Image Credit: David Giesbrecht/BravoFor all his “alpha male” talk, Kenny really is just a cuddly teddy bear. Whether he’s scrunched up in bed, pondering his low rank in last week’s episode or strutting around the house in his cozy bathrobe, he’s just a big lug.
Angelo, on the other hand, is as deceiving as they get. I mean how can you expect us to believe you’re actually sad to see Tamesha gone when you’re wearing neon green?
And that’s how the episode pretty much opened, because the only interesting aspect of this season is watching Kenny and Angelo duke it out. (Though I’m also rooting for Kevin to pull through.)
Kelly, meanwhile, was sad she was losing roommates left and right, but obviously not really because she doesn’t mess around in a competition. I mean, she doesn’t even share salt! After all the moping, we got on with the Quickfire, brought to you by the House’s youngest congressman, Aaron Schock of Illinois.
What does the youngest Congressman have to do with it? Nothing. Snooze. Except I imagine all the older reps either a) don’t want to be associated with reality TV or b) have never heard of Top Chef.
Our young Aaron explains that they’ll be cooking a gourmet meal presented in a bite-size way because in the real world of politics, chefs can’t woo candidates with lavish meals. Stephen tried to wax theoretically on this subject, but it made me all the more bored. Is it just me, or has his level of dorkiness gone up?
This bite-size challenge completely perplexed Angelo, who was still reeling from the talk of ethics, of which, as we’ve seen, he’s clearly a master.
That being said, during the Quickfire we did see that he’s quite the chopper. He may think it’s sexy; I think it looked spastic. Speaking of, Amanda was totally lost yet again, and Ed played around with a party umbrella toothpick. I thought this was supposed to be gourmet?
Of all the dishes at the Quickfire, Andrea’s was the one that left me salivating. Buttermilk fried chicken + cheddar + waffle = key to my heart. Possibly key to a heart attack as well.
Hers didn’t leave as much of an impression on Padma and Aaron as did Ed’s tuna confit-grilled tuna pairing, Alex’s scallops with bacon, and Kelly’s scallops with watermelon. With both Alex and Kelly’s scallops, there were flavor problems (his too much; hers not enough) and Ed’s tuna got the bimbo response — that it looked better than it tasted — not without a corny joke by Aaron, who commented on Ed’s Asian flavorings: “I like Asia without the long plane flight…that’s a nice touch.” Aaron Schock: Keeping politicians unfunny since 2008.
What Aaron did like was Kevin’s pork kebab (he thought about it all Quickfire long), Stephen’s scallop and beef (“wow, there’s a lot on this stick”), and Angelo’s cucumber cup with shrimp and cashew (fireworks in Aaron’s mouth). Our Congressman was full of all sorts of commentary. Do I smell the scent of a returning guest judge? God, let’s hope not.
Angelo won $20,000 and immunity, making his hateability numbers skyrocket. Kevin’s “pissed off” look alone shot him up about 10,000 points.
I particularly loved how Angelo admitted in his confessional interview that he was embarrassed by such an uncreative dish. Clearly he said that, taped after the Quickfire, to make it seem like he can rock even the simplest of dishes. Ding ding ding, the hateability numbers continue to soar.
Considering how frantic the Quickfire was, it was fitting that for their elimination challenge, the cheftestants had to make a power lunch for D.C.’s movers and shakers, who are apparently Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski of Morning Joe. Also Luke Russert, who was all about the quippy one-liners, like this gem about Kenny’s peppered lamb needing some greens: “Oscar for best actor. Supporting cast is not there.” Ha!
Each cheftestant drew a knife to select their protein, pre-determined by the Palm restaurant, where they were cooking. Amanda got porterhouse steak and decided to completely change it into filet and strip steak. Tiffany, meanwhile, loved the opportunity to bust out her favorite swordfish recipe.
But none of that mattered, because this episode was all about pea puree. Yes, the stuff Linda Blair probably vomited out in The Exorcist took center stage last night when Ed’s pea puree went missing. Alex allegedly took it (true) and claimed he didn’t even know Ed was doing a pea puree (false).
