Quickfire: They have 30 mins to create a gastropub inspired dish with Sarsaparilla. They can pick 4 items one by one in order from the pile of ingredients and the winner gets $10K! The LCK winner headed back in is Joseph! He gets gets to steal 1 item from each of the other competitors pile- BURN! That is tough, I am glad this isn't sudden death!
Chris' Chicken Fried Steak looked BOMB! Joe's Chilled Soup looked alright, not my cup of tea. Joseph's Pork should be the best since he stole everything but he didn't get the char he wanted. Carrie got pretty screwed losing her protein but her idea is clever, but simple. Adrienne's Chicken looked pretty tasty!!!! Who missed????
Adrienne's Chicken didn't highlight the Sarsaparilla and Joseph's pork was a bit dry and no Sarsaparilla flavor.
On top are Chris' awesome steak, Joe's soup which was a perfect temp and Carrie's soup topper which was super creative! The winner of the $10K highlighted the Sarsaparilla best, and that is Carrie- again! DAMN!
Elimination Challenge- serve a high concept dish and the highest restaurant in the US. They must have a baked item on the plate. They get the rest of the day to experiment at altitude - this is a first! You'd also assume that before coming to the show, IN COLORADO, you'd read up a bunch on what it's like to cook at altitude. It's no joke! Haha- their test items remind me of my first cupcakes... that were more like bowls!
I love how dramatic the gondola ride is....
I feel bad for Padma- I read she had really bad altitude sickness. This is not the food I'd want to eat not feeling well.
Joseph is up first. He made a Buttermilk Braised Pork Loin with Pea Sorrel Puree, Pepper Jam & Goat Cheese Buttermilk Drop Biscuits. The judges liked his flavor and textures. He had a great balance of flavor.
Carrie made a Wagyu Ribeye with Foie Gras, Spring Vegetables & Honey Cornbread. Her dish is not cohesive, but has great flavor. Her cornbread is awesome- she totally nailed the baking element. Unfortunately when you say you will make Beef Wellington, it sets that expectation with the judges and they seem a bit let down.
Joe served a Roasted Duck with Spring Peas, Cherry Jam & Kombucha Cherry Puffs. The Duck was cooked perfect. The Cherry Puff was dry but everything else was exceptional.
Adrienne is so proud of her dish- and I am proud of her! Go girl! She made a Butter Poached Lobster with Mountain Bread, Champagne Beurre Blanc & Caviar. The judges love it. It's buttery and has nice acid. It's not exciting and pretty typical of fine dining, but it's done well.
Chris is last and there is a lot to live up to! He made a Crispy Black Pepper Quail with Corn Pudding, Butternut Squash, Maple & Bacon Cornbread. The dish is delicious, but the quail is overcooked at altitude.
They all did great- the judges seem to really be nitpicking.
3 favorites are Joe, Joseph and Adrienne, but the winner is Joe!
Carrie and Chris are on the bottom... sad for both. We really are at the end. Someone HAS to go home. I don't think anyone made any mistakes. The judges critique is all compliments! But in the end- Chris is packing his knives.
I was basically screaming during the QF, "Do not steal Carrie's protein!". Do not give Carrie a chance to be creative. IDIOTS. Have you learned nothing?
ReplyDeleteLove the Adrienne redemption (?) arc...finding her voice/cooking like a boss. I think she has the least chance of winning vs who is left but she's turned it on last few episodes.
Joe Sasto: Is your stoner ass too young to win or can you hold it together? I think Joe Sasto has the highest 'ceiling'. If everyone cooks their very best he will win. Probably won't happen.
Joe F - Very very solid. Great chance to win. I like Carrie and Joe S. better but this I won't be mad if Joe F wins this thing.
Carrie - Rooting for her outside the pool. I have loved her creativity.