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Chef Art
Andy Cohen dishes on last night's 'Work of Art' finale party and comments on Restaurant Wars.
August 12, 2010There are spoilers about Top Chef and Work of Art in this blog, so don't continue reading if you missed last night's episodes.
First let's discuss Top Chef and the shocking elimination of one of the strongest chefs on the show, Kenny. I gather from your tweets that you agree with Kevin that Alex should've gone. As Tom pointed out on HIS twitter last night, Alex was on the winning team so he wasn't up for elimination. I saw the judge's yesterday and they were comparing Kenny's dismissal to Tre's shocker a few seasons ago -- also in Restaurant Wars -- when he (like Kenny) was Exec Chef AND put out a bad dish. It is upsetting, but fair.
The personality of this season is different than almost any we've done since the early years in that it really is anybody's game, and some strong chefs start pulling ahead and finding their inner chef now that Kenny is gone. The way this season plays out is something of a roller-coaster. The competition is heating up.
Last night was a fantastic party and screening at the Brooklyn Museum to celebrate the Work of Art finale. Pretty much the whole cast (minus two) was there along with China, Simon, exec Producer Sarah Jessica Parker, former guest judges (like Andreas Serrano), the Countess and her boyfriend (her niece is Nicole who almost made it to the finale!), and all the judges. The energy in the room was electric -- the artists were all in great form and everybody was riding the wave of a great first season of a super show. The critics love this one and I do too; and if you haven't seen the current TIME magazine, it's worth checking out their three-page spread detailing what a stir the show is causing in the art community.
China introduced the screening and everyone watched the show together with much laughter, applause, and tears. After it was over, Abdi got up and made an emotional, straight-from-the-heart speech. I was especially happy to hear his great praise for the dedication of all involved towards getting this show RIGHT. And I think we did. And I think anyone in the art world who has something else to say should take their heads out of their asses and be happy for the existence of a show that is inspiring discussion and debate about art.
In terms of the final collections, I saw them at Phillips and as much as I loved Abdi's and Miles', Peregrine's was my favorite. She, by the way, looked adorable last night in a little pink sequined dress a friend had made her the night before. (SJP was kvelling over the frock.) I loved talking to Abdi's mom, who seems as genuine and great a person as you could meet.
After the party, Bill Powers directed everyone to a bar on 2nd Avenue called Lit. The music was great; everybody from in front and behind the camera was there with much whiskey and dancing and it was a great celebration. We left somewhere between 1 and 2 and it was such a gorgeous, alive NYC night that we walked home It was a good night to be in New York.
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Hi Andy...do you think you could find out if they'll be doing open calls / portfolio reviews in cities other than LA, NY and Chicago? I'm in Miami and believe me, if I could I'd drive my butt up to NY, I'd do it, but it's impossible right now for me.
I'd kick myself if I missed such a great opportunity because I couldn't get to an open call.
Would really appreciate it if you (or anyone else) can reply. I've contacted several people and haven't yet heard back from anyone.
Thanks!!
Ana
Work of Art was inspiring, I have a process like know other for producing art, would display it on Bravo given the chance. Looking forward
Re: Albie Manzo.
Hi Andy, I am a a major fan of Bravo and its amazing shows. I have an idea that would come with a huge built in following. Actually I have heard dozens of peeps talking about it, so it is not my idea, but I wanted to alert you to it. The Passaic County Sheriff resigned last week (and gave away his 1million dollar war chest). So they are looking for a replacement to run in the election in November. ALBIE MANZO would be perfect! He has already been thru the academy. A show documenting his run for the position would be beyond great. And if he won . . . That would be great. Watcha think?
That's a great idea! I know a lot of people who wold watch it and I bet he would win!
Why not make Wok of Art 2 more interactive and allow challenges where viewers vote on the winner and allow the votes to determine bottom two, and then have judges determine who is out? I know a similiar concept was used for The Next Great Supermodel or something like that a while back. Not saying all challenges should be like that, but at least half. Art is subjective and though your panel is esteemed, why not let viewers in on the game? There were a few challenges where these Boards indicate your judges missed the mark.
I like this idea. I also recommend letting the viewers know what all the challenges will be ahead of time. Some of us would like to create our own art for each challenge and maybe submit photos to the message board for our peers to judge.
In response to "Why not make Wok of Art 2 more interactive and allow challenges where viewers vote on the winner and allow the votes to determine bottom two, and then have judges determine who is out?"...that would require the show to be a LIVE broadcast, and a show like this clearly doesn't lend itself to a live format.
Work of Art was an incredible experience. Thank you so much for getting this show right. Great judges, exceptional guest judges and of course incredible art. There were gasps of delight in this house. More more more!
