Hell's Kitchen

[lbs27]

Anyone watch tonight? I've watched both of the previous seasons and am really glad to see it back for a third season! Right now, no one sticks out to me as the front-runner the way Heather did last season right from the get-go. I guess the girl with the long reddish hair and one of the guys--Josh or Vinnie, I forget which one.

Hopefully others out there are watching!! :)

[PookiePrincess]

I'm watching! I can't believe the criers in this bunch of chefs. What wimps! Wait until Chef really gets a hold of them!

[sparkle&shine]

Gosh, I think that he actually went easy on them this time. What a bunch of cry babies in this group.

[Sue]

Oh crap, I missed it!! I LOVE this show! I watched it sporadically the first season, but really kept up with it last season, I need to remember to watch next week.

[whos that girl]

I've got so much sympathy for Ramsey this season. These contestants are a bunch of tools.

I was glad to see Tiffany go though...I was not impressed how they treated Julia.

[Pghchic]

I watched I thought he went easy on them too I can't wait to see what the shocking thing that happens next week is.

[lbs27]

I know, DH and I always laugh b/c it seems like every preview for this show says it's the most shocking episode yet. :D I'm wondering if he boots someone off in the middle of the service instead of at the end. They kind of said it when he was screaming "OUT!" at someone, but it could be creative editing.

I totally agree with the bunch of cry babies this season, but it makes for good TV! :D

[JayJay]

Crap! I missed it too! I love, love, love this show!

[gumball]

This group cries a lot! I also thought they were pretty mean to Julia. I mean if she works at Waffle House she probably knows how to crack eggs! I was glad to see Tiffany go, she seemed like a witch. Looks like a good season!

[Jessie]

I love this show! Interesting bunch they have this time around. I can't believe how they treated Julia. If she works at a Waffle House she knows how to cook a freakin' egg! I was really glad Tiffany went, I couldn't stand her.

Has anyone watched Gordon Ramsay's The F word on BBC America? I love that show. It's cool to see Ramsay at home with his kids and wife. I love him.

[JenniferEC]

I don't see how any one of this group is fit to run a restaurant. They all seem like a bunch of complete idiots. The Asian cowboy has no business even being in a kitchen. I'm still mystified as to what he was crying over. And wasn't he the one that Ramsey told to wipe his snot?

I really hope the girl that works at Waffle House wins it.

[Michelle]

Love this show! I'm so glad that it is on during the summer so it gives me a new show to look forward to during the week.

So glad to see Tiffany go! She was terrible towards Julia!

It's interesting that the winner will also get a restaraunt in Vegas. I would have thought they would try to have one in another location since last years winner is in Vegas.

[JustVita]

So glad to see Tiffany go. Her whole "I mean, she works at a waffle house" comment pissed me off. And the way she directed Julia to just peel the apples was ridiculous. And somebody should mention to Joanna that there's only of Ramsey in the kitchen. And what the hell was Vinnie thinking talking back? He had me LOL. I think Brian was the only one who exhibited any hope today, but we'll see how long that lasts. OMG, can they get rid of Aaron already. The breakdowns are a bit much.

[GoCougs]

I'm just waiting for him to call somebody "donkey" and to cook the "f-cking risotto!!"

[Michelle]

I'm just waiting for him to call somebody "donkey" and to cook the "f-cking risotto!!"

:D I'm sure we'll hear that soon enough!

[westamp]

The ladies were awful to Julia. Bunch of food snobs. Who cares if she works at the Waffle House. If she can cook, then she's good enough for me. Julia reminds me of Elsie of season 1 (the mom who cooked for her kids. Notice they didn't prejudice her for being a mom w/ mom cooking skills).

Love this show. Love that it is on in the summer rather than the regular tv season (I'm fully booked as is!).

[isign]

I was really aggrivated at the girls, and have decided that the only girl I like right now is Julia. I think there is some hope with the guys, but the girls are a mess. Julia might work at Waffle House (my fav place ;)) and not know gourmet food, but the best WH chefs turn it out every single time the same excact way, which is what Chef is wanting.

[imagirliegirl]

I don't see how any one of this group is fit to run a restaurant. They all seem like a bunch of complete idiots. The Asian cowboy has no business even being in a kitchen. I'm still mystified as to what he was crying over. And wasn't he the one that Ramsey told to wipe his snot?


Yeah these people suck. I was glad to see Tiffany go. What a beyotch! And she couldn't even cook an egg? I was glad to see Julia do it really fast.

I can't wait to see who he kicks out of the kitchen next week. I hope it's the crybaby Asian cowboy. I don't like him at all!

[udsweetpea]

I wanted to slap Tiffany for her rude remarks about Julia working at the Waffle House. I have quite the crush on Brad ;) He's such a cutie!

[lbs27]

Bumping up for tonight--I'm watching now. Did I just hear the word "donkey"? ;)

[JenniferEC]

Aaron needs to not be near food or customers. He's dripping sweat into the fish he's deboning. Gross.

[PookiePrincess]

I cannot believe Aaron wasn't even considered to go. He just doesn't have confidence in himself.

The girls were on fire tonight. I thought Jenn did a good job motivating and I'm glad Julia had a second chance.

[Sue]

Aaron needs to not be near food or customers. He's dripping sweat into the fish he's deboning. Gross.

Gross? I think I would have thrown up right there at the table if he was my waiter!!

I'm so glad they had a repeat of the first episode, now I am all caught up!

[lbs27]

Seriously, I could not believe how much he was sweating after taking 15 minutes to debone the fish. If he was my waiter I really don't think I could have eaten! Puke.

