I have a question for the producers of Food Network’s “Chopped”….
And that is, do you instruct the judges to be so bitter and critical, or did you just choose judges that you thought would fit that bill? The show, in its second season, is becoming more unwatchable by the episode, and not because the tempo of the show creates pressure that occasionally causes a contestant to slice off a fingertip or serve raw poultry and fish bones. It’s because of those judges–the likes of Alex Guarnaschelli, Aaron Sanchez, Amanda Freitag, and Geoffrey Zakarian–who sit on their high horse and just rip these poor chefs to shreds.
If you haven’t seen the show, let me give you a brief synopsis. Host Ted Allen (who is the show’s lone bright spot) introduces four chefs, who are usually restaurant owners, head chefs, or seasoned sous chefs, who will go head-to-head in a competition of three rounds. Each round, they are given a basket of mystery ingredients–ingredients that usually do not go together, maybe like duck breast, avocado, maple syrup and passion fruit. They have to create an appetizer, main course and dessert–but after each round, one contestant is “chopped,” or eliminated, until the dessert round pits the two remaining chefs, who square off for a $10,000 prize.
And if we didn’t have a reference point, it wouldn’t be such a big deal, at least to me. But even Bob Tuschman, Susie Fogelson and Bobby Flay of “The Next Food Network Star” are gentle to their contestants by comparison. And if you watch “Top Chef” or the awesome new “Top Chef Masters” on Bravo, the judges have the utmost respect for the chefs that are competing. But not on “Chopped.” It’s like they go out of their way to be vindictive. Alex is the most guilty here….she has these steely eyes that cut like a hot knife through (are you ready for the pun?) Butter (the name of her NYC restaurant if you missed the joke). And if a contestant dares to try and speak while she’s speaking, she cuts them off abruptly, saying, “you can speak when I’m finished!” like a fifth grade teacher reprimanding a student. But it’s not just her. If one of the contestants doesn’t plate their dish in time, undercooks or overcooks something, doesn’t use a key ingredient properly or leaves a bone or shell on the plate, or drops a spatula on the floor and wipes it off before continuing, the judges react as if someone just made fun of their mother, or kicked their dog.
Even if the dish looks like there is no way they can say something bad about it, Alex and her cohorts always find something bad to say….ALWAYS. To make matters worse, they sometimes let contestants slide for the wrong reasons, such as not watching the clock or serving undercooked chicken–when others may have clearly been more creative but added a bit too much jalapeno that made poor wittle Amanda Freitag reach for her water.
Look, I like the show and the concept of it. But can’t these judges lighten up a bit? Get the sneer off your faces, “Chopped” judges and producers, and just have fun with it. There is no good reason for you to be pissed off at the world, and if you continue to be so, we’re just not going to watch.
I agree whole heartedly, the Chopped judges are a*******!
THANK YOU. I was going to try to write to the Foodnetwork myself but you said everything I wanted to say – I will no longer watch this show because of the snobbish – holier than thou attitudes of the judges – I feel sorry for anyone trying to please any of those judges because it is just impossible – This should be called DINNER IMPOSSIBLE because you just can’t win – even the winners are trashed. Thank you for your post!
I just finished watching the July 28 show. This may be the last time I watch this show. One judge was angry with the other two and said the chef who made the best dessert should win. I thought surely the other two judges would stand their ground and stick with the chef who presented the best meal other than the dessert. Not so. The angry chef got his way!!! Shame on you.
I whole heartedly agree with Norma C. The other two judges appeared to be bullied in to voting for the chef with the better dessert and not the one who made the best overall meal. This may be my last episode.
Awfully sensitive, aren’t we? One would think you were describing Hell’s Kitchen.
The brusque tone of the judges on Chopped (which is far from abusive) is part of the pressure cooker – it helps sets the show apart from more sedate programming like Next Food Network Star, Ultimate Recipe Showdown, and Challenge. And far from becoming ‘unwatchable,’ the show has only improved from one season to the next.
If sensitive souls can’t stand the heat, they’d best stay out of the kitchen.
i like the one judge aaron sanchaz he’s great he should be a iron chef but alex pisses me off,lol i hate the way she acts.i dont feel good after the show im alittle angry
I agree! What’s up with Scott Connant? He is worse than of all of them combined!! He never has anything positive to say. He always makes comments like “i’m not sure how to say this” or “interesting”.
I like watching chopped, however, why does your set look like a prison?? Black setting, dismal room, chefs dressed in black (chefs should wear white) The judges are cruel except for aaron sanchaz. Brighten up your set and make it look like a “clean” kitchen like it should!! Judges, LIGHTEN UP!
All three judges ate food from a chef after she 1. dropped her tongs on the floor, wiped them on her apron, and then plated her food, and 2. double-dipped her tasting spoon and used it to sauce her plates. On a separate episode another chef double-dipped… the judges called him on it but they still ate the food! Disgusting! This is like eating food someone has spit in! And these top-notch judges propogate such disgusting behavior to be allowed by eating food prepared by such sub-standard practices. Kids at Arby’s would be fired for doing the same things!
How hard up for food do you have to be to eat it from utensils dropped on the floor and/or being served from the chef’s tasting utensil?
This show needs to go down. The judges are morons. They think they are Gods, while they are just idiots hired to be crude and rude on camera. I really think ALL food network fans should seriously boycott Chopped. There is an immediate lack of respect in the show. If you don’t like it, don’t eat it. The judges have the right to chop anyone they feel like, but they cannot ridicule the contestants. DOWN WITH CHOPPED!
I agree with this. Love the Food Network, but take these judges off and put them in those situations and see how they do. They are so abusive it is pathetic. Not going to watch this show, but it has a great concept.
I was the pastry chef at a fancy French restaurant on the Upper East Side, in NYC, in 1995. Each day, I’d prepare my sauces, ice creams, sorbets etc., under the most sanitary conditions. Afterwards, the French sous chef would come over and proceed to use his spoon to eat samples, double-dipping from all the containers, and sampling the sauces from the squeeze bottles (placing his mouth around the end of the squeeze bottles). When I would ask him not to (explaining the reason), he and the chef-owner treated me as if I were insane for having a “problem” with it. Needless to say, I didn’t work there for long and I left the restaurant business a few years later.
I absolutely agree with you… The judges ruin the show. I tried watching it, but can’t continue. As for the behavior being part of the show, I absolutely can’t agree with Phil. The dynamic of Hell’s Kitchen is different in the sense that the winner will be the face of the sole judges HUGE investment. In chopped the contestants are trying to push the envelope creatively… Also, ramsey at least recognizes achievement whereas the chopped judges just seem determined to be pissed off at the world… All in all I agree with many of you, the show is unwatchable.
