ferrerogrrl
January 31, 2007 - 11:30 PM
wow, can Ilan be MORE of an ass? I didn't think so, after observing his behavior towards Marcel, but now the asshat is dogging Harold? How delusional. Both Harold and Marcel are going to be around a lot longer than Ilan and his paprika....
JUSTMEAOD
January 31, 2007 - 11:32 PM
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I wonder if anybody will do a seafood dish tonight?
HEY TC!
WHAT WAS THAT YOUR WHISPERING!!! OH AND YHEA ALOT OF SEAFOOD WITH SAFFRON AND FOAM I"M SURE! HELL I HEARD MARCEL FOAMED A WHOLE PIG!
ROLFLOL
DANG NOT SURE I CAN TAKE ANYMORE
I'M ONLY ON THE 4TH PAGE
O8~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TAKE CARE OVER THERE
ALOHA
HAVE FUN
blagh_diddy
January 31, 2007 - 11:33 PM
Ilan cooked from memory, templates and repetition - that's what a sous chef does
Marcel cooked from knowledge, creativity and conceptualizing - that's what an executive chef does
It was disappointing to see the judges either didn't appreciate or recognize that distinction
hilaryloren
January 31, 2007 - 11:34 PM
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Outshine? I thought it was rude, but rudeness never seems to take much effort for Marcel- he's good at that.- he seemed to have a snicker or comment for anything and everything anyone said- I LMFAO when the one caller cut Marcel off and said she was speaking to Ilan! LOL!.
On the webcast I saw why everyone really did not like Marcel. First of all, Snarf needs to check himself. I wanted to slap the Heat Miser in the head~ he really shows no shows no respect to anyone and expects respect from everyone. He is a good chef, but he really acted like a little boy who needed a megadose of Rittalin.
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I thought the lady from Idaho was funny too...& I loved how Marcel reacted, he just laughed it off! The Brat Pack would have had a hissy fit if Marcel said that comment to them. I'm sure Marcel is capable of rudeness...WHO ISN'T?!?! You're fighting an uphill battle if you are going to try to convince anyone that the Brat Pack has always acted w/ the utmost respect & good beahvior & are just Marcel's poor little tortured victims. My guess is they could dish it out but they couldn't take it.
I did not say that the others were little angels- none of them were- except Sujay- and thats cuz she did not last long enough to live the drama- but if Marcel acted the way he did on the webcast throughout the season, then I can see why everyone was so against him, think if you had someone always in your ear snickering commenting bitching and being an anti-social leper, you would after a few weeks of living with him have enough.
as for Marcel being rude- yes everyone has the capability of being rude, but he has pushed rudeness to the point of being an a**hole.
I thought Marcel was kind of funny, at least he wasn't sitting there w/ a stick up his ass after winning $100k. If that was how Marcel acted the whole show & that's why they hated him then they must have live insanely sheltered lives w/ minimal human contact. It is really pathetic that someone as benign as Marcel got them that riled up, esp. for Sam & Ilan & Cliff who live in NYC & metro area...how the hell are they surviving there if they can't cope w/ someone like Marcel?!?!
Coping with someone once in a while and rooming with them and seeing them everyday are 2 different things. Marcel is like a fly that buzzes around your head - you keep swatting and it comes back. A fly may be considered benign but still... Eventually you want to kill it.
And just because one can get so irritated with another, does not mean they "live insanely sheltered lives w/ minimal human contact".
I've never been driven to the point of madness by a fly so I can't relate. Still, it's their own fault for letting him drive them nuts. They chose to react negatively, that could have hardly made the situation better. They have to own their own behavior & actions & reactions. It is not up to Marcel to make sure that they are maintained at a comfortable level. They obviously haven't had much experience dealing w/ annoying people in cramped quarters b/c they obviously weren't prepared to handle it here. Sleepaway camp, a camping trip, sleepovers, living in a dorm, etc., these are all things that can prepare you to be able to cope in a situation like that. They were unable to cope & that is not Marcel's problem. And to still be harboring such extreme hatred months later over what amounts to a fly buzzing in your ear doesn't exactly speak to their coping skills. Furthermore, they acted like azzholes themselves & I feel if you can dish it out you should be able to take it (further evidence that they might not be the most adequately socialized bunch of people).
JUSTMEAOD
January 31, 2007 - 11:34 PM
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i think i will use all lowercase and also not use any punctuation
IWILLNOTBEUSINGTHESPACEBARTONIGHT
O8~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NOW THAT'S A TWIST
TAKE CARE OVER THERE
ALOHA
HAVE FUN
Canada_Steve
January 31, 2007 - 11:35 PM
I'd really enjoy seeing Harold and Ilan get it on at the food and wine thing in Colorado for 250 K. Sponser that GLAD!
Ilan is no more ready for this title than Mrs. America was for hers.
A question though for all of you:
Given what you know now about the way they are all reacting, and the other behind the scenes stuff, do you think that had the judges been aware of the way Ilan acted throughout vs the way Marcel acted throughout, do you think they would have deemed Ilan to be the "Ready" one?
JUSTMEAOD
January 31, 2007 - 11:37 PM
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i think i will use all lowercase and also not use any punctuation
IWILLNOTBEUSINGTHESPACEBARTONIGHT
LOOKS LIKE THERE WILL BE A LOT OF CROSS EYED AND OR BLIND PEOPLE GOING TO WORK TOMORROW.
SHRUG SIZ
IT'S A BLAST
I LOVE IT
WHAT A FINALE
LIKE EVERYONE IS USING FIREWORKS
TAKE CARE OVER THERE
ALOHA
HAVE FUN
hilaryloren
January 31, 2007 - 11:38 PM
great post Justme w/ wonderful insights! Ilan is truly a 1 trick pony...maybe he will use the $$ to learn how to cook something other than the stuff on the menues @ the restaurants he works at.
JUSTMEAOD
January 31, 2007 - 11:39 PM
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i think i will use all lowercase and also not use any punctuation
IWILLNOTBEUSINGTHESPACEBARTONIGHT
LOOKS LIKE THERE WILL BE A LOT OF CROSS EYED AND OR BLIND PEOPLE GOING TO WORK TOMORROW.
oH LordiE lorDie lORdie!!!! ROFLMAO....Ill juSt dO a RANdoM mixtureOF BothhowsTHAt????
*snicker*
Can't keep it up, sorry I tried. Anyway, y'all recap carefully, ok? I don't get off work until 10pm, and I'm having a panic attack (j/kidding) on whether to rush to the computer or the TV as soon as I get in!!! Have fun, ok????
