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After a nice long week off from blogging and a return to the continental US, I am back and ready to write my new blog. First things first, sorry about the style of writing I adhere to when I am doing the blog. For me, writing in this stream of consciousness way seems to work best for me. So to all the English teachers out there, this is the best I got ... really .... At least things are spelled right and there aren't any grammatical errors (at least not that I am aware of; Bravo edits these babies.) But feel free to keep those comments coming; I love seeing what my readers have to say. Now onto the critique...

Let me start by saying that I felt like this week's episode was a walking advertisement for a combination of things: nice plug for Macy's when they are feeling the pain of the economic downturn ... and the Web site Cookstr.com. Can't say I have ever heard of it, but I am sure they will have thousands of hits after the show airs, not to mention the usual hubbub about Glad and it's like watching a 45 minute commercial. The plugs are becoming more and more obvious and it's starting to get a wee bit obnoxious, but, I get it ... the show and network have got to make money somehow.

I have to say I thought the Quickfire was interesting. I love the idea of pulling a slot machine, which is completely random and all based on luck, just like it is in Vegas, so it leaves nothing to chance. I was surprised at the number of chefs that landed on umami. It seemed like the odds were high to pull that sucker. I was impressed with Kevin and his ability to crank out some bad ass Asian food (twice) when he has no background in it. Though, in my opinion Asian is really one of the easier cuisines to cook even when you know nothing about the technique. If you know the flavors, which almost all basic home cooks do (ginger, garlic, soy, chili, sesame), then it really isn't that difficult to come up with something delicious if you are a technically-skilled chef like Kevin is. So it wasn't surprising to see him pull out the win, and I was impressed with the fact that he didn't take immunity. It is nice to see someone who believes in their ability enough to run off with $15,000. I'd be interested to see what other chefs would do (I for one, would have taken the money. Lord knows I could use it!). I also thought brother Micheal took an impressive risk with the dessert and was impressed with his flavors as well. I love the combination of yuzu and coconut and yogurt, and the seaweed cracker ... that was definitely my favorite dish just judging visually. I am certainly starting to really like Micheal V. and his style. He does some cool stuff. I think out of all the chefs I would be eager to try his food the most. Second is Kevin and then his brother Bryan. I felt bad for Jennifer for being sick. That really sucks, especially while in a kitchen. Cooking and being sick is crappy. I have done it many times and in fact I am home sick today from work with the flu as I write this. There are some days you really shouldn't be in a kitchen, so I can understand why it is that she ended up in the bottom three when your head isn't completely in the game because it's clouded by fogginess.

Comments

28 Comments
10/15/2009 - 6:58am
phan

Great insight. Your picks as the top chefs are the same as mine/many fans. They are all very good and it is hard to pick the one that will end up as the winner. This season seems hard, as there were so many from the start..more challenges and the Vegas heat, etc.

10/12/2009 - 7:54pm
Viewer

Jamie, Great Blog! Love the insight, you were one of my favourite's last year and I was so hoping you would make it to the finals, stephan over you? please... .Hoping they have another competition with past chefs and you take part. Keep up with the fabulous comments , I pick either Kevin or Jenn to take home the win, I think the bros will cancel each other out eventually.

10/10/2009 - 3:35pm
Irina

the BEST blog ever - may be because I agree with you, or may be because I live in Nor. Cal and we all really wanted you to win :) Please blog more!!!

10/10/2009 - 2:36am
Duncan

Hi Jamie...thanks for the comments. I really like the "other side" type of stuff, like most viewers do.
I was surprised by your comment :"I love the idea of pulling a slot machine, which is completely random and all based on luck, just like it is in Vegas, so it leaves nothing to chance."

It seems to me that is exactly what the cookoff was about.....random. That hardly is leaving "nothing to chance" since that is what "random" is.

10/09/2009 - 7:05pm
Doug

Funny. Please keep blogging.

10/09/2009 - 3:31pm
Jessica

Love your blog Jamie! Thanks for keeping up with it and it's great to read your persepctive.

10/09/2009 - 10:48am
NY Gal

Jamie, love your blog! Do you think Eli added salt to get
Ash off the show? Now for Mike I., I live in DC and I will
be a big challenge for the ego but he has been trained to make
good food. His boss's ego is even bigger.

10/09/2009 - 8:43am
Viewer

Thanks for blogging Jamie. It's nice to be able to get more details on the food & the cooking.

10/09/2009 - 1:59am
Kenn

Jamie, good to have you back blogging. I agree with you: a "smack-down" between the brothers V would be very interesting. Both are highly skilled, top-notch chefs - but, as you know, competition is a blend of skill, chance, and unpredictability. (Lots of excellent poker players leave Las Vegas broke, and a lot of grandmas hit the jack-pot on the nickel slots.) My top four are: Jennifer, Kevin, and the Brothers V. One of them is certain to be Top Chef - Season 6.

10/08/2009 - 8:39pm
shahira

Really sorry to see Ashley go. I agree with you on Mike, for pete's sake, give it a break already. What was your take on Ash's comments regarding working with Picasso? I thought he went over the top there, but was glad the V brother was able to stay. I love this show, but the problem I have with it, is that they judge you on that particular challenge and not overall. That is why I waS bummed when you lost last season. So what, your celery was salty, soggy, etc. Everything else you made they liked!

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