Holly wrote:

As usual Dave you are funny and truthful all rolled into one. Thank you for taking the time from a schedule that sounds hectially busy to keep posting the blogs. I look forward to them every week. A Healthy and happy new year to you as well...

posted at January 4, 2007 12:01 AM

Charles wrote:

I have to admit the more they game up on Marcel, the more I find that he is growing on me. He and Else are really the only one who is working in the spirit of the show. Someone needs to tell these people that to pattern you game play after what Tiffany did last year is not a good thing! As this season drags on, I find myself mission the cast of Season 1. Although when you guys set the bar high I don't think you meant that future contestants could walk under it. Let's just cancel this season and let last year’s group rain for a second year! Long Live Season One!

posted at January 4, 2007 03:09 AM

Charles wrote:

I have to admit the more they game up on Marcel, the more I find that he is growing on me. He and Else are really the only one who is working in the spirit of the show. Someone needs to tell these people that to pattern you game play after what Tiffany did last year is not a good thing! As this season drags on, I find myself mission the cast of Season 1. Although when you guys set the bar high I don't think you meant that future contestants could walk under it. Let's just cancel this season and let last year’s group rain for a second year! Long Live Season One!

posted at January 4, 2007 03:10 AM

tim allen wrote:

this is for dave martin-how do we get your recipes for the desserts from the vegas finale. i have a friend who has anorexia and thats all she ever mentions she wants to eat. please help. this season of top chef is a bomb compared to last season-you are missed dave,

posted at January 4, 2007 06:38 AM

victoria wrote:

Dave,

I LOVE THAT YOU ARE SO WILLING TO SHARE YOUR OPINIONS AND YOUARE ON THE MARK,

ASIDE FROM THE FACT THAT I WOULD HAVE TO LOOK AT TIFFANY (WHO WAS AN ARRRROGANT ASS) I WOULD SAY OUT WITH SEASON TWO LET SEASON ONE COME BACK.

YOU WERE AND ARE MY FAVORITE!
HAVE A GREAT YEAR.....

VICTORIA

posted at January 4, 2007 09:38 AM

Chuck Rhodes wrote:

Dave
It was great to meet you at the "Yard" in Long Beach on th 23rd,My Daughter Sara was thrilled to have your Autograph.
Chuck

posted at January 4, 2007 02:04 PM

Rich wrote:

Your fixation on Padma's outfits doesn't belong here. Perhaps you should give up writing for Top Chef and move over to Project Runway.

posted at January 4, 2007 03:42 PM

SJH wrote:

Hi Dave-
First time on your blog - you are hilarious ! I loved you in Season 1 and am so glad you are able to provide your prospective on this season's episodes.
Now I just have to figure out where I will find the extra time to read all of your blogs as well as Tom's, Gail's , Harold's and Lee Anne's. ( BTW, you, Harold and Lee Anne were my faves from Season 1)
Anyway, I have already posted on Tom's blog, so I won't do it again here. But THANK YOU for being the only "board member" to say something (or have the guts to say something) about Padma's outfits.
And, to Rich(Jan 4): from what I read, I don't think Dave is "fixated"- he happened to mention something that MANY OTHERS have also mentioned. And, yes, his commentary about ANYTHING TC belongs on this site. Get a grip.

posted at January 4, 2007 05:05 PM

Danielle O wrote:

Dave,

Don't you think Tom has a right to be cranky this season? This group of people seem to be very juvenile when compared to last season. I never saw the contestents from last season hold up their hands,collectively, when time was called. I hope this doesn't sour anyone, and we will have a Top Chef season 3 to look forward to.

Danielle

posted at January 4, 2007 05:43 PM

Mark wrote:

So now that I've enjoyed the marathon refresher of Season 1, it's interesting to see how things are playing out on Season 2. Could Marcel and Stephen be more alike? Stephen had his outlandish cravats, Marcel has his outlandish hair, courtesy of the local creamy whip. But there are differences. Betty is about as fake as they come -- watching her fake "surprise" or "joy" or "astonishment" for the cameras could be it's own drinking game.

But perhaps most similar -- Harold and Sam. The quiet guys who (mostly) keep out of the drama (or are edited to look that way), and flirt when it's necessary to get a few extra points. Oh, and they both seem excellent at what they do.