It was surprising how relatively unperturbed Ed seemed by the whole thing. Obviously, he didn’t have much time to throw spiteful glances Alex’s way lest he wanted to serve an empty plate to Art Smith, chef and owner of D.C.’s Art and Soul restaurant.
But what was most unnerving was Alex’s almost non-attitude about the incident. It’s been unscientifically proven that whenever you’re guilty, you sometimes overcompensate when claiming innocence, thus making you all the more culpable. Did Alex know my unsubstantiated theory when he played it off that much? If so, he’s even more diabolical than Angelo. A scary thought, but maybe true.
Even while waiting in the backroom of judges’ table, he was so nonchalant I wanted to throw the remote at him — or peas at him. Poor Ed. Would he be sent home for the lack of green mush?
No, he wouldn’t! The judges picked his slow butter-poached lobster ballotine as one of the top three dishes, along with Tiffany’s swordfish and Alex’s applewood smoked salmon with the infamous pea puree, which, by the way, didn’t make Mika feel gross.
But as luck and evil would have it, Alex took home the win — his dish joining The Palm’s menu and his face forever emblazoned on the restaurant’s wall. I’m not sure what’s worse: his lying or his science lab glasses. What do you think?
Tiffany proclaimed a non-verbal “nu-uh” after Alex’s win and the rest of the cheftestants looked equally horrified. When time came for the bottom three, each was there for sloppy mistakes. Kelly copped to oversalting, Kevin stood behind his lamb, and Andrea explained that she had never cooked swordfish. I’m pretty sure Amanda has never cooked with skill, but she seems to get by.
Since Kelly and Kevin are clearly more talented, Andrea was the obvious choice to go home and off she went to expand her knowledge of fish and the perils of “goopy” couscous.
Next week, Alex gets even more unlikeable, and we get a dose of international flavor when the cheftestants cook for ambassadors, joined by Top Chef Masters winner Marcus Samuelsson — in a fancy fedora no less!
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pea puree, yecch
the chick who cried cuz she put too much salt on her steak, guess that’s why producers picked her, not for cooking skills, but for emotional fits on camera
always good for ratings
and Padma’s breasts, my god, spectacular in 780 HD
again, always good for ratings
…
Yep, Padma’s breast feeding boobs look great! If Ed did bring the pea puree to the restaurant, then there’s no way it would just disappear. I’d like to know if he actually left it back in the TC kitchen. Otherwise, Alex totally stole the dish. When it came to the bottom 3, since Andrea had never won anything yet, I knew that she was a goner. Plus, it sounded like her whole dish was a failure while the other dishes merely had technical issues.
I think he DID leave it back in the kitchen — these things happen — and that they conveniently didn’t mention this to stoke the “villain of the week” silliness that this reviewer so stupidly buys into every time.
I don’t know…We never saw Alex preparing the puree, and another contestant pointed out there was no way Alex would have had the time to prepare it properly. No one mentioned “finding” the missing puree back in the kitchen, did they? I think Alex stole it and I hope he gets called out for it.
If he had left it back at the kitchen, I suspect there would have been some film of that, just as there should have been film of Alex making the puree. Read Tom Collichio’s blog and the commnents on the Bravo TV website for some insightful commentary. (Not from Tom, unfortunately).
I don’t think he left it, because one of the chefs said “my stuff was under the puree”
All you had to do was look at his face to know he did it. Little minute reactions, nervously darting eyes. What a little bitch.
Marci, I agree with you.It was Kenny that said Alex never would of had time to make the pea puree. I have no doubt he stole it & I also hope it comes to light. I was just thankful that Ed actually made it in the top 3.
Alex is a weasel and Needs to be gone! Unblievable that “his” dish will be on the Palm’s menu – let alone his “mug” on the wall – OY!
Ah, I see after last week’s episode, this one officially kicks off the traditional Top Chef self-destruction point in which a string of good chefs start (Tamesha, Andrea) start going over consistently mediocre ones (Stephen, Alex). And it was going so well at first.
Kind of disappointed in Bravo for inviting Aaron Schock on considering he’s spoken out against gay rights so much despite his allegedly closeted ways. This is a man who said he would literally burn a belt that people said made him look gay.
