Hell's Kitchen U.S. Season 2

[robert40]

Pure entertainment and nothing more. To believe any of those contestants are experienced enough to manage a 14 million dollar restaurant is beyond laughable.

[robert40]

Heather it is!

Wasn't expecting the 3 month time warp to what I assume is something close to today?  They did a great job keepin' that one under wraps! From the video - we are led to believe she will be running "T-Bones Chophouse" -- one of the premiere properties.  That can't be right.

Congrats to her -- my very humble opinion is that it was the proper choice.

Edit: Robert --- she worked the line in a NYC kitchen for quite some time.  It isn't like she hasn't cooked before.  Your comment isn't warranted... yet.

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Working the line and managing a kitchen in Las Vegas is a whole other animal.

In all honesty I would have considered every one of the contestants a pretty poor line cook and if hiring myself 'may' consider one for a position on garde manger.

There is a broad area of diversity in quality restaurants even in New York City. From Bouley to Olive Garden in Times Square. Where she worked holds more weight then its location.

Don't get me wrong..I truly wish the best for her and her career or at least better then the last winner who is now selling knives on the Internet.

But knowing Per Se cost in the ball park of twelve million and its investor chose one of the best chefs in the country to run it. And there are even those who discussed if the investors in Gilt were taking a risk with Paul Liebrandt. And he has 100% more experience and talent then Heather has. When looked at in that perspective I can't help but find the show merely entertainment.

Edited to add. After rethinking I could not even imagine a garde manger position.

Edited August 15, 2006 by robert40 (log)

[johnsmith45678]

In all honesty I would have considered every one of the contestants a pretty poor line cook

In what aspects do you consider Heather a pretty poor line cook?

[robert40]

In all honesty I would have considered every one of the contestants a pretty poor line cook

In what aspects do you consider Heather a pretty poor line cook?

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I would not even begin to know where to start in answering that question.

Just to give Heather the benefit of the doubt regarding your question. These shows are highly edited for the best entertainment and drama possible which may explain scenes like 'Not being able to get the food out of the kitchen'

But not taking anything away from her determination and will to succeed she and the others lacked even basic kitchen skills one expects in a professional kitchen.

I believe for those who may misunderstand my interpretation of Hells Kitchen you would have to know what my opinion is to become a chef.

My advice and opinion to those considering it is... Consider culinary school to learn the basics. After that the true work starts. It is better to wash salad greens for Bouley then be a chef in a poor steak house. With each restaurant move up the ladder in quality. At some point consider a visit to Europe and after 8 to 10 years of working for the best chefs you can find you may be able to consider yourself a chef capable of managing a top kitchen.

Just my opinion of course.

Edited August 15, 2006 by robert40 (log)

[ErinM]

Not to mention that Keith's & Heather's tests were much more tricky and subtle and involved more than one sense and decision making. You had to taste the food and decide if it was up to snuff and whether to send it out or not. Virginia just had to realize that she didn't have a salmon for a table. Completely visual and had nothing to do with determining quality.

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OK, here I have a question. Salmon is pink, and sea bass is white, right? How hard is it to tell the difference between the two?

[johnsmith45678]

In all honesty I would have considered every one of the contestants a pretty poor line cook

In what aspects do you consider Heather a pretty poor line cook?

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I would not even begin to know where to start in answering that question.

What a cop-out! I'll just presume you don't know what you're talking about then, unless you bring up some specifics.

[robert40]

In all honesty I would have considered every one of the contestants a pretty poor line cook

In what aspects do you consider Heather a pretty poor line cook?

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I would not even begin to know where to start in answering that question.

What a cop-out! I'll just presume you don't know what you're talking about then, unless you bring up some specifics.

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My friend if you believe a professional chef de partie can't get the food to the pass then you have every right to that belief.

Also I don't believe I made any insults toward you and if interested I gladly will PM you my resume.

