by Chandra Clewley

On this week's episode of Top Chef Masters, there are six returning chefs. Those returning are Rick Moonen, Wylie Dufresne, Graham Elliot Bowles, Jonathan Waxman, Mark Peel and Ludo LeFebvre.

The Quick Fire Challenge will involve the chefs creating a dish to pair with a Stolichnaya cocktail. Kelly introduces Master Mixologist Charlotte Voisey who introduced the chefs to six different cocktails that they can choose from. They learn they will be cooking for The Real Housewives of Orange County's Alexis Bellino, Tamra Barney and Lynne Curtin, along with Food Critic Gael Greene.

The chefs have 45 minutes and everyone scrambles. Jonathan Waxman thinks everyone is making it too hard on themselves, and that the Housewives don't want to eat big meals. He makes them little tid bits instead and is finished 20 minutes early. Rick wants to beat Ludo because Ludo is constantly running around complaining and whining. Wylie and Graham have a friendly rivalry themselves that has been ongoing since their last appearance together last year.

Wylie presents Arctic Char with Lentils, Bacon, Crispy Potatoes, and Lemon Yogurt that goes with a Russian Tea Room cocktail. Jonathan serves a Pork Tenderloin and Poblano Stuffed Shrimp with Avocado Butter that pairs with a Lemongrass Mojito.  Next, Mark brings his plate, Mussel Custard with Kaffir Lime and Figs that he pairs with the Ginger Figgle. Tamra isn't crazy about the ginger in the dish, but Gael loves the texture. Rick serves his Cream Biscuit Berry Shortcake that is paired with a drink called Forest Fruit. All the Housewives love his dessert pairings. Graham thinks it's funny that he is now serving his dish, which involves raw fish, but nevertheless, presents a Crudo of Black Cod with an Edamame and Red Onion Salad that pairs with a vodka drink called a Coriander Mule. Lynne thinks the red onion is particularly strong but Alexis loves it. Lastly, Ludo serves his Roasted Pork Chop with Rosemary, Thyme and Garlic that pairs with a Nutmeg Applik Mojito. The girls seem to love it but Gael thinks it is too much. Ludo is upset with the criticism from the Housewives and doesn't think they know what they are talking about.

At the judgment, all of the chefs receive 4 stars except for one chef who receives a perfect five. That chef is Jonathan Waxman, who finished 20 minutes early. Later, the chefs call him Chef Kenobi.

For their Elimination Challenge, the chefs must take a pub dish and turn it in to an upscale version of pub food. They receive 6 dishes to pick from. Jonathan has the advantage, and picks the Shepherd's Pie. Rick and Ludo argue over the Fish and Chips. Ludo thinks Rick is a master of fish and wants him out of his comfort zone but eventually gives in to Rick. Wylie takes Bangers and Mash, but doesn't want it to be completely traditional. Graham has steak and kidney pie, although he hates kidney and thinks it tastes distinctly like urine. His best efforts will be put into masking the kidney's flavor. Mark gets Toad in The Hole which is traditionally sausage but he decides to make a seafood sausage. Rick is bowled over by Mark's decision to go with seafood and seems protective of fish as being his own. Ludo gets the Irish Stew but he thinks there is no love in it, and wants to do something different than boiling a stew for 8 hours.

The chefs have 2 hours to prep at the Top Chef kitchen and then show up at Tom Bergin's Irish Pub the next day and get in the kitchen. The kitchen is very small and they are crowded. Ludo is still upset that Rick, who has cooked fish his entire life, gets to do Fish and Chips and wishes he could do French food. He thinks it is unfair and that Rick is the biggest competition for him.
At the end, Mark notices the oven isn't warm and cranks it up, which ends up killing his Yorkshire pudding and essentially taking him out of the race.

As the service begins, Ludo goes first with Beef Tenderloin, Potatoes Confit, Roasted Peanuts with Miso and Guinness Caramel. The dish seems to flop although Gail likes the Guinness Caramel. It just isn't Irish Stew.

Next, Rick serves his Chicken Fried Sable, Lemon Confit Tartar Sauce, Twice Fried Potatoes and Fennel Sauce. Everyone likes the fish, although Gail isn't a fan of the chips which are cut too thick.

Wylie serves Bangers, Smoked Mashed Potatoes, Onion Jus and Snow Peas. Gael loves the spiciness of the sausage.

Graham is next with his Roasted Beef Tenderloin, Chantarelle Puree and Bacon-Kidney Vinaigrette. The judges says it is "perfect, silky and smooth." and that the "chantarelle was beautiful".

Mark presents his disastrous Seafood Sausage, Onion Sauce with Lobster Broth and Mustard Greens. Everyone loves the sausage and the greens but admittedly, the Yorkshire pudding is not Yorkshire pudding and it is obvious it cooked wrong.

Jonathan is worried that his dish is too classic, as he serves Lamb, Mashed Potatoes and Parmesan Cheese. The judges says it is "delicious, rich, robust and exciting"

At the Judges Table, Ludo and Rick yell it out, and then they all stand in front of the judges.
In the end Chef Kenobi...errr...Jonathan Waxman takes the win with his Shepherd's Pie interpretation while the second place goes to Rick Moonen for his Fish and Chips. Both will go on to the next level.

Catch the last round of the first level of Top Chef Masters Season 2, next Wednesday at 10/9 c on Bravo.
(Image courtesy of Bravo)

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