Well, the belt was teal, and immediate burning is the only fitting thing to do to a men’s teal belt…
I believe that Ed simply forgot to pack his puree and Alex did, in fact, make his own. If Alex were guilty of theft, the other chefs would have called him on it. It would have been the sort of tense, awkward moment that reality TV lives for…yet we didn’t see it. If anything close to an angry confrontation broke out, it would have been the crowning achievement of this season. Instead, all we got were some angry glances and a few annoyed interviews.
This season’s contestants seem to be the most back stabbing group of all. Who will throw Alex under the bus?? I look forward to that episode! And you’re telling me that Aaron Schock isn’t gay?? Wow…I thought my gaydar was pretty good and I had him nailed for being gay. Padma is really annoying this season…she’s an unlikable bitch. I thought motherhood would make her personality softer, less icy…nope, all motherhood did was add a few pounds to her frame and give guys like Del Taco a thrill when she is wearing a low cut top.
I agree! She was SO rude when dismissing Andrea after both Kelly and Kevin hugged her: “thank you, that will be all.” Wow, she is too much. Tom even seemed slightly embarrassed, giving Andrea back a silly wave. Too much.
Agree. Very schoolmarmish tone. It’s annoying.
I also agree – it seems like all of the judges this season are way harsh – I don’t know if the producers told them to do this or what.But Padma is very condescending & a Beyotch and even Tom, who I like has had some moments where I thought Oh, no, not you too. I also think that Alex stole the pea puree as they even showed Kenny saying there is no way Alex would of had time to make it. I hope Alex gets busted. He’s a weasel and needs to be gone. What a joke at The Palm Restaurant to have his “mug” on the wall + “his” recipe. Give me a break!
yes padma is so annoying and mean this season. i think thats why theyre giving gale her own show, shes more likeable
I wonder why Ed didn’t say any thing a Judge’s Table about Alex and the pea puree? Especially and mainly that puree helped Alex win.
I am glad he didn’t say anything. They always look like they are whining when they tell on someone. It will come out later without him saying anything at judge’s table. Also, I hate it when they don’t show us someone stealing something on these shows. You know that if he stole it, they have footage of it.
I’m not sure that’s true in this case. Especially when they go into other kitchens, they don’t have the room for the camera crews to get around and see every area. I think in this case there’s absolutely the possibility that Alex took the puree and they didn’t get it on film. Plus he’s been creeping me out since day one, so I wouldn’t put it past him.
That is exactly what we said last night after watching the show. The have at least half a dozen cameras back there. If they have footage of the steal or footage of him blending new peas they should have cleared it up. I guess they are saving it for the reunion show. Also Tom was in the kitchen for a good part of it. How did he not hear the rumor and bring it up at the JT?
They did show him steal it out of the cooler. And then the other chefs talked about how there was no way he could make such a puree there on the spot. And Alex himself said before they got there he didnt know what he was going to do, so maybe he would do a pea puree.
Wow, he really DID steal it?!? I was left feeling certain he stole the idea, but couldn’t believe he really stole the puree. That unconscionable!
If Alex really stole it, something should have been said to the judges – either at Judge’s table or in a more subtle way. Tom Coliccio (sp?) was IN the kitchen while they cooked!
I don’t think they did show him taking it. He was just walking around with a container of goo. But they didn’t show him making it either….
Wasn’t chef Tom in the kitchen the whole time? Didn’t he know that Alex stole the pea puree? Why didn’t he say anything?
I just read Tom’s blog on Bravo’s site. Apparently, he had no idea there was anything going on. He isn’t sure whether the pea puree was stolen or not, but wonders why the producers didn’t clue the judges in as to what was going on. He said they would have liked to know. He seems resigned to the fact that no one will ever really know the truth.
The fact that the judges did not know about the possible stolen peas leads me to believe that they were not stolen and the producers knew it. This was just more fake drama only this could seriously effect a man’s reputation.
@Sookie – I was thinking the opposite. At first I thought for sure he didn’t steal it, but if he didn’t it seems someone would’ve found the missing puree at some point, and I’m sure Tom would have mentioned that on his Blog. But, maybe it got thrown out by the cleanup crew, so I guess we’ll never really know….
