Overall, I thought he came off as unlikeably cocky but I do respect Marcus Samuelsson's decision to not help Carmen Martinez. He was right to simply focus on his own stuff. The fact that those who "helped" her burnt the yucca all but confirms that it's just not possible, given the time limits in these challenges, to effectively work on more than one's own dish.

And on the same note, I thought it was just completely pathetic that Monica Pope appeared to have cried over the incident. In fact, in all the seasons of Top Chef (original recipe and Masters), that may have been the most pathetic moment ever shown. It's one thing to believe that he made an inappropriately selfish decision but to cry over it?! C'mon! Unbelievable.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:And on the same note, I thought it was just completely pathetic that Monica Pope appeared to have cried over the incident. In fact, in all the seasons of Top Chef (original recipe and Masters), that may have been the most pathetic moment ever shown. It's one thing to believe that he made an inappropriately selfish decision but to cry over it?! C'mon! Unbelievable.

After watching again, one thing that seems very clear to me is that we have no idea why she's crying -- because she's angry Samuelsson didn't help, because of what he said to her, simply because she lost -- it's completely unclear. And not in a "the editors are trying to screw with us" way. It just looks like she was upset during her exit interview, and the two clips they used happened to be when she was talking about Samuelsson's advice and her daughter. Frankly, if you watch the extended exit interview on the Bravo website, she seems more broken up about the judges' criticism than anything else. But even the "extended" exit interview is a brief little snippet in what I'm sure was an extended weepy discussion.

Dmnkly wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote:And on the same note, I thought it was just completely pathetic that Monica Pope appeared to have cried over the incident. In fact, in all the seasons of Top Chef (original recipe and Masters), that may have been the most pathetic moment ever shown. It's one thing to believe that he made an inappropriately selfish decision but to cry over it?! C'mon! Unbelievable.

After watching again, one thing that seems very clear to me is that we have no idea why she's crying -- because she's angry Samuelsson didn't help, because of what he said to her, simply because she lost -- it's completely unclear. And not in a "the editors are trying to screw with us" way. It just looks like she was upset during her exit interview, and the two clips they used were when she was talking about Samuelsson's advice and her daughter. Frankly, if you watch the extended exit interview on the Bravo website, she seems more broken up about the judges' criticism than anything else. But even the "extended" exit interview is a brief little snippet in what I'm sure was an extended weepy discussion.

Gotcha and understood. By now, I should know better than to post a genuine emotional reaction to anything I see on a reality tv show. In this case, I almost qualified my post with a comment about the editing but decided that I was in the mood to be snarky. Now, I just feel bad for piling on.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:

Dmnkly wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote:And on the same note, I thought it was just completely pathetic that Monica Pope appeared to have cried over the incident. In fact, in all the seasons of Top Chef (original recipe and Masters), that may have been the most pathetic moment ever shown. It's one thing to believe that he made an inappropriately selfish decision but to cry over it?! C'mon! Unbelievable.

After watching again, one thing that seems very clear to me is that we have no idea why she's crying -- because she's angry Samuelsson didn't help, because of what he said to her, simply because she lost -- it's completely unclear. And not in a "the editors are trying to screw with us" way. It just looks like she was upset during her exit interview, and the two clips they used were when she was talking about Samuelsson's advice and her daughter. Frankly, if you watch the extended exit interview on the Bravo website, she seems more broken up about the judges' criticism than anything else. But even the "extended" exit interview is a brief little snippet in what I'm sure was an extended weepy discussion.

Gotcha and understood. By now, I should know better than to post a genuine emotional reaction to anything I see on a reality tv show. In this case, I almost qualified my post with a comment about the editing but decided that I was in the mood to be snarky. Now, I just feel bad for piling on.

Oh, I'm totally with you that her reaction seemed weirdly overblown. I just can't figure out why she was so bent out of shape.

Yes, like too many olives?!

Watching a repeat right now. Perhaps it's the editing, but was the stew left out overnight? I also would like to see more cooking and creating.

Mary

agilejacks wrote:Watching a repeat right now. Perhaps it's the editing, but was the stew left out overnight? I also would like to see more cooking and creating.

Mary

I think it was left in a large walk-in cooler.

gleam wrote:

agilejacks wrote:Watching a repeat right now. Perhaps it's the editing, but was the stew left out overnight? I also would like to see more cooking and creating.

