The Taste Discussion - continued from original

[wincountrygirl]

Hi all - it was taking forever to open the original post and hard to follow. Hope we can continue the discussion here.

[saeyedoc]

wow, NBC must really be desperate. I like 3/4 of the judges on The Taste, but the show itself was horrible.

[rjbh20]

It was on ABC and the decision to order a second season was probably made awhile ago, lead times being what they are.

[ennuisans]

Can't keep a good show down. Renewed for a second season.

http://eater.com/archives/2013/05/14/...

[John E.]

Wow, that train wreck got renewed. The only possible reason is that it costs little to prouce when compared to other programming, and ABC must not have had another 'reality TV' conncept waiting that would be both easier and cheaper t produce. Maybe ABC did not produce this POS. (I rarely use blog-type acronyms, but this show calls for an exception.)

[rjbh20]

The networks produce almost nothing that they air -- independent production companies (Kinetic Content, in the case of The Taste) make the shows; the network just buys & airs them.

[John E.]

I realize that. But this kind of crap is cheaper than comedy, drama, or even a lot of other 'reality' programming.

[cresyd]

Wow......I really hope they have some ideas on changing the show a bit. Or a lot. And replacing a number of a the judges.

[TrishUntrapped]

Count me out.

[LindaWhit]

Didn't see that coming!

Hopefully a few judges and/or formats will be switched out.

[John E.]

I remember watching the first season and the only reason I watched was to see if it got better. Unless I read that at least the format is changed I will resist the urge to watch this show again.

[jarona]

Interesting---Kristianne is going to be on Millionaire Matchmaker. I'm beginning to be very suspicious of these "reality" shows. It seems that there are regulars making the rounds of reality shows. Daunting.
Just sayin'

[TrishUntrapped]

Sadly, she's definitely a media ho. She was not very likeable on Chef Wanted, she toned things down A LOT for The Taste. She does what she needs to do depending on how she is "cast." Excellent for TV.

[LindaWhit]

Wait - as the millionaire? Or as one of the potential dates for a millionaire?

[DGresh]

I thought she had a girlfriend

[LindaWhit]

I did too. Then again, this was probably taped 4-6 months ago, so who knows?

[Sandwich_Sister]

Her facebook page implies she is in a relationship.

http://www.facebook.com/khristianne.uy

[pamf]

She was on the MM show as a private chef who cooked dinner for a millionaire and his date.

[roxlet]

She was also on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. She loves her some reality shows.

[LindaWhit]

Interesting. Wasn't Malarkey on one of the Real Wives as well? Ahh yes - Orange County.

[roxlet]

As a chef, I should clarify, lol!

[LindaWhit]

Ahhh, OK.

[John E.]

I hope the ratings for this program were low enough so that it will not be returning. What I took from this show is that I still like Nigella, Ludo can sometimes be charming but is mostly an ass, Bourdain is running out of steam, and Brian Malarky is absolutely nuts.

[TrishUntrapped]

My final thought.

Too bad set construction was so poor that the winner couldn't see she won because the friggin' star (which we will pretend was activated by the button, but we doubt it) was over her head.

Nothing more to say.

[Fowler]

***Spoiler***

I cannot say I was disappointed to see Gregg get eliminated. He just could not help himself and not only whined once again during the competition about Sarah receiving assistance but left at the end displaying zero class by saying something along the lines of how he would rather lose on his own than win with help. News alert - no one likes a sore loser.

[chowser]

I thought it was true what he was saying. Sarah had her hand held the whole time and the other mentors were heavily involved in helping their remaining contestant. It looked like Sarah was just the hands for Ludo's vision. Greg was left on his own.

[Fowler]

But from what Gregg verbally implied during the course of the season was that he did not mind being left alone because he was so vastly superior that he could defeat everyone even if they had help. That turned out to not be the case.

I cannot recall a time when a professional golfer, tennis player, etc. was defeated and blamed it solely on his competitor having more coaching.

[chowser]

I can't defend him since I don't know how he was for most of the show but maybe he's acknowledging that he's not the same level chef as Ludo and the other mentors, but he's better than the remaining contestants? If Sarah hadn't had her hands held, she wouldn't be there. A tennis player is out there and making plays w/out his coach. Maybe the argument could be made it's like playing golf w/out a caddie/coach while others have the best ones available.

[DGresh]

Did Sarah *ever* produce something exceptional? It seems like she kind of cruised through without ever showing herself to be amazing. I was glad she was 3rd.

[chowser]

Just seeing the interactions or the clips of the interactions, I wonder how it would have been if she hadn't been as attractive.

[LindaWhit]

I doubt Ludo would have been anywhere near as attentive.

[cresyd]

I believe that Ludo's approach to the competition was that he wanted contestants to basically behave like novice cooks in his kitchen. They would do everything he said, they wouldn't challenge him on anything, etc. And Sarah having the least amount of experience - and to her credit - no obnoxious ego, was best positioned to do anything and everything he said.

In the end, I don't think that Ludo was very good at mentoring the professional chefs in this context. Because even during the earlier mini challenges, Greg talked about Ludo holding Sarah's hand while he would do more of his own thing. And while I can believe that Greg is just poor at taking criticism - the fact that both Greg and Paul seemed to get so out of sorts with Ludo's guidance makes me wonder if it's more Ludo's problem than just their attitudes.

Had Ludo truly been playing for the win - he would have left Sarah alone more. Because he just had to know she didn't really have a chance in the final.

[Sandwich_Sister]

There is a certain balance missing from the show. It's missing components needed to make it really interesting. Top Chef usually does a good job of that but this show failed.

I'm glad Kristianne won, she was very strong though out the whole competition but I wish I knew more about her. They don't give you a chance to really get to know the finalist. When did they start cooking, inspirations, life lessons, etc.

They don't dig in deep enough on the food.

Judging isn't nearly as interesting as I thought it would be.

It's all very one note. How come Top Chef and The Taste are both an hour long but Top Chef seems to have more substance?

[roxlet]

Personally, I'm not too interested in getting to know the finalists better, but I will agree with you on the fact that they didn't dig deep enough into the food. Top Chef definitely has more substance, IMO.

[saeyedoc]

Pretty pathetic, no posts at all after the finale. Glad Kristianne won.

[roxlet]

She was the strongest from the get-go, but I hated that it was Malarkey's team. Interesting that it was an all female final on this as well as on Top Chef this season.

[LindaWhit]

Hey - get outta my brain, roxlet - that's EXACTLY what I thought!

[cresyd]

The saddest thing about her winning is that the final result "felt right". The right person won and proved that the overall design of the competition wasn't flawed.

But lord was everything else about the competition flawed. For a show that's supposed to be all about the taste of food, it spent very little time describing food. I am familiar with what uni is and that it's supposed to be very good - but I have never tried it due to the fact that by the time I learned of it and wanted to try it, I lived in a place where I can't get it. But I do not know what it tastes like - and given how many people used uni in the semi-finals, the show spent no time describing it. Ok, so it's "sexy" but what else? What does the food actually taste like???