Edited August 15, 2006 by robert40 (log)

[Joisey]

--In what aspects do you consider Heather a pretty poor line cook? --

In some of the episodes that actually spotlighted her on station, I thought she ran around too much. Not that it makes her poor, but it was something that stood out. What I don't like about her overall package are the extreme mood swings. Anyone that runs those emotional gamuts in a kitchen setting is gonna crash hard. She paints herself as this tough NYC chick but then falls to pieces at both good and bad situations. But hey, at least it wasn't K-Gross.

[johnsmith45678]

In all honesty I would have considered every one of the contestants a pretty poor line cook

In what aspects do you consider Heather a pretty poor line cook?

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I would not even begin to know where to start in answering that question.

What a cop-out! I'll just presume you don't know what you're talking about then, unless you bring up some specifics.

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My friend if you believe a professional chef de partie can't get the food to the pass then you have every right to that belief.

I don't remember that...

Also I don't believe I made any insults toward you and if interested I gladly will PM you my resume.

Sure, feel free! No insult intended, we just disagree then.

--In what aspects do you consider Heather a pretty poor line cook? --

In some of the episodes that actually spotlighted her on station, I thought she ran around too much.  Not that it makes her poor, but it was something that stood out.  What I don't like about her overall package are the extreme mood swings.  Anyone that runs those emotional gamuts in a kitchen setting is gonna crash hard.  She paints herself as this tough NYC chick but then falls to pieces at both good and bad situations.  But hey, at least it wasn't K-Gross.

Yeah, agreed. She stresses way too much. But I think she could handle being a line cook (and was the best line cook of this season), but would want the sous chef keeping an eye on her. I wouldn't describe her as a poor nor a great line cook.

[SBonner]

Well... great ending to the show I thought Virgina would be the winner but congtats to Heather. My only disappointment was that they did not bring back the chap who won last year. It would have been nice to have him as a judge or even work in one of the kicthens. I would have loved to hear about his "stage" in London which he took over running a restaurant in the U.S.

Stephen Bonner

Vancouver/ London

[robert40]

Yeah, agreed. She stresses way too much. But I think she could handle being a line cook (and was the best line cook of this season), but would want the sous chef keeping an eye on her. I wouldn't describe her as a poor nor a great line cook.

It's late and I'm half asleep but maybe we do agree. I also believe she was the best of the season and maybe poor was to strong of a word.

I likely have seen alot worse in my time when I think of it.

No doubt she could hold her own in many mid-level restaurants but I don't see her having the technique and experience to work the line in the Manresa's or French Laundry's of the world. At least not yet.

[Grub]

I missed a few of the latest episodes, but from the episodes I did see, it seemed sort of obvious that Heather would, but maybe Virginia came on stronger towards the end...

At any rate, that the winner can just go on to manage a serious, high-end restaurant from winning this show sounds weird to me.

Favorite moment of the whole thing must be when Virginia sat down with her team to discuss strategy, and one of the guys (I think the big ass-crack "I wear my shorts high and my pants low becauce that's how I rock 'em!!"-eejut) -- started demanding things if Virginia should win. Like hey, what in it for me -- I want money, and I want it in writing! I swear, I could read from her facial expression that it just dawned on her that she just might be a really poor judge of character -- she just picked the worst fuckup losers for her team.

[Fai Jackson]

Well... great ending to the show I thought Virgina would be the winner but congtats to Heather. My only disappointment was that they did not bring back the chap who won last year. It would have been nice to have him as a judge or even work in one of the kicthens. I would have loved to hear about his "stage" in London which he took over running a restaurant in the U.S.

Stephen Bonner

Vancouver/ London

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He did not go to London. He is selling knives on the internet.

[Brad K.]

In all honesty I would have considered every one of the contestants a pretty poor line cook

In what aspects do you consider Heather a pretty poor line cook?

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I know a few people who worked with Heater at her last job before winning. In fact the exec schef at her restaurant was formerly a chef at the Bellagio. All reports are that she is indeed a good line cook, a nice girl and ready to make the jump to sous chef at a respectable restaurant. However, I hear snickers and see eyes roll when it's mentioned that she'll be an "executive chef" at a "major" restaurant.

