Holiday Message From Chef Lee Anne

Us: Is there a holiday tradition,recipe or memory you would like to share with the TC faithful?
Lee Anne : I don't know about tradition, but I certainly enjoy hot beverages in the winter. Today at The FCI, we are actually making a traditional Swedish drink called Glogg. It's basically 2 parts red wine and 1 part ruby port steeped with some brown sugar (to taste), (about a tablespoon or two of each, depending on how much liquid you have) whole cardamom pods, whole allspice, 2 whole cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, fresh ginger (chopped), bay leaves, and fresh tangerine peels. Combine in a pot and warm over low heat (do not bring to a simmer). Once warmed, steep over low heat for 20 minutes and then remove from the heat source and allow the glogg to sit for another 20 minutes. At this point it cam be strained and served warm or chilled down. I plan on drinking a lot of this this afternoon.


Us: What are your plans this holiday season?
Lee Anne: I'm laying low this Christmas. I've been focusing on refurnishing my apartment which is way more of an effort than I initially thought. I'll be cooking for friends who aren't going home to family at my apartment. Maybe a whole roasted goose with foie gras stuffing. I've got some ice skating and bowling lined up sometime before New Year's too.

Us: Anything you special you want Santa to put under the tree?
Lee Anne: (A 54" Plasma screen HD TV????) Kidding. I actually do not need anything material, as I am in the midst of getting rid of everything in my apartment. My Christmas wish is to come strong out of the gate in '08. I have a lot of potentially great projects lined up and I hope I can see them to fruition.


Us: What is the most embarrassing/unusual present you've ever received/given?
Lee Anne: Ask Harold what he got me last year for Christmas.

Us: How do you celebrate the New Year?
Lee Anne: Last year I had a "Deep-fried, carbonated, porktastic New Year", which was actually the title of the New Year's party I threw with our Director of Culinary Technology, David Arnold. He has a pretty sick (if not illegal) kitchen in his apartment in the Lower East Side, which has a 6-burner commercial range, a double basket deep fryer, a salamander, and a plancha. Plus his carbonating tank he keeps under the sink (we carbonated and deep fried just about everything). I think we may be having the same party again this year, as last year's was such a hit.

Us: If you could anyone to kiss at the stroke of midnight on New Years,who would it be?
Lee Anne: I'd love to make out with Eric Ripert but since that's a long shot I'll be happily locking lips with my boyfriend.

Happy Holidays Lee Anne. We love you!

Top Chef - New Places and Votes Are In

Chef Tre has a new website. Yeah!!! You can access his site here.

Over on Endless Simmer, the votes are in and Chef Anthony is your eater of the year. Check it out.

Thanks Brendan for the email.

The Glad America's Steamiest Chef votes are in and ... our beloved Chef Sam is the winner. Check it out.
Love ya Sam!!

Thanks Kali for the email!

As we told you back on November 28th, one of our favorite chefs from season 1, Chef Dave Martin has a new place. Chef Dave drop us the following note:

Hello, Friends ...
I just wanted to let everyone know that when you are in NYC you have a new place to dine or if you live there even better you can come in more often. My new restaurant 'Crave on 42nd' is up and rolling with reservations only from thursday-sundays. The press on zagat, eater.com, NY Times, New York Magazine,Citysearch and many other web properties has really spread the word quickly. The link below will take you to our site which has up to date menus, wine lists and even some pix of the place. I would love to see you all at 'Crave' whenever you are in town or available. Thanks for all of your support.

Sincerely, Dave Martin

one of the pieces from zagat buzz and his main site at Crave on 42nd street. Love the music. Best of luck Chef Dave.

Happy Holidays From BTC

Happy Holidays Everyone!

The three of us are taking a little break to enjoy this time of year with non Internet/blog/Top Chef family and friends. Many of them do not remember us, so we need to get reacquainted.

Betty: "What no BTC for a few weeks!! I pray they are kidding".

No, we need a little break but want to wish all of you a safe and healthy eating holiday.

Well... do not over eat.



May this be a joyful and fun holiday for you.

And may 2008 bring you many blessings.

We will catch you after the first of the year...

unless some really big breaking news happens.

We love you all!

Chef Back Burner

Chef Biatch

Sous Chef Humor

Happy Holidays!

Rocco Dispirito Tidbit

From our mailbox:

Hi Guys,
I'm a huge fan of your blog. I was watching TLC last night and Rocco Dispirito was cooking on Stacy London's talk show! He was extremely gorgeous and cooked white beans with shrimp while flirting ostentatiously with Ms. London. Just a tidbit.