[melpy]

I agree, I would have liked to see more about the food. Slightly more Chopped slightly less Hell's Kitchen.

[cresyd]

Completely. I watch and thoroughly enjoy Chopped for all of its own flaws. However, no matter how many times they use umeboshi, you always have Ted Allen asking the judges "tell me about umeboshi".

And I want adjectives that describe foods like sweet, salty, bitter, savory, acidity, etc. And fewer words like homey and sexy.

[chicgail]

Missed it. Had better things to do. Recorded it. Won't bother watching it. Have better things to do.

[chowser]

Blind tasting. Because the judges couldn't figure out who 1) made the Portuguese/Filipino combination food; 2) who put overly complicated flavors together and 3) whose spoons had simplistic food. I was glad Kristianne won, although I didn't really follow the show enough to get a good feel for the contestants.

I did think it was obvious when Bourdain had Diane put the tomato "caviar" on the spoon. Anyone who saw the No Reservations on Washington DC knows that Andres did that for Bourdain at the farmers market. Was it a sign to Andres on which dish was Bourdain's?

[melpy]

Oh intrigue!

[John E.]

So the girl won a whole bunch of pots and pans. They couldn't even get enough money out of the manufacturer to mention the name? (I have not paid enough attention to figure out what brand they were using.)

The show has been getting 4.5 to 5.8 million viewers per episode. I wonder what the demos are and if that number is high enough for a second season.

[TrishUntrapped]

"The Seduction" episode got 3.17 million viewers, which is not good.

From TVByTheNumbers:

"The Taste notched a series low 1.2 down 14 percent from last week's 1.4 adults 18-49 rating."

http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013...

The show Do No Harm was canceled recently after just two episodes because of poor ratings. It pulled in 3.1 million viewers. The Taste is in that same 'hood.

[John E.]

I am sure the cost of production of The Taste means they can get by with fewer viewers. It also depends on what they promised their advertisers.

[ennuisans]

Cost of production is key--it's why reality shows and game shows continue even when so many flop. (It's why Zucker wanted Leno to go to prime time.) Even with fewer viewers it's a better profit margin.

Edit: that said, Taste doesn't get anything like ratings for The Bachelor, so I don't look for it for a second season.

[chowser]

They should mix the concepts and you pick your date on the one taste.;-)

[Firegoat]

No extra money for Sarah's skirt :(

[keysdax]

I found out because I'm signed up to Williams Sonoma email list. Funny that there is no mention of it on WS homepage, had to do a Taste specific search to even find it:
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/pages/...

[John E.]

I knew Williams-Sonoma was a sponsor of the show, I saw it in the credits, but they must not have paid enough to have their name mentioned as providing the winning cookware. I did not know WS had their own 'house brand' of cookware. I thought they were just a retailer of other manufacturers' cookware. I probably only stop into their store once every few years. It requires going to a mall.

[linguafood]

I just hope Khristianne wins it all. She seems like the most talented of the bunch, and anyone who can handle working for assclown Charlie Sheen deserves at least an ounce of respect.

And she's made consistently good food.

[Firegoat]

This! And she's the only remotely likable one left.

[roxlet]

I think she's made the rounds of TV shows. I think I've briefly seen her in the kitchen of one of the real housewives of Beverly Hills, and I'm pretty sure she tried out for a job in Anne Burrell's show where she tries to find cooks for restaurants.

[linguafood]

I don't watch a lot of reality TV shows or cooking shows, so I wasn't familiar with her. She could be a lot more.... difficult, I guess, but isn't -- at least in this show.

And I hope that bitch Diane "Woe is me for living in a car" crashes and burns.

[Firegoat]

Ugh, just read that Khris and Diane are reality TV show regulars :(

[TrishUntrapped]

Yes they both are TV show "regulars."

Khris was not very likable on Chef Wanted, she learned from that experience to tone things down. Diane was cast to be exactly who she is on the show.

[chowser]

I loved, was it Malarky's comment about the other dish made you want to have sex but Kristianne's was like, "NOW!"

[TrishUntrapped]

After the "Seduction" episode I have to revise my opinion of this show.

It's not "Crap On A Plate."

It's "overmanipulated, overwrought, underhanded crap on a plate."

They did not keep contestants based on "the taste" or Diane would have been sent home.

Thank goodness this Shitshow is almost over.

[LindaWhit]

I knew Malarkey's guy was going home just before the commercial when he threw his pen down.

I'd say it's a safe bet that they didn't want it to be between just Ludo and Malarkey's teams, which is why they kept Diane.

[roxlet]

Especially since Bourdain is the nominal head of the show. But how dumb was that of Diane? How could she be on Bourdain's team -- or even be in this competition -- and not know both Bourdain's distain for dessert as well as the miserable track record of everyone who ever made dessert?

[LindaWhit]

Exactly. When I heard chocolate, I thought "she's a goner."

[AmyH]

It was almost as if she was trying to throw the competition.

[cresyd]

The seduction show included so much talk about sex and feeling sexy that I imagine a discussion where the network executives asked the show's producers to find a way to make the show "sexier". To which the show's producers took that in the most literal way possible.

[roxlet]

I don't think that would have happened. Given the schedule of producing a TV show, I expect that all of the episode themes were planned out well in advance. This was always planned to be the next to last episode. Never have I known a broadcast network to ask for something to be "sexier." Things are always asked to be toned down!

[cresyd]

I say that, because I remember hearing an interview about the show from a few years ago, Party Down (about a fictional catering team), on the Starz network. They said that during their first season, they had the most network influence telling them to find ways to be sexier. To which the show responded with a catering event and a porn awards event.

Beyond that, I work in a legal nonprofit - and we often use the word "sexy" to describe various issues that have become very interesting or trendy. Either way, the number of times people talked about sex on the show seemed very heavy handed.

[Firegoat]

Show budget didn't have enough to buy the bottom to Sara's dress?

[cresyd]

One thing I don't like at all about this show is that there appears to be no reward for doing well in the elimination challenges. Winning the "quickfire" gets an award - but doing well in the elimination challenge only gets you a pat on the back and essentially the same reward for being "safe".

For Jeff and Uno who got high and low scores - the high scores were completely washed away. As well as any previous good performance. Also - while the initial scores may be a result of "just the taste" - the judges discussions do seem to be in favor of preserving as many of the judges teams as possible.

[AmyH]

I agree. It's easy to play it safe and coast through to the finale while never being on top or bottom.

And... "I don't know anything about seduction because I'm a virgin and I've taken a purity pledge." Did we really need to know that?

