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December 6, 2006: The Most Challenging Challenge
Was it Opposite Day on Top Chef or what? Sam, Cliff and Frank ending up in the Bottom 3? What gives? I did enjoy seeing the women in the Top 3, even though Elia continues to bug; but she's turning into quite the contender. Mia, Betty and Frank ended up in both the Bottom and the Top 3 during the episode. Luckily for Betty and Mia, their success happened in the elimination challenge. However, in my opinion, Frank was toast the minute he said that he was "on a roll," and I believe he uttered those words a minute into the show. It's like when Carlos said that he was A-OK with being in the middle, the middle was safe. I'm sorry, but when you're in the Bottom 3 with Cliff and Sam, just call it a day. There was no way those two were going home. At least one or both of those guys has a good chance of being in the finals. I had no problem with Frank going; I can't believe he's gone before Michael, but I had no problem with him getting eliminated.
I also enjoyed that in the middle of these high-pressure challenges, we got a serious dose of the laid-back beach vibe. The chefs cooked for surfers; the guest judge was a chef and a surfer (he was so nice and didn't have anything really horrible to say); Padma, Michael and Marcel had their best Spicoli voices going on at various points during the elimination challenge; and Tom Colicchio on the beach in those shades, need I say more? Mike was hilarious when he was talking about Marcel mackin' on the 14-year-olds. I've gotta admit that Marcel trying to talk the same language as the surfers smacked of the unpopular kid trying to fit in with the cool kids, and it just wasn't working.
The Quickfire: Create a mouth-watering entree in 30 minutes, without cooking any of it.
Winner: Marcel
Guest Judge: Raphael Lunetta
Ilan had a problem with Marcel's watermelon steak — I kind of did, too. I thought it was innovative and the presentation was great, but didn't think that it would go over as well as some of the other dishes. Obviously, I didn't get to taste any of the dishes, but I really thought Elia's ahi tuna concoction looked right up my alley. I have to say, though, I liked anyone who didn't try creating a salad for this challenge. That seemed too easy to me — so sorry, Mia. I did dig the confessional insults between Mike and Frank: Mike said he hoped Frank would go home, and Frank felt Mike was a hack. Looks like Mike had the last laugh. And Marcel needed this win, but did he have to do the elimination dance?
The Elimination: Cook a breakfast for some mystery athletes.
The Catch: They find out what kitchen equipment is available only when they get to their destination.
Winner: Elia
Well, I had really hoped that Mia the barbecueologist would have pulled out the win here, especially since her Mama Mia's crab cakes benedict in a mango cream sauce was the surfers' favorite dish. I thought that would have counted for something. Elia's dish looked awesome, too, so I can see why she won. I was just hoping that the judges would recognize Mia's dish. This challenge started, and you literally saw that the women had everything under control. Meanwhile, the men were a bit flustered, even the usually unflustered Sam and Cliff. Mike forgot his eggs but was able rely on the kindness of his competitors, starting with Betty. He's one lucky dude — he would have been gone had he not gotten eggs from them. Gail was on the warpath about rubbery, brown or burnt charred eggs, wasn't she? I mean, I totally agree with her, but she wouldn't give that up. And I loved Tom's explanation for why Sam, Cliff and Frank were in the bottom 3: They couldn't recover with style. Again, it was clear from almost the beginning that Frank was the one that was going to go. The judges said Sam's flavors were there, but the execution, not so much. They all said that Cliff's dish was good, just sloppy in presentation. Why would Frank choose to make a quiche when the Quickfire was all about cooking with limitations, e.g., sans heat? I don't get it. Sometimes you have to stop being all pretentious about your dishes and recognize the art of simplicity.
Topics to Discuss:
— Marcel's elimination dance: Cute or cocky?
— Were you shocked by who was in the Bottom 3?
— Does Elia have what it takes to win the entire thing?
