Top Chef -Deconstruction of Devils and Angels
The Real Demons And Do-Gooders Come Out As Dishes Are Ripped Apart
Sep 24, 2009
Bubbly Chef Michelle Bernstein was welcomed as the contestants stood at the Top Chef Quickfire Challenge. Michelle has been a frequent visitor of the Top Chef judges table, and is restaurateur of Michy's and SRA Martinez, both located in Miami. Having appeared on Iron Chef America, Bernstein challenged and emerged victorious over Bobby Flay, going head to head with their southwestern inspired flavors.
Snarky Contestants
Episode 6 of Top Chef Las Vegas began with the whining of contestants about Robin's worthiness to compete at this point. Reminiscent of grade school, the Complaint Cam panned from Mike Isabella to Jenn. Blah, blah, blah.....shuffle up and deal. This is Las Vegas, and the stakes are high. Let's cook!
This Quickfire Challenge consisted of creating two dishes that depicted the good and evil/angel and devil version of each other. Open to broad personal interpretation, the challenge allowed the chefs a golden opportunity for presentation with an open mic in narrating the underlying philosophy of his or her choices.
The majority of the cheftestants showcased a low-fat/healthy and caloric/decadent comparison of foods on the plate. Some dishes utilized the same protein two ways. Michelle was most impressed with not only the flavors in Robin's dishes, but also the story behind her plate - her battle with cancer and the impact the disease placed upon her own food choices. Of course, her victory and subsequent immunity from elimination prompted sighs, annoyed glances, and the dramatic rolling of eyeballs among Robin's competitors. None of the chefs appeared to be happy for Robin. Eli eluded that her story was a sympathy tactic and the sole reason for her victory. Snarky bedfellows indeed.
Masters Of Illusion
Well-known illusionists Penn and Teller presented this week's Elimination Challenge. After demonstrating the ol' cup-and-ball trick, the duo proceeded to deconstruct their magic, and using clear cups, gave up their secret formula. The challenge for the cheftestants was, upon drawing knives detailing classic dishes, to deconstruct and reconfigure the named dish.
Most of the chefs appeared confident, with the exception of Mike I., Ron, and Jenn. Humor set in when Tom Colicchio entered the kitchen to chat with the contestants. Jenn was running all over the kitchen, almost to the point of where it looked like she was evading Tom's visit. When he caught up to her, Jenn was clearly tenuous about the success of her dish. Ron seemed pathetic and lost with the deconstruction of paella, which was somewhat of a surprise to all considering his culinary background and alleged familiarity with the dish. He ultimately put together a version of paella that was neither deconstructed nor impressive.
Culinary Knowledge.....Or Not
Mike Isabella squeaked by on his culinary skill in his preparation of deconstructed Eggs Florentine - but certainly not on his knowledge of the dish and its ingredients. Whether unwilling to contribute to his win, or ignorant also, his colleagues were of no help to him whatsoever when he asked what the dish was. Ash fumbled his way through Tom's kitchen Q & A of shepherd's pie. His lack of understanding was dangerously clear during the judges table.
Angels And Devils; Winners And Losers
Among the front runners of the Elimination Challenge were Jennifer, Ashley, Kevin and Michael V. Ashley came through both the Quickfire and Elimination rounds with high marks; a welcomed improvement from episodes prior. Consistently near the top, Mike, Jenn, and Kevin breathed a collective sigh of relief to have successfully presented the deconstructed dishes. Walking away with a prize of Calphalon Cookware as the winning chef, Kevin came away in first place.
Dazed And Confused
Bringing up the rear in Episode 6 stood Ash representing Shepherd's Pie, Laurine with her poorly executed Fish and Chips, and Ron for his Paella. After hearing Ash and Laurine explain the failures in preparation of his and her respective dish, the judges looked to Ron. Failing to provide an intelligible reason for what he did or proof that he understood the challenge or the original dish itself, Ron fell victim to elimination for the obvious. It was clear that Ron was not confident, knowledgeable, nor quick on his feet to bring what was required to the judges table during this challenge. And so it goes - another one bites the dust.
Tune in for Episode 7 of Top Chef Las Vegas - Season 6 at 10/9 Central on Bravo TV Wednesday, September 30th.
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