Top Chef Masters: entire series discussion (spoilers)
Top Chef Masters: entire series discussion (spoilers)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Post #121 - August 5th, 2009, 10:26 pmgastro gnome wrote:ronnie_suburban wrote:More than anything else, though, this episode really made me want to grab Zooey D by the neck and squeeze hard. Allergy aside, her ridiculous, self-limited diet was so affected, it was notable even by Hollywood standards.
Think of it this way: it lowered the culinary bar to the point that a very good plate of pasta elicits a hug-response from the Hollywood starlet. If that's all it takes, imagine the dating damage LTH'ers could do in LA if outfitted with but a few pantry staples.
Heh, so true. So true.
=R=By protecting others, you save yourself. If you only think of yourself, you'll only destroy yourself. --Kambei Shimada
Every human interaction is an opportunity for disappointment --RS
There's a horse loose in a hospital --JM
That don't impress me much --Shania Twain
-
-
-
-
Post #122 - August 6th, 2009, 6:20 amronnie_suburban wrote:Allergy aside, her ridiculous, self-limited diet was so affected, it was notable even by Hollywood standards.
First of all, lemme see if I got the facts right: the gluten-free part was an allergy. The vegan part was a choice. The soy-free part was also choice, I think. We agree that you can't hold the allergy against her.
I'm not a vegetarian or a vegan and I don't agree with the philosophy/ies behind these choices. Though the soy-free part may have been a choice, I'm not entirely sure that it might not have been an allergy as well. Even if it wasn't, though, I think your comment is a bit harsh, Ronnie me boy.
I will confess that I began the elimination challenge in the somewhat the same frame of mind, but I've reconsidered. I may not share her philosophy (or her allergies, thank god), and she may seem the embodiment of overprivileged youth, but then again, maybe I'm just jealous. So, I'm going to try to avoid passing judgment on other people's choices, even the wacko ones.
Besides, you've got to admit, the chefs responded to the challenge pretty impressively.Gypsy Boy
"I am not a glutton--I am an explorer of food." (Erma Bombeck)
-
-
-
Post #123 - August 6th, 2009, 8:48 amOne thing that has struck me about this series is how it's highlighted the flexibility and broad range of Mexican cooking (and Bayless' cooking). When the contestants were dealt offal, people rightly commented that that was almost a gimme for Bayless - right in his wheelhouse. Then, when they were dealt the vegan/ gluten free requirement, once again this seemed to be a contest handed to Bayless on a silver platter. Two challenges that couldn't be more different, and yet each seemed ready-made for Bayless to shine....defended from strong temptations to social ambition by a still stronger taste for tripe and onions." Screwtape in The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis
Fuckerberg on Food
-
-
-
Post #124 - August 6th, 2009, 10:00 amGypsy Boy wrote:ronnie_suburban wrote:Allergy aside, her ridiculous, self-limited diet was so affected, it was notable even by Hollywood standards.
First of all, lemme see if I got the facts right: the gluten-free part was an allergy. The vegan part was a choice. The soy-free part was also choice, I think. We agree that you can't hold the allergy against her.
I'm not a vegetarian or a vegan and I don't agree with the philosophy/ies behind these choices. Though the soy-free part may have been a choice, I'm not entirely sure that it might not have been an allergy as well. Even if it wasn't, though, I think your comment is a bit harsh, Ronnie me boy.
Fair enough, Dave. Just remind me not to invite her over for dinner.
Gypsy Boy wrote:Besides, you've got to admit, the chefs responded to the challenge pretty impressively.
Most definitely. And I didn't even know that quinoa pasta existed, so I was glad to learn something new.Kennyz wrote:One thing that has struck me about this series is how it's highlighted the flexibility and broad range of Mexican cooking (and Bayless' cooking). When the contestants were dealt offal, people rightly commented that that was almost a gimme for Bayless - right in his wheelhouse. Then, when they were dealt the vegan/ gluten free requirement, once again this seemed to be a contest handed to Bayless on a silver platter. Two challenges that couldn't be more different, and yet each seemed ready-made for Bayless to shine.
Great point. He continues to impress and I think I like him on this show even better than I like Frontera Grill. But while watching last night, my son, who was clearly inspired by what he saw, said "we have to go to Frontera Grill," (he's never been) so I think there's a trip there in my near future.
Separately, I really found myself liking Art, based on what I saw of him on TCM, so I was sad to see him go. But based on last night's episode, it's hard to argue with the decision.
