 12:18 PM

Carole wrote:

First off, I don't think Joey should have been the one to go. I didn't like Joey in the beginning, mainly because he disparaged a girl with obscene language. But as the weeks have gone on, he seems to have changed and I came to like him a lot. And yes, I do think Joey has a big heart.

We are drawn to people because of their personalities and the one person who has demonstrated more maturity than almost everyone else is Tre. People probably don't notice that because he quietly does what he has to do. He performs his job and takes his successes and lumps with graciousness. I have never heard him criticize the other competitors or throw blame and that shows a lot of class.

I have read postings complaining about several women being eliminated the last few weeks. I'm a woman and I don't think the winners or losers should be chosen because of their gender.

I think either Hung or Sara should have gone. I also feel if Joey and Howie would have been paired together, the loser would have been Sara or Hung. I've seen Howie and Joey win elimiation rounds, but I don't remember Hung winning that at all. I only remember Hung rolling his eyes and looking down his nose at other people.

posted on August 4, 2007 at 1:18 PM

Mousme wrote:

I just saw the last wednesday episode, about frozen food. I haven't read all those comments, but i want to add mine. I was totally chocked to hear the chef judge Tom Collichio said that he didn't see what was mediteranean in the winner team. I lived in Italy for 2 years. I love top chef, I am totally in to it but Tom has lost credibility in his position of head judge when he doesn't even know that Truffle is almost as present in italian cuisine as tomato. I understand that what we see about judges' comment is a discussion of 2 hours reduced in a 2 minutes discussion, but sorry Tom, that is an unforgivable move and I'm glad guest judge disagree with you and make them won, their linguini were 500% italian!!!

posted on August 4, 2007 at 1:40 PM

paula frye wrote:

Sir, you are awesome, but this week's show was not. Who thinks up the challenges? Would you consider submitting a season's worth of real chef challenges?
So that's Rocco DiS? (not impressed) I had him confused with that English chef of "Naked "fame. Now I understand why sometimes he could cook and had a strong Brit accent.
As for Hung, he maybe a great chef (just like he thinks) but a second season of someone who is terribly impressed with himself- like last season's Astro Boy - works against him. In this viewing household, the only thing Hung has going for him is No Foam!

posted on August 4, 2007 at 2:00 PM

Carla wrote:

Right On!!!! I hated this challenge. I understand there is a "frozen food" market that makes millions of dollars, but this is a top chef cooking show. We here to cook! I was watching the show and I was looking at Rocco's face and it looked funny. His eyebrows and cheeks looked really weird. You nailed it when you you compared his looks to David Gest. He is a sell out. I'm sorry that Joey's leaving on such a stupid challenge. I loved watching his full exit video trashing that ass Rocco. And I his tears made me cry. Bourdain, your the best and I love you. I wish you were on the show weekly. keep writing on this blog.

posted on August 4, 2007 at 2:27 PM

Kathy wrote:

Excellent post! I know we NEED sponsors but how do we get TC to quit this prostitution? I love to watch the show and come up with my own answer to the challenge and compare it with the contestants, but this week's show....this is something a home cook deals with all of the time. Shame on their ignorance. And the 2 teams who couldn't work together. Hung couldn't speak up and Sara is useless.

I was shocked when I saw Rocco, I thought he had embarrassed himself so badly on his restaurant show that he'd never work on tv again! What do I know. Obviously I watched the show, like a car accident that you just have to look at! But I've worked in a restaurant, hell, I've eaten in a restaurant and I feel I'm better than that idiot. But that's just me.

