by Michael J. Lamp

 

This week's episode of Top Chef: DC begins with some residual drama, courtesy of The Great Pea Puree Debacle of 2010. Ed is still confused about how his pea product up and disappeared. Alex, better known as the shadester, isn't fessing up.

 

Marcus Samuelsson is tonight's Quickfire guest judge and he's as nice as we remember him from his glory days on sister (or mother?) show, Top Chef Masters. In honor of Chef Samuelsson, tonight's Quickfire Challenge is to create an Ethiopian-inspired dish. The news that the winner will get immunity immediately sends Tiffany into a goofy trip of excitement.

 

During the Quickfire craziness, Alex and Kelly run for the same pan, Alex gets its, Kelly gets pissed and the other chefs talk trash on Alex. In other words, same ish, different week. On a side note, I really think I saw some sweat from Ed's moist brow drip into his saucepans. None for me, thanks.

 

During judging, Marcus asks Angelo if he's sure he's not Ethiopian. The other contestants are visibly pissy. I can't stop laughing.

 

The bottom group consists of Kevin (shy flavors), Stephen (less-than-juicy lamb meatballs) and Alex, courtesy of his dry stew.

 

The top group is Amanda (good combination of flavors, apparently, though I'm still not a fan), Angelo (do you need a reason?) and

Tiffany for her hearty, balanced flavors.

 

Tiffany is named the winner, to the surprise (and delight) of all the chefs, sans Angelo.

 

The "Foreign Affairs" Elimination Challenge is to create a dish inspired by a particular country's cuisine. Each chef draws a knife to determine the selection order.

 

The cheftestants will be serving diplomats and other dignitaries at DC's Meridian Center. The catch? No actual ‘cooking' can be done at The Meridian Center. The chefs will only have access to sternos and chafing dishes.

 

Tiffany draws knife numero uno, freaks out once again and picks Mexico...and we're off.

 

Stephen goes last (aww) and gets Brazil. He seems fairly uncertain of how to approach Brazilian cuisine.

 

The amazing Jose Andres is guest judge for the Elimination Challenge, continuing with tonight's theme of bringin' out the big culinary guns.

 

The Swedish ambassador says that Stephen's dish would be a good value at $5...on the street. Ouchies. Similarly, Jose Andres seems horribly disappointed after being served food from Alex that is supposed to be from his home country of Spain when it sorely misses the mark.

 

Back at the house, Angelo puts saran wrap over the toilet seat. Stephen goes into the bathroom. Hilarity ensues. Hilarity, yes, but also ew. Why was Angelo feelin' all over the toilet? Gross.

 

The top group from "Foreign Affairs" consists of Kelly, Kenny and Tiffany, whose immensely popular tamales were the hit of the day and land her back in the winner's circle. She's giggling like a school girl, again.

 

In addition to being named the winner, Padma has a surprise for Tiffany: $10,000! She's thrilled, as anyone would be, and says the money will pay off her wedding. How sweet.

 

Stephen, Alex and Ed are called in as tonight's bottom three. Stephen is here because of his overcooked rice. He also made Chimichurri, which is from Argentina. (Remember, Stephen's country was Brazil.)

 

Alex's dish just didn't remind anyone of Spain. Like at all. Ed had issues with his duck, but it's clear he's the least likely to go home.

The judges deliberate and decide that Stephen is going home, thereby ensuring that there will be zero laughs for the rest of the season. Though his culinary skills appeared inconsistent, his jokey jokes were pretty spot on!

 

Next week...Restaurant Wars!!!

 

 

Top Chef: DC airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on Bravo.

 

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

 

 

Follow Michael at twitter.com/mjlamp

 

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