Dave Martin's Blog

From the Bleachers: Top Chef 2

October 18, 2006

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Hello everyone, and welcome back to TC kitchen stadium. It’s time for a whole new set of faces, attitudes and of course a spattering of drama. I just had the opportunity to take a look at the new cast for Top Chef, Season 2. Very interesting stuff. P.S. Where’s Tiffany? I thought she might be brought back to prove to everyone she isn’t as mean as she appeared to be. But no such luck. The good news is there is one familiar face on Episode 1 and that is of our fearless leader, Harold Dieterle.

Another face missing from the pack is that true sweetheart of a gal, Katie Lee. I actually caught up with her and Lee Anne Wong (Season 1) last night at a favorite Italian hotspot of Katie’s. (Ballato’s on E. Houston in New York -- you gotta go all the pastas are made by hand, yum.) The food was fantastic and we had three solid courses and it was really fun hanging with Katie off set and chatting about food and what’s been going on with the three of us since the run of show. All of us have so many great things happening as a result of the show and it’s success. Katie truly has a big heart and unfortunately no one really got to see that side of her from Season 1, so keep your eyes peeled because she has some great things coming down the line.

After some laughs and TC gossip, Lee Anne and I headed back to re-screen the first episode to hopefully provide us both with some commentary. Other familiar face are the always energetic and upbeat Gail Simmons and, of course, Tom. For those of you who haven’t kept up with my shenanigans as of late, check out my blog archive here and my personal site, chefdavemartin.com.

Now let’s dish a bit. It’s kind of weird watching something that you were part of like Top Chef and seeing it from an outsider’s point of view, but with knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes. The first thing that actually caught my attention was the location for Season 2, Los Angeles. Sorry, LA but I am a SoCal native and as far as food meccas, LA really isn’t one for me. Most people don’t even eat here, it’s all about the scene and being seen. The new cast has some people that definitely intrigue me from first glimpse. The first character that caught my eyes and ears was Marcel (aka, Stephen). He’s a headstrong esoteric chef out of Vegas who I’m pretty sure knows how to cook, or at least has some fancy knives to show his friends and family back home. Bonus for him, if the food world doesn’t happen for him, he can definitely hook up with the X-Men franchise and double for Hugh Jackman. (You’ve seen the hair before … think Wolverine.)

The other characters that I had immediate interest in were both Sam and Betty. I think Sam looks like a strong contender and I like Betty’s sensibility and story. Other peeps that may go far are Ilan and maybe Emily. It’s so hard to say. You know there always has to be a wild card or dark horse in the group maybe that will be Suyai. I was bummed that she got so flustered by the challenges. Believe me, I do understand that it is difficult and there is so much going on behind the scenes that you viewers at home are not privy to but maybe we will see in outtakes on the TC, Season 1 DVD.

Onto the Quickfire, uhhh my stomach is already upset with this one. American cheese, gross -- I like this stuff as much as mayonnaise or, as Stephen might say, “Aioli.” Just kidding, Stephen, if you do read this blog. I actually have hung out with Stephen back home in SoCal as he is now a neighbor and working on a project in my old hood, known now as “The OC.” Good luck with everything, the two of us really had a chance to see another side of one another during our crazy carousing (verb: 1. to engage in a drunken revel: They caroused all night. 2. to drink deeply and frequently) in Las Vegas after I had just lost $100, 000 because I missed a dish.

Comments

Kate Kuznik wrote:

You're right on track with EVERYTHING I thought,m especially about Marcel...what is WITH that hair?? This season could never stand up to TC1, but I have high hopes :)

posted at October 19, 2006 01:14 AM

Chelle wrote:

Just watched the first episode of the new season of TC myself and I have to agree with you so far. Was bummed that you missed out on winning by thaaat much (insert bad "Maxwell Smart" imitation here).
I've really enjoyed reading your blog recipes so far, but I have to say...I need to read 'em on a full stomach, or I end up doing a late night fast food run! :-)

posted at October 19, 2006 01:17 AM

Priscilla wrote:

David, you are, as always, good at observing the other chefs. It was obvious the Suyai was not going to be there long. She seemed a little out of her league. I look forward to see the next episode. I never missed TC1, so you know that this show has a following. Harold looks great. A little heavier, but still charming.

posted at October 19, 2006 08:43 AM

joycecrowley wrote:

Dave your the best. Every time you shed a tear you had an unknown person doing it right along with you for all the happy times and the ones that you had dissapointment. You will get everything you want in life thanks

posted at October 19, 2006 11:33 AM

Mun Yee L Cooling wrote:

Hi Dave,

My husband Adrian & I loved Season 1! We most enjoyed watching you in the last couple of episodes especially when Stephen & you got drunk - it was really funny & entertaining,

You along with Lee Anne & Harold we find so inspiring. When I cook, I always remember your motto...layering with BIG FLAVORS! We hope to see more of the 3 of you. Perhaps working together? It would be a great combination! Wishing you every success!!!

