tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post3807689375410540370..comments2023-10-31T05:48:48.994-07:00Comments on The Cook's Broth.... HAS MOVED TO: andyoliverchef.com: Masterchef 2009 - a few thoughts on my experience. Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139203623942482844noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-3017905066402472402010-08-20T17:57:28.528-07:002010-08-20T17:57:28.528-07:00Hallo Andy, here from the Netherlands,
Congratula...Hallo Andy, here from the Netherlands,<br /><br />Congratulations with everything you achieved so far!!<br />I must say, Mat was in de finals probably the better cook, but you were my favorite.<br />I allready saw you in the first series (where you left much too soon) and was so happy, when this series was broadcasted here in The Netherlands, to see your return.<br />You reminded me of my little brother, he is the same kind of odd person, just as funny, just as gifted and just as passionate. <br />Stay that way for the rest of your life, it suits you!!<br /><br />Kind regardsKatjanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-87722100850704223512009-10-20T13:21:30.472-07:002009-10-20T13:21:30.472-07:00Just discovered your blog Andy - thank you so much...Just discovered your blog Andy - thank you so much for posting your thoughts on Masterchef. I'm always desperately curious about what goes on behind the scenes in these things and I'm very glad to hear that everyone seems to have got on well - it's so nice to discover that someone you've seen on screen is just as nice in real life! Best of luck in the future - I can't cook baked beans so I am in awe of all of you!Juliettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00203399623895589924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-58787262730095236032009-08-25T14:52:47.806-07:002009-08-25T14:52:47.806-07:00Hi Andy
Congrats on a great effort and fantastic c...Hi Andy<br />Congrats on a great effort and fantastic cooking (the final just screeened over here in NZ) - it was so so close at the end. As the judges said, the best ever finalists!!!<br />How exciting to be following your dreams and passions! <br />Congrats again.<br />AndrewAndrew MWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11302795735104051411noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-36477126578854271552009-05-04T11:40:00.000-07:002009-05-04T11:40:00.000-07:00Dear Andy,
My husband and I, both serious (and ser...Dear Andy,<br />My husband and I, both serious (and seriously if not rank) amateur cooks were totally inspired watching you and Mat compete bringing Christopher with you along the way. We were SO jealous of the judges who got to sample your dishes--cheap sundae glass or not, I almost licked the TV screen when that thing was presented :-) It almost doesn't matter who won because it was so close between the two of you. We were betting that Mat would win because he seemed to be growing the most along the way, but not necessarily because he's more talented You are so impressive at age 27. We're still talking about how much we'd like to try that peach soup. We know you'll be a huge success as a chef and so will Mat. <br /><br />Your fan,<br />Beth Massa<br />American Expat Living in Amsterdam<br />amsterbeth.vox.comBeth Massahttp://amsterbeth.vox.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-31386206609499263782009-05-03T19:27:00.000-07:002009-05-03T19:27:00.000-07:00Hi Andy, just watched the whole series as repeated...Hi Andy, just watched the whole series as repeated on BBC iPlayer. I thought you did really well, and didn't come off as badly as you describe in your blog. You clearly wanted to win, and that's great. Good luck with everything you do in the future.Towards a secret skyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10654588631077699048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-44865735544675560892009-04-24T23:10:00.000-07:002009-04-24T23:10:00.000-07:00Hi Andy
The MC final screened on cable TV here in...Hi Andy<br /><br />The MC final screened on cable TV here in Australia during the week -- talk about a nail-biter!<br /><br />After witnessing the passion, stamina and skill of the final three, I can only say 'congratulations' to all of you. I bawled my eyes out during the last two episodes because it was so moving to see you put your hearts and souls on those plates.<br /><br />All the best to you for the future. I hope you get to work in the restaurant of your dreams. And no, you didn't come across as arrogant to us. You seemed like a dedicated, level-headed, nice bloke ... and your blog bears this out.Nikihttp://www.yourcorrespondent.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-87553320135629182012009-04-15T07:20:00.000-07:002009-04-15T07:20:00.000-07:00Hi Andy
