So, my first kiss with a girl was in high school with a gal named Jill ( she was a cute Japanese gal), it was cute and very innocent and I still remember it today. I think there may have been other kisses at spin the bottle, but I am only counting the one I remember as I like the real deal.

My first rainbow kiss didn’t happen until after college and I must have been about 26 years old. I had a bunch of college friends over for dinner and drinks and my friend KK invited a guy friend of hers down to my pad in Newport Beach. It...]]> http://blogs.outzonetv.com/dave/2007/02/daves_first_kisses.php http://blogs.outzonetv.com/dave/2007/02/daves_first_kisses.php Thu, 08 Feb 2007 20:07:13 -0500 After several weeks of drama with a splash of cooking, we come to the grand finale for Season 2 of Top Chef.

Unfortunately, I’m not really vested in either of the two finalists. I think out of all the candidates up on the block this season, the only one that I could see with the full set of skills necessary would have been Sam.

We begin by bringing back some of this season’s favorites to back up the two finalists and Betty, Michael, Sam and Elia end up back in the kitchen to help their respective leaders. The challenge … to cook the best meal in your life … is pretty straightforward, as was the final challenge in Season 1. And that’s as it should be. It’s time to see the chefs cook in a more controlled environment without any crazy constraints.

After a rough week last week, we arrive in beautiful Hawaii and everyone seems happy to be here. The vibe feels a lot better this time around, which is good for everyone. Hawaii is a great place and it is a nice place to really relax and unwind, I was actually in Ka’anapali in October when they were filming the finale. The people of the island are very warm and welcoming and they definitely have a passion for food over there. Although there are lots of tourists on the islands at all times, there were lots of “Top Chef” viewers both on the local and vacation front during my visit.

I was apprehensive going into this episode but at the end of the day, I was really very happy… it was truly the best show of the season.

After last week’s restaurant challenge and the disappointment there, I was really hoping things would get on track with the final chefs remaining. Like I said, really hoping. Since I don’t have a lot of positive things to say about this week, I will keep my thoughts direct and to the point.

The Quickfire was fine with the exception of chicken liver and chocolate presented by Ilan. We then move onto a night of drinking and head shaving after the Elimination Challenge. I definitely understand letting go of some stress after wrapping up the first part of the show and I was someone who had a big night of drinking in Vegas with Stephen and the crew after I had been eliminated from the finale. I was bummed and took it out on the alcohol, maybe not the best solution but it was readily available everywhere we went that evening.

Word up, Marcel … if you don’t win TC you can try for next season’s “White Rapper” on VH1. Of all the contestants on TC2, you have the most possible career opportunities ahead of you between becoming a Wolverine double for the next X-MEN or place on VH1.

We head into another promotion-filled challenge with Kraft products. As a true hater (in Marcel speak) of Mayo -- it is the one condiment that I cannot stand, I had a sitter when I was like 5 make me a sandwich with mayo and jelly and wow…it made me freak out and we threw it out and I think that was her last time she sat for the family.

PS: No, I was not living in a trailer park at the time

Until then, don't miss our other "Top Chef: Season 2" blogs.

Marcel and Ilan start things off by going at it, big time, while Cliff and Michael do some bonding. Ilan really does not like Marcel and wants to take him out, yikes.

Surprise, Ted Allen is back again to judge. Where is Gail? I miss her. Padma is back as well and who is doing her wardrobe? She looks trampy, sorry but gotta speak my peace. I will say I really liked both of the challenges this episode, the quickfire was fun with the dish based around a color.

http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Free/0,3739,162,00.html

Hope to see you all there and I will keep you posted on opening events, etc. My Los Angeles restaurant, Bandolero will be opening Summer 2007 as long as construction stays on track. Thanks for all of your support.

Sincerely, Dave

As You Wish Catering
http://www.chefdavemartin.com

Let’s see how the chefs do it:

We have a wide array of desserts being made from petit fours and the like down to some more savory creations like Cliff’s grilled beef, Mia’s mango and brie and Ilan’s matzo cakes. Let’s not forget Betty’s curdled cocktail and scallop creation, bad news, yikes. Mia and Betty both get bad marks from the judge on garnish and overall entry, accordingly. Kudos goes to Cliff, Sam and Michael and immunity being handed to Cliff for his winning...]]> http://blogs.outzonetv.com/dave/2006/12/eat_drink_and_be_merry_episode_8_1.php http://blogs.outzonetv.com/dave/2006/12/eat_drink_and_be_merry_episode_8_1.php Wed, 20 Dec 2006 15:15:08 -0500