Bonita Hester wrote:

Dave,

You and Harold were and still are my winners...

I think you should have your own cooking show, boy, would I watch it...

Keep that passion, as a graphic designer it takes passion to feel the senses...

I'm not real impressed with this group other than,
Cliff, Sam, Ilan and Betty... the rest will let's not go there...

Hope things are going well for you and thanks again for bring back great memories of functional food, but with a kick to it.

Truly,

Bonita Hester

posted at November 16, 2006 12:24 AM

Josie wrote:

Dave, Steve Lawrence is married to Eydie Gorme. Steve Allen was married to Jayne Meadows. None of them are Ted Allen's parents.

posted at November 16, 2006 12:40 AM

Michael wrote:

No, Dave, luv, it's not just you. Chef Coldickio came across as hyper-aggressive tonight. I think they need to start slipping the boy some Xanex in his pre-shoot coffee, you know?

Ted Ilan deserved tonight's win and I, too, was happy to see Mikey not stoned/whatever and uncaring again. I'm so jealous of you for your Michelle Bernstein time.

posted at November 16, 2006 01:20 AM

dave martin wrote:

josie...thanks...someone gave me some bad info...my bad..sorry bout that ted...i'm dumb and didn't look up my facts....dork here...:( dave

posted at November 16, 2006 01:41 AM

AHOTA wrote:

Dave, your comments are always on point. I love reading them. As if you need to hear this "I was rooting for you and got so upset when you missed the third dish"!!! Best of everything and happy cooking!!! AHOTA

posted at November 16, 2006 02:36 AM

laurette wrote:

Did anyone else see that there was to much seafood in the courses. It was the Lamb Dejevue to me all over. Josie might be nice but David come on she was very Dull and Boring and lacked TC. This was the best ep. of all. but still does not compare to TC1. I am so glad Marrissa got the knife. It total made up for the prev.ep.
I know the ratings went way UP!!!

But this season there lack true characters.

NO, "Im not your Bitch,Bitch.
Season One was so much more TRUE PROs. Not only in professionalism but in honest and integerity, so many times in season 1 Harold put himself,his values on the knives... you all could admit your faults and really came clean,and did not try to spare themselves. This seson really lacks that.

The few that really admit their faults/values(conceided or not) Marcel, Frank.They and Eila have not but or tryed to put anyone under the bus,so far.!!!
Eila is my Favorite Female. she too has true Integerity and I love how she is the only one that every really helps anyone out!!(ex. Marcel/Steven.

Marcel is just like Steven Hair,attitude, hated them at first, but least they are honest really. and like them both as time goes on.

I was so happy Micheal(season one late bloomer MigueL) Miguel was funny and a TC from the Beg. but he is the best Miguel in TC2..was in the top. This is the frist time he really shined!!!

posted at November 16, 2006 03:46 AM

Dave wrote:

So your major points are that a) you still think you should have won last year because that's what "everyone" tells you; b) you don't like Padma; and c) you're still bitter about Ted calling you out for being an emotional wreck (and apparently very confused about who Ted's parents are). Grow up, Dave.

posted at November 16, 2006 08:16 AM

Bob wrote:

Dave *L* I too thought he had the wolverine Haircut!But he is a specialist in Molecular Gastroenteritis..... I thought Ilan dragged Mike through that challenge.....and I thought that Josie deserved better, but after watching the previous episodes, it never seemed like she really shined........Early favorites here are Cliff, Sam and Ilan.
Luck to ya

posted at November 16, 2006 09:32 AM

Mun Yee L Cooling wrote:

Nausea, Heartburn, Indigestion, Upset Stomach, Diarrhea...HEY!!! PEPTO-BISMOL!!! Yes, it's so sad to see Josie go. Although she had tears in her eyes at the end of the show, I felt she still had that fiery passion for what she does. I hope amidst all the big egos & drama on the show, the contestants do not forget about humility.

posted at November 16, 2006 10:31 AM

Sheila Perrone wrote:

Hi Dave, second time I have added a comment. At least last night's show was yet the best so far. Even though I still am not wild about this crew ! Thrilled to see Marrisa go, couldn't stand her. Poor Michael is only lacking a bit of confidence, but will pull his socks up! Marcel is just misunderstood, nobody gets him so I hope he won't be bullied too much. I predict the final three will be Ilan, Cliff & Sam. By the way Dave, your blog is the best of them all!

