by Gina Scarpa

 

Tonight’s episode of Top Chef: Las Vegas brings the final four contestants to Napa Valley.  Jennifer isn’t satisfied with making it to the final four.  She’s in it to win it.  Who isn’t?  Kevin is confident, but know that those damn Voltaggio brothers will be tough to beat.  True, but one bad dish could get anybody sent home at this point.

 

Jennifer, Kevin, Michael, and Bryan meet up at a train stop with host Padma Lakshmi and Chef Michael Chiarello, who appeared earlier this year on Top Chef Masters.  For their quickfire challenge, the chefs will board the Napa Valley Wine Train and have 30 minutes to cook using Napa’s signature crop - the grape.  It’s a high stakes challenge, as the winner will walk (er, drive) away with a brand new Toyota Prius.

 

Aboard the train, Bryan makes a roasted hen, Jennifer prepares sautéed chicken livers, Kevin comes up with a honey mousse, and Michael makes grape leaves.  The toughest part about this challenge is dealing with the sway of the train, which makes Kevin a little nauseous.  Michael’s dish goes over best with the judges and he wins the quickfire. 

 

For tonight’s elimination challenge, the chefs will have to prepare meals for 150 guests for a crush party.  A what now?  Urban Dictionary told me that a crush party is a sorority or fraternity party in which people invite the objects of their affection for a night of… draw your own conclusions.  No no, THIS crush party is a Napa Valley tradition, celebrating the grapes being harvested each year.  That sounds a lot classier. 

 

They must prepare two dishes - one vegetarian and one using a local protein.  Kevin is excited, since he cooks local food at his restaurant and is determined to prove to Michael that simple food can prevail in the end.  The Voltaggios continue their sibling rivalry, while Jennifer runs into a problem when her coals aren’t hot enough to grill her duck on.

 

Here are the dishes served tonight:
Bryan: Goat Cheese Ravioli, Delicata Squash Puree, and Bronze Fennel; Fig-Glazed Short Ribs, Celeriac Puree, Wax Beans, and Wild Arugula
Jennifer: Chevre Mousse with Honey Mushrooms, Braised Radishes, and Basil; Braised Duck Legs , Confit of Duck Breast, Squash Puree, and Foie Gras Vinaigrette
Kevin: Roasted Beets and Carrots with Carrot Top Puree, and San Andreas Cheese; Grass-Fed Brisket with Pumpkin Polenta, and Marinated Root Vegetables
Michael: Vegetable Pistou, Heirloom Tomato Coulis, 63 Degree Egg, and Fennel; Turnip Soup with Foie Gras Terrine, Poached Pear, and Glazed Turnip

 

At judges’ table, Bryan pulls off a victory, largely in part to his ravioli and his flavorful food.  His brother doesn’t look too thrilled next to him.  Baby.  Kevin’s simple food doesn’t wow anybody, but he’ll get another chance to impress in the finale.  In the end, it’s Jennifer who will be packing her knives, because of that damn duck.  Well, let’s look at the bright side.  At least now she can take that much needed trip to the spa!

 

So far, my predictions for how this season will end are correct.  Jennifer heads home tonight, the Voltaggio goes next, and I’ll hold out hope for The Bearded One to take it all!

 

 

Don’t miss the finale of Top Chef: Las Vegas, next Wednesday at 10pm ET on Bravo.

 

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

 

SEE ALSO
Top Chef: Las Vegas - Ranking The Final Four

 

Follow Gina at twitter.com/ginascarpa

 

For more Top Chef: Las Vegas links, visit SirLinksALot.net