Following up on Lauren’s original post — Mr. Trotter is back in the news with a clarification. Tribune:

Charlie Trotter now says that using the words “dumb,” “idiot” and “not the smartest guy on the block” to describe a rival chef — before suggesting that the chef’s liver be served up “as a little treat” — is not generally his “M.O.” when it comes to collegial disagreements.

But lest ye be fooled, this isn’t the kinder, gentler side of Trotter’s, as the article continues to quote him as saying, “You know what? If I hear something that I don’t like, I will say whatever it takes, and I’ll send a message. If I have to use some sarcasm or open a can of whup-ass or do whatever, I’ll do what I have to do.”

Man, they sure don’t mention this sort of kerfuffle in the ads on late-night TV for culinary school. Too bad; I might change careers if I knew the new one came with built-in entertainment.