posted at November 16, 2006 11:56 AM

Gary Chaney wrote:

I enjoy the show but..... this year the talent isn't there. I find myself looking forward to how quickly some of these "Chefs" can be sent home. When I say Chef, I not just talking about cooking skills. Two more are gone. It is not about getting caught up. I can think of four that should be lined up at the beginnig of a show and sent home.

posted at November 16, 2006 11:58 AM

jessica wrote:

Wolverine!! THAT's who he reminds me of!!! THANK YOU!

posted at November 16, 2006 12:14 PM

VK wrote:

I think Eydie Gorme, as well as her husband, Steve Lawrence, would be shocked at Dave's allegation (not to mention their good friend Steve Allen, may he rest in peace). Ted Allen ... well, he'd probably just have a little chuckle. I wish it was true - it would be such a good juicy scandal! ;)

posted at November 16, 2006 12:55 PM

Kate Kuznik wrote:

At least we didn't ask you to do our wedding in 24 hours! hahaa!
I must say that the personalities of these people are really starting to come out, and I find myself liking Marcel more and more. He might be a bit arrogant, but I don't think he's a bad person. When Betty was yelling at him during the TGIF Challenge, I thought she was really out of line. Yeah, he was being immature, but that's no reason to say the things she did - he looked really hurt! I know I wasn't there, but from what they showed, it did not seem necessary for her to be so mean to him. I am glad Marisa is gone, most definitely. And I can't wait for next week!

posted at November 16, 2006 01:05 PM

Tad wrote:

in regards to if i miss katie or not, i'm not really sure. i'll admit that i've stooped to making fun of padma's clothing choices. don't get me wrong: i'm down with hot pants and t-shirts, just not on a show about gourmet cooking. seriously. dave, didn't it come out in the reunion episode from last season that you do a great impersonation of katie? maybe you just miss her because you can't mimick the way she would say 'please pack your knives, and go' anymore. :)

jokes aside, i do think the show comes off as a bit 'lost' this season. the host has changed, the judges seemed confused on how to judge challenges, tom comes off as more angry, and the contestants seem nowhere near as talented as the chefs from season 1. is it still my favorite show? you bet! the season is still young, so here is hoping for a great second season.

posted at November 16, 2006 03:41 PM

Nancy wrote:

Dave!!! Wow, I had wondered what happened to you after last season. I was hoping to hear where you ended up so I could go to where you're working and eat one of your neat "comfort food" concoctions. I just started seeing your posts today, so I don't know if I'm just behind or not, but will you post info on what you're up to besides judging competitions? I think more restaurants should have a guest chef night - kinda like wine tastings, only bring in people like you to help do a special dinner with them. If you're ever in Vegas, hope you'll be cooking around here, and that they'll do a good job in marketing where you'll be. Would love to be able to actually taste your food, and not just drool against the TV screen wishing for it.
Good luck in whatever you're doing!

posted at November 16, 2006 04:54 PM

sara browne wrote:

oh dave, this crop of cooks are boring. where are you when we need you to cheer us up.

glad for harold last year, but i would of been happier had you won.

i know, "it is what it is"

miss you,
sara

posted at November 16, 2006 07:00 PM

Fred wrote:

Dave-

Enough is enough. I have held it together for too long. You complain that "it was all money-centric and not about food that day." I just want to point out that this is in the same blog where you pimp out your "bitch" merchandise and also brag about cashing in a check for hosting a university cooking competition. Do you want to be a chef or a pseudo celebrity? From everything I have read, all of your fellow compatriots from season one are pursuing their passion for food while it seems that you are cashing in on your five minutes of fame like some pathetic former real world cast member. Do you actually want to be a chef or are you just looking for an US Weekly spread on the red carpet with "The Miz" and Kristin Cavaleri. All I'll say is, I wish you well with the sale of your "pepper monkey" grocery pads.

posted at November 16, 2006 07:19 PM

Kenny wrote:

