by Gina Scarpa

Tonight, on Top Chef: Las Vegas, the remaining chefs meet up with Padma Lakshmi and guest judge Paul Bartolotta for a fun quickfire challenge, sponsored by TV Guide.  They’ll have 30 minutes to create a dish based on a popular television show.  The chefs draw knives and end up with shows such as MASH, The Sopranos, and Seinfeld.  Robin (no surprise) and Jennifer (who has found herself in a little bit of a rut lately) land in the bottom while Bryan and Kevin are the top two.  Kevin’s Sopranos dish (Meatballs with Polenta, Roasted Cauliflower, and Roasted Pear) is the winner but he does not receive immunity.  It’s not like I’m worried about him.  He’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

Tonight’s elimination challenge will take place at Tom Colicchio’s restaurant, Craftsteak, at the MGM Grand.  The chefs stay up late, dreaming up some fabulous dishes that they’ll prepare but when they arrive at Craftsteak the next morning, they are thrown just a slight curveball.  Standing next to Tom is movie actress (and one of my faves) Natalie Portman.  The problem?  She’s vegetarian.  No meat for this challenge!  The chefs will have to create a vegetarian dish tonight.

This sends everyone into an absolute frenzy.  Even chefs who are usually calm and quiet seem frazzled and stressed.  Tonight, we’re definitely starting to see the toll this competition takes on people’s emotions.  No one compare to Jennifer, though.  I like the girl but she has been a hot mess for weeks now.  Besides being sick, she constantly seems like she might break down crying.  She changed her dish for this challenge twice and barely gets it together before it’s time to serve Natalie, her guests, and the judges.

Here are the dishes served tonight:
Bryan: Artichoke Barigoule, Confit of Shallot, Wild Asparagus and Fennel Puree
Eli: Confit of Eggplant, Lentils, Garlic Puree and Radish Salad
Jennifer: Charred Baby Eggplant, Braised Fennel, Tomatoes and Verjus Nage
Kevin: Duo of Mushrooms, Smoked Kale, Candied Garlic and Turnip Puree
Michael: Asparagus Salad, Japanese Tomato Sashimi and Banana Polenta
Mike I.: Whole Roasted Leeks with Onion Jus, Baby Carrot Puree, and Fingerling Potato
Robin: Stuffed Squash Blossom, Beet Carpaccio, Fresh Garbanzo Beans and Chermoula

Michael’s banana polenta is a huge hit while Jennifer struggles presenting her dish and spills sauce on the table.  What is going ON with her?!  Eli’s dish goes over fairly well while the diners feel that Robin’s food didn’t really quite come together for them.  Bryan and Kevin also do well but Mike’s dish is a mess tonight. 

At panel, Kevin, Michael, and Eli are in the top group with Kevin winning the challenge.  Jeez, can this guy do any wrong?  He’s only landed in the bottom once this entire competition!  That leaves Robin, Jennifer, and Mike in the bottom and just when you think you’ve figured out who’s going home, the judges drop a bomb and eliminate Mike from the competition.

Robin is the luckiest contestant in the history of Top Chef.  She has dodged a number of bullets this season.  Jennifer needs a day at the spa.  Really, girl….


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

(Image courtesy of Bravo)