This time, though, there is a great foil in Elia. She's cool, talented and graceful under pressure.

So while there are the vaguely Mike-Miguel, Maurice-Stephen parallels, we're really missing a Dave this season. Somebody with some character that makes him vulnerable but extremely likeable.

Let me know when your restaurant opens!

posted at January 4, 2007 10:13 PM

Pat wrote:

I wish someone would take Marcel out of this, he is so full of himself.
If Chef Tom is angrier this season a few in this group have given him reason to be. As the numbers get smaller things will balance out. I really like the way he handles each situation.
Wishing you all a happy and Blessed New Year...

posted at January 4, 2007 11:12 PM

Ji wrote:

Hi, Dave!

I didn't watch Season 1 Top Chef until last week! I truly believed that you should have been one of top 2. I heard that you lost job and became broke in the show. How are you doing? I hope you become very successful because you deserve it.

Ji from San Francisco Bay Area

posted at January 5, 2007 12:04 AM

Bob wrote:

Short column this week Dave, you feeling ok?? As for Padma i think they should dress her in one of Marcel's foams and send her to me !!! She looks great in everything. The Marcel vs. almost everyone make for great TV, but leaves me wondering where is the professionalism this season, aside from s few minor glitches, season 1 showed none of this petty animosity.

posted at January 5, 2007 07:29 AM

Rich wrote:

To SJH (Jan 4): Many others? No, just Dave.
Thanks.

posted at January 5, 2007 10:35 AM

Diane Bundy wrote:

Dave,

You understated about Padma. She's an idiot. Such a huge negative to the show. Her monotone voice sounds drugged-out, her comments and judging are so very obviously freshman. I don't know her qualifications, but wish so very badly they'd get rid of her!

ugh!

posted at January 5, 2007 12:23 PM

Nonchef wrote:

Dave, you were funny and dramatic in season one and you foods looked yummy and appetizing. But please, improve your blogging -- it's like a robotic quick rundown of the show with none of your opinion weighed in whatsoever. I've seen the show already, I don't need someone relay it back to me again. Insights, analysis, reactions (violent or not) should be the order of the day. Thanks!

posted at January 5, 2007 12:53 PM

Greta wrote:

Is it me or did Padma seem like she was on vicodin at that dinner. She seemed at least a little drunk....
And as everyone says that posts on these blogs, why do they keep getting pissed at Marcel? When Marcel supposedly snapped at Betty, I thought it seemed clear that Betty was just trying to f*ck Marcel up by taking the cherries out too soon... and he was just asking her to stop.
And I am so disappointed in Ilan. I used to think he was a secret shining star, but now I think he is getting eliminated next week. It seems to me that the editors of this show edit to demonize people before they leave. Ilan was definately demonized by his conflicts with Marcel. Betty was greatly demonized by all her conflicts with Marcel, perhaps the most demonized, at first in the show she seemed a happy cheery person, she won a challenge simply on her personality. Then as the show progressed she became a phony who likes to pick on Marcel...
Where is the footage of Marcel being egotistical and evil? He politely asked everyone to help keep the refridgerator closed, what the fuck are they pissed about? If anything Marcel is confident, and the cast is only frustrated because they cannot seem to badger away his confidence... I predict this way of editing is setting him up as the winner...
whether this editing is an accurate depiction of all the events, I don't know... but I still hope Marcel wins.

posted at January 5, 2007 02:37 PM

Ana Luiza wrote:

Dave!!!!
I am of Brazil
It was twisting for you!!!
Um beijo (a kiss)

posted at January 5, 2007 03:10 PM

Coleman wrote:

People, people, why can't you all understand that living with different personalities over extended periods of time can make even the nicest people drop their gloves. Marcel does not have people skills. I forgive him for that. I know many that are talented in one area but cannot relate well to others.
That said, I probably would have laid hands to him by week 2. Also, why all the hating on Padma? She can't have a drink or two? I mean Mikey is bombed on like half the episodes. There is nothing wrong with that.
Padma is smarter than you guys give her credit for. The lines that she has are a lot less cheesetastic than the idiotspeak from the plastic woman of season one. She is also a natural beauty that I am sure many women bloggers resent. I can't stand being fake, and I won't resect anyone that isn't real. This is my two cents, and I'll take my change on credit because my pillow is getting heavy.

posted at January 5, 2007 05:12 PM

SJH wrote:

To Rich (Jan5)
When I said many others, I meant many other viewers/bloggers such as you and I. Dave should be able to say whatever he wants on his own blog.

posted at January 5, 2007 05:39 PM

Kristi wrote:

To Greta - I actually think she was feeling ill from the heat from what I read on her blog.

