This thread is for non-fiction TV, including but not limited to reality television (So You Think You Can Dance, Top Chef: Masters, Project Runway), documentaries (The History Channel, The Discovery Channel), and sundry (Expedition Africa, Mythbusters), et al. [NAFDA]
Stephanie Izard has been awarded New Restaurant of the Year by the Chicago Tribune (go to image #6 in the photo gallery):
Stephanie Izard -- NEW RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR: GIRL & THE GOAT
Though there were many impressive new restaurants in 2010, among them Epic, Gilt Bar, Henri, Prairie Fire and Sable (it's worth noting that Purple Pig and Sprout opened in 2009), in terms of buzz, impact and excellence, nothing matched Stephanie Izard's "rustic, with a bit of badass" (her term) small-plates gem along Randolph Street. With dishes named Escargot and Goat Balls (meatballs, not the other thing) and Crispy Pig Face, Izard managed to delight and challenge diners, even while smiling, in the midst of cooking, for the cell phone paparazzi. Perhaps more impressive, Girl & the Goat lived up to its hype (fueled by Izard's 2008 "Top Chef" win), stood up to the pressure of being the hottest restaurant in town (you still need a crowbar to get in this place), and even overcame its vaguely suggestive name. Well done.
Girl & the Goat, 809 W. Randolph St.; 312-492-6262
-- Phil Vettel
Awesome! I've got a reservation there next month - glad I already had it in.
I definitely want to try out her place sometime. I'd also like to check out Prairie Fire, since it's the new restaurant by the people who run my favorite place up here on the North Shore, Prairie Grass Cafe (which was featured on last week's Check, Please!, btw).
Aw, Tiffani! I'm glad she seems so happy and at peace with everything, and hope that is still the case after her restaurant here closed suddenly around New Year's. But thank goodness Jamie got the boot!
Yeah, I'm disappointed for Tiffani, I feel like she's a better chef that she did on the show. I'm not mad to see Jamie gone, although I think that she got a shitty edit. I don't remember her being that annoying/whiny/lazy during her season, I remember liking her. She got a little crapped on during Top Chef Masters, though, so maybe this go 'round was the real Jamie.
I wonder if some of the more unexpected eliminations reflect that, given the caliber of these chefs and the fact that they've already proven themselves, they really are judging on the specific dish in front of them.
I mean, they always say they do but it seems pretty clear in most seasons that the general impression/record of the chefs with losing dishes does get taken into account. Here, they really do live or die on each challenge.
Aw, Tiffani! I'm glad she seems so happy and at peace with everything, and hope that is still the case after her restaurant here closed suddenly around New Year's.
Oh, that sucks! I went to eat there shortly before moving to New Orleans and it was great. [link]
Food Network notified us that CJ and I are on the guest list for Last Cake Standing (only accepting 150 audience members). But the date has been postponed from January 18th to something TBA.
At Zaytinya, Mike just walked in. He's short. Third Top Chef sighting!