M'waaaaaaaaaa
Jazzie
PS: somebody save me a TC cocktail and a comfy corner on the couch?????
:-)
JZ
10 4 JAZ
TAKE CARE OVER THERE
ALOHA
HAVE FUN
MauiCat
January 31, 2007 - 11:42 PM
Wow. I'm SO surprised at how this turned out. NOT!
All preconceived attitudes aside, it was a decent finale. They both worked hard made beautiful meals.
I think the only one who came off looking really bad tonight was Elia. She really stuck her foot in it and I'm glad they called her out on it too. They should have made her do the walk of shame after that bull$hit.
Oh well... its done... they will all go on to do wonderful culinary things (hopefully) and the world will live to see another day... and another season of Top Chef!
iamafoodie
January 31, 2007 - 11:44 PM
Ilan has no range and no class. After watching this show, I'd walk out of his restaurant if I found out that he was my cook. This is a travesty.
ashleigh2
January 31, 2007 - 11:47 PM
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Ilan cooked from memory, templates and repetition - that's what a sous chef does
Marcel cooked from knowledge, creativity and conceptualizing - that's what an executive chef does
It was disappointing to see the judges either didn't appreciate or recognize that distinction
Yea real creative. Read Lee Anne's blog, Marcel got the gimmick salad topping thingy from another chef he saw demonstrate it a couple of weeks before the finale.
Bourdain even said that Marcels ideas were cutting edge... TEN years ago.
Fact is he sucked tonight. He was a hot mess in the kitchen. HE HAS NO LEADERSHIP SKILLS.
Sam had to pull his ass out of the fire two times. Once when he had to drag Marcel away from his gimmicky salad toppings that were falling apart, and then the second time Sam had to calm Marcel who was freaking out over the fish and Sam then reworked the dish. Then [censored] Marcel tries to accuse Sam of wanting to sabatoge him at the judges table. He's a WEASLE!
Marcel might have a better vision but he lacks execution skills and the leadership/people skills needed.That's why he lost.
Marcel can learn how to better executie his vision but I'm not so sure he will ever be good at running a kitchen.
BTW...he looked like an ass on the post show live webcast.
JUSTMEAOD
January 31, 2007 - 11:47 PM
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Unless you're Spanish, in which case it'd be "Primer Cocinero." I like chorizo!
GO WHOEVER!!!
ME TOO! LIVED WITH A MEXICAN MAN FOR A WHILE. BEST THING OUT OF THE RELATIONSHIP WAS CHORIZO AND EGGS. YUMMO!! LOL
OK SIZ
I UNDERSTAND THE SAUSAGE
NOW WERE THOSE EGGS SCRAMBLED OR
HARD BOILED
TKAE CARE OVER THERE
ALOHA
HAVE FUN
hilaryloren
January 31, 2007 - 11:53 PM
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Has anyone dissected the fact yet that Ilan wanted to urinate on Marcel's finger?
Ew!
That podcast was hilarious!
I made a post a while back that Ilan finally admitted he was dying to give Marcel a golden shower. Fuckin perv! What kind of pathetic smacktard asks someone hey can I pee on you?!?!? Who the f*ck does he think he is?!?! R. Kelly?!?! I bet if Marcel had said ok he'd have asked to run back & get the video camera so he could record the whole incident & put it on his myspace...& proabbly use his Carolina to whack off to it.
Damn, you sound as bad as you claim Ilan is. Peeing on a jellyfish sting works, not sure about sea urchin.
brillke
Urinating on any wound will disinfect it, but I don't think Ilan was trying to be helpful.
And can you do me a favor & stop condescending to me, I don't need you to chastise me, thank you.
I think Ilan was joking about peeing on Marcels wound.
Hun, you keep going off on these fuckking [censored] [censored] [expletive deleted] fucinnng [censored] rants that I find it strange you judge Ilan as harshly as you do.
I don't really need you to analyze or judge what I do. And I don't go off on rants & if I did, how would that be any different from your rants directed at other board members & then acting like you have been personally wounded when someone makes an untoward comment either to you or about a group with which you identify? Why don't you focus your attention on that rather than belittling me & my comments like you're some sort of paragon.
You have been doing that since you got all verklempt over my comments about people who voted for Sam. First of all, since I didn't realize you just inserted yourself into a convo I was having w/ WAJ, I thought your response was his, which seemed rather self-righteous given the tone of the convo. Second of all, when I realized my mistake I posted an apology before you even said anything about it. Third of all, I posted a 2nd one after you had a hissy fit about it. Ever since you have been acting like you are my mother w/ that ridiculous condescending tone chastising me. May I suggest you get over it, get over yourself, & if necessary or at all possible, don't talk to me b/c I am certainly not seeking out, nor am I particularly interested in your replies to my posts.
JUSTMEAOD
January 31, 2007 - 11:53 PM
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NOT funny actor, my husband's FIFTH language is English. He is a linguist and language teacher in Morocco. How VERY HAPPY I am that I was able to travel the globe and live in other cultures, as I still do a few months of the year. Tends not to narrow the mind and makes me realize the good in Americans (I am one, born to white Americans of European ancestry ) and glaringly points out ALL of the bad! I spent 7 years living abroad and, in this country, dare not say more as American's tend to view what I have learned as an attack on America. NOT true, but a different mindset do I have? Absolutely and proud of it!
Be Well,
Hajar
P.S. I always have to add the 'white parents' thing due to my name.
Some people need to unclench before they start [expletive deleted] diamonds.
brillke
and some people need to keep clenched just a little bit more. Gee, last time I went it was not diamonds. What's the matter anyway? Same thing, as with most who don't know me, I lived and live a dream most cannot ever attain? You don't know anything of the horrors of my life either and still, I lived my dreams. The easy part is selling up and getting on a plane. The hard part is having the guts to do it and still possess the class not to be vulgar.
Have a nice night and enjoy the show! ~smiles~
RIGHT NOW i'M TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WOULD BE WORSE. READING ANYMORE OF THIS GUYS POSTS OR HAVING A ORANGINA ENEMA?
IT'S A TOSS UP.
WAIT, WAS THAT VULGAR?
; )
NAH IT WAS FUNNY LOL
TAKE CARE OVER THERE
ALOHA
HAVE FUN
hilaryloren
January 31, 2007 - 11:54 PM
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Ilan is truly a poor sport and he totally instigated the whole Marcel head shaving thing, then plays all innocent. He's so fake! I can't stand Ilan and his cronies too -jealous bitches, all of them. Anyone else think Mike and Sam purposely tried to sabotage Marcel?