Thanks Tony for keeping it real and us entertained!

posted on August 4, 2007 at 2:32 PM

Cindy Ramsbick wrote:

Tom, I was shocked at the judging for the Freezer Burn show. How are truffles not a part of Italian cuisine?! It so is! It thought Tre's idea was divine and I am going to 'try' to recreate it. By the way, since the chefs don't have their own personal blogs from what I can see, can you pass Tre a message on for me? Tell him, bring it on home baby, you deserve the title of Top Chef! I'll travel wherever to eat at his restaurant when he wins. And I was thrilled for him when he won the trip to Italy. He has poise, incredible cooking abilities and a quiet determination that will carry him straight to the end! Good luck Tre, I'm rootin' for ya!

posted on August 4, 2007 at 5:35 PM

sylvia wrote:

Im confused...everyone keeps talking about Hung being the one to beat etc etc. He hasnt won a challenge yet..the judges just keep finding fault with him at every challenge. How does that make him the one to beat? Has everyone forgotten that Joey won the challenge last week? Hung has been annoying every show. running around like a crazy person..trying to knife everyone in his way...and how about the scene where he talks down to the paner about arroz con polo? He didnt even know the correct spanish word for guacamole..give me a break..Howie is single minded and determined. Im sorry you all are bothered by his sweating, obviously you havent spent any time in a restaurant kitchen. He isnt going to get caught up in all the balogna going on with the others...give him a break at least he has some talent!!!

posted on August 4, 2007 at 5:39 PM

Paralegalnc wrote:

I finally got to watch the last episode (thanks to DVR) I am flabergasted! Joey?? Hung should have been gone. He may be a good chef- but he doesn't know how to take constructive criticism, aruging with more experienced chefs (please recall the latin dish challenge) if not him- at least Sara. Come on, Joey ?! He was my favorite to watch besides Howie (and yes he does sweat alot but you usually see him with a towel on his shoulder) I am also pulling for Tre, I think he's the underdog and is only beginning to show what he's got.

posted on August 4, 2007 at 6:14 PM

Cindy Ramsbick wrote:

I don't know if Tony knows what he's writing (cough), with all that smoke in his face? Bring it on home, Tre.

posted on August 4, 2007 at 6:42 PM

Nadine wrote:

Heartbreaking to see Joey go. I know someone had to but still... I'm amazed at your candor, Mr. Bourdain. I suppose only the most sacred of cows must be can be allowed to smell the Emperor's bullshit.

posted on August 4, 2007 at 7:39 PM

Linda Carr wrote:

Dear Tom,
My navme is Lin Carr, my son/stepson is Evan Carr (EWC), he blogged to you a couple of times, to which you responded. He is the high school valdictorian who wanted to pursue a career in culinary arts, but everyone told him he was waisting his time.His father and I always told him to pursue whatever dream he had, but that was not the case with other people of influence in his life. I have an extensive restaurant background and know when you get bitten by the bug..... He will now be attending Cornell's school of restaurant management and culinary arts next month. He wanted to come to Craft to have his graduation dinner, to which you said would be great. Well, the reservations were tonight at 6 and right now he is sitting in a Comfort Inn in Fairfield NJ with a broken down car. He didn't make it to the restaurant. He is extremely upset and disappointed. We will spend tomorrow trying to get him and the car back to Vestal NY where we live. It was a 4 hour drive for him. There won't be time for him to try to get there again before he leaves for school. I was wonderinng if there is ANY WAY POSSIBLE that you could find a few minutes to call him and just tell him to get sight of his dream and go after what he wants. We as his parents are very disappointed for him. He has been waiting for this opportunity for a ling time. If you could find it to call him, thankyou for your time. Linda Carr

posted on August 4, 2007 at 7:48 PM

jessica brown wrote:

anthony, your my HERO !........witty and sarcasticly wonderfull .

posted on August 4, 2007 at 8:25 PM

PeachPie wrote:

Wow! When I hear you take issue with a guest judge, I sit up and listen.

Well said, chef. And quite nice to see you express yourself as passionately opinionated as we viewers so often do.

posted on August 4, 2007 at 8:51 PM

josie T wrote:

AB...you crack me up and are on point as usual. Product placement is annoying and distracting but it pays Bravo's bills. A small price to pay for a show as great as Top Chef.
Poor Jo