Its "Kraft" Time On The Yahoo Video

This weeks QF challenge is sponsored by Kraft.

Check out the Yahoo video

as the Chefs prepare Gourmet snack dishes.

Bravo has the following preview video up on You Tube.

Marcel can rap?!?!?! .

This weeks guest judge is Chef Mike Yakura.

Tell us what Kraft Gourmet snack you would like to prepare.

Let Your Voice Be Heard!

As TC fans, we have had the pleasure of seeing Ted Allen on three separate episodes this season. We began a petition for Ted to become a mentor for the chefs in season 3.

We are not suggesting that he replace Gail, Tom or Padma. We are asking that he be added to the show... as a mentor... in the kitchen... for the chefs. In this weeks episode, Chef Cliff said, " Ted Allen, as a professional, is hysterical. He is very witty. I have a lot of respect for him"

Many of you have signed the petition and more and more are signing it each day. Don't miss your chance to sign. We will be presenting this petition to Bravo at the end of the season. Make sure your voice is heard.

The link to the petition is here and also on our side bar.

We love you Ted.

After Top Chef...Onto Top Design

We are excited and looking forward to also doing a blog for Bravo's new show, Top Design. Our new blog is - Top Design Blogger...Desecrating the decorating.







The blog is no longer under construction and a few tidbits have already been added. We are thrilled to have Ms. Place from Dishin' Dat and Eric from Eric Three Thousand join us. In addition, our own photo shop expert is stepping out onto the blog stage as "TheHoInMo".

We are looking forward to Top Design, along with our wonderful blog friends at:






Blogging Top Design

and Project Top Design.

Top Design will begin on January 31st following the final of Top Chef. Be sure to get a nap that day so you can stay up late that night... we plan too.

In addition, this little kitchen will still be open. We will continue to bring you Top Chef information as we wait for Season 3.

Now Bravo On Line 3

First of all - we did not know we had a phone, here in the kitchen, but three calls since Wednesday night? We need to get call waiting.

Yes dear friends, Bravo called us...well first they emailed and then they called.

Our first reaction – What the hell did we do now?

Our second reaction – Is this a joke?

Nope... turns out Bravo likes our little kitchen and all of you, the readers.

Bravo has offered us some prizes for contests. Hell, we barely know how to run this kitchen, now we get to design contests?

We are still working out the details with Bravo but stay tuned dear readers. Your chance to win some prizes will be coming soon… as soon as we figure out what we will have you do.

But, while you wait, this in from the Bravo news release.

NEW YORK – January 4, 2007 – Bravo’s “Top Chef” original 10:00 p.m. 'Supersized' episode last night baked the competition attracting 2.2 million total viewers, making it the most viewed episode for the series ever (1/3/07), according to Nielsen Media Research.

Additionally, last night’s broadcast was the top-rated cable program of the day among A25-54 and W25-54, and also delivered its largest A18-49 audience to date. The January 3 episode of “Top Chef” garnered 1.622 million viewers 18-49, 1.643 million viewers 25-54, and a 1.81 HH coverage rating. Last night’s telecast surged from the previous all-new episode on December 13 by 36% among total viewers, 45% among adults 18-49 and 40% among A25-54.

Season two of “Top Chef” has averaged a 1.50 HH cvg. rating, 1,697 million total viewers, 1.193 million viewers 18-49 and 1.169 million viewers 25-54. Compared to the first nine episodes of season one of “Top Chef,” this represents a 54% increase among total viewers, 55% among viewers 18-49 and 59% among viewers 25-54.

“Top Chef” continues all-new episodes this month, leading up to the two-part season two finale on January 24 and January 31. Bravo has ordered a third season for the culinary competition hit, with casting underway. For further information, go to BravoTV.com.

Sunday Roast

Prepared by Chef Biatch

Ted Allen`s love of all things Zamfir

both impressed and worried the other guests.

OK, nothing funny here.

Am I crazy or does Marcel look kinda hot in this picture?

Bist meshugeh? Marcel? A nishtikeit! Oy!

Dont worry about that Manzer.

Such a Toches-lecker.

Pardon me while I sear my retinas...ARGHH!!!

SANCTUARY!! SANCTUARY!!!

Frito Bandito strikes again!

Cliff decided to leave the cooking world behind

and joined a "Three Stooges Tribute" theatre group.

Sam took the saying "playing the game"

too far and poor Betty had no idea she had stepped

in the line of fire during a fierce dodge ball game.

Your Quick Fire Challenge for today is to make

an organic lice treatment. You will have 15 minutes.

"Would you like to be my friend?"

Marcel gently ask while hoping today

is the day someone says "Yes".

Chef Mikey... In The Kitchen.

It has been an exciting 48 hours here in the kitchen. Frank, Sam, Ilan and now this weeks winner of both the QF and Elimination challenges... Chef Mike... stop by the kitchen. We are on cloud nine.

US: Welcome to the BTC kitchen, Chef Mikey,
Wow, congratulations on making Top Chef history. It was great to see you take the win twice in a show.

How`s the mouth doing? It looked so painful. Major props to you for doing so well while in pain and on meds.

Chef Mike: The mouth is good, thanks.

US: What was the first thing that went through your mind after being announced the winner?

Chef Mike: The first thing I thought of was, nice, I won a solo challenge.

US: Did you realize you had done a Top Chef first, with your double win?

Chef Mike: I knew that it was a first. People would talk about it sometimes. Everybody wants to pull down a whole show.

US: Any comments on all the Marcel hating going on?

Chef Mike: As far as Templeton goes, Marcel...I call him that because he is a rat. He told on me for drinking when I was on my meds. Sam, Cliff and Ilan had beers stashed so I could have a few and Marcel rated me out. That was it for me. I gave that little rat the most chances and he blew it, so let people hate him. It's awesome.

US: Thanks for your time and thank you and your wife for being so gracious to our blog. Good luck with the rest of the season.

Chef Ilan on Line 2

What a day I've had. First I get to chat with Chef Frankie while he car shops, then Chef Sam makes contact and now Ilan chats with me. I could get used to days like this!

Chef Biatch: Hello?

Chef Ilan: Hi, this is Ilan Hall.