=R=By protecting others, you save yourself. If you only think of yourself, you'll only destroy yourself. --Kambei Shimada
Every human interaction is an opportunity for disappointment --RS
There's a horse loose in a hospital --JM
That don't impress me much --Shania Twain
-
-
-
-
Post #125 - August 6th, 2009, 10:28 amronnie_suburban wrote:Separately, I really found myself liking Art, based on what I saw of him on TCM, so I was sad to see him go. But based on last night's episode, it's hard to argue with the decision.
Agreed. Having had mostly (unjustified and unwarranted) disdain for him previously, I was actually pretty impressed with his performance. I don't know that he was in his element, particularly given his background, but it was pretty hard not to like the guy. His choice of rice ice cream was understandable in context but it's easy to see how it sunk him.
The biggest surprise for me was Anita Lo whose dish, I think, was misunderstood all around. It might not have been the best one, but I really got the impression that Oseland (and company) simply didn't understand her point about her wanting the eggplant to be that way.Gypsy Boy
"I am not a glutton--I am an explorer of food." (Erma Bombeck)
-
-
-
Post #126 - August 6th, 2009, 10:32 amI agree that Art seems like a nice guy, but I can't agree that - even in context - the choice of buying rice ice cream was understandable. Having never had rice ice cream, I would be able to predict that it's horrible. Even if he couldn't predict it, he tasted it and confirmed for himself that it was horrible. Then he tried to cover it up instead of just scrapping the idea and making something else. Like just the brittle with some macerated berries or something; he'd probably still be on the show if he did that....defended from strong temptations to social ambition by a still stronger taste for tripe and onions." Screwtape in The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis
Fuckerberg on Food
-
-
Post #127 - August 6th, 2009, 10:45 amKennyz wrote:I agree that Art seems like a nice guy, but I can't agree that - even in context - the choice of buying rice ice cream was understandable. Having never had rice ice cream, I would be able to predict that it's horrible. Even if he couldn't predict it, he tasted it and confirmed for himself that it was horrible. Then he tried to cover it up instead of just scrapping the idea and making something else. Like just the brittle with some macerated berries or something; he'd probably still be on the show if he did that.
Beyond that, it was just a cop out in the first place. I didn't understand his defense that he didn't have a recipe and wasn't going to take the chance of screwing up somebody's special lunch, or however he put it. A) You're a chef. Anybody can buy ice cream, and the whole point of the exercise is that you're the expert who won't screw it up when you make it. And B) nobody said you had to do rice cream. You chose to do something you didn't know how to make instead of an infinite number of equally (if not more) compelling things that you do. It's not like it was a rice cream challenge and you were forced into it. You had, arguably, the easiest course to veganize, and you still managed to paint yourself into a corner.
-
-
Post #128 - August 6th, 2009, 10:47 amArt Smith seems like the nicest guy ever, and agree with everyone else that he just didn't do well last night.
It really occurred to me last night that I prefer a challenge where equipment is restricted, say only using a hotplate and a toaster oven versus having the chefs be limited on what they are able to cook ingredient wise.
I'm really not looking forward to Dale's appearance next week, that guy is annoying.
-
-
-
Post #129 - August 6th, 2009, 1:05 pmJust a few notes from last night's ep:
- I'm sure it was just clever editing, but there was such clear foreshadowing:
"This is nothing that we'd ever do at Annisa." - Anita Lo
"This dish -- is it going to be reflective of who I am? No. But, I'm going to put love in it." - Art Smith
When these lines were uttered near the beginning of the show, I knew that one of these Cheftestants had to die. - Did anyone else notice Chiarello squeezing the juice out of half of a lemon with his mouth?! WTF?
And burguesa enorme? That really worked? Huh. - I'm very sorry, but Anita's eggplant looked like, um, a turd. Well, it did.
- Three guacamoles? I agree with the tasters that one good one would have been plenty. And Bayless's indignation when they didn't get it was a bit off-putting. He said something like, "Those are three uniquely flavored guacamoles. They can't even perceive that!?"
- Every plate that Keller has sent out has been beautiful.
--RichI don't know what you think about dinner, but there must be a relation between the breakfast and the happiness. --Cemal Süreyya - I'm sure it was just clever editing, but there was such clear foreshadowing:
-
-
-
-
Post #130 - August 6th, 2009, 1:18 pmRAB wrote:Just a few notes from last night's ep:
- Did anyone else notice Chiarello squeezing the juice out of half of a lemon with his mouth?! WTF?
