Blogs

- Richard Blais
- Trick or Retreat
- Richard Blais wasn't surprised that the chefs didn't know what was planned for them at Craftsteak.
Gotcha!
Somewhere in a small village, a person pumps their fist in the air, wildly smirks and high fives their neighbor over the excitement of the catch. But it’s not a hunters' group from some remote, African tribe sneaking up on an unwitting prey. It’s a gathering of creatives, executives, and producers huddled in a small area that’s loaded with television monitors. A tent heavy with cables, wires, and head sets called Video Village.
Of course, I don’t know much about what happens there. I’ve seen it from a distance. Accidentally crossed its invisible border and heard tales of it’s legend. But it’s a bit like Oz, a mythical place. If you pull back the curtain, you won’t find a wizard pulling the strings, instead there are elves, magical ones.
Although its probably a more fitting metaphor to compare it to the offensive coordinators’ booth at a football game. It’s where the scheming happens. It’s where the plays get called. And all season long our contestants, the defense if you follow, have been chasing a sweep to the strong side of the formation. They’ve picked up a pattern. They’re smart. And cooking at Tom’s steakhouse is an obvious toss sweep right. Everyone can see it coming. So like any good, smart defense, they start to cheat that way. Preparing to cook meat. Envisioning what will be in the walk-in. Even communicating amongst themselves who will work with what cut. Like any good kitchen. Like any good team. But no one is watching the back side. No one is staying home. And here it comes... .
In football, it’s called a reverse.
Those offensive coordinators have been setting up all game for this play. If you can imagine all of our contestants running as fast as they can. On ice. And then a whistle blows, and they’re told to run in the opposite direction. You can imagine the physical scene. Some people fall hard, but get back up. Some barely maintain their balance, but still have to slow down and regain momentum. And some, slide away for good.
Mentally, thats what happened tonight.
Overpreparing, falling for routine, or trying to outthink production or even yourself is a doomed gameplan on Top Chef. I know all too well. Before even packing my bags for Chicago I researched all the events and celebrity chefs that were in town during our filming. I wisely deducted with absolute certainty that we would be cooking for Alice Waters at the Green City market where she was appearing a few days after our arrival. When the challenge was revealed to be at the market, I felt rather clever. I shopped thinking about Alice, even deciding how I would introduce my dish to her. I envisioned it all. I was confident, as I am smarter then the average elf.
Then Wylie Dufresne walked in the door. Gulp!
In football that is called a triple reverse.
- 11/12/2009 - 11:14am
- JV
Sorry if this is off-topic. I don't know if you read this Richard but you recently performed at the Cooking & Entertaining Show at DC making liquid nitrogen frozen popcorn and I had a question.
Was the liquid nitrogen popping the corn? What exactly was it doing to the corn? I was in a seat too far away for a throw so I was a bit confused and couldn't quite tell what effect was supposed to be.
Otherwise I had a wonderful time watching you and Paula. Great show; I hope you go far in whatever you want to do whether that be performance cooking or restuaranting or both. And I also couldn't help but notice how much weight you have lost since Top Chef. Hope you read this!
- 11/10/2009 - 2:48pm
- JennK
I loved your post!
- 11/09/2009 - 10:53am
- BGirl
Hello Richard,
I can't believe that you didn't comment on the reunion dinner. What REALLY went on? How was the food prepared by the rest of the cast? What was Lisa like? Did the bacon have a French accent???
- 11/07/2009 - 9:11am
- BGirl
Richard,
I can't believe you didn't comment about the reunion dinner? Were you as uncomfortable to be there and witness the squirming in person as we were to view it? Did you smell bacon with a French accent? (Too Funny!)
- 11/02/2009 - 12:44pm
- KarenKit
Loved your blog...you have such a way of writing...such an art, so keep that in mind when and if you'll do a cookbook.
- 10/31/2009 - 4:50pm
- morgan from minneapolis
Richard-
I absolutely LOVE the malta ribs that you created during your Top Chef experience. I've made them several times, but my first attempt was the best... because I followed your proportions to the letter. Then, the recipe was removed from the bravotv website... oh, how my ribs have suffered. Any chance I could get a refresher?
- 10/31/2009 - 7:30am
- tom008
Hello Mr. Richard:
Thanks for your blog. I just recently watched you and Eli in the Iron Chef America and thought you were great. Have you ever thought about competing in the Next Iron Chef?
- 10/31/2009 - 6:07am
- Toast420
That was a great article Richard, I was giggling all the way through. You have a real knack for writing!
- 10/30/2009 - 6:51pm
- Carlee
Richard, you are, indeed, a clever chef. Would have loved seeing you in this particular competition with the V bros. and Kevin.
The vegetarian challenge was awesome and I was sorely disappointed in some of the results. Don't we all eat vegetarian at times? I expected better from many of them.
- 10/29/2009 - 2:04pm
- kat8992
Ate at Flip Burger for lunch today for the first time with co-workers. Loved the meal - portions & service were great. Will definitely be eating there again. Enjoy your insider take on all things Top Chef!
- 10/29/2009 - 1:25pm
- chef de ma maison
Yes, the magical elves threw everyone for a loop this episode. Good analogy, but not your best blog. What did you think about everyone's individual dishes? I had to read your blog a second time, because I couldn't believe there were no Star Wars references..you know with our host being Natalie Portman and all. I sense a disturbance in the force.
- 10/29/2009 - 1:07pm
- Lynda S
Hello Richard,
You ARE one clever man. The title of a cooking show for you could be, "The Clever Chef!". You are brighter than all of the current crop 'o cooks combined. With the exception of Michael V. and Kevin (albeit, whose dish I thought looked messy), the rest of the cast couldn't adjust very well. Mike I. was too clever for himself and was sent home!
- 10/29/2009 - 1:00pm
- Cat in the Hat
Great analogy! I think it was brilliant of the producers to set up the switcheroo. Personally I don't think any of the chefs, even Kevin, rose to the challenge. I did however really like the creativity Michael V displayed with his dish.
More Top Chef Blogs
- Just Say No to Paper Hats!
- Brian Malarkey thinks Kevin had the right idea by keeping it simple.
- Read Entry
- Keep it Simple
- Jamie Lauren is loving Kevin's style, but is so over the Voltaggio brothers.
- Read Entry
- Solving the Bocuse d'Or Puzzle
- What lies ahead for Kevin Gillespie at the Bocuse d’Or USA finals? Jerome Bocuse has some thoughts, and advice for the cheftestant.
- Read Entry
Top 5 by Bravo -- What's popular on BRAVOTV.com this week
-