(CB: Imagine me doing a happy dance and high fives to myself)

CB: So, what was with you and Marcel? Was it just stress and the heat or what?
CI: Well, it was built up tension mostly. I mean, Marcel is a lot worse in person. I just couldn't stand how he talked to everyone. We were under these strict conditions and things just built up.

CB: I can understand that. Did Marcel really snap at Betty? I must have somehow missed it because I really didn't see him snap.
CI: Yes, he did snap at Betty. He was very aggressive toward all of us. There was so much they didn't show. There is so much editing.

CB: Elia seems to try and keep the peace. Does this make things hard for her?
CI: Well, we don't like gang up on her because she does that. No, Elia, Betty, Mike,and Suyai are like my favorite people from the show. It was hard to see Betty go.

CB: What was Debi Mazar like?
CI: She was so funny. She is kinda like what you see on the screen but not really.

CB: What made you try out for the show?

CI: My friend Lisa. She kinda forced me to do it. I missed the opening casting call. I read the date wrong so I sent in a video. I hadn't watched season 1 so I wasn't familiar with the show. Once, Harald, Leann, Miguel and I think Dave came into my restaurant and ate. They talked about the show. They enjoyed the food.

CB: Thanks Lisa, huh?
CI: Lol, right, thanks Lisa.

CB: What do you do for fun?
CI: Lol, one thing I don't do that much is drink. I don't do that for fun. It looks like I drink a lot on the show. My friends have kinda ragged on me for that. I like to try new restaurants, go to the theatre, movies, just random stuff. I don't like big fancy restaurants so much. I like little hole in the wall places. True ethnic food.

CB: So you are not a food snob?
CI: No, I am not a food snob at all.

CB: Got any funny stories?
CI: Well, not sure if it's a funny story but Mike is a really funny guy. They cut out so much of his stuff. He speaks his mind, likes to party, loud and funny. And he is a good chef.

CB: So his Amuse- Bouche wasn't him blowing off a challenge?

CI: No, not at all. We had Kraft service and he would take little Snicker bars and put them with Cheetos and be like "try this". I mean, I didn't hate it. It's not bullshit.

CB: If you couldn't be a chef, what would you be doing?
CI: Um, well I guess I would be a food writer, food critic.

CB: So it's all about the food for you, huh?
CI: Yeah, it is.

CB: Anything you would like to say to your many fans?
CI: Yeah, vote for me as your favorite Top Chef!

So, you heard it folks, vote for Chef Ilan.

TOP CHEF...Sins No More?

Prepared by Chef Back Burner

So, I had to rub my eyes, blink twice and check the channel last night to make sure I was watching the right show. But, much to my surprise, yes that was an episode of season 2 of TOP CHEF. Let me tell you people, I had to, in a “gluttonous” fashion, watch it twice cause I was in shock!

Good cooking, an interesting challenge, thoughtful judging, and partially surprising results...everything one would look for in a good cooking competition...with a little “reality drama” thrown in for flavor. Could it be BRAVO just got the recipe right after several tries? Well, I guess if Ted Allen...pause for adoration...after how many years of being a chef is still trying to master roasted chicken, BRAVO can have a bit of time to try to get this right. I just hope they didn’t lose a ton of viewers during the experimentation period...not to mention the “sloth-like” December drought.



It seems to me the problem for the show isn’t the end of the season it’s the beginning when they have 15 chef-testants and only one hour to cover the 2 challenges. Maybe it’s “FoodNetwork-envy” but they seem to really need the chefs to be creating over the top food the whole way through the competition...though this season it seemed for a while to be lacking in creative dishes. However, with contestants like Betty and Marcel making it to the final 7 or 8 when they appear to be lacking in basics maybe the producers should consider changing the first several challenges to skills challenges, because I don’t care how good your food may turn out to be if you don’t have the skills you won’t have the consistency for longevity.

Now, I’m not talking about no cooking....don’t want to “anger” all you purist “cooking show” fans. Just maybe more about knife skills (Can you julienne?)...or like last season palate tests (What is that flavor?)...or maybe seeing how well each can run a professional kitchen (Did that sous chef listen to you?). All important parts of being a TOP CHEF.




Wouldn’t you rather be “lusting” after the end of the season because you wanted to see things you saw last night: food choices, preparation, and presentation that lasted longer than a blip on your screen...Instead of suffering through what feels like half-assed shows that are chopped for time and edited for content and food...where was the food in the first 6 episodes really?

I would also like to pause for another Ted Allen moment...excuse my “greed”...Did he or did he not change the mood in the kitchen and bring descriptive insight to the judging table? I truly believe in the 3 episodes that he’s participated in he has created a relationship with the chef-testants and the audience that completes the show. He even makes Padma look like a better host, as they were partaking of witty banter during the Quickfire Challenge.

Maybe I’m still reeling from the success of last night’s episode...or maybe this blog’s gone to my head...But I do hope BRAVO can stand back from this season, with ratings in hand and judge a successful episode from a non-successful one. And maybe, just maybe admit to what’s working and what isn’t...so Season 3 can be the right ingredients for an un-cancellable show! But I guess if they can’t...well, you know the old saying...”Pride goeth before the fall!”

Sam Drops By The Kitchen

Chef Sam dropped by the kitchen today... and Chef Biatch did not pass out this time.

Chef Biatch: Hey Sam!
Chef Sam: Hi!
CB: Hope all is well. The show was great last night.




CS: I watched the show last night with Mikey and Marisa at his house,he had a huge party...what a blast!

CB: What was up between you and Marcel?
CS: Marcel...hmmm....poor guy. He is just socially challenged that's all. No he is not getting a bum deal, what you see with Marcel is what you get. He actually gets worse in person. He's young he's got time.

CB: Frankie the Bull called today, from a Ferrari dealership no less, to talk about Marcel. He really is no fan of his.




CS: Franks driving ferrari's now??

CB: Was it tough to see Betty go?
CS: Yeah man it was tough to watch Betty go..she's a champ, plus she's got her own restaurant to tend too.

CB: Ilan seemed to have had it with Marcel. What was with that?
CS: Ilan and Marcel....Marcel just brings out the worst in people. Always.



