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Archive through March 18, 2006

The TVClubHouse: Other Reality Shows ARCHIVES: Archives for 2008 - 1: Top Chef - Prior Seasons: ARCHIVES: Archive through March 18, 2006 users admin

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Jan
Moderator

08-01-2000

Tuesday, March 07, 2006 - 4:46 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jan a private message Print Post    
does anyone know if Top Chef, which begins tonight on Bravo, will be shown in Canada?? (click on the ords top chef above for the link)

This is what bravo says about this series, which comes from the Project Runway producers:

Bravo feeds the senses this March with "Top Chef," a new reality competition series celebrating the culinary arts with a fascinating window into the competitive, pressurized environment of world-class cookery and the restaurant business at the highest level. The ten-episode, one-hour series will feature twelve aspiring chefs who will put their culinary skills to the test for the chance to earn the prestigious title of "Top Chef."

Showcasing some of the brightest up-and-coming talent in the culinary world, the competing chefs hail from varied backgrounds including culinary graduates and students, personal celebrity chefs, a Sous Chef, a line cook, a nutritionist, a Tournant Chef, and a self-taught mother of three. But what they all share is a passion for the culture, preparation and service of gourmet cuisine.

Katie Lee Joel will host this inside look at the inspired and fiercely competitive world of the culinary arts. Married to music icon Billy Joel, Katie's lifelong passion for cuisine began at an early age when she first learned to cook from her grandmother while growing up in West Virginia. Tom Colicchio, one of the culinary world's most celebrated figures and owner of New York City's Gramercy Tavern and Craft Restaurants, serves as chief chef and guides the contestants through the stringent challenges that will not only test their skills in the kitchen, but also uncover if they have the customer service, management and teamwork abilities required of a "Top Chef." Throughout the series, Tom will be assessing their performance and driving them to achieve only their best. Food expert Gail Simmons of Food & Wine magazine will also serve as a regular judge for the series.


Ladytex
Member

09-27-2001

Tuesday, March 07, 2006 - 11:10 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ladytex a private message Print Post    
did anyone see this? was this like Hell's Kitchen?

Jhezzie
Member

07-05-2001

Wednesday, March 08, 2006 - 12:35 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jhezzie a private message Print Post    
It was on tonight? I thought it was on tomorrow, after the finale of PR?

Jan
Moderator

08-01-2000

Wednesday, March 08, 2006 - 12:41 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jan a private message Print Post    
you are right it is tonight - not yesterday!! sorry about that - here is an article about it from Zapit:

Top Chef' Promises a Cutthroat Battle
Bravo gives the 'Project Runway' treatment to the culinary world


By John Crook

March 8 2006
Tiffani Faison of 'Top Chef'
A dozen aspiring chefs from diverse backgrounds assemble in San Francisco to compete for their shot at culinary stardom in "Top Chef," a 10-part, one-hour series premiering Wednesday, March 8, on Bravo.

Lifelong foodie and writer Katie Lee Joel hosts the limited series, which provides a more authentic glimpse into the cooking world than other entries in the genre, particularly in terms of the 12 participants selected to compete.

"All of the contestants on 'Top Chef,' I thought, were really serious about their craft and truly committed to it," Joel says. "Bravo shows have always offered viewers a deeper look into the creative process, and 'Top Chef' continues in that vein. We have six men and six women who love to cook. This is their passion, and they're great at what they do. If they all had restaurants, I would eat at all of them."

Each episode follows the same broad template, Joel explains.

"Every episode has two challenges," she says. "The quickfire challenge is a short, simple test -- although the first one, working the line in a restaurant, is probably one of the toughest jobs in the industry. Whoever wins that round will get immunity in the tougher elimination challenge, which varies from show to show, everything from cooking dishes working mothers can make to cooking for a roomful of really discerning customers at a party.

"It was all over the place. I don't know that some top chefs would be able to do some of these challenges, especially since they had no real time to plan. You hear, 'OK, you have to cater a wedding tomorrow,' and in the real world, that takes months! They really have to think on their feet and do it on little sleep. Most of them were exhausted."

