Mike G wrote:...I think Preeti thought she was on Season 8: Top Chef Vegan Coffeeshop/Mystery Bookstore With Cats Running Around. Too bad she got sent home, it would have been fun next week when everybody else's dishes were like braised elk and swordfish carpaccio, and she would have made tabouleh.

Pork belly seems like an easy way to win on this show.
And yet, Hector's tofu ceviche dish the previous week wowed the critics, sort of putting a beat-down on the seitan chile relleno from the week before. It's not the meatless issue, it's flavor. A vegetarian item was smart, a pasta salad wasn't. If it had been a side dish to something else, they might have pulled it off, but as it is, it was pretty lame.

This was the first "top caterer" of the season. Hopefully not too many, as the previous weeks have let the chefs be more creative, and the show benefits from that a lot.

Well, yeah-- Hector showed he knows how to make complex flavor even when your main ingredient is a blank slate.

And Preeti knows how to make pasta salad.

This was the first "top caterer" of the season. Hopefully not too many, as the previous weeks have let the chefs be more creative, and the show benefits from that a lot.

Though I agree with Ron's point-- they really deserve credit for the first catering episode ever that seemed to run efficiently and scored something like 6 out of 8 on dishes. The winner ought to have been the woman who oversaw it, but in this case, the judges didn't see what we at home saw (at least a little of) about how she kept it all going without meltdowns or fights.

Mike G wrote:The winner ought to have been the woman who oversaw it, but in this case, the judges didn't see what we at home saw (at least a little of) about how she kept it all going without meltdowns or fights.

I was pretty surprised how little praise we saw for her. In previous seasons, someone is always lambasted for not being a leader and running a tight ship. Based on what the producers showed us, every team owes her a lot of thanks for keeping that challenging kitchen environment moving and organized and tasting their food along the way.

eatchicago wrote:

Mike G wrote:The winner ought to have been the woman who oversaw it, but in this case, the judges didn't see what we at home saw (at least a little of) about how she kept it all going without meltdowns or fights.

I was pretty surprised how little praise we saw for her. In previous seasons, someone is always lambasted for not being a leader and running a tight ship. Based on what the producers showed us, every team owes her a lot of thanks for keeping that challenging kitchen environment moving and organized and tasting their food along the way.

Right now, she's one of my picks for the final. She's excelled in every challenge so far.

I was pretty surprised how little praise we saw for her. In previous seasons, someone is always lambasted for not being a leader and running a tight ship.

Well, it didn't all fall apart in a big mess, so they didn't have to think about her. She did her job so well she was invisible.

To judge by past seasons, and Bayless' win in TCM, cool competence may not always be the most exciting TV to watch, but it's what keeps you in when flashier chefs start making fatal mistakes under the pressure. I agree, she's a strong contender.

I think this came up in the bachelor/ette parties from last week, but I hate it when contestants try to defend themselves by saying, "people came back for seconds and thirds!". That doesn't mean you made something great, just good enough.

Preeti was gone as soon as she said, in the beginning of the most recent episode, "Oh, I guess I should really bring my A-game...". No kidding!

I still can't believe Ash did so well in the quickfire - he took on a desert (in a quickfire!) and pulled it off! True, his sorbet/ice cream did turn into a custard, but still!

The winner ought to have been the woman who oversaw it, but in this case, the judges didn't see what we at home saw (at least a little of) about how she kept it all going without meltdowns or fights.

Jennifer had immunity, so I believe that may have played into it. And, although running an efficient kitchen is key to being a top chef, I think the judges (at this point) are more keyed into the food.

Ms. Ingie wrote:

The winner ought to have been the woman who oversaw it, but in this case, the judges didn't see what we at home saw (at least a little of) about how she kept it all going without meltdowns or fights.

Jennifer had immunity, so I believe that may have played into it. And, although running an efficient kitchen is key to being a top chef, I think the judges (at this point) are more keyed into the food.

