Posts
Right off the bat, Not-Padme is ready to tell them all about their Quickfire. (It's their last one - the finale has no Quickfire). Time for the blindfolded taste test! They have 20 ingredients to identify. The chef with the most gets 5 stars, the next 4, the next 3 1/2, and the last 3.
Michael is up first and floundered on non-Italian ingredients. Hubert seemed to do ok. Rick was bold, but missed a lot from what we saw. Anita blanked on a lot of them, but got a couple of the harder ones (poppodums and dashi).
Hubert got 5/20, Rick got 6/20, Anita got 6/20 as well, and Michael got 7/20 and won the challenge.
For the Elimination Challenge, they have to "hire" staff, made up of prior Top Chef contestants, to help them with a buffet lunch for 200 Hollywood people the next day. They get 2 minutes to interview each chef before making decisions.
Michael was an ass in interviews, and demanded that people tell him is name and how to pronounce the last name. It was childish, in my opinion.
Michael had Brian, CJ, and Fabio.
Rick had Richard, Betty, and ... someone else who I barely remember. Dave?
Anita had Jamie, Dale, and Ilan.
Hubert had Spike, Antonio, and Elia.
Once teams were picked, Rick let people contribute ideas. Anita asked for ideas but didn't really want them. Hubert asked his sous chefs for input, too. Michael didn't have any interest in knowing what his sous chefs though.
They split teams up, $2000 between Restaurant Depot and Whole Foods, and then they have 3 1/2 hours to prep.
Back at the kitchen, there was a spat about fridge space. Michael, of course, got into it with Dale, and Dale certainly didn't like it when he was called "young man." I want Michael to win much less now, after seeing how he acts with people.
The next day, they had 2 1/2 hours prep. And, Not-Padme entered with a twist... the party location is changed, and they have to pack everything up in 30 minutes and move to their new location, where they will have their 2 1/2 hour prep. Chaos ensued. Their stations are outside, which is a blow to the chefs. AND - everyone has to cut one person. Michael dropped Brian, Hubert booted Spike, Rick got rid of Betty, and Anita got rid of Jamie (who was taking too long for prep, in Anita's mind)
In the end, Anita served an Asian Raw Bar with lots of sauces and a couple other things. The raw bar made people nervous.
Michael served a very Italian buffet, with risotto, shrimp, swordfish, and a couple desserts. Gael Green's hat wasn't sure about the texture of the swordfish, calling it like old swordfish.
Hubert served an 18 dish buffet which got very good marks from the judges.
Rick did a Mexican Food Buffet, including Richard Blais' liquid nitrogen avocado ice cream. The judges seemed very pleased with his dishes.
At Critic's Table, Rick said that he loved working with his sous chefs.
Hubert had a super complicated menu and he did that on purpose. They loved it.
Anita's ribs got good marks. The raw bar, not so much.
Michael's shrimp was called unnecessary, and the swordfish had a "curious" texture, which Gael Green's Hat called furry and mealy. How unappealing. He is also unable to delegate anything to his sous chefs.
Rick and Hubert have the highest totals for the night, so they are both safe. That's about right!
Rick's total was 21 1/2 stars. Hubert's killed it with the critics and got 5 stars from all of them, bringing his total to 22 stars, and his charity (Make a Wish) got an extra $10K.
Anita got a total of 17 stars, and Michael got 19 1/2, so Anita is gone. Doesn't change the fact that Michael acted kind of badly with his sous chefs. It was Anita's time to go, though.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Top Chef Masters - 8.11.09
(I'm late, this is from last week's show)
Next round of the Champions Round!
The chefs entered the kitchen and saw a table overflowing with burgers and fries. Not-Padme introduced them to their Quickfire. They have to make burgers. Hubert sells a $5000 burger at one of his restaurants. Crazy. They also have to make a side dish. Spike from Season 4 will be judging them, along with Sang Yoon, who won best burger on the Today Show, and Morgan Spurlock, of Supersize Me fame.
Everyone worked on their burgers, and Anita decided to make a cheddar soup with mini burgers.. hum. Not the best decision, I think.
Rick did a Queso Fondito burger with 3 kinds of guac. Seems like the 3 kinds of guac was overkill.
Art made a corncake burger with fried green tomato chips. They seemed to like it.
Michael made an enormous hamburger with yukon gold potatoes and truffle something.
Anita made a cheddar soup with grilled burger and ketchup croutons, and onion rings. No one seemed to like it. Someone called it a Wish Burger. As in - I wish there was a burger.
Hubert made a Beff and Roquefort cheese burger with caramelized onions, with yukon gold potatoes. Didn't get grand reviews.
Hubert got 3 stars. Art got 3 1/2 stars. Anita got only 1 1/2 starts. Michael got 4 stars. Rick also got 4 starts.
For the elimination challenge, they will be catering a lunch party for Zoey Deschanel. I love her, but she's a nut when it comes to food. She is a vegan, and she is gluten intolerant and doesn't eat soy. No wonder she's so skinny.
They have to do lunch for 20 diners, and each chef is in charge of one dish.
Art went easy and bought rice ice cream, because he doesn't know how to make rice ice cream himself. Rick was helping out in ingredient help, because he is more familiar with the kind of restrictions. Michael found a quinoa pasta, which is gluten free. It's all about being flexible when your diner isn't.
Rick is making fresh corn tamales with black beans and mushrooms. Looked good.
Hubert is making a White Gazpacho, Timbale with avocado and asparagus, and a red beet salad.
Anita is making a spicy grilled eggplant with lentil salad, Indian style.
Michael is doing Quinoa pasta, salsa verde, and some pine nuts and meyer lemon.
Art has a strawberry soup mixed in with his rice ice cream (which he didn't like the texture of alone), and an almond brittle.
Zooey Deschanel is a huge fan of Top Chef, and is excited to have someone other than her mom cooking for her.
I love that these chefs work together, instead of sabotaging each other.
Hubert had a couple of his glasses of gazpacho fall over, but luckily, he had some extra. The diners liked his soup a lot. His avocado thing fell a little flat. Gael Green's hat loved the beet salad.
Anita's fish was kind of monochrome and black. Some of the diners thought it was a little overseasoned, and the lentils were a little "sturdy." That's a nice way to put it.
Michael's pasta dish was welcomed by Zooey, who missed pasta. Gael Green's hat had never heard of quinoa pasta before. Zooey said she wanted to go hug Michael for making her pasta.
Rick's tamales were called probably the best tamales Zooey had ever had. Good job, Rick.
Art's rice ice cream with strawberries, and strawberry champagne soup and almond brittle did not go over super well. Zooey prefers coconut milk ice cream, and while the brittle went over well, one diner said it felt like it needed more fat.
Time for Critic's Table!
Gael Green's hat picked up on my monochrome criticism for Anita's dish (and she left the eggplant sitting in oil overnight so that it sucked up the oil. Yuck.)
Art was criticized for buying his rice ice cream and then doing something lackluster with it. They were impressed with the butterless brittle (so was I)
Hubert ended up with 19 stars. Michael got 22 stars. Rick got 19 stars. Michael is the winner this week, and his charity gets an additional $10K. Anita's dish only got 2 1/2 stars from the diners, and it didn't get so much better from there. Her final total was 13 stars. Ouch. Art got reamed by the critics for buying the ice cream, and ended up with 12 1/2 stars, and he is out. Anita survived only because of Art's supremely poor performance, not because her food was anything to write home about.
Next round of the Champions Round!
The chefs entered the kitchen and saw a table overflowing with burgers and fries. Not-Padme introduced them to their Quickfire. They have to make burgers. Hubert sells a $5000 burger at one of his restaurants. Crazy. They also have to make a side dish. Spike from Season 4 will be judging them, along with Sang Yoon, who won best burger on the Today Show, and Morgan Spurlock, of Supersize Me fame.