Well again I don't think the passion is there with as many of the chefs as we had previously seen last season. I agree Dave, they could have put some effort in coming together to decide on how to prepare the courses for their guests. I think Tom is still a little angry from the last couple of weeks. Who could blame him. I'm sure he didn't think that integrity would be an issue this many times. I think we are starting to see some leaders in this group. Sam, Ilan, and Cliff are going to keep this one close. And even though sometimes it is hard to watch Marcel, his dishes are very innovative. As always, it is good to watch and see what happens next.

posted at November 16, 2006 10:53 PM

Dawn wrote:

Hi Dave! Finally I get to tell you what I think!! I absolutely love your personality, and literally gasped when you had to pack your knives, and go. I was absolutely sick. All my energy then went into rooting for Harold. When Harold won, and Tiffany started crying, I laughed my ASS off!!! I thought, "Oh well, welcome to your own personality, bitch. Now you know how some of the other chefs felt!!!" You should see the way I was bitching out my TV, like she could hear any of it, but it made me feel better anyway! You kept me entertained through the entire season, and I always rooted for you. I live in Minnesota---I know, the middle of nowhere, right? I would love it if you would come here, maybe to the Mall of America or something. As for that Padmar, or whatever the hell her name is, I haven't liked her from the get-go. It's like she can't talk right or something--like she needs speech therapy. She's a complete airhead. I didn't care too much for Katie either, but I long for her now. When Padmar makes her stupid comments at judges table, I just say "God, what a moron!!" It's like she has to really think of SOMETHING to say-anything-no matter how dumb or obvious to the rest of us. The show doesn't even compare to Season 1. Luv ya Dave, and good luck in EVERYTHING you do!! Luv, Dawn Bauernfeind (pronounced like barnfind)

posted at November 17, 2006 03:13 AM

Robin wrote:

Dave,
You are great! We loved your emotional side, its called having a PERSONALITY which some of these stiffs could learn from. (And, who cares who Ted Allen's parents are.) Love reading your blog.
I have to say too, that last season I always wanted to taste your food that you presented and I can't say that for the others. You appeal to all levels of people, not just the self-proclaimed gourmets.

posted at November 17, 2006 09:45 AM

dave martin wrote:

again..i want to say a quick thank you the 95% that get it and are nice people..and to the 3 to 5% of you that are bitter...why bother reading my blog if you have nothing good to say and please... while i welcome all comments, please stand up and let me have your email address to respond to your criticism (ie: Fred and Dave)...it's always so easy to talk smack when you it's one sided... dave

posted at November 17, 2006 09:59 AM

Tad wrote:

dave,

you shouldn't worry about the 3 to 5% of people who don't get it: it just isn't worth your energy. i have noticed that a few posters would like to reduce top chef to one singular issue: the food. well, nothing in life is so simple as to be able to reduce it to only one issue.

i think some of the cast members this season (marcel comes to mind) also wish to reduce the competition down to only the food. the most obvious second component to top chef is the human component. when you are competing against other people, interpersonal relationships are bound to be a factor. but even with all that aside, i wonder if marcel will turn down book deals, public speaking events, etc when he is finished with top chef? i highly doubt it, and why shouldn't he? if i were given the chance top chef contestants are given, i would do the same thing. it is unfair to expect every contestant to hunker down, open a restaurant, and ignore all the other opportunities and side benefits that come your way just because those opportunities might not always be about the food.

all the best,

Tad

posted at November 17, 2006 11:53 AM

Maria wrote:

Am I the only one with kids who watches this show? Marcel may LOOK a little like Wolverine, but he IS Jimmy Neutron.

I like your blog Dave. This is the only "grown up" show on my TV at home and I try to catch as many re-runs as I can.

posted at November 17, 2006 09:40 PM

MC wrote:

dave

nice comments, couple of my own

I think that Tom C has every right to be a little upset. last week's episode was BS - Betty flagrantly broke the rules, and she knew it. Her crocodile tears did not have me fooled. She is as fickle as her personal Judas, Mia. Add that cheating to Otto's efforts a few weeks previously, and I think that Tom, who strikes me as a consumate professional, is likely more than a little disappointed in being associated with the farce that the show seemed like it was turning into. He needs to stamp authority on the chefs, ensure that they behave like adults, and adhere to the rules!!!

Shame for Josie, i think that she was never quite able to shine, but she should have picked a better partner. Theirs was definitely the worst dish, although I hoped that Mia and Betty would go. Not wishing to sound like a broken record, but Betty's deception and fight with Marcel has moved her from my favorite to my most despised!!!