CB: Is Debi Mazar as beautiful in person as she appears to be on screen?
CS: Debi Mazar....She's totally hot. No really she was very grounded and totally excited about the show. It was an honor to do that dinner. It was my favorite challenge yet actually.

CB: Your fan club is huge! We`ve voted you hottest chef of the decade. OK, I voted you that but I am sure everybody agrees with me.
CS: Thanks for the votes guys and gals!!

CB: Thanks for your time and come back and visit anytime.
CS: Happy New Year
Hope all is well
Sammy

The Bull On Line 1

Chef Biatch: Hello?
Chef Frankie: Hey Chef, hows it going?

CB: Hey Frankie, its going well. How was your holidays?
CF: Great, I helped raise over $22,000 for foster kids.

CB: That's awesome!
CB: Well, what did you think of the show?

CF: Well, notice a pattern? First it was me,then Betty,Cliff,Sam and now Ilan. Marcel isn't right in the head. He is full of himself and Frankie the Bull was the first to see it.

CB: Wow, you are right. It does seem to be that everyone has a problem with Marcel.
CF: Ya think? He has never run a kitchen. The guys never even been a sous chef. He has been a line cook but that's it.

CB: I didn't realize that.
CF: You can't act the way he does in a kitchen. There is no balance. He is not Joel Robuchon. You act like that in a kitchen and you will lose the respect from your crew.
He needs to buy a place for himself with about 30-40 seats and run the kitchen. He will go through dishwashers faster then I do underwear.

CB: LMAO
CF: He has limited himself to this molecular gastronomy crap. He is NOT Joel Robuchon. He is a copy cat and has no reason for such an ego. Elia worked directly under Joel Robuchon and doesn't act that way. I respect her for that.
CB: I like Elia too.


CB: So, whatcha doing?
CF: I am buying a Ferrari.

CB: No shit!
CF: Yup, at the dealership right now.

CB: You going to post pictures of it on MySpace, right? I wanna see it.
CF: Oh yes, I will post pictures.

CF: I got invited to Jane Seymour's castle in Bath,England.
CB: Very cool, you going?
CF: Fuck yeah! About 10 of us were invited by her and her husband, James Keach, Emeril and a few others will be there. They have their own smokehouse, place to hang game, a church even.
CB: Wow, I am impressed.

CF: Well, I gotta go. Call me anytime babe.
CB: Later Frankie

OK, I tried to take notes but couldn't read my own writing. I was so excited. I quoted as best as I could. Hey Frankie, hope I didn't misquote you. Let me know if I did.
Chef Biatch

Lord of the Foams.

None of the chefs knew how bad Marcel's obsession with foam was...

until too late.

The Little Chef That Could.

Congratulations to Mikey!!!

Quickfire Winner

And

Elimination Challenge Winner


You made Top Chef History Dude!!!

Farewell Betty.

We wish you all the best with both your restaurant

Grub and As You Like It Catering.

Stay in touch lady.

Listen to Betty's interview-

"Top Chef" Brûlées Bubblegum Betty
L.A. ‘Grub’ Girl Packs Her Knives"

on Chow.com.

Your Turn. Tell Us What You Would Make.

Pick one of the 7 colors

or one of the 7 sins and

let us know what you would make.

Finally A New Top Chef Show. Yea!!!

We are down to 7 Chefs.

Tonight's Episode - " Create Sin Through Food"

Don't forget that tonight's episode is 15 minutes longer.

Also tonight we can begin voting for our favorite chef in the "Fan Favorite" contest. The voting window begins @ 10pm ET and ends Tuesday, January 16 @12:01pm ET.

Remember there are two ways for you to vote.
Text message: text the chef's first name to 27286. Note: there is a cost of 99 cents per vote.

or you can

Online: Go to http://www.bravotv.com/Top_Chef_2/index.shtml and look for a button promoting Fan Favorite. (Free)

You will be able to vote, up to 20 times, for your favorite chef! One lucky chef will win $10k as the "Fan Favorite" prize!

For those of you keeping score at home,

here is where the 7 stand going into episode 9:

Betty - 6 times in the top group with 2 Elimination wins. 2 times in the bottom group.

Cliff - 4 QF wins (3 individual, 1 group). 3 times in the top group and 4 times in the bottom group.

Elia - 3 times in the top group with 2 Elimination wins. 3 times in the bottom group.

Ilan - 4 times in the top group with 1 Elimination win and 1 team Elimination win and the prize for team elimination. 1 group QF win and 1 time in the bottom group.

Marcel - 1 QF win. 3 times in the top group and 3 times in the bottom group.

Michael - 2 times in the top group with 1 group Elimination win. 4 times in the bottom group.

Sam - 5 times in the top group with 1 Elimination win and 3 QF wins ( 2 individual and 1 group). 2 times in the bottom group.

TC Has A Runner Up

MSNBC web site announced their

"Honors, dishonors: Reality TV awards for 2006
From best and worst shows to creepiest finale twist"

Chef Marcel won the following:

"Runner-up "What the heck was THAT?" moment:
Challenged to make an ice cream flavor, "Top Chef" contestant Marcel apparently mulled over all the flavors that have long been popular in ice cream and decided they were all flukes. Chocolate? Old hat! Marshmallow or caramel? Declasse! Instead he somehow came up with ... bacon-avocado ice cream. Even adults were spitting it out, and kids were practically racing to sand their tongues after tasting it. Needless to say, his creation received the lowest amount of votes of any of the flavors. It could only have been worse had it been served up by a ghost bride."

To read all the winners/losers/runner up, Click Here.

What Happens After Season 2 of Top Chef?

That's easy.
It will be time for Bravo's new show, "Top Design".

Hmmm...New Year..., New Show... New Blogs.

Top Design will begin January 31st, following the final episode of Top Chef.

Now you may be asking... "Who will be blogging this new show?"

You are in luck!!!

The wonderful bloggers over on Blogging Project Runway and the gentlemen bloggers from the hysterical Project Rungay are taking this new show to tasks.

Check out the new and exciting Blogging Top Design with the team from BPR - Laura K, The Scarlett, TBone, and Phaolo.

and the hilarious blog of Project Gay with Tom and Lorenzo.