I would like to see these rude and snobbish judges on Chopped have to be a contestant on the show. I would love to see what they could come up with in the allowed time and how they would handle it if they had judges for them as critical as they are. I watched the show last night and Marc Murphy and Alex Guarnaschelli were really rude.
i love aaron sanchez. a very kind man. i WANT to like the others. but i find their steely gazes almost comedic. truly. i sit here and wonder how anyone could look so mean and be taken seriously. they don’t play fair. they complain and then do eat double-dipped food and so on. the one where the guy bled into the food was so bad but they did make him start over. that was so gross i almost think they should have edited it out. yep, watching the rude stares coming out from under the furrowed brow is not pleasant in any shape or form. ted allen is okay. (i think they may intimidate him quite possibly LOL)
I agree with the author as well. In addition to commenting on this post, everyone needs to go to the food network website and let them know how you feel. I just wrote in because I was disgusted by the judges’ behavior as well. Just go to the food network website, scroll down to the bottom and click ‘contact us’. Let them know how you feel and hopefully they will change their format.
I feel relieved to find I am not alone in my opinion about the judges (except adorable and relatively normal person Aaron Sanchez) ruining this show. It could be really good, but these egomaniacal self-important asses wreck it.
Most of you are insane. The judges are the BEST part of the show. Of COURSE they are self absorbed douchebags, that’s what makes this show awesome. Half the fun I have watching is making fun of the judges. Alex lost Iron Chef America to Cat Cora, for chrisakes. My favorite douche is the short guy with perfectly manicured hair – during the intro this season he’s the one who holds up the hot pepper and says “What am I supposed to do with this?” I have a pretty good idea for him.
As far as double dipping; big whoop. There’s bacteria everywhere. The heat in whatever is being cooked takes care of it.
The judges on TV show chopped are so unfair. I watched the show last night and they sent Sonny home the older gentlemen, He was good, his food looked good but because he put chop sticks on his plate simply for decorations, they sent him home and his food was the best and looked the best. The guy that won only won because his wife was expecting a baby. The lady judge is full of bull crap, she is just a bitchy female that wants to have her way, I really wish they would take the show off the air, so unfair!!!!!
I agree with Matt. The chefs that go on the show know well in advance that they’ll be facing criticism and sometimes abrupt comments from the judges.
Plus – consider how much of the show is actually edited out for television viewers like us.
The judges don’t sit there with angry looks on their faces the whole time the chefs are conversing with them. They’re likely laughing with the contestants during the commercial breaks; asking them if they’re ready to face the mean old judges again.
I like the show and it doesn’t bother me that the judges act stern because most of that is for show anyway.
If it bothered the chefs, they wouldn’t be chomping at the bit to go on there.
Matt you are a hoot! However I don’t think the judges are doing themselves any favors by being hateful. There is too much good programing on to waste my rare free time on hateful people. I see now Alex is starting a new show, I won’t be watching.
Very simple solution if you dont like the judges on chopped, Turn The Channel to Bravo and watch Top Chef or something like that.
I hope the judges change because I do like the concept of the show. That Alex is almost comedic in her bitchiness.. lighten up.
What adds insult to injury is that most judges have a scant appreciation for world cuisines. They judge within the apparently limited range that their palates allow them and don’t seem to understand dishes that are from Asian, middle eastern, African, latino ( other than Mexican) cultures. Judging by comparing the dish to what you are used to eating without understanding aspects of food that are cultural and would be readily apparent to folks from similar backgrounds as the chefs is insulting to the skills and abilities of the chefs. If you cannot judge non western food don’t invite non western chefs and then tear their creations up on tv. I used to like the show but recent bizzare judgements have made me stop watching due to the sheer unfairness of the competition.
i actually think the judges are too easy going on these contestants. give me an f**king break it’s a competition. They are professional chefs and they sometimes make mistakes I don’t make at home. it’s supposed to be a pressure cooker. I’ve watched some of the episodes without alex and they were boring. I actually think the show has gotten better than the earlier episodes. If you don’t like it stop watching your whining is ruining for the rest of us.
I have been watching this show for a while. If I am not mistaken, rules are set for this show. I do not think exceptions should be made. I have seen several shows where contestants have gone over their time to finish plates, and some who never completed their final dishes. Many went on to the next rounds, or actually won. I totally disagree with these decisions. One doesn’t run a race, fall before the finish line, and still win an award. You have to actually cross the finish line. Rules should not be broken in contests like yours. You need to re-review your guidelines
I just turned it off because the judges were acting like toddlers. I really like the concept and the host but they really need to get the judge component of the show under control. They are so conceited it makes the show uncomfortable to watch. Rudeness is so common on other networks, I am disappointed to see it on Food Network.
I used to enjoy this show but I have to say, today’s episode with Chef Scott complaining about red onions made me laugh out loud. What a self righteous moron. I was so happy the chef he was trying to intimidate threw it back in his face by telling him he was going to make a red onion jam.
Get some decent judges. This will probably be the last “Chopped” I watch.
John I couldn’t agree more, Scott is just a bunch of hot air with the attitude of “I said no so don’t do it” Really what is the point of creativity if a judge gets to tell you how to cook it? “I don’t like raw onions” so what so no one can use raw onions with him(but it’s not personal right?LOL)
That and the fact that the other chef never finished his dish, and they made the other chef choose whether or not to have the frypan come over and when he said no they punished him for it. You can be a winner by not finishing you cooking and not serving it and yet if you do and don’t let the other chef bring over his slop in a pan you lose.
I think the winner is determined by who brown noses the judges and I agree Alex and Scott both bully the other judges. So now i can go on and not finish my dish and win right? they chopped other chefs for that exact thing. They were determined to have the one who didn’t finish win no matter what they had to do. That is just wrong on so many levels.
Dear food net work.
I wathched a challenge that played on 10/27/09. The ingredient was plantain, the remaining two chefs battled to finish their last course, at the end of the 30 minutes one chef did not finish. He DID NOT FINISH THE RACE BUT YET HE WAS HANDED THE RIBBON. It must be nice to have a foot race and not cross the finish line but still be handed 10 THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!!!! In all FAIRNESS the real winner should be at the least given another chance to cook again. After all he was Cheated of his winnings. Bring him back. Redeem yourself Food Net Work.
I have to agree with many who have posted here. The judges are obnoxious and they do not follow the rules of the show. On 10/27/09 I watched as they handed the prize to a chef who obviously wasn’t smart enough to realize that banana bread WILL NOT COOK in 30 minutes. The real winner who was chopped because of the ignorance of these judges should be brought back as was suggested by others on this site….RULES ARE RULES unfortunately this show allows contestants to regularly break these RULES. They are given ingredients that they MUST USE and judges often overlook it. THEY ARE GIVEN A TIME LIMIT but judges also overlook it. What is the purpose of the show. IF THE JUDGE LIKES YOU, YOU WIN? No Matter what…….?
