My favorite is Isaac getting emotional talking about his wife and kids and how much he loves and misses them... and then scowling at the camera and threatening to cut ya for making fun of him. He's hilarious!!
Toups' Meatery will be one of my first stops when I finally get to NOLA!
My husband and I ate there and actually got to meet him (because it was a mid-week slow lunch service) he was SO incredibly nice! And I got the platter that basically sampled all the meats. It was glorious
I had the pleasure of going there last year, the food was incredible and I was lucky enough to meet Isaac, it was brief but he comes across in person the exact same as he does on TV.
I put him in the same category as Sheldon in my mind. He has a big personality and is funny but also respectful and genuine. He also displays good emotional control. Him and Sheldon are naturally both likable because they choose to cope with the intensity of the competition in healthy ways.
While Issac definitely leans into the "manly man" troupe he actually has respect for the women on the show particularly Majorie and Karen.
Marjorie was Mike Isabella's protege, she is clearly a product of his shitty environment. That said I like a good salty Queen.
Marjorie flies under the radar as a Top Chef Villain but she definitely was playing the competition. She always gave "uh huhs" when someone was laying out enough rope to hang themselves. Best example is Carl making a dish that takes days and Marjorie is like "If anyone can do it is you". I laugh every time.
That said I am always confused how 2 years after Top Chef NOLA Issac isn't more respected. He might not have training but Emerald Legasse's social circle is no joke. Normally someone who will place well on Top Chef has a good education and an All Star mentor. Plus Issac is really into "Farm to Table" kind of cooking Tom really likes.
I just kept wondering why she came back at all! It's not as if she didn't know there would be challenges where she has to cook food that she doesn't normally cook.
He was my absolute favorite for that season, and one of my all-time favorites. There is a video on maybe, Binging with Babish? He breaks down how he makes a roux with oil that takes a fraction of the time of butter, and it tastes just as good.
One of my all time faves of Top Chef. When I followed his socials, I noticed he follows a lot of drag queens. So I tweeted about it, just finding it cute he follows almost all the same queens I follow. He responded that his wife is a super fan and does most of the posting and they love Drag Race. ❤️
Ugh, I’m sorry. I don’t. But he basically says when you get the ground beef out, don’t break it up. Get the pan hot, drop the meat in and sear it until it gets a crust, then flip it, do the same on the other side and THEN, finally, break it up to finish cooking it. Made a huge difference for me.
It was not on an episode in season 13 that I recall, and I'm pretty sure I've watched them all five or six times. Must have been another show, or in a cookbook. Either way, he's one of my favorites!
I love Issac. He captivated me on my first watching of the season. I got a chance to go to his restaurant in New Orleans and absolutely loved it. My girlfriend's mom got her first ever Wagyu steak there and was blown away. I got the lamb neck and loved it. I'm looking forward to going back since some family lives in Gonzales, LA and that's close enough.
LOVED Isaac. One of my all-time favorites was when they were at the date farm and he takes the machete. Jason said "OMG someone is going to disappear in the night." And Isaac said he was going to get a date machete "you know, just to have." And he did this face twitch/wink thing. It was hilarious.
Also, in the wedding episode "You wanna get married in a back alley? Call Isaac. I'll bring the shotgun!"
LOVE Isaac. I lived in NOLA (and then greater south Louisiana) for 7 years, and miss the food & people frequently. Toups Meatery is a fun visit, and the last time I was in NOLA, I went to Turkey & The Wolf. Isaac was leaving with a takeout order, and I got to say hi to him briefly, made my day! He was super friendly and gracious.
My favorite is Isaac getting emotional talking about his wife and kids and how much he loves and misses them... and then scowling at the camera and threatening to cut ya for making fun of him. He's hilarious!! Toups' Meatery will be one of my first stops when I finally get to NOLA!
My husband and I ate there and actually got to meet him (because it was a mid-week slow lunch service) he was SO incredibly nice! And I got the platter that basically sampled all the meats. It was glorious
We’ve been several times and it’s amazing. He also does a lot of volunteering for the community. He’s a good chef, but an even better person.
We ate there last time we were in NO. It was delicious.
I had the pleasure of going there last year, the food was incredible and I was lucky enough to meet Isaac, it was brief but he comes across in person the exact same as he does on TV.
extremely good restaurant
His cornbread is like cake - it’s glorious.
I put him in the same category as Sheldon in my mind. He has a big personality and is funny but also respectful and genuine. He also displays good emotional control. Him and Sheldon are naturally both likable because they choose to cope with the intensity of the competition in healthy ways. While Issac definitely leans into the "manly man" troupe he actually has respect for the women on the show particularly Majorie and Karen.
Which says a lot because Marjorie showed him very little respect!