Addition. We just learned that Tom and Lorenzo's new Top Design blog is Project: Top Design. Check this one out as well.

Our best wishes to both blogs. These are dear blogging friends who have been so supportive of this little kitchen.

We are so excited.

OK, OK, some of you twisted our arm... so we will also have a new Top Design blog.

The team is growing with 3 new members. Eric from Eric Three Thousand, Ms. Place from Dishin' Dat, and our behind the scene, photo shop queen, is stepping out onto the scene with the three of us.

Our new blog is still under construction... so stay tuned for more information.

Top Chef Fan Favorite Competition

That's right TC Fans.

We get to vote for our favorite chef!

Messages from the chefs:

From Chef Ilan

Top Chef Fans, Don't Forget To Vote!

"Vote for me! I will restore peace and equality to the culinary world!

The voting window begins Wednesday, January 3 @ 10pm ET and ends Tuesday, January 16 @12:01pm ET. Please feel free to spread the word to family and friends.

How to vote:1. Text message: text ilan to 27286. This will be active starting 1/3 @ 10pm ET. 2. Online: Go to http://www.bravotv.com/Top_Chef_2/index.shtml and look for a button promoting Fan Favorite. This will be active starting 1/3 @ 10pm ET.

Limit 20 votes per person."


From Chef Josie

Hey you guys!!!!!
Its Chef Josie here gearing up for the new year!!!!

Like I promised-here's the info for the Top Chef Fan Favorite competition! So, for all of you who were sad to see me go, the one's who have sent such heartfelt letters of love and admiration make sure you vote Jan. 3 @ 10pm - Jan 16 @ 12pm ET for you favorite chef-me of course:)!

REMEMBER u can't start voting until JANUARY 3rd. Here's how to vote:1. Text message: JOSIE to 27286. starting 1/3 @ 10pm ET. 2. Or go online: http://www.bravotv.com/Top_Chef_2/index.shtml and look for a button promoting Fan Favorite.
Again starting 1/3 @ 10pm ET.*

Limit 20 votes per person*

Team Josie SPREAD the word to your family and friends(myspace too)! Tell EVERYONE about Top Chef and tell them to vote for Chef Josie!

Alright see you at the polls!
Tks! 2007!
~Chef J

Happy New Year

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Wishing all of you

health,

happiness,

and great food

in 2007.

Top Chef Sunday Roast - Season 1 Style

Katie Lee trying to get a dose of personality

... too bad it didn't work.

Don't get yer Alan Whickers twisted ya fucking fannybaws!

Baby Huey all grown up.

Oompa Loompa love.

I prefer to stab my teammates in the back like this.

Me? Grovel? Never!

BTW, has anyone told you how hot you are today?

You are the rock star of chefs!

Cynthia showed off her magic tricks

by putting the front row to sleep

and a hex on Ken.

Things That Make You Go Hmmmmm.

What would happen if Ted Allen and Chef Betty had kids?

We love you Ted!!!

It is not to late to sign the petition for Ted to be a mentor on Top Chef Season 3.

Click here to sign the petition.

What To Do New Year's Day

Looking for something to do New Year's Day?

Once you have recovered from the hangover, watched the parade,
and all the football you can take...
turn in for a new episode of Anthony Bourdain, " No Reservations" on the Travel Channel.

Check your local listing for time.

Hey, it's not Top Chef....

but it is food and one hell of a chef.

6 Days And Counting

6 days left until the new episode of Top Chef.

::: waiting, waiting, waiting:::

All seven chefs are ready...

well maybe all of them.

There will be cooking,

and drama,

and cooking,

and drama,

and OK maybe a spill.

Then new serving techniques. (Uh?!?!?!)

To make up for lost time...

Next Wednesday night, the new TC episode

( just like your favorite fast food place)

is going to be...

This means Wednesday night's episode will have either -

an additional 15 minutes of show,

or 8 additional minutes of show

and 7 additional minutes of commercials.

Wait to see!!

While you wait, Bravo is also offering the "Top Chef Foodie Flyaway Sweepstakes".

(They are giving away a lot of prizes this season... hmm... to make up for having the fans wait?)

The GRAND PRIZE is a trip for two (2) to the “Food & Wine Magazine Classic” event in Aspen, Colorado from June 15-17, 2007. Click here to register.

Top Chef Season 1 Marathon

Today is the day!!

Top Chef Season 1 marathon begins at 1pm EST. Check your local listing.

Tell us which episode from season 1 is your favorite

and who is your favorite chef.

And stay turn for this Sunday's Roast

when Chef Biatch Roast Season 1.

Chef Biatch Chats With Chef Frank

While we are all enjoying the holidays, at least one chef has others on his mind. Frank Terzoli, Frankie the Bull to Top Chef viewers, is a very charitable guy.

Chef Frankie recently raised $20,000 for Children Uniting Nations. "I may never see daylight with all the time I have been logging in the charity kitchen, but if a foster kid has a brighter day because someone wanted to buy dinner prepared by Frankie the Bull, well that is the best way to end this amazing last year."

How can you argue with that?

During a recent phone conversation, Frankie told me about another charity he supports, Chef Frankie's support for the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, is very personal. His mother is a survivor.

Chef Frankie spoke about his family, his cooking and what he really thought of his fellow Top Chef contestants and all I can say is, he is a great guy.

So, in this land of plenty and in this time of giving, just remember there are those less fortunate then us and lets share the wealth. Whether it be donating a few dollars,dropping off some toys, cooking a few meals or something as simple as saying hello to your neighbor, just do something.

Chef Biatch

Holiday Message From Chef Josie

Here is a message from my heart to all of you this holiday season! Look around and enjoy what life has in store for you, appreciate the people who love you and whom you love, give back to the communities you are a part of and just try to look forward knowing we can't change the past but we can build a future better for everyone! so whatever holiday you'll be celebrating this season remember change begins with us-and "love is what makes the world go round" Be safe and enjoy some great food, with family and friends, making new wonderful memories! Happy New Year!

From Chef Josie

P.S. like always thanks for the continued support! Look for my new projects after the New Year!!! 2007 YEAH!

