Hell's Kitchen U.S. Season 2

[Joisey]

--Her tits don't appear big to me --

Linda, can I buy you lunch sometime?

LOL at K-Gross=Sloth from Goonies. I am also reminded of VH1's Celebrity Fit Club last season when they had Jani Lane of the 80's band Warrant.

I really want to get behind Heather (to win..) but everytime the tear faucet comes on I want to just smack her. She deserves something, but not her own restaurant. I'll bet Ramsay finds a place for her somewhere else in his empire.

[ken T]

This from Eater.com ..........

SPOILER ALERT

Eater has learned that Keith Greene, the favorite to win Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen, will take a dive on the the show's two-hour finale next week (airs Monday). This, so that he can stay in New York and take over Non-Frenchman Ed Kleefield's UWS canteen, Jean Luc (previously announced as closed for summer renovations). Greene will turn the venue into a Cajun-themed restaurant, ostensibly in the style of Kleefield's Mumbo Gumbo, just opened in Sag Harbor. The opening of the new restaurant is slated for September.

[Heidi the Pilgrim]

This from Eater.com ..........

SPOILER ALERT

Eater has learned that Keith Greene, the favorite to win Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen, will take a dive on the the show's two-hour finale next week (airs Monday). This, so that he can stay in New York and take over Non-Frenchman Ed Kleefield's UWS canteen, Jean Luc (previously announced as closed for summer renovations). Greene will turn the venue into a Cajun-themed restaurant, ostensibly in the style of Kleefield's Mumbo Gumbo, just opened in Sag Harbor. The opening of the new restaurant is slated for September.

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WHY? Just WHY WHY WHY? The Sloth is brain dead, who would hire him for a "real" job?

I'm so mad I missed this week's episode, but I had a hot date with Cesar Millan - hopefully they'll rerun before the finale...I want to see Sara "It's Not My First Rodeo" go down in flames. Someone please tell me she gets herself impaled on the little devils fork thingy on the way out?

[rcianci]

Yay! Sara is gone. Let there be dancing in the streets!

[FistFullaRoux]

So that would mean that the winner would be either Virginia or Heather. Tough choice. I'd lean toward Virginia, though Heather has better cooking skills, from what I've seen. Like I said before Virgina knows and admits she is out of her element. The fact that she is going forward and trying anyway gives me the thought that she would be the best option.

Note that I said option, not qualified. Interesting show, though.

[Brad K.]

I assume that before Virginia gets the axe (or shoud I say the "big knife") next week, Fox will show us at least one more montage of her romping around in a bikini and or low cut dress.

[chefboy24]

anyone know where heather actually cooked in new york>

[hsm]

Since Gordon likes to throw in little twists, I'll assume that the restaurant one of these people ($5 on Heather) gets will be one of the less demanding kitchens. Or the unannounced prize is weeks of lessons from Gordon or GR-stand-in. After Virginia's little speech, I feel like I need a shower.

Edited August 8, 2006 by hsm (log)

[stetson99]

Since  Gordon likes to  throw in little twists, I'll assume that the restaurant one of these people ($5 on Heather) gets will be one of the less demanding kitchens. Or the unannounced prize is weeks of lessons from Gordon or GR-stand-in. After Virginia's little speech, I feel like I need a shower.

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I have no doubt that Heather will win, and that Gordon will make her the Executive Chef of the franchised Subway sandwich shop located deep in the pits of the Red Rock casino.

[Joisey]

--After Virginia's little speech, I feel like I need a shower.--

God, I felt filthy after a half hour of that mess tonight. When this show first started, the litmus test was "who would I probably hire?". Heather, up until tonight, has been the only one. Now I wouldn't let her whiny ass near my food. I'd have no problem putting Virginia in the pantry where she came from in the first place.

It will be fun to see sweaty Tom and the gang back to haunt the two finalists. I'm still waiting for another Virginia in the Hot Tub scene.

[brooklyncook]

Firstly, though slightly unwarranted, a big HEY-YO! to Keith for stepping up to Gordon during the elimination. I don't think Gordon saw that one coming; normally he'd tell someone to shove it or shut up or something. Fantastic!

And then to ask Keith why he's being rude? WHAT? Love it. Keith just made up for all his pants-dropping.

I seriously DO NOT understand this show, though. Virginia is a certified nut-job. She's been on the block, what, six times now? And each time she says the same thing, basically: I want this, I won't let you down (please), I'm willing to learn.

Funny thing is, she's demonstrated NONE of this. And yes, great leaders break down and become hysterical after each elimination challenge.

If anything, Gordon ought to make her head of Hell's Closet. I think a kitchen is a tad too complex for Virginia.

***

And one other thing as a postscript.

Virginia was NOT a good leader while expediting. That's bullshit. She came across like one because Heather and Keith were responding to her and working well. When H and K were up there, Virginia was a complete twit, and Gordon expected them (from what it seemed) to light into anyone who wasn't stepping up.