With backgrounds ranging from culinary graduates and students to personal celebrity chefs to a self-taught mother of three, the 12 competitors are:

Stephen Asprinio, 24, of Las Vegas, a tightly wound culinary graduate-turned-sommelier who yearns to get back into the kitchen

Andrea Beaman, 37, of New York, a natural nutritionist with a healthful cooking style

Harold Dieterle, 28, of New York, a culinary graduate who is all business in the kitchen

Tiffani Faison, 28, of Las Vegas, a self-taught and outspoken perfectionist

Brian Hill, 37, of Los Angeles, a self-taught personal celebrity chef

Candice Kumai, 23, of Carlsbad, Calif., a culinary student with a sexy cooking style

Kenneth Lee, 34, of Los Angeles, a personal chef originally from Ireland who certainly talks a good game

Dave Martin, 40, of Los Angeles, a culinary graduate who owns his own catering company

Miguel Morales, 27, of New York, a chef of eight years with an infectious laugh

Lisa Parks, 45, of Los Angeles, a self-taught mother of three who holds cooking classes in her home

Cynthia Sestito, 52, of East Hampton, N.Y., a self-taught personal chef with a fondness for profanity

Lee Anne Wong, 28, of New York, a culinary instructor

"They all really wanted to be there for the right reason," says celebrated chef Tom Colicchio, who functions as both mentor and judge during the series. "I didn't get a sense from any of them that they were doing this because they wanted to be on TV. Having gone through it, it's a hassle. It's tough. And emotionally, it's really nerve-racking.

"There were some great personalities among the contestants, but this show was all about the food. We were never under any pressure from producers or sponsors to keep someone there who didn't belong there."

Colicchio acknowledges that he had some misgivings that had to be allayed before he signed on for "Top Chef," particularly after seeing a couple of other shows set in his career world, including "The Restaurant."

"I don't think 'The Restaurant' helped Rocco DiSpirito's career at all,"he says. "I was definitely concerned about that, but most of my fears were put to rest after the producers sent me 'Project Runway' and said, 'This is kind of the role we want you to play.' That gave me an idea of what they were trying to do overall, a show that would somehow support the industry rather than being a sensational expose on how things go wrong. I immediately saw that there was no value in them making me look foolish."

Colicchio also says he hopes "Top Chef" dispels the notion that most chefs browbeat their staffs mercilessly on the job.

"I saw about five minutes of one of the other shows, and after watching the chef just lay into and berate a cook, I just totally turned off to that one," he says. "We have tried over the past 10 years or so to really change that dynamic in restaurants, where the chef is yelling and carrying on.

"My feeling is that usually happens due to a lack of communication and leadership. We really insist that that doesn't happen in our kitchens and that people are respected. That [yelling] may work as entertainment on some level, but it shows a lack of respect not only for the profession but just for a way of conducting business in most industries."

After all his or her competitors have been told to "Please pack your knives and go," the last chef standing takes home a tidy prize package.

"They get $100,000 to invest in their career in whichever way they see fit," executive producer Dan Cutforth explains. "They're also featured in Wine & Chef magazine, which is a real goal for any aspiring chef. They also get a chance to take part in Food & Wine's annual festival in Aspen, which is a real kind of food lover's mecca. And, of course, they get the coveted title of 'Top Chef.'"


Julieboo
Member

02-05-2002

Wednesday, March 08, 2006 - 12:48 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Julieboo a private message Print Post    
What time is it on? Looks like Project Runway is on all three hours tonight on Bravo (7-10cst).

Lexie_girl
Member

07-30-2004

Wednesday, March 08, 2006 - 12:50 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Lexie_girl a private message Print Post    
The finale for Runway is 9:00 CST; and Top Chef starts at 10:00 CST.

Julieboo
Member

02-05-2002

Wednesday, March 08, 2006 - 12:50 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Julieboo a private message Print Post    
Thanks Lexie! And damn that was fast!!!!