Yahoo Video For Episode 9 Is Served

Want to learn what cherries will do to your Libido?

Check out the Yahoo Preview

for the January 3rd episode,

" Create Sin Through Food"

The Night Before Christmas...Top Chef Style!

by Chef Back Burner

'Twas the night before Christmas,
When all through the house
Not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse;

The dishes were cleaned and put away with care,
With thoughts of a Christmas dinner soon to prepare.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of turkey and ham danced through their heads;

And mamma in her night gown and me in my skivvies,
We resting our eyes from the season's anxieties,
When out in the yard there arose such a clatter,
I grumpily got up to see what the hell was the matter.

Away to the window I angrily went
Tore open the curtain and was about to vent.
The street light that glared on the road below
Gave enough light for me to see...eh...so-so;
When, what did my half asleep eyes present,
But a miniature van and eight cheftestants.

With Gail, Tom, and Padma, I drew in my breath,
I knew in a minute it must be Top Chef.
More rapid than eagles these chefs came
And Tom shouted directions and called them by name:
"Now Betty! now, Ilan! now, Cliff! and Elia!
On, Micheal! on, Marcel! on, Sam, and...oh hell...Mia!"
Take the food to the porch, and into the hall!
Now hurry up! Not much time! Get to work, all!

As dry herbs that before power mixers fly
When they meet with an obstacle, let out a sarcastic sigh,
So into the kitchen these Top Chefs flew
With coolers of food and Kenmore Pro Kitchen equipment too.

And then in a second, I heard downstairs
The chopping, whizzing, and whirring of kitchen-wares.
As I scratched my head, and was turning around,
Into my bedroom Tom Colicchio came with a bound.

He was dressed in a chef's coat and, though I thought rude,
His arms were filled with all types of food.
A butt load of Bailey's and Smirnoff he began to unwrap,
He looked like a bartender with drinks on the tap.

His eyes how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were likes roses, his nose like a cherry!
His quirky mouth was in a smirky smile,
And his head reflected light you could see for a mile;

What was left of a cookie he held tight in his teeth,
And the crumbs encircled his feet like a wreath.
He had broad face and a tight little belly
Quite firm when he laughed liked over-set gell-y.

He was fit, and not chubby- strange sight for a chef
And when I saw him I almost laughed to death
A wink of his eye and some sarcastic comments,
Soon let me know not to worry about the cheftestants.

He spoke not another word, but went straight to work,
Cooking every course, then turned with a jerk,
With the ring of the timer filling the air,
He grabbed all the chef's with no time to spare.

They sprang to the van, and the tires gave a squeal,
And away they all drove, leaving a festive meal.
But I heard them exclaim as they drove out of sight,
"Merry Top Chef Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Top Chef Elf-a-licious!

For your holiday entertainment,
The BTC Kitchen proudly presents...
"The Top Chef Christmas Elves"

To view your favorite Chef Elf,

Click on their name and turn the sound up.

Not only can they cook... they can dance!

Chef Betty


Chef Carlos


Chef Cliff

Chef Elia


Chef Emily

Chef Frank


Chef Ilan


Chef Josie


Chef Marcel

Chef Marisa

Chef Mia

Chef Mikey


Chef Otto



Chef Suyai

Chef Sam

A special thanks to our dear friends

over on Blogging Project Runway for the link!!

From Our Kitchen To You. Happy Holidays!

Hope everyone has a good Holiday...whichever one(s) you like to celebrate. And remember, everyone gains an average of 1 pound over these weeks... lets all try to raise that average to 2!

Chef Back Burner

Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday and all the best in 2007. Eat, drink... then eat some more.
Sous Chef Humor

Happy Holidays Yall! Hope that fat bastard Santa brings you everything on yalls list.
Chef Biatch

Mark Your Calendar... Set Your TiVo

They are back!!!

Wednesday, December 27th,

Bravo presents all of season 1.

Check your local listing for times.

Beginning at 1pm EST - the following episodes:

101 - Who Deserves To Be Here

102 - Food of Love

103 - Nasty Delights

104 - Food On The Fly

105 - Blind Confusion

106 - Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?

107 - Restaurant Wars

108 - Wedding Bell Blues

109 - Napa's Finest

111 - Finale

112 - Finale, pt. 2

Season 1 is also now available on iTunes

Reason 8 Why Our Chef Biatch Wouldn't Make It On Top Chef

Chef Biatch was still upset over "watermelon steak"

and poor Sam regretted winning the knives.

But Marcel didn't care...

as long as she didn't touch "The Hair".

Bad Chef Biatch, Bad

Your Turn to Build A Post

Since there is not a new episode tonight, the BTC kitchen thought it would be fun for everyone to do his or her own Quick Fire Challenge.

Here is how it will work:
- Read the challenge below.
- Create a chef name for yourself (optional) or you can use Anonymous
- Select one of the 7 previous challenges.
- Write what you would do in this challenge, (enter your reply either in the comment area or email us).
- We will let this post run for a couple of days to allow time for you to write your response.

As we receive them, we will copy and paste your emails or comments here in the post area and watch the post grow. Be creative, have fun and good luck to everyone.

Step 1: Select one of the previous Quick Fire Challenges -
Flambé
Sushi
Ice cream
Amuse Bouche (Vending machine food only)
Leftovers
Canned Goods
Baileys Cocktail

Step 2: Unlike the chef contestants, you will not have the Kenmore Pro Kitchen to work with. You may use one or several of the following:

An "Easy Bake Oven" with extra light bulb
A George Foreman grill
A hand mixer
A toaster oven
A bunsen burner
A camp fire or camping stove
An ice bucket
Plus any normal kitchen utensils (well if you have unusual kitchen utensils, tell us about those too)

You knew we had to throw a twist in here.

Step 3: Select one of the remaining Chefs to judge your food and tell us why.

Your time begins... when you are ready. Take all the time you need.

The prize...everyone is a winner for trying.

From Chef Mother Hubbard
I'd go for the ice cream Quickfire.