Didn’t Alex and Ed have the same protein? I think Alex must have stolen it because he DID know that Ed had made the puree and he wouldn’t want to serve the same meal by making his own pea puree and going against Ed’s. (Does that even make sense? It does in my head.)
@epz – very good point. Having the same protein and both making a pea puree would have seemed very odd. Alex must have stolen it. Maybe he changed it just enough that he was able to justify it in his head.
is he going to ask ed for the recipe for the puree so the dish can be put on the menu?
lol. Good one Michelle!!
I was thinking that too. When they make the dish and the puree doesn’t taste quite right, then the truth will come out.
Also, Tom was in the kitchen while Ed was searching for the peas. But he never brought up at Judge’s Table that Alex’s winning dish had that exact same component.
On Tom Colichio’s blog on bravotv, he says the judges were totally unaware of the pea puree scandal until they saw the episode and even said that he was surprised that producers didn’t break with protocol to alert the judges because they would have investigated.
I hope you didn’t buy that! Tom was in the kitchen. Do you recall when Kelli asked Amanda for the time? The clock was right in front of her yet she claimed she couldn’t see it. Tom immediately gave Kelly the time and Amanda stood there looking stupid. Ed ran past Tom several times looking for the puree. Tom was also there to witness Alex plating his dish. Sorry, but Tom is losing some of his credibility. He also made excuses for Angelo during the lunchtime challenge. He knew Angelo was trying to sabotage his team yeat Tom called it sportsmanship.
Tom wasn’t there the entire time they were cooking though. So he would have no idea if both of them had independently come up with the idea for a pea puree or not.
@warped, I see your point.
@warped- But Tom was there when Ed looking for his peas, and minutes later he’s eating pea puree coincidentally on someone else’s plate. Since that was the most praised element of the winning dish, you’d think it might’ve raised a red flag in his thoughts enough to at least inquire about it.
The Judges should have been alerted to the possibility of theft. The Producers are at serious fault. Stealing and other destructive/bad behavior on the set and in the living quarter can change the course of the show.
The component the Judges liked BEST in Alex’s dish was the pea puree. On that basis he edged out the other top three folks and won the prize and a permanent place on the wall of that restaurant. Now that Tom knows about the incident, he should have staff look through those tapes and take that award away from Alex if they find proof of theft and criminal behavior. On the other hand, if the Producers have such proof on film, they would probably have run it during the show. Instead, they ran the clip showing the Alex knew Ed was doing a Pea Puree (which Alex later denied), and the clip of a fellow contestant saying Alex would not have had time to make a puree at the restaurant kitchen.
No doubt that Tom is fine-toothing things now…
I read at the Top Chef blog a comment suggesting that the Top Chef producers review the grocery receipts, to see if Alex even bought peas.
it wouldn’t matter because if tom c. is saying they had no idea until they watched the epi than alex stays on. they have footage of what happened. if alex didn’t take it, it’s messed up of bravo to make him look like a thief. the same goes for tiffany and ed’s friendship. there is innuendo going on that it may be more than a friendship. if it truly isn’t morethan that, again, that’s messed up of bravo make tiffany look like a cheater.
Fatima what does gay rights have to do with cooking? If someone was for gay rights and not invited to be on the show would you be angry? What is the difference? Do you really think everyone thinks the same in this country?
The look on Alex’s face when he was told he won was clearly shame. The best part about it is he will have to give the recipe up in order to have it on the menu … wait does he know the recipe?
I really hate people who cheat .. and think that everyone thinks the same way they do.
ALl the other chefs believe ALex stole the puree. As Kenny pointed out, the night before, Alex had no idea at all what he was going to make. And what is with Stephen’s ridiculous confidence in the “confessional”? The guy is always talking how great his dish is but he’s always in the middle or the bottom.
And while I get all the hating on Angelo, but why does Kenny always seem to get a pass? He’s just as big a dick. And Kevin is fast moving up in those rankings and he’s nowhere near as talented as Angelo or Kenny. He’s been in the bottom a number of times.
Kenny may be arrogant, but Angelo is slimy. He smoozed up to Tamesha and his advice probably helped to get her eliminated. The other chefs were suspicious that he was manipulating Tamesha for a while before she was sent home.