Mun Yee L Cooling

posted at October 19, 2006 12:14 PM

Lisa wrote:

My son is a huge XMen fan (he's 4 years old!) and he walked in last night while I was watching and said ----"Mom---it's Woverine!" Even a 4year old can see it. And he has the knives too----just not attached to his fingers. I already don't like him!

posted at October 19, 2006 12:47 PM

Peyton wrote:

Dear Dave, You are AWESOME!!! I am a lil ol' girl from New Orleans (yeah, Katrina sucks) and me and my fella watched Season 1 with religious fervor. I, too, am a 'cryer'. A good Southpark ending can start the waterworks, so I WELCOMED your passion and tears. I think when a person has an actual SOUL and has real feelings about people, about what they love to do, about having integrity and taking the high road no matter what, that emotions and tears are just par for the course. you are a beautiful, respectful man, and I am so glad a television audience got a chance to see a REAL person with real feelings who LOVES his work and is genuine and caring. You CAN be great at your job AND still be a compassionate person, and Dave you are a shining example. Stay JUST as you are, dont change a thing. Around here you are affectionately know as "My Dave"; when we watched the show, if anyone commented on you, I would say "not MY Dave" or "oh, they are being mean to MY Dave"..... we had such fun following you each week and I hope bravo has the good sense to include you in a big way in Season 2!!! Way to go, My Dave!!!! Love, Peyton

posted at October 19, 2006 03:49 PM

Angie wrote:

Hey Dave!

Just wanted to say you were my fave from season 1....and I am happy to read your "news" every few weeks. Cheers! Angie

posted at October 19, 2006 07:43 PM

barbara wrote:

Hello Dave
Glad to see you back. Just watch Harold and was impressed at the comments made to the contestents. Can't wait to see you and Lee Ann as well. Good luck this season.
SoCal cowgirl

posted at October 19, 2006 10:29 PM

Tom Bilcze wrote:

Dave, It's great to see you out there! I can only imagine the best for you. You definitely arethe master of comfort food. I would love to see you publish a cookbook. It's also niceto see a perswon who puts their passion into cooking like you.

posted at October 19, 2006 10:42 PM

Yez wrote:

I'm so glad you have a blog! Just discovered it tonight. You, Harold and Lee Ann were my favorites on TC1, by far, and the funniest quote of the *entire series* was your speculation on the Las Vegas challenge beforehand (the Grand Canyon with only a bow and arrow...!). It was pure torture to SEE your food and hear repeatedly that you combine flavors to perfection - I believe it, and I want a huge plate of it on my lap NOW, please. But you're posting recipes! Thank you.

posted at October 20, 2006 01:08 AM

rebecca wrote:

I love dave so much. He is so funny and he is a strong chef and is very good at cooking. I was glad to see him in the final three. I love dave's recipes, altthough I haven't tried them myself. You Harold and LeeAne are my favorite top chefs. I think that i once saw lee ane in new york. I tried shouting her name and she looked but the she looked away. it looked like her so much. i really want to meet you guys and no i'm starting to watch the new season of top chef but the season one will always be in remembrance as i watch.

posted at October 20, 2006 12:53 PM

Fred wrote:

Dave-
Seriously let up on Tiffany... just let it go

posted at October 20, 2006 01:12 PM

AngellHeart wrote:

Hi Dave,

Good to see you with a couple of websites and a blog. I LOVE it! I thought you were great on Top Chef and hope that you have great success. My FAV was when you made the face when "Tiff" told you to get your glass of wine off the line - I laugh out loud each time I see it! I will keep reading and posting because I adore your personality, honesty, loyalty and how you remain true to yourself. :)

posted at October 20, 2006 03:01 PM

Jenny wrote:

Dave....I'm with you about Tiffany. What a hard miserable life she brings on to herself and must live. We must be more charitable toward her!

As if!!!

posted at October 20, 2006 03:46 PM

Fred wrote:

Angellheart-

Are you serious? As Chef Tom said in his blog, any professional chef knows that the line is not the place to have your personal glass of wine. Regardless of Dave's need to drink to handle the disappointment of being eliminated, a true professional would never have his own wine glass near the line. His "face" was immature, unproffesional, and could be described as nothing more than "sour grapes".

posted at October 21, 2006 08:03 PM

PeachPie wrote:

Hi Dave!! I'll definately be checking your blog out as the season progresses. You were definately one of my season one favs.

You made a good point urging viewers not to tear the cast up just yet. I spent many years working in restaurants (not as a cook....I don't have that kind of talent), so I can say with confidence that, unless you've witnessed it, you can't imagine how difficult a job it is to cook in a restaurant. To be good at it requires a broader range of skill sets than non foodies could ever know. Timing, organization, improvization... these are a few that come to mind. I could never do it.

