485 replies to this topic

[greyhorse]

Excited to see the premiere of this new cooking competition headlined by the spicy Anthony Bourdain and queen of food porn Nigella Lawson.

I agree that Ludo belongs there as a mentor/expert, but Brian Malarkey? I know he was on Top Chef and has a couple restaurants in San Diego, but is he really at the level of a Ludo Lefebvre or Bourdain and Lawson? I think it's funny that on the preview for the show, they have a shot of all four judges, each with their names in front of them. "Ludo", "Nigella", "Anthony", and .... "Malarkey". Guess even the show knows that he's not well-known enough to be on a first name basis yet.

[JTMacc99]

Well, I think I'm okay with having somebody I don't really know much about. I've seen just about my fill of Ludo (although that won't stop me from watching this crap), and I've seen enough Bourdain to finish his sentences.

I will be interested to see what Nigella Lawson adds to a show like this. She's a fairly interesting person when she talks about food, so maybe it will translate to a competitive cooking show.

And having said all of that, my enjoyment of the show will probably come down to the contestants, as it always does.

[Puds38]

I'll be watching this solely for Bourdain & Lawson. Every time I see Ludo I am convinced of how big a douche bag he is.

[JTMacc99]

Every time I see Ludo I am convinced of how big a douche bag he is.

Yeah, it's pretty much an "every time" thing for me as well. I think the only time I enjoy him is when he is annoying the crap out of another unlikable chef.

[Pomone]

I like seeing Bourdain on these types of shows, rather than on No Reservations. On that show he doesn't always do a great job of letting you know what the food really tastes like, but on competition type shows I appreciate his opinion because he's eaten everything under the sun and all over the world. And if the show totally sucks, I'm hoping for some sort of funny writing from him describing how the show was put together.

I hadn't realized that Malarkey was going to be on the show too, but honestly, I can think of a lot of Top Chef contestants who I would want to see a lot less. I wouldn't mind having him as a mentor, mainly because he's been on a reality show before and could give advice on how to be on camera/please the judges as well as the food.

[cooksdelight]

I was surprised to see Marlarkey's name as a judge. His newest restaurant in LaJolla was getting some pretty bad reviews by diners online. Amanda Baumgarten, another TC alum, works for him there, and she was complaining about all the Yelp reviews. I would think if I had a restaurant in trouble I would not spend time on a game show, but that's just me.

Very glad to see it's a blind taste competition. That's how I wish they all were.

[Kromm]

Very glad to see it's a blind taste competition. That's how I wish they all were.

Whatever else this show will get wrong (and it will probably be a lot), this one thing is the part you have to respect.

Iron Chef scores people higher most of the time merely because they are the Iron Chef. Top Chef scores are definitely affected by preconceptions by the judges based on past meals from the Cheftestants. Chopped is a little better, since the period of acquittance before tasting is so small, but how a Chef looks, or even how they dance around the kitchen space probably has an effect.

Blind tasting is the only truly ethical way to do it. While its true that on an ongoing competition (with returning chefs), a judge might get to know a Chef's style well enough to guess which dish is theirs, even that could be tempered by alternating judges (not something we will get on "The Taste", but I'm just spitballing here).

[greyhorse]

I like Bourdain. I think of course he's crass and probably a little more inappropriate on tv than he should be, but I enjoy the sarcasm and the wit.

I also feel that Ludo is overexposed, but as he's one of the apparent chefs of the moment in Los Angeles (and I'm assuming perhaps wrongly that is where the show is filmed), it's not surprising that he's earned a spot at the judge's table. His pop-up restaurant reservation is one of the hardest to get in town.

The blind taste testing will be the most unique aspect of the show. I recall there was a blind taste test on Top Chef during one of the finales for the contestants to choose their sous chefs. Seems on this show that there are professionals (somebody in the preview is the personal chef for some celebrity) and amateur cooks. So pedigree has nothing to do with influencing the judges. Should be interesting.

[Kromm]

The blind taste testing will be the most unique aspect of the show. I recall there was a blind taste test on Top Chef during one of the finales for the contestants to choose their sous chefs. Seems on this show that there are professionals (somebody in the preview is the personal chef for some celebrity) and amateur cooks. So pedigree has nothing to do with influencing the judges. Should be interesting.

It annoys me to no end that blind tasting is so rare on these shows.

I'm actually watching BBQ Pitmasters as I type this. And guess what? Its got blind tasting. So some minor little watched show about BBQ is FAR more honest than most of the bigger shows.

The shame of it is that I don't see The Taste getting good ratings. The Network suits will be comparing its numbers to the likes of Amazing Race or Survivor and not cable reality shows. So enjoy the honest judging for the short time we'll have it on TV. And then flip over to BBQ Pitmasters if you need to see it anywhere else.