I agree the girls did great. Jen was on my nerves last week but she did well tonight. Melissa is annoying me now. I can't wait to see Julia next week when they have to do breakfast! I hope they listen to her finally!

[Kay]

Aaron should have left tonight for his own health. I was hoping Ramsey would send him home instead of one of the two that were nominated. He is not well and should not be anywhere near food. The women did great tonight hopefully they can keep working as a team.

[ginastorm]

Why is Ramsey so nice to Aaron? I can't believe that he didn't just make him pack his bags and go home. Ramsey just seems to have a soft spot in his heart for Aaron. Seriously though, Aaron could NEVER run his own restaurant.

[udsweetpea]

I missed the last 20 minutes.. who got the boot?

[PookiePrincess]

Eddie went home.

[littlebear]

I think Rock was trying to get rid of some good competition by putting Josh up. He's not likely to have many bad nights so I'm guessing Rock thought he should try to get rid of him when he could. My guess is that he figured that Aaron is easy to get rid of so why nominate him. Josh actually could have gone home compared to Eddie.

[udsweetpea]

Eddie went home.

Awww... I was hoping he'd go further.

[PookiePrincess]

I couldn't figure if Rock nominated Josh to try to get rid of him early or if he figured Chef would look at things thus far and figure he couldn't get rid of Josh and that Eddie would be the shoo-in to go home.

[kam]

The way they are portraying Aaron and what really what went on seem like two different things. If what we're seeing is the entire story, I'd think they would've sent him home because he looks like he's either cracking under the pressure or slipped by the psych evals way too easily.

[sparkle&shine]

I knew that Aaron wasn't going home because in the begining of the episode where they show previews of the show he passes out in the kitchen. I am wondering if he is the reason's the ambulance comes? Also why would you start a diet now? He mentioned that he had only eaten an apple all day because he wanted to be fast like the other guys (or something like that). I have no idea why Chef is going so easy on him. Telling him to go lay down and all of that.

Glad the girls could pull it together.

[GoCougs]

"Donkey!!"

Seriously. This show stresses me out and I don't know why I watch it!

[imagirliegirl]

I am shocked that they haven't sent Aaron home. I'm even more shocked that Ramsey is coddling him so much. He really seems to have a problem. I'd be scared to have him in my kitchen, he seems like a horrible liability. I want him gone. He annoys me so much. He isn't even good for drama.

[ginastorm]

I want him gone. He annoys me so much. He isn't even good for drama.

I agree! He's just not cut out for the show and I don't know why he is still on, put him out of his misery!

[JenniferEC]

That girl picked spaghetti out of the garbage and was going to serve it. How disgusting! I'm not a crab eater, but I can't imagine that Joanna couldn't smell it. They sure picked a bunch of morons this season.

I'm curious as to what was wrong with Aaron. I had to laugh when he fell, although it sounded like he fell pretty hard. It's probably best he's gone, as he doesn't really contribute anything except an excessive amount of sweat.

[isign]

Both of them were nasty - how do you not know you are working with a nasty product? When is it ok to get food out of the trash? Gross!

I'm over this Julia doesn't know enough crap. Seriously, she's good at what she does. No she doesn't know a ton about food, but the others don't seem to be able to run a kitchen which is more important I think.

[PookiePrincess]

I haven't seen anyone this season who will be great at running their own place. Usually by now there's a standout person. I guess Rock would be the closest to a contender right now.

I was glad that Jen spoke up. I am sick of them thinking Julia's not good enough. She's doing just as well as those who have worked in "fine dining."

[Sue]

OMG! She picked food out of the trash!! I almost fell out of my seat!!

If that redhead (I forgot her name) doesn't stop with her comments about Julia, I'm gonna smack her. She hasn't done ANYTHING outstanding, at least Julia was able to run that kitchen for the breakfast. And if they listened to her for dinner services, they might run a bit more smoothly.

[katmg]

If that redhead (I forgot her name) doesn't stop with her comments about Julia, I'm gonna smack her. She hasn't done ANYTHING outstanding, at least Julia was able to run that kitchen for the breakfast. And if they listened to her for dinner services, they might run a bit more smoothly.

Yeah! I think Melissa is feeling like Julia might be a bit of competition!!

[westamp]

I cannot stand those self-righteous b***hes on the red team! Especially Melissa. She is sooo obnoxious (see rubbing it into the guys faces during KP duty. My what class! :rolleyes:) and judgmental. Um, yeah Julia doesn't know all the herbs but you gotta start learning somewhere. Did Melissa come out of her mother's womb spouting off food and restaurant stuff? :rolleyes:

And for her info, Julia saved their asses during the breakfast challenge. If it wasn't for her, they would have been the ones to do KP duty. Julia also has better sense than to pick up the spaghetti from the garbage. See, it goes to show you that just because you have training doesn't make you all that. And if we're pointing fingers, how about blondie who's a nanny. Yeah she learned fine cuisine wiping up poop and pureeing baby food. :rolleyes:

I can't tell who's worse, bad crab or garbage food. I guess Joanna would win hands down since you could get really sick from eating bad seafood!

[ca_girl]

I missed the last half (I passed out - I was so tired). Did no one go home because they cut Aaron from the show? I'm glad I missed someone taking stuff out of the trash.

[Michelle]

Although I don't know if she will win, I'm rooting for Julia. At least she has common sense! I always like rooting for the underdog and she's the only female team member that I like. As far as the guys go, I don't have a favorite yet.