Everyone worked on their burgers, and Anita decided to make a cheddar soup with mini burgers.. hum. Not the best decision, I think.
Rick did a Queso Fondito burger with 3 kinds of guac. Seems like the 3 kinds of guac was overkill.
Art made a corncake burger with fried green tomato chips. They seemed to like it.
Michael made an enormous hamburger with yukon gold potatoes and truffle something.
Anita made a cheddar soup with grilled burger and ketchup croutons, and onion rings. No one seemed to like it. Someone called it a Wish Burger. As in - I wish there was a burger.
Hubert made a Beff and Roquefort cheese burger with caramelized onions, with yukon gold potatoes. Didn't get grand reviews.
Hubert got 3 stars. Art got 3 1/2 stars. Anita got only 1 1/2 starts. Michael got 4 stars. Rick also got 4 starts.
For the elimination challenge, they will be catering a lunch party for Zoey Deschanel. I love her, but she's a nut when it comes to food. She is a vegan, and she is gluten intolerant and doesn't eat soy. No wonder she's so skinny.
They have to do lunch for 20 diners, and each chef is in charge of one dish.
Art went easy and bought rice ice cream, because he doesn't know how to make rice ice cream himself. Rick was helping out in ingredient help, because he is more familiar with the kind of restrictions. Michael found a quinoa pasta, which is gluten free. It's all about being flexible when your diner isn't.
Rick is making fresh corn tamales with black beans and mushrooms. Looked good.
Hubert is making a White Gazpacho, Timbale with avocado and asparagus, and a red beet salad.
Anita is making a spicy grilled eggplant with lentil salad, Indian style.
Michael is doing Quinoa pasta, salsa verde, and some pine nuts and meyer lemon.
Art has a strawberry soup mixed in with his rice ice cream (which he didn't like the texture of alone), and an almond brittle.
Zooey Deschanel is a huge fan of Top Chef, and is excited to have someone other than her mom cooking for her.
I love that these chefs work together, instead of sabotaging each other.
Hubert had a couple of his glasses of gazpacho fall over, but luckily, he had some extra. The diners liked his soup a lot. His avocado thing fell a little flat. Gael Green's hat loved the beet salad.
Anita's fish was kind of monochrome and black. Some of the diners thought it was a little overseasoned, and the lentils were a little "sturdy." That's a nice way to put it.
Michael's pasta dish was welcomed by Zooey, who missed pasta. Gael Green's hat had never heard of quinoa pasta before. Zooey said she wanted to go hug Michael for making her pasta.
Rick's tamales were called probably the best tamales Zooey had ever had. Good job, Rick.
Art's rice ice cream with strawberries, and strawberry champagne soup and almond brittle did not go over super well. Zooey prefers coconut milk ice cream, and while the brittle went over well, one diner said it felt like it needed more fat.
Time for Critic's Table!
Gael Green's hat picked up on my monochrome criticism for Anita's dish (and she left the eggplant sitting in oil overnight so that it sucked up the oil. Yuck.)
Art was criticized for buying his rice ice cream and then doing something lackluster with it. They were impressed with the butterless brittle (so was I)
Hubert ended up with 19 stars. Michael got 22 stars. Rick got 19 stars. Michael is the winner this week, and his charity gets an additional $10K. Anita's dish only got 2 1/2 stars from the diners, and it didn't get so much better from there. Her final total was 13 stars. Ouch. Art got reamed by the critics for buying the ice cream, and ended up with 12 1/2 stars, and he is out. Anita survived only because of Art's supremely poor performance, not because her food was anything to write home about.
Hell's Kitchen: 8.11.09
Problems with Dave's immobile thumb abound, before the first challenge. Ramsey is joined by a soldier's wife. The next night, the Cheftestants will be cooking for a welcome home party for his husband.
Robert and Suzanne were called to learn some things about the soldier's likes and dislikes. Each team has to come up with 2 appetizers and an entree. Robert and Suzanne are to debrief their team with Natasha's (that's the wife) thoughts.
Whichever team wins will have their menu for the party. Robert did a good job letting people what the Staff Sergeant likes. Suzanne didn't do nearly as good a job in communication.
Red Team presented a Caesar Style Salad with baked prawns. Natasha liked it.
Blue Team presented a spicy seafood style bouillabase. I think Natasha liked that more.
Natasha picked the Red Team for the first dish.
Second dish -
Red Team's next dish is Bacon Wrapped fillet with grilled shrimp.
Blue Team's next dish is Four Cheese macaroni, Stewed collard, grilled catfish.
The Blue team takes that one.
Entrees -
Red Team - broiled lobster tail with pasta.
Blue Team - Grilled lobster tail with steak.
Since Natasha had said that grilled lobster tail is something she couldn't live without at the party, it is no surprise when she chose the Blue Team as the winner. Their menu is on for the party.
As a reward, the guys get to be fighter pilots for the day. Fun.
The women will be redecorating the dining room for the party. Not so fun.
Ramsey's wife (who is a hottie) is going to be party coordinator for the event. How come it took him so long to pimp her out on the show? She's very precise.
My husband wondered if Robert would be able to get into the cockpit of the fighter planes. I didn't see him up in the planes, but if he couldn't do it, I'm glad that they didn't focus on it again.
And the women? Playing with helium.
The men have to teach the women their recipes, and there was sabotage galore. Ramsey will not be ok with the sabotage, I don't think.
Time for the party!
Super heartwarming when the soldier came in (it was a surprise party). His mom (who he hasn't seen in years) is the special surprise VIP guest. Fun.
Time for the cooking.
The Blue Team (Ben and Andy on apps) seemed to do very well and sent things out. Sabrina was having troubles getting stuffed mushrooms out not cold. Ramsey was really peeved because he sent the other apps on the table without the mushroom she claimed was on it's way, and it was cold. Table not served together = not good.
The men finished their appetizers quickly, and Jim is on the grill to work out the entrees. After the women finally finish the apps, it's time for Tek to be in charge of the grill. Tenille tried to help her organize her grill, but Tek wasn't interested in help. She needed help. It was bad. So bad. Ramsey was pissed. She finally got some help (well, they tried to help).
While the men's team was doing great, Dave was having troubles with his hand. Andy was more nervous about Dave's hand than Dave seemed to be. Ramsey was picking on Jim some, but Jim seemed to be doing well. Kevin looked to be taking some credit for Jim's work.
The men finished out the entrees and started on desserts and while Tek finished the steak, the surf and turf was missing the surf, and Amanda sent up raw lobster. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. Because the women couldn't get their acts together, Ramsey sent the men (who finished their service) into the Red Kitchen to finish out the service.
Obviously, the men were the winners of the night, and, as Ramsey noted, had two injured men.
When Robert wins, he's hilarious. When he loses, he's unbearable, but when he wins.. it's funny.
The women put Tek and Tenille was forced to tell Ramsey that the team decided to put her up, too. She let him know that she thought it was a load of crap. He also thought it wasn't a great decision, and pulled Amanda down, too. After he gave Tenille a chance to tell him why she thought it was a crock that she was sent up, he put her back in line. She's safe.
Uh oh. Amanda started crying. That's never good. Still, Tek was a mess tonight. Blessedly, she's gone.
Robert and Suzanne were called to learn some things about the soldier's likes and dislikes. Each team has to come up with 2 appetizers and an entree. Robert and Suzanne are to debrief their team with Natasha's (that's the wife) thoughts.
Whichever team wins will have their menu for the party. Robert did a good job letting people what the Staff Sergeant likes. Suzanne didn't do nearly as good a job in communication.
Red Team presented a Caesar Style Salad with baked prawns. Natasha liked it.
Blue Team presented a spicy seafood style bouillabase. I think Natasha liked that more.
Natasha picked the Red Team for the first dish.
Second dish -
Red Team's next dish is Bacon Wrapped fillet with grilled shrimp.
