Giada did not like her.

I was quite amused that for pretty much every presentation to that judges table, the contestants were met with a sea of cold, impassive faces. That's hard core. Nobody seemed to give any kind of feedback at the table.

The TC judges may make the occasional semi-negative initial reaction comment when the cheftestants give their presentations, but they are generally cordial and receptive. It was kind of fun to watch everyone have to sweat when met with just a cold steely gaze.

I'm surprised more people didn't just crack completely under Morimoto-san's withering stare.

I find myself watching Throwdown

Throwdown has really turned me into a big Bobby Flay fanboy.

Throwdown has really turned me into a big Bobby Flay fanboy.

I will admit I find him a lot less obnoxious there than on ICA, mainly because he usually knows when he's not in his element.

And even when I think he's being an ass, his food usually looks really good.

and really need to get to Blue Ginger one of these years

Um, yeah. You do.

Um, yeah. You do.

Oh hells yes. [link] Guh.

Insert Homer Simpson patented drool noise.

I will admit I find him a lot less obnoxious there than on ICA,

He's a very gracious loser and winner on Throwdown, which has really charmed me.

and really need to get to Blue Ginger one of these years

I need to get there too.

I prefer Flay on Throwdown to ICA because on Throwdown he's forced out of his comfort zone and will occasionally cook something that's not grilled with a spice rub and drizzled with three different kinds of honey-spiked chili sauce.

I mean congratulations on your well-defined culinary point-of-view, but COME THE FUCK ON, BOBBY THE VIEWERS ARE BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORED.

(And yet? Still rather have a beer with him than with Batali. Maybe because he doesn't try to pretend he's a nice guy.)

I'd probably rather have a beer with Bobby, but a bender with Batali.

But you'd drop them both for Bourdain, am I right?

Hells to the yeah.