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January 10, 2007: It's Cool to Stay Cool
I have to give a shout-out to Mike: He got much farther than I ever thought he would. Plus, last week, he made Top Chef history by sweeping both challenges. But, it's fitting that in a week where the elimination challenge resulted in such underwhelming results, the guy with the "lazy" attitude was forced to pack his bags and go. Mike's definitely not your average reality-TV finalist. So, even though his laid-back style seemed unnatural in such a heated competition and this style often annoyed me to no end, ultimately, he was refreshing, because we're used to seeing all these type-A personalities clashing with each other to rise to the top. He wasn't like that. Just look at what he said before he walked off into the sunset: "It's cool to stay cool, you know?" It's nowhere near Season 1's best quote ever: "I'm not your bitch, bitch." But I'll take it.
The episode starts off with Marcel in exile on the roof. I just want everyone to stop thinking about Marcel and instead focus on what they need to do to win the challenges. That's what Marcel's doing; at least, that's what he's doing when he's not writing his awesomely bad rap. Or is that awfully bad rap — you be the judge. My favorite line: "I don't even get stressed because at the end of the day, my food is f---ing soignée!" Wouldn't you know it, Marcel actually taught me something, because I had to look up the word "soignée." Should I have admitted that?
Quickfire: Create a snack using Kraft mayonnaise and other Kraft products.
Guest Judge: Mike Yakura
I immediately thought that Mike was going to rule the roost with this challenge and make it three in a row, but no dice. There were two winners announced: mucho mayo-lover Sam and not-so-macho Marcel. And since there is no longer immunity, their reward played into the elimination challenge.
Random thoughts:
— I think I would have wanted to try Sam's dish the most out of the six remaining finalists.
— I really wanted Michael's crab and brie quesadilla to work, but I'm with the guest judge: There's no way, no how that was going to taste good. (I paraphrased a little bit.)
— It served Ilan right that his ridiculous "homage to Marcel" (in the form of foam) backfired. Let it go, Ilan.
Elimination: Create a restaurant concept and menu, and then execute it with your team.
First of all, this was a really difficult challenge! Since Sam and Marcel were the quickfire winners, they were the "captains" of the two teams required to go out and create an instant restaurant in 24 hours. I thought it was pretty interesting that Sam chose Ilan over Cliff. It turned out to definitely be the wiser choice, but I still thought it was interesting. And no surprise that Marcel chose Elia.
Sam, Ilan and Mike:
Again, Sam's team seems to make decisions smoothly. They name their rustic Italian restaurant "lalalina" after their significant others: very sweet. It seems that none of the guys have any front-of-the-house experience, so it's up to Ilan to make sure things go smoothly with the designer, who has to turn their concept into a pleasing environment for diners overnight. Is it me, or did it seem like the designers for both teams weren't able to finish the job before time ran out? I guess it was all in the editing, but when we saw that there were five minutes left, the rooms were nowhere near completion. Ilan was also the one to make sure all the diners were happy and taken care of — big mistake. Another mammoth mistake: not serving wine. What were they thinking? Running out of money for wine was unacceptable. Mike had a hundred dollars left over from his money. He did nothing with it and headed back to headquarters. He ultimately paid for that. There was one dish that I was not surprised didn't work, and that was the watermelon gnocchi. I just couldn't picture this concoction, and it totally backfired on Sam. The diners automatically connected with lalalina's menu; it just seemed like the main reason M.E.C. got any customers was because lalalina had to turn people away.
Marcel, Elia and Cliff:
First this trio decided to go with a Mediterranean restaurant called "Medi." But for some reason, they take Elia's new concept of an upscale diner called M.E.C., and they run with it. Methinks they should have stuck with their first idea, but, oh well. Cliff anoints himself master of the front of the house. As much as I like Cliff, I do hate it when he gets all demanding, especially when it turns out that he's a flop at making sure all the diners are happy and well taken care of. And as usual, Cliff doesn't crack a smile when it was much needed. Marcel and Elia seem to have an unspoken alliance and end up complaining about Cliff and his attitude. If Elia's going to call something the "Best Burger Ever," it better be the best burger ever. With a name like that on the menu, it's no wonder the judges were out to prove that the dish was nowhere near perfection. I don't think this team was given credit for their beer or root beer float concoctions, however. They at least offered their diners an alcoholic beverage.