I would cube rugelach and stir them into a vanilla ice cream enhanced with sour cream and a cinnamon-sugar swirl. I would use the hand mixer to blend the liquid mixture. I'd then fill the ice bucket with crushed ice, nest the bowl with the cream mixture in it, and keep stirring the mixture and scrapingthe sides. I'd gently stir in the pastry and cinnamon swirl when the mixture was semi-frozen and continue to stir and scrape until the whole thing was almost solid.

I would have Ilan judge it as the one cheftestant who might understand a Jewish cuisine-based creation.

From our Email, Chef Lora
Hi! I love Top Chef (didn't watch the first season, but am thoroughly enjoying it) and I love your blog. I think this is a great idea for a challenge to the readers and I'm looking forward to the results.

I would choose to do the canned good challenge because I don't know how to flambe', make sushi, or make ice cream. I don't like Bailey's and I wouldn't have a clue on the vending machine challenge.

When I saw your list of kitchen items, I immediately knew which one I would choose: the George Foreman grill! This thing is fantastic. I use it to make paninis. Who needs to spend big bucks on a panini maker when all you need is a $15 George Foreman grill?

Tuna Melt Panini

Mix the following in a bowl:
Can of albacore tuna
Chopped canned artichoke hearts, not marinated kind
Half a can of garbanzo beans
Juice of half a lemon
Salt and pepper
Some hot pepper flakes
Little bit of mayo (just a hint)

Place slice of bread on GF grill. Add a slice of provolone or white American cheese (Elia will obviously not be judging this). Scoop half the mixture onto the bread. Place another slice of cheese and then bread. Close the grill.
In about 5 minutes, it will be crusty and melted and delicious! This is enough to make two paninis. I'd probably plate them by slicing them diagonally and arranging the four halves on a plate. Serve with potato chips (from the vending machine, of course!)

Now, who would I want to judge my QF challenge? I don't think Cliff, Marcel, or Elia would appreciate it. (I'm sure Elia would speet it out!) But Betty or Michael might like it. My favorite chef is Ilan, though. So I would be interested to see what he thinks of it.

From Chef Actor
O.K. I'll play...I'll do the Baileys Challenge ..the best way to do this is by the glow of an Easy Bake Oven!

I call it a Cininmon Oatmeal Rasion Cookie
2 count Baileys Irish Cream,
2 count Kettle One Vodka,
2 count Butter Schnapps
and one count Gold Schlagger
put in a shaker add ice shake well and strain into glass if you want you can put over ice! Packs a wallop and taste just like the cookie!

From Chef Penny
I'll take the Baileys challenge.
First off I'd have to taste test the Baileys, and since it was so good, I'd drink the whole bottle and forget what I was doing in the first place.

Then I would stumble around until I spotted the vending machine and of course I wouldn't have any change so I'd get mad and start shaking the machine and kicking it until a lone Snickers bar would fall out.

After eating half of it, I would mold it into a ball. With nothing else on hand to work with, I'd go dumpster diving (remember that I did drink an entire bottle of Baileys by myself) to see what I could find.

Oh yeah baby, Mike didn't use all of his Cheetoo's! I'd take them back to the kitchen and stick a few on top of my Snicker ball, using a few of the nuts for eyes and a nose.

When the judges came by to see my wonderful creation of molecular gastronomy and they asked WTF is that? I'd belch out loud and say......"It's a moose bitch!" Get it?, Amuse Bouche=A Moose Bitch.

I'm drunk on Baileys so it's funny to me! LMBO.

From Chef Jazzikins
Hi there from Jazzikins....ok, I'll try this.
The Amuse thing using vending machine food and a toaster oven (Going with what is usually in our vending machines at work).......death by chocolate amuse thing....

2 packs of shortbread cookies
2 packs of mini-kisses,
one pack of almond M&M's
plus 1 large cup of hot cocoa from the coffee machine (mostly for the chef LOL)

Top cookies with mini-kisses, place in toaster oven, let kisses melt down, top with almond M&M's for the amuse thing...then on the side I'd have the hot cocoa in an espresso cup.

I'd choose Elia (who else when it comes to chocolate LOL!) to sample it.

From Chef Edward
Baileys Challenge

Drink might have a name but we used to call them a White Pollack. (Variation on a White Russian). Half a glass of ice, 3 shots of bailey, 2 shots of Vodka,pour Heavy Cream over, serve seperated.

Mini Nalisniki
2 Cups flour
4 eggs
1.5 cup cream
salt
Farmers Cheese
Prunes
Butter

Take Flour and mix in the eggs, slowly add cream as you mix, add salt. Let set for a minute while you make the center. Mix 2 parts farmers cheese with 1 part prunes and a bit of butter. Heat till warm but not boiling.

Heat pan with butter, make small pancake and cook till solid, flip and brown a little. Apply to plate and insert enough center to be a little oozing, roll and hold with toothpick.

Top Chef Holiday Gift Ideas

Some additional great ideas. Give your TOP CHEF FAN cookies/candy and recipes from the Chefs.... or bake em and eat em yourself.

From Chef Betty to you:



Well, we just had to make 1,400 pieces of candy so I thought I'd share with you my recipe for Coconut Macadamia Brittle with Orange Essence...for 1,400.

I've adjusted this recipe down to about 2 lbs though...
2 cups of sugar
1 cup of Karo corn syrup (light)
orange peel from 1 large orange (use a microplane if possible, right into the pan and you get all the luscious oils as well)
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons salted butter, plus additional for buttering sides of saucepan.
1 1/2 t baking soda, sifted (this helps the brittle not stick to your teeth)
2 cups roasted macadamia nuts
1 cup sweetened coconut, toasted or untoasted, whatever you prefer
Canola oil to oil baking sheets

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: Candy Thermometer with side medal clip attachment so it can rest on the rim of the saucepan and the thermometer can sit in the candy mixture.

