Small changes to make Chopped better

[BerryBaby]

I saw that episode as well. I thought, "Why not just say it was delicous and perfect"...and leave it at that.

Guess perfection isn't really perfection on this show.....hmmmm, makes you wonder.

[ibcheft]

Since we all know there is nothing in this world that is perfect and Alex could not find anything wrong doesn't that in it self make her the imperfection ? there is always room for improvement sometimes we just can not see it or taste it

[1stfig]

I watched the episode that aired as a rerun last night, the one where John Lawson won. Alex wasn't judging, but someone equally as sour judged in her place. It was a very depressing show. Negative, negative, negative. No one smiled and no one seemed to be having fun. When the judges look sour, the host looks sour (and robotic) and the contestants look sour...it is uncomfortable to watch. I have had more fun at the dentist.

[Food Network Fan]

It is a very dark set. Almost like they are cooking deep in the belly of an old gray battleship or something equally as gloomy.

[1stfig]

It is a very dark set. Almost like they are cooking deep in the belly of an old gray battleship or something equally as gloomy.

Too bad they can't lighten things up a bit. I love the idea of the fast-paced thirty- minute competition, but I am just not coming around to the whole depressing atmosphere. Food is fellowship and I am just not feelin it.

[Myrna P. Klaassen]

Dear Berrybaby, We all know that you love the TV Show, that you love to figure out for yourself what you could cook with what those chefs get in ttheir baskets. Most of us, that have objected to some stuff in this program and/or Ted Allen himself, are trying to make it better. Don't cover the sun with your hand. Up to now it's mediocre, grim; (like the chef's gray jackets) and needs to be revised. JTB has great ideas. Your are too sweet. JTB: Headbands...bravo!

[TucsonFoodie]

I agree with a lot of the suggestions. Personally, I would like something like a theme or something to reign in the chef's choices (in addition to the food choices.) I would like to see a show with all "quickfire" challenges that they do on Top Chef. I don't know if they have issues of ownership with Top Chef, but I would definately like to see part of the challenge to be a breakfast challenge, or an amuse buche situation. And maybe take the show out of the basement for a show or two - cook on the street or on the beach or anywhere - just shake it up a little!

And certainly make Ted more involved. And tell Alex to turn down the NY attitude.

[BerryBaby]

Everyone has their opinions and/or suggestions for Chopped, which is great.


However, I like it just the way it is.....

[putuidiotaj]

1. Easy, lose Alex Guarnaschelli. Every reality show/competition does not need a b*thc/a**hole. Let's stop the trend. Have 3 judges who can dish compliments and criticisms equally. Also, she can dish it, but apparently she can't take it. I've heard things about her appearance on ICA where she (SPOILER) lost to Cat Cora.

2. Make Ted Allen a judge. He's a good judge, we've seen that on Top Chef and ICA. People are complaining that he doesn't do anything on Chopped and that he's robotic. Well make him host/judge. This show is short enough to allow him to do both.

3. Increase the entree section to 45 mins. I know 30 mins is sexy, but for good protein and varied cooking styles, it just seems like they need an extra 15 mins or so in this round. Keep Appetizers and Desserts at 30 mins.

4. Give them some of the ICA culinary toys. I'm not a chef, but I know ICA uses some cool toys for the chefs, right?. Don't they have something like an rapid chiller?

5. Increase the prize. $10k is good, but it's low relative to shows of its kind (and yes, I know it's per episode). If not a monetary increase, how about a sponsor tie-in with some free kitchenwares, etc. Just something to make it feel like a bigger deal.

6. Optional sweatbands for the contestants.

7. Not a change, but please keep Aaron Sanchez as a permanent judge. He's always positive, but not afraid to give CONSTRUCTIVE criticism (unlike Alex).

1. You can't lose Alex, she's the ANTI-Christ. If you tried to remove her from Chopped, she's take your soul.
2. WRONG. They need a robotic host, just like every other game show.
3. WRONG. The whole point of the show is speed and thinking quickly. The appetizer round is the only one that's messed up. It was 30 minutes, but then it moved down to 20 minutes. It needs to be moved back to 30.
4. CORRECT
5. CORRECT
6. CORRECT, but only if they're pretty colors.
7. WRONG. They need to maintain the variety.

I'd also like to add one: They need to have an "All-star" show, featuring Food Network personalities and the Iron Chef crew. I personally think the Iron Chef one would be the best Chopped ever. Have all 5 of them there, with 2 of them getting chopped after the dessert round.

[Docsmith]

It's not about sugar coating comments, it's about coming from a neutral position and giving pros and cons. Her whole demeanor just turns me (and many others) off any opinion she has, regardless of how valid. Alex will usually find one thing wrong and make a face while she complains about it. I cannot stand people like that. They ruin outings at restaurants and she ruins the show for me at times.

Amanda Freitag has a serious, but fair demeanor and because of it I listen to her comments.

edit: To sum up Alex, it's not her comments, it's how she says them. You can give criticism (even harsh) without coming across like a b*tch/a**hole.

I agree. I can't stand her.

I don't think its just a 'mean judge' pose, most of the others seem pretty balanced over all. I get the "I'm superior and you need to know that" feeling from her.