Dave Martin's Blog

Chef Dave Answers Reader Mail

November 07, 2006

Dave… I've been watching some old episodes of “Top Chef” and I keep hearing you say your food is "functional.” What does that mean? Of course, food is "functional" in the sense that it feeds me, but why would you market your food as "functional?” Isn't all food "functional?” What are you trying to achieve here? It really makes no sense. Is your food maybe just simple and basic and your trying to pass it off as something more special? I mean, lets delve a little deeper than your buzzwords. --Jason

Jason…your tone and attitude are a bit arrogant and you are entitled to your opinion. However, all food is not functional. Look at some of the esoteric dishes presented and created by some of the molecular chefs out there today. Although that food may be functional is it realistic and approachable, do the masses really want to eat buffalo gelatin finished with an algae emulsion, uh … I don’t think so.

So by functional in my terms I guess I mean more approachable and acceptable to the masses. Yes, I do use several buzzwords and catch phrases but my education goes beyond the kitchen and into the classroom (English major here). You say potato…I say, See you later.

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

Ruthianne: I get asked often what’s up with Tiff. Well, last I heard she was working as a line cook out in Nantucket (wikipedia.com). Myself and the other contestants don’t really communicate at all with her. I think she has tried to stay in touch with Andrea but outside of that, no one has heard hide nor red hair of ole TIffani. We all took something from the show and maybe she has learned something about herself and is working towards creating a softer persona.

I do not hate her or wish her ill will, but as viewers you really only saw part of her and her actions. For example, no one ever saw the night that she took out Candice and told her she should be ready to go home and didn’t belong on the show. Candice broke down in tears that night and it was shortly after her falling out with Stephen.

Comments

Jason B. wrote:

Dave, congratulations on all your success, you really deserve it. I know you probably here it all the time, but I wish you had made the finale last season. I think you would have done a much better job than the red haired beast. If you had made it, did you ever think that Tiffi might of had to work under you on your team? What kind of drama might have happened then? Do you think she might have tried to sabbotage you on purpose?
I hope you put out a cook book real soon, I too am dying for the bread pudding recipe Katie and the judges loved. I really like your approach to food and cooking, it makes me feel like I could make a gourmet dish in my own kitchen. Your recipes and dishes you created on the show were fun and accessible. The way you cook makes me less intimidated to be creative in my own home. Any chance of you getting your own cooking show, I think you would be a great TV persona. Best wishes and thank you Dave.

posted at November 8, 2006 12:27 AM

Beverly wrote:

Dave- I'm not a cook and have never really learned, but Top Chef has become one of my favorite shows! I really liked you on the show! I thought your enthusiasm and clear love for cooking was obvious. I simply need to be sure and eat before watching the show anymore! It's like going to the grocery store on an empty stomach! Good luck to you Dave!
Beverly

posted at November 8, 2006 12:33 PM

GhostladyIN wrote:

Dave,
I am so glad to see you have a blog!! :D I really thought you should have won and I hope your life is better because of the show (although I know everything is a trade off). Best of luck to you--

posted at November 8, 2006 07:26 PM

Mark Conley wrote:

Hi Dave,

Glad to see you're out in the world and approachable. I think you top three from last season did some fantastic work and made the show work. I found you most interesting of the bunch because I also have an IT background and my life was turned upside-down six years ago with the dot-bomb.

Say - I looked at that mac & cheese recipie and I don't know what half that stuff was that you put into it. Can you explain some time what it all is and where we need to go to find it? I'd love to try making it. Is it still available online?

posted at November 9, 2006 01:18 PM

Zoe wrote:

Hi Dave,

I'm a headhunter in the Hospitality, Tourism, and Travel industry and I've noticed one thing. Almost all Chefs, Managers,Etal, believe THEIR town is an especially tough or competitive market. So, I thought I'd ask an expert who can brainstorm this with other experts.

Which towns are TRULY the toughest to operate successfully in and why?