The judges' table was very vocal and extra critical, with good reason. None of the diners seemed to have had a great experience. Cliff left the judges waiting! The food was heavily criticized, even though there were favorites like Ilan's meatball appetizer and Marcel's vegetable tempura. Both desserts were disasters — especially the watermelon gnocchi. Gail was back and so were her extra tart, extra bitter opinions. Tom Colicchio again stated that it just seems like the chefs are not playing to win, they're playing to stick around. The guest judge was as vocal about his disappointment in the results as Tom, Gail and Padma. Overall, it was a very underwhelming performance for both teams, so no winner was declared and anyone could leave. Padma et al. made it seem like Cliff might be the one to go, but in the end, they rightly gave Mike the boot. Tom felt like he shortchanged the team and was also being carried by the team. And even though I'm glad Tom finally realized it, it seems like a conclusion that should have been reached well before now.
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Jan 11, 2007 6:17 AM
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Even though I know that it was Mike's time to go, there is no way Marcel should have continued in the competition after serving undercooked chicken. Possibly giving your customers salmonella seems to me to be an automatic dismissal. It just proves to me they're keeping him around because of the confrontations that tend to follow him wherever he goes.
Also, a big BOO to Cliff. When the judges asked him who he thinks should be sent home, he should have said "someone on the other team" and not said either of his own teammates. I initally liked him but as time goes on, he more and more seems to get on my nerves.
Go Sam!!!
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Jan 11, 2007 7:21 AM
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It seems to me that last season, or even early this season, someone was automatically sent home for undercooked chicken so I agree with the last poster that Marcel should have gone home. I do like the fact that Marcel is not letting the fact that most of the other chefs don't like him get him down. I also thought Marcel should have stepped in and made Elia front of house.
And what was with Cliff serving food? Wasn't each team given a waiter? Cliff should have been greeting customers, taking their drink orders, finding out how they wanted their burgers and doing a follow up at the end of the meal and leaving the rest to the server they were given. Same with the other team.
I agree that Mike has skated for far too long and it was about time he went home. Cliff has also been mediocre, middle of the pack for too long and he probably won't be around much longer.
Next week looks interesting and I can't wait to see it.
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Jan 11, 2007 8:01 AM
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While I agree that Mike should have been sent home, especially when you look at all of his performances compared to the others, I don't agree that he wasn't helpful. He was trying to help the very-late designer in putting together the front of the house, he was helping Sam and Ilan when possible, and sure, while it might not have been the best help in Sam's eyes, at least he was in it with a good attitude.
Ilan is annoying me ... totally grow up and get over Marcel. This is only making Marcel look to be the better person, and perhaps the route the editors want to take, who knows? I was disappointed in his attempt to make fun of Marcel with the foam, so glad it went sour.
I really think this is Elia's to lose. The remaininig five had all had consistently good dishes, with a few bad ones sprinkled here and there. I think it's pretty obvious that the only one Elia doesn't get along with that well is Cliff, and he comes off so gruff and arrogant that it's no surprise.
However, I'm glad Cliff wasn't sent home for his "front-of-the-house" performance. This is not "Top Restaurant Owner" this is "Top Chef" ... I don't believe they should be judged on whether or not they smiled as they served, something completely out of their element. They should be judged on their food. I was more disappointed in the fact that it appeared that aside from a few rushed orders, they didn't really show Cliff cooking, as far as I can tell. I think in future challenges like this, they should be given two servers ... so that the contestants can focus on making the meal, not serving them.
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Jan 11, 2007 8:50 AM
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Cliff never smiles, so I knew he would be a flop running the front of the house. Elia would have done a much better job, and I wish she would have spoken up and taken that task over.
Ilan is being really childish and needs to get over Marcel. He should concentrate on his own tasks instead.
I loved the name Lalalina, but I think I would have chosen the diner menu. That watermelon gnocchi looked foul. And no wine...duh.