Remember, it is a steak house she is going to though - not exactly haute cuisine. I can guarantee that Ramsay will install a few of his trusted cooks to really oversee the place.

As a side note, the restaurant where Keith Greene aka "K-Grease" (his actual nickname is K-Greene, but changed it because the producers didn't want his last name known) is touting on it's menu and in local ads that their "executive chef" is a reality TV star - puke.

[ThatGrrl]

Favorite moment of the whole thing must be when Virginia sat down with her team to discuss strategy, and one of the guys (I think the big ass-crack "I wear my shorts high and my pants low becauce that's how I rock 'em!!"-eejut) -- started demanding things if Virginia should win. Like hey, what in it for me -- I want money, and I want it in writing! I swear, I could read from her facial expression that it just dawned on her that she just might be a really poor judge of character -- she just picked the worst fuckup losers for her team.

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One of my favorite moments, as well. Good LORD did K-Grease show his colors there. That's just all kinds of ass, to start making what are essentially threats all wrapped up in theoretical demands for "motivation." Jeeze, how about doing a decent job, just because you have pride in your work?

Right decision, to go with Heather, but I'll also say that my respect for Virginia has grown. With some training, she has a lot more potential than I was willing to admit.

[MGLloyd]

From a leadership perspective, I don't think Virginia made many points after she selected her brigade and started the meeting with "I want to show that I can win even with a bunch of losers" or whatever words to that effect she used. Not exactly Motivating The Troops 101.

[hungryCAT]

My feeling is that Virginia's evening was doomed from the word GO.

Firstly, she did end up with the losers (as much as I detest Sara, she usually

does okayl when she puts her mind to it - Heather was 'lucky' to get her).

Tom and Giacamo are low-mediocre, at best. Mr K-Grease can cook, but

his attitude and low-class schtick deduct from any kitchen expertise he may

have, IMO.

For Virginia to start out saying, "I know I picked what some may say are the

weakest cooks, but I wanted to see what I could do with you" (paraphrasing)

does not tend to motivate your team. Then, Mr. Grease-Pit demands money

in return for a decent job!?!? WTF? Dude, ever heard of just doing the job you

are here to do, and not expecting a reward for it!?!? My opinion of him is down

the toilet.

As for Tom - he keeps reminding all of us that he is 43 years old. Maybe one day

he'll act like it! "I'll never work for a woman" ?? Then, don't. Class act - NOT!!!

Heather (of these two) deserved to win. She had total control of her kitchen

and had the best 3 cooks of the six who came back, if only in spirit and gumption.

Edited August 15, 2006 by hungryCAT (log)

[howard88]

I thought the two hour finale was truly entertaining t.v. fare.

Gordon is a pisser with his earthy retorts to all and he moves

the show along with his demanding attitude and cocky deportment.

I wouldn't give Tom the privilege of working a hot dog stand. I think

he was brought back simply for us viewers to see once again his

simple minded ineptitude.

I was routing for Heather and I think it remains to be seen how she

functions in her new and demanding role.

There is no one formula for readiness to take on great responsibility

for any position. Many times people step up to the role in which they

are placed.

Good luck to Heather.

P.S. It did look from my viewers vantage point, Gordon was ready

to leave his wife and family and run away with Virginia.

[AzianBrewer]

I thought the two hour finale was truly entertaining t.v. fare.

Gordon is a pisser with his earthy retorts to all and he moves

the show along with his demanding attitude and cocky deportment.

I wouldn't give Tom the privilege of working a hot dog stand.  I think

he was brought back simply for us viewers to see once again his

simple minded ineptitude.

I was routing for Heather and I think it remains to be seen how she

functions in her new and demanding role.

There is no one formula for readiness to take on great responsibility

for any position.  Many times people step up to the role in which they

are placed. 

Good luck to Heather.

P.S.  It did look from my viewers vantage point, Gordon was ready

to leave his wife and family and run away with Virginia.

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Tom is a mess....he is probably one of the staged characters in the show.

[JohnL]

I thought (and still think) Virginia with some seasoning (pun intended)

has the intangibles to "run" a restaurant.