[Nutjob]

I just wonder which one will show up: Brian, Bryan, O'Brian, or MALARKEY! [/old TC forums/recaps joke]

[TudorQueen]

I remember loving Malarkey, so I'm looking forward to seeing him on this. Not wild about Ludo, but Bourdain can be pure gold when he wants to be - I just finished re-reading Kitchen Confidential, and I'd forgotten how good and useful a book it is.

I'm a sucker for this sort of show, so I'll probably tune in. But really, ABC - The Chew, The Taste? What's next, The Digestion?

[selhars]

really, ABC - The Chew, The Taste? What's next, The Digestion?

That's the first thing I thought of, too.

Only I thought of "The Voice" -- and "The Taste"

I'll give the new show a try though. Whether it's a winner with me, will depend on whether people act silly or not. I prefer a 'straight forward show. No "hype", screaming and 'over the top' excitement. (like Top Chef and Iron Chef/Chopped, and Sweet Genius ) The judges are articulate, informative and the contestants don't act stupid.

Edited by selhars, Jan 20, 2013 @ 9:25 AM.

[ElectricBoogalo]

I'm totally excited about the blind tasting. It's about freaking time they based a cooking show upon the taste of the contestants' dishes without bias. I'm curious as to what the format of the show will be (meaning will the same contestants remain all season?). I remember one of the Top Chef judges said that partway through the season, they could often tell whose food was whose based on the seasoning and flavors.

And of course I'm excited about Malarkey so that I can yell MALARKEY every time I see him. That was one of the best things about his season on Top Chef.

I'd guess that between Bourdain and Nigella, they're not going to stand for any screaming, hype, or other tomfoolery. Here's hoping!

[Macthekat]

I like Bourdain. I think of course he's crass and probably a little more inappropriate on tv than he should be, but I enjoy the sarcasm and the wit.

This is why I am looking forward to seeing this show...bring it, Tony!

I agree that Ludo belongs there as a mentor/expert, but Brian Malarkey? I know he was on Top Chef and has a couple restaurants in San Diego, but is he really at the level of a Ludo Lefebvre or Bourdain and Lawson?

I had to look up Malarkey, and as a long-time, regular viewer of Top Chef, I still don't recognize him, so I look forward to his input.

It annoys me to no end that blind tasting is so rare on these shows.
I'm actually watching BBQ Pitmasters as I type this. And guess what? Its got blind tasting.

I would like to see ALL cooking shows go this route, but I know I'm just dreaming. And I really like BBQ Pitmasters because it is 90% about the food and the competition, not faked out drama.

[Kromm]

I had to look up Malarkey, and as a long-time, regular viewer of Top Chef, I still don't recognize him, so I look forward to his input.

While placing 4th isn't all that memorable, you gotta admit his actual last name is pretty memorable.

I seem to recall he's mainly known for wearing stupid hats.

[JTMacc99]

Ooh! It's on tonight. I almost forgot.

As usual for me, I'm not pleased that they're going to make me watch two hours, but it is what it is.

[awaken]

Eh. I"ll probably keep watching to see how the show shapes up, just because I love competitive cooking shows, but it was hard to pay attention for 2 hours.

It moved way too slowly, they did not go through the contestants fast enough, and spent too much time on the judges who were not compelling to me. Malarkey's makeup was way too heavy and ridiculous looking (that eyeliner!!) The show would be better without him, IMO.

It confused and frustrated me how they kept saying how much they loved the food and contestants, yet voted "no". "I love it! Great flavor. But you won't be on my team." And then agonized that they made the wrong choice, and were jealous when another judge chose them and lamented that the person wasn't on their team. ???

There was just too much rejection, and the ones that did get through, there seemed to be no rhyme or reason why they were better than those who didn't make it. I think there needs to be more success to raise our hopes mixed in with the failures- more like AI or Masterchef. It's boring when nearly no one gets in.

The opening scene was annoying, it was clear they were trying to impress us by how bad ass and foul mouthed the judges are. Yawn.

[reddust]

I found it deadly boring and I love cooking shows of all kinds. Maybe it will improve after the auditions.

[awaken]

Oh, and i noticed Diane DiMaeo from Chopped- I seem to remember that she won her episode, but could be wrong.

We'll see if it flows better once the teams are competing.

I do like the blind tasting idea and glad to see it implemented on a cooking show. However, it's too complicated with the different buttons, and choosing of teams.

[moodyblue]

I was also frustrated with how often the judges would go on about how delicious a dish was but then rejected the person. Too many taste-testings for how little got through for a two hour show. It made the show drag. I'm only familiar with Bordain and Nigella, but the judge who I liked the most was Ludo, even though he was the one judge who seemed to regret his decision the most after saying no.

One of the contestants was from my itty-bitty home town so that was the reason I tuned in tonight. I'll probably watch the next episode if I can remember it is on but I won't set my dvr to it.