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Jan 11, 2007 12:14 PM
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First of all how did Mike make history last episiod by winning both challenges in individual competitions if he is simply being carried?
I agree with the other posters that undercooked chicken should be automatic elimination no matter how good the tempora. How ever it was on season 2 of Hell's Kitchen and not Top Chef that a contestant was booted forraw chicken.
The teams had two budgets $500 for food/beverage and $500 for dishes/equiptment. Yes Mikey had money left over but he couldn't use it to buy wine.
I also don't blame hime for sticking to his list that the team as a WHOLE came up with. Obviously he wasn't the only one that failed to think about olive pits. Heck the only olives I've ever seen have pimento not pits.
Over all not only where the dishes underwhelming but so was the episiode. I also wonder why the sudden speeding up of the competition.
We still have 5 contestants but from the preview next week is the final challenge before Hawia
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Jan 11, 2007 12:56 PM
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Just like everyone else said in the comments section, I can't believe Marcel got away with serving raw chicken... You'd get fired from McDonald's if you did that, let alone a cooking competition. But Mike really is just a line cook, and like Betty, doesn't really belong with this group of chefs.
On the quickfire challenge, the judge just seemed like a pompous jacka$$. What's with that haircut? My views were confirmed on Harold's blog over at Bravo's website.
For the elimination, I thought it was interesting that Sam chose Ilan over Cliff; it almost seemed like Sam knew their egos and stubbornness might not work well this time (they seemed OK in the challenge where they were paired up though). I don't know if Sam thought about it too far in depth, because there was no reason Sam needed to pick Ilan first, other than to force Cliff onto the other team. There was almost no way that Marcel would have taken Ilan, had Sam taken Cliff with his first pick, so Sam would have probably ended up with Ilan regardless.
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Jan 11, 2007 1:14 PM
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The reason Marcel doesn't seem to mind that everyone dislikes him is because where ever he goes, everyone dislikes him. I bet even his imaginary friends wouldn't play with him.
I used to work with someone just like him and can almost guarantee that there is some creative editing going on. People like Marcel will go out of their way to annoy everyone - like a child who acts up for attention because even bad attention is better than no attention at all. With the atmosphere they are in (no money, no privacy, etc.) it is no wonder the others have finally had enough of him.
This episode was a little weak for me. I agree with the earlier posts that Marcel should have been sent packing because of the raw chicken.
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Jan 11, 2007 1:46 PM
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I agree that Mike did make it further than probably even he thought he would and that it was probably his time to go. But while there were some challenges that we was probably carried on, last week proved why he was selected for the show in the first place. He is obviously a very talented cook and knows food and flavors. Though it was annoying at times, I think it was his laid back attitude that probably got him as far as it did.
I was surprised by Sam not picking Cliff over Ilan, but remember, Sam has already worked with Ilan on a group challenge and knows how well they work together, so I am sure that was his thought process with that one. It doesn't look like it would have made much of a difference since both restaurants were disasters. I will say that this was much harder than last season's run a restaurant challenge since they had to design the restaurant as well. That seemed like kind of overkill for the challenge. Isn't Top Design starting after Top Chef is over?
Marcel's rap? Just plain bad. I do agree that there is some kind of editing making the bashing seem worse than it probably is. If they show everytime someone says something about Marcel over the course of the 45 minutes of the show, than obviously it is going to seem like that is all the other chef's talk about. But I sincerely doubt that they spend the two days of each challenge talking about Marcel.
I'm still pulling for Sam and Ilan (despite the whole foam incident), but I am now really pulling for Elia to make the final three. She is the only person that I have seen that has really grown over the competition and who actually thinks about what they did wrong in the last challenge and how they can improve on it in the next. And she is definitely the most professional of the bunch. Go Elia!
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Jan 11, 2007 2:00 PM
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I was beginnning to think Mike was improving, though maybe not well enough to win, but I didn't think last night was the night he should have gone. There is no way what he did wrong even begins to compare with "cooking" and serving raw chicken. I think the judges or the show want to keep Marcel around, and I'm plain sick to death of him!!