Ladytex
Member

09-27-2001

Wednesday, March 08, 2006 - 10:35 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ladytex a private message Print Post    
this was a pretty good show. these people have some personalities, lol ... there will be lots of drama in this one

Jhezzie
Member

07-05-2001

Thursday, March 09, 2006 - 12:11 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jhezzie a private message Print Post    
I wasn't into this at all. I thought it was totally tedious. Bummer.

Teachmichigan
Member

07-22-2001

Thursday, March 09, 2006 - 8:49 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Teachmichigan a private message Print Post    
I enjoyed it and was quite happy they didn't keep around mouthy guy for the "drama." I'll give it at least another show but not sure it's TIVO worthy, yet. :-)

Wendo
Member

08-07-2000

Thursday, March 09, 2006 - 11:18 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wendo a private message Print Post    
I liked it too. Like you Teach, I was glad they didn't keep the one with the mouth for drama-sake. I found his behavior quite rude, especially to the guest chef. No respect whatsoever.

This has been added to the Tivo.

Gemma120in2002
Member

07-05-2003

Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 5:52 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Gemma120in2002 a private message Print Post    
I loved this show! When Chef Keller threw Ken Lee off the line for tasting the sauce with his finger I sat and cheered! Poor sanitation is my biggest peeve!

Poor Harold Dieterle. I felt so sorry for him during the 30 minute line challenge. His nerves got the best of him after he saw all these people getting thrown off the line so quickly. I was so glad to see him come back from that and win the final challenge. It's crazy how those nerves get the better of you and you suddenly start shaking and you don't know why. That adrenaline hitting you when the line starts to hop, and the orders start coming in. To be dealing with that AND be under the scrutiny of one of the top chefs in the world. WOW!

I just left a kitchen in January where the executive chef would get angry and go on rants that would last for hours. He'd throw trash cans and he'd make the dishwashers clean it up. One day I saw his chair come flying out of his office in pieces. I had a conversation with the general manager of the club and that behavior came to a screeching halt.

One of the biggest problems I had with him other than his temper tantrums, was that he would come by while I was making chocolate mousse or pastry creme or any other confection, and he would reach into my bowl with his finger and grab a taste, then double dip, then tripple dip then... you get the picture. That's called fecal-oral contamination. The digestive system is one big tube that starts with the mouth and ends with the rectum. There is a reason the mouth smells like the behind first thing in the morning.

Anyone who has fed a baby from the baby food jar, then sealed the jar and put it in the fridge knows that when you go back to get the rest for the baby that it is a watery smelly mess. Yum! That's what you want to spend $50 a meal for isn't it?

This show doesn't make all the people in my profession look like psychotic egomaniacs. What a refreshing change!

Alisons
Member

01-10-2003

Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 11:46 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Alisons a private message Print Post    
I really enjoyed the show and will keep watching. Some of the people are very intense and will not need the Chef to yell to have drama, they have enough internal drama to fuel the show. I once worked as, well, I guess it would be "scullery maid" in a hospital kitchen when I was in high school to earn money for college. If someone there touched ANYTHING with bare hands they would practically cut your arm off. And rightly so.

Landi
Member

07-29-2002

Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 11:59 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Landi a private message Print Post    
i think it's cool this is being done in my area! wish i'd known about it when it was being done. fleur de lis has our wine on their wine list.



Hukdonreality
Member

09-29-2003

Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 12:07 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Hukdonreality a private message Print Post    
I can dance to this show, so I'll give it an 88.

Lexie_girl
Member

07-30-2004

Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 5:46 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Lexie_girl a private message Print Post    
I actually enjoyed this show. It is VCR-worthy and now programmed weekly in my VCR since I have a hard time staying awake past 9:00 p.m.

Lilfair
Member

07-09-2003

Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 2:19 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Lilfair a private message Print Post    
My eldest sister, her 2 sons, my Aunt and my grandfather were/all are chefs. My sister is a kick butt pastry chef and makes grand wedding cakes. Her and her husband have either owned or worked in the restaurant business their whole lives. ( I don’t think my sister ever had a job that didn’t in some way deal with preparing food…she’s in her 50’s now).

I’ve been eyewitness to the intensity that goes on behind the scenes while our food is being prepared and all the work done before the doors even open...not to mention the flirting and hanky panky. Generally speaking, I think people who chose this profession are prone to be intense…not necessarily intense in a bad way. Which makes good TV.

