Per Rick Tramonto:
“The Top Chef producers stocked and paid for the product that went into our coolers. Unfortunately, due to editing and the whole reality tv way of filming, it was not conveyed that it was part of the challenge, nor is the conversation shown where Tom pointed out that they were not the restaurant’s product. None of my restaurants have ever used frozen scallops or any product that is not of the highest quality. Other than that, it was a pleasure being part of such an amazing production, and I loved the way that Tramonto’s Steak & Seafood looked on screen. It was a lot of fun to be part of.”
Wait, reality TV sets people up and then doesn’t show “reality”? This is too much for me to take. Seriously though, it is pretty despicable that the producers made it look like Tramonto was serving poor quality scallops in his kitchen. Frankly I love that he stood up to Spike and didn’t make any excuses. On the other hand, planting frozen scallops seems all fair to me, and if a chef makes that decision, as Spike did, he deserves to go.
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send9
It was nice to see Tramonto take “the hit” even though it wasn’t his fault — and, as you’ve said, in the end it was Spike’s decision to use the scallops. Too bad Top Chef portrayed Tramonto in a bad light.
Barry Strum
I agree…the Top Chef production folks could of /should have handled the “who’s [frozen] scallops are these?”. My cynical side , however, suggests that there was no due dilligence failure……..rather, it may have been a nicely crafted sucker punch to set up the “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” ending for Spike. Wouldn’t surprise me if both Top C and Chef Tramonto were both in on it…a simple disclaimer after the show would have smoothed the issue out nicely. After all, this is less about food than about entertainment…….
Jarod
Although they didn’t mention the planting - it was almost inferred by Rick taking the hit on them being in the cooler, but pointing out that *HE* didn’t use them.
Tru in the Tramanto years was a testament to quality and freshness, as are his other restaurants I’ve made it to that he’s had a hand in.
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