[Sarah]

No, they sent Joanna home. The team had to pick who would be nominated, and they all decided (sort of) together to nominate Joanna because of the crab thing. Some people wanted to nominate the girl who threw the food in the trash (can't think of her name) but they finally decided on Julia, as Redhead argued that Julia doesn't know food, herbs, etc, and didn't know what a creme brulee was (which is pretty bad for a chef). So just as Joanna announced to GR that she and Julia were the nominees, Trashgirl threw herself on the bomb and said she was actually the second nominee, out of nowhere. GR and everyone were confused and he misunderstood and said there were three nominees. He excused Julia because he said she didn't deserve to go, then decided between Joanna (the one who didn't notice the rancid crab, and used it) and Trashgirl. He axed Joanna.

[whos that girl]

I think that Julia's lack of fine culinary training will eventually cost her. She's shown she has ability but when it gets down to the nitty gritty, say final four, I think she won't have the time to catch up.

That's not a knock on her, but there is a learning curve from the Waffle House.

[imagirliegirl]

I cannot believe Jen picked food out of the garbage! That was SO repulsive! If I were Julia I would have tattled on her so fast. :o That was just inexcusable. I think it's funny that she admitted it. She must have really thought Julia would rat her out to Ramsey.

I'm so glad Aaron is gone. I'll just leave it at that.

Glad Joanna left, she was kind of a beyotch. I don't know why they are picking on Julia. She may not know a lot but she is capable of learning. These other women act like they know all of these things but not one of them can produce. Which one couldn't cook an egg? That was awful! I'd like to see Melissa go next, I don't like her at all. I don't see anyone so far who I would actually leave in charge of a kitchen. They all pretty much suck right now.

[JenniferEC]

I think Gordon is going to have to find someone else to run his restaurant because none of the clowns on this show have a clue! The only person I've been impressed with is Julia, but I don't think she can run a restaraunt. The other idiots would be better off excusing themselves from the food industry.

I'm surprised hair isn't taken more seriously. Every week I wonder how much hair gets in the food. Melissa's hair cannot taste good.

[Sue]

I missed the rest of the show after the issues with the Wellingtons... Anything interesting happen?

[udsweetpea]

I'm getting tired of Chef yelling at them and telling them to "shut up" when they haven't said anything. His yelling doesn't match up with what's going on. Something's up with the editing I suppose.

[lbs27]

I think Gordon is going to have to find someone else to run his restaurant because none of the clowns on this show have a clue! The only person I've been impressed with is Julia, but I don't think she can run a restaraunt. The other idiots would be better off excusing themselves from the food industry.

I'm surprised hair isn't taken more seriously. Every week I wonder how much hair gets in the food. Melissa's hair cannot taste good.

I completely agree with both points. I hate how every episode after the service when Gordon is telling them who won Melissa has her hair down. You're still in a kitchen, put it up! I couldn't figure out what Julia was cooking last night (veggie, I guess). There was so much drama with Bonnie and Melissa (who is a bigger b*tch every week) that Julia and Jen kind of got lost last night. I really thought Bonnie was going to quit, but I guess she's around for another week!

[lbs27]

Ugh, I'm watching right now. Melissa is such a b**ch! I mean, who died and made her boss? And if she doesn't pull her hair back (she's serving the bride and groom right now), I'm going to scream. Ick.

[imagirliegirl]

Ugh why do we have to see Melissa for another week?! :mad:

[lbs27]

Seriously. I wonder if he was so impressed with her in the early weeks that he's giving her this second chance. She's clearly insane.

Once again, I don't think any of them are worth or responsible enough to run their own restaurant (except maybe Julia). They're all completely clueless--it's nuts!

[GoCougs]

Melissa is completely batshit crazy. She deserved to go home tonight.

*why do I keep watching this show???* ;)

[JenniferEC]

Melissa, her hair (hair nets should be mandatory!) and that nasty lip sore needed to take a hike. I'm guessing Gordon is keeping her around for the drama because she certainly doesn't belong in a kitchen. I can't wait to see her and Rock go at it next week.

That whole wedding and reception looked staged. And who in their right mind would let a group of complete morons cook their wedding dinner?

[udsweetpea]

Completely agree that the wedding looked staged. The groom couldn't look less thrilled walking down that aisle after marrying his "bride".

[katmg]

That whole wedding and reception looked staged. And who in their right mind would let a group of complete morons cook their wedding dinner?

That's what I kept thinking. Who decided letting those idiots cook their dinner was a good plan? All I could think was that maybe they got paid to do it?

[PookiePrincess]

I just always assumed (with no proof, of course) that all the restaurant "customers" were actors.

[udsweetpea]

I can't understand why they cook the same appetizers every week but can't seem to get them out under 30 minutes. How do you screw up so badly every single time?!?

[kam]

Ugh why do we have to see Melissa for another week?! :mad:

Maybe to see how out of control her hair could be and how big that zit/sore/whatever it is can get?!?

[Lauren23]

Ugh, I can't believe that Melissa is still there. She is so gross. She looked like she had a goatee or something on her chin - it was a sore? Ew!

I agree that the wedding was probably phony to make it dramatic. I read somewhere that the producers recruit the people who dine in the restaurant and give them $50. Of course they don't pay for their meals either and they get plenty of free booze because everytime you see the people sitting at the tables they're drinking. That's the first rule of reality tv - make sure plenty of alcohol is available!

[imagirliegirl]

Ugh, I can't believe that Melissa is still there. She is so gross. She looked like she had a goatee or something on her chin - it was a sore? Ew!


I was thinking that, too! I was like OMG does she have a patch of HAIR on her chin? Ha. I never thought of it being a sore.

[westamp]

I just always assumed (with no proof, of course) that all the restaurant "customers" were actors.

I read an article once that the "customers" consisted of friends and family of the HK staff (not the contestants but the producers, grips yada yada).