Ilan is a wanker indeed!
Holster
January 31, 2007 - 11:56 PM
Well, just as I have said, the magazine article was a red herring and there was no conspiracy to make Marcel win.
Aso, as I have said, Marcel is Top Chef.
Ilan has had his 15 minutes of fame and they are now, thankfully,
up.
It was rather interesting to "watch" the show through everyone's eyes here. Because no one talked about the food. From readiong this board , I haven't the slightest clue what they made. It was all about personality. The best thing, though was not seeing Betty.
Marcel, I look forward to seeing you in future issues of Food&wine, Bon Appetit, etc etc.
Ilan, I'll be looking for your mug shot at the local post office.
So long all. It has been quite a ride. My work is done. Se you on the PR boards.
GO MARCEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hilaryloren
January 31, 2007 - 11:57 PM
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I'd really enjoy seeing Harold and Ilan get it on at the food and wine thing in Colorado for 250 K. Sponser that GLAD!
Ilan is no more ready for this title than Mrs. America was for hers.
A question though for all of you:
Given what you know now about the way they are all reacting, and the other behind the scenes stuff, do you think that had the judges been aware of the way Ilan acted throughout vs the way Marcel acted throughout, do you think they would have deemed Ilan to be the "Ready" one?
I like the Harold v. Ilan idea...Get on it Glad!! I think had Mia not slipped the judges some crack, they would have made the right decision.
srkeegan
January 31, 2007 - 11:58 PM
The irony of everyone beating up on Marcel is, Marcel was the only person on the show that actually showed sportsmanship. If anyone else had been pinned down and had another contestant try to shave their head or if anyone else had been threatened with physical violence on a weekly basis, I wonder how well they would have performed. Making an occasional trash talking comment, and threatening to beat someone up are not even close to being in the same ballpark. It would have been so easy for Marcel to carry on about fat boy obviously sabotaging his meal by "misplacing ingredients", or blame it on the whole structure of the show, which forced him to place his hopes in the hands of two people who in passed shows actually conspired against him openly. I thought he was totally set up by Chef Tom, who made comments to the guest chefs that knew nothing about Marcel personally. Throughout the show, Chef Tom said if something isn't right don't serve it, but even though Marcel did not serve his molecular garnish for that reason, he pointed it out to everyone even though it wasn't on the menu. It was clear that Chef Keller, who is a way better and more respected chef than Chef Tom or the eye candy judges, that Marcel the best. Chef Tom just overruled him in the end.
hilaryloren
January 31, 2007 - 11:59 PM
Well it's 3AM now, I MUST go to bed, at least try to go to bed lol. What did you think of TD Holster?
hilaryloren
February 1, 2007 - 12:00 AM
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The irony of everyone beating up on Marcel is, Marcel was the only person on the show that actually showed sportsmanship. If anyone else had been pinned down and had another contestant try to shave their head or if anyone else had been threatened with physical violence on a weekly basis, I wonder how well they would have performed. Making an occasional trash talking comment, and threatening to beat someone up are not even close to being in the same ballpark. It would have been so easy for Marcel to carry on about fat boy obviously sabotaging his meal by "misplacing ingredients", or blame it on the whole structure of the show, which forced him to place his hopes in the hands of two people who in passed shows actually conspired against him openly. I thought he was totally set up by Chef Tom, who made comments to the guest chefs that knew nothing about Marcel personally. Throughout the show, Chef Tom said if something isn't right don't serve it, but even though Marcel did not serve his molecular garnish for that reason, he pointed it out to everyone even though it wasn't on the menu. It was clear that Chef Keller, who is a way better and more respected chef than Chef Tom or the eye candy judges, that Marcel the best. Chef Tom just overruled him in the end.
EXACTLY! Elia's still bitching about powders & hackers the poor tortured girl!
ohiotodd
February 1, 2007 - 12:05 AM
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Yayyy, Ilan won! Happy happy joy joy.
I thought both Marcel and Ilan did a damn fine job tonight. Both were very impressive.
Yall gotta watch Andys webcast. Was the funniest thing Ive seen in ages. Marcel made such an ass out of himself. One caller even had to snap at Marcel. I was laughing so hard. Ilan and Andy were in shock I think. At least Marcel said he wasnt sabotaged and didnt blame Mikey or Sam for his loss. Very mature. I swear Tiffani was giving Marcel drinks backstage. I kept expecting him to fall in the floor. Priceless.
brillke
? Yeah Marcel was on something..alcohol or drugs I do not know..but I would have been too having to be next to that asshat Ilan. Nice of him to bash Harold. Ilan is utterly and completely without any class whatsover. Your Sammyboy looked bad tonight too. Oh well it is just a show. btw did you just pick my post to use to gloat or was it just random? Well whatever. I am in a shitty mood right now so maybe I am being over sensitive. What did you think of Top Design? You are going to blog it right?
CityGirl
February 1, 2007 - 12:06 AM
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OK THE COMPETITION IS OVA
FINITO
MY TAKE
OK ILAN WON
I KIND OF HAD A HUNCH WHEN TOM SAID
THERE IS ONE CHEF READY NOW
AND ONE IF KEPT IN THE BOTTLE COULD BE GREAT
OK THAT WAS THE BEGINING OF THE END
IN MY EYES
PERHAPS TRUE
THAT ILAN HAS HIS CRAFT DOWN PAT
TO ME
IT SHOWS NOTHING BUT A CONFINED THINKING
NO CREATIVITY LEFT TO BE HAD
AFTER ALL IF HE HAS TO BREAK AWAY FROM WHAT HE KNOWS NOW
HE WOULD SLIP BACK INTO A BEGINNER POSITION
MARCEL ON THE OTHER HAD
IS CONSTANTLY GROWING
PERHAPS AS SAM POINTED OUT MAY TO BE HIS DETRIMENT
BUT HIS IDEAS ARE CREATIVE AND FRESH
I ALSO THOUGHT HIS SPEACH AT THE JUDGES TABLE WAS
GOOD
BETTER THAN ILAN'S
IN MY EYES THE JUDGES FAILED
THE FOCUS WAS WRONG
THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE SUCCESS
OF THE CONTESTANT
ILAN THE ONE HIT PONY
MARCEL THE CREATOR
I HAD TO CHOKE BACK A BIT FOR THAT COMMENT ON MARCEL
BUT IN ESSENCE HE HAS THE OPEN MIND TO CREATE
BETTER DISHES
ILAN WILL BE STUCK IN HIS RUT
IF HE OPENED A SPECIALIZED RESTURANT WITH ONLY SPANISH FAIR
SAME MENU WEEKLY
WELL SUFFICE TO SAY IT WOULD BE MUNDAINE
MARCEL ON THE OTHER HAD
I COULD SEE VARIETY MENUS DAILY
I SEE MORE GOOD RESTURANTS FOLLOW THAT PATTERN
THAT THE LATTER
THOUGH MOST OF YOU ALREADY KNOW HOW I'VE FELT SINCE THE BEGINNING
SINCE A TC TITLE HAD TO GIVEN
MARCEL SHOULD HAVE TOOK IT
TAKE CARE OVER THERE
ALOHA
HAVE FUN
Your observations of Ilan's and Marcel's strengths are spot-on, but I disagree with you on your assertion that the judges should have looked toward future potential for success.