Oil or butter two large baking sheets, set aside (this will stop the brittle from sticking to the sheets when you pour it out). In a heavy bottom large saucepan, butter the sides. Add sugar, corn syrup, orange peel, orange juice and butter. Cook over medium high heat to boiling, stirring constantly. (use a wooden spoon). Stir to dissolve all of the sugar, but be very careful because boiling hot sugar is friggin' hot. Add thermometer to side of pan at this point, you want it to get to 300 degrees which is hard crack stage, this will take 20 - 30 minutes. When it reaches the proper temperature, remove from heat, remove thermometer, add the nuts and stir and quickly sprinkle the baking soda over the mixture stirring constantly, then CAREFULLY pour the mixture onto the buttered baking sheets and sprinkle the top with coconut. You can spread the mix to cover the pan, and it may be thicker in some areas depending on how flat your baking sheets are...not to worry, it's candy, it'll be enjoyed any way.... Set aside in a cool area (not the refrigerator though) and cool completely. When set, take out a mallet and crack it into rustic pieces, serve or store in tightly sealed container. If it's a bit oily from the oil on the pan, just set it on a paper towel to absorb some of the oil and ENJOY!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL TOP CHEF FANS!
LOVE CHEF BETTY




From Chef Marisa to you:



One of my most recent and favorite holiday traditions has been to get together with a few good friends who are fellow chefs and we make chocolates and cookies together. One of our favorite cookies we make are gingebread cookies that we cut and decorate into snowflakes. This is always a great opportunity for us to just hangout and have some fun together. There is inevitably a generous amount of champagne and wine that starts flowing. It's funny to look back and see the difference between the cookies we decorated at the beginning of our cocktail/baking party and the ones we decorated after a few drinks.

DECORATING GINGERBREAD COOKIES
6c. AP flour
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. baking powder
8oz. butter
1c. br. sugar
2T 2 tsp. powdered ginger
1T 1 tsp cinnamon
1 ½ tsp clove
1 tsp blk. Pepper
½ tsp. salt
2 eggs
1c. molasses

Combine the butter and sugar and paddle for several minutes. Add the spices, salt. Then add the eggs, then the molasses. Sift together the flour, soda, and powder. On low speed add the flour, and mix until combined. Flatten the dough into disks and chill. When you are ready roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Bake the cookies in a 350 oven for 7-10 minutes, depending upon the size of the cookie. Allow the cookies to cool and then decorate.


Thank you Chef Betty and Chef Marisa,
We at BTC wish you both a wonderful and safe holiday season.

Sunday Roast

Prepared by Chef Biatch

Now available for the holidays...

Mia turned you into a Ken doll dude.

WTF?

The Bravo preview department forget to talk with the editing department?

To see Stephen, click here for the bonus video.

You Don't Want To Miss This One

WOW!! What a prize Bravo!

Click HERE to register to win.

In the comment area below, tell us who you would like the next Top Chef to be and what would you like he/she to cook for you.

If you are the lucky winner, at the end of the season, be sure to let us know all about it.

Holiday Cocktails and Drinks

This weeks Quick Fire challenge had the chefs step out of the role of chef and into the role of bartender.

Or as we learned this week... a Mixologist.



Guest judge Kristin Woodward is the bar manager of Oysters Restaurant in Corona Del Mar California. To learn more about Kristin, click here.

Each of the chefs came up with some creative drinks:



Michael - Tasty Lacy – Caramel, Baileys, Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Guinness foam and Candied rim

Cliff – Original Baileys, Rum, Vodka and Vanilla Bean

Sam – Baileys Hot Chocolate with Godiva Liqueur and Heavy Cream



Marcel – Smoke and Fire – Scotch Coffee with Baileys and Milk Foam

Ilan – Baileys and Egg Whites foamed with Guinness and topped with Scotch

Mia – Chocolate Mama – Mint Chocolate Baileys, Crown Royal and Orange Juice

Elia – Cappuccino with Caramel Baileys and Ginger

Betty – Parrot Bay Coconut Rum with Heavy Cream, Caramel Baileys, Cinnamon and Lime Juice.



Some of the drinks were exciting and looked tasty...

and we learned from Betty that cream and lime juice do not mix well.



Sorry Betty.

So as we head into the holiday season,

tell us about your favorite holiday drink.
Feel free to share the recipe as well.

Holiday Season

To Chef Ilan

and all of our visitors celebrating Hanukkah...

we wish you a wonderful and peaceful holiday.

Holiday Parties 101

by Chef Back Burner

As the Holiday season gets into full swing, Bravo paused last night to provide us with a “How to...” video as to what to do versus what not to do when throwing a successful cocktail party.

First, they provided the necessary factor for any fun event...butt loads of alcohol! With the promos for Smirnoff and Baileys ringing through the air they let us know that good food or not it’s the alcohol that puts the “cocktail” in the party.

Then they gave us the right environment to provide our guests with the Holiday spirit (even if it was in the middle of July) ...a movie lot of a downtown street filled with snow from snow machines. For those of us at home who are not able to rent a movie lot and snow machines...your front yard and Styrofoam peanuts will do.

After setting the scene, Top Chef proceed to give us 2 teams of “party throwers” that we can watch like one of those 1950’s instructional videos they used to show in school. They called them Team Black and Team Orange. Like in most old films where the bad guy wore a black hat and made all the bumbling mistakes, the Black Team got the job of showing us what not to do while the “cheery” Orange team lead us down the path towards being the best party thrower in the neighborhood. For example...

-While the Black team sat and talked over each other, ignoring the member who had the most experience in party throwing, the Orange team talked happily together, coming up with group ideas before electing a leader to coordinate everyone into making those ideas happen...it was almost heart warming.

-As the Orange team planned a party with many dishes so their guests with many palates would have choices, the Black team focused just on seafood leaving many “palates” out in the cold...brrrrr!

-With the party coming into full swing the Orange team provided a table of their many options that looked appetizing and full at all times with smiling team members serving and wishing all a Happy Holiday. The Black team, on the other hand, provided the “bumbling” waiter who comedically carried half full trays of food back and forth without knowing which direction he was going or who to listen to.....ahhh, Bravo, you had us rolling in the aisles with that one. Not only did Bravo give a wonderful opportunity for comparison, they also took the time to hide little lessons in the proverbial margins. Lessons like...

-Don’t kill yourself with trying to have great food at the party...average will suffice...as long as there are GREAT cocktails!

-Expressing your concerns about a bad party will only make it your fault later when the party goes in the crapper! ...and my favorite...