This has nothing to do with what yout blog is about but I have a question, Does Bravo have to buy any kind of insurance just in case something happens on your shows?? Just wondering
I have never been the type of person who envies others' money or fame but I am pea puree green with envy of your friendships with people like Amy Sedaris. She is one of, if not THE smartest and funniest woman in the world. I often wonder why she doesn't enjoy the same comedic status as the Tina Feys of the world.
Andy...I hope you've "realeased the Kraken" this summer. I really enjoy watching you & love the Bravo programming. Work of Art was outstanding. Keep working & playing hard! Peace.
I loved Work of Art. Final 3 were great. I loved Abdi and Miles from the start. Hope there is a season 2
Andy,
This has nothing to do with this particular blog posting but I don't think people like Bethenny anymore. She was my favorite in the first season but her ego got too big and she's just trying too hard these days to be funny and dramatic. She is taking "reality" out of reality shows. oh and her voice! It's beyond annoying for late nights. And no I am not Jill jealous of Bethenny for having her own show but I speak for a significant demographics in we ho, CA. Bethenny doesn't deserve her own show. Love you regardless.
Danielle in the Lions' Den ...
Andy, I asked 1,000,000 of my closest friends, and 100% say GIVE DANIELLE HER OWN SHOW. You know if you don't, someone else will. You're sitting on a gold mine with her. Yes, some people will moan and groan and whine and complain. They do that anyway, even with shows like Top Chef ... a cooking program! People are gonna get worked up. Just, you know, breathe.
Okay, imagine Shirley Maclaine in "Terms of Endearment", the scene that clinched the Academy Award for her ("Give my daughter the shot!"). Only now it's, GIVE DANIELLE HER OWN SHOW !!!!!!!
If you don't give Danielle her own show, then you're totally uncool and not cute.
I can't stand Danielle but think this is a good idea too. I think the format should be Danielle Finds a new BFF (like Paris). Imagine the hoops she would make people jump through! It would make for great tv.
Also, I think Bravo should be filming the Giudice Auction on the 22nd! Again, great tv.
Go ABDI! What a great find he is!!! Wishing all the other artists well - also!!!
Who does Alex know, because we all know that he is still there and it's not because of what he knows. What about Amanda and her lack of execution or Kelly and her lack of seasoning her dishes properly? Was Kenny too much of a threat to the person that you all want to be the winner. Bravo shows are all going down hill. Shear Genius with a ridiculous winner, the HW series with all the morally low women, and now top chef is off my Bravo list of shows that I will not watch. Too many other programs that are entertaining to watch. Shame on you all!!!!!!!
TEAM KENNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wasn't a lover of Kenny's personality and you weren't there so you didn't taste the food. This is one show where the viewer can't judge, literally, or otherwise.. it has to be a subjective choice.
And please, don't blast Top Chef..it, and Work of Art are the two Bravo standouts, and should not be compared with shows such as RHWs--- we are allowed to meet some super gifted people in Top Chef and W of Art. The other shows, voyeuristic entertainment, if you like that kind of thing.
Just wanted to say I love Work of Art - I hope to see the finale in reruns, and I really hope it comes back for a 2nd season. I'm also looking forward to Top Chef: Just Desserts, and of course, Watch What Happens.
FYI - Still annoyed by puree gate on Top Chef - sometimes the producers have to be proactive about investigating potential ethical violations. Even a text afterword at the end of the show about any investigation would have been very useful. But I'm still watching.
I simply ADORED this programming, Andy, the choice of your judges was so excellent and then the three finalists- any might have won. But Abdi is so gifted and seems such a wonderful person I think he must be a very evolved soul. His work struck me and the choice of him as winner moved me to happy tears. SJP picked a lovely and important Bravo show to produce.
Andy, your life seems amazing! Do more video blogs, you should be seen and heard, not read.
Having tech issues with Top Chef blog access and comment. Also we need more bloggers on Top Chef. That is half the fun!!
I love the housewives but you need to a real show where Housewives live day to day with money.I live in Polk county florida and in my House is Me,botfriend Shane, my 3teenagers Jasmine17,Jackie18,Robert15 and My oldest who is not bio mine But His name is Demetrius 21 and his son little meat. Also I have my neice 23 and her child 2 and in the mother in law house is my neices x-boyfrien and father of her child. We are all different races from whit,mixed,black. and on the weekends we have kids here all weekend long. I am telling the talks we have the drama that goes on people would watch and would realte to a everyday disfuntional family!!!
Wow! Yes, you need your own show! It sounds like it would be very interesting. :)
I get the Kenny elimination, but if Alex broke the rules (possibly for the second time) win or lose shouldn't that have been addressed? By not cooking at all it seems to the viewer that the rules are not being followed by the judges. We are watching one show and the judges seem to be on another show.
All that aside I will still watch.
Love you Andy!
I have already sent my into to casting!!!!
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