I just came across your blog today and ju...Hi Andy<br /><br />I just came across your blog today and just to point out that I was gutted you didn't win.<br />I have a party next weekend and ever since I've seent the finalé I have been wanting to make the thai crab and lotus salad. (I was a bit surprised when you said it looked uninspiring!! cuz it looked absolutely delicious). Can you suggest any where I can find that recipe? <br />Thanks.Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14339528176411961608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-27151284449416590722009-03-24T05:47:00.000-07:002009-03-24T05:47:00.000-07:00Hi AndyYou have probably had a million and one rec...Hi Andy<BR/><BR/>You have probably had a million and one recipe requests, but would you be able to post your seabass and prawn bisque recipe from the final please? It looked amazing! <BR/><BR/>Best of luck with your new career - you'll go far I'm sure and I look forward to reading about it on your blog!Sharonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13924721808903564478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-54180087402970961602009-03-03T08:43:00.000-08:002009-03-03T08:43:00.000-08:00Hello Andy, I was really disappointed that you did...Hello Andy, I was really disappointed that you didn't win, although like you pointed out, Matt had the edge on you that day, so no point crying over spilt milk. <BR/><BR/>Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, it was very entertaining reading. <BR/><BR/>I wish you much success in the future which I'm sure you'll have.<BR/><BR/>p.s. I would love to hear about the Wallace stories!Lisa P.https://www.blogger.com/profile/11188247423049045164noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-67850859611340552722009-03-03T03:51:00.000-08:002009-03-03T03:51:00.000-08:00Just another post from me - to say thanks so much ...Just another post from me - to say thanks so much for all the messages.<BR/><BR/>i'm really on the case with cooking now and am following up a bunch of great possibilities that have come out of the MC experience (plus i need to motivated - to pay the bills!). so it's all good. NO REGRETS!! <BR/><BR/>Aysha - thanks so much for the recommendations, am excited to try some of them, especially the west london stuff as i dont know it so well. am also a big fan of lahore KH on commercial rd, though did prefer it before the big explansion / refurb. never tried khan, but will do for sure! <BR/><BR/>Alexandra - i know the place you're talking about and agree it's great. think it's called 'Vietnamese Canteen-Huong Viet' right? i live just nr there! food is good isnt it, lovely peeps too.<BR/><BR/>once again thanks to all! much more to come on the blog.<BR/><BR/>best javascript:void(0)<BR/><BR/>andyAndyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17139203623942482844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-47061028101562235802009-03-03T01:42:00.000-08:002009-03-03T01:42:00.000-08:00Andy,What a very gracious and honest post. It has ...Andy,<BR/><BR/>What a very gracious and honest post. It has obviously come from the heart. You're clearly an amazing cook. Best of luck in your new venture.The Ample Cookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04324402450263880294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-41451711099102530292009-03-02T10:06:00.000-08:002009-03-02T10:06:00.000-08:00Hi AndyBelieve me you did not look ungracious at a...Hi Andy<BR/><BR/>Believe me you did not look ungracious at all, just completely gutted...when you want something that badly your emotions just completely take over. I’m a singer (not a very good cook) and recently came very close to having a piece I co-wrote feature on a film soundtrack. When I found out it wasn’t to be I was a wreck for at least a week... I’ve recovered now, (I think!) and working on another project. <BR/>Anyway I just wanted to say I empathise and I think that what you’ve achieved so far and what you’re doing now is fab. I’m also quite surprised that watching three guys cook has inspired me so much... <BR/><BR/>Wishing you the very best. <BR/><BR/>Sandra<BR/><BR/>PS. Looking forward to trying one of your recipies!<BR/><BR/><BR/>'The risk it takes to remain tight inside the bud is more painful that the risk it takes to blossom'.<BR/>- Anais NinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-66813999592850105792009-03-02T06:16:00.000-08:002009-03-02T06:16:00.000-08:00Just wanted to say well done for getting so far, I...Just wanted to say well done for getting so far, I honestly couldn't choose between you and Mat on the night and really wanted you both to win!<BR/>I thought you came across as very hardworking, focussed and determind and not at all cocky or arrogant. I'm sure you have a great career ahead of you - I'll keep an eye out for your restaurant opening.<BR/><BR/>Good luck for the future.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-28235281398465067912009-03-02T00:53:00.000-08:002009-03-02T00:53:00.000-08:00I wondered what happened in that army field challe...I wondered what happened in that army field challenge! It didn't seem fair that you got to pick last and then told you couldn't make those dishes...guess now we know why!The Caked Crusaderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02840224194242219981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-83158534605232868882009-03-01T13:36:00.000-08:002009-03-01T13:36:00.000-08:00HiI thought you all did so well and made it a grea...Hi<BR/><BR/>I thought you all did so well and made it a great series to watch.<BR/><BR/>I wouldn't worry about you over using certain phrases when all Greg & John could think of to say was 'cooking doesn't get much tougher than this!'!<BR/><BR/>Just thought I'd add a great Vietnamese restaurant to your list, it's really close to the Green, on Englefield Rd a bit before it gets to Kingsland Rd. During the day it's a Vietnamese Community Centre but in the evenings it's a restaurant.