Top Chef Premier – Episode 1

Thursday, 11 June 2009

Having done a couple of hundred TV shows I know how important the editing, graphics, music, promos and web back end are. Bravo did an amazing job cutting together a wonderful show. They were respectful to the Chefs…..the Chefs were respectful to each other (which I did expect). There was a huge risk we all took, as professional Chefs, putting our cooking careers in someone else’s hands. I will sleep better tonight knowing that the good will we have all worked hard for is preserved. Now as far as the competion goes…all I have to say is Dang little girls as the first judges! It isn’t tough enough that dessert was chosen (the bain of most of our existence) as the first Quick Fire but add Girl Scouts to the judging….WOW. Having been friends with Hubert for a number of years and knowing he had serious pastry chef experience (before he crossed over to the dark side of savory) I knew he would knock that one out of the park. Christopher’s dish looked really tasty…to bad the girls didn’t understand the Brulee’ piece. May have been a 30 yard throw for a 20 yard receiver. Tim Love took a smart and safe move with strawberries, an ingredient all kids love. Michael Schlow, another friend and one of the most talented, funniest Chefs I know, simply ran out of time and banged his head on the fancy ice cream freezer technique but again had he had the time the chocolate and peanut butter angle a good one. Bravo to Bravo for a wonderful new hit! I am proud to be a contestant. Keep posted as things heat up in the next couple of weeks. And email us some questions you may have and each week I can post a few responses “On any given Wednesday….” -Michael