rconnelly

the Times refers to its art reviewers as "critics" as well. yet everyone in art knows the difference. ← By "today" what do you mean? Forever? ← I think we're getting into Bill Clintonesque here. What does "is" mean?

If there is such a difference in theory, it is not rigorously observed by any Times critic, in any field where it employs them.It's not up to the WRITER to follow the distinction. It's up to the reader, to know what they're getting. But really, Times writers mainly write about events, on deadline. That's classic reviewing. Sometimes, they get to write "Critic's Notebook" thinkpieces. And some of them (like Rothstein) only write thinkpieces like that. That's closer to criticism. (I'll spot you that given the restaurant reviewer's choice of what to write about each week, and hence control over his deadline, it's not strict deadline "reviewing" in the absolute classic sense.) ← I never know what to call myself: reviewer? critic? I'd guess I'm a reviewer if the owner likes what I wrote and a critic if they don't.

No a critic should "represent" the dining public. Unlike cooking, a review isn't only "about the food", it's about the experience. You can have the most excellent cuisine, but if the service sucks, or the room is cold or the prices are over the top....this is what a review is about.

The restaurant has gone above and beyond to remedy the situation. One wonders if this patron makes a habit of this kind of behavior. I mean, why wouldn't you want your coat checked? (It would be fun to to some investigation into the patron's background.) Or the restuarant to take care of the cleaning? One person - and friends - business isn't going to mean much in the long run. You did all you could. Face it, you're dealing with a jerk!

Oh, my God, Chicken Delight. We had 'em too on the West Coast. Same jingle, I can even remember the tune...................which will now probably be stuck in my head for the rest of the day ← They must've been nationwide. I remember that bloody jingle on St. Louis radio in the 60s. Just how big were they, I wonder? And what made them go under? ← Yes! Chicken Delight! I would beg my parents for it when they went out for the evening and we kids ate at home! I can remember the smell and I think they were served on heavy paper plates...to go had one plates stapled atop another! Hmmmmm!

circleoffood.com is an up-and-comer!

I loved reading those books too. I wasn't sure about including them here though-- are they cookbooks with narrative, or memoirs with recipes? Either way, it was certainly an immense loss when she died. I still remember the shock I felt when I read of her death, and yes, I shed some tears also. ← Me, too! Laurie is in many ways the person I aspire to in my writing. Call them what you will - essays of food, recipes with narrative - they are the best! Try her Kathryn Hebpburn brownie recipe -easy and oh, so scrumptious.

I beleive you are right. As annoying as Ms Ray is, once she fell under the spell of Oprah she was everywhere, opining on everything. As much good as Oprah has done I think she may be the ruination of many a good soul.

this was a great read. a little bit of knocking folks off their pedastals, but all it made them more human. Reading it made me wish I could go back in time.

Dog n Suds drive in Fabulous root beer, onion rings and a burger called the Texas burger that if I tried to eat now I'd probably have a heart attack!

Any hate mail I've received has not been articulate or clever. Once in awhile someone will disagree with my view politely, but usually when someone writes to tell me I suck the writing is bad, bad, bad and the comments are pretty lame and rude. One questioned my integrity and accused me of being malicious ( a dictionary would've served them well) another said I should get a job shoveling horseshit. And still another - his reasoning was it was because I worked for a free newspaper - that I had never eaten at a nice restaurant (although the place in question isn't on nice restuarant level). Develop a thick skin and a great sense of humor. And enjoy the job. People, as much as they complain, would kill for it!

It was interesting to watch the after show. Marcel acted very odd and he never really shut up even when the question wasn't addressed to him. He squirmed around, looked itchy and mumbled. Some say drunk, I say that is the reason why he drove everybody crazy. That is his natural behavior and only in the kitchen when he has something to focus on does he appear "normal"

I take exceptiopn to the bias remark and crony comment. I cannot show any bias or review and restaurant whee I have any affiliation. them's the rules. Of course there are periodicals that are advertiser driven, so perhaps that's the problem.

Advertise! Advertise ! Advertise! If you'r new there may be a space of time that you need to be opened before a review can be written. Have a Grand Opening and invite all the media and important people. Put out your best (free) food, smile, pour liquor (free) and see what happens. It'll cost you, but that's part of the deal.

I think the judges' decision was just right. Marcel may be destined for greatness, but right now he's not "there". How do you forget a main ingredient? Plus he had to go back and get several others. His attitiude in the kitchen was frantic and he took some of the credit when Sam saved his ass. Granted, plenty of chefs are asses to work for, but they "earned" that they didn't start out that way or else they never would've risen in the ranks. And people like working for them because they are human. Plenty of sour grapes on Marcel's part and still that unrealistic self-appraisel that will be his downfall. One must learn from such an experience, not bad mouth the judges or fellow contestants. That whole perfection rap was straight out of Thomas Keller and sounded hollow coming from someone who thinks he is perfect.

Big Night for sure. And Goodfellas sausage in prison scene and I'd have to agree about the egg scene in Moonstruck. Vivid imagery that lingers in the brain.

Damn, I'm sorry I missed F&W website. Anyway, I just had a flashback about the very first episode and the first two people they showed...Ilan and Marcel! Clever editing? Or just a coincidence? My prediciton....Ilan wins after Marcel gets caught trying to sabotage Ilan's meal! I know they aren't going to be in the kitchen together, but the great spirits tell me this is so!

Maybe Tom C. didn't want to do a reunion show. The looks on his face throughout the season at some of the behaviors might make him not want to be a part of a potential disaster.

is there going to be a reunion show like last year?

I read on another website that Marcel has Asperger's syndrome. While this may explain some of his behaviors, I don't think it's enough to make anyone feel sory for him.

1. Her talk show has been renewed!!!!!!! 2. I think I heard the new Chefography is going to include RR!!!! Please, please tell me it was all a dream.

Helps if they're twice the other person's size, too, and prepared to fight dirty (e.g. sneak up on them in their sleep.) What some call "standing up" to harrassment is going down to the bully's level in other people's books. It would almost certainly have been edited to look that way. Marcel wound up looking like the only mature one in the bunch. ← SO if you have to "stoop to someone's level" so they understand you mean business, that's what you do....I've seen it work. It's like a tight of passage. Kitchens can be intense places to work, but until you prove yourself you will always be the one who gets hassled.

Not false imprisonment. Not kidnapping. I agree it was extremely over the top but assault is probably the "crime" here. I'm not defending the action. But if Marcel had been more of a "man" and stood up to the harrassment way back when, they would've eased up. Bullies, if you want to call them that, are only successful because the person they're picking on reacts in a passive way. A little more assertiveness without the whining would've shut them all up. Besides if you read about what we didn't see, you could understand their frustration with big baby Marcel. He is a gnat.

how about "organic sushi"???? Turns out just the veggies are organic.

I have never seen a meat thermometer used on fried wings. This is why they are often over cooked since they are often cooked by time rather than an imperical formula. As long as the breading is not burnt I can live with overcooked meat. ← I think they were undercooked! Raw chicken, ugh1 This isn't the army/