Blue Team's next dish is Four Cheese macaroni, Stewed collard, grilled catfish.
The Blue team takes that one.
Entrees -
Red Team - broiled lobster tail with pasta.
Blue Team - Grilled lobster tail with steak.
Since Natasha had said that grilled lobster tail is something she couldn't live without at the party, it is no surprise when she chose the Blue Team as the winner. Their menu is on for the party.
As a reward, the guys get to be fighter pilots for the day. Fun.
The women will be redecorating the dining room for the party. Not so fun.
Ramsey's wife (who is a hottie) is going to be party coordinator for the event. How come it took him so long to pimp her out on the show? She's very precise.
My husband wondered if Robert would be able to get into the cockpit of the fighter planes. I didn't see him up in the planes, but if he couldn't do it, I'm glad that they didn't focus on it again.
And the women? Playing with helium.
The men have to teach the women their recipes, and there was sabotage galore. Ramsey will not be ok with the sabotage, I don't think.
Time for the party!
Super heartwarming when the soldier came in (it was a surprise party). His mom (who he hasn't seen in years) is the special surprise VIP guest. Fun.
Time for the cooking.
The Blue Team (Ben and Andy on apps) seemed to do very well and sent things out. Sabrina was having troubles getting stuffed mushrooms out not cold. Ramsey was really peeved because he sent the other apps on the table without the mushroom she claimed was on it's way, and it was cold. Table not served together = not good.
The men finished their appetizers quickly, and Jim is on the grill to work out the entrees. After the women finally finish the apps, it's time for Tek to be in charge of the grill. Tenille tried to help her organize her grill, but Tek wasn't interested in help. She needed help. It was bad. So bad. Ramsey was pissed. She finally got some help (well, they tried to help).
While the men's team was doing great, Dave was having troubles with his hand. Andy was more nervous about Dave's hand than Dave seemed to be. Ramsey was picking on Jim some, but Jim seemed to be doing well. Kevin looked to be taking some credit for Jim's work.
The men finished out the entrees and started on desserts and while Tek finished the steak, the surf and turf was missing the surf, and Amanda sent up raw lobster. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. Because the women couldn't get their acts together, Ramsey sent the men (who finished their service) into the Red Kitchen to finish out the service.
Obviously, the men were the winners of the night, and, as Ramsey noted, had two injured men.
When Robert wins, he's hilarious. When he loses, he's unbearable, but when he wins.. it's funny.
The women put Tek and Tenille was forced to tell Ramsey that the team decided to put her up, too. She let him know that she thought it was a load of crap. He also thought it wasn't a great decision, and pulled Amanda down, too. After he gave Tenille a chance to tell him why she thought it was a crock that she was sent up, he put her back in line. She's safe.
Uh oh. Amanda started crying. That's never good. Still, Tek was a mess tonight. Blessedly, she's gone.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Finale Alert: So You Think You Can Dance 8.6.09
The finale group dance is a re-do of the painting come to life piece from earlier in the season. Fun. I think they might have changed it up a bit to fill the bigger stage. Whatever they did, I liked it. It was very good. What a strong group this is! The final four got to be center-stage at the end.
Cat looks like she wrapped herself in her bed sheet because she was running late for the show, but at least she got hair and makeup done admirably.
Seven choreographers are in the front row with Mary and Nigel. L'il C, Mia Michaels, Tyce Diorio, Debbie Allen, Adam Shankman, Mary looking like she robbed a jewelry store, and Nigel, to be exact.
The other choreographers are in the audience, not deemed important enough for the judge's panel perhaps.
Montage of the season to here, ridiculously untalented and talented alike. This is me fast forwarding.
Recap of last night. Fast forwarding some more, since I just rewatched it with my daughter an hour ago.
Now, each choreographer on the judge's panel gets to pick a favorite routine.
Adam has chosen Phillip & Jeanine's hip hop, Mad by Ne-Yo, choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon. Good choice.
Nigel's favorite dance was the Argentine Tango with Janette & Brandon. Fantastic choice. I wish Janette had been in the finale instead of Kayla. I still blame that terrible Celine Dion solo.
Debbie Allen's choice is Louis van Amstel's Waltz with Asuka & Vitolio. Not my favorite. Pretty, but kind of boring.
Mary's choice is Travis' Jeanine & Jason's contemporary. Yay. I love this routine. Go Travis. And go Jeanine & Jason. Beautifully done.
Mia's favorite dance of the season is Max & Kayla's samba from the first show. I wish Max had made it lounger.
For a bit of fluff filler, the final four got to join Kherrington for a showing of Fame. I'm a geek and want to see it. Probably not in the theatre, because I never go out to the theatre... but eventually.
Another of Debbie's favorites from the season is Dmitry and Tabitha & Napoleon's Latin/Hip Hop Group Number with the water table dancing (Calle Ocho). Nice. Very sexy.
The next guest is the winner of SYTYCD: Australia, Talia Fowler, choreographed by Sonya. She's a ballerina who proved to be, like Melissa, very versatile. She was very good, but I would have liked to have seen this routine danced by any of the top 3 girls this season...
L'il C chose Jai Ho as his favorite. Awesome. He used a lot of big words to describe why he loved it so much. My husband said it was his favorite dance of the whole season.
Time for some of the business at hand. The Top 4 take the stage (and what's this? Evan in the costume from The Butt Dance... I can guess what's coming!) and Kayla comes in 4th. That's about right, I think, for the favorite dancer of the season. She's right up there in quality, but she was missing some spark of personality for a long time. I think she easily has a super bright career in front of her. She'll be on broadway and in movies, no problem.
Adam's favorite dance of the season is Mia's Butt Homage routine. Awesome. Go Evan & Randi!
Mary's favorite is last night's Pasa Doble. Awesome. Go for it, Jeanine & Brandon.
After that gorgeous dance, Evan joined them on the stage to find out who is in third place. It's Evan, and I am unsurprised. He's so gosh darned lovable.
Nigel's next pick for favorite moments was when Mary admitted to heavy botox usage. For a dance, it was the Addiction dance. Is he saying that Mary is admitted to botox? It's Kayla & Kupono, and I was hoping to see it again.
Special guest act - choreographed by Tiffany Burton, the Rage Boys Crew. hey are so good. I skipped watching them before. The littlest ones are especially impressive, especially when they tossed one of them across the stage. He lost a tooth since their performance on the show from doing a back handspring off the couch. So don't try this at home, kids.
(May I just say that I am happy that there was a grand lack of Crump etc. this season? Thank you.)
Brandon & Janette's disco was Tyce's favorite. Awesome. Again, I wish that Janette had been in the finale instead of Kayla.
Mia's next favorite is Tyce's breast cancer dance. This one is winning an Emmy. Melissa & Ade are amazing. Turns out that Tyce's friend that he choreographed the dance for learned that she is cancer free today. Amazing news. Heartwarming. Cat looked like she was about to break out in tears announcing the dancers. I got chills over and over again watching them. Just simply astounding.
Next, it's a routine choreographed by Mia (the One routine), with the Top 8 dancers, and some very "special" performers - the judge's panel is missing, so I think they are making an appearance. And I am right. The Final 8 went behind their mirrors and revealed the judges to dance the last bit. It was very cute. L'il C was not there that I could see. And the crowd went crazy... padding, padding, padding. And here I am allout of buffer with which to fast forward...
Finally, it's down to Jeanine or Brandon. But first - recaps of their journeys thus far. And then, the winner is...
JEANINE!!!
Yay, yippee, and good for her! And I like her because she thanked the Academy. She thanked her mom for making her continue with dance. Cat asked her what she is going to remember most, and she said "well, there's this right here." She said the whole thing was incredible. And so it was.
I'm so thrilled that there is a new season starting again in less than a month!
Here's waiting for September 2nd!
(And see, American Idol? This is how you make a live show end on time. They even had a couple minutes to spare. Cue superfluous shots of confetti and Jeanine freaking out.)
