Tonight's episode of Top Chef may have been filmed months ago, but it's nice to know that the Christmas spirit is never out of season.
On tonight's whirlwind edition of Top Chef, Martha Stewart stopped by for a one-pot holiday wonder Quickfire Challenge. Hosea, Ariane, and Jamie made the best impressions, with Ariane's cauliflower puree taking the prize. There was something else on the plate, but Martha certainly didn't seem to notice. She seemed to be taken away by the fact that Ariane fooled her with cream rather than butter in the cauliflower.
Keeping in the holiday theme, the cheftestants had to cater a large benefit event for amFAR, where each dish was to be inspired by one of the twelve days of Christmas (though I did notice that the Four Calling Birds were missing). But alas, one of the fridges was left open overnight! And Radhika's and Hosea's main ingredients were essentially ruined. Luckily, with the Christmas spirit hanging thickly in the way-before-Christmas air, the cheftestants gathered 'round the prep tables to help each other. Now that's the spirit of giving. Or, as one of the lovely, non-egotistical guy suggested, having everyone on an even playing field would only make his victory more sweet. Classy. very nice.
At judges table, Radhika's duck leg, Jeff's 'island leaping' plate, Steffan's chicken pot pie and Hosea's pork lion fared the best. ...way to go Radhika and Hosea for coming back from a severe disadvantage! And Hosea took it all! He won the judge's choice, as well as, it appears, ladies' choice at the event (guests gave red ribbons to their favorites, and let's just say these strapping young men had an advantage stronger than just their culinary skills).
Jamie's scallop mess, Mel's overpowering blue cheese, and Gene's ceviche fared the worst.
And then Tom walks in for a heart-to-heart, and an encouraging talk about doing your best and stepping up their game. And then, surprise: NO ONE IS GOING HOME!! "a holiday gift" from the judges. That was a bit of a let down, but I guess understandable.
And as for stepping it up, I agree. I've been a bit disappointed, not only in the lack of amazing food, but in the lack of a likability factor from ANY of the cheftestants.
so, for next week: there are no limits, in an effort to get these kids to REALLY impress the judges. But wait, there will inevitably be more drama. Jamie uses scallops again, and Fabio reminds her this isn't "Top Scallop cooker" its Top Chef. And... there's a new judge, and no one seems to happy with that.
Meanwhile, 15 minutes after the episode ought to over, I am headed back to cramming for my final exams!
Until next time, happy eating!