— Gaining Strength: Elia
— Mixed Results: Betty
— Did what he had to do: Marcel
— Needs to get his act together: Michael
— No need to worry just yet: Cliff and Sam
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Dec 7, 2006 9:12 AM
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I agree with your comments. But I have to ask, what was up with Sam, bringing up that Elia had used frozen waffles? I felt like he was trying to trash her, but it was too late, she had already won the challenge. When you add that comment to his wimpy "somebody cheated, but I'm not saying who" comment from a few weeks ago, Sam has lost some serious cool points with me.
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Dec 7, 2006 9:46 AM
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I totally agree about Sam. I noticed that right away, and I didn't like that he feels he has to trash somebody else every time he is under the gun. He is a good chef but I wonder how he will start to act as there are fewer and fewer chefs left, and things get tougher.
I don't know why Mia didn't win, she should have.
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Dec 7, 2006 10:02 AM
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I almost wished that no one had given Mike the eggs, because he would have been a goner for sure, and either Sam or Cliff could have avoided the dreaded bottom 3. By the end of the challenge, I knew they were both going on the chopping block & I was holding my breath about who would join them there. I was so glad when Frank's name was called. I won't miss Frank or his Tony Soprano threats at all.
As far as my top 2 - Sam & Cliff - being in the bottom 3, I think that Sam, although delicious to look at, has a slimy streak in him. First, tattling on Betty earlier in the season, instigating a fight between Frank & Marcel, and now whining about the conditions of the challenge. Everyone else had the same challenges, but Sam, you just choked (on your gray eggs). Own up to that. At least Cliff acknowledged that he did a terrible job in presentation. He was absolutely mortified that he had sand in his food. He knows, the judges know, and we know he is a good chef. Any other plating (minus the sand), and he would have been spared the bottom 3. Liking Sam less & less, but still loving Cliff, despite the sandy eggs.
Marcel...leave uncoordinated, goofy, reality tv dancing to Jerry Springer & icky attempts at flirting with minors to Dateline.
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Dec 7, 2006 10:24 AM
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Topic to Discuss:
—Marcel's elimination dance: cute or cocky?
—Were you shocked by who was in the Bottom 3?
—Does Elia have what it takes to win the entire thing?
I thought the dance was cute, Marcel is growing on me. I really liked the watermelon steak idea, it was innovative and looked yummy.
I was only shocked that Mike skated by again. I think the 3 that were in the bottom this week were def. the worst of the week, but overall Cliff & Sam have been brilliant. I hate when people like Mike make it longer than people who have real talent.
I wouldn't be surprised if Elia took the whole thing, but I would be done with the show. Personally, I feel like this season the challenges have been ridiculous. I want to see the chefs making inventive, appetizing dishes. I could care less if they are given all the ingredients and cooking utensils, I just want to see them actually cook! The whole idea of cooking on the beach over an open flame (and not being told in advance) is ludicrous. Sorry, but at no time in his life does Top Chef Tom have to go into a situation like that.
I still watch the show, but this season has definately lost something for me. If Sam & Cliff both get kicked off before the finals I'll be long done watching this show.
And while I'm on my little rant here, what was with the outfit Padme was wearing on the beach?? She actually makes me miss Mrs. Billy Joel!
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Dec 7, 2006 10:26 AM
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I was ready for Frank to leave last week. His over the top reaction to someone moving his crap was too much, especially when he was the one being the pig and leaving it strewn about. What Ilan said about Marcel being more concerned about the method of cooking than the taste is very true of Frank. He's more concerned with the presentation than the taste (Hello-remember mushroom fantasyland???!!!).
I loved it that Sam was in the bottom again. No matter how much he'd like to believe he's "not that guy" that trashes other people and tattles, he IS that guy. He keeps proving it over and over! He is getting way to smug for me. He's innovative and talented but he's clearly not adaptable. Both Cliff and Sam do great when the challenge is easy but fail badly when its difficult. They need to step it up or plan on moving out.