While Chef Tom expressed his opinion that Marcel could outstrip Ilan as a chef some day, we really don't know if that actually ever will come true. For all you know, Marcel could flake out and just become a surfer dude who flips burgers at night, while Ilan might get religion and really start to branch out. The judges really did have to make a decision on the capabilities that they demonstrated right here and now; a decision based on "future potential" would not be credible. It wouldn't be any more credible than, say, giving the decision to Ilan due to hating Marcel's hair because you just don't know what they're going to look like in the future; five years from now, Marcel could be looking all nice and clean-cut professional while Ilan could be sporting weird dirty greasy dreadlocks. The judges really can't make a decision that, in the future, might be shown to be completely bogus because it was based upon flawed assumptions.
I thought Chef Tom was very articulate (especially for him) in saying that the win couldn't be decided on assumptions about the future, but had to be decided on the facts as they are right now. Much as I hate that Marcel didn't win, I can't disagree with this logic.
As for the food, Ilan by a nose. If Marcel had been able to pull of those encapsulated vinaigrette things, that might just have tipped it.
Kittykisses
February 1, 2007 - 12:06 AM
I wouldn't walk out.
GO ILAN!!!!!!!
Holster
February 1, 2007 - 12:08 AM
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Well it's 3AM now, I MUST go to bed, at least try to go to bed lol. What did you think of TD Holster?
I ended up not watching it either. I've reached my saturation point with Bravo and the board. Time for a rest and real work. Prob be back with the new PR, if Bravo tones down the demeaning [censored] drama.
I'm glad Tom C and the rest recognize the potential and staying power of Marcel's great talent. I hope he finds a great mentor. He deserves it, he needs it. Blessings, Marcel!
ohiotodd
February 1, 2007 - 12:08 AM
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Has anyone dissected the fact yet that Ilan wanted to urinate on Marcel's finger?
Ew!
That podcast was hilarious!
I made a post a while back that Ilan finally admitted he was dying to give Marcel a golden shower. Fuckin perv! What kind of pathetic smacktard asks someone hey can I pee on you?!?!? Who the f*ck does he think he is?!?! R. Kelly?!?! I bet if Marcel had said ok he'd have asked to run back & get the video camera so he could record the whole incident & put it on his myspace...& proabbly use his Carolina to whack off to it.
Damn, you sound as bad as you claim Ilan is. Peeing on a jellyfish sting works, not sure about sea urchin.
brillke
Urinating on any wound will disinfect it, but I don't think Ilan was trying to be helpful.
And can you do me a favor & stop condescending to me, I don't need you to chastise me, thank you.
I think Ilan was joking about peeing on Marcels wound.
Hun, you keep going off on these fuckking [censored] [censored] [expletive deleted] fucinnng [censored] rants that I find it strange you judge Ilan as harshly as you do.
brillke is seems that your own posts tonight have been just to pick at other posters..do you have anything postive to contribute at all? Why all this negative posting? Marcel lost so why is that not enough? Almost every post of yours this thread is negative and attacking people...what the hell is that all about? I just thought better of you than this kind of thing....?
Holster
February 1, 2007 - 12:11 AM
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Yayyy, Ilan won! Happy happy joy joy.
I thought both Marcel and Ilan did a damn fine job tonight. Both were very impressive.
Yall gotta watch Andys webcast. Was the funniest thing Ive seen in ages. Marcel made such an ass out of himself. One caller even had to snap at Marcel. I was laughing so hard. Ilan and Andy were in shock I think. At least Marcel said he wasnt sabotaged and didnt blame Mikey or Sam for his loss. Very mature. I swear Tiffani was giving Marcel drinks backstage. I kept expecting him to fall in the floor. Priceless.
brillke
? Yeah Marcel was on something..alcohol or drugs I do not know..but I would have been too having to be next to that asshat Ilan. Nice of him to bash Harold. Ilan is utterly and completely without any class whatsover. Your Sammyboy looked bad tonight too. Oh well it is just a show. btw did you just pick my post to use to gloat or was it just random? Well whatever. I am in a shitty mood right now so maybe I am being over sensitive. What did you think of Top Design? You are going to blog it right?
Hey,. OT, glad you kept Marcel's back (although I did catch you sneaking glimpses of Ilan's backside).
So, what was the "what did you call me" thing from the previews???
I'm going to watch the post-show videos. A tipsy Marcel sounds like fun.
ohiotodd
February 1, 2007 - 12:12 AM
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Has anyone dissected the fact yet that Ilan wanted to urinate on Marcel's finger?
Ew!
That podcast was hilarious!
I made a post a while back that Ilan finally admitted he was dying to give Marcel a golden shower. Fuckin perv! What kind of pathetic smacktard asks someone hey can I pee on you?!?!? Who the f*ck does he think he is?!?! R. Kelly?!?! I bet if Marcel had said ok he'd have asked to run back & get the video camera so he could record the whole incident & put it on his myspace...& proabbly use his Carolina to whack off to it.
Damn, you sound as bad as you claim Ilan is. Peeing on a jellyfish sting works, not sure about sea urchin.
brillke
Urinating on any wound will disinfect it, but I don't think Ilan was trying to be helpful.
And can you do me a favor & stop condescending to me, I don't need you to chastise me, thank you.
I think Ilan was joking about peeing on Marcels wound.
Hun, you keep going off on these fuckking [censored] [censored] [expletive deleted] fucinnng [censored] rants that I find it strange you judge Ilan as harshly as you do.
I don't really need you to analyze or judge what I do. And I don't go off on rants & if I did, how would that be any different from your rants directed at other board members & then acting like you have been personally wounded when someone makes an untoward comment either to you or about a group with which you identify? Why don't you focus your attention on that rather than belittling me & my comments like you're some sort of paragon.