Washington DC was a horrible place to host Top Chef. Politicians – ick. Having to watch that blow-hard Morning Joe was nausea inducing. Alex is just creepy and the last person I’d want staring out at me from a restaurant wall. And they could have found out one way or the other if he cheated. Don’t these idiot think about how their behavior will affect their businesses? Hope next season is better.
I agree. DC was a mistake. Good restuarants, but boring people and oh-so-many polito-puns. ENOUGH ALREADY.
Gee, I wonder what city would have been better… Top Chef Albany? they’ve done all of the main cities… where the hell else were they going to go? Get over it.
“They’ve done all of the main cities”? There are plenty of cities in America that have a distinct cuisine and an interesting atmosphere. Seattle, Atlanta, Boston? I’d be happy to see a season in any of these cities.
I’m with Alice, and the posters who think DC is a bomb. Boston would be great — or how about Paris? Rome? GeeMoney, you’re an idiot.
Would Seattle be a great city? Reality shows don’t go over well in Seattle, Seattlites are snobby. The Foodies are snobby but the local produces and fish is amazing. Portland Oregon would be better. They have amazing food, without all the ego’s. My Vote is for Top Chef Portland and I will make sure my husband is on it.
@GeeMoney – As an Albany native I have to say… Good one!
But they have not run out of major cities. Atlanta would be good, New Orleans (and yes, I know there was a finale there), Denver… I could keep going – personally, I think it’s time for a Southern city to host TC.
How about Philly. Philly is a great town with great restaurants. Also, we have an Iron Chef (Jose Garces) who owns and runs several restaurants here. Proximity to Atlantic City is also a plus.
umm…I suppose Detroit is out of the question? Soul food, anyone?
Top Chef Atlanta. Bravo needs to show some high-quality chefs from Atlanta then hopefully the nation can see the majority of Atlantans bear no resemblence the skanks on “Real Housewives.” Oh yeah Atlanta has great restaurants/chefs too.
@MMM-Three of the chefs from what was most likely the most talented bunch, Top Chef Las Vegas, were from Atlanta.
Ooh, I like the New Orleans suggestion. Or how about Dallas?
There are so many “food” cities they haven’t touched. New Orleans leaps to mind. I live in Philly, and we’re a hardcore food town. Kansas City might be interesting. They could go to Canada — Montreal would be fascinating. And on and on…
I’m in Philly to Jelana. I want to see Top Chef here too!
How about, uh, NYC where it belongs? They’ve done all the main cities? Really? Every main city in the entire world? How about move it out of the US, bonehead?
Wow, I didn’t know Montreal was in the US. You learn something new every day.
My season was held in NYC.
I agree 100%, DC is a total bomb. As if because a dish has to be served on a toothpick votes can’t be bought…laughable. The sight of these pompus, elitist, corrupt DC insiders living it up on either tax payers money or while being bribed is sickening. Watching votes get bought at 4 star restaurants during a recession is NOT good TV.
Has anyone confirmed that this toothpick stuff is even true? I used to work for a lobbyist and I’ve never heard of it. There are dollar limits on what you can give staffers, but the toothpick thing seems off to me.
The toothpick rule is real. It went into effect in the end of 2007.
There is a rule of no meals over a very very small dollar amoutn. Then there is the “reception exception”. No need for an actual toothpick, but if you hold a reception and bascially pass food and offer lots of nice liquor, you’re fine. Seve them itty bitty filet mignon or lobster while they are standing and top shelf liqour and lobby ‘em all you want.
Note to Producers: Find LeAnn, offer her a ton of $$ and get this show back to where it belongs.
DC is not the problem!! There is SO MUCH MORE to the DC area than politics, but that is all that the producers have chosen to focus on. The DC area has farms, farmer’s markets, wineries, excellent restaurants, culinary institutes, and tons of wonderful and interesting people who have nothing to do with government or politics. Bravo really blew it.
I couldn’t agree with you more. I live here and have NEVER worked for the government. There are so many interesting large ethnic groups and restaurants (such as Ethiopian and Vietnamese and Thai) and international events such as the Smithsonian Foklife Festival, which always takes 2 different int’l themes – that they could riff on for weeks.