[GoCougs]

I just always assumed that the "patrons" in Hell's Kitchen were FOX employees.

[ginastorm]

I thought the wedding was fake too. I found it hard to believe that a couple would wait to the last minute to book their reception venue just to have some wannabe cooks prepare their reception food.

[kari]

I can't understand why they cook the same appetizers every week but can't seem to get them out under 30 minutes. How do you screw up so badly every single time?!?

And WHY Wellington? They NEVER get it right. It stresses me to no end.

[imagirliegirl]

I can't understand why they cook the same appetizers every week but can't seem to get them out under 30 minutes. How do you screw up so badly every single time?!?

I've never understood that either! Not to mention, they make they same dishes every season. Freaking practice before you go on the show!

[Natasha]

How have I not seen this before? I love this show, but I agree that the contestants this season are total idiots. Julia and Rock are the only ones I like even a little bit.

I couldn't agree with this I'm surprised hair isn't taken more seriously. Every week I wonder how much hair gets in the food. Melissa's hair cannot taste good. more. I have worked in the restaurant industry for more than 6 years and I have never seen anyone in the front or back of house wear their hair like that. It grosses me out. It's not even like she does her hair, it's this ratty nasty mess. Bert says she looks like a hag, and ITA. Ugh.

I also agree that it is ridiculous that they drag the same food every week. They work above the kitchen, why aren't they practicing in their off time? They do all their own prep work, they should know their way around that kitchen. I swear, my blood pressure rises significantly when I watch this show!

Also, has anyone sen the previews for GR's new show, Nightmare kitchens? I guess he goes into restaurants that are doing terribly and revamps them. It looks pretty good.

[andy's di]

I think those dishes are picked b/c they are some of the hardest dishes to master...although totally agree that they should be practicing! GR has been doing Nightmare Kitchens for a while in Britain (right now on the Food Network - at least in Canada anyway :)). It looks like he's moving it to the US now that he has some recognition there.

It's a really great show, he helped this American woman running a Soul Food Restaurant in London increase her revenue by at least 300%. What's really cool is he comes back to visit 2 months later to see if all the recommendations he made are still in place or if the restaurateurs have fallen back into their old way of doing business. It will be interesting to see how it will be in an American setting.

[PookiePrincess]

We caught GR's British version of Kitchen Nightmares on BBC several weeks ago. It was really neat, a bit of a change for him. Right around that same time I had read he was doing a US version...it'll make for some good fall tv.

[imagirliegirl]

Wow, Rock is really getting on my nerves tonight. What a baby. The other team would have had the same punishment had they lost.

[Sue]

Yeah, Rock was getting on my nerves too. But thank god Melissa is FINALLY gone!!!

[imagirliegirl]

Thank goodness for that. I couldn't stand another week of her.

[JenniferEC]

Rock's temper tantrum deserved at least a scolding from Chef.

So glad to see Melissa go. She needs to get as far away as possible from kitchens.

I felt bad for Julia tonight. For someone who works at Waffle House, she's doing pretty well.

I watched some episodes of Kitchen Nightmares this weekend. It's nice to see another side of Gordon. I have to say, he's pretty hot running around screaming.

[Natasha]

I totally think Chef Gordon is hot, too!

Rock was so obnoxious tonight, I think. It's not like they had to dig through trash and pick out the recyclables. They basically just handed the recyclables to them to sort.

I was so glad to see Melissa go, and I am so sick of Josh, too. Ugh. He thinks he is so great, but has hasn't done one impressive thing on the show.

[isign]

I was so excited for the girls, finally. I thought Jen was oddly quiet about what she's done in the past, but was really surprised when she said where she had worked.

I think the girls looked hot, especially Julia. Chef is so hot when he's not screaming. When do the new shows start?

[lbs27]

I too am so glad to see Melissa go. I liked at the end where she said why she thought Ramsey let her go, well, duh.

I was quite proud of the girls--they did so well! It was interesting about Jen, she's been sort of in the background (except for the trash incident) and last night she totally ran the kitchen--and well! I'm from Philly originally and knew of both restaurants she mentioned. I imagine owners/chefs at both of them would be very unhappy to see her taking food out of the trahs. They are both top notch restaurants, so she's got a great background. Interestingly, friends of my MIL visited this past weekend and they said that they know Jen, or her parents, or something and that she's currently working at a small restaurant in their town (or nearby). they really live in the boonies, so I'm curious as to how she went from Morimoto to the hills. I don't know if it was the editing or not, but after last night, I'm thinking she may win it.

Josh totally got on my nerves. He said at one point that he hasn't had a bad service---right after Ramsey said he hasn't had a good one! I agree with the previous posters, he hasn't done anything impressive in my book. I like his personality and his humor, but his cooking skills are lacking!

[PookiePrincess]

My favorite part of the entire episode was when the blue team lost and Chef went to each of them saying, "line chef, line chef, executive chef, sous chef" and then told them they got beat by a nanny, a pastry chef and a short order cook! I thought that was hilarious!

[westamp]

Rock wasn't very mature during the punishment phase but I think what set him off more (sort of like salt in the wound -- shame on you producers) was when they sent him over to the photo shoot to empty the garbage. Honestly, if it were me, I'd be pissed too (not the I'm gonna punch someone pissed).

Melissa and the overcooked fish - she doesn't even know that she overcooked it! :rolleyes:

Josh hasn't done well in service. He's done well deboning the fish during one of the challenges but that's about it. He made the runny potatoes!:p

[imagirliegirl]

Rock wasn't very mature during the punishment phase but I think what set him off more (sort of like salt in the wound -- shame on you producers) was when they sent him over to the photo shoot to empty the garbage. Honestly, if it were me, I'd be pissed too (not the I'm gonna punch someone pissed).