You have been doing that since you got all verklempt over my comments about people who voted for Sam. First of all, since I didn't realize you just inserted yourself into a convo I was having w/ WAJ, I thought your response was his, which seemed rather self-righteous given the tone of the convo. Second of all, when I realized my mistake I posted an apology before you even said anything about it. Third of all, I posted a 2nd one after you had a hissy fit about it. Ever since you have been acting like you are my mother w/ that ridiculous condescending tone chastising me. May I suggest you get over it, get over yourself, & if necessary or at all possible, don't talk to me b/c I am certainly not seeking out, nor am I particularly interested in your replies to my posts.
brillke has been very negative tonight IMHO and I do not know why. It is disturbing to me. I usually like her comments and like her blog but tonight??? I just am at a loss.
blagh_diddy
February 1, 2007 - 12:12 AM
"ashleigh2"
Hmm, I actually thought it was interesting that Marcel never stuck to any one style of cooking, unless you consider exceptional presentation, attention to detail and delivering exactly what was asked of him every time to be a style. Ilan on the other hand, well, cooked spanish food; through the entire competition stepping outside of that only when he absolutely had to and on those competitions where he had to, he didn't fair so well.
Marcel has an attitude for sure but Ilan in my opinion was the immature twit between the two. Why do I say that? Well, lets see through everything that occured (that aired of course which is all I personally can speak to) Marcel never tried throwing anyone under the bus as Ilan and others did a few times, Marcel never tried to put his losses off on someone else as Ilan and others did and when Marcel screwed up, or something didn't go his way, he accepted responsiblity for it and moved on. The only time I saw Marcel put something off on others was in the end finale when he mentioned his sous chefs forgetting the fish and not giving it their all, and personally from what I heard from Sam and Mikey in the end comments and their experience working with Marcel, he was right.
The only time I saw Marcel act like an ass was with Betty in the firestation when the grill wasn't hot enough for the sandwiches and I TOTALLY APPLAUDED Marcel for giving her [censored] just as he had been given about the fryer...He was right to be pissed about it, they were wrong to essentially call him a baby for bitching about it and when the chance for payback came with Betty he had every right in the world to throw it back in her face.
I don't agree with the underlying premise of the show that you have to be a great kitchen manager to be a great chef; the two have absolutely NOTHING to do with eachother. Why do I say that? Because it's the end result, it's what they do that gets graded and it gets graded by those eating what they have made; the diners. And guess what? Those diners have no idea if the people in the kitchen get along or not, they just know how the food tastes - PERIOD.
In addition, these guys were working in a kitchen for a few weeks with and around eachother and they were competing directly against eachother so of course there is going to be some problems in attitudes etc. Put any 2 of them in a kitchen they are EMPLOYED IN and they would find a balance and work fine together, even Marcel and Ilan. Even if their ability to run a kitchen really mattered with regards to their capabilities as a chef, this wasn't a real world scenario, in the real world you don't have a camera in your face with millions watching while you're cooking, you aren't competing against a bunch of other people for $100,000 and more, etc etc.
To compare their performance in regards to how they behaved around eachother during this show is moronic at best.
JUSTMEAOD
February 1, 2007 - 12:12 AM
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BETTY WITH THE LINE OF THE SERIES!!!!!!
YA WANNA HOLD MY MELONS!!!!!
I SMELL A SHIRT!!!
QUICKLY ANSWERED WITH A **DRAGS MY KNUCKLES ON THE GROUND GESTURE**
O8~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AWWWWWWWWWWW NUTS
TAKE CARE OVER THERE
ALOHA
HAVE FUN
CityGirl
February 1, 2007 - 12:13 AM
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. . . Marcel, I look forward to seeing you in future issues of Food&wine, Bon Appetit, etc etc.
Ilan, I'll be looking for your mug shot at the local post office.
Priceless!
ohiotodd
February 1, 2007 - 12:15 AM
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Well, just as I have said, the magazine article was a red herring and there was no conspiracy to make Marcel win.
Aso, as I have said, Marcel is Top Chef.
Ilan has had his 15 minutes of fame and they are now, thankfully,
up.
It was rather interesting to "watch" the show through everyone's eyes here. Because no one talked about the food. From readiong this board , I haven't the slightest clue what they made. It was all about personality. The best thing, though was not seeing Betty.
Marcel, I look forward to seeing you in future issues of Food&wine, Bon Appetit, etc etc.
Ilan, I'll be looking for your mug shot at the local post office.
So long all. It has been quite a ride. My work is done. Se you on the PR boards.
GO MARCEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Every thing you said was pretty much on. There is no food talk because it did not seem that interesting really. Very different than last season. No plate licking at all. Are you going to watch and post on Top Design? It may turn out alright. I watched it and the stuff they did was pretty good. Of course my favorite rooms were the ones they like the least. *hands in my gay card* so it goes.
JUSTMEAOD
February 1, 2007 - 12:16 AM
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YAY they liked it without the fish anyway!!
Sam said....Mikey is an amateur...He sabotaged Marcel....WTF SAM and Marcel......Mikey????????
YUP
KRISTI MARCEL MADE A BAD CHOICE GOING WITH MIKEY
SHOULD HAVE TOOK MIA OR FRANK
TAKE CARE OVER THERE
ALOHA
HAVE FUN
Rockelle
February 1, 2007 - 12:19 AM
I don't know if this will reach anyone who can do anything about it in the future, but i've experienced a tragedy tonight!
I work evenings, so i often miss the 10 o'clock showing of Top Chef, but I'm lucky enough to catch the rerun episode shortly after. So, for tonight i pretty much figured i wouldn't see the finale when it originally aired. i was home by eleven, though, so i decided to watch the premier of Top Design (being the loyal Bravo fan that i am ), before i watched the late night finale of Top Chef. And to my disappointment, there was a commercial naming Ilan as Top Chef! Not that I'm bummed at the outcome, but that only *20 minutes* after the finale i couldn't even watch Bravo without the revealing of the winner being spoiled for me.
Bummer.
Can't y'all even wait til tomorrow?
MicrowaveHo
February 1, 2007 - 12:22 AM
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As I watch this program I can only tell you that I can hear Gail getting fatter.....
Gail's a Fox you leave her alone ; )
Go date Nicloe Richie, I bet she'll even share her dinner with you!
and her barfatorium
JUSTMEAOD
February 1, 2007 - 12:23 AM
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The judges all seemed impressed w/ Marcel's creativity & risk taking...compared w/ Spanish [expletive deleted] hum how could they not? No one told Ilan "you gave us something we've never tasted b4"...& no one ever will
YES I'M SURE THE CHEFS WERE QUITE IMPRESSED WITH THE INVISIBLE FISH. VERY INNOVATIVE.