[Worldwide Diner]

"I don't know anything about seduction because I'm a virgin and I've taken a purity pledge." Did we really need to know that?
***
No, especially from her. She also made an octopus dish when she's never made or eaten octopus before! I'm wondering if she isn't somehow "special."

[roxlet]

Lol. Introducing our new Church Lady!

[AmyH]

When she said that I looked at my husband and said "did she really just say what I think she said? She wasn't talking about never having tasted a particular food before, was she?"

[Kontxesi]

Why does it matter that it was from her? It would have been ridiculous no matter who said it.

[chowser]

It wasn't just that she said it once which was bad enough but she kept referring to it and how ignorant she is to anything sexual, sensual, sexy. Seriously, you don't have to have sex to appreciate something being sensual.

Maybe that was why she made octopus? She's never had sex, she's never had octopus so it transfers?

[AmyH]

And maybe in her mind sex is just a lot of groping!

[chowser]

LOL, a freudian thing.

[Worldwide Diner]

Lots of sucking, like octopus tentacles?

[chicgail]

Maybe I'm one of those evil urban devil-worshippers, but who takes a "purity pledge" and then keeps it into single adulthood?

[AmyH]

I was wondering that, too. I can see it when you're 15, but that woman's got to be at least 30. I'm not saying she should live her life otherwise, but announcing it several times on national TV???

[saeyedoc]

She's 23

[John E.]

I'm sure once the producers found out about her 'status', they prodded her into saying it multiple times so they could fit it into the show multiple times. Just like on Top Chef, just because the words come out of the contestants mouth, doesn't always mean it is their words (or at least not their intent).

[Firegoat]

Maybe I'm just a sucker for reality cooking TV shows, but I have been watching this one and kind of like it. I think Ludo is definitely the break out star. A little creeped out knowing that Greg and the blonde girl are now an item and wondering if they were dating at the time. My biggest complaint is that I wish the judging stayed completely blind. I feel like they are cheating on their original premise.

[LindaWhit]

What? Greg and which blonde girl - the one on Ludo's team who gets lots of help from her?

And yes, I'm still watching. Might as well to see how it plays out. But I don't expect there to be a 2nd season.

[Firegoat]

The one on Ludo's team. Apparently they have a blog together now !

[LindaWhit]

Looks like they've started a pop-up restaurant together:

http://www.bysarahashley.com/abode-ho...

[rjbh20]

Restaurant ain't all that's been popping up...

[madeliner]

LOL! but also tmi ~!

[LindaWhit]

::::snort::::

[pine time]

I would more have expected that Ludo and the blonde girl would be an item. Got a little creeped out by his actions towards her--and next week, with some "sexy kitchen" theme, expect to see more of the same.

Sure wish they'd caption Ludo. I speak some French, and yet I understand less than 1/2 of what the heck he says.

[Kontxesi]

This. I can get the gist of it sometimes, but then he starts yelling....

[Firegoat]

I watch in on Hulu plus with the captioning on.... and even they miss a lot of it

[ennuisans]

I'm wondering if a broad strategy hasn't taken shape. Gregg has won the last three immunity challenges, and except for the first one where Shawn served vanilla fish, in the other two ECs Gregg was on the bottom, and was the only Ludo chef on the bottom.

So if you have immunity, throw the EC and plug up one of the bottom slots. As long as your teammates cook passably well (with the help of the guest judges) the whole team can get a pass.

[roxlet]

Very Machiavellian, but I like it!

[cresyd]

That's a fascinating idea....it also makes Ludo's comment of "don't cook Asian" a bit more interesting. Let's say that the comment was coming from a genuine perspective of a mentor knowing that his team doesn't do well with Asian flavors.

[TrishUntrapped]

As I watched the awful offal episode, all I could think was— I stood in line with so many talented, creative chefs... all were turned down in favor of these contestants, who for the most part seem clueless.

P.S. Even though the central conceit of the show is "blind" tasting, it's clear that Lauren didn't stay because her dish was better. It was a strategic move not to empty Nigella's kitchen.

[jarona]

Touche! (ps. I do love offal and have been eating various organ meats since I was a kid--it was not looked as "bleh" in my family--in fact, this Saturday, I'm doing veal kidneys in mustard sauce. Simple. Simple. Simple--and THAT is what screws up these contestants. Nobody wants to do simple--what a bunch of simpletons!)

[TrishUntrapped]

"Nobody wants to do simple--what a bunch of simpletons!"

Well said Jarona!

Oh just imagine what you would have made! With each challenge I have been thinking about what my dishes would have been. I think my sandwich would have been a hit.

Anyway, I am not as skilled in offal, but my dish would have been Tongue Tacos.

[jarona]

Trish. I friggin' LOVE Tongue sandwiches--but Ohhhh..Tongue Tacos is right up my alley! LOL--I think you and I would have had a great time had we been on that show!!
Today, I am making the macaron that got me that coveted first callback. Daughter is flying into NYC and naturally, when I meet the kids for lunch, I'll bring goodie bags of mommy's macaron:)
The funny thing is we are all having lunch at our favorite lunch spot. AB's "Les Halles"--what a riot!! Yes--AB may not have liked me enough to have me on The Taste (He's one of the producers) but "Jarona don't hold no grudges"..We always have a great time at his restaurant. The Steak Tartare is fantastic:)

[TrishUntrapped]

Hmmm... Maybe we can swap? I love macarons. My specialty is Chocolate Almond Lace Cookies. If interested drop my a line, info in my profile.

Pix: Chocolate Almond Lace Cookies

[Worldwide Diner]

Nigella's team should've been wiped out. Tony's favorite dish got the boot is just sad - they obviously wanted Nigella to have someone left. As for Ludo telling his team not to do Asian, that's his way of cheating so he can pick Asian dishes as the worst (Asian dishes being favored by Kristienne and Tony's team).

[Kontxesi]

Everything here is truth. I don't see how they could send Uno home when she had a red and a gold. (That said, Lauren is my favorite. So....)

[LindaWhit]

I think it was a consensus from the other 3 that Uno's dish wasn't as good. The first two were sent home unanimously. Uno wasn't. It was Bourdain's favorite dish, but the other 3 thought her dish was worse than Nigella's remaining team member.

[AmyH]

And Lauren really met the spirit of the challenge while Uno did not. A shrimp head doesn't really count as offal.

[LindaWhit]

Ahh, yes. Couldn't remember what else they had said - thanks.

[cresyd]

When Ludo picked his team - particularly when he had to compete with Malarkey, he always stressed that he'd teach them French techniques. I think by saying "no Asian" - it was more his way of telling his team to build on what they'd learned and their strengths. Unlike Nigella with Lauren, I don't think Ludo wants his team to experiment with different techniques but rather to become the best French cooks he can make them into.

That said, I'm clearly projecting. None of that is said explicitly because the show would rather show Nigella chasing Ludo around with a beef testicle - but that's what I picked up from his lecture.