I COMPLEATLY AGREE!!! THAT WOMAN IS A A TOTAL B*&%$. SHES HAS NO MIND AND DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO JUDGE FOOD AT ALL. AND LOOKS AT EVERYTHING AS IF PEOPLE CAN MAKE FLAWLESS DISHES IN 30 MIN. AND THEN IF ITS TO PERFECT THEY DID SOMETHING WRONG
Sure, Alex is a huge bi-ach, but isn’t that the whole fun of it? I think you people are way too sensitive. There are much worst things in life than being criticized in a competition you know you will be criticized in. Also, it’s obvious the producers want the judges to be the way they are – obviously it’s working because people like me LOVE the show because of the judges’ harsh criticisms. Television is all about drama and most cooking shows are downright boring.
How come nobody is complaining about the hard criticisms in The Next Iron Chef?
I love the show – my one problem with it is the commercial breaks before revealing who got chopped:)
I totally agree. The judges are true douchebag-asshats. Who the hell is the judge who is going ballistic over some raw onions? He and the rest need to just get over themselves. Douchebaggery, jackhole, asshatts at their best.
I totally agree too. The judgment is biased and based on judges personal feelings instead of the capability of the participant. It seems like they always want the underdog to win even if it is not fair. They hate competent, confident participant and love the ones that evoke sympathy. It is not real.
Oh please. The judges are there to judge, not be best friends forever with the chefs. I like that the judges are critical. Praise a chef when he/she doer it right, and when they don’t let them have it.
I have been wanting to write to food network myself. I have never encoutered judges (even Simon) that are so rude, uncaring, and certainly could not outcook the contestants. Some of them tried out for other shows and didn’t win. Who do they think they are treating chefs as they do. I will not be watching if this keeps up. AND I will not be watching the judges show either!!!!
PS I like red onions!!!! Who does that guy think he is.
hey you guys…thanks for all the comments….I think you’ll all be interested in this short interview I did with Alex Guarnaschelli…I am kind of surprised she said the producers do not influence them. Here is the link
http://www.premiumhollywood.com/2009/11/25/five-questions-with-alex
-guarnaschelli-of-chopped-and-alexs-day-off/
I have just finished watching an episode of “Chopped” on The Food Network. I have watched this show maybe 8-10 times and everytime I have seen it I can not believe how horribly incorrect all of the judges behavior is. I really like the concept of the show, but can hardly bare watching due to the overall rudeness of the judges. Their facial expressions alone are enough to make a blind person angry. I will not watch this show again as I am fed up with their constant unneccessary cruelty to the chefs. I think if Food Network doesn’t change this aspect of the show it will inevitably fail.
Oh and by the way… Does anyone know how to contact Food Network directly about this problem?
Although I agree that the judges can be a little “ruff” the other point is, that the chef’s going on the show now know that this is what they do. They don’t have to go on the show. I don’t agree with comparing the show with other cooking competitions. Top Chef and Next Iron Chef, these go for weeks with the same people week after week. Chopped, changes with every show.
As far as cutting people for not finishing dishes or now including all of the ingredients, this is what the competition is. If you don’t agree don’t watch. If I were in any restaurant and they left bones in the fish and I chocked, I could sue, as I am sure many other people would do. And one more point, we don’t have TV’s that allow us to sample the food ourselves, as viewers we can’t taste it and we only see a portion of the total cooking time.
I will continue to watch…Thank You!
Knowing that the judges are going to glare and be highly critical is what makes this show work. Without the “attitudes” the judges flaunt, the show would be flat. It would lose its edge. And it’s this edge that makes this competition different from the others.
Listen, Food Network producers–don’t change this show. It’s sharp, harsh, and full of tension. Just like its title.
I was annoyed over the “raw onion” incident and was looking for someplace to vent my spleen when I discovered this string of opinions. I’m glad I read the article and all the posts because it made me realize “It’s in the script”. It’s not the real world. It’s a scripted television show and written this way to extract reactions like those posted here. It suddenly hit me that a real professional chef has to use all types of ingredients and I can’t imagine one not liking raw onions or pitching a bitch because another chef used them in a dish. So from here on, I’m not going to get my undies in a bunch when one of the judges does or says something arrogant, bitchy or stupid because, IT’S TELEVISION.
You seriously need to grow some testicles, jeez.
I watched Chopped last night and the judges were the meanest I’ve ever seen them be. The three were all over the fella who cut his hand and continued to cook without covering the cut and the same thing about double dipping. I do agree with the judges about their concern for sanitary conditions, and yet I watch as chefs on Chopped and Iron Chef drip sweat into the food. Why don’t the judges say something about that? Why won’t the chefs wear a toque, a kerchief or sweat band The sweating in the food is quite off-putting.
The judges go balistic over a little hair on their plate, but no one comments on the meat/fish/fowl being prepared on the cutting board and then the chefs use the same board with no sanitizing to chop their vegetables, spices, etc. And no one washes their hands after handing the protein. A little hair? Won’t make you ill, but salmonella sure will!
I completely agree. I particularly dislike Alex Guarnaschelli and Scott Conant. However, some consideration should be given to how the shows are edited. The editors can cut to a particular expression on the judges face at the right time to create a certain feel. Same thing comments.
personally chopped is one of my favorite cooking shows! I always dvr it. I am however grossed out by the fact that the chefs never wear gloves, and are always sweaty and dripping everywhere. YUCK! How bout in the future for sanitary sake, pulling the hair back, wearing sweat bands, and some gloves?
omg i love chopped and my favourite judge is scott
Wow… I realize I am in good company after reading these posts, so I’ll add my 2 cents. When I first began watching Chopped I was a big fan. I really like the concept of the show and the variety of chefs and their personalities. I look forward to seeing the contents of the baskets and how each chef approaches the usually difficult task of combining these ingredients into something creative and palatable in 30 minutes or less… and that is what kept me tuning in each week. The best part of the show is the VARIETY of the contestant chefs. The producers do a great job of finding chefs that cover a wide spectrum of personalities. I wish they would do the same with the judges and the host. For the most part, Ted Allen is way boring, often annoying and can be as arrogant as the judges at times. C’mon Ted, a host should have at least some semblance of a personality! And get yerass out of the kitchen while the chefs are busy. Save the stupid questions until they are finished. Then, there are the judges. Pleeeease, get over yourselves. Except for Aaron Sanchez, as many of you have noted, most of the judges take their role a bit too seriously. Sure, it’s all part of the
Sure, it’s all part of the “drama” of the show, but I think the same effect can be obtained without the smugness and ego of most of the judges… especially Geoffrey Zakarian. Can we please see a more varied panel of judges and include some that aren’t quite as smug and full of themselves as Zakarian? I recently watched in disbelief as Zakarian belittled and humiliated one of the chefs at the chopping block for “having some fun” on the show rather than taking everything so seriously. He was “offended” that the chef was enjoying herself. So the show is competetive and the prize is $10,000… big deal! Zakarian acted like this was some big holy grail of a prize. It’s TV… it’s entertainment. So lighten up Geoffrey! You’re not as great as you may think you are. Perhaps a break from the judges table would do you some good. It may even help out the ratings of Chopped, which judging from these posts, may be rapidly on the decline.
okay, maybe that was more than 2 cents worth. Thanks for letting me vent. I feel better now.
