by Gina Scarpa

On tonight’s episode of Top Chef: Las Vegas, the contestants head to the kitchen for their latest quickfire challenge.  The show has added a new twist and viewers got to choose tonight’s key ingredient and they went with cactus.  That’s just evil… but I like it!  The chefs were given 45 minutes to whip something up.  The Voltaggio brothers, Michael and Bryan, land in the top group along with Mike I.  It was a battle of the ceviches but Mike’s cactus and tuna dish reigned supreme and he walked away with $15,000.

For their elimination challenge, the chefs were asked to prepare a lunch for two dozen cowboys.  Of course, on Top Chef, it's never as easy as it sounds and they're forced to cook outdoors without any of the kitchen luxuries they're used to.  Here are the dishes that they prepared.
 
Ashley: Seared Halibut with Acocado Mousse, Bacon, and Braised Romaine
Ash: Grilled Chicken Paillard and Corn Succotash
Bryan: Roasted Pork Loin with Corn Polenta, Dandelion Greens, and Glazed Rutabega
Eli: Tuna Sandwich with Sundried Tomato Mayonnaise and Radish Salad
Jennifer: Snapper with Duck Confit, Daikon and Carrot Salad
Kevin: Roasted Duck with Mole Tequila-Marinated Watermelon
Laurine: Sauteed Arctic Char with Tomatillo Salsa and Grilled Potato
Mattin: Ceviche Three Ways - Salmon with Apple, Spicy Tuna, Cod with Corn
Mike I.: Pork Gyro with Apple and Fennel Tzatziki
Michael V.: Dashi with Miso Cured Black Cod
Robin: Grilled Romaine Salad with Drunken Prawns and Spicy Chicken Sausage
Ron: Coconut-Lime tuna Ceviche and Haitian Mojito

In panel, the Voltaggio brothers end up in the top AGAIN (surprise, surprise) along with Laurine and Ashley, who must have been quite happy to impress the judges after struggling a bit this season.  Surprisingly, Jennifer isn't in the top group but she's also safe, so rest assured, Jen fans.  In the end, the judges say goodbye to Mattin, who was lucky to have even made it out of last week's French-themed challenge alive.  Considering Tom couldn't even stomach his dish and called it "gross", it's not exactly a surprise we're saying goodbye to Mattin.


Top Chef: Las Vegas airs Wednesday nights at 10pm ET on Bravo.

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

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