I think the only reason Ramsey did that is because he acted like such an ass earlier that day. He should have seen that he had that coming.

[PookiePrincess]

I think the only reason Ramsey did that is because he acted like such an ass earlier that day. He should have seen that he had that coming.

That's what I thought, too. He got such an attitude and Ramsey (or the producers) decided to rub it in a little more. He needed to just chill out.

[sparkle&shine]

I am so glad that Melissa is gone! Yay!

I have thought from day 1 that Jen would win. If you watch the first episode they focus on Jen's picture when they walk into the restaurant long enough to have made me notice. I guess we will have to wait and see!

[Lauren23]

I'm so glad Melissa is gone too.

I guess I'm the only one who thought Rock was justified in being mad after they lost the challenge. I really thought the boys were going to win. Chef Ramsey really stressed being original and creative and I thought the boys did a better job of that in my opinion. (I think Chef Ramsey chose the girls to win because he'd rather be seen with them in a magazine! :p )

[westamp]

I'm so glad Melissa is gone too.

I guess I'm the only one who thought Rock was justified in being mad after they lost the challenge. I really thought the boys were going to win. Chef Ramsey really stressed being original and creative and I thought the boys did a better job of that in my opinion. (I think Chef Ramsey chose the girls to win because he'd rather be seen with them in a magazine! :p )

Yeah that's what I thought too. The guys weren't "model perfect" so why would Ramsey want them in the magazine spread?:rolleyes:

[andy's di]

I'm so glad Melissa is gone too.

I guess I'm the only one who thought Rock was justified in being mad after they lost the challenge. I really thought the boys were going to win. Chef Ramsey really stressed being original and creative and I thought the boys did a better job of that in my opinion. (I think Chef Ramsey chose the girls to win because he'd rather be seen with them in a magazine! :p )

Me & DH thought this too! But then Melissa's effort was pretty bad, so perhaps he was weighing the worst of the losers (Julia vs Melissa) and thought Julia did a better job then Melissa b/c her lobster was actually cooked properly? This was really the only conclusion we could come up with :rolleyes:

[Natasha]

Bert mentioned that he picked the girls because it was a modeling reward, too. I dunno, though. I agree that maybe he was weighing who was the worst of the losers, as well. Either way, I was totally stoked when the girls won. I love that he pointed out the pastry chef, short oder cook and nanny were doing so much better than the "professionals".

[Sazoo]

Does anyone know if this show re-airs sometime later in the week? I always miss it on Monday nights...

[JenniferEC]

Rock or Bonnie should have gone, although none of the five left have any business running a restaurant. I'm getting tired of all of the Julia hate. She might only work at Waffle House, but she kicks the others' asses in the kitchen.

It seems like the winners each week are predetermined. I can't imagine the girls playing paintball with Chef or the guys doing the photoshoot last week.

Oh, and they need to find better actors for the patrons. It's getting worse each week.

[imagirliegirl]

It seems like the winners each week are predetermined. I can't imagine the girls playing paintball with Chef or the guys doing the photoshoot last week.


I was thinking that maybe they have a crap load of predetermined prizes and just hand them out based on who wins. More of if the girls win they get ____ but if the guys win they get ____. That would make more sense than completely rigging the challenges. But it is TV, so you never know.

I really would have liked to see Rock go. I'm getting really sick of his attitude. I don't think he performs well enough to get away with it.

I'm routing for Julia just because everyone acts like she's so incompetent. I think they're just upset because she does better than all of them. I love that her steak was the top seller last night.

I also like Jen but I'm having trouble getting over the time when she took the spaghetti out of the trash. She may never live that one down.

[andrew&shannah]

I like Julia a lot too. Jen is a bit of a whiner for my taste. She complains that no one listens but then, she doesn't really stand up for herself.

As for the challenges, I think you have a good take on the prizes imagirliegirl. :)

[1MegMeg]

Add me to the Julia list too! I've liked her since day one. She's competent, more or less consistently performs well, and doesn't seem to get caught up in the drama quite as much as the others. I did like Jen, but I am tired of her whining and passive-agressive bitchiness. She doesn't stand up for herself in an assertive productive way.

And what was up with Rock and Brad just leaving Josh to flounder on his own with the lamb, even after Ramsey specifically told them to go help?!

[westamp]

I like Julia too. Yeah she doesn't know what the fish was (was it the ahi tuna?) but she sure knows how to tap into the customer's palate (steak is always a big seller! What were the other two thinking by vetoing her idea?).

Bonnie may have come up w/ the rabbit dish but she certainly didn't know how to cook it (I think Julia saved her ass). Jen's description of Bonnie cooking it like a chicken leg was hilarious!

Bonnie should have left last night. Brad is no where as bad as her (forgetting to check the deliveries to see if they are accurate is a no no in my book). I hate her explanation that she's creative and has a fab palate. Please girly! I do too but since I can't cook very well that doesn't mean I deserve my own restaurant. Anyone can eat!

Rock. I wish he would zip it. He should be glad Ramsey didn't turn around and say, you know what, maybe you should get out. Stop yapping when Brad was being addressed. Don't bring attention to yourself. Didn't he watch any reality shows?

I wonder if Rock will get the boot next week since the previews showed him crying. But DH doesn't think so since previews are misleading.

Josh is incompetent.