As for the others...

Marcel - Stop TELLING us how good you are, and SHOW us for the first time

Mike - Similarly, just shut up and let your food do the talking

Cliff, Ilan - Love the humility - it suggests true professionalism.

Over and out

posted at November 17, 2006 09:58 PM

PeachPie wrote:

Dave... nasty bloggers are actually trolls.
Picture a troll.

Ok, next time a nasty blogger gets on here, picture that sweaty little face clicking away at the keyboard.

Satisfying, isn't it!

oxoxo
love ya!

posted at November 17, 2006 10:48 PM

jeanne wrote:

great blog...glad to see you're still interesting and passionate about the show and cooking...team work is totally lacking in this show and so is integrity..love watching it and hope the last episodes are exciting and truly about top chefs in the making...

posted at November 18, 2006 07:32 AM

Spade wrote:

Hey Dave,

I enjoy reading your blog even though your Ted Allen family tree turned out to be a bush.

While I find it very pleasing eye candy to watch Padma, I often have difficulty understanding her and wish that there were a talented chef in her place judging the food.

The fact that Marisa lasted beyond the second show just points out what a lackluster group of competitors there are this year.

While Betty did say some nasty things to Marcel, she did express some remorse later. Betty disappointed me tactics in the prior show.

I am starting to lose interest in the show because of the lack of integrity and the hiporcracy of the format. Tom C. rightly criticised the chefs for emphasizing presentation rather than the food. However, isn't the judges table suffering from the same problem of emphasizing the looks of the judges panel ala Padma vs a real talented group.

The other thing that bugs me is when someone does take a risk, ala Mia and Betty trying to high end their dish for the guests, they get called out to say they should emphasize the food instead of presentation. At least give credit for taking the risk before you knock them down because you didn't like the choice. If the duck had been rarer would you have had the same critique? [I know the duck would have been well done in my house but with a lot of sauce]
I agree with Tad....down with hotpants, up with skirts.

I have never been to a six course lunch so I couldn't even begin to tell you what to expect. Why doesn't Bravo give us common folk a break and clue us in on what we should expect.

I don't think Tom C should be in the kitchen and on the judging table. He is too influential on the decision process with non food issues like Sujae giving up early. I also don't think the judges should know who made the dish until they have chosen the bottom three. There is too much personality getting into the decision process.

Here are some things I would like to see:
--Team challenge where the whole team goes home. That should keep everyone on the team focused to help each other.
--Correct a dish challenge where the chefs need to make changes
--The team loses a member and must complete the challenge short handed.
--Elimination challenges do not emphasize time limits. The quick fire rounds are designed for that.

I would like to know some of your ideas, Dave.

Thanks again for the blog and good luck.

Stay focused on the positive
Spade

posted at November 18, 2006 05:27 PM

Spade wrote:

I forgot to add in my post that if they are starting to name episodes, that last one should be called ... A case of Pepto Abysmal.

Spade

posted at November 18, 2006 05:36 PM

Jamie wrote:

Hey Dave,
Love the blogs. Marcel does remind me of Steven a lot. I watched all of TC season 1 and i was rooting for all the way. I wish you could have cooked against Harold. I wonder what LeAnn thought when she left TC instead of you. Good Luck to you in your future with cooking.
Jamie

posted at November 18, 2006 07:15 PM

Carrie wrote:

Dave,

It seems those who respond negatively to your blog act as tho they are a better judge of food than professional chefs. It bothers me how they SEEM to take your blog personally and comment so harshly and defensively. You were my favorite from season one and as much as i disliked Tiffani, I have to remember the show is edited and we (i'm sure) don't see the entire side of every story. I feel you DID complete a third dish for the Cirque performers because as anyone knows who dines in a family style restaurant (at least here in Wisconsin) you don't get potato with pasta. Pasta is considered separate from the sauce of choice.
Your blog was nice, I enjoy your sense of humor, and my family has been craving your roasted chicken dish from the restaurant episode from last season. Regarding this season, I feel the contestants just don't get it. Season one understood the show - they got it. Season two - they're simply not paying attention. But I wish them all well.
Carrie :)
(P.S. I'm hoping to see YOU as a guest judge!)