Housewives O.C., Full Episode
OC Full Episodes on Demand!
Don't miss any of the juicy OC drama. Watch full episodes of the Real Housewives, right here.
-

Top Chef, Gallery
Top Chef: Where Are They Now?
Find out what's happening with your favorite cheftestants from all five seasons.
-

Housewives O.C., Previews
Sneak Peek: OC Wives Gone Wild
Gretchen's not letting anyone boss her around ... get a first look at the next all-new OC!
-

Top Chef, Exit Interviews
Robin Gets Chopped
What did the controversial cheftestant have to say about getting the boot? Watch her exit interview here.
-

Salon Takeover, Rate the Look
Tabatha's Take: Celeb Hair
What does Tab think of "The Gosselin?" Rob Pattinson? Lady Gaga? Get her expert opinion now!
-

Top Chef, Recipe Finder
Hungry? Browse our Recipe Finder
Find hundreds of Top Chef dishes in our recipe finder!
-

Top Chef, Gallery
Top Chef: Where Are They Now?
Find out what's happening with your favorite cheftestants from all five seasons.
-

Top Chef, Recaps
Recap: Season 6 So Far!
Get a recap of the first six episodes served up in under 4 minutes!
-

Top Chef, Memory Match
Play with your Food
How fast can you match these Top Chef dishes?
-

Top Chef, Eat Tastefully
Eat Tastefully with Brian Malarkey
Learn how to make the Top Chef winning dishes with a healthy twist!
-

Salon Takeover, Rate the Look
Tabatha's Take: Celeb Hair
What does Tab think of "The Gosselin?" Rob Pattinson? Lady Gaga? Get her expert opinion now!
-

Housewives ATL, Rate the Look
She by Sheree Spring 2010 Collection
Rate the looks in Sheree Whitfield's line She by Sheree!
-

, Out and About
Bravo Stars Out and About
Check out your favorite Bravolebrities hitting the town in style.
-

Rachel Zoe, Game
The Wardrobe Room
Mix and match looks inspired by Rachel's must-haves to create the perfect Zoe-approved outfit!
-

Salon Takeover, Sneak Peeks
Sneak Peek: Don't Mess with Tabatha
Who's calling Tabatha a bitch? Watch the next 'Takeover' blowout!
-

Top Chef, Bravo Shop
Quickfire Wines
Inspire your inner Top Chef with a Napa Valley hand crafted Quickfire Wine!
-

Top Chef, Bravo Shop
Top Chef Bouquets
Three delectable bouquets inspired by Top Chef!
-

Top Chef, Bravo Shop
Top Chef: Quickfire Cookbook
Flip through 75 of Top Chef's best Quickfire Challenge recipes!
-

Top Chef, Bravo Shop
Top Chef: New York on DVD
Add Top Chef Season 5 to your DVD collection!
-

Housewives ATL, Bravo Shop
"Who Gonna Check Me Boo?" Tee
Make Sheree's one-liner into a fashion statement with the ATL-inspired tee!
Get Mobile
- Take Bravo With You.
- Get games, show updates, and more on your cell phone.
- Standard message charges apply.

























Comments