Cat looks like she wrapped herself in her bed sheet because she was running late for the show, but at least she got hair and makeup done admirably.
Seven choreographers are in the front row with Mary and Nigel. L'il C, Mia Michaels, Tyce Diorio, Debbie Allen, Adam Shankman, Mary looking like she robbed a jewelry store, and Nigel, to be exact.
The other choreographers are in the audience, not deemed important enough for the judge's panel perhaps.
Montage of the season to here, ridiculously untalented and talented alike. This is me fast forwarding.
Recap of last night. Fast forwarding some more, since I just rewatched it with my daughter an hour ago.
Now, each choreographer on the judge's panel gets to pick a favorite routine.
Adam has chosen Phillip & Jeanine's hip hop, Mad by Ne-Yo, choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon. Good choice.
Nigel's favorite dance was the Argentine Tango with Janette & Brandon. Fantastic choice. I wish Janette had been in the finale instead of Kayla. I still blame that terrible Celine Dion solo.
Debbie Allen's choice is Louis van Amstel's Waltz with Asuka & Vitolio. Not my favorite. Pretty, but kind of boring.
Mary's choice is Travis' Jeanine & Jason's contemporary. Yay. I love this routine. Go Travis. And go Jeanine & Jason. Beautifully done.
Mia's favorite dance of the season is Max & Kayla's samba from the first show. I wish Max had made it lounger.
For a bit of fluff filler, the final four got to join Kherrington for a showing of Fame. I'm a geek and want to see it. Probably not in the theatre, because I never go out to the theatre... but eventually.
Another of Debbie's favorites from the season is Dmitry and Tabitha & Napoleon's Latin/Hip Hop Group Number with the water table dancing (Calle Ocho). Nice. Very sexy.
The next guest is the winner of SYTYCD: Australia, Talia Fowler, choreographed by Sonya. She's a ballerina who proved to be, like Melissa, very versatile. She was very good, but I would have liked to have seen this routine danced by any of the top 3 girls this season...
L'il C chose Jai Ho as his favorite. Awesome. He used a lot of big words to describe why he loved it so much. My husband said it was his favorite dance of the whole season.
Time for some of the business at hand. The Top 4 take the stage (and what's this? Evan in the costume from The Butt Dance... I can guess what's coming!) and Kayla comes in 4th. That's about right, I think, for the favorite dancer of the season. She's right up there in quality, but she was missing some spark of personality for a long time. I think she easily has a super bright career in front of her. She'll be on broadway and in movies, no problem.
Adam's favorite dance of the season is Mia's Butt Homage routine. Awesome. Go Evan & Randi!
Mary's favorite is last night's Pasa Doble. Awesome. Go for it, Jeanine & Brandon.
After that gorgeous dance, Evan joined them on the stage to find out who is in third place. It's Evan, and I am unsurprised. He's so gosh darned lovable.
Nigel's next pick for favorite moments was when Mary admitted to heavy botox usage. For a dance, it was the Addiction dance. Is he saying that Mary is admitted to botox? It's Kayla & Kupono, and I was hoping to see it again.
Special guest act - choreographed by Tiffany Burton, the Rage Boys Crew. hey are so good. I skipped watching them before. The littlest ones are especially impressive, especially when they tossed one of them across the stage. He lost a tooth since their performance on the show from doing a back handspring off the couch. So don't try this at home, kids.
(May I just say that I am happy that there was a grand lack of Crump etc. this season? Thank you.)
Brandon & Janette's disco was Tyce's favorite. Awesome. Again, I wish that Janette had been in the finale instead of Kayla.
Mia's next favorite is Tyce's breast cancer dance. This one is winning an Emmy. Melissa & Ade are amazing. Turns out that Tyce's friend that he choreographed the dance for learned that she is cancer free today. Amazing news. Heartwarming. Cat looked like she was about to break out in tears announcing the dancers. I got chills over and over again watching them. Just simply astounding.
Next, it's a routine choreographed by Mia (the One routine), with the Top 8 dancers, and some very "special" performers - the judge's panel is missing, so I think they are making an appearance. And I am right. The Final 8 went behind their mirrors and revealed the judges to dance the last bit. It was very cute. L'il C was not there that I could see. And the crowd went crazy... padding, padding, padding. And here I am allout of buffer with which to fast forward...
Finally, it's down to Jeanine or Brandon. But first - recaps of their journeys thus far. And then, the winner is...
JEANINE!!!
Yay, yippee, and good for her! And I like her because she thanked the Academy. She thanked her mom for making her continue with dance. Cat asked her what she is going to remember most, and she said "well, there's this right here." She said the whole thing was incredible. And so it was.
I'm so thrilled that there is a new season starting again in less than a month!
Here's waiting for September 2nd!
(And see, American Idol? This is how you make a live show end on time. They even had a couple minutes to spare. Cue superfluous shots of confetti and Jeanine freaking out.)
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Hell's Kitchen: 8.4.09
Sorry I'm a day late.
After no one got sent home last week, there were a lot of sore feelings and lots of people seemed to want to send people home. Ramsey noticed that they weren't comfortable with each other, and wants people to be able to work together.
He paired up some people who don't get along -
Tennille & Suzanne, Van & Andy, Robert & Jim, Arielle & Sabrina, Kevin & Dave, Tek & Lovely, with Amanda sitting out (and none to happy about it)
Scott and Heather brought in a rack of sausages, and asked Tenille how thick she likes her sausage. Uncomfortable giggling, and Tennille said that she doesn't like sausage. He asked the guys the secret to good sausage, and Van said it's to hold it steady and pump it slow and easy. More giggling. Ramsey likes a 6" sausage, and showed how to make a good batch of sausages... and it was a little suggestive. Size matters, and everyone has to make 6 lines of perfect sausages (36 sausages total).
Tenille & Suzanne managed to work really well together. Kevin & Dave (the injury brothers) were the first ones to get some done. The other ladies flew through theirs. Robert & Jim had issues, with popping sausage skins. The men tied it up, but the women seemed to be about to bring in the win... until they hit a bad link. It didn't trip them up, though, and they brought the win in. Good for them. Robert & Jim sucked and didn't get any made at all.
As a punishment, the men have to scrub and clean the dorms. The women get an Oktoberfest style party.
Robert and Kevin got into it with each other. Robert is pissed at losing.
At their party, Tennille recanted and professed her love of sausage.
And back cleaning, Chef Scott got into it with Robert, who broke things in frustration.
Prep time, and the men were full of injury. Dave got a call from his doctor, and he is supposed to go into a long arm cast with no thumb movement. Meeting with Ramsey, he decided to stay on, cast and all. (It's on his non-dominant hand). I give props to him for that determination.
For the service, each team has a greeter who will welcome, present an amuse bouche, and go back to their sections. He put Arielle and Jim out there. The restaurant is full of celebrities tonight - Drew Lachey, Kristy Swanson, Tom Green, and more.
No other food can leave the kitchen before the amuse bouche is served. Arielle did a great job and got back to the kitchen quickly. Jim is slow slow slow and was lollygagging.
Suzanne was getting in Tennille's face, and it wasn't really necessary, but I think that Suzanne meant well. Tek's cappelini, though, was sent back because it tasted like a salt lick. Tennille helped Tek out when she flipped out about getting food back, and managed to fix the salty pasta problem.
The women finished the appetizers while the men were still working on it, but Lovely had an undersalted entree, which Amanda hopped in and helped to fix.
Over in the men's kitchen, Kevin cooked some perfect fish, but Andy couldn't get his meat done. On top of that, he butchered some chops very badly and it was ridiculous. He continued to get things wrong, and Robert lost it and was yelling loudly enough for the whole dining room to hear, and Ramsey had to talk him down.
The women seemed to be doing well, except Lovely couldn't remember menu items. Great. Good job.