[ThatGrrl]

I'm still waiting for another Virginia in the Hot Tub scene.

I'm thinking odds are good for that. I can't imagine why else she's still there.

I did get some rather inappropriate entertainment out of K-Grease's little parting shot. My jaw seriously dropped. Sure. It was mainly sour grapes. But I certainly enjoyed watching that war of words!

[coquus]

In what way did Keith take a dive? Was I watching the same show as everyone else, it looks to me like he just was being K-Grease like every other show. Makes for a boring final though, doesn't it? Another HEY-YO Keith, you got some stupid ones.

[JohnL]

Firstly, though slightly unwarranted, a big HEY-YO! to Keith for stepping up to Gordon during the elimination.  I don't think Gordon saw that one coming; normally he'd tell someone to shove it or shut up or something.  Fantastic!

And then to ask Keith why he's being rude?  WHAT?  Love it.  Keith just made up for all his pants-dropping.

I seriously DO NOT understand this show, though.  Virginia is a certified nut-job.  She's been on the block, what, six times now?  And each time she says the same thing, basically: I want this, I won't let you down (please), I'm willing to learn.

Funny thing is, she's demonstrated NONE of this.  And yes, great leaders break down and become hysterical after each elimination challenge. 

If anything, Gordon ought to make her head of Hell's Closet.  I think a kitchen is a tad too complex for Virginia.

***

And one other thing as a postscript.

Virginia was NOT a good leader while expediting.  That's bullshit.  She came across like one because Heather and Keith were responding to her and working well.  When H and K were up there, Virginia was a complete twit, and Gordon expected them (from what it seemed) to light into anyone who wasn't stepping up.

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I disagree.

First, the goal is to find someone who can "run" a restaurant.

It is not about who is the best "line cook."

In a number of important areas Virginia has shown that she has the raw (and I stress raw) talent or abilities that are important in "running" a restaurant while the other contestants showed failings in these areas.

The key IMOP is to determine what gordon believes to be the key skills and temperament required to be an "executive chef."

Virginia is clearly not a very good line cook but is this important? She will be running a restaurant and supervising what should be many skilled professional line cooks.

Virginia does have probably the best palate of all the contestants. being able to "design" and construct dishes that customers will like and order is of the utmost importance--not necc in being able to actually cook the dish.

Those contests where consumer response to the contestants dishes are critical! (Virginai has done well here).

Gordon is constantly harping on desire and drive but also about caring and meticulousness --another key criteria.

Virginia managed the pass well last night and importantly, she caught the "mistake."

Heather did not--allowing lumpy mashed potatoes to get to a diner is way more critical a mistake to Gordon than Virginia's melt downs as a line cook.

Again, Heather is probably the best cook but is she possessing of the tools/potential to run a place?

also Keith clearly demonstrated that he may have talents--his temperament is lacking.

He talks a good game but when he really has to lead he falls down--he is way too self centered.

The attitude thing! It seems he had to be prodded way too much by Gordon.

So, I believe the two best contestants are in the final.

Virginia has shown she can design dishes that customers will buy she has a good palate.

She has shown that she cares about the food and has a good palate.

Can she show some improved skill in managing the kitchen--people management--under fire?

Heather is a good cook but the show is not about who can cook. She does have drive and passion but can she show she cares about the food and is creative in designing a dish that will sell?

Stay tuned!

[JohnL]

In what way did Keith take a dive?  Was I watching the same show as everyone else, it looks to me like he just was being K-Grease like every other show.  Makes for a boring final though, doesn't it?  Another HEY-YO Keith, you got some stupid ones.

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Think about it for a second!

You are an investor in a new restaurant.

For your executive chef--someone who is tasked with representing the enterprise

to the trade to workers to customers to the press--is Keith who you want in that role?

He may have some talents and skills (he is surely a better cook than Virginia) but

without an attitude make over he will always be a line cook.

He clearly thinks he is way better than he actually is.

Virginia the least cocky of the three has enough humility to be willing to learn and to see herself in a more realistic light. (sometimes she is too unsure of herself)

It was critical when Ramsey challenged her to step up take the challenge rather than quit.

Heather , on the other hand, has the cockiness and drive (and the cooking skills) but shows that she is not always as conscientious as she could be and sometimes is too self assured and not really picking up on Gordon's advice. Also can she rise to the occasion and create recipes that will sell? (two areas Virginia has shown some talent in).

[ThatGrrl]

I'll buy that Virginia arguably has the best palate. I have my own thoughts regarding why or how she won the construction worker taste test, but I do think she does a decent job of creating recipes. Naturally, I'll also grant that she managed to spot the quality issue at the pass, last night. However, she's got two huge strikes against her which come up constantly on the line, and which will affect her as head chef: she's easily overwhelmed and seems to have difficulty keeping track of things. When the pressure goes up, she deflates; she doesn't rise to meet the challenge. That's the main difference I see between Heather's abilities and Virginia's abilities. Heather may break down later (and WOW does Virginia break down later), but when actually in the thick of things, she does try to turn it up. Heather did sort of overdo it, out of the gate on expediting, last night. But I certainly trust Heather to handle the pressure, more than Virginia.