- Every plate that Keller has sent out has been beautiful.
--Rich
[ick] I did notice what appeared to be Chiarello using his mouth [/ick]
So true, Keller plating is tops - Did anyone else notice Chiarello squeezing the juice out of half of a lemon with his mouth?! WTF?
-
-
-
-
Post #131 - August 6th, 2009, 1:54 pmRAB wrote:Just a few notes from last night's ep:
- Did anyone else notice Chiarello squeezing the juice out of half of a lemon with his mouth?! WTF?
And burguesa enorme? That really worked? Huh.
Loved that lemon thing, but I wasn't the one who had to eat the food. Burguesa enorme sure seemed like a stretch but it must have been pretty good. Btw, I loved seeing Morgan Spurlock as one of the judges for portion of the show.RAB wrote:- I'm very sorry, but Anita's eggplant looked like, um, a turd. Well, it did.
LMAO!
RAB wrote:- Three guacamoles? I agree with the tasters that one good one would have been plenty. And Bayless's indignation when they didn't get it was a bit off-putting. He said something like, "Those are three uniquely flavored guacamoles. They can't even perceive that!?"
I didn't see it as off-putting. I just saw it as a hard-core, genuine geek not being able to comprehend that others simply did not exist on his plane of geekdom. I agree, though. One would have been enough.RAB wrote:- Every plate that Keller has sent out has been beautiful.
I thought he was going to blow a gasket when the second shooter glass toppled.
=R=By protecting others, you save yourself. If you only think of yourself, you'll only destroy yourself. --Kambei Shimada
Every human interaction is an opportunity for disappointment --RS
There's a horse loose in a hospital --JM
That don't impress me much --Shania Twain - Did anyone else notice Chiarello squeezing the juice out of half of a lemon with his mouth?! WTF?
-
-
-
Post #132 - August 6th, 2009, 2:36 pmRAB wrote:Did anyone else notice Chiarello squeezing the juice out of half of a lemon with his mouth?! WTF?
That astounded me so much I backed up the DVR to make sure I'd really seen it. He got quite the flow from that lemon, though.
-
-
Post #133 - August 6th, 2009, 5:27 pmEvA wrote:RAB wrote:Did anyone else notice Chiarello squeezing the juice out of half of a lemon with his mouth?! WTF?
That astounded me so much I backed up the DVR to make sure I'd really seen it. He got quite the flow from that lemon, though.
My husband and I did the same thing
I have never seen anyone do that-in a home kitchen or in a restaurant kitchen. But he did make me want to try it!
-
-
Post #134 - August 6th, 2009, 5:41 pmA few points that I forgot to mention in my initial post about this episode, some which have been addressed since then:
1. These were the first guest judges for the quick fire challenge that made sense.
2. Who the hell complains about three different types of guac? I would've bought Bayless an entire crate of avacados if he's gone out there and cuffed the whiner(s) behind the head.
3. Not having stepped into the back of the house of a kitchen since, well, a long time ago as a dishwasher, I just figured that biting the lemon thing was one of those tricks of the trade that wouldn't faze this forum. Am I mistaken? Has no one seen this before? It did seem pretty effective.
4. I hated every person sitting at the guest table for the final challenge (Zooey & gang). Hated 'em. Every. Single. One.
5. Gael Greene is growing on me. I find her personality a good fit for the show. It would be nice if they gave her a hall pass to the OTC in Las Vegas.I hate kettle cooked chips. It takes too much effort to crunch through them.
-
-
Post #135 - August 7th, 2009, 8:41 amI started squeezing citrus with my teeth in high school when my friends and I would make vats of "ceviche" (using that fake crab stuff) using tons of little green limes. It was my friend's trick and I would do it more often if it didn't freak out the other member of my household so thoroughly. I felt vindicated watching Chiarello with the lemon, but in cooking for guests I would abstain.
-
-
Post #136 - August 12th, 2009, 9:51 pmChiarello is an ego maniac, arrogant prck. Had zero interest in who his sous chefs were beyond having basic knife skills. Blamed his failure on the sous chefs. What a pssy. Bayless has been consistently killin it, but keeps getting eeked out by a half point or so by someone else. Bayless should be winnin this thing. Screw Chiarello, he shoulda been sent home!