Mary

I think it was left in a large walk-in cooler.

Nope. At least, that's not where they showed it. It was on an unrefrigerated rack of utensils. The shot that showed it abandoned panned over from the kitchen door closing, but didn't actually show any of the chefs. In the shot where she picks it up, it's in the same place, but it's a much wider shot so you can't really tell if it looks like it had been moved and replaced. Whether it was out all night or whether the crew refrigerated it and put it back out the next day, who knows.

We wondered about that too. I think she refrigerated it overnight and then, the next day, while packing up, it was left behind on the shelf.

elakin wrote:We wondered about that too. I think she refrigerated it overnight and then, the next day, while packing up, it was left behind on the shelf.

That's a better explanation

Given the no doubt unintended focus on each chef's ability/decision to focus solely on their own work (or not), I find the decision to force everyone to work in pairs the first week all the more unfortunate and wrong. And, as Josh said, it's hard not to believe that Whole Foods' sausage was the real winner.

Question: I either missed it or it was edited out. What was so bold or different about Samuelsson's treatment of the collard greens?

Gypsy Boy wrote:Question: I either missed it or it was edited out. What was so bold or different about Samuelsson's treatment of the collard greens?

They mentioned that he used coconut milk. That's all I caught. That alone couldn't have been so revolutionary.

I thought it was lame how Kelly Choi was the judge for the Quick Fire and not because I find her as annoying as others here. I just think it seemed an odd to elevate her to the position of a typical TC guest judge for the Quick Fires, usually a visiting chef. Also, the other TCM Quick Fires that I remember were all done for 3 or more people and you got to watch the chefs listen to and respond to their reactions which was actually pretty entertaining.

That being said, I thought that Kelly Choi had some interesting things to say about the dishes and I walked away feeling that she might have some culinary knowledge after all.

gastro gnome wrote:

Gypsy Boy wrote:I thought it was lame how Kelly Choi was the judge for the Quick Fire and not because I find her as annoying as others here. I just think it seemed an odd to elevate her to the position of a typical TC guest judge for the Quick Fires, usually a visiting chef....

That being said, I thought that Kelly Choi had some interesting things to say about the dishes and I walked away feeling that she might have some culinary knowledge after all.

Agreed on the first point. Did someone cancel at the last moment, forcing them to have her judge. Hello?

And I disagree on the second. All that went through my mind as I watched her was, "Boy, they must have given her some lines to say and instructions about what to look for so she could sound like she knew something." It came off as completely bogus to me. I'm not saying she doesn't have any culinary knowledge, but that didn't strike me as illustrative of much.

I thought she came off as much more personable this episode, being so friendly toward everyone.

Just finished watching week #2 on the DVR. First thought, "She's serving food that's been left out overnight." The way I saw it, they cooked, packed everything up, although not shown, I'm assuming the speed carts were then put in the walk-in cooler, then they left. The next day they went to the hotel and all of the items were delivered. The tray with the stew was shown on the cart when they left the night before and on the same cart the next evening when Carmen returned. I went back and reviewed and the chefs shopped at Whole Foods, went back to the kitchen and had one hour to prep. The next day they had 2 1/2 hours to finish before the party. The only thing might be that they went to the kitchen on day two in order to pack up the carts and that's when it was left. Creative editing? I found it very interesting later when she served it to the judges that Kelly Choi repeatedly kept smelling the stew. I was wondering if she smelled something odd or if it was very fragrant. Nothing was said, so I'm assuming it was the latter.

I'm also NOT a Kelly Choi fan. As far as her judging the quickfire, Padma has judged quickfires on her show.

I also was floored that they judged Carmen first and told her she was the winner; a new strategy.

Not a fan of the partner scenario used in week #1. Didn't use it in week #2, but I have a feeling that they're using it in week #3 with all of the retreads (last season's losers.)

I thought Marcus Samuelsson came off as a big jerk. It will be interesting to see him up against Susan Feniger as I'm sure he'll give her as much respect as he gave Monica Pope.

Not feeling a lot of creativity this morning, so I'll end here.

i<3pizza wrote:I thought she came off as much more personable this episode, being so friendly toward everyone.

agreed. she didn't make that pained grimace face nearly as much.

elakin wrote:

i<3pizza wrote:I thought she came off as much more personable this episode, being so friendly toward everyone.

agreed. she didn't make that pained grimace face nearly as much.