Eh, she's ok. Better than Katie, but I still think they could find a much more interesting host. She's eye candy, but not much substance.

Dave, you seem a bit edgy this week - everything ok? Normally you're much more laid back and comical. :)

posted at January 5, 2007 07:56 PM

Tino wrote:

Dude, are you nuts? Padma is the best thing about the show this year. She's a hundred times better than Billy Joel's wife; I don't remember that chick's name. She was like a robot for crying out loud.

posted at January 6, 2007 10:21 AM

Lei T wrote:

Padma seems like a nice person. But if she wants to be respected for her intelligence maybe she could tone down to classier outfits. Just like the "foam", if its there in front of you all the time, it gets a little old.

I really do miss the chefs from season one. I really miss that "passion" for cooking that the chefs seemed to be focused on. I'm sure some of the chefs in season 2 have a passion for cooking but they seemed tired out by the competition itself and not appreciated for their food.

posted at January 6, 2007 03:32 PM

Shelley wrote:

Dave,
You are a Rockstar. I totally agree with the wardrobe comment. Who is her stylist? Anyway, I didn't realize that Howard had a similar dish. I miss seeing you! You always made me laugh. That Mac and Cheese dish still makes my mouth water.
Party On,
Shelley

posted at January 6, 2007 09:50 PM

Carrie wrote:

Hi Dave,

I think what your commenters and others are forgeting is what Marcel's first impression was to the other contestants. Ilan said the first thing Marcel did was show him his knives. Is that a slap in the face between chefs? I don't know. Each week I've liked Sam and Ilan more and disliked Betty and Cliff less. I didn't like Marcel from the beginning and I admit that every week I watch I'm waiting to see what he does to piss someone else off. I think their fighting on this episode was funny. People need to release steam. Example - the people who comment to you by yelling at you and insulting you. Talk about a bunch of hypocrites.

Anyway, Happy New Year to you and all who read your blog. May this year be the best ever.

Carrie

posted at January 7, 2007 12:15 AM

Lennie wrote:

Hey Man,
You seem stuck on Ted Allen as a judge. Get over your resentment from his comments to you. That is so last year! Ted Allen happens to be fair but firm in expressing his knowledgeable opinions. You moved on from that challenge to go to almost the end. Be grateful for what you have. Get over yourself, too - man!

posted at January 7, 2007 11:32 AM

Amazon wrote:

Dave, I think Tom C appears more angry this episode, too. Gail also seems to be frustrated/angry. I thought it was due to the contestants they have this season. It has to get old, telling them repeatedly not to play it safe, or their presentation needs attention, and then the next challenge see them doing the same things again.

Question for you: I remember from the first season that you seemed organized in your approach, writing out lists, etc. Is this due to your computer engineer days?

posted at January 7, 2007 07:54 PM

inja wrote:

hi dave! between the TOP CHEF show and the actual chefs themselves on T.C., i am now able to cook! for real! aside from boiling water, and being a master defroster in the microwave, i now can say with all honesty (if someone asks)"Yeah! i CAN cook!!" and i am not ashamed to say that because of T.C., i not only can cook, but i can cook well! so much info... everytime i watch i either tape it while watching or take a LOT of notes re: what spices and such goes with what ever i am cooking. thanks SO much! (BTW-i really REALLY feel you got the "bum's rush" on T.C. IMHO, you should STILL be there!

posted at January 8, 2007 05:50 AM

George Carlan wrote:

Dave,

Your "observation" for this episode was alomost as interesting as a T.V. Guide blurb... If you want to improve, read your former castmates blogs (i.e. Harold and Lee Anne). More insightful and less self promoting, man.

posted at January 8, 2007 07:50 AM

dave martin wrote:

