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Gail Simmons
The Dream Team: Top Chef judge Gail Simmons dishes on her 'Masters' experience.

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Did you recognize Ed Alonzo?

He was on Saved By the Bell at the diner! Oh yeah. He's Max from Saved By The Bell. The coolest thing is that he was part of Britney Spears’ Circus tour. I was not fortunate enough to see Britney’s tour, but apparently it’s a circus theme and there’s a magic show. I believe the magician saws her in half or something, and that’s him! He’s been on tour with Britney. That was just super exciting to hear about that. These guys are all serious professionals. The way our chefs are chefs, they are magicians. They are so skilled. I loved talking to them. We had so much fun at that table. In between each course we were talking about magic. It made a great dinner party. That’s for sure.

What did you think of the food?

Three of the four I really liked. Mark Peel’s was a classic presentation, and a beautiful way to steam fish. It had tons of flavor. It was slightly overcooked. That was our unanimous criticism. It was a little bit mushy, but the flavor was beautiful. I thought it was whimsical, playful, and a really smart way to illustrate surprise. Great job. The beautiful sake went with it and this really bright sauce on side. It really showed a lot about him .I've eaten as his restaurant. It certainly felt and tasted like Mark Peel’s food.

The next was John’s. I thought John’s was beautiful. He had this great show. He made this crème fraiche sorbet table side, which was super fun. It looked very magical with the dry ice pouring out of it, which I thought was cool. It was also really playful. He really got into it which I loved. It didn’t set up perfectly, but in the allotted time it got the idea. I still think it was a smart thing to do. I really liked it. People were complaining about that cauliflower that had been flash frozen, and I thought that was really good. Yes, it was very cold, but that was the whole surprise and play on texture. You didn’t know what to expect. I thought that was great. His flavors were subtle. They were not incredibly bold, but they were delicate. They certainly had a gentle hand. Of all the four dishes that day it was certainly the most refined. John’s food is very sophisticated. He did a great job.

Comments

21 Comments

: 08/26/2009 - 10:08am; Viewer; Love Top Chef Masters, it was so refreshing to watch a reality TV show that didn't include back stabbing, swearing, and sabotaging your opponent. Probably in real life to get people in their restaurants the Master Chefs do, but on the show they were all great sportsmen/women.
Still didn't like the idea of taking Tom and Padma off and putting Kelly Choi in their place.

: 08/25/2009 - 11:59am; Sharon; I am all for encouraging chefs of any age, but do not agree that Top Chef is family-friendly viewing. Some of the 'cheftestants' use of continual swearing and consequent bleeping gets very old. Even elementary age children can read lips ... And that is just the tip of the iceberg of poor behaviors that one wouldn't want children to emulate!

: 08/25/2009 - 11:40am; Sharon; Watching the Masters at work, I was impressed with how they conducted themselves. I have not always been impressed with 'behind the scenes' during regular Top Chef, returnees acting as sous chefs, as well as the recent contest held on "Next Food Network Star". Chefs, take a look at how you can compete strongly, yet maintain respect and dignity.
Please, give us more of such class entertainment!

08/24/2009 - 3:34pm

CollieB

Gail -

A very important question! Who made the ruffle-y dress you wore for the finale? I loved it!

: 08/20/2009 - 5:52pm; Denise; What a great show!! I haven't miss one episode ever since the first season started. I have to said Top Chef Master was a true inspiration. Thanks for such a fabulous program. Just wish one day I could meet one of the top chef masters, especially Rick Bayless.

08/19/2009 - 11:03pm

karen

Hi Gail, I think you are great & so glad to have Top Chef Season starting. I have a question on the Top Chef Masters finale. What were the little wire like strips on Rick's watermelon salad? I found his recipe but those aren't listed.

Thanks for you help.

: 08/19/2009 - 10:53pm; mmc; I just watched the finale of Top Chef Masters and was so happy for Rick Bayless. He really is a great chef as well as a nice guy.Truthfully, these three chefs were my favorites from the first show. They are all so good that I would have been happy if any one of them won.What a great job you have Gail. You really seem to enjoy it.I'm glad you're back with Top Chef.