Edited August 8, 2006 by ThatGrrl (log)

[Holly Moore]

The decision should not be based on who is the best line cook. But a person who has proven herself unable to handle the line can never be an executive chef. The kitchen staff has to respect the chef and that will not happen if the chef can not step in during an emergency and work every position in the kitchen.

There is no way that Virginia should be in the final two. She can't hack turnout. Shame on Ramsay who puts so much emphasis on commanding the kitchen's respect, for allowing her to reach the final two.

Edited August 8, 2006 by Holly Moore (log)

[rlibkind]

Please, everyone, keep in mind that this program is not about finding the best person to run a restaurant. It's about making compelling television, i.e., a show people will watch. As an entertainment, it works very well. As a test of executive chef skills and talents, it has the tiniest possible dash of versamilitude to make it appear plausible.

[BigboyDan]

Virginia and Heather are simply too young, in age, and too raw in general experience to run a kitchen; of course, the producers know this. I would, though, hire Heather to work in my kitchen, she has potential...

Edited August 8, 2006 by BigboyDan (log)

[joey madison]

I think that both Virginia and Heather are pathetic choices for the final two. But I believe show producers fully intended that to happen. Why else would they pick so many fantastically unqualified, unskilled, and down-right loopy contestants from the beginning?

But, in Virginia's defense... I for one have never encountered a nut-job chef.

Although I still can't believe she didn't know what a cleaver was.

[JayBassin]

I think that both Virginia and Heather are pathetic choices for the final two.  But I believe show producers fully intended that to happen.  Why else would they pick so many fantastically unqualified, unskilled, and down-right loopy contestants from the beginning?

But, in Virginia's defense... I for one have never encountered a nut-job chef. 

Although I still can't believe she didn't know what a cleaver was.

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or what concasse is (and she's a "salad chef"?)

[fiftydollars]

Is Gordon going to punt again and offer to give the winner a job instead of a restaurant like he did last year?

[duckduck]

What I didn't get was Heather yelling at Virginia that she saw the recipe in one of his books. And the problem with that would have been what? I'm sitting there thinking that if any one of them had a lick of sense, they would have picked up all his books and cooked their way through them before even stepping into his kitchen. Wouldn't it be good to know a little about his food before going into this thing? And how can you not tell the difference between cilantro and basil? I knew Virginia was going to win that challenge when she started talking beans and grapefruit and basil. It just sounded like his kind of dish.

[hungryCAT]

Virginia or Heather?

Heather or Virgina?

Both of these chicks cry at the drop of the hat - I can't see that either of them

has the tenacity or the balls to run a restaurant. They are too young, too

inexperienced. Now, Heather does have a certain measure of toughness

that Virginia lacks. And, she can keep better track of things than Virgina.

However, going back over the other contesants, I can't see any of them any better

qualified than these two finalists, so who's to say? I think Heather will come out the winner.

I am still sorry that Rachel didn't go further.

[Sugarella]

But, in Virginia's defense... I for one have never encountered a nut-job chef. 

Although I still can't believe she didn't know what a cleaver was.

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Anyone who doesn't know the "big knife" is a cleaver, yet can create or recreate some of the dishes that Virginia has done, means they have raw talent and natural inclination instead of having been taught. I call that bloody impressive.

Heather needs to quit bawling already. She didn't lose the challenge last week because of Virginia's boobs and she didn't lose this week because Virginia had a book that DID NOT have the recipe in it. She lost because basil and grapefruit does not taste one bit like cilantro, yet she refuses to accept that she could ever make a mistake.

It's a tough call....

On the one hand you have Virginia who is very talented but who has little technical knowledge or practical experience and who probably couldn't run a lemonade stand. However, she knows full well she can't. She also has very high standards with regards to the food she's willing to put out.

Then you have Heather, who does have the technical knowledge and practical experience and appears to be very quick and efficient in the kitchen. Not the best palate nor the highest standards for the food that's put out, and she incorrectly believes she can run a restaurant, which will inevitably lead her to fall flat on her face on day one. And I'm sure she'll find a way to make that all someone else's fault.

Earlier in this thread I was getting angry because it appeared Gordo was favouring certain contestants to win challenges, causing them to spend very little time in the kitchen outside of service, thus causing them to be unable to prove themselves. Perhaps I was a little too hasty. Perhaps instead he was interviewing.

I still think Heather will win, for the simple fact that of the two of them, she'd be better equipped to handle to pressure of the job right now.

Virginia I think Gordon is going to keep for himself. She's a naive kid but has a superior palate, and I think with the right training she could eventually end up running one of his restaurants for him.