Hey, folks. Sorry for the delay. Yesterday was "move out of Baltimore and drive to Boston" day. Haven't yet seen the episode myself, but I'll jump in once I do.
Discuss!
Comments
Theme from last night: I'm French! Merde! Etc.
It all looked pretty good, even for the Menudo, which I generally hate.
Is it just me, or are the challenges sort of going into people's wheelhouses. (And, maybe to start a conspiracy theory, the people they want to see advance...) Whylie and Graham on the vending machine/canned food challenge? (Admittedly, they both lost, but still something they both relished.) Or last night's "street food"? You don't think Mexican King Bayless or PR King Wilo wouldn't excel at that?
Another stellar episode. As soon as I realized Bayless was going to be on the show, I called it. I said he'd end up winning.
It was neat watching them handle the offal.
I didn't really like the French chef too much. He seemed full of himself and, frankly, compared to the other contestants, what he put out just wasn't that good. I think, though, we would have seen a completely different side of him if he had a full day to prep and time to create an elaborate menu. I think the nature of the challenges threw him.
When the Erica commercial came on, I cracked up, thinking about the rift she's caused here.
How could you let Rick Bayless make tacos and hope for a fair competition? Talk about landing in one's wheelhouse. :) Also, he got by far the easiest protein, I thought. I'm not fond of it myself, but tongue is super easy to work with compared to the other meats they got. Still, I was rooting for him this week so it's all good.
I love tripe, esp in a hearty soup or stew. Even before she said it, I was thinking pressure cooker all the way. It was kinda funny watching Cindy struggle with the damned thing (what if it blows up?). I really wanted to try that menudo, but I'd be disappointed too if it really were underseasoned/bland.
Not so fond of heart or pig's ear. I felt bad for Ludo for drawing that, but quesas? Really? At least go w/crepes or something. Cruncy & savory crepes. And the heart tripleta was almost like playing hide the organ meant. Prolly damn tasty though.
Anon, if they really were catering to each chef's talents, they would've brought in Wylie for next week's challenge, which is looking like a MG love-fest. In fact, I'm a bit bitter they didn't, though it would've been unfair to everyone else (not unlike letting Bayless make street vendor tacos!).
I did find it pretty hysterical that Ludo thought Rick Freakin' Bayless stole the idea of making mexican food from him! Or that his quesadillas could ever stack up to Rick's street tacos. I have to say, when Ludo said that he was used to working with pig's ears in France, I was intrigues by what he might put out. Even though this was clearly the most difficult ingredient, I felt that the quesadillas were a cop out.
I thought the episode was fun and interesting, with Bayless being very charming and, in an odd sort of way, rather endearing. It's the way he was always smiling and looking like he was having so much fun that sold me. You can just imagine Bayless and Keller, cracking jokes over glasses of wine in the finals. "I had to make tongue tacos in Universal studios!" "You think that's bad, I had to make shower pasta in a dorm room!"
I have generally been impressed by how friendly, energetic and cheerful the chefs have generally been, and also at the stunning level of cooking that they are putting out with pretty limited time. It really does show that they are masters...
Oh, and whoever suggested that it would be fun to see the esteemed head judge compete? Yes. Very Yes. In a shameless 'play to the wheelhouse' episode focusing on high end steaks.
I knew the french chef was done when he reached for whole foods tortillas. Those things aren't worth wiping one's rear with.
I guess he expected Bayless to make a tounge crepe or something to even things out? Bayless helped everyone except the Puerto Rico cook. Seems like a genuinely nice guy.
It does seem like this one was set up for Bayless, but if he drew Tripe he was going to have to go a totally different direction. His style of cooking if he sticks with it should make things super easy for him. Prep and cook of mexican cuisine is pretty fast. He didn't struggle at all really for time.
The next week I don't recognize any of the four by face.
I watch this show starting at 30 minutes after to allow for commercial buffer. I can't imagine any other way. Is this Erica you guys talk about in the glad commercial they play on the videos? The one that is so "BUSY" that an inferior store brand ziploc bag would be too time consuming to use?
The tongue had to be cooked in much less time than normal, and did not see Bayless with a pressure cooker. the judges commented on how tender it was, so he appeared to do a masterful job with it.
Did not like the Frenchman. Loved how Bayless was so helpful and so at ease. Like Wylie the week before, I did not think much of Bayless until this episode. I am glad he won.
Can I just say (as many others have), that I REALLY like this show? The chefs being so friendly and working together yet still putting out good food is awesome to watch. The fact that Ludo (?) slipped out of this role somewhat only highlighted how fun and relaxed the rest of them have been.