[lbs27]

ITA with all of the above. :D I like Julia, am sick of Jen (though I have a small feeling she will win), thing Rock needs to lose the 'tude and that Josh is incompetent. I don't think Josh has done one thing well this whole time. I also think Bonnie is too emotional to run her own restaurant. She seems easily overwhelmed too. I was also really surprised the the whole delivery thing and the girls making a critical mistake never came up again?! Weird.

[Natasha]

Did anyone watch? I was so stoked Julia won the High School challenge. I cannot believe Bonnie threw away the fish without asking anyone first! I want to slap Rock. His attitude is horrible. I am so glad Josh got kicked out, he was an idiot in the kitchen. He has never done anything productive and I was glad to see him go.

I totally cried when he said he was sending Julia to culinary school. It sucks that she won and then got sent home. I am so stoked that he is sending her to school, though. That was awesome!

[whos that girl]

I knew that Julia would win the meal. They might be trend setters, but they're still high school kids, and you have to cook with that in mind.

[JenniferEC]

I'm so happy for Julia. I'm sure that's not the way she wanted things to go, but with the the proper training, she will be a kick-ass chef. Gordon shouldn't make her come back to compete again, though.

Bonnie is a complete mess and has made some pretty stupid mistakes. Rock needs to lose the attitude. None of the four left should get the restaurant, but if I had to pick, I'd go with Jen.

[westamp]

I knew that Julia would win the meal. They might be trend setters, but they're still high school kids, and you have to cook with that in mind.

Yes Julia knows how to tap into the minds of the general American palate. Bonnie's stupid fried goat cheese was over the top (puleaze, they are teenagers! Do you think they would eat something that "sounds" gross at that age?). I wonder how many voted for her plate.

I don't know how Bonnie is still there. This is the second time she screwed up (don't forget the monkfish inventory fiasco!). However, there were no repercussions and she was picked to name the losers. :confused: Bonnie pretty much sucks to me. She better not stay before Rock (he has an attitude but I hope he learned his lesson. Even though JenBon will gang up on him now).

Jen= She will forever be known to me as the garbage chef. I'm sure the Casino would be thrilled to have her for the head chef. :rolleyes: I wouldn't eat anything made by that one. Since she thinks it's ok to pick up food from the garbage and serve it to a customer.

Julia- So glad she's going to get to go to school on Gordon's dime. She will be a success.

[imagirliegirl]

I knew that Julia would win the meal. They might be trend setters, but they're still high school kids, and you have to cook with that in mind.

Exactly. I mean, what the hell was Bonnie thinking with fried goat cheese? Yuck.

I'm really glad Ramsey is sending Julia to school. She's going to be great. :)

I can't believe it's down to Jen, Rock and Bonnie. Out of them I'd have to say Jen should win but I think they all suck.

If she hadn't thrown that food in the trash...

[maplekitty]

im not particularly excited by any of them left???
this season's entire cast was shite!

i think this show would be awesome if all the chefs were fresh out of cooking school grads. the prize just seems way too big for people with no formal training, or no real restuarant expereince?? wth? this is teh kind of prize that should have gone to the winner of Top Chef.

[JenniferEC]

Of the three left, I thought Jen would walk away the winner. Bonnie is always a whiney mess (franks and beans???) and Rock can't control his temper and what spews from his mouth. If you forget about the spaghetti from the trash, Jen had the most potential.

Knowing one of those two is going to be in charge of GVR, I'd never step foot inside.

[westamp]

I think the pulling the food outta the garbage is what did Jen in. Honestly, how many people are willing to over look that? I won't eat anything she makes since she thought garbage food is ok. :rolleyes:

I personally think GR got rid of Jen cuz he wants Rock to win. Jen is a better competitor than Nanny Bonnie. Sorry, I can't see GR giving the restaurant to someone who's never worked in a restaurant before (yes, Julia has a leg up on Bonnie).

I didn't like how Bonnie talked to the staff either. In the real world, calling someone "babe" would have given corp attys pause (that's a no no word).

[imagirliegirl]

I don't see how either of these 2 could run a restaurant. Rock is too much of a hot head and Bonnie just doesn't seem to have what it takes.

I guess since I have to choose one, I choose Bonnie. I just can't stand Rock's attitude. He acted like such a little bitch on the recycling punishment.

I also think Jen's trash incident did her in. I'm even afraid she might lose her current job over that! Can you imagine having patrons see her in the kitchen and them knowing she pulled food out of the trash?!

Oh and she is one ugly crier. Sheesh.

[JenniferEC]

Oh and she is one ugly crier. Sheesh.
ITA! Even DH had to turn away when she was shedding tears.

[lbs27]

I personally think GR got rid of Jen cuz he wants Rock to win. Jen is a better competitor than Nanny Bonnie. Sorry, I can't see GR giving the restaurant to someone who's never worked in a restaurant before (yes, Julia has a leg up on Bonnie).



ITA, I said this same thing to DH last night. Bonnie way too emotional (among other things) to run her own restaurant and CR has to see that.

I also totally agree about Jen being an ugly crier--I could hardly stand to look at her face!

[Oakley]

My DH and I were :eek: that he got rid of Jen!

I agree with pp who have said that he did that because he wants Rock to win.

[imagirliegirl]

I agree with pp who have said that he did that because he wants Rock to win.

It would really surprise me if that were true. Rock is such a hot head. Ramsey HAS to know that he would be a nightmare in a kitchen. Sure, Ramsey yells and swears for the cameras but no way in hell could you run a functional, high end kitchen acting that way.

I don't think any of the people this season were suited for running a kitchen. My guess would be that he'll pick Bonnie because she really has no training. Then he'll send her to chef's school and get her trained just the way he wants her. I think she'd be a lot more capable if she got a little confidence boost.