Ted Allen is the best and I love him on Food Detectives. I think all the judges on Chopped, with the exception of Alex Guarnaschelli, are very professional. The judges who have spoken their minds and put some of the most arrogant and obnoxious chefs in their place had every right in doing so, however, I feel the judges were very professional in judging what the chefs did and not their personalities. Alex is just mean and rude. I would never watch a Food Network program that she was in.
I love Chopped, but not Alex.
DISGUSTING – not the contestant chefs, or the food – THE JUDGES. I hope the judges believe in karma becuase it will soon apply to all of them who are so obnoxiously rude and disrespectful. I realize that there is an expected notion of the “SIMONesque” type of judge on these types of shows, but give me a break. I wouldn’t be surpirsed if the show was cancelled due to it’s failed response from the public of the unprofessional treatment to the contestants. Any of the responses above who think professionalism is an aspect of this show obviously has never had any.
I just watched a repeat of the Oct. 27 show referenced above, with Scott, Mark, and some bald guy judging; the opinions of Amanda, Cindy and Juju are spot on!!!HOW the judges could still give the win to the chef who didn’t include the bread morphed into pancake slop was ridiculous!!! Mark Murphy’s credibility took a MAJOR hit as judge when he asked the other chef if he’d allow dish uncompleted in pan to be served to them anyway. This show more than most really sucked!!!
And other thing which torqued me was the raw onion drama from Scott. The losing chef took the loss better than I would; he got JOBBED!! These snob judges act like global elites, Rockefeller wanna-bes. Geoffrey’s the biggest jerk of the lot, AAron seems like the only judge who treats the chefs like human beings.
I use to enjoy Chopped and was relieved that the Food Network aired programing without the bleeps and foul language, however Chopped has become an utter disappontment. Jeffrey Zakarian is the most pompous ass I have had the misfortune of seeing.He treated the English woman like trash for dumping trash. He even insulted her home life, stating “I don’t know where she grew up …. “I was truly ashamed of him , and will no longer watch. Get your act together Food Network
Every time I watch this show I get pissed off, for many of the same reasons already mentioned. I came up with a solution I wanted to share. I record the show on DVR, and only watch the cooking, tasting, and see who gets chopped!! Every now and then I may listen to some comments, but for the most part I’m hitting Fast Forward!!LOL I will never watch this show “LIVE” again!! PEACE
I absolutely agree with everything that has been said above. I do however wonder if I am the only one who thinks that these judges are also slightly racist at times, and above all sexist. I see more women getting chopped more often then men. I am currently watching last nights episode, and I believe that John should have been chopped instead of Lizzy. John made more mistakes than Lizzy did, and I am not basing my opinion on just last nights episode but many past episodes as well. I think the judges are rude as well, they all need to take a lesson in constructive criticism. I think that if the show were less rude, hateful, and demeaning the show would be awesome!
I love the concept and I love the contestants, but those judges are extremely annoying. I’ll bet you money that they can’t cook worth a damn themselves and if given the same amount of time and some of those items in the baskets they’d make a God-awful mess compared to the people whom they judge so harshly. It’s like they have to find something wrong with every dish. They also kill me with all this technical jargon and that textbook bullsh*t when to me the if something ends up good it’s simply good!! I say they should get regular people off of the street each episode and have them judge. I think we’d get more honest opinons and less “for the camera” disrespecting of the contestants.
ATK, I watched that episode too and John should’ve definitely been chopped before Lizzy. His food looked like slop in my opinion, but to give the judges their due credit they did pick the right guy in the end as the winner.
UGHHH! I agree with everything you all are saying. I’m eating a salad right now and it has some raw red onion in it and I can’t help but laugh out loud. I also so the red onion episode. Scott what ever his last name was so out of line for complaiing that he doesn’t like red onion. The way he went on and on about it and basically implied that the other two chefs lacked the skill to prepaire a meal with nuanced flavors was heinous. I am loving my salad with raw red onion by the way.
If you are a judge, it isn’t your job to critique food based on your personal likes and dislikes. I personally hate foir gras. If that was an ingredient in dish that I had to critique I may say that I don’t like foir gras, but I wouldn’t faulth the chef or insult them becuase I don’t like something. Likes and dislikes have nothing NOTHING to do with skill. What crap….
OK, I’m done ranting.
Oh and ATK, I also agree that the judges are sexist. I especially hate that the judges are almost always men and women always get cut first.
Just remember people, they give some of the harsh comments to people, so they can learn how to be a better chef. A chef has to be able to make a dish depending on peoples’ different taste- not their own. And yes, without the comments I doubt the show would last a day.
On the latest episode (Jan. 26 that I saw), Scott is whining AGAIN about raw onions as if no one in the world is ever allowed to eat raw onions simply because he personally doesn’t like them. And he was served a dish with pico de gallo – he wants that COOKED? He also raves any time a contestant so much as puts cheese near fish. I know cheese and fish traditionally aren’t served together in Italian cooking, but the point of the show is for the contestants to get outside their comfort zone by using unusual ingredients together. I guess the judges are – or one of them is – unwilling to do the same. I like the show overall, I think the judges are just getting too big for their britches.
Watched last night also. I have one of Scott’s cookbooks, I am thinking of returning it to him, he just makes me want to spit. Criticism is all well and good, but these chefs are trying to make edible dishes out of really weird ingredients. I really think they should try it. These people really turn me off and would probably make me choose a different restaurant in I was in their area. Except Aaron, he seems like a sweetheart.
Geoffrey, Alex, Scott, I wouldn’t walk across the street to eat at their places.
I THINK THAT FIRSTLY THERE SHOULD BE JUDGES THAT LIKE ALL KINDS OF FOOD & INGREIDENTS. YOU HAVE A JUDGE THAT DOESN’T LIKE ONION’S HARDLY AT ALL & SHOWS IT VERY HARSHLY TO ANYONE USING THEM IN A DISH & SO ON & SO FORTH…..ALL THE JUDGES SHOULD LIKE ALL KINDS OF FOOD……WITH THESE KIND OF JUDGES ON THE SHOW IT MAKES IN AN UNFAIR COMPETION THESE PEOPLE ARE PROUD OF WHAT THEY ARE DOING WITHIN THE TIME RESTRAINTS & GET BEATEN DOWN BY MOST OF THE JUDGES FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS….YOU SHOULD REALLY FIX THIS BEFORE YOU LOSE MANY MANY VIEWERS
I am going to agree that, the judges on food networks “chopped” lack the respect to be called judges and ” foodies” they have absolutely no respect for the chefs on chopped, unless they make something the size of a penny and put it on the plate to be served. and second there is a trend between ” cooks” that is something that makes me stray away from culinary cynosures. cooks as they call it, or chefs lack respect all around toward others who are below them, they have an ego about them, that makes them unattractive and unworthy of the title of chef. they are not chefs i believe they are people who feel they must bash ones who are not chefs so they can gain the title in the industry. this trend makes me not want to be a part of the world of the ” food channel” thank you and good night.