To the readers...thanks for reading...to the haters...don't like my blog...don't read it...a blog is defined as .... often providing commentary or news on a particular subject, such as food, politics, or local news; some function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. and are part of a wider network of social media....so that said...i'm writing what is on my mind and writing with the limited time available to me ...so i'm sorry if it isn't what you want to hear, write your own blog and say what you want there and spare me the shitty remarks...and to everyone else sorry for going off but mean people suck and the rest of you are awesome :)

posted at January 8, 2007 01:30 PM

ksossen wrote:

Dave love your blog- loved you in season one and glad to see you're prospering. I agree about padmas outfits- I actually find myself missing Katie Lee. Glad Betty went- It was about time. Miss all the cast from season one- This group doesnt seem to have the humor or integrity.

posted at January 8, 2007 05:05 PM

Patrick wrote:

Go get 'em, Dave!!! I was going to say some of the things you said a couple of posts up, but it makes much more of an impact if you say it, and you did! People are far too serious, and take themselves far too seriously about the wrong things. It's a TV show! And a blog about a TV show! I enjoy your blog, enjoyed your rundown and comments this week, and you are right, and justified in saying so, about Padma's strange choice of clothes. I don't like the mean behavior toward Marcel that Betty instigated. There is never an acceptable excuse or reason for yelling at someone that way in a place of business like Sam did with Marcel. It has just become something people do in our rude society these days. Sam and I are both of Sicilian heritage.... I don't ever in my life of 54 years remember yelling at anyone in that way. So being a Sicilian by heritage is no excuse. He's rude. Marcel was right...Betty was a bitch and I am delighted she is GONE. I am pulling for Marcel to make it to the final two at this point. The other slot...up for grabs. Thanks for your time and your blog. Keep it up!

posted at January 8, 2007 07:40 PM

Pam wrote:

Dave,
Watching how Marcel is being treated by this season's childish Top Chefs reminds me of how you and Leanne (and the other followers) treated Tiffani last season. Especially, being drunk/hung-over for the finale.
Did you all finally grow up?

posted at January 8, 2007 07:59 PM

Shawn wrote:

Jesus you are boring. And....lady if you want to talk about 'looks'...lets just not get started on that one.

posted at January 8, 2007 08:52 PM

Nobody wrote:

Sorry, Dave -

Count yourself in as one of the "mean ones"... (How juvenile.) btw: maybe you should not recommend to the your faithful followers to read that Wine Spectator article. Yor criticize your clients as not eating your food/ so it isn't worth the trouble to prepare for their parties. The food is also for their guests. Be careful to not burn any bridges, man... Then you make catty remarks about judges who did not fawn all over you and Padma's outfits. Your blog should be dropped by BRAVO because you carp and whine abut their product. (You seemed pumped only on yourself!)

If you cannot handle the heat offered in blog comments, how on earth will you be able to handle the heat in a real life kitchen situation as Exec Chef of a new restaurant centered around your fragile ego? Will you attack dissatisfied customers with a cleaver?

For someone who moaned throughout season 1 that he did not like to cook in a hurry and did not think quickly, you'd be a bad pony to bet on.

Good luck with your future. You're gonna need it!

posted at January 9, 2007 11:57 AM

Lychee Girl wrote:

Dear Dave,

You are too funny to be ignored! It is a riot that you allow dissenting blogs to get your shorts in a bunch. After all this time, haven't you learned to "take it with a grain of salt"?

posted at January 9, 2007 12:49 PM

Jon wrote:

Dave,
As a chef, I admire you greatly. However, as a writer---well, perhaps a small suggestion (with respect, of course):
I'm a high school English teacher, and I'd like to suggest to you what I tell my students when writing reviews/critiques/observations: Less synopsis - more review. Most of your blogs tell us what happened and not enough of what you think about it.
You can safely assume we readers of your blog have seen the show or why would we even be here? I would like you to comment more on the chefs, their choices, and in particular their creations from your point of view.
Just a small request. Keep up the good work and I wish great things for you in the future.

posted at January 9, 2007 02:21 PM

Lei T wrote:

Dave is just being honest. We need more people like him. He is entertaining, funny, and speaks his mind. This is "His" blog so he is entitled to his opinions. If you don't like his blogs, you don't have to read it.

posted at January 9, 2007 03:37 PM

Jack wrote:

It looks like Betty found out that Marcel is not her bitch, bitch!