I'm also sick of Mia and Betty. I was actually sorry to see them in the top three. Betty's disdain for everyone else is clearly obvious and its old now. I'm really tired of her hatred of Marcel...we get it, you don't like him Betty, now move on and be a professional!!!
I was glad to see Elia win. I may try her breakfast conconction. Sounds really good. She took the idea of cooking with limitations seriously and the frozen waffles gave her a clear leg up on the competition.
Wish we'd have seen some feedback from the judges on Marcel's and Ilan's dishes. Michael's ability to hang in there amazes me though. He's not going to make it much farther, that's clear, but he's still around for now so you've got to appreciate his tenacity.
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Dec 7, 2006 10:39 AM
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I think both Sam and Cliff should have been sent home. I can't stand both of them. I would not go to the restaurants where these two are chefs.
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Dec 7, 2006 10:52 AM
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I had to turn away when Marcil was dancing.
I don't think Betty should have given eggs to Michael. Didn't he have the opportunity to purchase them at the store and decided against it?
Good recap.
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Dec 7, 2006 11:35 AM
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"I don't think Betty should have given eggs to Michael. Didn't he have the opportunity to purchase them at the store and decided against it?"
No, he forgot to pack them. Something similar happened to one of the teams in Season Two -- I think when they were doing street food in NYC.
I don't see anything wrong with Elia choosing to use the frozen waffles. The challenge was about limitations, and when you're uncertain about having the proper equipment it was a smart move to make when planning her menu. There's no way she would have been able to properly cook waffles from scratch out there on the beach with no electricity for a waffle iron, plus you need a controllable heat source and even temperatures to get nice results. Yeah, I know, I watch too much of Alton Brown on Good Eats.
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Dec 7, 2006 12:33 PM
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At first I did not like Marcel. Now, I think people pick on him just because they think no one else will mind. What was with all that attitude Mia gave him over her spot on the grill? I don't like his food but cut the guy some slack.
I was not a big fan of Elia either but have bee enjoying her more and more. Not sorry to see Frank go and can't believe Mike is still around. I find Betty annoying and I agree with other's regarding Sam's tattle-tale ways. All in all, Ilan is my favorite.
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Dec 7, 2006 1:29 PM
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Since I didn't watch last season, I cannot compare, but I would like to see the teams cook something in a regular kitchen with normal food and no limitations. To see what they can really come up with would be nice!
This challenge saw some of the best in the bottom and I was hoping it would be Frank to go home - thankfully it was. He bugged me, especially after his freak out on Marcel with the toothbrushes.
Elia has totally turned around. She went from chocolate weirdo to doing a great job. She has the talent and I like her attitude that is straight forward and take no sh*t.
I actually really like Mia and hope she sticks around - her comfort food take is a nice change from most of the others high-end fare.
Betty impressed me at first, but now she's wearing on me. I think she and Michael should be the next two to go.
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Dec 7, 2006 1:41 PM
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row4d - I LOVE Alton Brown. He's just so much fun... and you learn something! I especially love him on Iron Chef America.
My only gripe this week? I don't think that anyone should have been allowed to share products (ie: Betty (and possibly Sam?) giving Michael eggs when he'd forgotten his own). This is a competition. Say this was Project Runway and one of the designers forgot to bring their shoes. Do you think they'd be allowed to borrow shoes from another designer? Do you think another designer would lend out shoes? Tim Gunn would say, "Make it work" and that would be it.
As cordial as it was for people to help others, I think it was wrong from a competition stand point. Why should someone make a huge mistake like that and then benefit from it? It wasn't fair to Frank. Without that charitable donation, Mike would have almost surely gone home. And I'm not favoring Frank at all (I don't really care for him, to be honest), but I'm favoring fair play.
Let's ask this.... if it were Marcel that had forgotten a key component to his dish (especially if he did not have immunity), do you think anyone (other than maybe Elia) would have helped him out?
