But poor Jonathan never quite recovered from the shock of having to work with duck tongues. I hardly blame him. I’ve never had a duck tongue I considered worth eating. It has that ugly and inconvenient little cartilage right in the middle. The passion for duck tongues is another of those untranslatable Chinese fixations, I’m afraid.
Some of the disparate items on Jonathan’s plate were good but I thought the parts were better than the sum … and I thought the mess would make him the loser. Actually I gave Jonathan, Jody and Marcus the same not-too-mean-not-too-generous score, a three. And it broke my heart to see Jody go. She had been so modest and assuming, so brave and resourceful … a real winner till this challenge. I must admit I almost wept to see her face … another woman sent to pack her knives.
Gael Greene.
www.InsatiableCritic.com
twitter.com’gaelgreene
Watching these excellent chefs work hard, without letting the competition push them to backstabbing, as happens on regular TC, is why this is my favorite reality show.
Also I love seeing you, Gael after reading you for years. Loved Blue Skies.
Thanks
I too was so sad to see Jody go - she was a great chef and a great competitor, focusing on food, not fights.
Susar continues to disappoint me. He is a rude prima donna and I am surprised that no one has called him on it yet. Creativity is not a free pass for bad behavior, and he's not the only talented one there.
Gael - For a series that is filled with cogent and amusing blog entries, I think you are by far my favorite writer, both of Top Chef Masters and Top Chef itself. Of course considering your background that makes sense. I too was sad to see Jody go, though I suppose at this level, it seems a crime to cut any of these amazingly talented chefs out.
I look forward to the next episode and keep writing these entries! I love them!
Dear Gael,
Thank you for another insightful blog. Your comments are most appreciated. There wasn't anything there that I could stomach. Mystery food is NOT for me! No matter whether it's deep fried, oven roasted or smothered in luscious sauces... To swallow those items, you proved that you are a brave soul.
Dear Gael,
Great blog. Your insightful comments are most appreciated. There wasn't one thing there that I could stomach. Mystery food is not for me - no matter if it's deep fried, oven roasted or smothered in luscious sauces. To swallow those items, you proved that you are a brave soul...
Ms. Greene - these are the times when I admire a food critic - for tasting things that sound or may taste unappealing. And you go for it! I enjoy your pro-viewing insights.
You're always so gracious. And brave! I couldn't have eaten that stuff!!
Tony Mantuano is a great guy. He's always that calm, too!
Gael:
In that you are always perfectly quaffed and look like a poster for the well dressed woman, who would have guessed that you have an iron-clad stomach?! How ever did you get that "exotic" food down? We happened to be eating when that show was on, and it nearly ruined my meal.
I love Jonathan Waxman and felt sorry for him with his mental block. As for Jody, I share your sadness at losing her. She was a lovable and intelligent contestant. I wish you at least a well-cooked hot dog for your tailgating party.
This was the one episode I didn't want to try all the dishes. I always love your insight.
This was one challenge that I am glad I didn't have to taste the dishes!! More power to you, Gael, to try everything!
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