Yeah, she just seemed more relaxed overall. I hope (but doubt) it's a sign she's settling into the role, but we'll see.

Yeah, I'm a-watchin' this season, and yeah, KC seems slightly less irritating compared to last year, and YEAH, that pairs thing was stupid and the judges aren't my favorites ... but all that said, it's about the food to me. Still don't get why Samuelsson made it (maybe you had to taste it to understand?); his dish wouldn't have been my pick. But, onward and upward we go, drooling all the way. Which reminds me: gotta watch this show *after* I eat dinner, or my appetite's gonna be completely out of control afterward. Sigh.

webdiva wrote:Still don't get why Samuelsson made it (maybe you had to taste it to understand?); his dish wouldn't have been my pick.

It's worth noting that (I believe -- don't have the episode in front of me) his score from the partygoers was a full point higher than the closest competition (4.5 vs..... did anybody get 4? I don't think so). Probably just flat-out tasted good.

I have to say, I'm just not enjoying this season as much as last season. Maybe the novelty factor has worn off.

I had two issues with this week's show.

First, it makes no sense to have people judge food who don't actually seem to enjoy eating food. I understand that Bravo uses the show to promote other shows, but using the Real Housewives of Orange County was a complete disaster. At least the people from Flipping Out last season actually seemed to enjoy putting solid food in their mouths.

Second, the elimination challenge. They were told to make upscale versions of pub food. Then they served the dishes to people who didn't seem the least bit interested in any sort of significant departure from the traditional versions of any of the dishes. While Ludo's dish might have had issues with execution, I actually thought it was interesting that he was trying to do a different take on an Irish stew. That didn't matter though. Cue the "this isn't Irish stew" comments.

I don't know, maybe things will get better in the next round. But so far, this version seems to be more watered down than the first.

jesteinf wrote:I have to say, I'm just not enjoying this season as much as last season. Maybe the novelty factor has worn off.

I had two issues with this week's show.

First, it makes no sense to have people judge food who don't actually seem to enjoy eating food. I understand that Bravo uses the show to promote other shows, but using the Real Housewives of Orange County was a complete disaster. At least the people from Flipping Out last season actually seemed to enjoy putting solid food in their mouths.

Second, the elimination challenge. They were told to make upscale versions of pub food. Then they served the dishes to people who didn't seem the least bit interested in any sort of significant departure from the traditional versions of any of the dishes. While Ludo's dish might have had issues with execution, I actually thought it was interesting that he was trying to do a different take on an Irish stew. That didn't matter though. Cue the "this isn't Irish stew" comments.

I don't know, maybe things will get better in the next round. But so far, this version seems to be more watered down than the first.

Totally agree here. As much as I love the O.C. Housewives (a guilty pleasure), they were a terrible choice as judges. But cross-promoting another Bravo show seemed to be the priority. And I agree about the pub grub challenge. The judges did not at all match up with the parameters of the challenge.

I find Rick Moonen remarkably unlikeable -- so much so that he actually made Ludo come off as the good guy. I expect a bit more grace from a supposed "Master." Really a shame we'll have to endure him in further episodes.

=R=

Totally agree on the Real Housewives. I understand that chefs should be able to cook for a critic and a "person off the street," but when the comments are things like "I don't like red meat," it makes you wonder how seriously to take their scores.

The main problem I have with this season is that there seems to be less focus on the cooking. I was pretty sure we weren't told what WD was making until he actually served it. I know this show isn't meant to teach people how to cook, but I'd love a little insight into their process.

Although when Ludo was complaining about serving food to bimbos who don't know food, I couldn't help but think, and who exactly is eating at a "guerilla" restaurant in LA called Ludo Bites with a cheesy-sultry French chef?

The salvation of this episode was Jonathan Waxman, who seemed so blissfully free of the nonsense and able to just find his way telepathically to great food. But on the whole, I agree, something's missing so far, even as individual chefs have been appealing (and I enjoyed the camaraderie of Bowles and Dufresne, and wish we could have had more of it instead of eight repeats of the "I AM TALKIN' HERE!" clip).

