Dave Martin's Blog

You Ask, Dave Answers...

November 29, 2006

Since there’s a repeat planned for this week, I thought I’d take a few minutes and answer a few of the great questions that have been coming to the blog. Thanks to all for reading and for the kind words.

Is it my imagination or do the Quick Fires generate more adventurous dishes than the eliminations? --Christine B.

It does seem that under more extreme pressure they are more creative and sometimes are even producing better quality food. It's always tough though for either challenge. I can still remember the pressure that really is self-created so much of it truly is mental and you need to really try to let go and do what you do well but in a more crazed environment. What I have noticed and commented on in earlier blogs is the lack of this groups ability to function in a team of more than 2 people, their communication falls short as the team size increases.

What's the latest on your restaurant/cooking news? --Morgaine S.

I actually have a restaurant that I will be opening in Soho, New York in early 2007 called Lola's (http://www.lolaissoul.com ) which I am really excited about. The food will be soul-ful food and not just French/Cajun and Creole as it once was it will have some fun Southern inspired dishes along with some favorites from my own bag of tricks.

The menu will be diverse enough that you can drop in 2-3 nights a week. I have also just signed a deal with a newly formed restaurant group in Los Angeles, at a place which is slated to open Summer 2007, where I will function as Consulting Executive Chef for a menu that will be a marriage of Southwestern, Latin American along with a touch of New Mexico thrown into the mix. This will be a more casual upscale concept with many great tequilas and fun food to match.

Comments

Mother Hubbard wrote:

Wow, Dave! I'm so glad you're coming East. I always thought we needed you here on the Right Coast, and I'd love it if you settled on this side of the country.

However, I'd really like to see you down my way around DC. There are already enough places in NYC.

posted at November 30, 2006 01:19 PM

Donna R. wrote:

Dave, I just wanted to comment that I you are and will always be THE TOP CHEF. I loved your spirit, your energy and your personality during every competition. You will have much success wiht your new place and I will surely visit during the spring. - Donna R.

posted at November 30, 2006 03:29 PM

laurette wrote:

Harold is in the east coast. We need you here. San Diego NEEDS YOU. Please Please Open a restaurnt here. And there are Tons and Tons of Gergeous MENNNNNN In SAN DIEGO!!!!

posted at December 1, 2006 10:15 AM

filkertom wrote:

Dave, you rock. I really wanted it to be you and Harold in the finale last season, and I have immense respect for both of you. I agree with you regarding the teamwork, or lack thereof, of this season's crew, but I also rather think that they simply aren't as good in the kitchen as you guys were last year. Seriously. Where you would rise to the challenge -- especially the final six -- they get thrown off their games by any little thing. I can't see ANY of them doing the kind of things you, Harold, or Lee Ann are doing. They're petulant, selfish, and worst of all they don't seem to know what to do with food.

posted at December 1, 2006 07:14 PM

Kate Kuznik wrote:

No, no. Miami! Ft. Lauderdale! Where are there more beautiful people then here? Come on, Dave, it's time to head down to paradise :)

posted at December 1, 2006 08:24 PM

Victoria wrote:

I want to get one of your t-shirts for Marcel. I want it to say I ain't your bitch BETTY.

Thrilling news about your restaurent....you deserve this success and so much more.

When Lola opens I will make reservations and try your cooking... it made my mouth water last season.

Best wishes,
Victoria

posted at December 2, 2006 08:04 AM

Victoria wrote:

I want to get one of your t-shirts for Marcel. I want it to say I ain't your bitch BETTY.

Thrilling news about your restaurent....you deserve this success and so much more.

When Lola opens I will make reservations and try your cooking... it made my mouth water last season.

Best wishes,
Victoria

posted at December 2, 2006 08:11 AM

Larry wrote:

How did it feel to ruin the last episode of last season by getting drunk with the other moron and not helping when you should have??

posted at December 2, 2006 09:08 PM

johnw wrote:

Wise choice moving East. NYC is a major culinary hotbed. LA is not.

posted at December 3, 2006 02:46 AM

Denise wrote:

HI Dave: I often wanted to post to you but am a bit shy, even cyber shy..:) sorry. Anyway. You are one of the reason that i watched top chef season I. I am a big fan of the show and you as well. I admired your passion for food and life. I didn't get that impression from any other chef on that seasons shows except Harold; but harold's passion was alot more subdued than any other contestant on that season's show. I would love to share one of my favorite recipes with you. I make the most fabulous tuscan chicken. One of my most requested dishes when i do some side catering. Yes, i'm a chef wanna be. But I'm sure everyone tells you that.
I agree with you on this season's show. they cannot work as a team. Even though i see a few trying to create a team but to be shot down almost automatically. I believe it's time for them to show their individuality instead of riding on some else's apron strings.
Can't wait for your new restaurant to open. I live in cleveland and new york is close enough for a road trip. Am looking forward to your grand opening. GOOD LUCK HUN!!! you are a great chef and deserve the kudos.

posted at December 3, 2006 02:55 PM

Kate Kuznik wrote:

Larry....shhhh....