I’ve often thought about writing to the producers of “chopped” to share how I feel about the judges on the show. And, after last nights show I have to say Scott needs to go. As a judge he needs to understand that he is critiquing dishes that are being prepared by chefs with very diverse backgrounds and training. They are not preparing foods based on his personal likes or dislikes. If there are foods he doesn’t like, then maybe he needs to stay in his own kitchen and brow beat everyone that works for him into preparing foods in his own limited range. And, for the record, we here in New England prepare fish with cheese all the time.
Although I agree the judges can be pompous and arrogant jerks, I still DVR it and watch. I enjoy seeing what the chefs create with all the crazy and oddly matched ingredients.
Almost all the judges are overly pompous and condescending. The wost are Chris Santos (wanna-be rocker, hardcore tough guy), Geoffrey Zakarian (the epitome of an uptight metro-sexual, I bet he gets angry if his bathroom towels are not aligned perfectly), Sue Torres (looks down her nose at everyone), and Scott Conant (who isn’t bad, but acts like every meal should be customized to only his taste).
The other judges aren’t too bad and are fair in their criticisms. They criticize without being overly cruel, snooty, or arrogant about it.
In fairness, some of the contestant chefs can be equally pompous asses. Some act like they are above cooking with certain ingredients. I remember one guy complaining about having to use ground turkey like it was an insult or another who turned up his nose at using bananas.
Guess being an arrogant jerk is part of being a chef for some (it’s only food people, you’re not inventing some revolutionary technology or writing a symphony – relax).
One final note, the host Ted is neither good nor bad, he’s just there. I have no real complaints or pats on the back, indifferent. All he really does is count down the time and ask the judges, “have you decided on who gets chopped?” (as if they they’re going to say, “No we haven’t, we need more time.” Of course they’ve decided – geez!) Anyone off the street can do his job, but he’s okay for what he does which is little (and that’s good).
Best about Scott Conant.
He keeps saying cheese and fish is a sin, but specially in Italian cooking, but there are over 600 recipes that appear on their site when you enter Cheese and Fish. Including 95 from Emeril and 27 from Mario Batali, one of the main Italian chefs of Food Network.
So is cheese with fish a sin or something good to eat.
The judges do not judge very well. They chop people for insipid reasons, as the chef made a fully cooked, well done dish. While the other chef hasn’t even completed their dish, yet it was good enough for that person to win? I don’t get it either. Also, it’s just a competition/game if you would like to call it that. The chefs really don’t have to be so sensitive when they lose. And it really surprises me how there can be a little favoritism in this show. It just confuses me. I don’t like Chopped at all.
How many Micheline stars do these judges have in their restaurants? They act as if they are better than Escoffier…
Scott Conant is a pompous loser. His raw onion tantrums are hysterical. He acts like a spoiled child.
Seriously! That Zakarian is a grade A douche of the most bitter variety.
Seriously , Last night when I watched the show I was choc….. How disrespectull was Zakarian with chef Lolla. It was unbelievebale .No respect at all. He talked to her so badly ,he should be ashemed and should not be a judge on that show . Slowly I am really not liking Chooped ..
I love chef Lolla and I love Raw onion
I would love to see these judges cook. All of the judges are the losers of Food NetWork. No one watches the shows they have were they are acutally cooking… BECAUSE THEY SUCK! Let’s see an episode with them cooking….. And see who gets CHOPPED!
Here’s how I would rate the judges on Chopped:
These three often appear together
1) Alex Guarnaschelli – 2 stars – Glum and Dour
2) Geoffrey Zakarian – 2 stars – Smug and
condescending
3) The Burly Judge – 2 stars – name unknown – 2
stars – doesn’t like to be challenged and a
prickly disposition.
Amanda Freitag – 2 stars – Mild and Bland
Aaron Sanchez – 4 stars – usually upbeat,
actually smiles, and tends to be fair in his
criticism’s.
Poor judges for a nice show!
I love chopped but I agree with most all the comments concerning the judges. I fully agree with Chelle’s idea; Have several shows where the judges (4 at a time until all participate)are competing and bring in past chopped winners to judge them. Those would be some great shows!!
Just finished watching a repeat of Chopped. and reading some of these comments… It’s a show that gets edited for TV. We don’t know how long the deliberating actually takes, we only get to see what the editors wish to show. Just imagine what your life might look like edited, probably not so good if all they show is road rage/ computer frustration/ etc…
As far as the choosing who wins, we also don’t know how the food tastes, conceptually I know people can imagine, but the only ones tasting the food are those judges. Try having some people cook the same exact dish, bet it doesn’t taste the same, ie. Macaroni & Cheese.
Personally it’s creative and entertaining & I’ll continue to watch!
Wow, what a bunch of loser judges. The fact that you cannot treat the contestants with a modicum of respect goes a long way to show the kind of sad, bitter losers you all are.
Here’s a thought, why don’t the judges compete themselves? It is not like any of you are even well known or anyone who counts in the world of haute cuisine. Is this why you all have to be so horrible to the contestants?
I’d trust a 2-year olds palate above your judgement. You can all keep spewing your bitterness, and you will keep losing your audience and contestants. From the comments the judges make, it is very obvious that you are not very well versed as a chief…oh what a joke.
Here is a suggestion, start practicing saying “would you like frys with that?” because at some point that is going to be as close to food service as you will ever get.
I have been watching Chopped for as long as it has been on TV. I am a Food Network addict and as I make my living as an Executive Chef. I enjoy the ideas concepts and fast pace of these shows. However, as it has already been stated. I too find it hard to continue to watch Chopped as the judges are just completely without compassion. I noticed the looks given in last nights Chopped show by the judges to the contestants. They looked like at any moment they would spring over the desk they sit behind and whip the poor contestants back side if they even challenged the looks they give. Alex, for sure needs to go. I have never seen such a pompus ass as this women is. She is just truly hard to digest if I can say that. The show has merit. But these Guest Contestants are no less any important than the judges who you would think are the final authorities on food at least in their minds. I personally am very tired of Alex and in many cases the other judges who just because they own a restaurant makes them special on food network.
Last night one of the judges said. I am a bit disappointed because my Chives are a bit bruised on the ends. Mercy. Now I have seen it all. Let’s look to see what all we can find wrong with this dish. As for Ted. Well, he makes a Rattle Snake look nice. Smiling and having fun seems to elude these people in every way. It is like that 10 dollars is coming out of their personal acounts and by golly you will have to face hell before we give it too you.
I would cook just for the honor of cooking in that competition and they can keep their 10 grand.
Watching any of the many Food Network Shows. If you are anything of a Chef. You can catch all of the STAR CHEFS making sometimes huge mistakes. I do not see Food Network Chopping any of them.
I believe Chopped is the ARM PIT of Food Network.