Andy finally got some lamb out (to Tom Green). And the women? Suzanne had some bad butchery going on. Both kitchens had 3 tickets left (good service!) and Ramsey rallied the troops, telling them that whoever finished first would win. The men were about to send out their last table, but there was some raw meat, and Chef Scott got into it with Andy again.
In the end, the men sent out their last ticket first, and the women lost it because of their sides. Suzanne asked for a play-by-play, to see who she could blame, and Ramsey told her to suck it up, because they lost. He declared Sabrina the best of the worst, and told her to go nominate two people to put up for elimination.
Sabrina put up Tek and Lovely. Good choices. Ramsey pulled Suzanne down, too, and asked who she would send home. She said she would send Lovely home, and Ramsey agreed with her and Lovely is gone. Yippee! She was incompetent.
After no one got sent home last week, there were a lot of sore feelings and lots of people seemed to want to send people home. Ramsey noticed that they weren't comfortable with each other, and wants people to be able to work together.
He paired up some people who don't get along -
Tennille & Suzanne, Van & Andy, Robert & Jim, Arielle & Sabrina, Kevin & Dave, Tek & Lovely, with Amanda sitting out (and none to happy about it)
Scott and Heather brought in a rack of sausages, and asked Tenille how thick she likes her sausage. Uncomfortable giggling, and Tennille said that she doesn't like sausage. He asked the guys the secret to good sausage, and Van said it's to hold it steady and pump it slow and easy. More giggling. Ramsey likes a 6" sausage, and showed how to make a good batch of sausages... and it was a little suggestive. Size matters, and everyone has to make 6 lines of perfect sausages (36 sausages total).
Tenille & Suzanne managed to work really well together. Kevin & Dave (the injury brothers) were the first ones to get some done. The other ladies flew through theirs. Robert & Jim had issues, with popping sausage skins. The men tied it up, but the women seemed to be about to bring in the win... until they hit a bad link. It didn't trip them up, though, and they brought the win in. Good for them. Robert & Jim sucked and didn't get any made at all.
As a punishment, the men have to scrub and clean the dorms. The women get an Oktoberfest style party.
Robert and Kevin got into it with each other. Robert is pissed at losing.
At their party, Tennille recanted and professed her love of sausage.
And back cleaning, Chef Scott got into it with Robert, who broke things in frustration.
Prep time, and the men were full of injury. Dave got a call from his doctor, and he is supposed to go into a long arm cast with no thumb movement. Meeting with Ramsey, he decided to stay on, cast and all. (It's on his non-dominant hand). I give props to him for that determination.
For the service, each team has a greeter who will welcome, present an amuse bouche, and go back to their sections. He put Arielle and Jim out there. The restaurant is full of celebrities tonight - Drew Lachey, Kristy Swanson, Tom Green, and more.
No other food can leave the kitchen before the amuse bouche is served. Arielle did a great job and got back to the kitchen quickly. Jim is slow slow slow and was lollygagging.
Suzanne was getting in Tennille's face, and it wasn't really necessary, but I think that Suzanne meant well. Tek's cappelini, though, was sent back because it tasted like a salt lick. Tennille helped Tek out when she flipped out about getting food back, and managed to fix the salty pasta problem.
The women finished the appetizers while the men were still working on it, but Lovely had an undersalted entree, which Amanda hopped in and helped to fix.
Over in the men's kitchen, Kevin cooked some perfect fish, but Andy couldn't get his meat done. On top of that, he butchered some chops very badly and it was ridiculous. He continued to get things wrong, and Robert lost it and was yelling loudly enough for the whole dining room to hear, and Ramsey had to talk him down.
The women seemed to be doing well, except Lovely couldn't remember menu items. Great. Good job.
Andy finally got some lamb out (to Tom Green). And the women? Suzanne had some bad butchery going on. Both kitchens had 3 tickets left (good service!) and Ramsey rallied the troops, telling them that whoever finished first would win. The men were about to send out their last table, but there was some raw meat, and Chef Scott got into it with Andy again.
In the end, the men sent out their last ticket first, and the women lost it because of their sides. Suzanne asked for a play-by-play, to see who she could blame, and Ramsey told her to suck it up, because they lost. He declared Sabrina the best of the worst, and told her to go nominate two people to put up for elimination.
Sabrina put up Tek and Lovely. Good choices. Ramsey pulled Suzanne down, too, and asked who she would send home. She said she would send Lovely home, and Ramsey agreed with her and Lovely is gone. Yippee! She was incompetent.
So You Think You Can Dance - 8.5.09
The final 4 dance!
Cat is Solid Gold, Baby. Her hair looks fantastic and shiny and slightly wavy. Lovely. Unfortunately, her dress, when you go to a full body view, looks like a bath robe mixed with a potato sack, all in sequined gold. She could have done better.
They are in the Kodak theatre for the final performance show. What fun.
The Top 4's enry solos are very good all around.
Adam Shankman is joining Mary and Nigel tonight.
Final Top 4 Group Dance - with Wade Robeson. They are playing football jocks hitting on cheerleaders, who end up being more than the jocks can handle. Fun. The song is Boys Boys Boys by Lady Gaga. They all got to act some, too. It was cute. I especially liked the bit with the boys and the pom poms. It was a really fun dance, and they danced it super well.
Jeanine & Evan (Contemporary, choreographed by Sonya. Song: Heartbreaker, by MSTRKRFT, feat. John Legend) It's about a man who's trying to keep his girl, and she has had enough of him. She gets to get violent with him, and it looked like she had fun in rehearsals. Poor Evan. I like Evan when he's got the pinked up hair. It's cute. It's fun choreography because he is so into her and she's just tossing him around. Well acted, really well danced. Evan brought it and Jeanine was right there with him. Adam said he never saw Jeanine coming, and she has dominated every week. He says he never saw Evan in the Top 4, and now the show will never be the same. He called Evan the molehill that became a mountain. He complimented Sonya for choreographing to their strengths. Mary thought that they were a great partnership, though Jeanine stood out a little, and Evan was no punching bag. Nigel said that since the stage is so enormous, they have to bring the dance to the stage. He thinks that Jeanine was great, and didn't think that Evan was quite there, but thinks he could get there if he keeps it up.
Cat had sit downs with each of the final 4 before their solo. (Well, the interview was done back on their normal stage) Brandon is first. His entire body is in pain, but misses Janette, and loved their tango most of all. Cat asked the Mia question. He was happy to have proven himself to her. Time for his solo - He went skin to win again, this time in prison striped shorts. It was pretty good, but I hated the music, which sounded like a cd skipping, and distracted me from the dancing. Adam thought it was a take no prisoners solo, but didn't get the board shorts. I'd agree. Adam called it a bit frantic, but wished Brandon luck. Mary got goosebumps from Brandon, and said he is born to dance, and broke out in tears. Nigel agreed with Mia's current thoughts on Brandon and said he is outstanding.
Brandon & Kayla (Broadway, choreographed by Tyce Diorio. Song: Bye Bye Love, from All That Jazz) It was a really fun routine, with kind of a hard hitting vibe. Brandon did this one move where he spun Kayla round like the hands of a clock, and it was impressive. They both did great. It was a hit routine from Tyce's sometimes hit and miss playbook. Adam got up and jumped around when asked how it was. He said that he saw the two of them in the finals, and thinks it is heaven to see them dancing together. Mary did some screeching and called them rockstars and dance stars and said that they have never disappointed. Nigel said that they just showed whey they are in the top 4 and loved their side by side pirouettes and then he did some sucking up to Tyce, and said he's named after a cookie. There's another blogger I read (on HitFix) who calls Tyce "Toasty Oreo," so I wonder if Nigel has been reading the blogosphere. If he's reading my little blog now - Hi, Nigel!