Dave helped more than he should have - especially by giving up his amazing dessert for someone who absolutely did not deserve it. Stop being a troll and go find someone else to pick on.

posted at December 3, 2006 06:05 PM

tamar g. wrote:

Hey Dave,

Since I live north of the 49th. I am just now watching Season 1; actually the finals in Vegas though I was a bum and found out that Harold won LOL.

Truthfully, I wanted it to be you since I believe you had/have the most heart and passion of the lot and deserve every sucess. I also admire the fact that you made a career change (something I should have done, as I am a frustrated chef).

As to "Tiff", the I'm not your bitch, bitch was utter perfection and I think you were actually being nice in lieu of want a total c--t she actually was.

Unlike a lot of people, I did not find her particularly talented and her cooking reflected a lot of hot air and not much else AND she lies like a rug.

You are too kind to say that you don't hate her but thankfully, you will never have to contend with her again or if you do, she may well be your employee.

Through the show, I was touched by the fact that you were not afraid to show genuine emotion and many can take a page from your book.

I wish you every success....would you ever consider being on Food Network. I think you would be a huge hit.

best,

tamar g.
Toronto, ON

posted at December 6, 2006 06:47 PM

Patti M wrote:

Great to see you and read some more on you. You were my favorite last year. You brought a lot of personality to the show.

Great to hear about the new restaurant !!!

posted at December 6, 2006 10:53 PM

R. Christian Anderson wrote:

Hey big Dave... congratulations on the new restaurant! You rocked season one and even though you forgot that one more dish, you were a clear winner all along. You were incredibly generous and we were rooting for you... in fact, we still are at my house. Glad you're in New York near Harold and Lee Anne. Hope you also get to see the guys at "Queer Eye" and "Project Runway" on occasion, as well. Your move to NYC was a wise one. You will continue to be a big success from here on out. Question: Any romance in your future?

posted at December 7, 2006 12:21 PM

Alexsandra Hazel wrote:

Dave I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed watching you and your cooking. Your passion for food makes me smile. I think had it not been for you forgetting about a third dish I believe you would have beat out what's her name. I still giggle to myself when I hear the phrase I am not your B!*%&,B!*%&. I wish you good luck and keep you flava's stirring.

posted at December 7, 2006 03:09 PM

patrick- pal of Jakke wrote:

hey Dave
so glad to see you are "on a roll"

posted at December 13, 2006 11:16 PM

patrick -pal of Jakke wrote:

hey dave..I hit the enter button too quick

these new TC candidates seem a little lame-ish next to your class... OK some of these challenges are unique but c'mon you were one lousy entree from winning..opps forgot a dish,uh oh! good to see you on a roll and Tiffany? Is She a line cook for a hotel in NYC? yah? Merry Christmas

posted at December 13, 2006 11:30 PM

Paula wrote:

Glad to hear things are coming together for you.. Miss watching you bringing your flavors on Top Chef. This craziness that is going on now is nuts. There is such a difference this season then when all of you were on. Anyway best of everything to you.... you deserve it...

posted at January 10, 2007 02:02 PM

Keith Davis wrote:

Personally, I feel that you were the best chef of Season 1. I would like to know when Top Chef Season I will be out on dvd. Secondly, I feel sorry for Frank; he was up against some very tough competition. Personally, I think that he should have won the Quickfire Challenge for the episode from which he was eliminated. His Scallop Carpaccio looked quite a bit better than Marcel's Watermelon Steak. I wish you continued success; you certainly deserve the accolades. Good luck in New York City and with your new restuarant in Los Angeles. HUGS

posted at January 31, 2007 07:11 PM

moscow flights wrote:

flights moscow

posted at May 26, 2007 10:34 PM

moscow flights wrote:

flights moscow

posted at May 26, 2007 10:34 PM

Send to a Friend

Dave Martin Blog Archive

June, 2007 1 entry
February, 2007 1 entry
January, 2007 6 entries
December, 2006 4 entries
November, 2006 7 entries
October, 2006 3 entries
August, 2006 1 entry
July, 2006 1 entry
June, 2006 2 entries

BreakOUT Photo

Celebrities, sports stars or man-on-the-street. Funny or funky, political or poignant. And sometimes, we-just-had-to-share — check out our regular must-see photo feature.