[Worldwide Diner]

I thought when Ludo said no "Asian," he only meant for the team taste because he knows the guys from Joe Beef and they're very French. I didn't realize that command carried over to the elimination challenge....which made me think that's his way of making sure he doesn't pick his own team member as the worst dish.

[piccola]

I just thought it was because he's not comfortable cooking Asian food himself, and thus wouldn't be very useful as a mentor. But I'm sure the ability to recognize his team's dishes also played a key role.

[ennuisans]

You would think that even without such broad cues the judges would have a pretty good idea by now who cooks what, at least from their own team. Even if it's a feeling that "no one on my team would cook this".

[cresyd]

What I think is interesting is that the judges do appear to vote for their own team members when they do well. Anthony liked the flavors presented by Uno to pick her on his team - so if she made a very "her style" dish well, it would make sense that he'd like it. Malarkey and Ludo appeared to like similar contestants - so the fact that Ludo has gravitated to voting his favorite tastes as Malarkeys team members (who have done better in the final challenges than his team has) as his favorites isn't so surprising.

[melpy]

Pretty much sums it up although they had a point that Uno really didn't hit the mark with offal. I don't think shrimp heads count. Unless her pork was offal I think it was decently fair. Similar to Chopped person not getting an ingredient on the plate but having the eat dish and still getting chopped. I do think Lauren is out of her depth. I am glad she is still there because I think she is learning a lot. Uno was a but no a one trick pony but I like her as well. My fiancé an I can't wait until Sarah gets kicked off. She is the worst!

[Dinsdale45]

What was the deal with Greg biting on a wooden utensil while they worked on his finger? Were they doing an amputation? Why didn't they give him a shot of whiskey, like in the old days?

[LindaWhit]

That overwrought drama was funny. I looked at what they showed us of his cut (having cut off 1/3 of my fingernail two Thanksgivings ago) and in comparison, his looked like a paper cut.

[DGresh]

I haven't seen it yet, but perhaps he was worried about passing out (not that I think that would necessarily help). I cut myself pretty often (I'm a klutz), and there isn't much pain, but I'm always afraid of passing out if I look at the blood!

[rjbh20]

It's television. Drama is necessary, manufactured or not. BTW -- it was a wok spatula.

[Just Visiting]

Good lord, this show reeks. I wanted to like it. I liked the premise, I am a fan of Bourdain. It was pretty clear from the get-go that it was overblown, cheesy, ridiculous. I am embarrassed for all involved and Bourdain should be ashamed of himself. I hope that all those he's clobbered in the past for their cheap, crass commercial approach to cooking shows are having a good laugh at his expense. I mean surely the guy has more than enough $$ and didn't need to do this for the bucks. I gave it way more of a chance than it deserved - the first two eps where they chose the teams and then three rounds. I'm out.

[JuniorBalloon]

Apparently AB did a chat on Reddit in which he was asked why he's doing such a cheesy, crap show. He said it was a great opportunity to do something different and scary with people he liked, he specifically did not mention BM, only Nigella and Ludo. He likened it to having the chance to fly a jet fighter and that he would do it again in a heartbeat. When pressed that it was a terrible show and unlike him he said that this bus makes many stops and doesn't expect or care if you happen to like them all or not.

I paraphrase, but that's the gyst.

jb

[cresyd]

Anthony's reasoning for being on the show makes sense. Nigella and Ludo are definitely interesting and dynamic food characters, and I could understand how the premise of the show itself (the opportunity to mentor contestants) would be appealing.

Alas, it hasn't made for good tv.

However, it would have been nice to hear him allude to what we're all sitting at home and assuming - and that's that he was paid a huge pile of cash for the job. His appearing like a "toothless lion" (to quote Andy Greenwald) on the show though is another thing - and it would have been nice for him to address either claim as opposed to sticking to just why he chose to be on the show originally.

In Andy Greenwald's most recent Grantland podcast - he talked about his Anthony Bourdain article and one of the things he mentioned about AB's switch from the Travel Channel to CNN was that CNN could get him to places that TC couldn't (aka Libya). So if that's the reason he made the switch, (as opposed to strictly financial) then I wonder if he's in a slightly less certain financial place. While No Reservations could have continued for years, the CNN show might not work.

This makes having some soft ABC money sitting in the bank make a lot more sense to me than The Taste being like "flying a jet fighter".

[madeliner]

you did a better job than me-I quit 2 weeks ago, I wanted to like it too :( I have 2 to watch I may try it but I don't think I'll be able to

[JerkPork]

Too bad the guest judges aren't more central to each episode. Tonight's judges will be Montreal's own duo from Joe Beef, Dave McMillan & Fred Morin.

[TrishUntrapped]

Agree. It appears the guest judges are relegated to mere window dressing, walking around and giving advice that isn't taken. Waste.

[alfairfax]

Just dropped Taste from my DVR series record listing. Stinko.

[madeliner]

wow I actually couldn't watch it yesterday - it was that bad imho

[DGresh]

It really was that bad. I agree.

[JuniorBalloon]

This is worth reading. Apologies if it's already been posted.

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8...

jb

[cresyd]

I've thoroughly enjoyed Grantland's "disasterpiece" recaps, but this was a really interesting article.

The line about Anthony appearing like a toothless aging circus lion really summed up how I feel about him on The Taste. And while I really enjoy a nice drink, and will have a glass of wine - there's something even more desperate about watching him drink through the challenges when he's mentoring. The wine pairing challenge seemed reasonable, but the bottle of beer he had during the sandwich one....

[TrishUntrapped]

Grub Street has an odd little story about the Grantland story, "Does The Taste Have an Anthony Bourdain Problem?"

http://newyork.grubstreet.com/2013/02...

I say odd because at the bottom it says the article was "edited throughout." Sometimes in editing something can get lost (It's happened to me on occasion). Feels like something is missing from this story.

Read the comments below it. Interesting point made about Grantland/ABC. But personally, I did not find Greenwald's piece at all a shill. It took solid aim and I don't think it will help the ratings.

[cresyd]

That article was very odd. It had a very round about way of saying that such an article attacking The Taste on Grantland was trying to mimic the NYT review of Fieri's restaurant.

Now, of the theories presented with NYT/Fieri was that there was a shilling element where all the bad press, would ultimately lead to business at Fieri's restaurant. Given Grantland's niche audience I find that a bizarre reach.

And theory 2 being that Peter Wells wrote the review to boost his personal profile. Had Greenwald wanted to boost his profile with this article - having it be on Grantland (which largely traffics in a sports audience with pop culture coming in as a kindly cousin) is hardly the place for maximum traction.

[TrishUntrapped]

Just saw the sandwich episode on replay:

http://abc.go.com/watch/the-taste/SH5...

Not going to pick anything apart. Just want to say something nice. Brian Malarkey, if you were going for a Hipster Doofus look - dude you nailed it.