[Oakley]

I agree that Rock wouldn't make the best person to run a kitchen- that man has a temper! Although- so does Ramsey. ;)

I just don't see Bonnie running a restaurant! She does not have the confidence or experience Heather does from last season. Ugh! Should be interesting!!

[udsweetpea]

I think Chef Ramsey was pretty disappointed in Jenn that she didn't catch the mistake when she was running expo. That was probably his test to see who would be better at running a kitchen. But that stinks that she went first at doing expo, and the others were clued in to look for mistakes.

[PookiePrincess]

But if you've (or the contestants) ever watched the show, he always has the other chefs make mistakes to see if they will miss it or catch it at the pass. It's part of the "game."

[sparkle&shine]

I don't think that either of them deserve to win. Rock is a hot head and I don't know if he will be able to control his temper with the stress that will come along with the job. I also don't think that Bonnie will be able to handle the stress - how many times has she cried that she can't do it or that she wanted to quit?!

I bet if Jenn hadn't pulled food out of the trash she would still be in the game. Chef had to have known that people would never forget about that.

[JustVita]

Guess I'll be the voice of dissent here, because I'm hoping Rock will win. I hated that Jen threw the spaghetti in the trash, but I never would have imagined Bonny would be in the finals. And though Rock has had some bad moments, most of them have. I certainly didn't think Jen was any better with her exchange with him in the Kitchen. She continued on as much as he did. He at least was able to recognize that they needed to clear the air and was man enough to approach her. And hell, I know it's a competition/game, but that doesn't mean you become immune to things. I'd have been pissed too about the trash and on top of that having to go to the photo shoot to collect trash there too. It certainly wasn't his finest moment, but I don't see that's indicative of his character. JMO

[imagirliegirl]

I think Bonnie has a good chance.

[udsweetpea]

I think Bonnie has a good chance.

Completely agree! I thought she didn't really have a chance until last night, but she won the majority in the challenge and she had plans for her restaurant while Rock didn't. The camera also focused on her a lot more than Rock, but they could be doing that to fool us.

[kam]

I think this will be a case for them setting the audience up to think Bonnie would win - I think Rock will take it only as the element of surprise.

I was not impressed with Julia's sobbing. No, you didn't win, but you're sobbing in front of the guy who offered you a FREE ride to culinary school which will ensure you a job (whether it be with him or someone else). Contain yourself!

[westamp]

I think this will be a case for them setting the audience up to think Bonnie would win - I think Rock will take it only as the element of surprise.

I was not impressed with Julia's sobbing. No, you didn't win, but you're sobbing in front of the guy who offered you a FREE ride to culinary school which will ensure you a job (whether it be with him or someone else). Contain yourself!

I think the Editors are trying to fool us. I do think Rock will pull out in the end. Bonnie made such a mistake in choosing Melissa & Julia (who already confessed she's pulling for Rock). Unfortunately, the gals didn't work well when Melissa was in the mix. Now add the Julia resentment factor and the odds are stacked against Bonnie.

She should have taken her chances and chosen one of the men (Josh & Vinnie?). At least they will work w/ her.

Julia's sobbing is unprofessional but I understand where she's coming from. After all, she has more restaurant experience than Bonnie! I would be bitter too (but I wouldn't cry over it)...

[JenniferEC]

I'm kind of pulling for Rock. I can't stand all of the crying on the girls team. And since they didn't work well together before, I don't know what Bonnie is thinking picking them for her team.

Poor Julia! She needs to get it together and be grateful for what Chef gave her. I'd love to see some sort of sabotage next week!

[lbs27]

Hmm..I actually think Bonnie will win, though I think she is way too emotional to run a restaurant. If I heard her squeal Oh My God one more time last night, I was going to lose it. :D When they showed scenes for next week, and the crowd, they showed Julia clapping, but it looked like polite clapping. Since she said she was pulling for Rock, I took this lack of emotion to mean that Bonnie won. Of course, this could all be editing just like them showing a lot of Bonnie to make us think she won when actually Rock won. The editing is usually really good!

[Oakley]

After watching them choose things for their restaurant, I am now in favor of Bonnie. Although I really think Rock is more capable of running a restaurant. Who knows what will happen!

Does anyone remember how they decide the winner? Is it all on Ramsay?

[lbs27]

I was trying to remember this too. I kind of remember them having people come to each restaurant and score everything, but maybe I'm misremembering. :o

[imagirliegirl]

Does anyone remember how they decide the winner? Is it all on Ramsay?

Brad says Ramsey makes the final call but he consults with some other people before making the decision. He said last season he talked with the owner of the resort the restaurant is at and a few others. So maybe this season he'll meet with the owner of Green Valley or something.

I can only assume that's true cause he's a bigger HK fan than me. :)

[westamp]

This sounds plausible since the owners should get a say as to who runs their restaurant.



Brad says Ramsey makes the final call but he consults with some other people before making the decision. He said last season he talked with the owner of the resort the restaurant is at and a few others. So maybe this season he'll meet with the owner of Green Valley or something.

I can only assume that's true cause he's a bigger HK fan than me. :)

[imagirliegirl]

Hell's Kitchen day! Woot!!

[JenniferEC]

I didn't care who won because neither belongs in a restaurant. But I'm glad Ramsey picked the better of the two. I still will never eat at Green Valley Ranch.

[isign]

I'm glad Rock won, he wanted it so much more than Bonny. Seriously, how do you not prep enough food, and sit on your tail and not teach people how to cook your food?

[smittee]

I am so happy that Rock won! I just could not see Bonnie running a kitchen. Plus, I have eaten at the restaurant that Rock works as executive chef and the food is FANTASTIC! Hopefully, when I got to Vegas, I will be able to eat at Green Valley Ranch.

