marcopolo's Profile
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 11 (spoilers)
"I have read interviews with Tom C saying that on the US version they only look at how the person did that day"
This doesn't seem to be the case for TCC - I've often heard the judges bring up past performances at JT
Anyone seen fresh fiddleheads in Calgary?
I bought some BC ones at chongo's last weekend at the crossroads market.
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 10 (spoilers)
yep, pretty much knew it was trista after seeing her crying in the preview and then with show kicking it off with her bio and that picture of her in cornrows...
Casual dinner in Lake Louise
Post Hotel bar/lounge wins this easily, hands down.
Glacier Saloon at the Chateau is OK also, if a tad pricey.
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 9 (spoilers)
'Is it me, or are the judges more "complimentary" now?'
I thought this episode had the best judging of any episode of TCC yet. Marc seemed to be more at ease and relaxed and less of a stick in the mud - heck he even smiled a bit...
re David: I feel like the pressure is getting to him, and we're witnessing his slow downward spiral into a nervous breakdown
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 7 (spoilers)
a few random thoughts -
Sad to see Curtis go, but I think it was the right choice. Very gracious in his exit speech. I'll definitely try and get to his restaurant at some point.
Nice to see Xavier figure things out after his slow start this season. He's kind of growing on me.
Speaking of growing on me, I swear Lisa Ray is getting prettier with each episode. Which is pretty amazing considering she's a knock-out to begin with. I agree with an earlier TCC thread comment praising her and her warmth on the show.
Smashburger Coming to YYC
that guy's hair... wow...
lol at the commentary at 2:30 - 'you get this beef on steroids flavour' I don't think he meant what he said there...
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 5 (spoilers)
TC (US) always seems to send out the line that the judges judge based on the dish in front of them at the moment.
TCC doesn't seem to follow that at all. This elimination, Shereen and Mark were making comments referencing past dishes from certain contestants, and I've noticed this in other episodes/seasons as well. I wonder what's up with that.
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 4 (spoilers)
Blueicus, I'm really appreciating the behind the scenes commentary!
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 4 (spoilers)
about the judges' comments re: tripe... They caught me off guard at first also, but when I re-listened I got the impression that what they were trying to say is that if someone is ordering a tripe dish, that they want to try it, ie; have it in all its glory - and that the dish should therefore feature it prominently. It shouldn't be hidden away in the corner of the plate.
Thomas Keller Does American Express Commercial
This. also, the card and chef's audiences seem pretty well aligned, given what I'm led to believe it costs to eat at TFL.
Top Chef Canada @ Muse
we actually went to Muse for dessert a few weeks before the season started, and I have to say, the desserts were amazing.
I've eaten at muse a long time ago and I really enjoyed the meal, and it seems that the food quality has kept up, although I feel the room could use a bit of updating.
It'll be interesting to see if Muse sees the same uptick as Char|cut did b/c of TCC. I have my doubts. On TV, food quality notwithstanding (I actually prefer muse to charcut), Connie's story comes across as a bit more compelling.
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 2 (spoilers)
Yup, Mike's not a big sushi fan. Is that a surprise? seriously chefs, know your audience - the guy was pretty upfront about being a meat and potatoes guy. and they've got 40 minutes for the quickfire (which i think is an eternity in top chef) and 3 chefs still choose a carpaccio/sushi/raw preperation? lazy. Well, maybe not lazy, but I expect more from top chef contestants, TC Canada or otherwise.
also, when everyone was trying out bandanas, did trista call herself a chickenhead in the moment? i think i'd regret that, lol.
Pretty impressed with the red and green teams' food. It was also pretty obvious kunal was going home. not much suspense in this episode. Still, worth it if only to oggle lisa ray on the construction site.
Banh Mi Vietnamese Submarines Calgary
Banh Mi Thi Thi across from the harry hayes building in chinatown, as others have mentioned, is my standby as well. I've been going there for years, and though prices keep creeping up, i still keep going back. the owners are really sweet and I know what I'm going to get - and it's always good. They do spread pate on their subs, but only the club and assorted varieties. the sate subs don't get the pate IIRC.