[mountainair]

It was ok. It was what I expected for a premiere episode. I may have missed some things so I have a few questions, what is the main prize? A car and a $100,000.00? I heard one contestant mention that but I swear I never heard it officially mentioned. So once the teams are picked do they shadow the chefs in their restaurants? Is there something specific they have to cook for the tastings each week or is there a specific ingredient or technique that must be incorporated? I don't know, after two hours I feel like I still don't understand the whole premise.

I do however love the idea of blind tastings and wish more shows would incorporate this. I didn't mind the judges but hated the praise for a contestant only to say no. I also wonder if Ludo ever gave that one gal a job at his restaurant.

[car54]

It's like the Voice and Chopped had a baby.

I must not have watched TC the season Malarky was on so I am not familiar with him.

Love me some Ludo---I loved Ludo Bites on the Sundance Channel.

I thought it was pretty interesting and I will definitely watch again.

[CrumbyButtons]

Too boring, turned it off. So apparently the woman I thought was Nigella Lawson is, in fact, not Nigella Lawson. Huh. I wonder who she is.

[BuddhaBelly]

I didn't mind it. I really like the blind tasting aspect however the 2-hour format was exhausting.

I think the judges often voted with their first impression and then once they heard the components got a better idea of the complexity. I'm sure they would have loved to ask for a second bit just to figure out what they were eating. Not knowing has to kill them. Then there is the idea of choosing someone and missing out on someone better later.

I have no idea who Malarky is and everyone else I'm super familiar with so it put him at a disadvantage. Plus the crazy make up and botox.

I though Anthony was going to be the crass one but Ludo isn't pulling any punches.

Edited by BuddhaBelly, Jan 22, 2013 @ 10:31 PM.

[biakbiak]

they shadow the chefs in their restaurants?

I would doubt it because Brian is the only chef with restaurants, Ludo has a food truck business and pop-ups. Nigella has never had a restaurant and it's been more than a decade since Bourdain worked in a professional kitchen.

[cooksdelight]

Yes, it's $100K and a Ford. And I am not sure how many weeks they go on their picking expedition to get the 12 finalists. Each one gets 4 contestants so they have to decide who to pick not knowing who is coming along later. Looks like they finish up next week. I am glad I recorded this so I could FF the slow spots.

Then from previews it looks like they teach them techniques on the set, and once it's time to taste they don't know who the food belongs to.

I also remember Diane DiMeo from Chopped, she did win. But I don't remember her being so bitchy and hateful unless it was edited out.

I'm rooting for Lauren, the girl in the trailer. She seems like a great and creative cook. And I hope the big guy beats Diane just so he can thumb his nose after she was so hateful.

Malarkey has restaurants in the San Diego area. He named them after fabrics. Seersucker, Herringbone, etc.

[designing1]

I lost interest in this episode about 40 minutes in and turned it off at the hour mark. Very slow, very boring. I'll give it another chance because I love the idea of the blind taste, but they'll really need to tighten it up and keep the show moving.

[rustyspigot]

Enough with the scallops!

Nigella seemed to not be interested in anything seafood oriented from the chefs.

I was glad some reality show "personality" stereotypes got eliminated.

Those pods they're in look like those water slides that the floor drops out from you. Missed chance, show.

[mlp]

It confused and frustrated me how they kept saying how much they loved the food and contestants, yet voted "no". "I love it! Great flavor. But you won't be on my team." And then agonized that they made the wrong choice, and were jealous when another judge chose them and lamented that the person wasn't on their team. ???

What she said. I agree with the rest of awaken's comments, too. I don't understand why they wasted so much time, both in production and during the show, highlighting people who were eliminated right away.

I'm pretty sure at least two of the applicants have been on Chopped. One was the woman who described herself as an Asian lesbian or something like that. Her name began with 'K". The other said she's known as the "Dumpling Diva" but she looked exactly like the goofball who was noisy and messy and got into it with Geoffrey Zakarian then came back in a redemption competition and apologized. I'll think of her name the instant I hit Enter I'm sure.

I saw Anthony Bourdain on The Chew last week. He was promoting The Taste but seemed oddly uncomfortable, almost diffident. I didn't know what to make of his demeanor.

[lordonia]

I can't stand Bourdain but tuned in for the last hour against my better judgment. Damned competitive cooking shows suck me in!

I liked the blind taste aspect and seeing home cooks compete against professionals with no judging bias. It was amusing how often the judges only wanted to know if their pre-guesses about pro vs no were correct. The judges also seemed to go easier on the home cooks when dismissing them; they did make an effort most of the time to be kind.

I don't much remember Malarkey from Top Chef, but he's unpleasant to watch here. It's an altogether odd panel, really. Nigella, who is famous and widely admired, Bourdain, who will whore himself out for a nickle (and then get drunk and bitch about the experience), and then the other third-tier oddballs.