posted at November 18, 2006 08:07 PM

Gretchen wrote:

OOH. Let's send home two people per show and speed this up - maybe season 3 will have a group that's more cohesive!!!

posted at November 18, 2006 10:10 PM

Deanna wrote:

Dave,
Can you by any chance send me your dessert recipe for the bread pudding/and the drink(the one you gave to Tiffani) in the finale? If you could I would so appreciate it.
Also I thought that you should have been the winner in the end!

posted at November 18, 2006 11:12 PM

kathleen binder wrote:

Dear Dave,

I think there is something missing in the contestants this year. I still enjoy the show but it not as good as last seasons. The contestants last season appeared to be more professional. This season they appear more run of the mill cooks instead of chefs. The contestants that I think or hope will be around at the end are Cliff, Sam and Elan. I was for Betty and Mia at first but they turned out to be disappointing especially Mia.

posted at November 19, 2006 10:06 AM

Sarah wrote:

Hello Dave, I enjoyed watching you as well as the others on TC 1. You really slugged it out to the end, and those dishes looked delectable. I wish I could have written down the mac 'n cheese recipe. How much you wager that Marcel and Betty will hug and make up like Stephen and Candice from season 1? Glad to hear you are doing well.

posted at November 19, 2006 02:32 PM

Rebecca wrote:

Hey, Dave! I always love reading your blogs. There are some seriously rude people but I guess picking fights in a post is just a way to vent some underlying anger issues. Whatever! You may have been emotional sometimes, but you were the heart of the show. And I, too, know being in the hospitality industry is about caring and passion. Keep up the great work, and best of luck to you!!

posted at November 20, 2006 08:44 PM

sandy wrote:

Dave, I need your Macaronni and cheese recipe ASAP, it looked divine

posted at November 21, 2006 12:05 AM

LISN wrote:

Sorry Dave,

You seem stuck on past criticisms (i.e. Ted Allen). The other judges agreed that your fish dish was underseasoned. Let it go already, honey.
(btw: Why can't salt be added at the table per individual taste of the diner?)
You also seem surprised and overly dismayed by current objections made by less than enthusiastic bloggers (i.e. Dave & Fred). Let that go too...
As last season was shown, most of your dishes had issues and looked not so appetizing. (They may have tasted well, but the audience could only go by what the judges stated.) Your final major entry (prior to Vegas), the mac 'n truffle was brilliant and looked divine. Unfortunately, some judges there complained (too much pepper??) And the sides looked marginal. That was the only challenge you won on your own (without partners)...
Throughout the season the edited segments of you made you seem alittle paranoid (i.e. Harold & Steven mocked your lasagne, problem with Brian, & the famous Tiffany scream out). Take a look yourself sometime. None of those examples displayed a professional chef to the viewers.

I have no problem with you cashing in on your momentary, albeit undeserved fame. I think it is great that a celluloid celebrity can cry and whine his way to selling whatever he wants. If the market is there, why not? Enjoy it while you have it.

However, I am surprised that you want personal contact (people's email addresses) with the few folks who are less enamored by your (obvious) charms. It appears that you have fun calling us out on the carpet in public view in order to rally your slew of sycophants (who continually praise your every utterance). Why do you need so much stroking? You seem to love to dish it - but cannot take it...?

I originally read this blog hoping to gain cooking tips or insight into the current season. Unfortunately, at times, it reads more like a "Dear Diary"... Hey, if your faithful fan base loves it, to each his own...

Whether you do well or not is entirely up to you. I hope you can resolve your deep seated issues that plague you and get on with the rest of your charmed life. You have to admit that you are a vey lucky individual to be where you are today.

posted at November 21, 2006 08:24 AM

Lan Nguyen wrote:

Hi Dave, i lived in Seal Beach and would love to know where you work so i can go there and have dinner. i think you're a great chef, please send some info. My email tll6678@yahoo.com, thank you

posted at November 21, 2006 11:35 PM

Cheryl F wrote:

Dave, I loved you during Top Chef - your recipes were so inovative and during the last elimination, your dishes were far superior to the Bitch's. I truly feel that if you and Harold were the final two, it would have been a much tougher decision for the judges to make. Thank you so much for all your wonderful recipes. Love you.

posted at November 30, 2006 05:23 PM