My grandfather was a Sou Chef at one of Chicago’s most famous hotels in the 60’s and 70’s. Through him I met many important political figures of the day. They knew my grandfather and when he knew a “big shot” was coming he’d have my mom and me meet him and then he’d introduce us. Cooking and eating are very intimate and a strong bond usually is forged with those around the kitchen. It’ll be interesting to see the dynamics unfold.

I think this show will be rather entertaining.

Wendo
Member

08-07-2000

Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 2:41 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wendo a private message Print Post    
Ok, I really, REALLY, like and enjoy this show. Tonight's episode was a fun and interesting one, for sure. One thing I really like is the quick challenge during the first part of the show. It's an interesting way to showcase the various skills of the participants.

Now as to said participants, Stephen is quite the arrogant one, isn't he? He looked positively shocked that he didn't win the elimination round; possibly appalled that Miguel won.

I think Tiffani would've won had her dessert tasted good. It was interactive and really played to the spirit of the exercise. And speaking of Tiffani, while I think she's interesting and obviously talented, she's not making many friends. LOL!

That little spat between her and Lee Ann did not reflect well on her. She came off as rather abrasive and inflexible.

I wasn't surprised Andrea was eliminated; she seemed out her league with the chefs. If Cynthia doesn't go next I'll be rather surprised. You have to feel bad for the situation she is in with her father falling before the show started.

Anyways, I enjoyed the show tonight and am quite happy to have a something to watch once Project Runway ended. Whoever does the casting for the producers of PR and TC know their stuff.

Julieboo
Member

02-05-2002

Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 7:51 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Julieboo a private message Print Post    
Wendo, I agree. It's a fun show and I like the quick and the long challenges. I think Stephen is very talented but too cocky. If Tiffani had something that tasted good, I think she would have won.

Ocean_islands
Member

09-07-2000

Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 8:26 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ocean_islands a private message Print Post    
This show seems like a dog to me. I'll give it another chance though before writing it off.

It's hard to get excited about food you can't taste, and the judges are neither entertaining nor inspiring.

It touches on a lot of my pet peeves, maybe that's why: 1) listing all the ingredients to the guest before serving a dish 2) weirdo ingredient combos that serve no purpose 3) claustrophobic atmosphere/set 4) judges that grate on the nerves (fruit judge woman).

Meggieprice
Member

07-09-2001

Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 4:11 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Meggieprice a private message Print Post    
I love this show! The challenge was so fun. Stephen must go, he is so arrogant- so of course they will keep him around for drama.

Julieboo
Member

02-05-2002

Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 4:30 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Julieboo a private message Print Post    
I don't think he'll go for a while. He is arrogant, but he is also good.

Teachmichigan
Member

07-22-2001

Friday, March 17, 2006 - 2:22 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Teachmichigan a private message Print Post    
Thoroughly enjoyed this episode and have added it to the TIVO season pass! :-) Wonder if Stephen's arrogance is an editing set-up so we all cheer when he's eliminated?? LOL

Even though we can't taste the food, just watching makes me want to get up and cook! I love watching the presentations because so many of the things they do are fairly easy to recreate at home quickly -- for that little "pizzazz." :-)

Prisonerno6
Member

08-31-2002

Friday, March 17, 2006 - 2:44 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Prisonerno6 a private message Print Post    

quote:

She came off as rather abrasive and inflexible.




And I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if she was the one who turned the temperature down on the oven.

Sincebb1
Member

08-22-2005

Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 4:55 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Sincebb1 a private message Print Post    
Gemma~ I worked for your ex-executive chef's twin! Problem was he was the owner too! In addition to all the antics you describe, he also had the infuriating habit of taking the dish returned for re-fire and throwing it (Frisbee style) at you as you passed by!

I cracked up when I saw the first challenge was to survive on the line of a functioning restaurant for 30 minutes! Unless you have actual experience on a food line you could never do it!

I love this show because I am in the business, so I am biased. I am looking forward to seeing it all develop and...I want to know who turned the oven down too!