"Oh, and whoever suggested that it would be fun to see the esteemed head judge compete? Yes. Very Yes. In a shameless 'play to the wheelhouse' episode focusing on high end steaks."
That would be me. :) I know it won't happen, because what if he went on and lost?!? He would not be able to function as head judge again. But it would be great to see.
That does look like John Besh on the previews for the next episode. I believe he also unsuccessfully tried out for an Iron Chef slot... I wonder if chefs can become addicted to the competitions...
I actually would not want to see Tom compete! If he wins it would not be believed and if he loses it would make everyone feel uncomfortable. I like respecting him as head judge.
It was nice to see the Universal studio diners so wonderfully willing to eat the offal meals that probably none would order if they were on a menu.
I've always been a fan of your blog, and though I'm enjoying the Masters show, I don't have anything useful to add. But I just wanted to say, as a fan, how excited I am that you're moving here to Boston! I'm looking forward to local restaurant reviews. Welcome to town!
If it is John Besh (I misssed the preview), then he's my pick for a favorite in a MG challenge because I remember articles from his stint of the Next Iron Chef that said he went through a period of playing around with some pretty odd uses of molecular gastronomy.
Besh may be addicted to these competitions but, considering how active he is in various organizations related to rebuilding New Orleans, I can't see him turning down an opportunity to promote some New Orleans' charities.
I'm so happy Rick Bayless won! I just had a steak torta and raspberry prickly pear limeade from his Frontera Fresco lunch location. :) I think he can make anything taste good!
For some reason, Bravo decided that the presence of Independence Day on Friday meant that they should pre-empt TCM this week in order to show the same Fashion Show episode on both Wednesday and Thursday night.
Theme from last night: I'm French! Merde! Etc.
It all looked pretty good, even for the Menudo, which I generally hate.
Is it just me, or are the challenges sort of going into people's wheelhouses. (And, maybe to start a conspiracy theory, the people they want to see advance...) Whylie and Graham on the vending machine/canned food challenge? (Admittedly, they both lost, but still something they both relished.) Or last night's "street food"? You don't think Mexican King Bayless or PR King Wilo wouldn't excel at that?
Just saying....
Posted by: anon man | June 25, 2009 at 08:26 AM
Anybody else find the idea that Bayless would "steal" the idea for tacos absolutely hysterical?
Posted by: Naomi | June 25, 2009 at 09:26 AM
Another stellar episode. As soon as I realized Bayless was going to be on the show, I called it. I said he'd end up winning.
It was neat watching them handle the offal.
I didn't really like the French chef too much. He seemed full of himself and, frankly, compared to the other contestants, what he put out just wasn't that good. I think, though, we would have seen a completely different side of him if he had a full day to prep and time to create an elaborate menu. I think the nature of the challenges threw him.
When the Erica commercial came on, I cracked up, thinking about the rift she's caused here.
Posted by: Bart | June 25, 2009 at 09:45 AM
How could you let Rick Bayless make tacos and hope for a fair competition? Talk about landing in one's wheelhouse. :) Also, he got by far the easiest protein, I thought. I'm not fond of it myself, but tongue is super easy to work with compared to the other meats they got. Still, I was rooting for him this week so it's all good.
I love tripe, esp in a hearty soup or stew. Even before she said it, I was thinking pressure cooker all the way. It was kinda funny watching Cindy struggle with the damned thing (what if it blows up?). I really wanted to try that menudo, but I'd be disappointed too if it really were underseasoned/bland.
Not so fond of heart or pig's ear. I felt bad for Ludo for drawing that, but quesas? Really? At least go w/crepes or something. Cruncy & savory crepes. And the heart tripleta was almost like playing hide the organ meant. Prolly damn tasty though.
Anon, if they really were catering to each chef's talents, they would've brought in Wylie for next week's challenge, which is looking like a MG love-fest. In fact, I'm a bit bitter they didn't, though it would've been unfair to everyone else (not unlike letting Bayless make street vendor tacos!).
--
Dave
Posted by: Dave_P | June 25, 2009 at 09:50 AM
I did find it pretty hysterical that Ludo thought Rick Freakin' Bayless stole the idea of making mexican food from him! Or that his quesadillas could ever stack up to Rick's street tacos. I have to say, when Ludo said that he was used to working with pig's ears in France, I was intrigues by what he might put out. Even though this was clearly the most difficult ingredient, I felt that the quesadillas were a cop out.
Posted by: Sarah C. | June 25, 2009 at 10:14 AM
I thought the episode was fun and interesting, with Bayless being very charming and, in an odd sort of way, rather endearing. It's the way he was always smiling and looking like he was having so much fun that sold me. You can just imagine Bayless and Keller, cracking jokes over glasses of wine in the finals. "I had to make tongue tacos in Universal studios!" "You think that's bad, I had to make shower pasta in a dorm room!"
