Episode 14: Finale

Alright- this is it, Joseph vs Adrienne! Who would have thought... I am cheering for both- I want Joseph because he's on my team, but I want another woman to win so I'd be happy to see Adrienne take it. I've thought Joseph was a better chef this whole season, but Adrienne has finally figured out her strengths and passion and is a powerhouse now!

Finale is as expected- cook the best 4 course meal of your life- side by side, dish by dish. They get to pick some sous chefs! (SIDE NOTE: I mentioned this to Doug and Bri but didn't get the chance to run this by others. I was thinking that if your eliminated chef is chosen to help the finalist cook, you should get some points, maybe 2? We can wait to implement till next season, or do it now. Let me know what you think!)

Adrienne gets to pick sous chefs firsts - she takes Chris (GREAT choice for Southern food) and Carrie- good team! She's keeping her soulful, southern, but elevated trend, which is really working for her!

Joseph takes Joe first and Fatima second- also a good team! He's going Italian - and he's feeling pretty great about it!

Like I said before- I LOVE the bonding these chefs have done and the love and respect they all have for each-other. Maybe there has been a shift in the restaurant world- chefs are seeing that you attract more flies with honey, and that treating people well and with respect helps you in the long run. Love!

They're still cooking at elevation... 11,000 ft which isn't easy, there are all sorts of weird things that happen to food at altitude. They don't have much time to practice either- nerve wracking! I just want them to be able to execute! If it were me- I would NOT bake!!!! No-Bake Cheesecake FTW!

Surprise!!!! Graham and Tom are cooking for the chefs when they get back! Nice little flip- and the food looks awesome!

First Course:
A: Spoon Bread, Sea Urchin, Buttermilk Dashi, Ham, Caviar & Wheat Tuile- It's delicious and provocative. It was sensual and had a flavor combination that no one has ever experienced. Padma said it was the best thing she ate all season.

J: "Tonno Vitellato" Raw Tuna with Veal Demi Aioli, Smoked Wagyu Powder & Capers- They love the acidity and the fat powder was creative. It was clean and simple, but not new. Very playful and balanced.

I THINK Adrienne takes the dish?

Second Course:
A: Blackened Octopus with Squid Ink Grits & Fennel Chow-Chow- It's beautiful and super tasty, but eats dry, could use more grits! It was such a great idea!

J: "Tortellini Brodo" Grano Arso Tortellini, Pig Head, Apple, Black Truffle & Braising Liquid Broth- It's "damn" amazing! They LOVED it. Gail will never forget this dish, it was perfect.

I THINK Joseph takes the dish?

Third Course:
A: Cheerwine Braised Short Rib, Black Eyed Peas with Ham Hock & Cheerwine Bone Marrow Bordelaise- YUM it looks so good! It all goes together very well, but it was a bit dry.

J: "Manzo Di Colorado" Roasted Beef Ribeye with Roasted Asparagus & Smoked Bone Marrow Sauce- The meat is over-rested and chewy, but the Asparagus is "magic!"

I can't tell who took this one- DAMN they are both crushing it!!!!

Fourth Course:
A: Banana Pudding with Yuzu, Banana Spears & Vanilla Wafers- Very good and intellectual, whatever that means. The banana flavor was a bit washed out.

J: "Torta Della Nonna" Brown Sugar cake, Whipped Ricotta, Blueberry Thyme Sauce & Chocolate Shards- YUMMY! The cake was great and had good flavor, but the Ricotta was heavy.

They were nit-picking for issues- they both did great and I have NO idea who took this one!

Best food of the whole season was served today! The judges have their work cut-out for them picking a winner! Both chefs have grown so much this season but there can only be one Top Chef, and it's Joseph Flamm!!! I am happy and sad, Adrienne is such a good chef, but Joseph did a great job! LCK picks the winner AGAIN!

Excited to see the the reunion show and see what everyone is up to now! Also- should Fan Favorite earn points? Thoughts? 

Episode 15- Finale!

Here we go!!!! With a multi-course meal made by Tom! Lucky Ducks! We need to all go to Craft!!!

Jeremy has been strong all season and is easily the favorite to win. But Amar has a point about his nerves, the challenges that he's been nervous about, he has fallen apart... but when he's on, he is unstoppable!

Amar started as a Dreg but has proved that he takes risks and personally cooks the type of food I like. He's not afraid of no-nonsense flavor and has the background and the technical skills. He can sometimes makes bad choices so we will see how he holds up. 

I really feel like it's anyone's game! This is a great match-up!

They each get to choose their sous chefs and Amar picks Kwame and Marjorie; Jeremy picks Carl and Angelina. 

Challenge is to create a 4 course meal highlighting 4 specific ingredients served head-to-head at Craft. They even get their mentors to help as sous chefs as well- what a twist!! Awkward situation with Amar and Charlie Palmer! I hope it doesn't throw him off having him there. 