[roxlet]

And not surprisingly, Nigella has only one person left in her kitchen.

[melpy]

Sadly, her picks were destined to go home from the get go. I still don't believe she chose that one mashed potato woman.

I am rooting for Kristianne. Even though she is on Brian's team (I'm sorry, I refuse to call him Malarkey), I still think she's doing something right.

[LindaWhit]

Trish, you're being kind. In fact, WAY too kind.

More kind than you should *ever* think of being when critiquing Marlarkey's manner of dress last night.

[TrishUntrapped]

Hmmm... I think I'll revise that to a Howdy Doofus look.

[LindaWhit]

With the over-spray-tanned face resembling a wooden puppet, that is actually quite perfect.

[John E.]

I still think the red,white, and blue shirt he wore on the first couple of episodes was much worse than the green bow tie. I didn't mind Brian Malarkey on his season of Top Chef. He is a doofus on this program however. Nigella is Nigella, which is a good thing. Ludo Lefebvre is a doofus in a different manner than Brian Malarkey. I never thought I would see a television program where Anthony Bourdain is the voice of reason.

[LindaWhit]

It was the entire ensemble that was distracting. Jeans (I think they were jeans) with a 3" fold-up of said jeans, leaving half of his bare calves showing, with I'm-not-sure-what-type-of-shoes-on-his-feet, combined with the bow tie and whatever else he was wearing.

Howdy Doofus, as Trish said.

[John E.]

Now that you mention it, he he was wearing some stupid looking pants on the previous episode. I wonder if that's a 'chef' thing? I've seen some bad looking pants worn by Top Chef contestants as well. Their pants don't have to be dragging on the floor, but they don't have to be mid-calf either.

(I have sort of fond memories of the word 'doofus'. In her last few years my mother had dementia and while she always had a good sense of humor, she got funnier as the dementia progressed. I was driving with her in the car once when she said "I see an airplane". I asked where? She replied with "In the sky, doofus!")

[KrumTx]

"In the sky, doofus."

Love it. That's what we call a smackdown here in Texas.

My dad's word for us kids was idgit.

[ChefJune]

<Now that you mention it, he he was wearing some stupid looking pants on the previous episode.>
I thought he was going for a PeeWee Herman look. Not a good idea...

[chicgail]

What he actually says makes the real Howdy Doody look really bright.

[cresyd]

I did enjoy the shots where it was clearly that Anthony's team drinks during the challenges. Which must help the whole experience go down.

[DGresh]

I watched the first 10 minutes of the latest episode and was so disgusted with Malarky. All that screaming and preening as ridiculous.

[madeliner]

you should get a prize for 10 minutes of watching.

[HillJ]

http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2013/02...
Very funny, Wahooty!

[Wahooty]

For those of you who are still hate-watching...

http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2013/02...

[LindaWhit]

OK, I laughed at this description of Brian Malarkey:

Brian Malarkey: This guy. Brian, who obnoxiously goes by 'Malarkey' on the show is, according to my vast Internet research (Wikipedia), just some guy that got eliminated from Season 3 of Top Chef. But what Malarkey lacks in credentials, he overcompensates for by dressing like Ric Flair and having absolutely nothing of value to add. So he's got that going for him, which is nice.

[Wahooty]

4 Sips: Malarkey says something to annoy Ludo. Malarkey is such a squid.

3 Swigs: If Ludo and Nigella start arguing with each other and it's... strangely arousing. I don't know. Accents do it for me. I'm weird.

Stop Drinking If:

You think Malarkey just said something smart and his wardrobe looks understated but classy.

[LindaWhit]

Read the comments as well - some of them are funny!

[chicgail]

We turned the show on and Mr. CG's first words after looking at Malarky was "Who is that man and why is he dressed like that?"

[ennuisans]

Funny how shows like Top Chef, with contestants that could surely cook great 30 minute meals ten times a day if they wanted, often get two days for their challenges, whereas shows with amateur cooks are almost always hour challenges or less. Especially with a show like this, where one (or at least I, in this case) would want a spoon of complex, melded flavors, rather than try to balance strong quick-fired foods against one another.

[TrishUntrapped]

In case anyone's interested I just got this in my email:

NOW CASTING PRIME-TIME NBC COOKING COMPETITION!!!!

Have you been perfecting your family recipes for years? Have you ever wondered how your signature dishes would stack up against those of a professional chef?

From bangin’ BBQ to succulent soufflés, the hunt is on to find the best home cookin' in the country. Get ready to take your culinary creations from the dining room table to the judge’s table. A brand new NBC prime-time competition show is putting everyday home cooks up against professional chefs in the ultimate head to head showdown. This is your chance to tighten your apron strings and break out your secret ingredients for the chance to win a huge cash prize, not to mention bragging rights!

In this high-pressure competition you’re going to need courage, strategy and culinary skills to win, because every dish matters and every decision counts. From pancakes and grilled cheese to pasta and the perfect steak, winning has never tasted so good! We are looking for contestants who are bold, confident and have the skills and tenacity to take on the professionals! If you CAN stand the heat, now’s the time to get IN the kitchen!

Please email us at [e-mail] with the following information…

Name
Occupation
Location
Contact information: including your phone number and email address.
* Include a detailed description of your cooking style and signature dishes.
* Please also include two recent photos of yourself along with photos of your signature dishes.

** All applicants must be at least 18 years of age and legal residents of the United States

--
Erin Tomasello
Casting Producer
310-360-2574

[rjbh20]

So -- you going to step up for this one?

[TrishUntrapped]

Pass.

But if anyone wants to go for it, here's a chance.

[rjbh20]

What about Top Chef? They're casting for next season & doing a cattle call in NY

[jarona]

I got that email as well. It would be great if there was a more detailed description of the show. Mulling over it. Propably will do nothing.

[TrishUntrapped]

Jarona, it wouldn't hurt for you to apply... and then get a looksee. Knowledge is power. You know a lot more than before and would probably do even better in an audition... If you don't like where you think the show is headed, you can always back out or decline.

[chicgail]

Just curious. How do you get on a distribution list like that?

[TrishUntrapped]

I got listed I assume from Casting Duo the company that did the casting for The Taste. Casting Duo is all over the media, Twitter, FB, etc... you can track them down and ask to be listed I would imagine.

For the competition I noted above, the email address is [e-mail] so you can try that.

[wincountrygirl]

Seriously? Can't anyone come up with anything original any more?

[chicgail]

OMG. I was hoping it wouldn't be renewed. sigh. I guess it's ultimately no worse than the Bachelor. Not that that's much of a standard.

[John E.]

Trish posted a casting call for a new NBC competitive cooking show. It was not a renewal for The Taste. Let's just hope it is significantly better than this crappy ABC show.