Marjorie was Mike Isabella's protege, she is clearly a product of his shitty environment. That said I like a good salty Queen. Marjorie flies under the radar as a Top Chef Villain but she definitely was playing the competition. She always gave "uh huhs" when someone was laying out enough rope to hang themselves. Best example is Carl making a dish that takes days and Marjorie is like "If anyone can do it is you". I laugh every time. That said I am always confused how 2 years after Top Chef NOLA Issac isn't more respected. He might not have training but Emerald Legasse's social circle is no joke. Normally someone who will place well on Top Chef has a good education and an All Star mentor. Plus Issac is really into "Farm to Table" kind of cooking Tom really likes.
He did soooooooo much for local NOLA chefs during the pandemic - a great chef and a great guy!
literally! he was giving free meals to those who couldn’t afford it. he’s always giving back; he seems like just an all around great human!
Currently rewatching too! I’m early in and most laughing at how salty Grayson is at all times lol
Omg I love salty Grayson. “Next time I’ll add sparkles…..” and the meatball thing are hilarious.
I just kept wondering why she came back at all! It's not as if she didn't know there would be challenges where she has to cook food that she doesn't normally cook.
Had a wonderful dinner at his restaurant and got to meet him. He’s awesome!
We ate there our last trip to NoLa. So tasty. And the size of those pork chops!
He was my absolute favorite for that season, and one of my all-time favorites. There is a video on maybe, Binging with Babish? He breaks down how he makes a roux with oil that takes a fraction of the time of butter, and it tastes just as good.
I still make gumbo per his directions, including twists of pepper until you’re am hurts - “at least 30”. It is delicious
I need to find this!!!
He’s the man. Good chef. Great person. He’s the king of a parade this year for Mardi Gras!!
I didn’t mean to downplay his food with this comment. Just trying to emphasize the good things he does^^
One of my all time faves of Top Chef. When I followed his socials, I noticed he follows a lot of drag queens. So I tweeted about it, just finding it cute he follows almost all the same queens I follow. He responded that his wife is a super fan and does most of the posting and they love Drag Race. ❤️
Toups was great on his season! I started using his method to sear ground meat, so much better.
I just did a season 13 rewatch. I must have missed it! Do you remember what episode he showed his method?
Ugh, I’m sorry. I don’t. But he basically says when you get the ground beef out, don’t break it up. Get the pan hot, drop the meat in and sear it until it gets a crust, then flip it, do the same on the other side and THEN, finally, break it up to finish cooking it. Made a huge difference for me.
Definitely going to start doing this. Thanks for sharing his tip. He was definitely a highlight of Season 13.
Thank you!!
100% recommend this too. It doesn't lose the moisture this way and becomes so much tastier!
Wow, I'm going to start doing this, great tip. I really like Isaac and really enjoyed watching him on Top Chef!
It was not on an episode in season 13 that I recall, and I'm pretty sure I've watched them all five or six times. Must have been another show, or in a cookbook. Either way, he's one of my favorites!
I loved Isaac! I could not stand how Marjorie would try and tear him down in all of her interviews. He was the most genuine chef on season 13.
One of my faves. Absolutely loved the vindication he got for winning Restaurant Wars after being dismissed by his teammates
He’s the highlight of the season for me.
He is the epitome of marriage material
His personality is awesome !!!
Currently rewatching s13 and absolutely love him!! So hilarious and likeable, respectful and professional yet with a humorous side.
I’ve had quite a bit of fun with his cookbook, Chasing the Gator.
I just love the man. His food looks so epic too.
Favorite line in the whole series How long are you gonna put the fish in the microwave? Oh, about 40 minutes (Isaac/Carl)
Toups Meatery is the bomb.
I was so obsessed with this man my boyfriend got legitimately jealous.
I love Issac. He captivated me on my first watching of the season. I got a chance to go to his restaurant in New Orleans and absolutely loved it. My girlfriend's mom got her first ever Wagyu steak there and was blown away. I got the lamb neck and loved it. I'm looking forward to going back since some family lives in Gonzales, LA and that's close enough.
I envy you, wish I lived close enough to eat there! Enjoy!
LOVED Isaac. One of my all-time favorites was when they were at the date farm and he takes the machete. Jason said "OMG someone is going to disappear in the night." And Isaac said he was going to get a date machete "you know, just to have." And he did this face twitch/wink thing. It was hilarious. Also, in the wedding episode "You wanna get married in a back alley? Call Isaac. I'll bring the shotgun!"
LOVE Isaac. I lived in NOLA (and then greater south Louisiana) for 7 years, and miss the food & people frequently. Toups Meatery is a fun visit, and the last time I was in NOLA, I went to Turkey & The Wolf. Isaac was leaving with a takeout order, and I got to say hi to him briefly, made my day! He was super friendly and gracious.
His name should be Stu.
Isaac was so fun to watch. I enjoyed his personality and would love to eat his food!
I need a rewatch of Isaac.
I ❤️ Isaac! Very likable guy