Keep up the blog! And so glad to hear from you!

posted at October 23, 2006 07:45 AM

MBRicci wrote:

Was so unhappy when Tiffani went to the final instead of you over that one mistake. Loved the "I'm not your bitch bitch." comment you made to her when she wouldn't shut up at the judges' table. Laughed hysterically at your Marcel as Wolverine comment on this blog and will have to call my adult niece X Men fan and tell her that Wolverine is on Top Chef on Bravo this season. Look forward to your next blog and thank God Project Runway season 3 the Survivor edition is over and hopefully this season of Top Chef won't emulate it.

posted at October 23, 2006 08:20 AM

Jes wrote:

Love the bit about Marcel's hair; I've just been calling him a Top Werewolf. My friend thiks he looks like the Heat Miser from that cheesy old clamation Christmas clamation cartoon.
As far as S1, if you couldn't win, I'm at least glad that Tiffani didn't!

posted at October 23, 2006 12:31 PM

Shirley wrote:

Dave, I loved you on TC last year! You made me laugh, oh how you made me laugh! And you made me cry, well tear up a little anyway. Good to see and read your blog. Dave Martin, you ARE going to be around awhile!

posted at October 23, 2006 05:40 PM

Ray wrote:

wow... hard to live up to season 1, but I loved the first episode! I have to say, Dave, I have all the respect in the world for you and the other chefs, but I must agree with some other folks who have said please, let the Tiffani thing go; you have proven yourself as a great chef, and you have a great personality to boot, so is it really necessary to keep the petty rivalry going? Looking forward to hearing more from you - I know you'll be very successful!

posted at October 23, 2006 07:51 PM

damien tyler wrote:

Hello Dave! I started to watch the new season as well. However, I find myself watching the re-runs of the first season more. I was chatting to someone at work 'bout the show and she wondered if the "drama" wasn't staged a bit for the ratings. It looked pretty real to me. Only you know what went on behind the scene. This new season seems a bit off kilter now that you and the others are gone. It's nice that we can read your words here though! Maybe you can drop me a quick email if you have a moment. I would find it an honor. Take care Dave and good luck! Yours, Damien T.

posted at October 23, 2006 09:15 PM

DELLA wrote:

DAVE.....WHAT CAN I SAY????YOU ARE A CHEF FOR THE PEOPLE...YOU COOK WHAT PEOPLE LIKE....ITS OBVIOUS YOU ARE A SWEETHEART....WHENEVER I USED TO SEE MY SON CRY...I WOULD TEAR ME UP INSIDE....YOU PROVOKE THE SAME REACTION FROM ME...I CANT STAND TO SEE YOU CRY...IT HURTS..YOU ARE SO SENSITIVE AND SWEET...HOW COULD ANYONE NOT LIKE YOU???? BEST OF LUCK IN WHATEVER YOU DO

posted at October 25, 2006 03:52 PM

Ruthieannie wrote:

So Dave do you ever hang out with your red headed nemesis?

posted at October 25, 2006 05:05 PM

Faye wrote:

Dave,
After hearing about the restaurant closing that you were working at I was really concerned. I am so glad to hear that you are going like gang busters! You deserve all the success you want. I too can hardly wait for the cook book. I love to cook but only for family. Basic food, fried chicken, stews, lasagna (from scratch of course, even make my own sauce), etc. Am always looking for something new but not too overly exotic!

I don't like to bring up a bad subject but there has been a lot of talk about MEAN TIFFANY (which I agree). Does anyone know what has happened to HER? Wasn't she in Vegas working in one of the casino restaurants? I can almost bet that she is still there and will never get much farther because her bad attitude towards everyone at TC1 will follow her. It always pays to be nice!

posted at October 25, 2006 05:24 PM

Suzanne wrote:

Dave,

I'm a single girl in San Jose and watched you feel so much love about your food and love of life. I'm not that good of a cook but I love to cook anyway. Just wanted you to know that a lonely girl in San Jose, came alive with your love. You be true....kisses...Suz

posted at October 25, 2006 06:54 PM

Debbie wrote:

Dave; I always got the biggest kick out of you..of all the guys on the show you are the cutest and some of your dishes came out GREAT...I am a widow want to come cook for me? I hope you have found another job since your resturant closed it doors, but you are good so I dont think you will have any problem finding another job. I really liked Howard to but I so wanted you to win I think you would have done well along with the comedian that you are...Good Luck in the future and keep cooking and put out a cookbook soon.

posted at October 25, 2006 11:15 PM

meliblu wrote:

The person who immediately caught my attention was Cliff and I hope that he does really well on the show or did really well as I know everything is all filmed and finished. Mia's comfort food frog legs make me consider trying that hated food again. She's another one who attracted my attention in a positive way. Something about her reminds me of you, perhaps her very expressive face as you can see how she feels as her thoughts cross her face, that and the comfort food dish.

posted at October 26, 2006 04:28 AM

DELLA wrote:

dave...i checked the site today and it looks like you are having sooo much fun....so good to see you smile...looks like the show paid off for you . You wont be a welfare celebrity for long.

posted at October 26, 2006 11:39 AM

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Dave Martin Blog Archive

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December, 2006 4 entries
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