Adam - your best post yet. I really do enjoy your blogs, and I don't think Next Iron Chef is racist. Or sexist. The bottom line is this - the two *best* chefs are left standing, they just happen to be white guys. Oh well.

NO Pressure!!!!
I am so excited to watch the final show. I think we will witness a battle between the best chefs from this group that was presented in the beginning. As for last nights episode, I can not believe that Casintino, would go to paris and serve boose soaked fruit! Come on.. this was it. He was already at the bottom. You would think it would have been more creative. Sorry casintino, I side with the judges on this one.
For all the judge haters out there by the way. I read a comment that the Judges should have a culinary education to be quailified and if you ever watch Iron Chef America, Those judges are writers, TV news cast and a variety of Persons who have no Culinary educations. BUT! I think Andrew is on the war front with Donatella. He needs to back off a little. Ever notice he really does not like it when someone does not agree with his opinion? I can't even think of working for the man.
For the final battle I wish both chefs the best and Besh! IF you read this....I have been a soul supporter since the beginning. GOOD LUCK!

Great Stuff Adam! I've never been a fan of ANY reality show before but, I am loving this. Come on Symon! Love Besh's food but, being from Cleveland, definately pulling for Symon. BTW... Anyone planning on visiting Cleveland for Symon's food - he has donated a private, 3 course cooking class for 10 to a local charity. Great opportunity and a great cause. Currently listed on E-Bay: Cooking Lesson For 10 With Michael Symon NIC Finalist. Check it out!

Due to more exciting things happening at home, I missed last night's Ep. (My guess as to who would be left was right). But I couldn't wait to read your blog. Loved it!!!!! Didn't need to see the show, but your blog is a must. Big Question: Other than money, why would someone with your sense of life want to be a lawyer?

I love Alton! Compared to other reality tv shows, he is a much nicer host. He actually looks sorry when he has to tell the contestants to leave as opposed to those other shows "the name that I do not call will have to pack up their belongings and go home", "please pack up your knives and go", etc..
Thank you Alton for being such a nice guy

I seem to recall that Besh competed in an Iron Chef competition with a real Iron Chef and won. Symon competed in a separate episode and lost. My bet is on Besh, Symon is just too much of a squirrel.

Also, does anyone else think Andrew Knowlton behaves like a petulant child? When people don't agree with him, he acts like a school yard bully! And yes, Andrew, you really showed your ignorance by arguing over the amount of mayo on the lobster roll! Mayo is a matter of personal preference and yes, you can have too much! Not everyone likes to have all flavors in a dish obliterated by mayo. He revealed a real lack of knowledge and class in the last episode.

I enjoyed the show, but was a little shocked at the challenge. Making lobster rolls and seafood hotdogs just does not seem "chefly" enough, though they do represent American food.

I would like to suggest to whoever writes the challenges on all of these shows that it might be interesting to ask all of the chefs to make the same thing. Then the judging would be clearer.

I knew from the start these two would be the last ones standing, though I don't think last night's judging made the reasons clear. And the bickering between the judges is getting kind of old. Good thing this is a short season, or there could be a brawl.

RACISM! Against uh...San Francisco! Yea! That's it. Just kidding. Your blog was hilarious. I think I'll go buy your book as your sense of humor reminds me of Bourdains.

Nancy - I live in Boston so I can get lobster rolls at McDonalds so I wished Cosentino(whom I was rooting for) would have done something different. But, no one was forced to make lobster rolls or hotdogs or philly cheese steaks. They were allowed to make whatever they wanted. I think Besh had represented American food the best with this Chicken and Dumplings.

Last night's episode was genius.

I cannot wait for next week. I'm ready for the decision. I'm really rooting for Chef Besh. He has been the most impressive of the bunch by far. He's shown himself to be the most professional, composed and creative. Last night just sealed it for me that Chef Symon is not Iron Chef material. If he couldn't retain his composure in that situation how is he going to in Kitchen Stadium?

It was no surprise as to the chosen to depart, I have to say Symon worried me with the problems that he had while cooking.

Besh really seemed calm and collected about this challenge, and you know at least twice before he said he thought it could be him going home...but the money was on Besh and Simon in a showdown in Kitchen Stadium next week and they didn't disappoint us.

I watched both Simon and Besh's episodes in Kitchen Stadium, and I truthfully think that Besh has more skill than Symon, but it could go either way....

My husband said I'm rooting for Besh, but my money is on Symon....Symon may be good under pressure, however, I think last night was a sample of that I think, my personal opinion, is that Besh is the better choice of the 2....no matter what, I think it will be an awesome battle to watch...