Time for Cat's sit down with Jeanine! Her mom pushed her to keep dancing when she was a child, even though she went through a time when she didn't like it so much. She bemoaned the Russian Folkdance, but loved the contemporary she had with Jason choreographed by Travis. That was an insanely beautiful routine. She also brought up that their kiss at the end was not choreographed! Nice going with the flow, girly! For her solo, she brought some fun tango to it, rose in teeth and all. What fun. She had a beautifully controlled pirouette that was really impressive. The judges gave her a standing ovation. Adam loved the pirouettes and said it was a risky solo and she killed it. In a good way. He threw some love at her, but didn't like the flower, saying she is the only beautiful thing that was needed on the stage. Mary said that she saw Jeanine coming, and thinks she is peaking now, and loved what a great partner Jeanine is. She said that the solo was the best thing she's done on the show. Nigel said it was a brave solo and she pulled it off, and placed her securely in the final 2. That's a mighty big thing to say when there are 2 dancers left to do their solos.
Evan & Brandon (Pop Jazz, choreographed by Laurieann Gibson. Song: Nasty, by Janet Jackson) There were some points where they were not in sync and I don't know if they were supposed to be. It was a fun routine. Adam said that Evan got a little dusted on the routine, and I agree. He was really sad when the audience booed him. He said that Evan's natural sweetness was still there, and it felt like the nasty was a character, while Brandon's was all nasty. Mary then said "Evan, what's the nastiest thing you've ever done?" And yes, it sounded like a dirty thing to ask. He is just sweet, it's hard to see him as nasty. Mary also gave the routine to Brandon. Nigel said that Evan's work ethic is beyond reproach, but he's just way too sweet and doesn't have a nasty bone in his body. He said poor Evan just didn't sit naturally in the routine, and on top of that, Brandon outdanced him. I would agree with both of those statements.
Kayla & Jeanine (Contemporary, choreographed by Mia Michaels. Song: The Four Sections IV, full orchestra, by Steve Reich) It's a journey, and with every step they shed a layer, from one side of the stage to the other. It was the most complicated strip routine I've ever seen. Jeanine seemed to get caught in one of her snaps a couple times, but they both danced it beautifully. I would have prefered something a little less weird. Adam said it was like watching the world's longest wardrobe malfunction. He called the piece special, but I'm not sure if he meant that in the good way. He said it was a trifecta, of the two of them, and Mia, and said it was absolutely beautiful. Mary said it was a relevant routine, and loved the layers peeling off, and looked about to cry again. She said that the two of them are the strongest two women ever in the final 4. Nigel likened it to the Two Princes with Neal and Danny. He said it was a modern version of the dance of the seven veils, and wanted the routine to go on longer (or maybe more clothes to come off?)
Evan's turn for a sit down before his solo. We remembered Evan's brother (hope to see Ryan get through to the fall season's Top 20). He misses his family. He thinks that people call in for him because he's different, and said his favorite routine was the homage to the Butt. That was a fun one. Solo time! It was very cool and very very Evan. He did a funny bit with his hat at the end. I love him. He is so charming. Adam said it was like a variation on his audition piece, but says that what Evan does, he does unbelievably great. Mary said that the solo brought the unique Evan-ness to the stage, and said he has inspired young people to remember the style of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. Nigel thinks that Evan brings the "Awww," factor to the show. As in, isn't he adorable. He doesn't think that Evan has grown enough on the show, and doesn't think his solo is as strong as Jeanine and Brandon so far. The audience loved it, though. I agree - not as strong, but oh so wonderful.
Evan & Kayla (Jive, choreographed by Tony & Melanie. Song: T.R.O.U.B.L.E by Travis Tritt)
Kayla is wearing cowboy boots, and Evan is wearing heels, too. He had some fun lifts and spins with her, and it was a really fun dance. I think that Evan again had trouble getting the quick flick in his feet like he needs for a dance like the jive, but what do I know. Adam threw out the love for Tony and Melanie, but wasn't sure it was a finale level choreography routine (and he got booed again). Mary thinks he just hates country. He loved the lift series and thought Evan had good bounce, but didn't think it was competetive. Mary sucked up to the choreographers, but brought up again the fact that Evan wasn't getting the kicks in right, and thought they were two dancers dancing in their own worlds instead of using each other for power and speed. She thought that Kayla stole the show, though. Nigel thought they both came out with guns blazing. And then, oy! The crowd started chanting for Evan. Nigel wondered where Kayla's personality has been all season, because it's here tonight. He thought Evan's retractions were fine. Hmmm.
Kayla's interview included crying grandparents (in a good way). Montage of Kayla's awesome comments from the judges. She loved the addiction routine with Kupono. I would agree. That was incredible. Her solo is to Sweet Dreams, which will always be the Table Routine to me. It was a less flaily and better thought out solo than she's had in a long time, but I think Jeanine's was stronger. Adam said he solo was fine, but thinks that during the season, but thinks that she has joined Travis, Will, and Danny as some of the best dancers in the country. Mary thinks Kayla has been touched by an angel, and loves Kayla's lines and legs. Nigel thinks that Kayla has had a hard time because she's gotten so much love from the judges, the voting people are lacadasical about her. He thinks she justly deserves to be in the Top 4.
Brandon & Jeanine (Pasa Doble, choreographed by Louis Van Amstel. Song: Tetsujin, from The Matrix Revolutions) Finally a good Pasa this season!!!! This was awesome and Jeanine has some great feet! I've been waiting and waiting for a good, powerful, passionate pasa doble, and here it is. Adam says that the transitions and the small bits were full of the intensity and the movement and power and strength that needed to be there. I agree. Mary gave a Mary Scream, and sucked up to Louis and almost started crying. She said that the portrayal of the pasa doble was perfect. And then, good lord, she screamed them onto the hot tamale train. Nigel then had a little scream off with her. He said that they carried off the pasa doble perfectly. He got a little dirty old man and wanted to do things to Jeanine. He said that these two are just edging out the other two for the top spots tonight, and I would agree.
All done - who do you think is going to win it? I actually think that Jeanine has a really good chance for winning it, and I hope she does. They are all great, though, so no complaints at all.
Cat asked the judges who they think is going to win. Adam couldn't choose. Mary followed suit in indecision. He called Evan a lovely lovely lad, and reminds us that Ryan is coming in the next season. Nigel went right out there and said he thinks that either Brandon or Jeanine is going to win it.
Cat is Solid Gold, Baby. Her hair looks fantastic and shiny and slightly wavy. Lovely. Unfortunately, her dress, when you go to a full body view, looks like a bath robe mixed with a potato sack, all in sequined gold. She could have done better.
They are in the Kodak theatre for the final performance show. What fun.
The Top 4's enry solos are very good all around.
Adam Shankman is joining Mary and Nigel tonight.
Final Top 4 Group Dance - with Wade Robeson. They are playing football jocks hitting on cheerleaders, who end up being more than the jocks can handle. Fun. The song is Boys Boys Boys by Lady Gaga. They all got to act some, too. It was cute. I especially liked the bit with the boys and the pom poms. It was a really fun dance, and they danced it super well.
Jeanine & Evan (Contemporary, choreographed by Sonya. Song: Heartbreaker, by MSTRKRFT, feat. John Legend) It's about a man who's trying to keep his girl, and she has had enough of him. She gets to get violent with him, and it looked like she had fun in rehearsals. Poor Evan. I like Evan when he's got the pinked up hair. It's cute. It's fun choreography because he is so into her and she's just tossing him around. Well acted, really well danced. Evan brought it and Jeanine was right there with him. Adam said he never saw Jeanine coming, and she has dominated every week. He says he never saw Evan in the Top 4, and now the show will never be the same. He called Evan the molehill that became a mountain. He complimented Sonya for choreographing to their strengths. Mary thought that they were a great partnership, though Jeanine stood out a little, and Evan was no punching bag. Nigel said that since the stage is so enormous, they have to bring the dance to the stage. He thinks that Jeanine was great, and didn't think that Evan was quite there, but thinks he could get there if he keeps it up.
