View All PostsEric Ripert
Getting Recognized
Eric Ripert talks about the NYC reaction to his new role and has a message for Angelo.
Jun 28, 2010Welcome back to my video blog. We are at Le Bernardin, and I am commenting on the second episode of Top Chef.
So since I have been on the first episode of Top Chef, I have had people stopping me in the street. Today, a bus driver with tourists in New York was honking and waved at me, so I guess a made a good impression on the show so far!
I loved the challenge of the sandwiches, and I thought everybody was tricked. And it was interesting because they thought they had a half hour to make an interesting sandwich, and really, in a half hour you can do a lot. But then it was a very clever idea to have that apron that, kind of, linked them together, and one could only use his right hand, and the other one, the left hand. That was a funny challenge, and very entertaining, of course. If I was a contestant, I would have definitely chosen Angelo because he has a sandwich shop and I think he’s probably the most knowledgeable about creating sandwiches, even in challenging times. Actually, the result is that Angelo won the challenge. So I would have definitely been on his team.
So I thought the sandwich from Angelo was very interesting. It was a surprise to see the fact that he used seafood in the sandwich with some Asian ingredients, with some fish sauce and sriracha for the spice. It looks delicious, really.
I loved the challenge of feeding kids in the school because its very important to have nutritional meals for our children and obviously schools have budges. We saw that they have two dollars and a few cents to spend per child to create a well-balanced meal. It was definitely something I wanted to watch and see who would be the most creative and the most connected to the kids, in terms of nutrition and also flavors.
The winning team had some actually good food, exciting food, and Kelly took charge. Sometimes, its not very easy to take charge when you work with a team. She became the leader of that team and she was not really appreciated by the rest of her team. I think Arnold was the most vocal, but not with her. I was a little surprised by the lack of solidarity by the teammates, and I was pleasantly surprised by the leadership skills that Kelly showed.
Well the kids were definitely adventurous, and it looked like they tried a lot of the food. But some of the combinations from the chefs really didn’t match their taste. I mean, I don’t think pickled vegetables are exciting for a kid, and Amanda’s dish, with some alcohol in it, doesn’t really resonate in the mind of a kid. I don’t think its really a good idea.
So I think Jacqueline made a big mistake to be maybe too nice, I don’t know, but she had the idea of using chocolate and bananas to make a nice dessert. And because of budget restriction she ended up with basically bananas, milk, and sugar. And she put a lot of sugar, I think she used maybe two pounds of sugar, which is enormous, obviously, and I think she should have been more proactive.
I was surprised by the team of Angelo, and I was surprised by Angelo. It looks like he may have sabotaged the team to get rid of the contenders, so that is a little bit disturbing, and I hope its not the case because if you have talent, you don’t really have to be acting like that. If you have talent, you don’t have to brag about yourself, and you don’t have to put other people down or try to maneuver around them to bring them down. You just can shine by your own talent.
So those comments were about episode two, and if someone has any questions, I will be very happy to answer them in the next comment about Top Chef.
Welcome to the Top Chef group. How did you balance your responsibilities during the taping? Were you familiar with any of the chefs prior to the season?
It is a pleasure to write to you Chef, I want to comment on something I have seen that no one, or very few seem to pick up on, except Top Chef.! The children of today seem to eat more? I wonder if this is true, as a child we were told to 'Get outside and have some fun!' also, no video games back then, they started coming out when my son was young, but he was allowed so much time and then OUTSIDE! We had a nice back yard but also this was the beginning of children being snatched. The remedy to this is parents taking turns to watch the kids at a park, school, or trade houses each week. Also, the TV is none stop food ads, it is so sad, which brings me to the nutrition.What allot of people do not understand is the 'GOOD FOOD' that is nutritious is expensive, or time consuming.As parents we must work with just so much money and bring the kids in the kitchen to do or help (age appropriate) I hope this has made some sense, But parents and chefs remember kids need to go and play outside with other children,that is exercise they love.I did! Thanks Top Chef Eric
I think you are fantastic on the show. So glad you are there, definitely brings it up a notch or many notches. You are so eloquent in the way you explain food, your thoughts on the contestants and, it's so easy to relate on the way you explain things. Can't wait to see the next episode! Ciao..