And I am looking forward to it..

Mooch

Chef Symon shows personality, not lack of composure. His cream was sour, his oven went down and he had problems with the mixer--and still delivered. Besh's dishes looked delicious, but so did Symon's--and his were more classically American. I think either of these two are deserving, but I'm pulling for Symon.

Dear Adam,
Perhaps Andrew is given way too much air time. Maybe it's his limpy hair look that makes Food Network think we'll confuse him with John Mayer. Why not just substitute John Mayer for Andrew Knowlton in the last episode and get the ratings up.Besides, do you think John Mayer would have a hissy fit over a roll? No, he'd sing something in American is waiting for Donatella to purr. She doesn't have to do anything else but that. We love her, even if we've never heard or her.
As for Ruhlman, he was very well behaved. But we're waiting for the day he tosses a big hissy fit and throws a pie at Andrew.

Hey, Amateur Gourmet! I too loved your blog! I can't believe that I am actually blogging – when I have so much work to do – but something about this show inspires me! Do the judges get to see how the chefs perform during their challenges? Do they know how pressure is being handled? Do they know about the aggravation directed toward the camera crew, and the hissy fits?

If so, Chef Besh is the clear winner. He has been, for me, all along. He's funny as hell, probably a fun guy, seems down to earth despite the hoopla, is extremely easy on the ol' eyes, has a nice voice, and is an amazing chef (as are they all, in their own right). What sets him apart from Symon is his class and grace under pressure. There should really be no question.

Thanks everyone for all you interesting, fun, sometimes annoying comments. It's been a blast to read!

whatiscanadiancuisine, I agree with you. I was merely expressing my shock at their choices.
I don't always understand the line between everyday and gourmet food. John Besh upgraded a BLT, which I thought was cool. I like meals that a real person would eat. But the judges are harsher, and I think it was risky.

When Michael Symon called his dessert "a take on a root beer float", they criticized it because it wasn't as simple as a float. Then with the consomme last week, they were upset that it was not technically a consomme. I think they are very hung up on the labels.

I'll never really figure out what they are looking for. But it's fun to watch.

I would like to add that I love John Besh's attitude. He really seems to focus on the task and not get crazy. Though any of the final three could have won and I'd be happy. Chef Symon has a great laugh, and I think the diners appreciated that last night.

What a great way to spend Sunday night! The competitors were fantastic. The, judges, well, let's just say they won't be missed. Prediction for next week - Symon. He may not be as polished as Besh but his level of creativity has far exceeded everyone. What do you want in an Iron Chef, coolness and grace or a guy that delivers the goods? See you next week!

Cool blog ~ cute with the letters. Hate the MALE judges ~ soooo no fun!!! (Has Knowlton EVER smiled?) Alton's cool ~ but I agree: What is his job on this show? Besh is probably the better cook, but who cares? Symon is so freakin' cute and fun, I'd pick him any day . . . the FUN Iron Chef.

Cool blog ~ cute with the letters. Hate the MALE judges ~ soooo no fun!!! (Has Knowlton EVER smiled?) Alton's cool ~ but I agree: What is his job on this show? Besh is probably the better cook, but who cares? Symon is so freakin' cute and fun, I'd pick him any day . . . the FUN Iron Chef.

I love to read the blog, thanks Adam!
I think is a difficult choice, both Symon and Besh are good. I wish I could be one of the judges to try all that food, and to replace Knowlton who is so annoying.
I hope Symon wins, he is so funny and that laugh is really something.

Dear Amateur Gourmet,

We will miss this funny blog. And you know that Ruhlman hyperlinked to to you right in the middle of his own blog, which is the sign of a true gentleman. Please do not sell your copy of his book on Ebay.

Sincerely,

Annie

Whose review of this ep can be found at http://www.annienewman.typepad.com

I am rooting for Symon. I am a Clevelander and it is exciting to see two home town foodies on the show. (Ruhlman and Symon) Symon's Lola restaurant is great, right on par with the NYC restaurants we've been to. I like that he seems less traditional than Besh and also seems very passionate about cooking.
On Alton Brown, he is awesome. I like that he seems genuine in his criticism and does a good job keeping the judges conversations going. While his persona is very different from the Good Eats "uncle" I think that the "uncle" would be out of place in the Next Iron Chef setting.
Yeah Cleveland!

Besh did win in his previous Iron Chef appearance. The Food Channel broadcast that episode immediately before epi 1 of NIC. Ridiculous foreshadowing or heavy-handed lesson (just because you won, it doesn't mean you'll win)?

