A Bit on Blais
Tofu Steak Marinated in Beef Fat with Green Curry
I didn’t get a chance to comment on last week’s episode and I wanted to because I’m sorry but that tofu thing actually sounded really good.
Of everything I’ve ever seen made on Top Chef that was the one dish that for me was the most intriguing. Whether or not you get off on the whole weird food world or not, Richard, visually, is putting up some interesting food, and where some people make wacky dishes that come off forced or senseless, his seem to be derived from some Wonka-world he’s built a house in and thrived in a way that somehow does make sense.
As Dan once said though, he’s totally a ringer and was even on starchefs.com three years ago.
Here also is a blog with a tasting menu from his time at the now shuttered Element in Atlanta proving he’s a little more advanced than some of the other cheftestants.
4 Responses to “A Bit on Blais”
I think he’s a ringer, too. If he doesn’t win, I think I’ll be done with the show. It is WAY too contrived this season.
By Finchy on May 2, 2008
I’m not complaining that he’s a ringer, by the way. Even though he’s had some odd ideas (sous-vide salmon being one), and some definite misses, he seems like the most accomplished chef they’ve had. To date, Harold has been the contestant who I’d most like to have cook me a meal, but Richard may take his place before the season is over.
By Dan D. on May 2, 2008
Richard, regardless of if he wins, is going to have a good career, and is in a totally different league as he is not simply a good cook.
Unlike the other cheftestants he has a defined style and the skills to execute his vision.
Many of the other contestants are still finding themselves as chefs and, honestly, I think that’s something you see with a lot of chefs in general.
Sam and Harold were the only other two that seemed to be cooking “their” food. Sam’s for instance was uniquely light, and I think it’s a shame that he hasn’t done more with his Top Chef exposure than just working the celebrity he gained from being the “hot guy.”
By Bill Burge on May 2, 2008
I wonder if Richard is on the show to try and give him a new start. Reading about him, he’s had several restaurants that have opened and closed pretty quickly, and Josh used the term “flamed out” in reference to his career. I am guessing he really thinks that winning this would boost his reputation a lot.
Regarding him and Harold, Harold seems like he’s far and away the most confident and mature chef they’ve had, while Richard probably has the most talent. Not sure about Sam, although he had a really defined style, I’d put him a few notches below either of the other two. Season Two as a whole doesn’t seem like they’ve really exploited their exposure, Ilan, Marcel, and Sam all seem to pop up at those celebrity chef events.
By Dan D. on May 3, 2008