'Chopped' tests the limits of imagination

[Food Network Fan]

'Chopped' tests the limits of imagination

BY JULIE HINDS
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
When life gives you lemons, you're supposed to make lemonade. But what if it gives you lemons, beets, some rice cakes, a little goat cheese and, maybe, scallops?
That's essentially the premise of one of my new favorite shows, "Chopped," a Food Network cooking competition that I tend to think of as a metaphor for life.
"Chopped" starts its second season Tuesday, and if you haven't given it a try, now's a good time. On each episode, four up-and-coming chefs have to turn an assortment of everyday -- and seemingly random -- ingredients into a three-course meal.
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[oriolefan]

Sunday night's episode was pretty good. It didn't seem like any key ingredients were taken from the kitchen! I would love to see the chefs get about ten minutes longer for each course though. The poor red headed guy.... time was his enemy. He was worried to death that his potatoes wouldn't cook, then Alex G. criticized him for having "al dente" potatoes. We're not seeing what they can really cook. Wouldn't the judges rather taste a complete dish to see what the contestants are really capable of?

[BerryBaby]

That's the whole premise of the show...to give them time limits and see what they can do.

They are all accomplished chefs and this is just a game and they are aware of that going into it.

Iron Chef gives them more of an opportunity to show off their talent. Chopped is more like the old show Beat the Clock, except with food.

BTW, who won last night? I dozed off and woke up two minutes after the show ended. Thanks!

[oriolefan]

It was the Argentenian woman with the beautiful name and accent.. Natalia or something? Yeah, I know that's the premise for the show. The potato thing just aggravated me last night. BUT... the Venezuelan guy pulled of a frozen gelato last night (is that what it's called?) for dessert! That was pretty impressive.

[isilzha]

It hurt the guy that he kept plating after time was called. Once I saw that I knew for sure he wouldn't win because if he gets away with it then they will all do it.

[BerryBaby]

I've seen that more than once and the chef is always cut if they haven't plated. Too bad, but that's what the show is all about.

Now, in reality, if I was eating their restaurant, I'd rather they take longer and make something spectacular.