Cat had sit downs with each of the final 4 before their solo. (Well, the interview was done back on their normal stage) Brandon is first. His entire body is in pain, but misses Janette, and loved their tango most of all. Cat asked the Mia question. He was happy to have proven himself to her. Time for his solo - He went skin to win again, this time in prison striped shorts. It was pretty good, but I hated the music, which sounded like a cd skipping, and distracted me from the dancing. Adam thought it was a take no prisoners solo, but didn't get the board shorts. I'd agree. Adam called it a bit frantic, but wished Brandon luck. Mary got goosebumps from Brandon, and said he is born to dance, and broke out in tears. Nigel agreed with Mia's current thoughts on Brandon and said he is outstanding.
Brandon & Kayla (Broadway, choreographed by Tyce Diorio. Song: Bye Bye Love, from All That Jazz) It was a really fun routine, with kind of a hard hitting vibe. Brandon did this one move where he spun Kayla round like the hands of a clock, and it was impressive. They both did great. It was a hit routine from Tyce's sometimes hit and miss playbook. Adam got up and jumped around when asked how it was. He said that he saw the two of them in the finals, and thinks it is heaven to see them dancing together. Mary did some screeching and called them rockstars and dance stars and said that they have never disappointed. Nigel said that they just showed whey they are in the top 4 and loved their side by side pirouettes and then he did some sucking up to Tyce, and said he's named after a cookie. There's another blogger I read (on HitFix) who calls Tyce "Toasty Oreo," so I wonder if Nigel has been reading the blogosphere. If he's reading my little blog now - Hi, Nigel!
Time for Cat's sit down with Jeanine! Her mom pushed her to keep dancing when she was a child, even though she went through a time when she didn't like it so much. She bemoaned the Russian Folkdance, but loved the contemporary she had with Jason choreographed by Travis. That was an insanely beautiful routine. She also brought up that their kiss at the end was not choreographed! Nice going with the flow, girly! For her solo, she brought some fun tango to it, rose in teeth and all. What fun. She had a beautifully controlled pirouette that was really impressive. The judges gave her a standing ovation. Adam loved the pirouettes and said it was a risky solo and she killed it. In a good way. He threw some love at her, but didn't like the flower, saying she is the only beautiful thing that was needed on the stage. Mary said that she saw Jeanine coming, and thinks she is peaking now, and loved what a great partner Jeanine is. She said that the solo was the best thing she's done on the show. Nigel said it was a brave solo and she pulled it off, and placed her securely in the final 2. That's a mighty big thing to say when there are 2 dancers left to do their solos.
Evan & Brandon (Pop Jazz, choreographed by Laurieann Gibson. Song: Nasty, by Janet Jackson) There were some points where they were not in sync and I don't know if they were supposed to be. It was a fun routine. Adam said that Evan got a little dusted on the routine, and I agree. He was really sad when the audience booed him. He said that Evan's natural sweetness was still there, and it felt like the nasty was a character, while Brandon's was all nasty. Mary then said "Evan, what's the nastiest thing you've ever done?" And yes, it sounded like a dirty thing to ask. He is just sweet, it's hard to see him as nasty. Mary also gave the routine to Brandon. Nigel said that Evan's work ethic is beyond reproach, but he's just way too sweet and doesn't have a nasty bone in his body. He said poor Evan just didn't sit naturally in the routine, and on top of that, Brandon outdanced him. I would agree with both of those statements.
Kayla & Jeanine (Contemporary, choreographed by Mia Michaels. Song: The Four Sections IV, full orchestra, by Steve Reich) It's a journey, and with every step they shed a layer, from one side of the stage to the other. It was the most complicated strip routine I've ever seen. Jeanine seemed to get caught in one of her snaps a couple times, but they both danced it beautifully. I would have prefered something a little less weird. Adam said it was like watching the world's longest wardrobe malfunction. He called the piece special, but I'm not sure if he meant that in the good way. He said it was a trifecta, of the two of them, and Mia, and said it was absolutely beautiful. Mary said it was a relevant routine, and loved the layers peeling off, and looked about to cry again. She said that the two of them are the strongest two women ever in the final 4. Nigel likened it to the Two Princes with Neal and Danny. He said it was a modern version of the dance of the seven veils, and wanted the routine to go on longer (or maybe more clothes to come off?)
Evan's turn for a sit down before his solo. We remembered Evan's brother (hope to see Ryan get through to the fall season's Top 20). He misses his family. He thinks that people call in for him because he's different, and said his favorite routine was the homage to the Butt. That was a fun one. Solo time! It was very cool and very very Evan. He did a funny bit with his hat at the end. I love him. He is so charming. Adam said it was like a variation on his audition piece, but says that what Evan does, he does unbelievably great. Mary said that the solo brought the unique Evan-ness to the stage, and said he has inspired young people to remember the style of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. Nigel thinks that Evan brings the "Awww," factor to the show. As in, isn't he adorable. He doesn't think that Evan has grown enough on the show, and doesn't think his solo is as strong as Jeanine and Brandon so far. The audience loved it, though. I agree - not as strong, but oh so wonderful.
Evan & Kayla (Jive, choreographed by Tony & Melanie. Song: T.R.O.U.B.L.E by Travis Tritt)
Kayla is wearing cowboy boots, and Evan is wearing heels, too. He had some fun lifts and spins with her, and it was a really fun dance. I think that Evan again had trouble getting the quick flick in his feet like he needs for a dance like the jive, but what do I know. Adam threw out the love for Tony and Melanie, but wasn't sure it was a finale level choreography routine (and he got booed again). Mary thinks he just hates country. He loved the lift series and thought Evan had good bounce, but didn't think it was competetive. Mary sucked up to the choreographers, but brought up again the fact that Evan wasn't getting the kicks in right, and thought they were two dancers dancing in their own worlds instead of using each other for power and speed. She thought that Kayla stole the show, though. Nigel thought they both came out with guns blazing. And then, oy! The crowd started chanting for Evan. Nigel wondered where Kayla's personality has been all season, because it's here tonight. He thought Evan's retractions were fine. Hmmm.
Kayla's interview included crying grandparents (in a good way). Montage of Kayla's awesome comments from the judges. She loved the addiction routine with Kupono. I would agree. That was incredible. Her solo is to Sweet Dreams, which will always be the Table Routine to me. It was a less flaily and better thought out solo than she's had in a long time, but I think Jeanine's was stronger. Adam said he solo was fine, but thinks that during the season, but thinks that she has joined Travis, Will, and Danny as some of the best dancers in the country. Mary thinks Kayla has been touched by an angel, and loves Kayla's lines and legs. Nigel thinks that Kayla has had a hard time because she's gotten so much love from the judges, the voting people are lacadasical about her. He thinks she justly deserves to be in the Top 4.
Brandon & Jeanine (Pasa Doble, choreographed by Louis Van Amstel. Song: Tetsujin, from The Matrix Revolutions) Finally a good Pasa this season!!!! This was awesome and Jeanine has some great feet! I've been waiting and waiting for a good, powerful, passionate pasa doble, and here it is. Adam says that the transitions and the small bits were full of the intensity and the movement and power and strength that needed to be there. I agree. Mary gave a Mary Scream, and sucked up to Louis and almost started crying. She said that the portrayal of the pasa doble was perfect. And then, good lord, she screamed them onto the hot tamale train. Nigel then had a little scream off with her. He said that they carried off the pasa doble perfectly. He got a little dirty old man and wanted to do things to Jeanine. He said that these two are just edging out the other two for the top spots tonight, and I would agree.
All done - who do you think is going to win it? I actually think that Jeanine has a really good chance for winning it, and I hope she does. They are all great, though, so no complaints at all.
