This season so far has been pretty dramatic, however last night's episode actually featured someone quitting, sacrificing herself so another chef wouldn't have to go home. Be we'll get to that later.
For the Quickfire Challenge brought to you by Bailey's Irish Cream, the chefs were asked to create an original Bailey's cocktail as well as a snack or bite to accompany it. Some of what they came up with follows:
• Caramel Bailey's, Bushmills, Guinness Foam and Candied Rim, accompanied by a Cherry Ice Cream Sandwich
• Original Bailey's mixed with Rum, Vodka, and a Vanilla Bean, accompanied by Grilled Beef, Crème Fraiche Fondue, Nutmeg and Chocolate
• Bailey's Hot Chocolate with Godiva Liqueur and Heavy Cream and to go with it an Eggnog French Toast topped with Apple Rosemary and Onions
For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs were divided into two teams and asked to create hors d'oeuvres for Los Angeles Magazine's Christmas party. Ted Allen from Queer Eye stepped in for Gail Simmons and the guest judge was Lee Hefter of Spago Beverly Hills.
The Orange Team decided to make over a dozen different little bites including:
• Pickled Mussels with Apple Molasses Mignonette
• Roasted Vegetable Terrine with a Red Pepper Coulis
• Confit of Pork Shoulder with Tomato Marmalade
• Chorizo and Egg Tostada
• Beef Tenderloin with Blue Cheese Cauliflower
• Cinnamon Croissant Bread Pudding with Two Chocolates and Almond Cream
The Black Team made only four different canapés:
• Smoked Salmon Canapé with Avocado Mousse
• Seared Scallops with Ginger-Grapefruit Marmalade in Endive Leaves
• Fillet Mignon and Lobster Canapé
• Strawberries with Rosemary Mascarpone and Pancetta
So who do we think was going to go home before the quitter stepped up? Did we all miss Gail? And wasn't Stephen Aspirino from season one supposed to be in this episode? Did I miss him?
I didn't miss Gail at all; I love Ted Allen and have faith in him since he's the ray of judge sunshine on Iron Chef. I wish he had replaced Tom Colicchio instead, especially with that other guest judge being Colicchio's doppelganger last night.
I liked Mia's cooking in general, but I damn, if you could get away with that outburst--which I'm pretty sure she was going to, had she not sacrificed herself--then I don't know what's up Top Chef.
Good god--when will Marcel go home? Does he have anyone left to offend? He offends me every week with his terrible flavor saver (soul patch, to others).
Completely agree about Marcel but I'm convinced that Mia was about to go anyhow. She simply wanted to play her victim card once again and "sacrifice" herself for Elia. Puh-lease!! I actually really liked her up until her little temper tantrum and woah is me rant.
I definitely did not see Stephen make an appearance. However, was anyone else hoping he'd try to give Marcel attitude and we'd watch them have a ridiculous, pedantic, mirror image argument?
And ditto on Ted Allen, he's always my favorite judge on any panel.
I would love to find a recipe for the strawberries with mascarpone and pancetta. I am guessing I can just put mascarpone on some strawberries and top it with pancetta, but wasn't there a balsamic reduction or something, too?
hi,
When will Stephen be on, we were expecting it too.. I want to see him since see became such a sweetheart on the reunion.
Christy, the recipe is on bravotv.com now on the topchef page.