Kim Anh Subs on 17th ave at 6th St SW used to get good write ups here. I haven't been there in a while.
Banh Mi Vietnamese Submarines Calgary
just bad timing. I was there a week ago, and it was still going strong.
Ginger Beer in Calgary?
I was going to mention the PC ginger beer too! pretty much the only one i've seen in the 2L size.
Vegetarian or vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Calgary
co-sign on Marathon and Aida's.
I'd add Cafe Koi to the list of vegetarian friendly options in town, it's definitely a stand by in our household for a quick casual meal.
At the high end of things, I've actually had very good luck with the vegetarian options at Blink.
Smoked Meat
Gruman's been around town in the past in at least 2 other incarnations. I wonder if the 3rd time's a charm?
Top Chef Texas Finale Part 1 - Ep. #16 - 02/22/12 (Spoilers)
did anyone else think it was weird that Paul was ordering '1000 grams of crab legs' at whole foods? does he normally order food in metric, or was he just converting because he's in canada? metric use in the grocery stores here in canada seems about 50/50 with deli counter stuff in grams, but produce being in lbs usually - it's all pretty nonsensical really.
Top Chef Texas - Ep. #15 - 02/15/12 (Spoilers)
On top of all the other reasons that other folks have mentioned for being disappointed with this episode of TC, let me add one more: total waste of Jon Montgomery's talents as a guest judge. I mean, this guy is pretty much best known not for winning gold for Canada, but rather for celebrating said win with a large pint of beer while walking about the whistler plaza. Just google 'Jon Montgomery beer' and you'll see what i mean. When I first saw that Jon Montgomery was guest judging, well, let's just say that I was hoping for more of a party.
Anyways, next week's preview has me fretting a bit about Paul's chances. I hope that's just the elves' handiwork because if he doesn't take it, Bravo's gonna have hell to pay from this board...
Top Chef Texas - Ep. #15 - 02/15/12 (Spoilers)
"was there time for her to see the feedback before the finale?"
The finale was filmed in mid-January judging from reports and sightings in Vancouver. By then 10 episodes had already aired, so yes, the contestants would definitely be aware of the on-air personas displayed.
like Pookipichi, I also read Sarah's 'niceness' as a reaction to how she was being portrayed on the show and not genuine at all...
Great burgers In Calgary SE
nonlinear: saw your response in the 5guys thread. I'm the opposite - I thought 5guys wasn't all that impressive, but I love Rocky's. yup, to each their own...
Great burgers In Calgary SE
how far SE? Rocky's Burger Bus is a fantastic take-out burger, one of the best in the city.
Top Chef Texas - Ep. #10 - 01/11/12 (Spoilers)
oops, my bad. definitely Ripert. those two hang out together so often, i'm having trouble telling them apart, lol.
Top Chef Texas - Ep. #10 - 01/11/12 (Spoilers)
"Yes, and can you imagine if Bourdain was released upon this group this season?"
Pretty sure I caught a glimpse of him in the next episode at the table with the other judges
Suggestions for outing with vegetarian?
my wife is vegetarian and let me say that in general, restaurants in Calgary do a really poor job of offering up a good vegetarian option. Most stick to the wild mushroom risotto or pasta primavera thing, and it gets really tiresome. Seriously chefs, try harder.
Having said that, most restaurants will either have an option or will put one together for you (notable exceptions: model milk, catch). We've had especially good luck at Blink. Any of the new pizza places in town would be a safe bet also (WOP, una, double zero, etc). We were just at Cassis Bistro over the holidays and the chef there also put together a really nice vegetarian main on demand.
The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs (Episode 6 "Food Auction") [Spoilers]
wow, thanks for linking that article. Alton's stock just rose in my books (it was pretty high to start with, though)
Pies and Tarts YYC
I like the fruit tarts at the midtown co-op, but i'm talking about the custard ones with glazed fresh fruit on top.