Yeah, though Jennifer's role in the episode was impressive (at least from a viewer's standpoint), it can't be enough to win without actually cooking anything. However, like many of you, I was surprised she got no cred at the judge's table. When it got to that segment of the show, I almost expected that after first bringing out the winning chefs, that they would then bring Jennifer out by herself, ask her a few questions, make a few comments, give her the (deserved) spotlight for sixty seconds, then bring the losing chefs out. I would expect that there just wasn't time to do that in the show's alloted air time. They've only got an hour and fifteen minutes to show as many ads as possible, and the normal sequence of the show steps over their advertising time as it is; adding a Jennifer segue would just be over the top. Maybe if they had given her a hat made out of a glad container they could've justified doing it. And yes, I'm irked that these "extended" episodes are really nothing more than an addition one minute of show and fourteen minutes of ads. Also, these little pop-ads they show in the bottom corner of the screen while the show is airing are getting obnoxious and not staying in the corner. There were a couple when they almost completely covered a cheftestants face during a medium-close-up. Guh.

For those who are worried that Jennifer isn't getting her due, just point her to this thread!

Yes, the cameras showed her running a tight ship in the kitchen. Yes, this is in her wheelhouse based on her real-life job. No, she didn't cook anything.

But by sharing this detail with the home-viewership, it seems the editors are setting us up for one of two possibilities:

1) A surprise early exit for Jennifer
2) She make sit deep into the competition and they are building up her well-rounded bonafides onscreen.

My money's on #2.

Chicago Expat wrote:And yes, I'm irked that these "extended" episodes are really nothing more than an addition one minute of show and fourteen minutes of ads.

I hadn't noticed this. I'll keep an eye out now.

gastro gnome wrote:For those who are worried that Jennifer isn't getting her due, just point her to this thread!

Yes, the cameras showed her running a tight ship in the kitchen. Yes, this is in her wheelhouse based on her real-life job. No, she didn't cook anything.

But by sharing this detail with the home-viewership, it seems the editors are setting us up for one of two possibilities:

1) A surprise early exit for Jennifer
2) She make sit deep into the competition and they are building up her well-rounded bonafides onscreen.

My money's on #2.

Chicago Expat wrote:And yes, I'm irked that these "extended" episodes are really nothing more than an addition one minute of show and fourteen minutes of ads.

I hadn't noticed this. I'll keep an eye out now.

Since I only ever record and watch, commercials are not an issue for me. I fast forward over every single one them, as I imagine many people do. But that's why product placement in many programs has become more prevalent lately.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:Since I only ever record and watch, commercials are not an issue for me. I fast forward over every single one them, as I imagine many people do. But that's why product placement in many programs has become more prevalent lately.

=R=

gotta love the dvr,

Me too, yet somehow my kids know way more about The Real Housewives of Atlanta than I'd like.

ronnie_suburban wrote:Since I only ever record and watch, commercials are not an issue for me. I fast forward over every single one them, as I imagine many people do. But that's why product placement in many programs has become more prevalent lately.

I tend to watch the episodes On Demand to compensate for the small size of our "free" DVR (thanks, Comcast!) and the running time is generally 42-44 minutes, including the one interlude of "bonus" footage that they tend to try to sneak in between commercials and 4 Tom Colicchio Diet Coke ads (make it stop!) that they run in place of the normal commercials.

I tend to watch the episodes On Demand to compensate for the small size of our "free" DVR (thanks, Comcast!) and the running time is generally 42-44 minutes, including the one interlude of "bonus" footage that they tend to try to sneak in between commercials and 4 Tom Colicchio Diet Coke ads (make it stop!) that they run in place of the normal commercials.

Oh boy, do I hear that. I watched the last episode via On Demand (and will for the rest of the season as I start a class tomorrow night that goes for 12 weeks) and those Colicchio commercials were making me insane. I mean...they couldn't hawk something else? I could deal with the despised Real Housewives better than that Coke commercial.

Must say that so far I've found few people to enjoy rooting for. The Brothers Grimm act as if they were in a battle to the death, Jennifer, while extremely competent and talented, sort of leaves me bored. I like the guys from Atlanta -- but I haven't really sorted them out yet, and the girl I kinda like is Jessie -- who doesn't seem to be able to cook nearly as well as the rest of the crowd. And the male chauvinists -- man -- what IS the problem with these creatures?

