Handsome devil: winning smile, ornery tendencies.
As I have mentioned on this blog before, I’ve been living without television for quite some time, which means that Bravo’s “Top Chef” phenomenon has mostly passed me by. I did meet Marcel Vigneron from Season Two when we were both in chef school, and I can safely say that I established my dislike for him long before the rest of America did. Marcel’s pompous bravado was no act for television, but he did prove great for ratings, which cannot be denied. Still, from my own perspective, it simply proves that the culinary industry is such a small world — and I do wish Marcel the very worst (okay, maybe not the very worst).
All of that ill will aside, I’ve recently been receiving some interesting search queries that have brought lots and lots of traffic here to my site. Each of these searches is related to chef Michael Chiarello, who I have mentioned here a couple of times before, mainly in reference to Bottega, his new Napa Valley restaurant. First and foremost, I like Bottega, and I think that Chiarello is a very talented chef. But I’ve also mentioned that Chiarello often dons a less-then-pleasant demeanor in the kitchen, which isn’t one bit uncommon, but which is definitely ornery enough to warrant a mention, since he is also a popular television personality.
At the time of my review back in January, Chiarello defended himself in the comments section, owning up to his past reputation, but also citing high expectations in his kitchen. I happen to know quite a few people who work over at Bottega (and in many different capacities), and while Chiarello may have mellowed slightly since his days at Tra Vigne, from everything I hear, he is still one abrasive fellow from time to time. I happen to find it all amusing, however, since I don’t actually have to put up with any of it. As a former chef, I love kitchen gossip, and quite frankly, I can’t wait to have my next meal at Bottega — some of the new menu changes sound killer.
But these recent Chiarello search queries have piqued my curiosity regarding “Top Chef Masters,” in which chef Chiarello is currently a finalist. I’m wondering, why have so many people typed search phrases such as “Michael Chiarello ego” or “Michael Chiarello pompous” lately? Or the one that really got my attention today, “Michael Chiarello is a jerk”? What good stuff am I missing on Bravo by not having television? I really do have to see all of this drama for myself. So I’m going to order the latest episode of “Top Chef Masters” from Amazon for $1.99. I suspect it may be worth every penny.
Having seen him on Food TV and Top Chef Masters, I have to say I don’t have a problem with Chiarello. I mean, he is who he is. He’s very successful with a clear passion for what he does and takes it personally. Okay! He’s paid his dues; remember, when he came up pre-celebrity chefs and pre-food television, you shut your mouth and took your lumps to learn from the best. Dale, Spike and Ilan all demonstrated a complete lack of respect for an elder and a master chef. It IS a small world and I expect they will suffer for those displays. Chiarello didn’t get where he is — Bottega isnt’ what it is — by worrying about the egos of underlings or by being anything more or less than who and what he is. So he’s arrogant, so he’s cocky, so he’s abrasive. So are about 85% of the people I work with and they sure as hell can’t cook. Love him or hate him, would you have him any other way? Not me! Change one thing about him, you change the the plate. It’s all about the food!!