BTW ARE YOU GOING TO KILL MARCEL FOR SCREWING UP HIS TEARS OF A CLOWN LIKE YOU SLAMMED ELIA FOR THE CHOCOLATE HEARTS?
JUST ASKING ; )
The folks loved the missing fish dish anyway HAH!
Didn't I already admit ELia was the dessert queen? You didn't miss the coronation did you? I'm sure Elia is selling the dvd's on her myspace.
A TOP CHEF DOES NOT FORGET THE FISH.
AND HE DEFINETLY DOESNT THROW THE ASSISTANTS UNDER THE BUS.
BOOO MARCEL!!!!!!! BOOOOOOOOO
NO, HE FIRES THEM FOR BEING D!CKHEADS AND UNPROFESSIONAL. SORRY, SHOULDN'T TALK AS I AM NOT SEEING THIS BUT IT SOUNDS LIKE A MESS. WHY CAN'T THE MORE LIKE DAVE! HE HATED TIFF BUT HE GAVE HER HIS DESSERT AND REALLY DID PUT HIS BEST FOOT FORWARD ON HER FINALE CHALLENGE. AND YES, I KNOW IT WAS A HUNGOVER FOOT, BUT DO YOU REALLY THINK THERE WAS A DAY HE AND STEPHEN (AND HAROLD TOO PROBABLY) WEREN'T HUNGOVER. GEEZ, I MISS LAST SEASON
I REFUSE TO BELIEVE THAT MIKEY PURPOSELY DID ANYTHING WRONG, SAME WITH SAM. THEY KNOW THE CAMERA'S ARE ON THEM.
MARCEL BLEW IT BY NOT PICKING FRANK. ITS THAT SIMPLE.
THAT'S MIKEY'S WAY
HE DOESN'T DO WELL UNDER PRESSURE
THOUGH THE DISH WITHOUT THE FISH WENT WELL
I THINK FRANK OR MIA WOULD HAVE REMEMBERED IT
BUT REALLY
I THINK MARCEL'S TEAM LET HIM DOWN
TAKE CARE OVER THERE
ALOHA
HAVE FUN
JUSTMEAOD
February 1, 2007 - 12:25 AM
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This is it, judgement time, judges are finished eating.
the fix is in! EviLan is top chef. Too bad he did not take a victory swim and get eaten by a shark! LOL
ARE YOU SERIOUS? SOUNDS LIKE HIS FOOD WAS REALLY SAME OL SAME OL. NO?
IT WAS
TAKE CARE OVER THERE
ALOHA
HAVE FUN
ashleigh2
February 1, 2007 - 12:29 AM
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The judges all seemed impressed w/ Marcel's creativity & risk taking...compared w/ Spanish [expletive deleted] hum how could they not? No one told Ilan "you gave us something we've never tasted b4"...& no one ever will
YES I'M SURE THE CHEFS WERE QUITE IMPRESSED WITH THE INVISIBLE FISH. VERY INNOVATIVE.
BTW ARE YOU GOING TO KILL MARCEL FOR SCREWING UP HIS TEARS OF A CLOWN LIKE YOU SLAMMED ELIA FOR THE CHOCOLATE HEARTS?
JUST ASKING ; )
The folks loved the missing fish dish anyway HAH!
Didn't I already admit ELia was the dessert queen? You didn't miss the coronation did you? I'm sure Elia is selling the dvd's on her myspace.
A TOP CHEF DOES NOT FORGET THE FISH.
AND HE DEFINETLY DOESNT THROW THE ASSISTANTS UNDER THE BUS.
BOOO MARCEL!!!!!!! BOOOOOOOOO
NO, HE FIRES THEM FOR BEING D!CKHEADS AND UNPROFESSIONAL. SORRY, SHOULDN'T TALK AS I AM NOT SEEING THIS BUT IT SOUNDS LIKE A MESS. WHY CAN'T THE MORE LIKE DAVE! HE HATED TIFF BUT HE GAVE HER HIS DESSERT AND REALLY DID PUT HIS BEST FOOT FORWARD ON HER FINALE CHALLENGE. AND YES, I KNOW IT WAS A HUNGOVER FOOT, BUT DO YOU REALLY THINK THERE WAS A DAY HE AND STEPHEN (AND HAROLD TOO PROBABLY) WEREN'T HUNGOVER. GEEZ, I MISS LAST SEASON
I REFUSE TO BELIEVE THAT MIKEY PURPOSELY DID ANYTHING WRONG, SAME WITH SAM. THEY KNOW THE CAMERA'S ARE ON THEM.
MARCEL BLEW IT BY NOT PICKING FRANK. ITS THAT SIMPLE.
THAT'S MIKEY'S WAY
HE DOESN'T DO WELL UNDER PRESSURE
THOUGH THE DISH WITHOUT THE FISH WENT WELL
I THINK FRANK OR MIA WOULD HAVE REMEMBERED IT
BUT REALLY
I THINK MARCEL'S TEAM LET HIM DOWN
TAKE CARE OVER THERE
ALOHA
HAVE FUN
NONSENSE! It was Marcel's responsibility to check through things and also to lay out his plan with his team. Sam saved Marcel from a meltdown when Marcel discovered the fish was not there.
Lee Anne writes in her blog that the producers noticed the fish was not packed and therefore allowed each team to go back in and double check for leaving.
In other words the producers were trying to help Marcel.
JUSTMEAOD
February 1, 2007 - 12:30 AM
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Well this fuckin sux ass. Don't let it get you down Marcel, you are the real winner on every other level!!! I like you, your personality & your food too!!!! And Ilan, the only way you'd become less mature is if you were in diapers (a fantasy I'm sure you're nursing). OK off to TD!
I CAN'T BELIEVE I WAS WRONG. I SOO THOUGHT THAT THIS WAS FIXED. TOM LOOKS LIKE A FOOL NOW FOR WANTING TO END THE CONTEST EARLY.
YOU KNOW WAJ
MARCEL SHOULD HAVE WON
MORE INNOVATION CLEANER PRESENTATION
SHRUG
WHAT A DISSAPOINTMENT THIS SEASON
I THINK THE JUDGES NEED REEVALUATION
TAKE CARE OVER THERE
ALOHA
HAVE FUN
JUSTMEAOD
February 1, 2007 - 12:31 AM
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YEAH ILAN WON!!!!!
I trust in 5 years Marcel will be a more famous chef than Ilan. However, the main reason I'm pissed tonight is the [censored]-eating grin from Betty. UGH.