I, too, think Elia has earned a spot in top three, except for her backing down on Cliff wanting to be front of the house. Wasn't Marcel supposed to be team leader? He backed down also or never even voiced his opinion. If Elia can't stand up for herself, she can't run a restaurant either, so I'd like to see that improve, or my bet is on Sam. Used to be Cliff, but he's not been on my list lately.
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Jan 11, 2007 4:26 PM
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First, it was Michae's time to go. He really skated by and should have stepped up and used that extra money to buy something for team and be able to stamp his name on something. I think he'll always be a line chef, which doesn't have to be a bad thing.
It would have been funny if Ilan could have pulled off the Vinaigrette foam, and was disappointed he didn't. Wish he could have made it work. He called it an homage to Marcel! 
Also, until I saw his entry video last week, I thought Ilan was gay. Maybe it's because he just has a metrosexual look about him. Not that it's a big deal if he's straight. But it was sweet of the guys to mix up the girlfriends names for Lalalina.
Cliff acts like many of the chefs I've worked with and I don't think I would have gotten along with his 'tude. I give him credit for trying to work the front of the house which isn't easy. But you just can't throw yourself there and hope you'll float.
Marcel is not a bad cook. It's just too bad he's such a little sh*t.
Elia's sweet but I don't think she's strong enough to win.
Did Sam taste his own dessert? Or did he say he had made it before. I sort of forget how he came up with it, but it just didn't sound good from the get-go. But I'd work with Sam in any restaurant and think he should win.
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Jan 11, 2007 4:45 PM
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I know I'm going to get razzed for this comment, but here goes... Elia bugged me tonite. And that's sad, cuz I usually like her.
The whole "strategy session" while driving with Cliff & Marcel just rubbed me the wrong way. A lot of posters jumped on Cliff, saying that he bullied his way into the front of the house. However, that's not what I saw...
What I saw & heard was Elia boasting, "Well, I can cook really fast and good in the kitchen, but if you need me to be in the front, I can do that, too." Then when Cliff stated that he'd rather do the front and he'd accept that challenge... all of a sudden she started pouting, "Do you really want to do it? Because I really wanted to be in the front?" THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY YOUR PREFERENCE IN THE FIRST PLACE????? I can't stand wishy-washy people with no opinions... that is until someone else makes a decision. It was like watching pre-schoolers fight over legos...
What a whiner!
Did anyone else see this, too?
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Jan 11, 2007 5:14 PM
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Lawler1976 - Thanks for correcting me. It came to me a little while ago that it was Hell's Kitchen and not Top Chef with the undercooked chicken.
I read Tom's blog over on Bravo and the posters there are giving him a hard time about keeping Marcel after being served undercooked chicken. Had the chicken been cooked properly, I wouldn't feel so bad about Mike being sent home. He couldn't do anything about his team members not getting wine and how would he have known they were getting olives with pits since he wasn't with them?
I agree that Elia didn't fight very hard to be front of house but during that whole ride Marcel just sat there with this dazed look. I think being the Team leader scared him. I also think they should have stayed with their original idea and not gone for the diner thing. Although, if they were going to do diner right, they wouldn't have had a front of house person and it would have left Cliff off the hook. lol.
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Jan 11, 2007 6:43 PM
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I read on one the bravo blogs. I believe he one by Wong from season one that the judges were debating who to get rid of till 4 am. From some of her blogs it looks like Wong actually is in charge of designing the challenges and is on site but not on camera for most of them.
To me last night Top Chef jumped the shark. When lack of bread/olive pit plates is more unforgivable than serving wings with a side of salmonella(sp)
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Jan 11, 2007 11:17 PM
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I thought Cliff was stupid in volunteering to do front of the house. Elia was simply letting Marcel know that she could do either the cooking or the front of the house. Cliff chimes in and says that front of the house is what he does. Oh really? Plus, because of the lack of communication and organization on Cliff's part, I bet a lot of Elia's burger orders suffered. I bet Gail's burger was overcooked because Elia had to keep it on the grill long enough for Cliff to serve it up.
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Jan 13, 2007 2:29 AM
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