08/19/2009 - 5:02pm

Viewer

Gail,

I have been a Top Chef fan from the very first season. I did not know what to expect with Top Chef Masters. I LOVE, LOVE Top Chef Masters! The finanlist were so much fun to watch and I was very impressed with the friendship and respect of all the chefs. They helped one another and there was NO drama. Just pure fun and talent to watch.
For the first few shows I really missed the old judges but you came on and I was so glad to see you. You are a favorite!!!

: 08/16/2009 - 10:30pm; Cherie; I love Top Chef & Top Chef Masters, Gail your the most sincere judge along with Tom C. he is sweet, I've learned alot from your comments, and now enjoy my challenges with my friends, thank you for your insight on these dishes.

08/16/2009 - 10:22pm

Cherie

I'm loving evey season of Top Chef and

I love Top Chef and Gail S. I learn the differances with your comments, also I am so into cooking now that I do my own challenges with my friends, they love it.

: 08/14/2009 - 12:16pm; Margaret; It's been refreshing to see the "Master Chef's" and just how respectful they are to each other. I dislike the backstabbing and nastyness of "Top Chef". It's a shame only one can win as I see them all as winners. I am still looking forward to the new season of Top Chef. One of my favorites. Hope you will do "Masters" again. I might add I did enjoy Kelly Choi.

: 07/31/2009 - 9:52pm; len; I just love this show, to see them help each other is just great.
I could do with out the host. This is the best on TV

: 07/29/2009 - 11:27pm; Viewer; i am commenting here because this is the blog i read.
we're 21 minutes in, and i have to wax aesthetic; how about the soft, perfect sound the masters' glasses made on their toast to each other and their respective causes...masterful. awesome.

: 07/24/2009 - 8:13pm; Naila; Top Chef Masters>>>>>>CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS no more was that in evidance with the final 4 Top Chef Masters.....Love both shows for different reasons....but the Top Chefs could take a lesson from the Masters...If your a great chef then just cook period....LOVE LOVE LOVE THE MASTERS !!!!!

: 07/24/2009 - 1:34pm; Kim; The best things about this show is the lack of whining, sabotage, and nasty remarks and the competition is still fierce and the food fabulous. The worst things are the superciliousness of the judges' remarks (esp. Gael Greene) and Kelly Choi. I hope previous TC contestants are watching and learning how to be a professional - or at least a decent human being.
Look forward to the return of Padma and Tom in Season 6!

: 07/23/2009 - 12:16am; richie; i am watching the final qualifying episode of tcm, and i must say, that i really appreciate gails' comments. i felt so fulfilled when she went to new orleans, becuase it was the first thing i thought about. believe me, it was not easy her adoring viewers when she had to leave for half of a season.
i must also say that this was the most endearing episode of this special show.
there should be a 'special moments' chunk either on line or on the telee.

: 07/13/2009 - 9:56pm; Big Momma; I love you on the shows Gail, may not always agree with you but you do always give your honest opinion no matter what it is. It is very rare that I do not agree with you. Wish you the best in your marriage, and CONGRATS!

: 07/11/2009 - 3:59pm; lotsahelp; I was so glad to see you on the show! Your comments were focused on the food not on yourself or trying to compliment the chefs for their efforts.
I hope you are on for more episodes.
I think many of the chef's were not really expecting the competitions to be as challenging as they are. I agree with you that they will have a new level of respect for what the TC contestants go through.

: 07/11/2009 - 10:22am; Mother Hubbard; Meringue: not Marange

: 07/09/2009 - 4:51pm; Viewer; Gail,
So glad to see you on the show. As always, your insight was right on the money. Got to think it's a little intimidating critiqing these 'Masters'. I thoroughly enjoyed this show. Loved the chefs' mutual respect for each other, their humor, as well as their incredible talents.

07/09/2009 - 7:12am

Quincy

This has been a great "appetizer" as we wait for the next season of the traditional "Top Chef", and these chefs are all amazing. I hope this actually raises the bar for the next season of "TC"'s competitors.

And, of course, WELCOME BACK to the blogosphere! 8-D

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