26 more shows? Do we have to endure more of the same judging with harshness and a complete lack of respect for the contestants?
Exec. Chef- Bill Shipley Edmond Oklahoma
I agree with Paula. Let’s put the judges on the show as contestants. Now that would be a show! And let’s give the judge with the raw onion aversion a basketful of them. There is no need to be disrespectful or harsh or to mistake one’s personal tastes for mastery in the kitchen.
i have to agree with most of the above..just finished(barely) watching an episode today..if it wasn’t so sad, it would be funny..the stupidest comments from so called
You know what I love — having worked in many kitchens in my life, it’s payback time for chefs (who often are as pompous and arrogant as the judges) – so righteous! I agree that the attitudes are foul, but wow, any chef with cojones enough to show up should expect the worst. I would bet that each of these poor chefs have spewed as much vitriol as the judges do…good on you!
I agree. I’m watching Chopped right now and I think Scott Conant has anger management issues!! To say quote, “Under cooked pasta is my pet peeve and this pasta makes me angry!” proves he is crazy. I also think Chris Santos is rude for the most part too, but sometimes he surprises me with a smile. Geoffrey Zakarian has major personality issues, I think he has starch in his underwear! Alex Guarnaschelli has her moments but I don’t think she’s so bad compared to her colleagues. Yeah, she does do that elementary school teacher thing that annoys me though! Now I love Aaron Sanchez! He is always diplomatic and repectful and seems to be the only one that displays these characteristics on this show. Though I realize that this is a contest and I don’t think the judges should act like Mary Poppins, they should not be disrespectful either! Just once I’d like to see their high and mighty behinds get up there and make a meal out of basket of crap in 10 minutes! Now that’s a show I’d pay to see!!
It’s not the judges I find so terribly obnoxious it’s most of the contestants. There was one last night that did nothing but whine about how nothing ever goes his way and he’s not a lucky person. Boo hoo. However, I agree with the comments about Scott being a complete and total jack *$&. Last night he remrked that no matter where he goes he never gets correctly cooked pasta. What in heaven’s name is he looking for? Also, has anyone noticed how few women get past round one?
I love the show, admire the chef’s talents. Two things: Judge’s need to lighten up, they act like their judging a murder trial and i think the contestants should be aware of the ingredients ahead of time so they can properly execute to their best, as well as, making it harder for the judges.
I came across this article while searching for a list of the judges because they are such DB’s! The only judge I can stand is Amanda Freitag. They cry, bitch, and moan yet they could not do any better if they were under this pressure. In this day in age, $10K is not worth the BS the contestants go through. ie – you have 20 minutes to cook and by the way, here is a duck that takes about an hour to cook properly. Pluck it, skin, it, butcher it, and cook it yesterday.
This show is on it’s way out. There will not be a season 3.
The female judge, whatever her name is, is up there with Nancy Grace in the annoying pug nosed bitch factor. I can’t stand her.
The rest of the judges are pretty annoying too. Get off your high horses and lighten up. You’re judges on a tv show
I cannot wait until one of the mystery ingredients is red onions. They may have to slip Scott into a strait jacket.
I agree totally that Alezx is awful. Her show, Alex’s Day Off, is equally awful. Maybe they’re all trying to outSimon (from American Idol) the real Simon Cowell. But he is so genuine in his remarks, most of the time he is right and many times he will tell people that he really is trying to help. But this group, with the exception of Aaron, are so annoying that I have decided to not watch. It always seems that the most obnoxious of the guest chefs wins…anyway, unfortunately, our comments (good or bad) are not going to make much difference in whether or not the show continues.
I think that they should do a surprise show and have the chefs sit at the chopping block and those judges do the cooking! Give them 20 minutes and see what they come up with. I think we would all be happy to see not such good results!
Yup!!!
Exactly!!!!!!!
EL Stinko to 99% of the judges. This makes food network the pits!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good ridence.(sic).
And that is the way it is………………….
I quit watching Chopped because it became increasingly awkward and I just felt sad after the show. Imagine that — feeling badly after seeing a food show! I enjoy competition, but some of the comments and the overall angry/seething feel from these “professional” judges just seems really unnecessary. They seem genuinely angry and spiteful. It’s so awkward! Would never knowingly eat at their restaurants.
I’m surprised at how many people are upset at this problem I don’t think even the people who been on the show have showed this much concern people don’t understand that the concept of the show is a challenge and the critisim is a part of it these chefs get the opportunity to win 10,000 in a day obviously its not going to be easy you think if before they were offered this opportunity to compete they turn it down because they were going to have
I’m surprised at how many people are upset at this problem I don’t think even the people who been on the show have showed this much concern people don’t understand that the concept of the show is a challenge and the critisim is a part of it these chefs get the opportunity to win 10,000 in a day obviously its not going to be easy you think if before they were offered this opportunity to compete they turn it down because they were going to have “tough” judges these chefs are use to tough critisim in there everyday lifes being a chef isn’t a luxurious job it’s a lot of physical hard work but ever chef that does it will tell you they love there job thats why they do it not for the salary trust me every chef that goes into this competetion knows what there going in for and i’m sure they don’t regret doing it sure it’s dissapointing to see each competetor go but thats the show for you if i had the opportunity to compete i’d do it in a heartbeat even if i knew i wouldn’t finish on time it’s the thrill of the competetion the reason why they do it and of course the money but I think too many people are focused on the critisim then the actual show i have hell of fun watching these chefs come up with crazy ideas in 20-30 mintues and i’m always excited to see what ingredients they put in each basket i think before anyone picks up a pen and paper to start writing to the food network they need to put themselves in the shoes of a chef for one day and I gaurantee you will not feel the same way about it this issue
I love the show. My wife and I split a bottle of wine and watch it every Tuesday night.
A brutal judge’s comments are as compelling as a cocky chef’s swagger.
It is fun to see the “smack” talk between the competing chefs escalate.
God Bless Chopped!
My gripe is when they show live critters that the judges have to kill. Same for Iron Chef.
I watch partly because I learn and partly because it’s entertaining. I hate the judging part. Who the **** do those judges think they are???
I like the idea of making them compete — with people they were mean and dismissive to.
Although one recent British chef with spikey hair who chirped and chattered and annoyed me, I liked that she complained of her treatment.
Ooops…I meant that the chefs have to kill…sorry about that. See? I couldn’t compete on the show. I make mistakes…
What I’d like to see is an episode where the contestants can choose a “secret ingredient” to make those arrogant judges choke. It would be great to have a dish spiked with something that would leave the panel speechless. I think the reason Food Network airs this show is a contest to see what person can make be the rudest and most condescending comments about the contestant efforts. Allowing the contestant to select some kind of revenge would be more entertaining.
