Aloha...Mahalo!

First off, congrats Sam! You have always been one of my favorites. Your originality and style is evident in everything you create. Those that think you are an instigator and/or a bully don't know that you are one of the sweetest guys I've met.

Chef Tom - Gordon Ramsey called and he wants his schtick back! I can understand why the season went awry. While the judges comments can be understandably harsh sometimes, this season bordered on the rude. Constructive criticism is one thing...nasty nit-picking is another. "You didn't cook anything." Are you kidding?! Are you watching the same thing we are?! Sam applied heat to his sauce and the cookie that was on the dessert didn't just jump out of the oven by itself! And this isn't a "cooking show" as Tom stated, but rather a supposed competition to see who can be the Top Chef, which would imply skills both in the kitchen and on the plate. Several of us were disappointed that the judges never seemed to take into account the contestants conduct and professionalism in the kitchen, as that is so much of what being a chef is all about.

Still congratulations are due to Ilan & Marcel for making it to the final. They weathered the storms and have made it to the end. Good luck to both of you.

I cannot believe that Bravo seems to have copied my latest vacation with Chuck in Hawaii that we took in September! LOL We too went to the big island and went horse back riding in the Waipio Valley. (We didn't get the helicopter ride down the mountain, but details, details...) Above is a pic of our horseback riding adventure in Waipio Valley. The other shot is of me and Chuck dining at Alan Wong's restaurant in Honolulu. I thought it was kind of strange when I mentioned my vacation plans to the producers they looked at me kind of funny!

Stay well and stay tuned...