And whilst you ponder that, also ponder how Ruhlman can fairly judge Symon.

So we're left with the guy who won a Iron Chef competition and the guy one of the judges wrote a book about. OK, part of a book. But still. These results are so.not.surprising.

I was in New Orleans on business last week, and just so happened to eat at Restaurant August (a John Besh production). I had not been watching the Next Iron Chef America, so I didn't realize the chef was in the competition. I did vaguely recall seeing him in his Iron Chef win against Mario, but didn't make the connection until well after the meal at his restaurant was long over.

Long story short (too late!), the appetizer (duck lotus buns?) and the main course (lobster and pork belly) were two of the most delicious things I had ever eaten. I told my server the pork belly was so amazing it was "sick" (I have a 16 year old son, who gives me insight into all the "cool phrases") which cracked the guy up. When the chef came around to our table later that evening (I still didn't realize it was Chef Besh), the server made me repeat the comment--he was sure it would make the chef laugh. It did! Who cares if I'm going to hell for being a fallen Jew who kvelled over pork belly AND lobster?

The meal was completely unforgettable. Wonderful service, delicious food, and a beautiful setting.

That said, I have started watching the program and cheering every stage on behalf of Chef Besh. His pork belly is sick and he deserves to win for that alone.

Mooch, I have to disagree with you. I totally see that Chef Symon has a great personality but his great personality isn't going to save him from failing in Kitchen Stadium. He wasn't on point last night. He flat out indicated himself during the show that he was not composed. Yeah, he had some difficulties but his competitors were working in the same environment he was. I didn't see Chef Besh lose his composure when someone messed with the tempature of the fryer. Yes, Chef Symon came out with some good (depending on whose opinion you take) dishes but more classically American than Chef Besh's dishes I think not. Since when did truffle (or veal or duck liver for that matter) become a classically American ingredient?

Ooops! My post should be directed to Mon not Mooch.

Great write-up AG! Loved the letter format - you had me cracking up once again. I gotta say, I could go for either Symon or Besh - they both seem like they would fit the Iron Chef bill in a most excellent fashion. I seriously think either chef would be fun to watch. Good luck guys!

I am rooting for Besh. More Iron Chef material
Calm, cool and great a competitor. The dishes are amazing. I can't believe the judges said that they are tired of the southern thing. That is John Besh. Probably that Knowlton guy. I don't like him. Tell me what was so amazing about stacking quails on top of each other on a chopping board. If they want the new chef to win against competitors in kitchen stadium, it better be Besh. I think we need new judges next time around.

Wow, after watching this program, I am amazed at the criticism lobbed at the contenders for not being "innovative or willing to deviate from their forte. What about Bobby Flay????? He grills everything with chiles. OK, I'm sure it's good but oh so LIMITED. Why not either hold the existing "Pantheon" to the same standards as the contenders or allow the contenders to be judged on their own specialties a la Bobby Flay with Tex Mex, Mario with regional Italian or Morimoto with Asian. Seems to be a huge double standard in my opinion.

Dan

Dan - I agree with you, there is a huge double standard with the judges urging the contenders to venture AWAY from their fortes. I realize that an Iron Chef is supposed to be well-rounded, but, more importantly, aren't they supposed to be unique, with their own personal style?

Great post Adam. Love your letter to Donatella. Hysterical!

After this week's episode, I've determined that Andrew Knowlton is a horse's butt. And he just doesn't seem to be a nice person.

Being from Pittsburgh, I should automatically hate Michael Symon since he's from Cleveland...but maybe that's just for football because I'm lovin' him in NIC.

I also love John Besh. Didn't like the idea of the cock's combs in the chicken pot pie...but hey, it wasn't sitting on my table...so I'll let it pass.

I'd be happy seeing either chef win this competition. I'm enjoying them both and I love that Food Network doesn't drag their reality shows out for weeks on end.

Good luck to Michael and John. The finale will be the best!

Crystal, if you read Ruhlman's and Knowlton's blogs, you'll note two things. 1)Symon had equipment failures, which is different than difficulties in adjusting to the new cooking environment and 2)Knowlton mentions if he had to pick a winner last night, it would have been Symon. You may not have enjoyed the dishes, but the guests and more importantly, the judges did.

I'm not saying that I wouldn't have enjoyed Chef Symon's dishes. I'm simply questioning how you could call them more classically American than the dishes prepared by Chef Besh. On a side note I find it interesting that you reference Knowlton's blog but not Ruhlman's. Could it be because of what Ruhlman said in his blog?

