So Alex’s dreams came true tonight, but the rest of our predictions were wrong – other than Robin winning immunity and proving her worth. Screw Eli thinking she won for her cancer story – it’s Top Chef not Top Pity Party. She won off her food… that salad and apple crisp made our mouths water to look at.
Mike V. held strong with his deconstructed ceasar salad. Toby’s one complaint was that his dressing didn’t explode as described. But Mike V.’s skills and looks are explosive enough for us.
And Jen, who was so nervous during the whole episode that she wouldn’t be able to deconstruct and was even avoiding Tom in the kitchen, actually got top props in the winning group. Her deconstructed lasagna was simple with a fresh tomato sauce, homemade pasta and Parmesan crisp that Padma described as capturing the classic homemade crust of the original dish.
Kevin was the obvious winner when Penn said the dish made his mouth was burn in a good way and that it was better than any mole he’s ever had. His deconstruction obviously captured the original flavors and was plated beautifully as well. But, Kevin has a huge leg up in the competition anyway being James Beard Award winner – too bad he’s up against some stiff competition.
This season has been filled with weird moments: Padma telling off every loser in one episode, Tim Love’s hillbilly friends in the desert chowing down on too many ceviches and Wolfgang Puck throwing a doughnut at the wall. Tonight was no exception. Penn made a borderline sexual harassment comment when Padma claimed to have had bulls testicles before. Penn replied with, “I bet” and everyone else completely ignored the accusation of bestiality as Padma smirked and said these balls were much larger. Cut back on the alcohol Bravo. Or don’t, we love the extra comedy.
Ashley’s slow rise to the top is a little unnerving, but we think she’ll crash again – we hope. Our dream team going all the way to the top include Jen, Mike V., Kevin and Brian.
Keep it tasty and watch next weeks episode!
Allyson and Alex
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