Amy



Thanks Amy, we caught the show too. He was so cute, and Stacy just melted when she got her own copy of his new book, with his autograph. Check out his site here. For a little peek inside his book, click HERE

On Newstands Now

This weeks issue of OK Magazine features Ted Allen along with Gail , LeeAnn, Ilan and Bethenny Frankel.




Ted offers up his recipes for:

Appetizers: endive, blue cheese and walnut starters

Ted's roast prime rib

For dessert, Ted makes a wonderful Tiramisu, one from Godiva chocolates. "You have to have dessert," Ted said, "I like to make truffles that are really easy to make".

and Ted's tip for the decor: "I’m not really a china and silver candlestick person. I think it’s more fun and more personal if it’s an eclectic mix of things. A little bit of high, a little bit of low"


For the recipes and much more, pick up the magazine today. Sous Chef Humor already has hers.

We love you Ted ! Happy eating everyone!

From The Mailbox

Many of you are so kind to send us emails and links to Top Chef News. A few tidbits arrived today.

First, our fan favorite, Chef Tre is out job hunting. Click HERE to learn more. " Dallas chef Tre Wilcox to leave Abacus " from Guide Live. com

Thanks to both Don and Eric for each sending us this news.



Over on the Endless Simmer blog, they have a vote going for " Who is the Eater of the Year" and two TC favorites are in the running. Both Anthony Bourdain and...




Padma Lakshmi. Hmmm Padma or Anthony.

We know how much you love to vote, so click here and enter their poll.
Thanks Brendan

Holiday Roast

Prepared by Chef Biatch

Damn,that acid from college must finally be kicking in cause I could swear I`m seeing Betty and Marcel hugging.

Rut roe, looks like someone missed their nap.

Never seen Abe Vigoda looking better.

TMI!

Chef Toms Cher impression. Pretty good,eh?

I know Ted, I was sad Sam wasn't on the show too...

but pull yourself together man!

Your turn. Use the picture of Tiffani to write your own caption in the comment area below.

Enjoy everyone!

She Is In Trouble Now

Our own Sous Chef Humor went to the doctor yesterday ( she is fine) and while waiting... you know how that can be for a doctor... she picked up the December 5th issue of " The New Yorker".


There was a small article about how Padma's mother is very upset with her and her use of the F word during her recent interview in the December 2007 issue of Vanity Fair. We posted this interview back on November 28th. Click HERE.



Seems Padma is not looking forward to visiting mom... hum Padma may be getting coal for Christmas. Hope her mom does not read Chef Biatch's Roast.

Holiday Messages From Chefs

From Season 3, Chef Camille

US: Is there a holiday tradition,recipe or memory you would like to share with the TC faithful?
Camille: Every year I host a holiday dinner party on Chinese New Year.

US: What are your plans this holiday season?
Camille: work.

US: Anything special you want Santa to put under the tree?
Camille: 2 airline tickets to Paris.

US: What is the most embarrassing/unusual present you've ever received/given?
Camille: I was given an old school British bike.

US: How do you celebrate the New Year?
Camille: Making dinner for friends & family while eating caviar & drinking champagne.

US: If you could kiss anyone at the stroke of midnight on New Years,who would it be?
Camille: I haven't met him yet.





From Season 2, Chef Marissa

US: Is there a holiday tradition,recipe or memory you would like to share with the TC faithful?
Marissa : I think our holiday tradition is actually to be untraditional. For Christmas we try something new every year....although it usually includes going to a performance of the Nutcracker.

US: What are your plans this holiday season?
Marissa : This year I am in the middle of helping to open Yoshi's San Francisco so my plans include work, work and more work! I know you're jealous!

US: Anything special you want Santa to put under the tree?
Marissa : I want Santa to please put a round trip ticket to Cabo under my tree....ooh maybe a cabana boy to go with it! ;-) Not sure if I've been naughty or nice this year. Hopefully I get more than a lump of coal. If any of the fans have any pull with the big guy let me know!

US: How do you celebrate the New Year?
Marissa : As for New Years Eve. This may sound boring, but it's the one holiday where I really love to be in the kitchen. It's always packed, you are insanely busy, but it always so much fun!