I really like the concept of Chopped because it’s amazing to watch what the competing chefs do under pressure with such bizarre combinations of ingredients. However, like most of the above, I really dislike the arrogance and attitudes of most of the judges. Aaron Sanchez is usually encouraging but the rest, especially Alex and Scott, are close to intolerable. I understand it’s a competition and the contestants are there by choice but I don’t understand why the judges can’t issue constructive criticism with a tad bit of mercy thrown in to the mix. And I, too, would LOVE to see the judges compete on this show…it would be fun to have one judge compete as a chef with three
(continued)
“regular” contestants but set it up so that the judges who are actually judging the food don’t know who prepared which dishes. That way they might end up bashing their buddy’s plate : )
I agree. Chefs are A-HOLES! Get some judges who can be constructive and entertaining…not demeaning.
I love watching chopped. Come on people, lighten up. It’s just a television show. I think it’s fun to watch. I would say that a lot of the contestants are just as arrogant and rude as the judges. Whatever, it’s just entertainment.
WHY DON’T YOU HAVE THESE CHEFS WEAR HATS AND HAIR NETS IT IS SO DISGUSTING WATCHING THEM WITH THERE HAIR FLOPPING ALL OVER THE PLACE AND THEY SHOULD HAVE A CLOTH ON THERE SHOULDER FOR WIPING SWEAT. TERRIBLE, DISGUSTING,
scott is a big pouty baby. i’d like to tie a raw onion around his neck LOL come on judges… use aaron sanchez as your model and treat the contestants in a mannerly constructive way. some of the chefs are just as bad however. i love it when those arrogant souls lose. LOVE it. and, guess what? fish and cheese CAN be compatible. grow up.
pet peeve….. the way most all “network” stars squeeze citrus by hand and strain BETWEEN their fingers. eeeewwwww. gross. i don’t want their fingernail collections and DNA in my food. big eeewww. ina is first class. she has a juicer.
i just finished watching an episode of chopped and holy s*** that judge alex is probably one of the most disgusting persons in this planet. after watching her make those awful/disgusting faces after eating the food the contestants made for them just made me realize how much i dislike her, the way she threats people is just unbearable. i dont see how can someone be such a jerk to someone. i feel bad for the contestants and for the food network, they need to take that lady off the show so it can be bearable to watch. i hope one of the producers from chopped is reading this and realize that alex needs to go.
First time watching – it’s an episode where some chefs wanted to use red onion. I watched the spiky hair judge guy bitch about how he doesn’t like red onion. Shut your mouth. The show is not about your dislike of onions. Shut your Mouth. Food network shame on you for featuring such a dumb ass on your network.
The judge’s name is Scott- boooooo him. Food network- I have parental blocked chopped so That I will never have to hear his bitchiness again
I just finished watching the episode where Scott bitched about the red onions. I thought the rules were finish all three of your plates on time and make sure all special ingredients are used. The contestant who won made a blob of a dessert and did not even complete his dessert but because he wowed the judges with his first two plates he won. I was annoyed because I’ve seen a few episodes where chefs got sent home for not finishing their dishes! I completely agree with all of you on the unfair treatment and nasty attitudes of some of the judges. I will not be watching this show anymore.
why do the show look fix . like you pick out already who will win. i watch a show when the cook did not finish the lost round yet he won. i found that unfair to that young cook
The red onion thing would be comical if the pompous ass wasn’t so indignant about it. And Alex’s attitude and comments are ridiculous. These two wouldn’t inspire anyone to be a chef, cook, judge, viewer. Get rid of them and get some professional people on the show. What about an episode where they cook for the chefs? I’ve never heard of these 2 until the show began but I know there are some great chefs who would do a much better job.
Oh my gosh- so much hate for Scott! Ok first off, I think he is very cute/handsome what have you. He is just fine to me. Yes, he is arrogant, but to me he is acting like a typical New Yorker. They all come off that way. Now Alex, I don’t like her either and yes her show is awful, but she did make a fish dish and apple crisp on her show that I wouldn’t mind making. I did see the episode where he was so torn up about the pasta, lol. I just laughed it off and made a joke about him doing it all the time at his own restaurant, lol. He is still fine to me though.
I was so irritated tonight after watching (yet again) the token woman get chopped first, as seems to happen nearly EVERY time! The judges will clearly seem to have less criticism for the women’s dishes, but then somehow, her’s is first to go! What the hell is this? I googled “Chopped sexist” to see if anyone else felt the same way and THANK YOU! I feel better now that I know I’m not the only one that sees this unfairness! I guess Alex feels now that she has her foot in the door of the restaurant business she can slam it in the face of any other women trying to follow her. Shame.
My goodness, how sensitive everyone is! The judges are all successful restaurant owners and chefs, so maybe they have an idea of what they are talking about. And no matter what we see and think about the dishes, these judges are the ones who actually taste them–so perhaps that gives them a better perspective on which dish should be chopped?
I do agree with the poster who said he hates it that they always have a commercial before showing who got chopped. That’s annoying, but overall I love this show and wish there were more new episodes–I could watch it every day.
Scott Connant is an arrogant ass! Worst of all he thinks that he knows everything, and don’t try to cook pasta for this yahoo! He thinks that he is God’s gift to Italian cooking, I guess, Aaron Sanchez is the man, but stop kissing this guys rear end man, if someone wants to cook pasta let them, but just because Scott is on the panel forget it. Put Amanda, Scott and Aaron in the same situation I can guarantee that Scott’s pasta will turn out to be a flop, lastly I would just like to say that the chef’s cooking for these judges should be cooking for everyday normal people so that their food can be judged fairly, I hope that someone from the food network reads this and turns things around, get judges with an open mind and not one sided, take for instance the not liking onions, come on Scott you are not well known in the poking community how is every chef out there supposed to know that you don’t like raw onions, YOU SHOULD NOT BE A JUDGE, ST ALONE A CHEF! but I guess if all you cook are noodles and tomato sauce, you are one sided, you and Amanda should be banished from any of the food networks shows or events. FOOD
NETWORK GET A CLUE!
A famous chef (Jaque Pepin or Paul Prudhomme or someone like that) once was talking about young up-and-coming chefs. The gist of the comment was “yes yes, these guys come in with a new technique and the world kisses their butts. I am much more impressed with how a new chef can handle leftovers, and adapt to the circumstances and feed people with that they have, what’s fresh today, without a preconceived notion of what they’re going to cook.”
Chopped speaks to me like this. I think the creators wanted to test this kind of quality that legendary chef was talking about – how they could see something they’ve never seen before, and demonstrate a process by which they could learn how to cook something on the fly – not having learned about it, but how to test it’s characteristics and cook something accordingly. The smarmy judges and the impossible combinations are all meant to really bring out this improvisational culinary talent. I like it. Look – none of us are eating at Chez Chopped. It’s a show, with a very specific agenda. Tailor-made for people who love culinary explorations – or sometimes, expeditions.
I agree Mr. Allen is however a great host. The judges…sometimes they’re shocky and sometimes they stretch a little, accompanied by dramatic mustical cues – I’m not sure which demographic they’re trying to reach there – but overall I think they try to portray a picky eater who goes to a new place or is somehow on a very short supply chain but nonetheless must be a consumer of what the one cook in the group could whip up. Which one would YOU be?
