You can see
Ted Allen every week on Food Network's
'Chopped' (Tuesdays at 10PM ET), but before he became host, he was a judge on
'Top Chef.' So what does the foodie think about the show's new love-him-or-hate him judge
Toby Young?
"It's not helpful for someone to say that a dish looks like vomit. That's really kind of immature and sort of grabbing for a soundbite. Maybe it makes for a nice promo -- I'm sure television executives like it -- but it doesn't reveal that you have any knowledge about food. Of course I don't watch that show anymore, so I have no idea. [Laughs]"
Reader Comments (33)
rachel at 12:50AM on Jun 21st 2009
I enjoy watching Ted on the Food Network. He really adds to the programming.
LK at 7:17AM on Jun 21st 2009
Sounds like Ted is a little peeved at Top Chef..get on with it Ted, you have your own show now...worry about that!!
Faith at 7:19AM on Jun 21st 2009
I tend to agree with Mr Allen's disapproval of Mr Young as there is no excuse for deliberately destroying someone's "creation" just because it is not of his choosing. Everyone has different opinions.and tastes, and this is what makes life so interesting. Mr Young can certainly portray his views in a much better manner than he does. Personally, I think Mr Young looks like a pile of vomit,,,,but,,,then,,,that is MY opinion.
Don Roberts at 7:20AM on Jun 21st 2009
Toby Young is a classic example of what happens when you put a virtual nobody in front of a TV camera. He thinks he becomes somebody. In Young's case, he actually thinks that a rude temperment equates to professionalism. I agree with Ted Allen.
Neta at 8:45AM on Jun 21st 2009
I agree with Ted Allen. Toby Young couldn't make it in the United States as a writer for Vanity Fair. He learned quickly how to alienate people with his crude, rude behavior. Tom was sometimes cruel with some of his comments, and it is my opinion that TC made a mistake adding TY.
drbanks at 9:02AM on Jun 21st 2009
Toby Young is "Top Chef's" attempt to replicate "American Idol's" Simon Cowel. The Brits appear schooled in vulgarity and tactlessness. Just witness BBC-America fiction/non-fiction programing and consider the etomology of the Brit explictive "bloody". Toby Young is bloody aweful.
LiLi at 9:03AM on Jun 21st 2009
Ted is right. Saying something like "that looks like vomit"--could he come up with nothing better to say? It just sounds really dumb.
Come on, even Gordon Ramsey, with his fondness for the f-word, offers constructive criticism. When Gordon says "We're in the s _ _ t!" it's for a very good reason!
Homer at 9:03AM on Jun 21st 2009
Toby Young was a big mistake though Ted Allen could use a done of "normal-speak" on Chopped... he comes off as robotic. Still... Toby is a doofus for actually truly thinking that his demeaning comments are even remotely insightful. Skip the self-promoting and focus on the food.
Karen Yocom at 9:13AM on Jun 21st 2009
Sounds to me like Young is a Simon Cowell "wannabe" who thinks he'll be famous by being obnoxious and rude. I don't watch either of these shows because I think these immature hosts dismiss and harass people who are just trying to do what they can to be successful. Name-calling, rudeness, and outrageous behavior seems to be the norm in TV these days.
delrosariosharon at 9:24AM on Jun 21st 2009
I agree. Making a statement like that is not helpful to the contestant, but insulting and lacks coaching.