The show as edited clearly shows Virginia done in by her meticulousness and desire to "get the food right."

This attribute became a problem as she failed to focus on her staff enough while spending too much effort looking for perfection at the pass.

Heather, I thought, overcame her lack of inventiveness and got the food out.

A key comment was made regarding their food by the Red Rock guy--Virginia's short ribs were the "best he'd ever had..." while Heather's dish was very very good.

So Heather a capable cook with good kitchen management skills (if she can deal with the bi polar thing) won out over Virginia who possesses a superior palate and some very good instincts.

A close call.

In the end Heather got the food out more smoothly. Her restaurant ran a bit more effectively than Virginia's.

I also saw just how creepy all the other contestants were. The guys just a tad more creepy than the women.

Clearly the two best candidates were in the final.

Also--this contest was to be an "executive chef"--not an owner of a restaurant.

I am certain that Heather will benefit from some "expert" guidance and supervision in "her" new restaurant.

Red Rock (and Gordon ) are not stupid.

anyway

Ralph from season one ended up on Iron Chef America so who knows.......

[coquus]

I thought (and still think)

Heather, I thought, overcame her lack of inventiveness and got the food out.

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You know, I don't think she suffers from a lack of inventiveness, more that she suffers from a lack of experience. And I'm sure she got the Micheal treatment a bit, you know he "expects more" from her. In the end, she played her cards right (simple, straightforward, and right mix of help), and had total confidence in victory, therefore she won. Virginia on the other hand, I don't think she ever gave herself enough credit to win. Plus, she should have trusted Gordon's judgement and picked Garrett before whoever she picked after Keith (because she wouldn't pick Sara).

[johnsmith45678]

A steak house?!? Wow! There's a high-end restaurant type of restaurant that's amongst the most difficult cuisine. ;P But maybe I'm wrong, locally a well-known chef went from a very well-known and respected restaurant (Mel's) to work at a steak house (Elway's).

Virginia's an idiot for picking Keith -- surely her ditzy brain remembered how he loathed her (well, except for when they went to Vegas together). I'm not surprised Keith pulled that. He would have been different for Heather.

[Joisey]

Having worked in a casino steakhouse, I can attest that the caliber of cooking isn't quite as high as a French or Italian room. However, you're usually held to stricter food cost standards because most of the time you're getting your stuff PC and cryovaced so the product cost is less and there should be less spoilage. If she has good experience with numbers and watches what goes into the garbage (in addition to doing specials that cost out well), she should do OK.

[Heidi the Pilgrim]

I think Virginia would have been doomed no matter who she picked, the "girls" would have done their best to sandbag her, and the boys would at least not be as vindictive - stupid, but not vindictive enough to sabotage her.

K-Greasy and Tom? What repugnant little toads. Tom has an ex-girlfriend like I'm an ex-astronaut - he's so revolting no one could be in the same room with him for longer than it took to feel nauseous. "Good lookin' guy'? In what prison would that be? He'll never work for a woman - he'll never WORK. PERIOD. He's screwed himself there, and he doesn't even get it yet.

I don't think either girl was mature enough to handle the job, it was a tossup, IMO. Virginia was at least honest enough to know she wasn't up to the task. Heather, had she lost, probably would have offed herself in one of the ovens. Gordon Ramsay is really growing on me - whether the show comped the tickets or not, I thought it was incredibly generous of him to give them both tickets to London to eat at his restaurant, and he was actually very sweet to them in the end. Well, except for the "F*ck you all" comment...LOL

Edited August 16, 2006 by Heidi the Pilgrim (log)

[johnsmith45678]

K-Greasy and Tom? What repugnant little toads.  Tom has an ex-girlfriend like I'm and ex-astronaut - he's so revolting no one could be in the same room with him for longer than it took to feel nauseous.  "Good lookin' guy'?  In what prison would that be?  He'll never work for a woman - he'll never WORK.  PERIOD.  He's screwed himself there, and he doesn't even get it yet.

Hey Heidi -- just curious, where have you worked? Are you hot?