Ruhlman wrote, "Briefly, Besh's stew with the coxcomb was the best dish of the night--very deep complex soulful flavors, beautiful dish. Coxcomb is more about texture than flavor and i was glad he got it in there. I think over all even Symon would agree that if there had to be a choice of a winner, it would have gone to Besh."

Actally, if you read my post, I did reference Ruhlman's blog. But I'll just agree to disagree on this one. Until Sunday....It should actually be fun to watch. Both chefs are incredibly talented.

Yes, you did reference Ruhlman's blog but only as it suited your arguement. I agree that we should just agree to disagree.

Till Sunday then... I agree that it should be fun to watch as both chefs are incredibly talented.

SYMON SYMON SYMON!!!

It's been obvious since the first episode which two chefs would be in the final. I resent that Food Network has spent all that money sending these "contestants" all over the world to cook when Food Network has been "campaigning" with Share Our Strength to help end hunger in America. It would be far more useful to use the money they wasted on this totally superfluous show to help end hunger rather than try to gather in more ratings.

If they really needed a new Iron Chef, then they should have eliminated all the fallderol and just let Besh and Symon, under real conditions, have at it in one episode.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Next Iron Chef. However, six episodes total?? Not enough. I was just starting to get into it. And, finally -- even though I DVRed the 12:00am episode on Monday morning, I was not happy to see previews for the finale with the two remaining chefs BEFORE THE END OF THE PROGRAM!!! I didn't appreciate the spoiler.

I really want a good lobster roll right now. I wonder how long the drive is to Reds Eats from NYC???

Love this post and agree about the Alton comments--I've never been so close to punching the guy in the face, although I don't understand why the internets want to believe he is racist and gay when he has a wife and daughter at home.

And yes, Alton tapes Good Eats mainly in Georgia, around the Atlanta area. (Sometimes he goes on location to showcase an aspect of his food.)

Okay, I read the blog and the comments and I first have to say that from the beginning I have found you Adam to be a boor. I have a great sense of humor and nothing you have said so far has even brought a smile to my face. I think your ''letter'' to Chef Cosentino came off as if Andrew Knowlton or worse had written it. As a blogger myself and cookbook author I find your rudeness to be as bad as Besh's was this past episode. The remaining ''letters'' were simply useless for the most part.

I finally saw Besh as himself, an arrogant, pompous ass. That is his real personality and I found it to be utterly unnecessary, rude and snobbish. I have seen him cook live in competition only to heckle whomever is near to him in unrelenting fashion. It is not a joke or two but hours of running put down. Sorry folks I have had his food more than once and found it to be boring and uninspired. Also his chicken and dumplings was not chicken and dumplings. It was chicken and a piece of pasta. He did strictly his regional food mainly and sorry, but when we make chicken and dumplings where I am they do not have cock's comb and a piece of pasta.

Symon on the other hand at least will not run others down, or keep the venison to beat out anyone. He wants it fair and square. I read a comment at one time here that he smirks. No he does not. Symon, like myself, has a crooked smile which is not a smirk. He loves to smile and laugh and I'd much rather see personality than NOLA food every frickin' time.

So, Mr Funniest Food Blogger in NY, you ought to be out of a job and the ladies out there and I am one, need to get themselves off Besh's baby blues and think about who would also be fun to watch as an Iron Chef. Both are equally fine Chefs.

Everyone I know is in Symon's camp. Go Mike!!

People, get off Alton. The show is scripted for heaven's sake. Does anyone really believe that his comments are all entirely ad lib? If anyone has watched Feasting on Asphalt then I fail to see how you could not have had a sense of who the man is.

Yikes! Talk about a pompous ass ...

I must have watched a different show than Mr. Professional blogger, as I certainly didn't observe any rudeness from Chef Besh. What I did see were two professionals enjoying competition with someone of equal caliber. From the beginning, Besh and Symon have ribbed each other and made facetious "threats." For example, Chef Symon's finger-wagging, "I'm gonna get you Big Country!" Some Southerners may find that rude.

Regarding cock's combs in chicken and dumplings ... as a native New Englander, and a former longtime Philadelphia resident, I can tell you with some authority that I've never seen a lobster roll or Philly cheesesteak like the scaled up versions that were presented in Paris.

There seems to be a lot of people on a high horse out there. Get over yourself! It's basically a game show! Both chefs are fabulous; both chefs are a bit arrogant (any good chef I've ever know is); both chefs toss friendly barbs around.