RIGHT NOW BETTY IS READING THESE BOARDS CACKLING WITH GLEE!!!!!! LOL
Seeing Betty again traumatized me. What a flake that chick is!
HI MEI MEI
LONG TIME NO SEE
AND YUP
THAT LADY WEARS "FUNK" WELL
TAKE CARE OVER THERE
ALOHA
HAVE FUN
SimpleBear
February 1, 2007 - 12:33 AM
I thought both chefs did a wonderful job tonight, though, of course, I'm going to [expletive deleted] about certain things.
Ilan and those baby squid, for instance. I don't like squid so I would certainly be leary of the baby version. I would eat it, of course. I get more adventurous towards my food as I get older and it looked, alternately, gross and fascinating.
What type of chef leaves the kitchen without looking for a key componant of a dish? Why, it's Marcel!. I think Sam really saved his ass on that one. It looked great and I wanted to taste it.
The fruit desert that Ilan put together had me at fruit and Marcel's twist on blini's, while interesting , could not compete. But I loved the idea that Marcel had.
I really thought it was about even but knew they would give it to Ilan because experimentation doesn't really fly, and it doesn't really work, all the time in the real world. I've eaten at WD50 twice. Once was orgasmic and the other time I was literally ill after. That's Marcel's hero. Case closed.
This is a show about the mainstream. There is no room for the avante garde in the mainstream. So, I tip my hat to Marcel and wish Ilan only the best.
JUSTMEAOD
February 1, 2007 - 12:34 AM
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JUST DIVING IN THE POOL FROM YOUR SHOULDERS KRISTL
I am so disappointed in the work that Sam and Mike did for Marcel. Funny, Sam couldn't wait to bad mouth Marcel, and neither could Mike. He should have picked Mia and Frank to help him. I am sorry he didn't win, especially since he is so much nicer of a person. He just had a$$hats for his crew. So, I am going to bed, will catch up in the morning. (there are already 200+ posts and the show just ended here in CA)Good night all, play nice and I'll leave the light on.
GNITE SIZ
AND YUP
BAD CHOICES ON MARCELS PART
TAKE CARE OVER THERE
ALOHA
HAVE FUN
Holster
February 1, 2007 - 12:34 AM
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Well, just as I have said, the magazine article was a red herring and there was no conspiracy to make Marcel win.
Aso, as I have said, Marcel is Top Chef.
Ilan has had his 15 minutes of fame and they are now, thankfully,
up.
It was rather interesting to "watch" the show through everyone's eyes here. Because no one talked about the food. From readiong this board , I haven't the slightest clue what they made. It was all about personality. The best thing, though was not seeing Betty.
Marcel, I look forward to seeing you in future issues of Food&wine, Bon Appetit, etc etc.
Ilan, I'll be looking for your mug shot at the local post office.
So long all. It has been quite a ride. My work is done. Se you on the PR boards.
GO MARCEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Every thing you said was pretty much on. There is no food talk because it did not seem that interesting really. Very different than last season. No plate licking at all. Are you going to watch and post on Top Design? It may turn out alright. I watched it and the stuff they did was pretty good. Of course my favorite rooms were the ones they like the least. *hands in my gay card* so it goes.
Nah. I've had enough Bravo drama for a while. I might watch the show if there's less feed-em-to-the-lions drama, but having gone to interior design school, it's a little been-there-done-that. Now, I'm hooked on the Liby trial...true evil at work. BUt this stuff effects our lives not our tummies.
As for the boards, I've had my fill for now. One of the newer faces is rather scary...sorta deaf and dumb...think i'll pass for now. LOL.
Be good...and if ever you do run into Ilan...wear protection...we all know how fond he is of crabs.
JUSTMEAOD
February 1, 2007 - 12:36 AM
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JUST DIVING IN THE POOL FROM YOUR SHOULDERS KRISTL
I am so disappointed in the work that Sam and Mike did for Marcel. Funny, Sam couldn't wait to bad mouth Marcel, and neither could Mike. He should have picked Mia and Frank to help him. I am sorry he didn't win, especially since he is so much nicer of a person. He just had a$$hats for his crew. So, I am going to bed, will catch up in the morning. (there are already 200+ posts and the show just ended here in CA)Good night all, play nice and I'll leave the light on.
Totally agree Sizz. I'm still trying to figure out how Ilan won.
And Elia has joined Betty in the crazy-b*tches-and-hos category for me. I've seen enough of the two of them to last me a lifetime.
YUP MEI MEI
PERHAPS THE PRODUCES WANT TO SEE RESPONCES
OF OUTRAGE TO CONTINUE HERE
BUT MOST DEFINITLY THE "WHY" AND "HOW"
WERE NOT ANSWERED
TAKE CARE OVER THERE
ALOHA
HAVE FUN
CityGirl
February 1, 2007 - 12:41 AM
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Ilan cooked from memory, templates and repetition - that's what a sous chef does
Marcel cooked from knowledge, creativity and conceptualizing - that's what an executive chef does
It was disappointing to see the judges either didn't appreciate or recognize that distinction
Yea real creative. Read Lee Anne's blog, Marcel got the gimmick salad topping thingy from another chef he saw demonstrate it a couple of weeks before the finale.
Bourdain even said that Marcels ideas were cutting edge... TEN years ago.
If you've been following the debate about Ilan's vs. Marcel's skills, the main controversy is Ilan, stuck in rut and getting better and better within that rut, vs. Marcel, still in learning mode but broadening way, way out as he gets better and better.
Your example of Marcel "copying" from another chef he saw demonstrate something recently just shows that Marcel is open to new ideas and quickly incorporates them into his work.
And Bourdan's "ten years ago" comment? He refers to molecular gastronomy as a flash in the pan that has come and gone. Not quite correct - it is actually gaining traction and legitimacy.
JUSTMEAOD
February 1, 2007 - 12:43 AM
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Sam actually showing class toward Marcel...
YEAH, BUT THAT IS TEMPORARY, AS USUAL!!
MAKES ONE WONDER EH SIZ
IF SAM NEVER REMINDED MARCEL ABOUT THE FISH??
IT WAS A LARGE LOT
MAYBE TO HAVE A HAND IN THE END
TO SEE IF MARCEL WOULD INCLUDE HIM IN THE ENDING
COMMENTS
WELL MARCEL DID GIVE PARTIAL CREDIT
WHILE SAM TOOK IT ALL
THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES TO ME
JMO
TAKE CARE OVER THERE
ALOHA
HAVE FUN
JUSTMEAOD
February 1, 2007 - 12:46 AM
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BETTY WITH THE LINE OF THE SERIES!!!!!!
