6 contestants compete in this past week’s quick-fire challenge. First making sushi for world-renowned chef Katsuya Uechi and later fried chicken for head judge Tom Colicchio and a list of famous restaurateurs. The remaining chefs are still competing for the ultimate prize, which will include a feature in Food & Wine Magazine, a showcase at the annual Food and Wine Classic in Aspen, $125,000 from Healthy Choice, and the title of Top Chef.
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The show began with Sheldon expressing happiness for having won two times in a row saying “it is one step closer to a brighter future for myself and a better life for my family.” Other contestants shared their views on Kristen leaving, as Josie expressed emotion for feeling guilty on the last elimination. The challenge began with chefs taking on the art of sushi making, something unfamiliar to some. Contestants were brought into a room where they were introduced to Master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi. The quick fire challenge was to impress the sushi master by creating unique sushi dishes. Mr. Katsuya explained the simplicity of sushi, being rice and fish, warning them on making things to complicated by mixing up to many ingredients. Katsuya left them by saying, “always think how you make people who eat happy, that’s the most important.” They were told there was no immunity but the winner of this challenge would receive $5,000.
The contestants began the competition, with some unsure of what they would actually make. Josie shared the correct way to handle the fish, explaining if you handled it too much the temperature of the fish would drop, being unacceptable. The contestants presented their dishes to Mr. Katsuya as he gave them tips and congratulated them for a job well done. After thanking them for working very hard, he shared who were his least favorites and why. Ultimately Stefan was named the winner because of his unique yellow tail sauce and shiitake mushroom combination. Stefan was exited to be crowned winner and was proud to have received it from the master of sushi.
The contestants were then introduced to the guest for the next elimination challenge. David Chang, Chef and Owner of Momofuku Noodle Bar & Má Pêche and head judge Tom Colicchio. Tom explained how there were a few great chefs in town and how the contestants would be cooking dinner for everyone. Tom shared how he was in the mood for fried chicken. David then said, “Everybody loves fried chicken. Fried chicken is deliciously simple but deceivingly complex.” Crispy and delicious recipes would give the winner a year’s supply of Terlato Wine. The contestants were then given 30 minutes to prepare, prepping their chickens for the perfect fried recipe.
The judges arrived at the dinner table and were excited to try the fried chicken. The first three up were Sheldon, Josie and Lizzie. The judges seemed to enjoy Lizzie’s dish even though she only used breast and not the entire chicken. Sheldon’s seemed to be a success with one problem; there was not enough for everyone. Josie’s was said to have no spice and way to much grease, being the least favorite of the three. The next three up were Brooke, Josh and Stefan. Brooke’s chicken was not up to par being extremely dry. Josh’s chicken on the other hand was a huge hit, being smoked made it the least crunchy but packed with huge flavors. Lastly Stefan’s chicken, which was a take on fried le cordon bleu, was not popular either. The judges felt as though fried le cordon bleu was not a good choice.
Emotions ran deep as the contestants awaited the results, especially with Stefan who spoke to his mother in Finland who has Parkinson’s disease. Josh, Sheldon and Lizzie were called up to the judge’s table first telling them they served the best fried chicken at the party. The contestants then thanked the judges and explained how it was a huge honor to cook for all of them. The winner of the challenge was Josh, who brought originality and goodness to his fried chicken. Stefan, Josie and Brooke were up next; being told they were the least favorite of the night. The judge’s deliberations expressed disappointment and some anger for the contestants in the bottom three. The result was Josie being sent home.
LA’s The Place’s favorite chef’testant for this episode was Josh Valentine. Josh’s unique take on fried chicken gave the judges a delicious dish packed with flavors.
Make sure to watch Top Chef Wednesday nights at 10pm. For more information on Top Chef please visit www.bravotv.com/topchef.