US: If you could kiss anyone at the stroke of midnight on New Years,who would it be?
Marissa : As for who I'd kiss at midnight....I can't give the TC crew the inside scoop on everything, so sorry, but these lips are sealed!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
M-

Happy Holidays ladies. We love you both!!

Top Chef / Project Runway Romance

Chef Dale is now dating Project Runway season 4 designer Jack Mackenroth. Outzone.com has the whole story. Check it out

We are thrilled for both Dale and Jack and send them warm holiday greetings.

Your Turn To Judge

What an exciting holiday QF. With great ingredients and a game of Dirty Santa.

Of the 8 dishes prepared for the QF, which dish would you like to try?


Betty- Smoked Salmon with leeks, apples, raisins, arugula and vinaigrette.

CJ - Roasted Walnuts sauteed with apples and shrimp.

Josie- Scallop with egg, pine nuts and shaved truffles.

Marcel - Toro Tartar with egg, prosciutto toast and chive puree.

Sandee - Prosciutto with cherries, port wine sauce, apricot and mustard chutney

Stephen - Yam Mocha and Lavender soup with olive crustini

Tiffani - Seared scallop with blini with caviar.

Tre- Sage encrusted chicken breast and rice pilaf with cheese.

Which QF dish would you like to try
	Chef Betty
	Chef CJ
	Chef Josie
	Chef Marcel
	Chef Sandee
	Chef Stephen
	Chef Tiffani
	Chef Tre
Free polls from Pollhost.com

In the comment area, pick one of the 8 ingredients and tell us what you would make for Santa.

Again they are:

Smoked Salmon, Walnuts, Black forest truffles, Toro, Prosciutto, Yams, Caviar, and Cheese ball.

Holiday Rap with Chef Marcel

Chef Marcel has a holiday rap for you over on "The Dish".

Check it out

Top Chef Holiday Special Results

SHE DID IT!!!

Way to go Tiffani!

She now has $20,000 for her new restaurant, opening in LA, and is the FIRST female Chef to win on Top Chef.

Something about season 1 Chefs... they have won both specials and we love them all.

Congratulations to Tre for also making it to the final 2. It was amazing to watch both of you prepare and serve a 4th course in 30 minutes. We, the TC fans, voted these two as our picks to win this. From the poll below and with 157 votes. Tre had 57 and Tiffani had 47. We can pick them.

A big shout out to CJ for winning the QF and with a "Nutcracker." And Bravo even gave us the clue.

How many of you knew who Santa was? Would love for this Santa to come down our chimney!

Thanks Bravo for a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season.

Tonight Is The Night

That is right TC fans. The Top Chef Holiday special is TONIGHT!!!

But wait... for those of you in the East and Central time zones, Bravo aired this show at midnight/11pm last night. Our own Chef Biatch has seen the show.

WTF!?!?!

The Bravo site is now stating that the show will air at 9pm EST to 10:30 pm instead of 8pm EST ( like all the commercials have said for the past week) . Keep checking back and we will keep you updated.

For tonight, we will have the live chat open and this show is 90 minutes long. Be sure to set Tivo and recorders for the extra amount of time.


As of this posting, your poll shows Chef Tre leading in votes to win with 47 out of 125 votes. Tiffani is in second with 34 votes. You still have time to vote in the post below.



Bring your holiday goodies and egg nog and join us for the chat tonight.

Top Chef Holiday Special

Bravo is serving up a holiday special for us. That is right TC fans, we have been telling you about this since October and now the preview video is ready.

With both Betty and Josie, this should be fun.

Tiffani will bring her game. She will be tuff to beat.

Tre and Stephen will be a match for all of them. One of them could be the winner.

CJ and Sandee will give it their all.

and Marcel, what holiday form will he be bringing?


Let's take a pre vote and see what you think. Who is going to win this and the $20,000?

Who will win the holiday special
	Chef Betty
	Chef Josie
	Chef Tiffani
	Chef Tre
	Chef Stephen
	Chef CJ
	Chef Sandee
	Chef Marcel
Free polls from Pollhost.com

For some additional fun, use the caption area below to write your own caption of Santa and Padma. We know Chef Biatch will be working on one.






Then click HERE to view the preview video and see what else Stephen has to say.
UPDATE: The Yahoo preview is ready as well. See what Josie does with a knife.

We will look forward to chatting with all of you THIS Thursday night, in our "Live Chat Room" Bring your egg nog and holiday treats. Remember, this Thursday December 6th.

WOW we are not used to Top Chef on a Thursday Night!! Don't be late!