Totally agree on the Real Housewives. I understand that chefs should be able to cook for a critic and a "person off the street," but when the comments are things like "I don't like red meat," it makes you wonder how seriously to take their scores.

I feel certain that with three times as many votes, the judges can collude to ensure the winners they want.

I feel certain that with three times as many votes, the judges can collude to ensure the winners they want.

Not true for the quickfire portion. This was just Gael Greene and all the housewives.

I noted even Gael Greene got confused on what was in one fo the dishes, unless it was the editing. I thought the quickfire portion was hilarious, but I can see if you're attempting to take this seriously you could be upset.

First, it makes no sense to have people judge food who don't actually seem to enjoy eating food. I understand that Bravo uses the show to promote other shows, but using the Real Housewives of Orange County was a complete disaster. At least the people from Flipping Out last season actually seemed to enjoy putting solid food in their mouths.

What's your problem? As good as your average rock band, right? Well, maybe not. Here's a brief description of the ladies' dinner at Fleur de Lys in SF:

"The ladies landed in San Francisco and headed to Fleur de Lys, the restaurant of Top Chef Masters contestant Hubert Keller. Alexis, who had never traveled without her husband, talked on the phone throughout the dinner and spit out a taste of Gretchen‘s foie gras, gagging because of the texture. That made Vicki heave. “When Alexis almost lost it, I almost lost it,” she said, because, you know, vomit can make you vomit. “Classless trash,” Vicki continued. “I don’t know why Alexis is here.”

No comment on the "classless trash," but I have no idea what any of them were doing on TCM either.

Anyone else getting a senility "vibe" from Gael Greene? She seems like she's not entirely there for most of the episode.

ronnie_suburban wrote:I find Rick Moonen remarkably unlikeable -- so much so that he actually made Ludo come off as the good guy. I expect a bit more grace from a supposed "Master." Really a shame we'll have to endure him in further episodes.

I thought the Rick Moonen bits were just shtick. Stupid, poorly executed shtick, but still shtick rather than genuine nastiness.

Kennyz wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote:I find Rick Moonen remarkably unlikeable -- so much so that he actually made Ludo come off as the good guy. I expect a bit more grace from a supposed "Master." Really a shame we'll have to endure him in further episodes.

I thought the Rick Moonen bits were just shtick. Stupid, poorly executed shtick, but still shtick rather than genuine nastiness.

What bugged me more than that was the way he immediately latched onto taking the fish for himself. I thought it was poor form. He said he wanted it and that was fine but once someone else (Ludo) said he wanted it, he should have relented. I know that chefs, especially this level, are competitive but he seemed overly so. Given that the whole sh'bang is ultimately for charity, I thought his behavior was a bit out of place.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:

Kennyz wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote:I find Rick Moonen remarkably unlikeable -- so much so that he actually made Ludo come off as the good guy. I expect a bit more grace from a supposed "Master." Really a shame we'll have to endure him in further episodes.

I thought the Rick Moonen bits were just shtick. Stupid, poorly executed shtick, but still shtick rather than genuine nastiness.

What bugged me more than that was the way he immediately latched onto taking the fish for himself. I thought it was poor form. He said he wanted it and that was fine but once someone else (Ludo) said he wanted it, he should have relented. I know that chefs, especially this level, are competitive but he seemed overly so. Given that the whole sh'bang is ultimately for charity, I thought his behavior was a bit out of place.

=R=

And he was kinda whiny about it...but then again, seeing Ludo rant was pretty entertaining. I kind of enjoy watching these chef gurus, some of whom clearly don't spend all that much time on the line these days, try to maintain their studly images in the face of a bit of adversity. It's not great cooking but it does make for some fun tv.

And Ronnie, I never would've pegged you for a Real Housewives fan--that made my day

I'll just say that I agree with pretty much everything that's been written about the previous episode and, nonetheless, I found it probably the most entertaining and enjoyable episode to date.

I found Ludo hilarious and wish he was kept around just for his zany, off-the-wall quality. Moonen came off as a consummate NYC arrogant prick, and Waxman was utterly wonderful, showing all these young upstarts just how accomplished he is. That guy's really been around.

I will say that I strongly disliked the "pub food" choices. What country are we in again? Don't we have American pubs with American pub food? What's all this Irish and British stuff?