<BR/><BR/>Good luck with the cooking-hope you open a restaurant soon!!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02828838059676733354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-59488004903914917832009-03-01T13:15:00.000-08:002009-03-01T13:15:00.000-08:00Hey AndyYou were great! I never thought you were a...Hey Andy<BR/><BR/>You were great! I never thought you were arrogant but that you were really ambitious, hard working and an amazing cook. You and Mat were my favorites and it was very difficult to watch the finals as I wanted you both to win. I'm so happy that you are pursuing your dream of cooking and I would totally eat at your restaurant.<BR/><BR/>Well done<BR/><BR/>AlayneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-52874650615094166902009-03-01T09:48:00.000-08:002009-03-01T09:48:00.000-08:00Hey AndyFirst of all, I’d like to say congratulati...Hey Andy<BR/><BR/>First of all, I’d like to say congratulations for getting so far in the Masterchef competition. I was rooting for both you and Mat right from the beginning and was delighted that both of you made it to the finals! I was in absolute awe with everything that you both cooked - I could only dream to be able to cook like that! (Somebody once told me you are either a baker or a cook and I think I may be the former)You could see how exceptionally gifted and skilled you both were, and how much understanding of food you both possessed. I was a bit disappointed watching the final day to be honest; I was really surprised by your menu choices and I did not think you gave Mat a run for his money but after reading your blog, I realise how much work went into it and it is a real shame that we, the viewers, did not see that. Mat’s food though was something else altogether – it was so inspired and creative.<BR/><BR/>Anyway I hope you don’t mind – I thought I’d take a few moments here to recommend a few of my favourite restaurants in London for you to try because you’re a big fan of SE Asian/North African food.<BR/><BR/>Chez Marcelle (Kensington Olympia) – I think this is the best Lebanese in London and only a recent find despite eating Lebanese for a number of years (Edgware Rd just does not cut it for me anymore). It is run by a friendly woman who serves generous portions at modest prices. The baba ghanoush alone is worth making the trek.<BR/><BR/>I am yet to find a good Moroccan as I find that in most places, the tagines are too watery, but I would recommend Original Tagines (Marylebone). The lamb tagine is not too sweet and is relatively light. This is a work in progress though as I will be trying out a few places soon including Eritrean/Ethiopian…<BR/><BR/>Persian: Alounak (they have two branches – Olympia and Bayswater but I only ever go to the Bayswater branch) and Mohsen (Earls Court). Both equally good – the kebabs are delicately spiced and the breads are heavenly – almost as good as Turkish pide. For a more authentic experience, you must try Patogh (off Edgware Rd) – it is a box! Incredibly tiny and the tables are crammed so close together. Looks like you’ve stepped into a Middle Eastern home but the food is unpretentious and comforting. <BR/><BR/>For Malaysian, you should definitely check out Satay House (by St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington). It is an unassuming place, (another accidental find), and the food is the real deal - Beef Rendang is simply divine; some of the curries are a bit hit or miss but overall, the standards are high. <BR/><BR/>Korean: another work in progress! I do like Assa by Centrepoint – it is frequented by lots of Korean people so that is always a good sign! And it is soooo cheap! <BR/><BR/>My parents are from Bangladesh and I absolutely hate going out for Indian as the flavours are always dumbed down, but I definitely agree that Tayyabs is a treasure! Lahore Kebab House (also in the Whitechapel area) is just as good but does not get enough praise. Khans is also another good Indian– this is a long-running family tradition, and I still think it can rival some of the high-end Indian places in London.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, I hope you do get to try some of these place, let me know what you think if you do. <BR/><BR/>Good luck on the cooking front too….<BR/><BR/>AyshaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-78510077014930348232009-03-01T08:31:00.000-08:002009-03-01T08:31:00.000-08:00Good luck for the future Andy. Don't think you cam...Good luck for the future Andy. Don't think you came across that bad at all. It was obvious that your reaction at the end was due to you being gutted. Thought the starter looked amazing.David Sharpehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16305856778082619028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-86068928023487767642009-03-01T07:43:00.000-08:002009-03-01T07:43:00.000-08:00Hi Andy,Just wanted to say congrats on an amazing ...Hi Andy,<BR/><BR/>Just wanted to say congrats on an amazing show. I really enjoyed watching the final, and really wanted all of you to win! I love the style of your cooking, I think its amazing. Any recipes you fancy posting up (for example the crab salad in the final looked amazing - and from what you say it would be a fun challenge to cook!)