rocks67's Profile
Kitchen Nightmares vs. Kitchen Impossible
I suppose it was eventually going to happy, the Food Network ripping off yet another show idea.
I like Robert Irvine, and think he will probably do an okay job (as long as he refrains from screaming all of the time) but does anybody else think this is lame?
Penzey's Spices catalog--is it just me?
I have to totally, 100% AGREE with you on this. I bought a few gift sets this year for Christmas, and they included both catalogs from November and the "Holiday" one where Bill goes on his salt rampage.
I purchased a small "set" of different salts this past summer that included about 6 types of different salts. (the European one? Smelled/tasted like rotten eggs. YUCK) I disagree that they all "taste the same." Each one of those salts had a different complexity to it, and a different "taste." I found myself using LESS salt when I used these designer salts.
And the sugar content in some of their blends is just way too much. I would worry more about that then selling Gourmet Salts. I think it was complete cop-out on his part.
Top Chef - Las Vegas - Finale Part 1 - 12/02/09 (Spoilers)
Totally agree with all of your comments here, Linda. While I'm sad to see Jen go, I truly believe it was her time. She had dodged a few major bullets in the past, and at this point in the game, just like she said, one small mistake can cost you the win.
I am still so over MIchael's arrogance. Sooo happy that his brother kicked his a@@. What was the b.s. of Michael "congratulating" him, making fun of him?? What a jerk.
I'm in the camp that I would be happy if either Kevin OR Bryan won, but NOT, NOT, NOT Michael. From the previews of the finale, looks like they were slamming Michael's repeated usage of MG, but I guess we'll have to wait until next week to see.
Top Chef - Las Vegas - Ep. #12 - 11/18/09 (Spoilers)
Thank you for clarifying that, Jasmine. Seems a few people are making assumptions that shouldn't be made based on technique.
Hand's down, Kevin's food has been winning on flavor first, then execution.
Top Chef - Las Vegas - Ep. #12 - 11/18/09 (Spoilers)
Hurray for Kevin!!! That was a satisfying episode all around.
I have to agree... where is all of this arrogance coming from in Michael? If that's how you cook on your days off, then I suggest you ACT like it's your day off and start cooking consistently. I think that's the problem. I'm really only seeing consistency in Kevin and Bryan. Michael and Jen and Eli are all over the board. Glad to see Jen win the QF, however. I think she really needed that.
I predict the final three will be, in no particular order, Kevin, Jen and Bryan. I really think Michael is boxing himself out of this, ala Stefan. Arrogance only goes so far - if you can't back it up with a CONSISTENTLY great meal, it doesn't matter. and that's what Kevin has been giving them most of the time. I will take consistently great cooked food full of flavor over some flash in the pan latest technique.
The Next iron Chef - Down to Two (spoilers, including for finale episode)
I was going to say something similar. He has had that sort of gray pallor, and vacant look as of late about him.
the way he's gone after Donatella is just uncomfortable at times, as well.
Next Iron Chef America - Japanese Challenge (Spoilers)
To reply, I was quite honestly thinking more of a well-rounded Latin presence. I am hoping that if Chef Garces does, indeed, win, he would bring that type of cooking presence to ICA. But, who are well all kidding?!? This IS Food Network. They will put on what they want too, and we will have to accept it.
I never really thought about the "why's" of Bobby Flay. But now that you mention it, I do see his marketability as his strongest asset. Remember when Food Network began, and how truly cocky and arrogrant he was? I HATED that man, wouldn't watch his shows, etc. Someone (Tushie or Susie, perhaps) got to him and probably told him to dial it back a notch. And behold! The FN World/Oyster was lain upon his feet.
If my local PBS station (WTTW) would show cooking shows more often than on Saturdays, I would probably never really watch FN. But it is my guilty pleasure and it has actually gotten my two daughters more into food and where it comes from/how to create things. So if nothing more, I will take that from the channel. That and the knowledge of other chefs. I'm pretty lucky to be in Chicago with Rick x2, Gail Gand, Stephanie Izard, Charlie Trotter, Paul Kahan, Koren, Grant, Laurent and a few others.
And now I sit, wondering who will be selected to as NIC, and do I honestly care anymore? LOL...
Next Iron Chef America - Japanese Challenge (Spoilers)
Thank you Normandie, for your comments. Very nicely stated, I might add.
I will debate with you anytime! I do see some of your points. I would just welcome a "real" latin presence at ICA, Not taking anything away from Bobby Flay, but he is more southwest as opposed to true Latin, and I think that's missing on the show.
I'm sure Chef Freitag is a very compentent chef, I just wasn't overly thrilled by her presentations. And perhaps, maybe some of my dislike of her comes from too many "Chopped" episodes where we are subjected to her sour puss on a non-stop basis. For that matter, Alex Guarnaschelli is equal in my mind, and I absolutely ADORED her when she competed two or so years ago.