Maybe it's the evil influence of the Sunset Strip. Mostly -- I just want Wolfgang Puck to judge every round.

s

Wow. The show aired last night, and nobody cares.
That was my impression also.

DML wrote:Wow. The show aired last night, and nobody cares.
That was my impression also.

Hey, I might care, I just haven't watched it yet.

DML wrote:Wow. The show aired last night, and nobody cares.
That was my impression also.

its on too late for me too watch, plus there was a White Sox game on, I recorded it and will probably watch it tonight after I mow the lawn, and while I am eating dinner. Its a tv show afterall, I like to watch it, but not going to plan my life around it.

wow --- what a pressure packed episode. I would have crapped my pants having to cook for all those greats. Nice to see some local color w/ Jean Joho as well.

First, the "amuse for your life" was kinda cruel. I'm glad Lip Ring is gone as she's been really bringing up the rear in every challenge. Ashley is not long for this world, either. And in addition to Frenchie totally lying about the asparagus, he got burned by trying to jump on the bacon bandwagon after Kevin's bacon jam and previous pork successes.

As for Kevin, it's great that he got immunity, but I can't help but think that he was bummed not to be able to cook for all those greats or potentially win a stage in Robuchon's kitchen.

As for the elimination challenge, I was thinking the same thing as Gail -- the level of food at this stage is far beyond every other season to date. Everything looks much more refined and professional (tho from the previews, it looks like there are some major missteps next week). Mike I. continues to try and suck up in every direction

That said, the cheftestants have definitely separated out into contenders/wannabes/offal ....

1-4
Kevin
Jen
Brothers V.

(dropoff)
5-9
Mike I. (a total jackass, but he's been doing alright)
Eve
Ash
Ira

(big dropoff)
10-14
Mattin
Ashley
Ron
Robin
Laurine

And Robuchon is either Emperor Palpatine or Joe Pesci's long lost brother.

I watched it and found it to be a really good episode. Though perhaps it's because I have a thing for French accents....but I digress...

The quality of cooking seemed impressive. The front runners still appear to be Jennifer, the brothers, and the guy from Atlanta who's name escapes me right now. Mike seems to more be getting lucky with who he's paired up with for the challenges.

I did enjoy the apparent reactions of Gayle to Joel Rubochon's comments. I say apparent because it could be editing. She'd just nod along.

Mary

Great episode! I really enjoyed seeing all those French masters (especially Robuchon!) gathering in one place. Generally speaking, the level of cooking by the contestants seemed very high and has seemed that way all season.

My one criticism this week again has to do with the structure of the show. Kevin wins the 'high stakes' Quickfire challenge but then doesn't get to cook for the panel, or have a chance at staging for Robuchon. Doesn't that seem completely counter-intuitive? I'm sure eating the meal -- and dining with those greats -- was a memorable experience but I can't imagine any chef choosing that over cooking for that panel (especially with immunity from elimination). So, getting rid of someone during the 'high stakes' Quickfire seemed especially ill-conceived. Better to have kept the group at 14, so that there would have been 7 teams of 2, and saved the quickfire elimination for another week, when everyone would be cooking individually. This was a HUGE missed bet, IMO.

=R=

This is unrelated, but I really urge everyone following this thread to also follow Dmnkly's blog where he's yet again doing his outstanding power rankings. He's got a great track record so far this season -- his bottom pick in each of his four pre-show power rankings has gone home in the next episode -- but even if he was whiffing, it's a must-read.

tem wrote:That said, the cheftestants have definitely separated out into contenders/wannabes/offal ....

[ . . .]

5-9
Mike I. (a total jackass, but he's been doing alright)
Eve
Ash
Ira

I assume instead of Eve (eliminated two shows ago) you meant Eli?

Matt wrote:

tem wrote:That said, the cheftestants have definitely separated out into contenders/wannabes/offal ....

[ . . .]

5-9
Mike I. (a total jackass, but he's been doing alright)
Eve
Ash
Ira

I assume instead of Eve (eliminated two shows ago) you meant Eli?

oh ...yeah. I guess you're right.

Excellent episode in a season that just seems to be getting better.