[Lauren23]

I was also happy Rock won. He so deserved it. That milkshake and cookies dessert looked really good. I want to try that!

[westamp]

I knew Rock would win after Bonnie ran out of food midway and some of her spaghetti got sent back and when she couldn't handle an insubordinate Julia.

Inventory seems to be a problem for her throughout this show (see accepting the wrong fish order, throwing away the fish etc.). I'm not surprised she ran out of food. She probably didn't check beforehand.

Rock handled the Josh thing better than Bonnie's Julia debacle. He also stressed team work over Bonnie's "I want this, I want that" speech. In the management world, you should never use "I," you're taught to say "we."

Anyway, I'm glad he won. He deserved it. Of course, Jen would have given him a run for his money if she was #2....

[kam]

I thought it would be Rock. Not thrilled with either choice but he was the better of the two.

[smittee]

BTW - I am also glad how he singeled Jen out when asked what he would have done differently. It showed a "softer" side of him.

[Rosebud]

I went to a taping of Hell's Kitchen tonight! I've actually never watched the show before, but a friend of DH's was on the list to attend the taping and he brought us along... and it was SO fun. I will have to watch the show now to see how it all works, but we totally enjoyed the food and commenting to the cameras about the food and watching Gordon Ramsay scream at people (what is that all about anyway?). The food was a little hit or miss. My appetizer was so amazing I wanted seconds but the dessert was terrible.

The episode we were in is for the 5th season, so I think it won't air for a while still. The contestants were divided into teams (red kitchen v. blue kitchen). We were presented with a red menu and a blue menu and had to pick one to order from. Anyway, I'm babbling, but it was super fun and if anyone has any questions about the set or the audience/dining experience, ask away!

[RobynScott]

Rosebud - that is SOOOOO Cool! Can't wait to see that episode. I always wondered how they found the diners.

[Rosebud]

I think some of the diners were actors (because our waiter asked us if we were actors), and a few seemed to be "VIPs" (friends of HK producers and such). My DH's friend knows one of the cameramen in the dining room and I believe that's how he got the invites to attend. It was a really random last-minute thing that came up for us, but I'm so glad we got the opportunity!

[imagirliegirl]

That's really cool, Rosebud! How fun!

I can't wait for the new season.

watching Gordon Ramsay scream at people (what is that all about anyway?)

Cause that's just what he does. It's really fun. He makes grown men cry and calls people donkeys. :p

[pontmarie]

That's awesome!!!

[JenniferEC]

Rosebud, I'm so jealous! That's really cool you got to go. DH and I have always wondered if it was all actors in the dining room.

[RobynScott]

Cause that's just what he does. It's really fun. He makes grown men cry and calls people donkeys. :p

Did you know in real life he actually treats his chefs really well? A neighbor's son used to work for him.

[imagirliegirl]

Did you know in real life he actually treats his chefs really well? A neighbor's son used to work for him.

You know, I actually believe that. He seems like a genuinely good and intelligent man.

But lord do I love to hear him say donkey. :D

[dionysia]

Did you know in real life he actually treats his chefs really well? A neighbor's son used to work for him.

I'm not surprised. He's actually quite a nice guy. He's much less abrasive and rude in the UK versions of his shows (e.g., "Kitchen Nightmares" and "The F Word").

[imagirliegirl]

I'm not surprised. He's actually quite a nice guy. He's much less abrasive and rude in the UK versions of his shows (e.g., "Kitchen Nightmares" and "The F Word").

I watched a UK Kitchen Nightmares the other day and it was a lot different. He was much nicer but most of all the people he was going to HELP were much nicer.

[Rosebud]

When we were at the taping I asked our waiter what G.R. was like in real life-- if he was really that angry. The waiter said that every time he's come into contact with him G.R. has been really nice and that he thought all the screaming and yelling was probably just for TV.

[pontmarie]

I heard that he has a very high percentage for retaining employees, which is rare in the restaurant business, I guess.

[dionysia]

I watched a UK Kitchen Nightmares the other day and it was a lot different. He was much nicer but most of all the people he was going to HELP were much nicer.

LOL, so true!

[sparkle&shine]

So Rosebud you actually got a full meal then?! How long did it take for you to get your food? One last question....could you tell how many cooks were in the kitchen?

Usually at the begining of the season you are lucky if you get your entree before Gordon shuts down the entire kitchen ;)

[Rosebud]

So Rosebud you actually got a full meal then?! How long did it take for you to get your food? One last question....could you tell how many cooks were in the kitchen?

Usually at the begining of the season you are lucky if you get your entree before Gordon shuts down the entire kitchen ;)

We did get a full meal! We were actually the second table to be seated, which our waiter said was lucky, since we were more likely to get food. But the kitchen didn't get closed down that night. The friends we'd come with were seated like a full hour later and they still got all the dishes. We got our appetizer almost immediately after we ordered it. Then it took about 30 minutes for our entree. And then it took like 45-60 minutes for our dessert (we were kinda over it by then, to be honest). They give you comment cards to fill out in between dinner and dessert, so the dessert apparently doesn't even count towards whatever happens on the show (not sure how it works- an elimination or something?).

Chefs in the kitchen... ummm... I'm remembering maybe 5 or 6 on each team, I think. ??? And there was one lady who was up front with G.R. most of the time it seemed-- I think she was double checking tickets and plating? The kitchen was behind me, and although I was close to it and wanted to turn around and look all the time, we were instructed to not do anything that would be distracting on camera. I wish I could have paid a little more attention. When I could look, it seemed like they were all fairly miserable back there!