And the sexist comment about the "ladies" and Besh's baby blues was pretty ignorant. Plenty of people have made similar comments about Symon.

Ah, proof that calling yourself a blogger does not mean you are a writer - or an accurate observer.

Oh, pardon me. I meant Ms. Professional blogger!

RACISM...SEXISM...ALTON-GAY?...SMIRKS & SNOBS...NO BLOGS ON THE DIFFERENT APRONS THEY WEAR?...NOW THATS VERY IMPORTANT!!!...GOOD FOOD?...ARE COXCOMB'S EDIBLE?...YUCKIE!!!

You know.....I have been watching these past shows and I am not impressed with Alton. I know this is not with the subject at hand but I had to just say it. I think he has been acting arrogant when he isn't a judge. I get so mad at some of the things he is saying. I know he is like a human encyclopedia when it comes to the knowledge of food...I admire that. I admire his credentials but come on....does he even know what these Chefs actually go through? He just needs to tame it down a bit. That is all.

Couple more days to the finale.....who will it be?

I am stunned at how many people don't "like" Alton Brown. Are you all not aware that this is a tv show, and that networks need ratings, and ratings often come from controversy....

Do you think "The Chairman" is really a gourmet guro? Jeesh! He's an actor, and Alton Brown is a foodie celebrity who managed to parlay his interest into a pretty decent career on the food network.

(These are not criticisms; I wish I could do the same!)

You really must enjoy these shows for the fun of it, or stop watching them. The best cook in the world would not make it onto this show if he/she was not fun to watch. That's what it's all about, people. Fun. Entertainment. Television.

i JUST GOT A COMPUTER....AND NEVER READ "BLOGS" BEFORE......and must confess....I enjoy the comments....better than the NIC SHOW. I'm amazed at the variety of critics...some very good,,,others...just plain baaaaad....however...everyone can voice their own opinion...intelligent or stupid...and hope that the FOOD NETWORK staff reads them...and will change or eliminate those GOD-AWFUL JUDGES...they are SNOBS.... spout off UNFAIR and UNJUST COMMENTS...and above all...not CONSISTENT..and PATRONIZING. In the future shows....PLEASE...be more PERSPICACIOUS!!!!!

i JUST GOT A COMPUTER....AND NEVER READ "BLOGS" BEFORE......and must confess....I enjoy the comments....better than the NIC SHOW. I'm amazed at the variety of critics...some very good,,,others...just plain baaaaad....however...everyone can voice their own opinion...intelligent or stupid...and hope that the FOOD NETWORK staff reads them...and will change or eliminate those GOD-AWFUL JUDGES...they are SNOBS.... spout off UNFAIR and UNJUST COMMENTS...and above all...not CONSISTENT..and PATRONIZING. In the future shows....PLEASE...be more PERSPICACIOUS!!!!!

Restaurant August is indeed the pinnacle of fine dining in New Orleans. As a native, I don't make that statement lightly.

Besh's degustation menu at August was the best meal I've ever had in this town, which is full of serious food competition... unlike Cleveland where Symon is stationed. Besh stands out in this foodie town.

Chef Besh is Iron Chef material. He's got the skill, artistry, knowledge and gravitas to be on that stage.

He should win.

Too much mayo on the lobster roll!!!! I'm amazed that the French guests did not stand up and shout "MAGNIFIQUE"....'cause French lobster dshes are drowned in heavy cream and cheese sauces! BON APPETIT

I think 5 Iron Chefs will be too many. One should go. But if I gave my opinion I would be accused of being sexist; so I decline comment.

I like Chef Besh. He did beat Chef Batali and that's no mean acheivement. I think Chef Besh can be counted on for great commentary during Iron Chef battles - as is Mario Batali. Great chefs with an engaging personality. As one blogger (Francesca, I believe) said - this is fun and entertainment in a foodie environment.

Comment on Alton Brown. I think when eliminating each contestant he has done so with great class -- NEVER insulting the skill of the chef and allowing him to keep his integrity in tact - a rare component of most reality TV. He's a great commentator for ICA but we (my wife and I) seldom enjoy his recipes when downloading them from FN. Mario's and Tyler Florence have always been outstanding.

Dan from PA

I think 5 Iron Chefs will be too many. One should go. But if I gave my opinion I would be accused of being sexist; so I decline comment.

I like Chef Besh. He did beat Chef Batali and that's no mean acheivement. I think Chef Besh can be counted on for great commentary during Iron Chef battles - as is Mario Batali. Great chefs with an engaging personality. As one blogger (Francesca, I believe) said - this is fun and entertainment in a foodie environment.

