Top Chef Las Vegas - Culinary Royalty
A High Stakes Quickfire Challenge Means All In for Cheftestants
Sep 10, 2009
Top Chef Las Vegas Episode 4 started off with a bang! Contestants and viewers alike were stunned by the introductory plot-twist of the Quickfire Challenge being an additional elimination challenge. Guest Judge, Chef and Restaurateur Daniel Boulud of Daniel Boulud Brasserie in the Wynn Las Vegas presided along with Tom Colicchio as the chefs each took on creating a dish from the common french ingredient, escargot.
The Ingredient
Feasting upon the grape leaves in vineyards, snails are a commonly used protein in France. The snails that the chefs were issued for use were fully cooked, requiring only finishing and seasoning, a detail which could have greatly helped those chefs not familiar with the cooking of escargot. While several dishes impressed Chef Boulud, Top Chef contestant Kevin won the challenge with his Snail Fricassee with Bacon Jam and Parsley Puree. Relieved to have won immunity for the following Elimination Challenge, Kevin also was promised a special bonus that would be unveiled later in the episode.
Bottom Feeders
Bringing in the rear, the trio of contenders for elimination were Jesse, Ashley, and Robin. Dreading the fall of the elimination axe, the threesome was offered one final chance of redemption. Another challenge was issued which would determine the unlucky contestant who would be packing their knives and going home.
Not So Amusing
For the final leg of the Quickfire Elimination, Ashley, Jesse and Robin were ordered to create an amuse-bouche from anything they could find in the kitchen. An amuse-bouche is a single, bite-sized hors d'oeuvres designed to excite the taste buds and offer a glimpse of the chef's artistry and workmanship. An amuse-bouche is not an item one would find on the menu, like an appetizer. It is often paired with a wine and, when served, is by the selection of the chef. Literally translated from the French, it means "mouth amuser".
Chef Daniel Boulud and Tom Colicchio had both positive comments and constructive feedback for all contestants. In the end, it was Jesse who was slated for elimination. Jesse had been in the bottom three several times and this last challenge sealed her fate.
Star-Struck Cheftestants
Reeling from the the unpredictability of the Quickfire, the chefs found that the Elimination Challenge took on an incredulous nature of its own. The location of the challenge was tellingly overwhelming.
The theater for this challenge was the restaurant kitchen of Joel Robuchon in the MGM Grand. Several of the competing chefs commented, marveling in awe at the feats of this Chef of the Century. It was clear that the judging panel held Chef Robuchon in extremely high regard as well. The challenge was issued to the group. Half of the chefs would draw knives depicting a classic French protein, and the other half would draw knives bearing classic French sauces. They would then pair up and create a dish to be judged during the Elimination Challenge. To the surprise of all, Joel Robuchon himself would sit upon the panel of elite judges, which included Hubert Keller. To the amazement of Kevin, his special bonus was twofold: he would not compete during this challenge and he himself would be seated at the dining table among these esteemed chefs and legends.
Throughout the episode, Ashley appeared to be the most rattled of the group ; obviously thrown for a loop at each revelation and instruction. Working with Mattin, (a French chef who name-dropped the verbage to Robuchon at the table) Ashley appeared to have been in good hands; in a safe spot. After tasting and offering many positive comments and insightful observations, it was clear that the esteemed Joel Robuchon had selected his winner.
Jennifer and Mike V. were one of the top two teams slated to win the challenge. This team created a rabbit dish with a chasseur sauce. Bryan V. and Mike I. created a sous-vide trout dish, with a deconstructed bearnaise sauce. After questioning and many compliments issued by the judges, the winner of the Elimination Challenge was Bryan V. This Voltaggio brother won the honor of being personally invited by Chef Joel Robuchon to cook in his kitchen, a great and rare honor for any chef.
Pack Your Chiles and Go
Unfortunately for Ashley, her roller-coaster ride had not yet come to an end, as she found herself in one of the bottom two teams with Mattin. Appearing clearly shaken, yet keeping her wits about her, Ashley declined several opportunities to throw her partner under the bus for his obviously poor decisions in the execution of their dish. Ash and Hector listened to the judges criticism of the Chateaubriand Au Poivre that failed. Low internal temperature, cutting the meat before it had properly rested, a poor attempt at slicing for plating, and a rush to sauce the dish at the last minute left these two teammates with the short stack. The verdict was in, and Hector was elected to pack his knives and go.
Tune In To Top Chef Next Wednesday!
The next exciting episode of Top Chef Las Vegas can be seen on Bravo TV, 10/9 Central. Tune in for more high stakes in Sin City!
 |