/rant over 
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Dec 7, 2006 1:54 PM
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"My only gripe this week? I don't think that anyone should have been allowed to share products (ie: Betty (and possibly Sam?) giving Michael eggs when he'd forgotten his own). This is a competition. Say this was Project Runway and one of the designers forgot to bring their shoes. Do you think they'd be allowed to borrow shoes from another designer? Do you think another designer would lend out shoes? Tim Gunn would say, "Make it work" and that would be it. "
Actually, this is not the case. In Season 2 on PR, Daniel V. bought dark brown jersey, thinking it was black. He asked three other designers who had the black material to share with him, and one, Kara Janx, said she would try to do so, before his ingenuity kicked in and he designed a slammin' print sheath dress without the black fabric. In Season 3 a similar lend-out actually took place. Just because it is a competition doesn't mean it has to be cut-throat competition. Sportsmanlike behavior is always good form (even if it began with Betty, who is fast becoming my pet peeve).
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Dec 7, 2006 4:26 PM
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Shouldn't Marcel have done the "non-elimination" dance?
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Dec 7, 2006 5:00 PM
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I think this was one of the best shows of the season. Instead of sending them to shop at vending machines and in ill-equipped markets where they have to get their queso fresco at the salad bar, the chefs had the opportunity to shop at a farmer's market at the time of year when there was a bounty of heirloom tomatoes, fresh corn, melons, and all kinds of other things. Some of the chefs really took advantage of all the market had to offer, creating a real entree. Marcel's watermelon dish was definitely not an entree, though it did look tasty. I could see it as a first course or a desert or palate cleanser. Elia's ahi tuna dish took advantage of everything the market had to offer and met the criteria of the challenge by creating an entree. That it looked fabulous and the guest chef pronounced it delicous made me wonder why he chose the Marcel's watermelon as the winner.
The show moved from good to better when the chefs showed up at the beach only to discover that a blazing fire pit and their cooking utensils spread out on the sand. The expressions on the faces of Frank, Sam, Cliff were legion. You knew immediately that they were in trouble, even before they started cooking. Meanwhile I was psyched. I've cooked over an open fire on the beach so many times, and without the advantage of such nice cookware. A big part of it is keeping the sand out of the food (which most did), and also regulating the fire, as Mia noted.
Mia was right to go after Marcel when he tried to take her spot on the fire. First, the spot with her pan was closest to her work area and was not close to Marcel's. And she had it first. I don't know how much opportunity you have to actually play with the fire when you are sharing a communal fire pit, but at the very least you have to be close to your ingredients and your pan that is on the heat in order to be successful. Clearly the women knew how to handle the open fire and the men did not and I was glad that they also produced good food that put them in the top three. I do wonder why Mia with the best food according to the surfers did not win.
As to Mike and the eggs. I think it was proper and very sportsperson-like to lend him some eggs. Even though he was careless and forgot to pack them, it does not feel the same if you win because of that. Betty did the right thing, as did anybody else who gave Mike eggs. (I still think he should go home.)
Someone in their comments mentioned that this happened in the first season ... I remember that too. Someone forgot to bring the jicama when they did street food and the dish was incomplete. I'd like to think that if anyone else had had jicama and enough to share, that they would have. But extra jicama is unlikely. Extra eggs are not. And it was the right thing to do. I wonder, though, if the judges had known that Mike had to scrounge eggs, would he have been in the bottom three instead of Cliff or Sam? Or is borrowing eggs recovering with style.
And, finally, one more comment about Frank and the quiche. I don't understand why anyone think making quiche would be a good idea when you don't know what tools you are going to have to cook with. He really did not recover at all (with or without style) because the ingredients that go into quiche lend themselves to an amazing array of other options. When I realized that Frank could not make his quiche, I came up with 10 alternative dishes right away. He made none of them.
All in all, this was the best show of the season so far. And I'd like to see the chefs get more opportunities to get to choose and use real food and to have to think on their feet.
I am rooting for Mia, Elia and Cliff at the moment.
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Dec 7, 2006 5:00 PM
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