-Uncle Bob, who weighs 400 lbs, may be who is on your mind when planning the amount of food you need to make but you should really be thinking about all those women you’re inviting who have spent the last year on a diet and are going off of it for the Holiday season...and since they basically haven’t eaten for a year...well, I don’t need to go on...

So, as we head off to our parties and dinners throughout this Holiday season, take the lessons of TOP CHEF with you ...and just remember if your party isn’t going they way you’d like it to, you always have the option of leaving...

Happy Holidays everyone!

We're BACK!!!!

Hey faithful visitors to our little kitchen. We are so sorry for the delay. With last nights QF challenge involving a Top Chef cocktail, the party in our kitchen got a little out of hand, the blog got a little tipsy, and passed out for the day... Oh that sounds good...people will believe that.

No, we are just kidding. We know you visit our fun little kitchen via the internet and PC ... so you know this little kitchen is run via a PC and multiple applications. Like any PC, ours went in the crapper last night.

Thank goodness the BTC kitchen has a full staff of technical support (ok Sous Chef Humor’s IT hubby). He is still fishing the main PC out of the crapper but went above and beyond to get us up and running again tonight.

A special thanks to hubby for a job well done.

And a very special thanks to all of you, for hanging in there with us and stopping by.

OK so onto the dishes at hand. We have to wait until 2007 (yek….) before the next new episode but that does not mean you have to stop dropping by the kitchen. We are cooking up all sorts of good stuff for you, for the next 2 weeks.

Cheers and congratulations to Cliff for his Quick Fire Challenge Win.

Way to lead a team Sam.
Congratulations on the Elimination Challenge win.

You are packing some knives now.

Great prize.


Mia... Two words... Classy Lady.

You have come a long way in life and in addition to your family being proud of you… you have many Top Chef fans who thank you for being a part of this season.
We here at BTC wish you all the best.

Listen to Mia's interview:

" Mia throws in the towel after throwing up her sushi" on Chow.com

Are We Ready?

Last Top Chef episode for 2006.

" Holiday Spirit "

We are down to 8 and 4 still need to go.

Who is next to "Pack their knives and go?"

As far as we know...

after tonight's new episode,

there are no new episodes

until after the New Year!

Message From Chef Carlos and Chuck

Hi Everyone

Our theme for tomorrow night's Top Chef Party at Hi-Life Cafe is: Dress As Your Favorite Christmas Ornament -- Or Wear One!

This will be our last party this year as there will be no more original episodes until January.

Our featured cocktail this week is Lime in da Coconut - yum. Hope you can join us for this final festive party of 2006.


Last week's Plaza 3000 Holiday Party was a huge success. Thanks to all of you who showed up to share the tidings of the season. And many thanks to our friends in the Noel Quartet who re-wrote the words to The First Noel in reference to Carlos stint on Top Chef. We will be publishing the lyrics on Carlos' web site later this week.

We have just a few seats still available for New Years Eve. Let me know if you would like to join us for the most exclusive party in town!

Wishing all of you a very happy and safe holiday.

We at the Hi-Life Cafe hope to see you very soon.

Chuck
Hi-Life Cafe
954.563.1395
www.hilifecafe.com
www.chefcarlosfernandez.com

Dear Carlos and Chuck,

From all of us here at BTC, we wish you both a wonderful holiday and all the best in 2007. Continue to swing by the kitchen, we love hearing from you.

Reason 7 Why Our Chef Biatch Wouldn't Make It On Top Chef

Chef Biatch hates food snobs

Yahoo Top Chef Preview Is Served

Be sure to have your TC cocktails

ready for this episode.







The Yahoo Video is now available and...

" The Chefs Make Holiday Chasers"

It's Party Time!!!

Top Chef Guest This Week

Where is Stephen now?

Stephen finally realized his lifelong dream of becoming a vintor. This picture was snapped while he was hawking his boxed wines at a "Lord of the Rings" convention in Podunk, Utah.

Just kidding! We are happy to say that Stephen will be on episode 8. Stephen and Marcel together...this should be fun.

To learn more about what Stephen is up to now, check out his website.

Ted Allen is this week's guest judge.

YEA!!!! This is one we have been waiting for. Ilan and Ted together. How will we tell them apart?

Remember to sign our fun petition for Ted Allen to be a mentor for Top Chef Season 3. We are not suggesting he replace anyone but rather be added as a mentor for the chefs.

Ted is also featured in the December Issue of Bon Appétit, Great holiday brunch recipes.

And last, there is a guest judge during the Quick Fire Challenge. View the Yahoo video above and see if you can guess who she is.

It is going to be a fun episode!

Chef Marcel's Turn To Speak

We give each chef equal time and when responding via email we promised no edits. Our request to Chef Marcel was two weeks ago and we understand, with busy schedules this time of year, it takes time to respond. We received this over the weekend.

Us: Hello Marcel,

Marcel: HI

Us: Frank has explained the broken sunglasses from last weeks show and we were wondering if you would care to add to the statement.

Marcel: I willo ask Bravo but i dont think we r supposed to blog without permission. As for the glasses. Yes there were glasses but did i break them? No! They were probably stepped on by production or a camera guy, I dont know.

Us: Is Franks story true? Was there more to it? Did you feel in fear for your safety? Did the two of you work this out?

Marcel: Franks strory tru. NO! He wasnt there when I placed his items in his bag and set them on the floor next to a chair that was occupied with his and Ilans clothes. So how he can say that i swept them onto the floor and kicked them under the bed is aronious. Affraid? OF Frank? Never, r u joking? I thought it was more humorous than N E thing. Work it out? Yeah i reckon we did.

Us: Thanks for your time

Sunday Roast

Prepared by Chef Biatch

Well, guess Marcel was right after all.

There is such a thing as a watermelon steak.

Dude, you're such a rebel.

I see London,
I see France,
I see Sam's Underpants.

Look kids, it's "Bad Extensions Barbie!"

Am I the only one hearing Billy Idols

"Dancing with Myself"

while looking at this?




Chefs Gone Wild!




Lmao, and Andy thought she looked hot?

Marcel realized a minute too late
that Frank was leaving him
a "love bite" to remember him by.

Ew, just ew