There’s one more episode before we find out who will be Season 7′s Top Chef. There was no “drama” during Season Finale Part 1, but the judges said this episode produced the best food of the season.
In last night’s episode, the cheftestants arrived in Singapore and immediately toured a variety of famous food cart vendors whose specialty is Singapore Street Food. They observed, they tasted and asked questions. Of course, at the end of the tour there was a Quickfire Challenge for them to create their own version of Singapore inspired street food. In addition, they must cook with a wok.
Tired and suffering from jet lag, this motley crew of chefs went to work. As an aside, I know these guys had a long flight and wanted to be comfortable, but surely they knew there was a camera crew following them around.
For the Elimination Challenge the chefs worked as a team to create a cohesive meal for a Food & Wine Party of 80 people. Much to my surprise, they played nice – there was no major drama in the kitchen. Each chef chose one dish they would make but after they shopped, Tom told them they needed to make two dishes each.
Ed is the Man
Through most of the season Ed was a dark horse who pretty much stayed in the middle of the pack. Until a few weeks ago, I would not have bet that he would be in the finale. Ed won the Quickfire and also won immunity that guaranteed him a place in the finale. When Tom told the chefs they needed to make two dishes, Ed admitted that he was already prepared for two dishes. That revelation earned him some eye rolling and “I can’t believe’s” from the other cheftestants.
In the end, Ed also won the Elimination Challenge. Both of his dishes were excellent but his fried banana fritter with chili paste stole the show.
Angelo Struggled
All season long, Angelo told us that Asian food is his forte. He was ecstatic that the finale was in Singapore because he knew that with Asian flavors, he was going to be Top Chef. Arrogance and ego only work in your favor when you back it up with great results.
When Angelo didn’t win the Quickfire he was shocked. He couldn’t hide his shock, it was written all over his face. He struggled with the Elimination Challenge and quite frankly, if there had been a bottom two it would have been him and Kelly.
Kevin is Steady
Kevin performed well in both challenges; however, each time he was edged out by Ed. In a very awkward moment with Padma during the Quickfire Challenge, Ed admitted that he had never cooked with a wok. Regardless of his lack of wok experience, Kevin produced good food.
Kelly is Sent Packing
Kelly tried her best, but it just wasn’t good enough. She didn’t do anything really bad – she just didn’t do anything really great. The judges like her food, they just didn’t like it enough to move her on to the finale.
Let’s see what happens next week. I’m pulling for Ed or Kevin.