The snail quickfire was, for lack of a better term, hard-core. You get an ingredient that 99% of American chefs never cook and 99% of Americans won't eat and you're told to make a dish for Daniel Boulud and he says that it should be something that he hasn't tasted before. 45 minutes....starts...NOW! Jesus. Talk about separating the men from the boys!

I was a little disappointed that we didn't get to hear what was wrong with the bottom 3 snail dishes. They just moved on to the next dishes. (maybe Chef C. mentioned them in his blog).

I genuinely feel bad for Hector. My gut tells me that he's a good chef in a situation (competition) that he can't adapt to. He was fully aware how badly he screwed up. I was kind of interested to see what he might have had up his sleeve. Oh well.

Best,
Michael

I enjoyed Hector on the show, too bad he is gone, it should have beef Mattin imho(french guy cant cook french food, he gone).

The others I thought should be gone already are Robin, and Ashley, neither brings much to the table.

My favorites on the show(not favorites to win, but the people I "like") are: Michale V, Kevin, and Ron.

I agree with others the snail quickfire was very interesting.

eatchicago wrote:The snail quickfire was, for lack of a better term, hard-core. You get an ingredient that 99% of American chefs never cook and 99% of Americans won't eat and you're told to make a dish for Daniel Boulud and he says that it should be something that he hasn't tasted before. 45 minutes....starts...NOW! Jesus. Talk about separating the men from the boys!

Interesting point about the quickfire from Chef Tom C's blog:

Tom Colicchio wrote:The snails we presented to the chefs were live. However to cook a live snail requires a lengthy purging process that the chefs wouldn’t have time to do. They were given snails that had been precooked, and just needed to be seasoned while being finished. This leveled the playing field, so that those chefs who had never before worked with snails weren’t put at that much of a disadvantage.

This certainly takes a ton of the danger out of the challenge. My first thought when they presented the challenge was, "If you've never cooked a snail before, you're f-ed. How do you avoid making a chewy piece of leather?" Since they were pre-cooked, it would be hard for the judges to ding them on the quality of the snails themselves, so they stuck to composition and seasoning (a much more conventional challenge).

Best,
Michael

jimswside wrote:I enjoyed Hector on the show, too bad he is gone, it should have beef Mattin imho(french guy cant cook french food, he gone).

To that point, Chef Colicchio said: "Lucky for him Hector’s meat was as disastrous as it was, or Mattin would have found himself packing his knives over a classic French challenge. Ouch."

And I think both of these guys saved Ron with his over-breaded, over-cooked frog's legs that no one seemed to like.

eatchicago wrote:
And I think both of these guys saved Ron with his over-breaded, over-cooked frog's legs that no one seemed to like.

the frog legs looked petty bad, and didnt get a good review by the tasters. that was pretty bad for such a simple dish. For some reason I like Ron, maybe its how he talks.

jimswside wrote:

eatchicago wrote:
And I think both of these guys saved Ron with his over-breaded, over-cooked frog's legs that no one seemed to like.

the frog legs looked petty bad, and didnt get a good review by the tasters. that was pretty bad for such a simple dish. For some reason I like Ron, maybe its how he talks.

I like him too but I'm afraid he, like Hector, can't really adapt to the competition format very well.

eatchicago wrote:Interesting point about the quickfire from Chef Tom C's blog:

Tom Colicchio wrote:The snails we presented to the chefs were live. However to cook a live snail requires a lengthy purging process that the chefs wouldn’t have time to do. They were given snails that had been precooked, and just needed to be seasoned while being finished. This leveled the playing field, so that those chefs who had never before worked with snails weren’t put at that much of a disadvantage.

This certainly takes a ton of the danger out of the challenge. My first thought when they presented the challenge was, "If you've never cooked a snail before, you're f-ed. How do you avoid making a chewy piece of leather?" Since they were pre-cooked, it would be hard for the judges to ding them on the quality of the snails themselves, so they stuck to composition and seasoning (a much more conventional challenge).

Well, that means my idea for that quickfire wouldn't have worked -- I was thinking Chinese Salt and Papper and fried for a very brief period -- that would have been a bad idea with a pre-cooked mollusc.