In last night’s episode – Gastro-nauts – the chefs were challenged to create a dish for astronauts that would convert well to a freeze-dried menu selection that could be served in space.  Each chef created a very tasty dish.  According to the judges, each dish had at least one flaw:  Kevin’s onion rings wouldn’t retain their crispness; Kelly’s dish might not freeze-dry well with the sauce; Ed’s dish had too many components; Angelo’s dish was too sweet to freeze-dry; and Tiffany’s peppers were bitter.  BUT, they were all good dishes.  Someone had to be cut – it was Tiffany.

They’re Going Where?

Singapore!  This is a top chef first – to take the contestants over seas for the finale.  I don’t know if the Singapore trip caused the cheftestants to step up their game even more, but it was a good incentive.  I just want to know if going to Singapore will include any of the eliminated chefs.  If top chef remains true to previous seasons, some of the eliminated chefs usually come back to serve as sous chefs for the finalists.  Of course there’s always a twist, who knows what the twist will be this year.

What did you think of this episode?  Are your favorites in the finale?

Restaurant Wars.  Undoubtedly, one of the most anticipated episodes in any season of Top Chef.  This year’s episode was especially intriguing for me because my favorite chefs were evenly divided on opposing teams.  Team 1: Jennifer, Kevin, Michael I. and Laurine.  Team 2:  Bryan V., Michael V, Robin and Eli.  Quite frankly, the teams were evenly matched.

Several weeks ago I was locked on my favorite chefs:  Jennifer, Kevin, Bryan V. and Michael V.  I think they are the most talented chefs and believe one of them will win Season 6.  My two personal favorites are Jennifer and Kevin.  For several episodes, many of the chefs underestimated Jennifer who is extremely talented and has mad skills.

Going into this episode, I just assumed that Robin, Michael I. or Laurine would be eliminated.  Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected Jennifer or Kevin to be on the chopping block.  Then again, who would have guessed that both of them would make such bad decisions and screw up both of their dishes.  I was stunned.

Front of the House

Eli did a great job as front of the house.  He was engaging and efficient.  Eli readily described dishes that were served to each customer.  Service seemed to run very smoothly.  Eli was in control.

On the other hand, Laurine lost focus and became flustered.  Her front of the house efforts left much to be desired.  Customers and judges had to ask Laurine to describe their dishes and service was slow.

The Food

There was no contest in the execution of food.  Hands down, Team 2 served superior dishes, including two outstanding desserts.  Team 1 had numerous problems:  food was over cooked, under cooked, falling apart and no dessert.  Team 1 didn’t have a chance, but it was their own fault.  They were overly ambitious and never appointed a leader in the kitchen.

Pack Your Knives and Go

Jennifer, Kevin and Laurine were the prime candidates for elimination on Team 1; however, it fell on Laurine.  Ultimately I believe she shot herself in the foot because of her early statement to the judges:  no food would come out of their kitchen that wasn’t right.  A lot of poorly executed food came out of that kitchen.

Food for Thought

I think there was an additional reason Laurine was eliminated.  Even though Top Chef says that only dishes from the current episode are considered for elimination, I don’t think the show wanted to eliminate one of their strongest chefs this early in the game.  Michael was pretty safe so other than Laurine, that would leave Jennifer or Kevin, both of whom prepared very poorly executed dishes.  And, both of whom are two of the most talented chefs this season.

Sorry Laurine.