I have generally been impressed by how friendly, energetic and cheerful the chefs have generally been, and also at the stunning level of cooking that they are putting out with pretty limited time. It really does show that they are masters...
Oh, and whoever suggested that it would be fun to see the esteemed head judge compete? Yes. Very Yes. In a shameless 'play to the wheelhouse' episode focusing on high end steaks.
Posted by: KinderJ | June 25, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Oh, and lest I forget, Dom,
Welcome to Boston. I hope your family will be very happy here. Oh, and don't worry, the mayor always sounds like that. He's fine.
Posted by: KinderJ | June 25, 2009 at 10:32 AM
I knew the french chef was done when he reached for whole foods tortillas. Those things aren't worth wiping one's rear with.
I guess he expected Bayless to make a tounge crepe or something to even things out? Bayless helped everyone except the Puerto Rico cook. Seems like a genuinely nice guy.
It does seem like this one was set up for Bayless, but if he drew Tripe he was going to have to go a totally different direction. His style of cooking if he sticks with it should make things super easy for him. Prep and cook of mexican cuisine is pretty fast. He didn't struggle at all really for time.
The next week I don't recognize any of the four by face.
I watch this show starting at 30 minutes after to allow for commercial buffer. I can't imagine any other way. Is this Erica you guys talk about in the glad commercial they play on the videos? The one that is so "BUSY" that an inferior store brand ziploc bag would be too time consuming to use?
Posted by: babyarm | June 25, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Thought I saw John Besh on next week's preview.
The tongue had to be cooked in much less time than normal, and did not see Bayless with a pressure cooker. the judges commented on how tender it was, so he appeared to do a masterful job with it.
Did not like the Frenchman. Loved how Bayless was so helpful and so at ease. Like Wylie the week before, I did not think much of Bayless until this episode. I am glad he won.
UG
Posted by: Gilmore | June 25, 2009 at 02:50 PM
Can I just say (as many others have), that I REALLY like this show? The chefs being so friendly and working together yet still putting out good food is awesome to watch. The fact that Ludo (?) slipped out of this role somewhat only highlighted how fun and relaxed the rest of them have been.
"Oh, and whoever suggested that it would be fun to see the esteemed head judge compete? Yes. Very Yes. In a shameless 'play to the wheelhouse' episode focusing on high end steaks."
That would be me. :) I know it won't happen, because what if he went on and lost?!? He would not be able to function as head judge again. But it would be great to see.
Posted by: Megan H. | June 26, 2009 at 07:50 AM
The bad edit. Merde!
That does look like John Besh on the previews for the next episode. I believe he also unsuccessfully tried out for an Iron Chef slot... I wonder if chefs can become addicted to the competitions...
I actually would not want to see Tom compete! If he wins it would not be believed and if he loses it would make everyone feel uncomfortable. I like respecting him as head judge.
It was nice to see the Universal studio diners so wonderfully willing to eat the offal meals that probably none would order if they were on a menu.
Posted by: Omelet | June 27, 2009 at 04:12 AM
I've always been a fan of your blog, and though I'm enjoying the Masters show, I don't have anything useful to add. But I just wanted to say, as a fan, how excited I am that you're moving here to Boston! I'm looking forward to local restaurant reviews. Welcome to town!
Posted by: Sharon | June 29, 2009 at 07:27 AM
If it is John Besh (I misssed the preview), then he's my pick for a favorite in a MG challenge because I remember articles from his stint of the Next Iron Chef that said he went through a period of playing around with some pretty odd uses of molecular gastronomy.
Besh may be addicted to these competitions but, considering how active he is in various organizations related to rebuilding New Orleans, I can't see him turning down an opportunity to promote some New Orleans' charities.
Posted by: rab01 | June 29, 2009 at 09:37 AM
I'm so happy Rick Bayless won! I just had a steak torta and raspberry prickly pear limeade from his Frontera Fresco lunch location. :) I think he can make anything taste good!
Posted by: Hillary | June 29, 2009 at 01:43 PM
@babyarm: Yes, the "busy!" Erica is the one we are speaking of. I don't know if you'd heard, but she's also "handy!".
Posted by: Azdahf | July 1, 2009 at 11:07 AM
is it just me...or is there not a new TCM this week? in lieu of that "fashion show" thing?
Posted by: heather | July 1, 2009 at 04:10 PM
For some reason, Bravo decided that the presence of Independence Day on Friday meant that they should pre-empt TCM this week in order to show the same Fashion Show episode on both Wednesday and Thursday night.
Piffle!
Posted by: SorchaRei | July 2, 2009 at 02:58 AM