[JuniorBalloon]

1.5 share and 4.74 Meeellion viewers. Down from last week at 1.8 and 5.29. Just half million fewer viewers. I was non viewer 456,341. Tuned into a rerun of NCIS Los Angeles.

jb

[KrumTx]

I was non-viewer 456,342. Sounds like I didn't miss some amazing turn-around in the show this week.

LindaWhit, the Rocky theme is about to begin. I'm looking forward to a good Top Chef tonight.

[TrishUntrapped]

The show Do No Harm was canceled after just two episodes, one of which got a lowly 3.1 million viewers, deemed "abysmal." At the rate The Taste is losing viewership it could be in that range soon.

For the sake of the hard work the contestants went through to get on the show, I hope it will at least finish its run and then just go away... in bad taste.

[madeliner]

I turned it off-what a mess :(

[LindaWhit]

BTW, looks like they're putting up the winning recipes on the ABC Taste's website:

http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/the-tast...

Along with the obligatory advertising with dishes using Hellman's mayonnaise.

[96740]

What happened to the format of the show last night?! The whole concept was that they would decide what contestant would be eliminated based on taste BEFORE THEY KNEW WHO MADE IT. "We could eliminate our own team member and not know it"

Last night they brought the bottom 4 to the judging booths and then decided who to eliminate after seeing who cooked what! What?

The best part of the show is bogus.

[melpy]

Totally didn't catch that until you said it. What happened last week? Now I don't remember.

[TrishUntrapped]

Agree. Sadly, it is not just about The Taste.

[wincountrygirl]

Totally agree. They should make the decision blind as well, or do it by who got the most neighs.

[DGresh]

Well given the format they had 4 "ties" for worst (one vote each) so they had to then argue it out. But the arguing should take place before they know who's who.

[rjbh20]

Agree -- not to do so completely devalues the oh-so-dramatic "I could send one of my own team home!" shtick.

[96740]

Exactly.

[TrishUntrapped]

Agree.

Imagine if the judges voted who to send home without knowing who made the dishes. Then Tony finds out he sent two from his own team home! Now that would actually be dramatic and rather exciting. But ... no. Not this show. No real drama here.

Before the reveal in the sandwich episode, it was crystal clear Diane was NOT going to be sent home because she is Tony's star. It completely goes against the show's mantra about just being about "the taste."

[SpiceMustFlow]

They're not sending Diane home because she's the biggest bitch on there, and that brings drama which brings viewers. We all love to hate-watch stuff like this.

Also, was anyone moved by the sudden "oh, I've had such a hard life but this makes it all worth it..." *wiping away a single tear* Diane moment, which I guess is supposed to humanise her for our viewing palates? Still not impressed.

What if the bottom two ends up being the sweety-pie home cook who's the sole survivor of Nigella's team, and Diane the arrogant beeyotch?

[jarona]

*Yawn* I'm so tired of the "woeismeIhaveahardlife" bs. Everyone has their own cross to bear. Knock it off and just cook.
This show goes from bad to worse.

[TrishUntrapped]

Caught last night's episode here:
http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/the-taste

Was the title of this episode Frenetic, Frenzied and Frantic?
No, it was WHINEcountry. Ah yes.

Snarky kudo to Shawn who said something to the effect about being judged by a Leprechaun, Suzy Homemaker and a guy that hasn't cooked in 20 years.

Methinks Brian Malarkey's aunt, who still thinks he's 12, dressed him for this episode. Gah, an ill-fitting green jacket!

Brian, here's some tips for you:

[LindaWhit]

Funny, however, how Suzy Homemaker and that guy who hasn't cooked in 20 years and even his own mentor knew he had used way too much vanilla in his spoon of Chilean sea bass.

[wincountrygirl]

And put goat cheese on the fish which Ludo was very upset about

[LindaWhit]

Well, I have to say that the two guest judges were at least a bit more involved in the elimination challenge in their direction to the contestants. EXCEPT Chef David Kinch was way off on his insistence that the lamb chop oven be kept on low - those chops were way beyond rare. But whoever was making those lamb chops lucked out in that they tasted good with the wine pairing....at least not as bad as those who were in the bottom 4.

And Shawn - bottom group 2 weeks in a row? Not as good as you think you were, I guess. And Ludo's initial challenge winner? Reminds me as the younger male version of arrogant Diane DeMeo.

[cresyd]

Sigh - this show just isn't doing it for me.

They take time to show Bourdain drinking wine and strolling through other team's kitchens....to what end? The show takes too much time on bits that aren't engaging. And the chefs arguing isn't always engaging - sometimes it's just shouting. Also the challenges just don't have enough constraints to make them dynamic enough.

[LindaWhit]

I know - the wine drinking was a waste of time. I had had high hopes, but it's quickly tanking, as evidenced by the ratings posted by JB below. It's got what - 3 more episodes? I'll probably watch it through, but that's it.

[cresyd]

I'm in the same boat. I think my main difference is that initially I thought the show could be saved - now I don't.

In some ways I think that cooking shows do really well either in 'very' short form (stand alone single episodes, aka Chopped) or long form (Masterchef Australia comes to mind as the most extreme version of this). The Taste basically feels stuck in the middle where they know the format is too repetitive to be long form, but needs to be longer than Chopped.

[ChefJune]

Only 3 more episodes? How are they going to get rid of all those cooktestants in 3 episodes? (Not that I think the show warrants more...)

[Cinnamonster]

They did say they were eliminating 3 next episode, and that would bring the total to 7 (unless I'm miscounting). Assuming they get rid of 3 in the other two episodes, it should all work out.

Edit: Although it makes less sense to me to get rid of more cooks as the competition is supposed to get harder.

[madeliner]

Change the set!

[punkin712]

+1! Is it just me or does it look like the "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" set?

[madeliner]

no it isn't just you-it looks like a big shiny black ice skating rink to me and that chef cage thing is just weird

[alfairfax]

Changing judges would not solve the problem with Taste, IMO. The major difficulty is in the format which is much too fussy and complicated: first contestants make spoonful, we see some of that with annoying contestant snarkiness; then judges taste and make push-button judgement; then contestants come out, are interviewed and then either chosen for a team or not; this happens again; and again, etc. Then, weeks later, teams compete with judges controlling or commenting over their shoulder and little teamwork evident; then final tasting which is repeat process of original tasting. Fine writer and interesting restauranteur Gabrielle Hamilton appears in confusing cameo role as mentor (maybe??) and is wasted; talk to her somebody!! The concept and execution of this format are like some dishes in cooking contest shows: too many ingredients, vague focus, look and taste is just grey mush. I could go on about those creepy torture boxes guests are shut into and having sad final comments in front of lockers reminding me of middle school gym which is decidedly not the right memory bank to tap for a food show. But this is already too long.

[xo_kizzy_xo]

:nodding: I've only caught a couple of episodes so far, and I knew there was something about it that bothered me -- I couldn't figure out if it was the format or the hosts or both or neither or something else!