I was so hoping that crybaby Kelly would go home.
Just a quick question: Is Luke Russert Tim Russert’s son?
Yes, he is Tim Russert’s son.
Yes, Luke = Tim’s son.
So did Alex steal the pea puree or not? Why should this even be a question, given the number of cameras in that kitchen? If he wasn’t filmed either stealing Ed’s peas or making the puree on his own, then Bravo shouldn’t be making a reckless charge like that. And if the footage does exist, then show us!
Maybe they will clear it up on the next show..no way they keep referring to those peas without some footage or explanation..
Yes, that’s Tim’s son and he does one heck of a job as the MSNBC congressional correspondent. He just was in the middle of a controversy which he asked a congressman a great question and the congressman couldn’t take it and tried to slam him but the congressman apologized the next day. It was awesome to see Luke following his daddy’s footsteps and doing a great job of it.
As for being in DC, if you cannot have fun there (I’m not from there but have a lot of friends who live in the DC/Maryland area) then your the one who’s boring. There are so many hot spots down there for professionals and not necessarily for politicos either because I don’t hang around politicos unless I’m at an affair.
But I digress. Top Chef is really good this season. Alex is a jerk and he’s going to get his one day. I think Ed’s peas were stolen and I cannot wait to see the footage. Just plain mean.
yes he is Tim Russert’s son. he began doing commentary before Tim died during the presidential campaign on MSNBC and still does reports. I think his father would be very proud.
Darn, Andrea was one of my Favs
I couldn’t stand Andrea, what does she mean she didn’t need some judges to tell her her food was good? Umm, this is Top Chef, you chose to come on the show. She was snarky and needed a facial. She looks like she use to box with her face – with that terrible hair. Bye Andrea – Bye!
i agree dani. i know it is super shallow, but that glob of hair hanging down was gross and her face was always in a snarl.
I didn’t mind Andrea, but I’ve just gotta ask – Would anybody be real anxious to taste Vanilla Mustard Sauce???
She did say her restaurant wasn’t doing well….
Angelo seemed less cocky this episode even with his quickfire win. Why are Steven and Amanda still there? Didn’t understand Andrea’s comment about Tiffany’s fiance. I was so upset for Ed. Kevin is getting on my nerves now and Alex always had a creepiness (sp) about him. Especially after the “speed ball, hooker” comment. This season just makes me sad.
I agree- my mom & I both say that Alex looks like a pedophile. I half expect to see him riding around in a van offering candy to small children.
But yeah- I think he stole the peas.
Ugh. Andrea is terrible. Every week she seems to get more unlikeable, which probably means she’ll make it to the finale.
That would be quite an accomplishment since she was eliminated in the last episode. Maybe you mean Amanda.
Speaking of the finals, it now seems wide open. Kenny and Angelo are not dominating the way it seemed they would at first. Despite Pea-gate, Ed is coming on strong and Tiffany did well last night.
I meant Amanda. Wow. I’m dumb today.
But, not as dumb as Amanda.
I wasn’t watching too closely during the prep time: Are we certain Alex took the pea puree? It sure seemed like he did (and his confessional saying something about him planning to make a pea puree would have been taped after), but was it ever shown on camera that he did in fact take it?
They neither showed him making the puree or taking it. They just showed him stirring it in a pan, reheating it I’m guessing. Just from watching the show last night he totally took the puree.
This is the fault of the Top Chef producers. They could resolve the issue very easily with the video. They are either shielding a thief or framing an innocent chef. Chef Tom can’t be too observant if he didn’t pick-up on the pea puree issue. The producers DO NOT have very high characters
I’m pulling for Angelo. Kenny is a good chef but his whining about Angelo has gotten old. If Kenny fogets about Angelo and cooks for himself he would do much better.
Me, too!!! Partly because I won’t be manipulated into hating the producers’ designated villain. But also because Kenny’s self-inflating cr@p about being the “beast in the kitchen” whom everyone fears is seeming ridiculous given that the judges have not been nearly as impressed with him lately as he is with himself.
word.