Cat asked the judges who they think is going to win. Adam couldn't choose. Mary followed suit in indecision. He called Evan a lovely lovely lad, and reminds us that Ryan is coming in the next season. Nigel went right out there and said he thinks that either Brandon or Jeanine is going to win it.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The Next Food Network Star - 8.2.09
Who will it be? Jeffrey or Melissa? Can't wait to see!
Before the final challenge, the final 2 get some time with their families.
Jeffrey's got a really sweet family. His daughter likes to make crepes with him. His son likes to spread nutella on the crepes and then loses interest. Jeffrey is a martial artist, too, and they get to travel a lot.
Melissa has some seriously adoreable daughters. She has a 4 year old, a 3 year old, and 1 1/2 year old twins. Wow. If she can find time to cook with that kind of busy life, I'm there to watch her show. Seriously. She likes to cook with her friends to give them fun tips. She volunteers on the economic development board for her city.
Back in NYC, the final two returned to the Food Network studios. Alton Brown greeted them and let them know that they are going to be making pilots for their shows. They will be supplied with a director (Alton Brown himself).
Jeffrey pitches Cooking Without Borders and Alton isn't sure about his title - likes Ingredient Smuggler instead. That's fun.
Melissa isn't sure about titles and Alton suggested something incorporating A Survival Guide. I like it.
They get a Food Network Magazine photo shoot and interview. They both look like they had fun and did well.
After their hectic day of planning, the two finalists adjourned to a nice dinner together. Nice.
Melissa is first to film her pilot, and her kitchen is fun and inviting. She is making a lemon onion chicken dish, and it looks delicious. She's going with Kitchen Survival Guide. I like it. Alton gave her some nice tips, and she got really nervous right off the bat, and wasn't feeling at the top of her game. Alton told her just to be herself, and she came into her own then. Just from the clips we saw, it looked awesome. I wish she hadn't had her mouth full when she was talking at the end. Good luck to her.
Jeffrey is making a Harissa Steak sandwich with sundried tomato, garlic, and mint mayonaisse, I think, and went as The Ingredient Smuggler. He was totally focussed in the first take on the cooking and didn't look at the camera at all and didn't smile. Alton stopped him and had him re-take. He seemed to lose it a bit, but recovered by the final take.
Time for the showing of the pilots - live audience and selection committee in attendance. The former contestants joined them, too. Let's have some clips of the season before we get down to it. Brett has nicknames for people. Katie has some odd dance moves. Melissa likes to talk about lactation (I can understand that). Eddie likes to talk a lot about nothing. Jeffrey winks. Now - who wins?
Not so fast! More clips from the townhouse! Michael and Katie are bff. Eddie and Teddy couldn't even tell each other apart. Melissa and Jeffrey bonded over parenthood.
Finally - time for the pilots.
Melissa's is up first. She's like Rachael Ray before Rachael Ray got big on herself. I want to go make Melissa's 4-step chicken now. It's a great technique, and really versatile. She came across as natural and appealing. The potato gratins in the muffin pans were a little bit of genius. Yup. Hope she wins. Bob called her poised and professional and Susie said that she was learning the whole time. Bobby wants to steal her potato gratin idea and thinks her dish would be good in anyone's kitchen. So do I.
Jeffrey is the Ingredient Smuggler. He seemed to be talking with his hands a bit much, and was doing the nervous rocking on his feet which I found distracting. I like the concept of his show, because I love interesting ingredients. I think that Melissa's show is more my style, though. He does describe food superbly, though. Bob said that he get hungry watching Jeffrey cook. Susie wants to try Harissa. Bobby loved the show.
I think I might end up getting frustrated with Jeffrey's show if he was using some super fun ingredient that I couldn't find in my area. The finalists got to talk themselves up a bit before the selection committee made their decision. The committee had a really hard time deciding because both of them are so strong. They said it was the hardest decision in the five years of the show. They brought in the president of Food Network, Brooke Johnson, and announced that the winner is...
MELISSA!!!!
Yay! I think I have a new favorite show on the Food Network! Her premiere show will air next week. I hope that she doesn't fizzle out like Amy Finley did. I want Melissa on my tv for years to come.
Are you happy with the results? Do you think they will get Jeffrey on the network, too?
Before the final challenge, the final 2 get some time with their families.
Jeffrey's got a really sweet family. His daughter likes to make crepes with him. His son likes to spread nutella on the crepes and then loses interest. Jeffrey is a martial artist, too, and they get to travel a lot.
Melissa has some seriously adoreable daughters. She has a 4 year old, a 3 year old, and 1 1/2 year old twins. Wow. If she can find time to cook with that kind of busy life, I'm there to watch her show. Seriously. She likes to cook with her friends to give them fun tips. She volunteers on the economic development board for her city.
Back in NYC, the final two returned to the Food Network studios. Alton Brown greeted them and let them know that they are going to be making pilots for their shows. They will be supplied with a director (Alton Brown himself).
Jeffrey pitches Cooking Without Borders and Alton isn't sure about his title - likes Ingredient Smuggler instead. That's fun.
Melissa isn't sure about titles and Alton suggested something incorporating A Survival Guide. I like it.
They get a Food Network Magazine photo shoot and interview. They both look like they had fun and did well.
After their hectic day of planning, the two finalists adjourned to a nice dinner together. Nice.
Melissa is first to film her pilot, and her kitchen is fun and inviting. She is making a lemon onion chicken dish, and it looks delicious. She's going with Kitchen Survival Guide. I like it. Alton gave her some nice tips, and she got really nervous right off the bat, and wasn't feeling at the top of her game. Alton told her just to be herself, and she came into her own then. Just from the clips we saw, it looked awesome. I wish she hadn't had her mouth full when she was talking at the end. Good luck to her.
Jeffrey is making a Harissa Steak sandwich with sundried tomato, garlic, and mint mayonaisse, I think, and went as The Ingredient Smuggler. He was totally focussed in the first take on the cooking and didn't look at the camera at all and didn't smile. Alton stopped him and had him re-take. He seemed to lose it a bit, but recovered by the final take.
Time for the showing of the pilots - live audience and selection committee in attendance. The former contestants joined them, too. Let's have some clips of the season before we get down to it. Brett has nicknames for people. Katie has some odd dance moves. Melissa likes to talk about lactation (I can understand that). Eddie likes to talk a lot about nothing. Jeffrey winks. Now - who wins?
Not so fast! More clips from the townhouse! Michael and Katie are bff. Eddie and Teddy couldn't even tell each other apart. Melissa and Jeffrey bonded over parenthood.
Finally - time for the pilots.
Melissa's is up first. She's like Rachael Ray before Rachael Ray got big on herself. I want to go make Melissa's 4-step chicken now. It's a great technique, and really versatile. She came across as natural and appealing. The potato gratins in the muffin pans were a little bit of genius. Yup. Hope she wins. Bob called her poised and professional and Susie said that she was learning the whole time. Bobby wants to steal her potato gratin idea and thinks her dish would be good in anyone's kitchen. So do I.
Jeffrey is the Ingredient Smuggler. He seemed to be talking with his hands a bit much, and was doing the nervous rocking on his feet which I found distracting. I like the concept of his show, because I love interesting ingredients. I think that Melissa's show is more my style, though. He does describe food superbly, though. Bob said that he get hungry watching Jeffrey cook. Susie wants to try Harissa. Bobby loved the show.
I think I might end up getting frustrated with Jeffrey's show if he was using some super fun ingredient that I couldn't find in my area. The finalists got to talk themselves up a bit before the selection committee made their decision. The committee had a really hard time deciding because both of them are so strong. They said it was the hardest decision in the five years of the show. They brought in the president of Food Network, Brooke Johnson, and announced that the winner is...
MELISSA!!!!
Yay! I think I have a new favorite show on the Food Network! Her premiere show will air next week. I hope that she doesn't fizzle out like Amy Finley did. I want Melissa on my tv for years to come.
Are you happy with the results? Do you think they will get Jeffrey on the network, too?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)