posted at January 9, 2007 03:41 PM

Chris B (the Hoosier Hottie) wrote:

Hang In There Dave!
It would seem that many of us posters to blogs such as this may need to get a life to be obsession so much about who-said-what, etc. about a TV show. Must be indicative of a hit show!?! Anyway, hope things go well with you at Lola's in JYC and that you don't burn out or have a heart attack before you even start!!!
Deep breath & hang out in the walk-in for a bit... Love your comments. Hang tough.
Peace & Happy New Year, Chris

posted at January 9, 2007 03:54 PM

Debra wrote:

Dave,

I love your honesty and passion. I really thought that you should have been been in the finale with Harold last season. I hope you have a fantastic New Year!

posted at January 10, 2007 12:01 AM

angel wrote:

Hello! Dave
Hope your holidays went well. Happy New Year! The last season you did great job I thought. My family and I felt you should have been in the top two. Dave, hope you are doing well now. You seem like a nice guy who is talented and intune with people. Thank you, for taking time to put, your thoughts out there. This show I think is interesting because, you see how people approach different situations in the same profession. The drama is worth watching. Marcel reminds me of the red headed girl you were in the top three with. More so in personality not getting along with anyone, and in keeping people at bay. Sam, reminds me off Harold layed back. Illia reminds me of Leanne wants to do her best with what she is given and goes with the flow a nice person. Think Michael is like you in the way he is quiet but is doing well and is showing he is a contender who will get it done but does it in a nice way.
Well hope you had a great holiday and have a blessed and awsome year!
Sincerly,
Angel

posted at January 10, 2007 03:17 AM

a little slow wrote:

Dave, you got me hooked on Top Chef. This season is not as interesting, so I'm thankful you blog. You do a fantastic job so please keep it up. We love you very much!

posted at January 10, 2007 11:45 AM

Hammersley wrote:

Dave,
You should have been in the finale, Tiffany was no competition for Harold.Find Cliff to be TC2's Tiffany, but she could plate so much better.

posted at January 10, 2007 07:24 PM

Pattyb wrote:

Dave, love how you always showed your emotions! You are the best. Can't decide who is more annoying...Tiffany or Marcel. Great in the kitchen, but way too short on good attitude and being humble. Wonder what you would have said to Marcel. What you said to Tiffany was priceless!

posted at January 11, 2007 12:12 AM

Jeri wrote:

Hi Dave, I am so glad I found your blog. I wanted to ask a question about when everyone has to "pack their knives and go". What does a chef think is important to pack in their knife bags. I was just curious.

posted at January 11, 2007 04:55 PM

Laura wrote:

LOVE the blog! Not just the TC comments, although they are funny and insightful. But thanks for giving us a peek into your post-TC life. I'm hoping that season 3 will begin with Tom stepping out of the shower and asking Gail for a towel...... and season 2 will have been only a bad dream.
more chefs, fewer brats

posted at January 12, 2007 02:49 AM

Lorraine Thomas wrote:

Dave, I would very much appreciate if you would post the recipe for your bread pudding that you help Tiffaney do on the finale. Please email it to me asap. Thanks. Lorraine

posted at January 19, 2007 04:35 PM

Mark wrote:

Hello Dave, at least someone knows that popcorn and tostados (corn nuts to you gringos) is standard. Even David Rosengartenm, Mr. Lite Beer and Caviar, knows this.

Also, I'd just like to say, that I decided to do a Mac and Cheese last year as an homage to Thomas Keller. But, after I saw the Mac and Cheese episode, I decided to make it with truffles. Taking inspiration from your dish, I did a cannelloni (manicotti in the south) with (traditional from my family) rigatoni stuffed with a mascarpone mix with black French truffles. So no big pipes or muffs. I used your cognac sauce heavily modified. Modification are, tarragon, Mexican Oregano, no hot stuff, 1 cup of cognac, 1 cup cream, onion not shallots, and I use Fontal not Fontina, I like the nuttier taste and it's cheaper.

I also bake it less at the same temp but I add truffles on top at the 5 minute mark. Basically, I made it a more affordable dish and one that is very successful at my restaurant. I think the tarragon works well. I left out the other herb. I forgot what it was.

Anyway, I think you're very creative.

posted at February 26, 2007 11:08 AM