Taxes,rent and regulations? Labor shortage? Surfeit of existing restaurants? What?

I have an opinion, but I won't share it.
Your admirer,
Zoe

posted at November 14, 2006 09:35 AM

Holly Senecal wrote:

Hello Dave,
I just had to write when I saw your blog on the bravo/Top Chef website. You were a favorite of mine from last season and I loved your attitude towards the whole thing! You did a great job and judging from the info in your blogs you have a fabulously bright future ahead.~
Good Luck in all you do,
Holly Senecal
a fan in Vermont

posted at November 15, 2006 07:07 AM

Dave wrote:

hey, im fifteen and thought that u deserved to know that watching u and the rest of the chefs last year got me into cooking. so any thoughts for asprining chefs?

posted at November 16, 2006 12:08 PM

elsa wrote:

I do have to say Dave that Tiffani was very creative and interesting to watch as a chef apart from having real talent. I think you just didn't like the fact that she was better than you and while you accuse her of being unfeeling and harsh, you used your tears instead of your talent to get ahead

posted at November 16, 2006 07:26 PM

PTL wrote:

I was wondering if you could provide me with the recipe for the fantistic chocolate desert you made at last years final?

posted at November 17, 2006 08:28 PM

Dawn wrote:

Hi Dave! I posted comments on the Suzanne Goin episode blog that I hope you read. There was just one thing I've always wanted to ask that I forgot in the last blog. On Season 1, I saw Tiffany do a squid ink emulsion. I don't mean to show my stupidity, but is that exactly what it says--SQUID INK?!! The very thought grosses me out, and to see it on a plate made me kind of queasy. And as for people critizing you for cashing in on your celebrity, I say YOU GET YOURS, BABE!! They would do the same thing if given the chance, even though they are too self-rightous to admit it. Luv You, Dawn B.

posted at November 18, 2006 01:01 AM

Aunt Patti wrote:

You're the best! Loved hearing your voice again. Can't wait to meet you!!! I'm one of your biggest fans...next to Jeff (Weffy)

Luv ya bunches,
Aunt Patti

posted at November 21, 2006 01:55 PM

Michael wrote:

Dave, Please Focus.
You have the talent I see, but you let emotions get you riled and this leads to disaster. You have the passions to cook and I am glad you are doing alright. As I told LeAnne Wong in her blog, you do not have to win to be a winner. You are truely a winner in your own way. Do not change to be the person you are not. Cook, cook, cook.
Tiffani is not a Bitch. That would be a complement to her. A Bitch is a female dog in heat. She is just a dog that is overheated. Woof, Woof. Not even a Hot dog but a weiner.

Good Luck Dave.
You have excellent customer service attitude. Keep up the good work.

posted at November 26, 2006 07:53 AM

Jr Rodriguez wrote:

hey dave are u seeing anyone i think you are awesome and very attractive get back at me lets chat!

posted at June 6, 2007 02:37 PM

Rick Indiveri wrote:

Dear Dave,

I am a cook, but certainly not on your level of expertise. I have begun to cook almost exclusively organic, and aside from the nutritional benefits, I have found that the food simply tastes so much better. Is this a priority with you in your cooking as well? Do you use organic produce where you work?

posted at July 31, 2007 01:50 PM

Debi wrote:

Hi Dave,

As I watch the reruns I always enjoy the clips with you in them. You're so down to earth. I love that your recipe was the best thing that Tiff prepared in the season 1 finale. Oh the irony. Is that recipe available anywhere? Also, just my two cents but I think they got the winner right in S1 with Harold, but season 2 definately should have been Sam. I think Tom may have been a little impaired the night that decision was made. Ilan is so limited, and he's an arrogant little creep. Arrogance is great if you've got the talent to back it up. I don't think he did. No class. Hung S3, arrogant yes, talented absolutely.

posted at March 1, 2008 10:40 AM

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