Comment on Alton Brown. I think when eliminating each contestant he has done so with great class -- NEVER insulting the skill of the chef and allowing him to keep his integrity in tact - a rare component of most reality TV. He's a great commentator for ICA but we (my wife and I) seldom enjoy his recipes when downloading them from FN. Mario's and Tyler Florence have always been outstanding.

Dan from PA

I think 5 Iron Chefs will be too many. One should go. But if I gave my opinion I would be accused of being sexist; so I decline comment.

I like Chef Besh. He did beat Chef Batali and that's no mean acheivement. I think Chef Besh can be counted on for great commentary during Iron Chef battles - as is Mario Batali. Great chefs with an engaging personality. As one blogger (Francesca, I believe) said - this is fun and entertainment in a foodie environment.

Comment on Alton Brown. I think when eliminating each contestant he has done so with great class -- NEVER insulting the skill of the chef and allowing him to keep his integrity in tact - a rare component of most reality TV. He's a great commentator for ICA but we (my wife and I) seldom enjoy his recipes when downloading them from FN. Mario's and Tyler Florence have always been outstanding.

Dan from PA

Wow. Some of us need to lighten up a bit! This is a TV show, and as well or poorly as it's been written, we are all watching it and are all passionate enough about it to have opinions. But you know what they say about opinions, don't you?
Yes, the judges are boorish. Yes, Alton is out of his element. And yessir, the female chefs were out tout suite. But here we all are, waiting anxiously for the finale. So, good job, Food Network! Love it or hate it, we're watching.
Has anyone else thought that one of the existing Iron Chefs had to leave by the end of the year? That might explain why there are so few episodes of NIC. Any bets on who is stepping down?

I believe one of the Iron Chefs is departing.... I may have read that it was Chef Morimoto (sp?).

I think 5 Iron Chefs will be too many. One should go. But if I gave my opinion I would be accused of being sexist; so I decline comment.

I like Chef Besh. He did beat Chef Batali and that's no mean achievement. I think Chef Besh can be counted on for great commentary during Iron Chef battles - as is Mario Batali. Both are great chefs with an engaging personality. As one blogger (Francesca, I believe) said - this is fun and entertainment in a foodie environment.

Comment on Alton Brown. I think when eliminating each contestant he has done so with great class -- NEVER insulting the skill of the chef and allowing him to keep his integrity in tact - a rare component of most reality TV. He's a great commentator for ICA but we (my wife and I) seldom enjoy his recipes when downloading them from FN. Mario's and Tyler Florence have always been outstanding.

Dan from PA

I, of course, am here watching FN and just saw a commercial for the NIC and at the end of the commercial it states to get ready for new episodes on the 18th. Is this in regards to IC the series or are they having another NIC?

As for who is leaving IC, I understand thst Batali is going to Spain for a while but that he is going to continue to do some battles. I also heard that Cat Cora is going to leave for new ventures. Has anyone heard that? As for Morimoto...I haven't seen him in forever it seems. He is my favorite IC.

Well, till tomorrow night....we will finally have all the answers.

Let me know if you have heard anything regarding another NIC series.

Les,

I am NOT a MR nor am I unentitled to my opinion here just as you are.

Francesca,

The new shows are referring to IC.

I am a published writer, author,(whichever term suits your preference) in several countries on 3 continents. I am a new Mrs, not a Mr nor a Ms and I will leave you all to duke it out. Underlined names here mean that the individual has a website perhaps some would want to check before calling anyone anything.

At least I gave my opinions of a writer and a Chef I have had some experience with in the past; not another poster. Perhaps you all have not seen John Besh's attitude in person as I have though anyone who watched the filler blurbs of each, he was his typical self. I do not speak of the friendly barbs but an overall attitude that is displeasing at least to me.

Enjoy your opinions folks!

I have read a lot of the preceding entries and find a few a bit puzzling. I have eaten at Chef Besh's restaurant and find him impressive in a city where fine food and restaurant dining are an integral part of the culture. The comments I have read regarding what has been seen on air of the chefs' personalities are somewhat naive. This is television. Every shot, every comment, every look is carefully edited for the effect on air and is seldom seen by the viewer in the context it originally happened. Please remember that probably the only thing we are seeing here that is real is possibly the food. Everything else has been edited to death, and I would not actually bet anything of value that the food is not edited in some way as well.

I do have a favorite: Chef John Besh.