The finale of Top Chef began as a roller coaster of near redemption and just missed opportunity for me. What opportunity? To be right in my choosing Stefan and Jamie as the final chef’s to be left standing. Sadly that was not to be, but in better news this episode actually had the entire roster of cheftestants bringing a deep understanding of the cuisine being prepared, and in most cases passion.
The four finalists arrived at the Quickfire to find chef Emeril Lagasse, and of course Padma who informed them they would not compete. Instead Leah, Jeff, and Jamie returned to battle it out for a spot in the finale. The challenge – hey, where’s my product placement plug? – was to create a dish using crawfish. Leah began with the idea of a gumbo, but I wondered how she’d pull it off in a constrained time limit when a real gumbo takes a lot of time to develop flavors. She smartly turned it into a crawfish and andouille sausage soup. Jamie appeared to know what she was doing with her corn cakes and a crawfish cream. However it just disappointed me that she once again takes a different road than normal without a complete understanding of the flavors someone like Emeril would look for in a New Orleans crawfish dish. Jeff, on the other hand, got it just right with his food. Emeril thought so as well and named Jeff the winner. Padma then revealed that for Jeff to make it to the finale he had to win the Elimination Challenge.
Let’s stop and take a look at the show around the cooking, something I’ve done on rare occasions but feel the time is right to really question some things. How about that scarf? During the quickfire Fabio was bringing full Euro flair with a pink – like, really super pink – scarf and a Mohawk. Jeff is the most serious competitor I can remember seeing on the show, he really focuses on the job at hand. And yes, I agreed with Fabio’s “gimme a break” comment about past ousted cheftestants getting a second chance, but Jeff was there to win. Stefan has come full circle and I now see him as the jerk I originally thought he was at the beginning of the season. His attitude was of pure superiority in mind, but not in delivery. Carla, on the other hand, has done a 180 for me and become my frontrunner. She’s confident with food, quirky and funny, even though she barely treads the line separating her from annoying. Luckily she always comes across as a compelling and energetic personality. Then Hosea finally beat Stefan, so hopefully he’ll stop whining.
This week’s Elimination Challenge was cooking Creole Cuisine for a Masquerade Ball, and the winner would also win a shiny new Toyota Venza. If I could give the car to Fabio for his plea I would. “My car is a piece of…poop.” Indeed sir, you are the winner of Top Charm. The chef’s were told they’d be cooking at Emeril’s Delmonico, which they were excited about. Especially as the challenge was creole food and there was a lot of it there. Where else would you find turtle meat just hanging around like it’s an everyday lunch item? Each chef had to prepare one authentic Creole dish, something of their own taste, and a cocktail.
Carla did a beignet and an oyster stew, along with a non-alcoholic spritzer. Quick note: other than Jeff’s cucumber mojito none of the other cocktails are worth noting, so I won’t. Carla mentioned she had shucked her first oyster a week prior and I instantly felt things weren’t going to go her way. Then we got to see her struggling with the oysters and it was a little painful to watch. In her usual way Carla made it tolerable by exclaiming, “Hey, you guys are asking me for stuff but I don’t see anyone helping me shuck these oysters!” Right on! Stefan promised to help, but it was never shown if he did or not.
Hosea did a duck, andouille, and chicken gumbo. A dish he knew required a long cooking time for a dark roux. On the other hand Stefan did a similar gumbo – which he atrociously served over grits…I don’t care if they were great grits, that was a mistake . Fabio did a maque choux with sausage and rabbit.
Before we get to the results I have to say, wow. Padma looked elegant and beautiful in her dress and black choker, and Gail was equally stunning. Tom and Emeril sported suits with sparkle sparkle masks. Fabio likened the whole masquerade to old pornos. Moving right along…
In the end Carla’s oyster shucking travails proved worthwhile as she won the Elimination Challenge. So long Jeff! Hosea also got passed along to the finale, leaving Fabio and Stefan standing tensely. Stefan’s attitude – which had a slight feel of giving up to me – continued as he told the judges that he’s 36 and just not gonna get stressed. Padma looked to Fabio and asked him to pack his knives.
Now Carla has to step up her entertainment factor, or I’m not sure I’ll make it through the final finale next week.
Top Chef recaps presented in partnership with Cinema Blend.
