TOP CHEF – Chef Overboard
TELEVISION The battlefield is changing as we go from seven to six chef-testants in this episode of Top Chef. Starting with Quickfire Challenge, called the Aisle Trial, everyone was given a budget of $10 to shop in just one aisle of a grocery store. The thing about the QFC is that you do have to think quickly and use your wits, especially when you are limited to ingredients.
If you have the cereal aisle, breakfast would be the first thing to come to mind, which is exactly what Hung did, creating what Dale called a Smurf village. His eggs with leeks and potatoes garnished with cereal was certainly the most colorful and creative. What else could you do but have fun with it? Guest judge Michael Schwartz, who had lots to say about presentation, had it coming when Hung called him closed-minded. Granted, Hung has called out the chefs in almost every episode but this time he was justified.
Casey’s pudding with mango preserves and ginger snaps looked yummy. But having taken the biggest chance, Brian won with his Spam corned beef hash and fried egg. Having substituted salt for sugar, CJ’s curried potato risotto was voted one of the two least favorites. The other belonged to Howie who offered nothing since his canned mandarin oranges didn’t pan out. Some felt it was a cop out as he could have done something given the silly nature of the challenge, but Howie got caught up with what the judges have previously said about presenting something un-servable. He takes a lot of pride in his food, but this time he should have lightened up and went with it.
The Elimination Challenge was to cater an ultra exclusive party on a yacht thrown by 23-year-old fashion designer Esteban Cortazar. With a modest budget of $350 for 60 guests, which comes to less than $6 a person, the chefs really had to produce. In fact, it didn’t help Dale, who had to put back goat cheese and substitute yogurt for his gougere, which he ultimately, to its detriment, had to alter and turn into a stuffed puffed pastry. Speaking of puff pastry, Howie was criticized for his greasy asparagus wrapped “Cigars”. But it was his duxelles in puff pastry that caused a stir. Not only were they the reason Dale had to put back the goat cheese, the mushrooms turned an ugly brown color. That was to be expected but had they been tasty, their appearance might have been overlooked. On the other hand, these two dishes were not that imaginative. And since we’re half way through the competition, he should have pulled out the stops and thought outside the box.
Since Brian was in charge, he blew it by not taking more control. He wanted everyone to have a voice in choosing the hors d’oeuvres and instead of doing a few really well, he chose quantity over quality. It didn’t help that he served yet another tartare.
Though they lost the text message poll (Which group of chefs is more talented – the men or the women) Sara and Casey had the best showing. I wanted to reach through the TV screen and grab one of Sara’s tomato bread puddings. Casey won the evening with a carpaccio and watercress in a shiitake broth.
The Elimination Challenge was to cater an ultra exclusive party on a yacht thrown by 23-year-old fashion designer Esteban Cortazar. With a modest budget of $350 for 60 guests, which comes to less than $6 a person, the chefs really had to produce. In fact, it didn’t help Dale, who had to put back goat cheese and substitute yogurt for his gougere, which he ultimately, to its detriment, had to alter and turn into a stuffed puffed pastry. Speaking of puff pastry, Howie was criticized for his greasy asparagus wrapped “Cigars”. But it was his duxelles in puff pastry that caused a stir. Not only were they the reason Dale had to put back the goat cheese, the mushrooms turned an ugly brown color. That was to be expected but had they been tasty, their appearance might have been overlooked. On the other hand, these two dishes were not that imaginative. And since we’re half way through the competition, he should have pulled out the stops and thought outside the box.
Since Brian was in charge, he blew it by not taking more control. He wanted everyone to have a voice in choosing the hors d’oeuvres and instead of doing a few really well, he chose quantity over quality. It didn’t help that he served yet another tartare.
Though they lost the text message poll (Which group of chefs is more talented – the men or the women) Sara and Casey had the best showing. I wanted to reach through the TV screen and grab one of Sara’s tomato bread puddings. Casey won the evening with a carpaccio and watercress in a shiitake broth.
Hung was criticized for his "outdated" salmon mousse on cucumber, but this finger food seemed very appropriate for the setting and for the weight conscious fashionistas. But seeing the writing on the wall, Howie did what Mia did last year before the judges and asked to remove himself from the competition. When requesting to bow out, Padma said that the judges would make that decision. And after deliberating, that’s exactly what they decided.