I'm so glad you've joined Top Chef. You are a class act!
Eric! I just want to say I have been a fan of yours for many years, you seem to be friendly and approachable, not arrogant, and take great integrity in your food. Just two weeks ago, my boyfriend made one of my culinary dreams come true by taking me to Le Bernardin for my birthday. It was an incredible experience - the food is just so well planned and executed that it was really more than just about the food. I was pinching myself for the next couple days because I really couldn't believe I had the honor and the pleasure of eating there! It would have only been better if you had been there yourself and we could have met you! So excited to see you on one of my favorite shows as well!! Wish you well!
I have enjoyed watching you on TV and also own one of your books! My favorite TV memory was watching you visit The French Laundry with Anthony B. years ago and experiencing that meal.. Thank you Bravo!
Video blogs aren't available in Canada! Is there anywhere to see a written transcript?
Go Eric!!! Not only are you an awesome chef, you are also a sex symbol! Rrrowwwww!!!! As a judge, I find you to be fair, just and elegant. Keep up the great work, chef. Bravo!
Could Jacqueline have made a clafoutis (or some sort of quick scone) on her budget? I love them -- cherry or raspberry are my favorites ... but I don't know if they need to be served quickly. Or what about a spiced carrot cake? I don't know about the budget, but latter draws on lots of cupboard spices. Once you're kitchen is established it's not expensive to make. As an aside, you seem very cordial and gracious. (I hope you are.)
I agree with you about Angelo and how he should act. I was shocked at how Angelo tried to sink his team with celery and peanut butter after he had made much more complex dishes in all the other challenges. Bad sportmanship and not the qualities you want in a leader really.
I'm so happy you are regularly on my television set! I thoroughly enjoy listening to your constructive feedback to the competing chefs, both on the show and here on your video blog. Your first-rate talent coupled with your refreshing, classy, and above all likeable personality is a joy to watch and many other budding chefs (and people at large) could take a serious lesson in gratiousness. Thank you for making a great show even better with your presence!
Chef Eric I love watching you. I agree with your comments about Angelo. At this point it appears the top contenders to beat are Kenny and Angelo. I would love to see them duke it out by using their cooking skills and not manipulation.
I was sorry to see Tracey go already. I don't think she would have taken the title Top Chef but she had a fun personility to watch. I think I wouldv'e given her another opportunity. There were so many other good choices to get rid of.
I saw this gorgeous gray haired man walking into george town as I was walking out. You are truly stunning in person, much more handsome in person, taller, thinner, etc. About ten steps after I passed you I realized who you were and I wanted to go back and say hi but I did not want to interupt your great morning and your thought processes. Later I realized you had your restaurant in the ritz carlton hotel that was next to the westin that I stayed in. You were my first celebrity chef siting and it was way cool. Robin
Angelo concentrates on getting rid of the best chefs to win. Instead of being a man and meeting the competion head on. I hope all the women watching this realize that he is showing his true colors and it has nothing to do with winning this competition. Nice looking package no substance to him.
Eric is so gorgeous...............and classy. Welcom to TopChef.There was a woman on Foodnetwork Star, that should have a spot on TopChef. Brianna was her name. Bobby Flay thought that she could really cook, but did not like her personality. She was sent packing. Please get her onTopChef. Brianna was a little sexy, but from what the judges said on FNW she could really cook.I do love TopChef.
Chef Eric--how do you continue to be so approachable?! I hope Jen is still with you. What meal would you have thought of to feed kids on such a small budget without being too fancy they were scared of it? I would really like to know. Thx.
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