With 7 chefs remaining the teams were split into men vs. women preparing a delicious meal for well-known restaurateur, Danny Meyer. The chefs competed in this challenge fighting for the ultimate prize that 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.
7 remaining chefs competed in Top Chef: Restaurant Wars challenge
This episode featured the exciting Restaurant Wars challenge. The teams were divided into men vs. women with Sheldon Simeon leading the men’s team and Kristen Kish leading the women’s team. The two teams had 48 hours to create a unique restaurant experience that would impress the judges who included Danny Meyer, Gail Simmons from Food & Wine Magazine, head judge Tom Colicchio, and Emeril Lagasse from Emeril’s New Orleans. The winner was later based on taste, style, and service, and given the brand new Toyota Avalon.
The contestants came up with two creative ideas they felt was their best chance at the prize. Kristen’s concept came from the idea of classical French cuisine with a twist, something she saw on French cooking shows as a child. The name she used for her restaurant concept was Atelier Kwan. Sheldon came up with a restaurant concept that he said was dear to his heart. Modern Pilipino inspired by his grandfather Urbano, which was also the name he used for his restaurant.
The contestants were extremely excited to use the stylish Toyota Avalon Hybrid, which the winner would later take home. Both teams were understandably nervous but thrilled to have their own restaurants for that night. While admiring the challenge venues, the contestants were surprised to find out that they would have to construct their own kitchens in the courtyard of the buildings. After visiting where the challenge was held the teams set out to find everything they needed to help them win. Menus were brainstormed and food was prepped, as everyone waited for the following day.
“It’s Game day,” Sheldon explained to viewers as food was being cooked. With the challenge in full affect, tension had built between Kristen and fellow teammate Josie. Guests had started to arrive and food was then served. The judges were impressed by what was done in 48 hours, knowing there is a huge amount of work in opening a restaurant.
Kristen’s team had cooked a reinvention of French classic dishes and served the following: Contestant Lizzie Binder made the first course, which was a charcuterie with rabbit broth finished with some whole grain mustard, and pickled golden beets served inside the broth. The second course was made by contestant Josie, and was a bouillabaisse with halibut and Dungeness crab in a seafood broth. Executive Chef Kristen Kish created the third course, which was beef bourguignon with poached garlic purée and red wine short ribs. The meal ended with her take on a French macaroon. Kristen was unhappy with Josie’s performance in the kitchen because of an error, which resulted in a change of one of her dishes. Sheldon Simeon’s team created modern day Filipino food and served the following: The first course was made by contestant Josh which was a Filipino delicacy called Balut, modernizing it with a soft poached egg topped with a tamarind braised duck leg and a foie gras mousse. Executive Chef Sheldon made “Miki” also known as Filipino chicken noodle soup with fresh noodles, and adobo. Sheldon took pork belly and served it on top of a mung bean purée, with a pea shoot salad. Josh had also made the dessert called Halo-Halo, which looked similar to ice cream. Contestant Stefan handled the front of house portion, but ultimately lacked in good customer service. Stefan had failed to mention what one dish was the judges were eating. After being asked about it, he quickly explained the dish and walked away. The judges were not to pleased, later expressing their disappointment saying they got “scolded” with Gail Simmons even stating, “we were made to feel like idiots.”
After first eating at Kristen’s restaurant, the judges felt the food was good but lacked the reinvention of classical French flavors that she had originally promised. All the judges agreed that they loved the first course they were given at Sheldon’s restaurant but were not happy about the service. The judges then explained how people go to restaurants for the food and then return because of good service.
All the contestants expressed joy and relief after the competition had ended, sharing that they had never worked so hard and at such a fast pace. The judges then returned to the judge’s table to deliberate. They explained to the contestants all the positives and negatives of their restaurants, naming Urbano as the winner. Sheldon was given the brand new Toyota Avalon. The judges explained to Stefan how lucky he was for not being eliminated for his poor service. Kristen’s team was then deliberated on with the judges torn between whom they would send home. The tough decision on who should be sent home was between Kristen who did not execute her concept correctly and Josie for always getting by because everyone else was taking responsibility for her actions. Although Kristen’s restaurant was claimed very ambitious she having taken to much responsibility was eliminated. The rest of the group was very surprised including Josie. Kristen left the competition knowing she had her integrity, only upset that things could not turn out perfectly.
LA’s The Place’s favorite chef’testant for this episode was Sheldon Simeon. Sheldon’s hard work and dedication to his grandfather shined, ultimately making him the winner.
Make sure to watch Top Chef Wednesday nights at 10pm. For more information on Top Chef please visit www.bravotv.com/topchef.
