by Gina Scarpa

On tonight’s episode of Top Chef: Las Vegas, Tyler Florence makes a guest appearance to judge a high stakes quickfire challenge.  Padma and Tyler inform the chefs that they’ll have to create a dish based on three key words, chosen at random by a slot machine.  This IS Vegas, after all.  Those words are: mood, flavor, cuisine.

Robin, Eli, and Jennifer (who’s quite sick) end up in the bottom.  It’s very surprising to see Jennifer there and it’s the first time this season that she has been in the bottom group.  The three best dishes were Mike I. (Stressed/Asian/Umami), Kevin (Stressed/Hot ‘N Spicy/Asian), and Michael V. (Adventurous/Tangy/Asian).  It must’ve been something about that Asian food tonight and Kevin walks away the winner.

The best part about Kevin’s win is that Asian cuisine isn’t even his strong point!  He has been great all season long and the best chance this show has at taking down the Voltaggio brothers later this season.  For his prize, he gets a choice: $15K or immunity.  He takes the money and I don’t blame him.  Some people might think it was a stupid move but honestly, he doesn’t need immunity but everybody could use money!

Before revealing tonight’s elimination challenge, Padma makes a good point about the economy: More people are choosing to cook at home during these tough times as opposed to eating out… which brings us to the challenge.  The chefs will have to throw a dinner party for Macy’s Culinary Council members Tyler Florence, Tom Douglas, Nancy Silverton, Govind Armstrong, and Takashi Yagihashi.

Here are the teams and the dishes they served:
Bryan and Laurine: Halibut and Sherry-Chorizo Viniagrette Yellow Corn Cake and Avocado Mousse
Eli and Ashley: Grilled Spot Prawns with Red Beet sAuce, Creme Fraiche Gnocchi and Kale
Kevin and Jennifer: Kobe Beef with Tomato-Cardomon Broth, Petit Bok Choy and Asian Pear
Mike I. and Robin: Marinated Mushroom and Pickled Pear Roll, Seared Tuna and Scallop, Truffle Ponzu
Michael V. and Ash: Pancetta Wrapped Halibut with Egg Yolk Ravioli, Fennel and Asparagus

At judges’ table, Jennifer makes up for a poor quickfire challenge by winning the elimination challenge.  For her prize, she receives a $10,000 gift card to Macy’s and I can’t help but be a little bit jealous… ok a lotta bit jealous!

In the bottom group are Mike I., Robin, Eli, and Ashley.  It’s not a completely surprising group since it’s been obvious this entire season who will be going far in the competition and who’s just trying to survive another week.  Ash tries to blow smoke up Mike’s ass but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he didn’t contribute much here.  Eli stays quiet, while Ashley is raked over the coals for their undercooked and salty dish.  She ends up paying the price and is eliminated from Top Chef.

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

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

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