You know who would have been a great addition to these chefs? Gabrielle Hamilton. Now there is a Chef's chef. Loved her appearance on ICA, too.
Next Iron Chef America - Japanese Challenge (Spoilers)
Fell asleep before the end, so finding out who was eliminated made my day today!
I'm sorry with those of you who really like Chef Freitag. Nothing she has made really stands out in my mind.
I'm behind Garces for the win on this but we'll see...
Top Chef alums with Fabio
I enjoyed the show for the most part. Marcel, not at ALL. What a spoiled, rude little toad. He needs to go away and do it quickly.
Nice to see Stefan and Fabio's interactions again. They were always funny (my fav line is still, "I'm 30 years old and I have to sleep in the bunky beds.") Nice to see LIsa and Tiffany a little more humanistic - Tiffany's line about Stefan being "lesbiomniferic," or something to that effect was great.
Hung seems to have grown up som and become a LOT more humble. Nice to see that. Still love Carla, Dale and Richard probably the best. I had forgetten a lot of the Ilan antics (and headwear. wtf??) And Harold was sort of "blah."
All in all, an enjoyable show.
Does Tom Colicchio *really* like Diet Coke "just for the taste of it?"
Speaking as someone who's been in the ad business 18+ years, part of my job lining up talent for photo shoots and televisions pots, the bottom line in ALL of this is the ALMIGHTY DOLLAR.
You can get just about ANYONE to schill your crap for the right amount of green. With Chef Colicchio, I'm sure it was a no brainer. More capital to invest into his various restaurants. Doesn't mean I respect him any less, I just see him as a very shrewd business-man.
Hope this helps.
Next Iron Chef America - Indian Challenge (Spoilers)
I have to agree. I think she's just "meh..." Not saying she's a good or bad chef, just not my cup of tea. She really doesn't bring anything to the table for me. I'd be hard pressed to watch ICA if she became of the chefs and had a battle on tv.
Garces, on the other hand, now HE I would watch!
Next Iron Chef America - Indian Challenge (Spoilers)
I'm actually a little bummed by Appleman and Trevino being eliminated. I like both of them, but after watching them prepare their meals, it was pretty much in the cards they were both going home.
VERY glad Mehta did not win. I enjoyed the look of disdain in his eyes.
HOWEVER, I really wish they would just give it to Freitag already. We pretty much know they are going with her and her sub-par style of cooking. I am NOT impressed by her, sorry. If I had my way, it would be Garces all the way.
Top Chef - Las Vegas - Ep. #10 - 10/28/09 (Spoilers)
Thank you, Chicgail. Nastiness does not make you a good chef. Its unfortunate that it's accepted. It's pretty immature, actually. And I don't care how good of a chef you (thinK) are.
Rick and Hubert are prime examples of that.
Best and Worst Cooking Shows
You do realize that Claudine is his daughter? Jaques' new show (can't remember the name, maybe "Fast Food") features her on it a lot. I'm sure her age now (must be 30's/40's) has helped mature her somewhat. And In I honstly like their dynamics. It's nice to see her in the kitchen with her father. Just my $.02.
Top Chef - Las Vegas - Ep. #9 - Restaurant Wars! - 10/21/09 (Spoilers)
1. She identified, correctly, the fish when she initially picked it out of the cooler. Go back and check. She only spaced at the judging.
2. I will give you this one. She was not as effective as a leader as she bit off WAY more than she could chew
3. Okay
4. How did she mislable the sauce? By caling it a consomme? It still tasted good. But I will agree on the off shellfish.
I still don't see that as an atrocious episode, but whatever. We are entitled to disagree.
Top Chef - Las Vegas - Ep. #9 - Restaurant Wars! - 10/21/09 (Spoilers)
Wow, Eric, I'm sensing a pattern with you. It's very clear you do NOT like Jen. I however don't see this "atrociousness" you keep claiming. She had an off night, like most of the other chefs (I sincerely think Kevin is the only one who hasn't had an off night).
Top Chef - Las Vegas - Ep. #8 - 10/14/09 (Spoilers)
*groan...
I need/want that like a bump on my head!!
Top Chef - Las Vegas - Ep. #8 - 10/14/09 (Spoilers)
That may be true, but I still have a hard time patronizing a restaurant when I know the chef/owner is a real piece of work. Perhaps I'm in the minority here. I go to Frontera/Topolobambo as many times as I can b/c Rick Bayless is not only a great chef, but he treats his employees well and his patrons well. And when you see him on the street walking to his restaurant, which I used to with frequency when I worked downtown, if you smiled at him and said hello he did the same. He did the same even if you DIDN'T make the effort.
