Small changes to make Chopped better

[JTB]

She is a tad rough. But it's probably to add a Gordon Ramsay/Simon Cowell type flair to the show. She might be playing it up for effect. She seems very nice on the cooking loft.

Yeah, unfortunately I feel that's the case. And I don't mean to pick on her, but I just watched the first few eps and she was always on. I'm also not a fan of Scott Conant either. I agree with some of his comments, but he can just be really obnoxious at times. I think I like him less than Bobby Flay (whoa, no flaming please). Plus, he said that curry gets its color from Tamarind...yeah, you might want to fact check that dude.

And tanner, she has the same face when she gives a compliment

[Food Network Fan]

I have found my self feeling bad for a chef she has scolded more than once so I do know what you mean. But I do honestly think it is for effect on the show.

[JTB]

now that I've sucessfully hijacked my own thread (what about my other ideas guys?), here is someone a lot more articulate explaining my feelings towards Alex:

Ridiculous Alex Guarneschelli Quote Of The Week Food Network Humor

While we were on vacation, FNH reader John D. wrote in with a hysterical, spot-on assessment of judge Alex Guarneschelli’s appearances as a judge on Chopped:
“…she seems to have some arbitrary perspective on what a chef is; centered on the idea that she must always appear condescending and hypercritical even when there is nothing to criticize. So many times I’ve watched her make that stupid Guarneschelli squinty-eyed open-mouthed glance to the left as she conjures up an incredibly stupid sounding commentary…” -John D.
Exhibit A: When tasting a contestant’s prune dessert soup on Chopped, Alex Guarneschelli remarked, “I do find the prunes large. I do think if I were just given a spoon and no instruction I would be wrestling with these prunes a bit.”
Now she needs instructions on how to eat a prune? Come on, Alex. Get yourself a copy of “PRUNES FOR DUMMIES” and call it a day.

[Food Network Fan]

I think you have some good ideas. We really do seem to have more people wanting something more from this show that what they are getting. It truly does trigger a love/hate type of response in many people for some reason.

[tannerodell]

Personally, I think it's rediculous! I respect her extremely as a chef, this is just a TV show...to me she proves herself with her accomplishments, not a few comments on a TV show she judges on. it's very staged.

[tannerodell]

I know! i'm not tryin to be defensive! i'm definately annoyed by my share of people.

[JTB]

I think you have some good ideas. We really do seem to have more people wanting something more from this show that what they are getting. It truly does trigger a love/hate type of response in many people for some reason.

I like it because it's more of a gameshow for professionals than a reality show (the food is the star less the personalities). I personally hate reality. Top Chef was always a little bit of a stretch for me, Masters is good because it's one-episode oriented. And ICA will always pale to IC for me.

And, yes, Tanner it is staged. I'm a TV editor myself and I can make someone look like a devil or a saint with very minor changes. Top Chef can be way overedited (don't get me started on anything with Gordon Ramsay ). But, Alex either is or wants to come across like a mean judge.

Oh and Tanner, don't worry about being defensive. That's your right, mate. That's what forums are for.

[ibcheft]

It seems that people have a love/hate relationship with the British Judges, Simon from idol, Peirce from America has talent, Ramsay from Hell's kitchen yes they are blunt, yes they are hard, and yes they all seem to cuss once in awhile (some more than others) but it seems they are honest and speak the truth even though we often do not want to hear that. Alex seems to be stepping into that roll, which for me is alright, makes the show interesting.

[BerryBaby]

Honestly, I'm not bothered by what the judges say. I watch the chefs and make my own opinion and judgement.

It's just a TV show and the chefs all know what they are getting into long before they appear.

All in good fun!

[oriolefan]

Alex doesn't bother me too much, but I remember recently where one guy made what Alex called a perfect entree. She couldn't find one thing to criticize about it, and because of that she criticized him! I can't even remember what she hung her criticism on... I think she said because this guy made a flawless dish, he plays it too safe, and the contestants are supposed to be judged partly on cooking out of the box. That was just over-the-top silly.