One thing that does bother me: It's so rushed it isn't funny. I realize they had to do that when choosing the teams, but even after that, I have no sense of who is who or what is what or even the food itself, even if it does look pretty on a spoon.

And what was Gabrielle Hamilton doing there anyway? That was the biggest waste of a mentor/judge I've ever seen :boggle:

[roxlet]

I thought it was rushed too, and Gabrilla Hamilton, looking to me a bit like a Pilgrim chef -- very prim-- seemed to have very little role. I would have liked to have seen more of her as well.

[alfairfax]

Glad you said that about the food itself. I had already said enuf in prior posting, but wanted to add that we know nothing of concept behind dish and see little of technique in prepping. More a show about production than cooking. And production aint good.

[cresyd]

Compared to a show like Masterchef (which I don't think is brilliant television but definitely watchable) - I agree that The Taste doesn't have enough room for variation.

Masterchef has team challenges (which allow for snarkiness in a more natural way based on high pressure team work), and then a variety of individual challenges that either seek to showcase creativity, precision, or the threat of going home. Top Chef only has the Quickfire and Elimination challenges but within those there have been a variety of kinds of tests beyond "make something tasty".

So I understand what you're saying in regards that the current format doesn't really generate enough variety. That being said, I also think there are ways to work around that. There can be challenges where each team member makes one spoon, but it's supposed to be part of a cohesive tasting. Or making them cook with something "unusual" - either in the gross prepackaged or "not typical" way.

To fix The Taste - if the show wants to retain this very simple framework - looking at Chopped (or Iron Chef) would probably be the best way to get inspiration on how to take a simple format but still make it dynamic. Both of those shows rely on strange combinations - but they're also heavily involved in the details of the food or the drama of a cut finger/dropped blender/the 'play by play' action if you will.

Right now I think this show is running too much off of the Masterchef model when it simply doesn't have the variety of challenges and naturally built animosity that MC builds. I'm sure that spending that much time with people mugging to the camera is gonna make people dislike one another - but that doesn't tranlsate to television like someone being a bad (or mean) leader in a team challenge. It really needs to either look at Chopped for how to generate interest, or alter the challenges to become more dynamic.

[TrishUntrapped]

Since you opened this thread, I will respond briefly to two questions asked in the last thread.

Linus - I expected more from Nigella and Tony. They aren't usually associated with "crap on a plate" productions. There was more than your "standard" amount of pr and hype for this show. Much more. Read through past threads. Your mileage may vary.

HillJ, Yes, I did dodge a bullet. I am never going to audition for a cooking show again. The same group as The Taste, Casting Duo, sent me an email about a new TV home baking show that's in the works. Pass!

[linus]

i have read past threads, etc., and yes, mm does v. i found the amount of pr and hype to be fairly bog standard. you could certainly tell from the ads what kind of show it was going to be.

as far as expecting more from tony and nigella, i think there are worse things in life than putting out a bad t.v. show.
'the taste' certainly doesn't turn me off them for life.

[jarona]

Trish--I got the email for tje baking show as well. I passed on the audition because A. I was too busy at home doing christmas baking for my family. B. Couldn't be bothered.

Now--since we are on a new page. Someone mentioned replacing some of the judges with a more diverse panel. OK..I would replace Malarky and bring in Alton Brown in his place. Nigella would go and I would bring in Nathalie Dupree--she had a PBS show some years ago--and she's from the South but totally different than Paula Deen. Dupree is lovely and her cookbooks were great! I would keep Bourdain and NEVER get rid of Ludo. If Bourdain were to be replaced, I think Ted Allen would be an excellent choice.

[rjbh20]

You actually like Ted Allen? Wait -- next you'll say that the Guernaschelli (sp) lady from the appropriately- named Butter restaurant should also be a judge.

[jarona]

rjbh--Listen--I swear--Quite some time ago, I was having an issue with a recipe from ms. Guarnachelli (sp)--so I sent her an email at Butter...she answered me in such a timely manner so she's ok in my book, but I would not want her as a judge on that show. Ted Allen--yeah, I DO like him--I know, it's odd, but I think he would be a very good judge. He seems all business and focused and I think he could be a good mentor as well--it would be an interesting move to have someone who is an "expert" but yet not a true chef.

[LindaWhit]

Ted Allen reminds me of Tim Gunn on Project Runway. I agree - I think he'd be a good mentor.

[rjbh20]

I cooked with Alex G. once in a mock iron chef promo for Bombay Gin. Personality rhymes with "runt" and can't handle a knife.

[LindaWhit]

:::::snort:::::

[melpy]

Good to know. I have been turned off her lately where I used to think she was pretty good.

[scubadoo97]

Aaaaaaah.... No

[TrishUntrapped]

I have been posting storm updates for the past few hours and need a break, so I'll join you for a round of "Replace That Judge."

I'd keep Ludo. He's the enfant terrible you hate to amour.

I'd replace Nigella with Ted Allen. I follow him on Facebook, he's an interesting, down to earth guy. Knows his comfort food.

I'd replace Tony with Elizabeth Falkner. She's got a barbed wit as sharp as her cooking skills.

I'd replace Malarkey with John Besh. Respect and admire him. Probably have a crush of some sort on him.

[rjbh20]

Possibly the start of a whole new thread. Major issue is whether the criteria is palate or cooking/mentoring skill. Lots of folks -- maybe even Nigella -- can coherently critique a dish. A lot harder to show how to do it yourself. I'd love to cook for Jacques Pepin and get feedback on everything from knife skills to seasoning. Same with chef Gray Kunz. Wait -- I get to do that every year at about this time. What a kick.

[TrishUntrapped]

I love Jacques Pepin - but not for this show. He's too good.

[rjbh20]

I suspect he would have made some good choices in the auditions. And the competitors would all have learned a lot of technique and perspective.

[TrishUntrapped]

Well rjbh, you seem to be on the inside track of these things, make it so and I will watch. ;-)

[cresyd]

As someone who initiated an idea of replacing the judges and also had the far less popular suggestion of Paula Deen - I think that if this show wants to continue striking the balance or the mix of home cooks and professional cooks, then I'd like to see two mentors that have greater sympathy for the home cook with 2 professionals.

I agree that Ludo should stay, and the other three could all go and I wouldn't care. I think Ted Allen would be a good idea, but also someone like Alton Brown could bring a solid "home cook understanding".

However, more so than specific personalities - I think it would be interesting and relevant for the judges to really have a different point of view. Sure Bourdain has spent the past ten or so years mostly traveling - but if you want to have an "ethnic flavors" judge - get someone like Marcus Samuelson or David Chang. Someone who really has experience working professionally with those kinds of spices/flavors beyond just traveling and learning.