-
-
-
Post #137 - August 13th, 2009, 5:04 amI was very sad to see Anita Lo go home. She seems to perform brilliantly or poorly, no middle ground. Still, I'd never heard of her before this and her performances have been enough to make me eager to try Annisa; her food always tempts. Keller was brilliant and his and Bayless' handling of their sous chefs was instructive and impressive. It was gratifying to see them demonstrate, yet again, the professionalism they both embody. Keller seems a bit more susceptible to being thrown off but Bayless is extraordinarily impressive in his groundedness. Nothing seems to faze him.
Chiarello's performance ("how do you pronounce my name?", blaming his sous chefs, et cetera ad infinitum) was priceless. The fact that it took place on national television only adds to its value. Then, we can only hope that Dale getting in his face so aggressively and obnoxiously sinks the latter's hopes of going anywhere but sideways in his own career.
Looking forward to next week: the opportunity to throw things at the screen when Chiarello is on. ("'Chi' is pronounced 'key' in Italian"! Working for him must be easy: with an ego like that, there's no room in the kitchen for anyone else. )
Gypsy Boy
"I am not a glutton--I am an explorer of food." (Erma Bombeck)
-
-
-
Post #138 - August 13th, 2009, 6:32 amGypsy Boy wrote:Then, we can only hope that Dale getting in his face so aggressively and obnoxiously sinks the latter's hopes of going anywhere but sideways in his own career.
Seemed to me it was more a case of an experienced Top Chef contestant going outrageous to get additional air time than actual ire. I was hoping Chiarello would swat the a**hole and get on with his day, but that was most likely exactly what Dale wanted. Think of all the exposure that would have garnered the greasy little b*tch.
-
-
-
Post #139 - August 13th, 2009, 6:38 amG Wiv wrote:Gypsy Boy wrote:Then, we can only hope that Dale getting in his face so aggressively and obnoxiously sinks the latter's hopes of going anywhere but sideways in his own career.
Seemed to me it was more a case of an experienced Top Chef contestant going outrageous to get additional air time than actual ire. I was hoping Chiarello would swat the a**hole and get on with his day, but that was most likely exactly what Dale wanted. Think of all the exposure that would have garnered the greasy little b*tch.
Perhaps. But my guess is that any chef watching that little hissy fit ain't gonna take three seconds to consider the subtleties. Just watching him ought to be enough.Gypsy Boy
"I am not a glutton--I am an explorer of food." (Erma Bombeck)
-
-
-
Post #140 - August 13th, 2009, 8:06 amCount me as another one sad to see Anita Lo gone. She had more imagination with ingredients than the others left, although as you say, it was uneven. I too wish to try Annisa on a NYC trip based on seeing her here.
For Chiarello to pull of a win next week would take some major flubs on Keller's and Bayless' parts, a la Blais in the previous season. It's solid, and I think a big part of his success so far is his huge level of confidence -- he never doubts what he's doing and trusts his food, which is a very good thing.
My (nonexistent) money is on Keller. That buffet spread was shockingly huge. We saw very little interaction with his souses (soux? I never took French), but they pulled off a major feat.
I still think Bayless is getting more credit than he deserves. A great guac, a tortilla soup... these are wonders to Los Angelenos? Maybe we're spoiled by the high level of storefront Mex in Chicago, but I just wasn't as impressed by his dishes.What is patriotism, but the love of good things we ate in our childhood?
-- Lin Yutang
-
-
Post #141 - August 13th, 2009, 8:13 amJoelF wrote:I still think Bayless is getting more credit than he deserves. A great guac, a tortilla soup... these are wonders to Los Angelenos? Maybe we're spoiled by the high level of storefront Mex in Chicago, but I just wasn't as impressed by his dishes.
FWIW, they barely showed us a small fraction of what those guys put on the table. When Oseland calls it a tour of all of the regions of Mexico (I'm paraphrasing), I'm inclined to think there was a LOT more there.
-
-
Post #142 - August 13th, 2009, 8:37 amDid anyone else hear Richard Blais tell someone that he *should* have won Top Chef? Uh, sorry, Richard, but Stephanie Izard pretty much cleaned up that season - I think she won the most challenges of any other Top Chef contestant. (I could be wrong. Dmnkly?)