Maybe I'm also showing my age, as I can't tolerate people who "expect" things b/c of how they were raised. I try to teach my kids to work for what they want, but to also follow life's rules even though there are some they won't/don't.
Just b/c Robin is a PITA, or talks too much or whatever, the actions of those chefs shows how immature they really are, something I cannot stand.
Top Chef - Las Vegas - Ep. #8 - 10/14/09 (Spoilers)
Honestly? I think I'd eat at Spike's above Mike I's place. I would probably try Eli's with a bit of trepidation. the only thing making him relevant in my books is the fact that he was Richard Blais' sous chef. That has to account for something. I'm surprised that Blais allowed someone with that type of "me" attitude to work with him but then again, maybe that's why he ISN'T working with him anymore.
Just a thought.
6 Food Mistakes Parents Make -NYT
I am the mother of an 8 year old girl and a 5 year old girl. Both were breast fed, one for 8-1/2 months and one for 13 months. The younger one does seem to be more open about food, but still has her picky moments. She was the one breast fed longer. HOWEVER, I'm not sure I buy into that belief (about the breast milk tasting different, blah-blah, blah). I just think it's her personality. she is a very outgoing child by nature, and likes to sample just about everything. Her favorite thing is broccoli sauted in garlic and olive oil, and has been since she was about two. This makes her Italian momma VERY proud!! My older daughter is skinny and VERY picky, but we made an agreement a long time ago, back when SHE was a toddler and I was ripping my hair out trying to get her to eat. I simply explained that she HAD to try at least 1 bite of something. If she liked it, great. If she didn't, we moved on. No treats were involved.
this worked for me and still does. Now, the "bites" she takes can vary in size, but at least she is trying thing. Next thing on her list is sushi with masago. For some reason, the little orange balls on it interest her!
Bottom line in my house/word is, you as a parent have a responsiblity to nurture your child with both food and love. You do what you need to do and go with what works. This article is fine in theory, but honestly, it's a little preachy. Both of my children are healthy and happy, and at the end of the day, isn't this what is most important?
ICA - Symon et al vs. Culinary Students - Battle Balsamic (spoiler)
Wonder if Karine went on the same sardine diet as Alton?!?!
Can it get worse? Oxygen Network's new "Naughty Kitchen"
Yikes! Next time, I'm going to take everyone's advice and NOT watch a clip!
Painful, dreadful, ... anyone notice Megan, the GM, rockin' the Kate Gosselin hairdo???
Ugh, FAIL!!
Oak Park upscale?
Have to agree, go to Gaetano's if you want "upscale" but not snobby. I actually just had dinner there on Saturday night. I highly recommend the Chef's Pasta Delight - homemade pasta in this amazing butter + parmesan sauce with fresh shaved black truffles over it. YUM! You really can't go wrong with anything on their menu. another option is the Wild board served over polenta. I guarantee you will be hugging yourself after eating!!
His tasting menus may be the best way to taste many things, but GO HUNGRY!! He tends to over-feed you at times.
Good luck!
Anyone watch Chopped?
I usually enjoy Alex G. very much. But wow, who gave her nothing but lemons to suck on as of late??? She is downright NASTY to people. Beyond constructive Criticism.
the other judges don't bother me that much. I will watch this when/if nothing else is on, LOL!!!
Hell's kitchen tonight - Sept. 15 '09
Thank GOD. I don't know if I could handle The.Most.Shocking. Episode. EVER.
No Reservations - Sardinia
Truly, one of his best episodes. I have to agree, I'm glad to see he didn't get all soft and mushy, ala Bill Cosby. And his wife? Wow, I am impressed. She certainly has a bite to her, but I'm assuming one would have to married to him.
I want to jump on a plane for over there NOW!! That suckling pig at the end... yummmmm!!!!
Hells Kitchen 9/8 Spoilers
I've just sort of given up on this show. Can't take the "drama" anymore, nor GK's screaming/swearing.
:(
...And the worst restaurant in Chicago is....
My pick would have to be Greek Islands in Greek Town. WORST service. EVER. Food has steadily gone downhill over the years. Nothing is consistent except the wait and the incredibly rude service and jacked up bill.
My other pick would have to be one of the myriad Lalo's around town. Horrible food, horrible Margaritas. Marginally good live entertainment. I don't get the draw. when there are SO many other fantastic real mexican food restaurants. why go to a chain like this? and pay over $12.95 for a taco dinner with nasty refried beans and dry rice?
Best Jewish Deli in Chicago?
Are you kidding? Dry Pastrami? When did you go there? I have NEVER had a better Pastrami sammich than at Manny's. Same with the Corned Beef. Piled extra high, it's usually 2 sandwiches in one.
I am also absolutely in love with their knish's and potato pancakes and their matzoh ball soup is lovely, too!