<BR/><BR/>All the best.Elinorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07091894532587017993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-65353886610589230072009-03-01T05:56:00.000-08:002009-03-01T05:56:00.000-08:00Andy, well done. I think most of your comments wer...Andy, well done. I think most of your comments were spot on! But do tell about Greg's off screen antics, please please ;-)Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14329905866291793180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-958397015955329492009-03-01T05:29:00.000-08:002009-03-01T05:29:00.000-08:00Hi AndyHaving just gotten ridiculously emotional o...Hi Andy<BR/><BR/>Having just gotten ridiculously emotional over the final, and now just cracked up at your review of the show ("raise my game!" Ha ha!) I'd like to say many congrats and I'm sure you'll go far.<BR/><BR/>I was rooting for you, and was dying to jump into the telly to sample some of those culinary delights - especially if Greg would make those orgasmic noises ha ha(COR!)! <BR/><BR/>Anyway good luck and again, well done x x xDrehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10183806844451075392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-9392527277170316022009-03-01T05:25:00.000-08:002009-03-01T05:25:00.000-08:00Thanks for your kind messages.Recipe requests note...Thanks for your kind messages.<BR/><BR/>Recipe requests noted for <BR/>- quail and pomegranate salad from quarter final<BR/>- tuna & roast pepper salad from semi's<BR/>- tropical (wimpy!) dessert number from final<BR/><BR/>...i'll make sure i get round to them eventually. <BR/><BR/>and Mat - thanks mate, speak soon. <BR/><BR/>AAndyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17139203623942482844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-80282770271190475832009-03-01T02:36:00.000-08:002009-03-01T02:36:00.000-08:00Hi AndyThanks for posting all that. It must be tou...Hi Andy<BR/><BR/>Thanks for posting all that. It must be tough to watch yourself on TV and then read lots of comments from people who don't know you labeling you as arrogant or cocky. I thought you just came across as focused and confident and just someone who really wanted to win which is no bad thing. As for not congratulating Mat fulsomely 10 seconds after being told you hadn't won, you just looked devastated and exhausted. I had no doubt you were pleased for him. You must spend so much time together those last few weeks that it must be hard to not be friends with people.<BR/><BR/>Glad to see you're kepeping cooking. I can't imagione why - I lived withn a chef for 9 years and he was permanentloy knackered and covered in burns but I guess you know all about that now<BR/><BR/>good luck with everything you doAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-23039732719303233172009-03-01T01:55:00.000-08:002009-03-01T01:55:00.000-08:00Mate ... thanks for a great summer of pain and fun...Mate ... thanks for a great summer of pain and fun ... you were undoubtedly the more skilled cook and I'm lucky to have a great angle on cooking from where I live and able to pull it together at the end. A better competitor I could not wish for, professional always and a genuinely nice guy. This will lead to the career you want and I look forward to the not too distant day of celebrating with you your first Michelin star ! Good luck on the job front and keep in touch ! MatMat Follashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01283378128055963822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-385143706027043400.post-16192670837527604772009-02-28T21:29:00.000-08:002009-02-28T21:29:00.000-08:00Hi Andy,I'm glad I read this, as I must confes...Hi Andy,<BR/><BR/>I'm glad I read this, as I must confess I was one of the people thinking you were a bit of an arrogant sod during most of the contest, although my opinion did start to change towards the end. As much as I wanted Mat to win due to the fact that he'd come so far, I did have to admit (grudgingly!) that you were the most technically accomplished cook.<BR/>It must be somewhat excruciating watching yourself back as none of us are at our best when put in emotional situations _ I can imagine I would have made an almighty prat of myself so it's great that you can look back and laugh. You must have the patience of a saint not to start rolling your eyes when asked for thr 31st time about how much it means to you (probably about the same as it did this morning?) although the raise my game/take it to the next level/excel myself catchphrases did become a bit of a running joke in our house.<BR/>I think I would have struggled with the idea that for some reason, posh people couldn't be made to wait a second for their food, in case they might die of something and it would have taken an awful lot of self control not to tell Toady & Shrek to bugger off towards the end when they loitered around pulling faces reminding you that you only had 37 seconds until service. Helpful.<BR/><BR/>To this day I am utterly clueless as to what the bloody hell a posh pancake is doing in a beef wellington.<BR/><BR/>Anway, glad to see that you're continuing to follow your passion for food and that the whole experience hasn't left you with a freezer full of vienetta and your head in a a bargain bucket.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com