Chopped is an awesome show. What’s wrong with all you people? You’re complaining about the judges being mean and the majority of these comments are just that! I LOVE Scott Conant. He’s my favorite judge. He not only knows what he’s talking about, but he’s great to look at, too. He can cook in my kitchen anytime. And Aaron is sweet. Lighten up everyone and enjoy this fun show…these contestants know what they’re getting in to….the judges arn’t being mean….they’re being CRITICS….which is what a judge is SUPPOSED to do.
Love the show and LOVE the judges…ESPECIALLY THAT ADORABLE SCOTT CONANT!!!
Good point – he’s the best-looking judge on the staff. Except maybe Alex. Scott seems way to entrenched and picky to be a good judge his prodigious expertise in the Italian domain which we dearly love bedamned. He’s a conflicted soul who in a tortured way can relate to the torture of the chefs – but as the torturer. Great job.
I don’t get the conflicted soul stuff…how do you get that?? He smiles, he’s pleasant…and he’s not any more picky than the others. They all say when they like something and they all say when they don’t. They are all accomplished and have earned the right to sit on that panel. Tortured soul? C’mon. If anyting, your comment implies that you’re the tortured one…he’s the good looking one…then Alex…then he’s tortured..then the torturer…then great job?? You contradict one statement after the other.
I love to watch CHOPPED. I could watch it all day every day. And I agree with the person that said the contestants were as annoying as some of the judges. Some of them need humbling as well. I agree that Alex is obnoxious, but if I had those hips, I’d be obnoxious, too. Chris Santos. He looks like a dirty biker. And that Zakarian chap. He’s the definition of stuffed shirt. Conant. He should give up cooking and be an exotic dancer. That way he could pull that string out of his butt that makes him so cranky. Have to admit that he’s awful cute and if he asked me out I’d go. I’d do whatever he asked me to. Aaron is nice.
Alex, Amanda and Arron were all unsuccessful contestants on Next Iron Chef. So Chopped allows them some revenge!
Here’s an idea for next season: have a guest celebrity judge once in a while, like Iron Chef America does.
Watched Jeffrey Zacharian get whippped by Morimoto on Iron Chef. Jeffrey, Scott Conant, Alex, and Amanda should all go back down the rabbit hole. If a judge can’t handle onions, he shouldn’t be a judge. Fish and cheese do go together occasionally. I like the show concept, but prefer how the judges work on Iron Chef. Can’t stand Scott. Can’t say that enough times.
Larry..if you can’t stand Scott you must be jealous. He has earned his credentials as a chef and if he doesn’t like onions…why can’t he say so? Lots of people don’t like onions. Fish and cheese together doesn’t sound to appetizing to me, either. He’s a judge. He is paid for his opinion. You seem to want judges that sugar coat their opinions so they don’t hurt anybody’s feelings. People are so babied these days. Scott is a revered chef and a very sexy, fun to look at man. His wife hit the jackpot. Did yours?? And if you’re not married, I can see why.
I agree with Louise AND Larry.
Conant is a pain, but he turns me on, too.
If your black you will win no matter what you make .I love this show
I love the concept of this show. The judges can be sufficiently critical of the dish without being so condescending. It’s a shame that the producers of the show haven’t addressed this yet.
I stopped watching the show because of the arrogant Scott Conant. He is a d***!! Bobby Flay would never talk to someone the way he does….hate is a strong word but I hate him.
Alex is just a bitter soul that’s about it, she has something to complain about no matter what the dish is.
I USED to like the food network shows, but they are caving in to the commercial side of life.
Reality shows DO NOT NEED to foster anger, ire, gall, condescension or one-upmanship!!!
I know MANY MANY cajun cooks here in louisian that could outcook any of the judges, but they would all be chopped because of a few attributes, namely good manners and humility.
As for Alex, I think she must have the goods on someone as she is NOT so talented except in ascerbic responses.
And then there is that male judge (can’t remember his name) that goes BALLISTIC over raw onions!
Hell, it is not arsenic on your plate! Do you EVER use them in your restaurants?
When they asked you to be a JUDGE, did they imply that you were God-like???
Even the contents of the baskets are picked with failure in mind.
I want shows that teach me something other than backstabbing and meanness for our fellow men!
Thanks,
Greg
Chopped.
A very racist programme. If you a non-American you will not win.
To the judges get a life, whats with the red onion thing. How can a Chef thats dosen’t finish a dish win.
I have lost the love for this programme.
YOU HAVE BEEN CHOPPED.
Here’s an idea – If you don’t like it, don’t watch it!!! I don’t like some of the comments that the judges make either, but it’s a show. And I agree with the comment that someone else said: Those chefs know what their getting into. Do you really think that a $10,000 prize isn’t worth the comments that those judges make? I’ve seen people do way more for way less.
I love this show.It shows how some of these chefs can think fast when a monkey wrench is thrown into their plans and how they have to think fast.Sure sometimes the judges are harsh but so is the restaurant business and if you can’t take the heat stay out of the kitchen.!!!!Last nights episode had twwo of the nicest and most skilled chefs…Chef Madison who won and Chef Lance who lost by a hair.All the judges were impressed and they all let these chefs know that they were totally impressed by both of them.This was my favorite show!
I absolutely agree! You can be critical, even extremely critical, without being an arrogant jerk. And to the moron who says “just dont watch it”, it is obvious that many posters have done just that. However, that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t voice our opinions–what a lame statement! Yes, the chefs know that they will be judged harshly, but again that doesn’t mean talked down to by a-holes. Judges should judge the food and keep the snide remarks to themselves. Bottom line, they have no people skills whatsoever, and I’m disappointed that of all the true experts available out there that this is all they could get for judges.
zakarian is a jerk. Pompous and rude. I would like to see a contestant frankly slap him across the month. Then tonight on a re-run they let that jerk cook chris drive them in thdre-match. Clealry they try to intimidate folks but can be intimidated as well. I forgot that morimoto smoked zakarian on iron chef. How does ti feel buut head!
Geoffrey Zakarian was so utterly rude to one of the chefs on a “Redemption” show for returning contestants who lost in a previous show (shown on 7/24/10) who was having fun on the set while cooking that he had to belittle her and squash her down in such a criticism over her behavior (which I thought showed a fun personality) that she almost burst into tears and told Ted Allen that she wanted to quit the competition if she was going to be disgraced like that on the show. I wouldn’t blame her. The words he used were uncalled for and unprofessional. Other than Aaron Sanchez, I don’t have much respect for the other chefs who have always shown to be lame-a$$ sissies over such inane things like having preferred that a chef use basil instead of rosemary in a dessert or that OMG, using a little bit of cheese in a seafood dish is a mortal sin. Puhleeze. I want to see judges who are patrons most likely to dine out frequently and enjoy some creativity than these crybaby judges who I feel have chopped themselves out of my continued viewership.