Amar:
Seared Tuna Tataki, Habanero Coconut Dressing, Compressed Pineapple, and Toasted Peanuts

Sea Urchin Risotto with Butter-Poached Lobster, Finger Limes, Jicama and Shellfish Froth

Harissa-Rubbed Rack of Lamb with Braised Lamb Pastilla, Date Ginger Puree, and Yogurt

Coconut Financier, Mango Sorbet, Passion Fruit Curd, Tropical Fruit Salad, and Brûlée Meringue

Jeremy:
Foie Gras Two Ways with Chili, Passion Fruit and Marshmallows

Slow-Cooked Branzini, Herbal Lime Vinaigrette, Squash, and Tomatoes 

Duck with Roasted Maitake Mushrooms, Smoked Chili, Buttermilk, and Lemon

Ricotta and Mozzarella Cheese Cylinder with Spiced Fig Jam, Pumpernickel Toast, and Honey

They both did AMAZING. I wish I could have been in that room! Damn! 

*Side Note* Gale's dress was like, backless and she clearly did not have on a traditional bra- how the hell does she keep the puppies in the pen!?!

And the winner is Jeremy. He did a great job, but I actually thought Amar executed better. Overall Jeremy probably is the better chef, but I would eat at Amar's any day!!!

Congrats to le'Chefre!

FINALE- Mano a Mano

This is it! Greg and Mei in the Finale! They get to take a Hot Air Balloon ride over Mexico which must have been so cool! Shocked they were able to land near Tom and Padma!

Both of these chefs have been through a lot personally to get to this place and they are both very talented- but only one can win the $125K (which as I said last season is NOT a lot of money considering these people have actual talent)

They get 2 Sous Chefs each- Greg picks Dougie and George, and Mei picks Melissa and Rebecca (she is a pastry chef- SMART). Men vs. Women!

Mei gets to serve first, Greg second. They are cooking for some of the best chefs in the world- no pressure. Mei is staying very true to herself with her menu, and Greg is going a bit out of his comfort zone. 

Mei's Dinner:
First Course Dish: Octopus With Fish Sauce Vinaigrette, Avocado-Coconut Purée and Herbs (A little overcooked but they really liked it)

Second Course Dish: Congee With Carnitas, Scallion Purée, Hot Sauce, Peanuts and Egg Yolk (Everyone was really excited for this combo, it was balanced, flavorful and true to who she is)

Third Course Dish: Duck With Braised Lettuce, Kimchi Jicama and Huitlacoche (texture and balance are questioned, but again, everyone liked it)

Fourth Course Dish: Strawberry Lime Curd With Toasted Yogurt, Milk Crumble and Yogurt-Lime Ice (Huge risk doing dessert- "spectacular", "best dessert I've ever had on Top Chef" says Tom)

I think Mei started a little rocky but got stronger as the dishes progressed to a killer dessert. ALWAYS end on a dessert- that is my opinion!


Greg's Dinner:
First Course Dish: Grilled Octopus With Prickly Pear, Xoconostle, Passion Fruit and Cashew Milk (Loved the way it looked, and tasted. Sublime powerhouse)

 Second Course Dish: Shrimp Broth With Green Chorizo, Pickled Nopales and Crispy Shrimp Heads (Felt like a Gumbo, not a fan of the shrimp shells though)

Third Course Dish: Striped Bass With Roasted Carrots, Radish, Pineapple and Tomatillo (Too sweet with the carrot sauce and overall the dish just didn't work)

Fourth Course Dish: Red Mole With Short Ribs and Agave Sweet Potato (Loved the Mole and the beef was perfect)

Weird Greg didn't come closer to the judges to explain his dishes. He ended on a high note, but no dessert.

And the winner is... MEI! Yay Women chefs! This also mean that le'Chefre wins again this season! Congrats!

And the winner is...

PAUL!

I guess I have to congratulate JeffCo Cartel on their strong finish! Truth be told, I think Sarah had a better overall meal, but there is no doubt Paul brought it all season.

This was a great finale with some fantasic food! Sarah's Pasta and Dessert!!!! MMMMMMMM I will dream of hazelnet cake!

This season started off a bit slow but had a great finish! What do you think?

FINALE!!!!

Sneak Peeks:
Down to Two
Picking Sous Chefs Blindfolded


So the plan on Wednesday is to come over to my place around 7-7:30! Every couple or team needs to bring something to munch on and a bottle of wine, or some kind of beverage if you want to get creative!


Based on points and available points this is a winner takes all situation, should be quite the showdown!!!! Let me know if you have any questions!!! See you Wednesday!


(Let me know if you need anything for your dish, stove, oven, whatever)