-
-
Post #143 - August 13th, 2009, 8:55 amIf I remember correctly, Dale was on Anita's team. When I saw his outburst, I wished that Anita would have kicked him out of the kitchen right then and there for being so unprofessional. The former TV contestants were there to assist the Top Chef-Masters. I think most of the them (Dale, Richard, Jamie, Spike....) missed the memo on what it means to be professional. I thought Fabio and CJ were really the only ones that got it.
FWIW, Chiarello seemed like the kind of boss I am used to having. He wants a skilled team that will do what he says and know that he is in charge. After all, it is his a** on the line. I really didn't have a problem with him.
-
-
Post #144 - August 13th, 2009, 9:08 amaschie30 wrote:Did anyone else hear Richard Blais tell someone that he *should* have won Top Chef? Uh, sorry, Richard, but Stephanie Izard pretty much cleaned up that season - I think she won the most challenges of any other Top Chef contestant. (I could be wrong. Dmnkly?)
Quickfires
Stephanie
2 wins
3 top
5 bottom
Richard
4 wins
7 top
4 bottom
Eliminations
Stephanie
4 wins
10 top
3 bottom
Richard
4 wins
7 top
1 bottom
But who's counting?
My take was that those involved felt that as good as Stephanie was, and as close as they expected it to be, it was Richard's to lose... and he lost it. But that's mostly a gut feeling based on reading and watching a lot of their comments.
-
-
Post #145 - August 13th, 2009, 9:48 amDmnkly wrote:My take was that those involved felt that as good as Stephanie was, and as close as they expected it to be, it was Richard's to lose... and he lost it. But that's mostly a gut feeling based on reading and watching a lot of their comments.
that's what I was thinking ... more of a "I *should* have won, but I blew it".
For me, the best quote of the night was:
MC: You put nutmeg in the beet salad? Where did that come from?
HK: I had a little smoke last night...
heh heh ...
And how in the world does HK get *18* dishes done ?? As usual, his presentation was stunning. The dude is amazing.
Also, I was surprised how Anita totally dissed Jamie ("there were a lot of things I forgot about her") and booted her off her team. But, what in the world was Anita thinking ? A raw bar ? Even in an air conditioned banquet room, you're in TCM and you do a *raw bar* ? And you think that's gonna beat out chefs like Keller & Bayless ? I figured she was doomed from the moment she said that in Whole Foods.
-
-
Post #146 - August 13th, 2009, 12:18 pmGypsy Boy wrote:Chiarello's performance ("how do you pronounce my name?" )
I guess I always tend to give the benefit of the doubt and go for the innocent explanation, but watching this, I presumed his motivation in asking was, I do Italian food - if I pick you as my sous chef, you need to know Italian food - how much can you know about Italian food if you don't know how to pronounce an Italian name?
That said, I predict either Bayless or Keller will win, but my heart's with Bayless."Your swimming suit matches your eyes, you hold your nose before diving, loving you has made me bananas!"
-
-
Post #147 - August 13th, 2009, 12:42 pmKatie wrote:...how much can you know about Italian food if you don't know how to pronounce an Italian name?
I know I've heard Top Cheftestants say broo-shetta. Doesn't stop them from making tasty stuff.What is patriotism, but the love of good things we ate in our childhood?
-- Lin Yutang
-
-
Post #148 - August 13th, 2009, 12:53 pmMind you, I say that as someone who doesn't know how to pronounce anything in Italian. Just a guess at why he was quizzing them on how to pronounce his name.
p.s., so, is it Mario Tricochi, or Mario Tricosi?"Your swimming suit matches your eyes, you hold your nose before diving, loving you has made me bananas!"
-
-
-
Post #149 - August 14th, 2009, 7:26 amRe: Art SmithGypsy Boy wrote:[Having had mostly (unjustified and unwarranted) disdain for him previously, I was actually pretty impressed with his performance. I don't know that he was in his element, particularly given his background, but it was pretty hard not to like the guy. His choice of rice ice cream was understandable in context but it's easy to see how it sunk him.
I agree completely. I always had a quite negative opinion of him. He seemed to come off as very arrogant (and did again in TCM when he repeated referred to the Obamas and Oprah). But his personality during most of TCM was fun and completely different than my previous perception. I'm actually quite interested in trying his restaurant now.
-
-
-
-
Post #150 - August 14th, 2009, 7:27 amRAB wrote:[*]Did anyone else notice Chiarello squeezing the juice out of half of a lemon with his mouth?! WTF?
And burguesa enorme? That really worked? Huh.
He used to do this all the time on his show.
-