YA WANNA HOLD MY MELONS!!!!!
I SMELL A SHIRT!!!
IF THIS SHOW HAS GIVEN US ANYTHING, IT IS LOTS OF SHIRTS!! TOO FUNNY!! STILL CAN'T STAND HER...SHE LOOKED LIKE THE MINUTE THE CAMERAS WERE OFF, SHE WAS GOING TO JUMP ILAN'S BONES. YUCK!!!
LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU GET YOURS
OK SIZ
BET YOU KNOW WHAT MINE WILL READ LOL
TAKE CARE OVER THERE
ALOHA
HAVE FUN
sabrinasmom
February 1, 2007 - 12:46 AM
marcel and wyle dufresne - those "side burns" - must be the mark of their molecular gastronomy secret club!
foam is soigne!
JUSTMEAOD
February 1, 2007 - 12:48 AM
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Shame on you! LOL
Ok..MOTHERFUCKING ILAN JUST TRASHED MY BELOVED HAROLD..THIS IS A MOTHERFUCKING WAR NOW ILAN YOU [expletive deleted]!!!!! (LOL)
DANG OT
YOU GOTTA GET AN AWARD FOR TONIGHT
TOO FUNNY
TAKE CARE OVER THERE
ALOHA
HAVE FUN
frenetic_foodie
February 1, 2007 - 12:48 AM
I was just thinking the same thing! I hope I don't win the Bravo challenge now because I have no interest in having Ilan cook for me.
That said, I must admit that I was so amped to see tonights episode that I stayed up all night yesterday reading these message boards (and reponding when I felt the need.) As much as I would like to, I can't repeat that feat tonight (I need to sleep sometime!) so let me just apologize if what I have to say has already been said ad nauseum.
I was rooting for Marcel. I read Tom's blog in order to get more insight into why Ilan was chosen as Top Chef over Marcel and he seemed to contradict himself. On the one hand, when Ilan was being criticized for being a one-note chef and only regurgitating his Spanish cuisine time and time again, Tom pointed out that Ilan had "stepped outside the box" throughout the competition; yet, on his blog, Tom suggested that this finale was like the Super Bowl--their past records are irrelevant and they are judged solely on that game. Seems contradictory.
I could go on and on about all of the reasons that I believe that Marcel should have been named Top Chef. But let me just add my two cents regarding the comparisons between the finale of Season 1 and Season 2.
Yes, this seems reminicient of Season 2. But, for me, I was rooting for Harold because he seemed to be the better cook and because he acted with restraint and class throughout the competition. And contrary to what many people have said, there WAS backbiting in Season 1--remember Dave's utter contempt for Tiffani? But, here are the differences:
(1) While Tiffani rubbed her fellow contestants the wrong way in a manner that was evident during the show, many people cannot understand where the animosity originated from between this season't contestants and Marcel. Tiffani seemed like a real [expletive deleted] to work for--but was Marcel an [censored]? NO! I thought Marcel demonstrated courtesy and respect to his fellow competitors, even after they bash him repeatedly. Shameful.
(2) We cheered for the advantage that Harold had in the finale because his peers liked him and wanted to see him win. But this year, the advantage that Ilan had seemed twisted. Even in the streaming video tonight, Ilan claimed that he was positive in the kitchen and that's why people wanted to work for him. Positive? WHEN? He was so incredibly petty and negative that it made the show hard to watch.
(3) While Tiffani did have two hungover chefs working for her, I believe they both overcame their animosity because they had pride in themselves as chefs. I did not see evidence of any real sabotage in that finale. But tonight, I was shocked to see the blase attitude of Mikey when the fish was missing! Major blunder! And for Mikey to suggest that it was Marcel's fault that items needed for the dinner had not been packed as instructed was laughable. It was Mikey, not Sam, that seemed the most ambivialent to me. In fact, I was proud of Sam for requesting to work with Marcel and not his homey Ilan. It showed a level of maturity that seemed to be lacking throughout the competition. And while it is conceivable--given the behavior of these contestants--that Sam would ask to joing Marcel's team to sabotage his chance of winning, I tend to believe that Sam, just like Season 1's chef's helpers, has too much pride to appear to be lacking to the general public. On the other hand, Mikey didn't seem to care if he looked outright careless and hostile. Marcel's disadvantage was not his own fault, clearly.
Also, the thing that really got under my skin during Season 1's finale was how Tiffani tried to come off as repentent of her bitchy behavior. She saw herself on TV and knew she needed to make a change. But it all seemed so contrived. She knew she was unliked by contestants and the public combined, and she had to do some serious PR to repair her image and her reputation (and therefore, her career.)
On the other hand, Marcel was himself the whole way through. He was professional and courteous.
I agree with many posters that his one mistep lay in choosing Mikey to be his sous chef over, say, Mia. I believe he did this because he was genuinly grateful that Sam said he wanted to work with him; and, when Sam expressed his request for Marcel to pick Mikey, Marcel felt obliged to go along in his gratitude. Marcel claims to be confident in his abilities and beyond caring what his contestants think of him; but, here is an example where I believe his insecurity got the best of him. When Sam wanted to help him, instead of being grateful, he should have recognized that someone as eager to excel as Sam would want to align himself with who he believed to be the better contestant, friend or no. if he believed this, then I think he would have disregarded Sam's request and gone with his own instinct--and I think it would have been to choose Mia because not only did she choose Marcel, but she seemed to genuinly want him to succeed. Why on earth would you choose to work with someone who has made it clear that they do not want to work with you? Error.
So, the uninspiring chef won because he "inspired" others to want to work for him; whereas no one wanted to work with Marcel. Therefore, in the judges' minds, Marcel was not ready to be a top chef--he needed to hone his people skills first.
But haven't they been saying all along that this is not a personality contest? This is about the food? it seems clear to me that the judges had more admiration and respect for Marcel's talent than for Ilan's. It's a shame that they didn't base their final decision on that basis.
So, it sucks for Marcel because he deserved better. And I hope he reaps as much positive energy from this experience as he has had to endure in negative energy. And as far as the psycho chick who scarred Marcel for life due to a bottle to the head, you need some serious help. Too bad there is no way to prosecute--I would love to see her in jail. Marcel, you did not deserve any of this.
I guess the moral here is this: if you want to win on Top Chef, make sure that you have most of the other contestants on your side, whether it is in a positive way, like with Harold, or in a negative way, as with Ilan and the brat pack. it doesn't matter if your skill or your food is superior--if you are not universally liked, you will tank in the final challenge.
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