Obviously not all ranges of cuisines can be represented on the judges panel - but that's clearly what The Voice tries to do. They have judges that represent very specific categories - R&B, pop, rock, country. I think that obviously paying attention to the personality and chemistry of the judges is important. But I think it would help make it more of a dynamic food show if you have a French and Chinese judge trying to explain to a chef who presented Mexican food why either technique or style will best mesh with them. It could also serve to make the show more about food and less about personality.

[jarona]

You bring up good points regarding the the "ethnic" flavors judging. It's also interesting because I would have thought that the judges....hmmmm, how can I word this? OK...they may have not tasted a spoonful of the most "amazing" type of dish--but being professionals, don't you think they would think--"Wow--the taste of THIS spoonful has potential" ..I think Bourdain actually judged a spoonful in this manner. Really--to truly mentor someone, you kind of have to mold them...I don't see the show going in that direction.
OTOH, what is your opinion of John Besh for a judge? I think his personality would blend well with a mentorship.

[TrishUntrapped]

Jarona, I think you and I need to create a cooking show.

[jarona]

Oh Trish. I'm totally with you on THAT one! And it would be greatness!

[cresyd]

In general - from what I've seen of John on tv, I do think that he has more umph than what I've seen of Samuelson. He's funny, witty, etc. I also think that Southern has enough of a spin from French technique. My only complaint on that front is that this leaves our 2 professional judges with some kind of French background. (totally unrelated, I think that fried chicken cook off between Ludo and Besh would be amazing.....) And to me, in this season Malarkey and Ludo strictly from a cooking standpoint have shown absolutely no variation. I feel food in either of their restaurants would be quite different - but how it's presented on tv, I would expect near identical menus. So Besh would really need to ham up the Southern background - which I fear that this show doesn't really set the judges up for.

Basically, my thoughts came from the perspective that the current format has ended up boring. Bourdain and Lawson are long time tv professionals. I can't imagine either one of them still being on tv today if either of their first attempts came off like this. So I am taking the view that a) they're phoning it in (in either case any person who'd want to be there would be a better choice) or b) the structure of the show isn't letting them succeed. If the issue is column b, then perhaps more difference between the judges cooking styles might help?

[jarona]

Yeah. I hear you. Bourdain and Lawson, well, in my opinion anyway, come off as though they are either on high dosages of tegretol (sp) or they have had frontal lobotomies with a steak knife and a skewer. Where is Nigella's "Domestic Goddessness"? One thing I do love about Nigella is that, on her shows, she is shown as a woman who loves her midnight snacks..who dips her finger in the frosting (so like me) and enjoys it--and really enjoys every nuance of cooking. Bourdain is really killing me. His bad-boy reputation was always kind of entertaining (especially since I have a mouth that would shame a sailor), but here--he is like the schoolyard bully who as met his match and is now a meek puppy--not in a good way. I can say it is good to have a judge who does keep the integrety of his/her personality, but is focused enough on the food and mentoring...that is why I swear up and down that Ludo is the one to watch. He is so typically French in his personality but they guy absolutely knows his stuff!

[cresyd]

100% agree about Ludo. He's managed to come off as both entertaining and actually giving insight about food. He's not used limp personal preferences for dismissing someone "oh, I don't like creamy pureed things" (Lawson) nor told dreadful stream of consciousness stories "I was in Lebanon during a war, and then got home and conceived my daughter so rosewater has meaning for me" (Bourdain).

The only insight that I think could be had about Bourdain being no good at this is from the time he was interviewed by Marc Maron on Maron's comedy podcast. I understand that referring to Bourdain as a "comic" is a stretch - but Maron will interview personalities that aren't strictly comics. Either way, it was an interview that now reminds me of Bourdain on The Taste. Bourdain came off very low energy and almost compleely unable to engage in conversation that was aimed at being humorous. He was treating the interview like he was on NPR, so Maron was often very heavily dominating conversation to try and force a dynamic element. Sigh - either way, Bourdain is not doing himself any favors on this show.

[TrishUntrapped]

I think Tony and Nigella are fish out of water in this type of format. The actual show does not live up to its promise or potential.

[melpy]

+1 on the more about food less about personality. Right now I feel like it is about the judges and a few of the bigger personaltied contestants. The food and the other 12-14 or so contestants are like props.
My favorite parts are the focus on the food.

[LindaWhit]

Love the idea of John Besh being a judge/mentor.

[paulj]

Check this week's The Splendid Table for more on Nigella and the Taste.
http://www.splendidtable.org/episode/526

[LindaWhit]

Good for Nigella. And Tony and Malarkey have on either too much makeup or are WAY too airbrush-tanned.

[John E.]

I think it's makeup because I think some of the contestants were a little 'off' too.

[wincountrygirl]

Good choices. I still don't get Malarky. I know he was on Top Chef and did ok, but it was season 3 where there was not much competition.

[ChefJune]

Nathalie Dupree would be GREAT! and her books are still great. She's still writing. Would NOT like Alton Brown anywhere, much less in lieu of Brian. (Why are they callink him by his last name?) Altho I wonder why he is acting so elf-like.

[mcf]

Ted Allen? Alton Brown??? Nuh uh, IMO!

[HillJ]

TU, I can understand believing you dodge THIS particular bullet now that we're all getting to see how the editing turned out on this "show" but I'm sorry to hear you are never going to audition for another. I mean same casting crew, okay...but scratch the itch..keep your options open. You just never know where stuff leads. And fwiw, pitch your own ideas--there are other ways to get things done & off the ground.

I've tried watching this program and it's the banter btwn the judges that's turning me off. Who writes this stuff?

[Worldwide Diner]

I didn't read through the original thread. But I'm surprised that people were shitting on the shepherd's pie maker. She attempted the shepherd's pie only because she had immunity.

[John E.]

My only comment about her shepherd's pie is...cheese? I have never put cheese on shepherd's pie or cottage pie. She apparently also put on too much boring cheddar.

[LindaWhit]

Yeah, when I saw that cheese going on top, I thought "huh?"

[roxlet]

Bad school lunchroom food!

[LindaWhit]

PERFECT description!

[GraydonCarter]

Right, it's okay to make something you've never made before, but shouldn't you at least have eaten the real thing before? If the only shepherd's pie you have seen is the stuff you mom made and then she called it shepherd's pie, don't say it is shepherd's pie, say it is your mom's pie.

[John E.]

As I understand it, Shepherd's Pie is made with lamb and Cottage Pie is made with beef. I could be wrong however. I've only made it with beef. I've made it both with lots of vegetables in addtion to the meat and I've made it with mostly just meat and onions. Both need to have plenty of mashed potatoes, or 'mash' as it is referred in Britain. I have not made it in a long time, but it is one of those comfort foods Mom used to make.

[LindaWhit]

Post bookmark...

[wincountrygirl]

How?

[LindaWhit]

Just by posting something in this thread, my post becomes a "bookmark" so it's then listed in my profile threads.

[wincountrygirl]

Got it - thanks!