Author: Mike Farley (Page 52 of 117)

Hell’s Kitchen: Ramsay likes throwing the curveball

August 19, 2009 /

With drama flying around like crazy last night on “Hell’s Kitchen” on FOX, it would be fitting that Gordon Ramsay threw a curve at the end of the episode and eliminated someone we may not have expected.

The show began with a recap of last week when Ramsay eliminated Tek, but not before giving Amanda an earful about why she looks like she’s done. So then he pulled her aside and told her that she needs to get her head back in the game, saying “I’m counting on you.” Well, I’m not so sure any of us are counting on her to go much further, but he wouldn’t pull Amanda aside if he didn’t see something in her.

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Actors, Battlestar Galactica, External TV, Hell's Kitchen, Movies, Reality TV, TV, TV Action, TV Comedies

Top Chef Masters: zero hands

August 13, 2009 /

nullLast night’s “Top Chef Masters” was the prelude to next week’s season finale, and it was one of the most intense and difficult challenges, if not the most difficult, yet. The final four first did their quickfire challenge, where they were blindfolded and had to guess what was being put in their mouths–10 items in all, and among them were peanut butter, hoisin sauce, hummus, pappadum, ketchup, smoked paprika and mango. After looking afraid and not feeling like he did well, Michael Chiarello wound up winning with 7 out of 10 correct. Rick Bayless and Anita Lo had 6 correct and Hubert Keller had 5. So Michael began with 5 stars, Rick and Anita 4 each and Hubert 3.5.

Then came the elimination challenge, and each chef would have to cook a buffet lunch for 200 Hollywood guests, but the catch was that they couldn’t touch the food. Instead, they had to interview and “hire” a staff from among former “Top Chef” contestants. Among them were Fabio and Jamie from last season. They also each had a $2000 budget to work with.

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External TV, Reality TV, Top Chef Masters, TV

Hell’s Kitchen: are they really poking my steak?

August 12, 2009 /

Last night’s “Hell’s Kitchen” on FOX opened my eyes up to something…..to find out if a steak is to the desired doneness, the chef is supposed to poke the center of it while it’s on the grill? Probably multiple times? I think I’m ordering something else next time at Outback.


Anyway, the episode began with the remaining chefs meeting Latasha James, the wife of war hero Otis James, who would be coming home from Iraq the following day to a surprise dinner celebration. To determine the menu, each team would have to create an appetizer and two entrees for Latasha. But first, Chef Ramsay had Suzanne and Robert meet with Latasha to find out what Otis liked to help them create their dishes. The buzz words were grilled lobster, baked potato, seafood, soul food….so who would listen the best?

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External TV, Hell's Kitchen, Reality TV, TV

Top Chef Masters: would you like fries with those vegetables?

August 6, 2009 /


Yesterday’s “Top Chef Masters” on Bravo brought us from five contestants down to the final four, and the challenges, especially the elimination challenge, were particularly interesting. First, after unveiling mounds of fast food burgers and fries with the chefs wondering if they would have to create something using those pre-made items, host Kelly Choi told them that instead they were going to make their own gourmet burgers with side dishes, and serve to judges that included “Top Chef” Season 4 contestant Spike Mendelsohn and filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, who created the film “Supersize Me.” But I’m wondering..what did they do with all of that fast food?

Rick Bayless made a ribeye burger with three kinds of guacamole. The judges loved the burger but wondered why Bayless made three types of guacamole instead of just one. Still, Rick managed 4 stars.

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External TV, Reality TV, Top Chef Masters, TV

Paula Abdul leaving American Idol

August 5, 2009 /


After eight seasons as a judge on the nation’s most watched show, FOX’s “American Idol,” Paula Abdul is not returning for Season 9. After it was announced last week that Kara DioGuardi, a rookie this past season, would be returning next season, Abdul’s sudden departure is not a huge surprise considering that many thought it was awkward at times having four judges. And as you might suspect, the bottom line was her contract. Abdul was making $4 million per year and was seeking in the neighborhood of $12 million, but she was only offered a 30% increase, or about $1.2 million.

FOX issued this statement today: “Paula Abdul has been an important part of the ‘American Idol’ family over the last eight seasons and we are saddened that she has decided not to return to the show. While Paula will not be continuing with us, she’s a tremendous talent and we wish her the best.”

Let’s face it, Paula’s antics were both entertaining and disturbing at times, and she sometimes rambled on for far too long when giving contestants feedback. And while ultimately this is probably good for the show, let’s face it… Paula was part of the fabric of the show and in some weird way, we’re all going to miss her.

American Idol, External TV, Reality TV, TV

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