by Michael J. Lamp

 

"Black and Blue White"

 

The episode begins with more diva behavior from the aptly named, Team Diva. There's talk of the doubly booted Heather getting her second elimination, most of which is done in a super snarky tone. There's also even more talk of the remaining Heather's hatred for Morgan. Sure, he seems like a bit of a chauvinist, but she appears to be a pretty huge pain in the ass, too.

 

Chef Michael Laiskonis of Eric Ripert's famed La Bernardin is guest judging this week. Cue the standard "wows" and "oh my gosh" faces

from the cheftestants.

 

The Quickfire Challenge is to create a savory dessert. There's a catch, of course, and this time it's that the cheftestants must make their desserts using one - and only one - pot.

 

The owners of the most disappointing dishes are Danielle with her not-so-sweet treat, Eric (the Baker), who's dessert was called ‘not dessert-like' and sassy Heather for her undercooked beets.

 

Yigit, Zac and Morgan make up the top three. Cue Heather's eye-rolling. Actually, I think her entire head rolled. Anyway, Zac wins for his ‘moist cake,' which sounds eight kinds of wrong. Gail offers him $1,000, if he'll trade his immunity. He balks, and she offers $5,000, which he accepts and almost immediately regrets.

 

This week's Elimination Challenge is to cater the LA Times' Black & White Party with desserts that must be black and white. You know, like a newspaper.

 

During prep, Danielle begins explaining her dish and she loses me about four seconds into her description. I'm not sure if it's her pretend accent or just the seemingly strange idea, but she definitely lost me. Meanwhile, Eric can't remember his recipe, which is never a good sign.

 

The black and white party is as chic as expected, though some of the desserts meet the classy criteria better than others. Heather, in particular, is having some issues. I believe that's called karma, right?

 

Gail calls Heather, Erica and Danielle to Judges' Table first. Could they be the top group? Everyone in the stew room looks confused. Gail pulls the ol' Top Chef trick-a-roo and informs the three gals that they are the bottom three. Disappointed faces follow. Personally, I found it pretty hilarious. The judges question each of their dishes, mostly pointing to a mental lapse from each chef, whether it be over thinking ingredients or refusing to follow challenge directions.

 

The gentlemen follow the ladies at Judges' Table and get the surprising news that they are this week's favorites. Zac's whoopee pie, Morgan's black and white blocks and Yigit's uber-decadent, technically complex dish were all big hits. My favorite part, however, comes when Johnny finally gives Eric (the Baker) props. Eat that crow pie, Johnny, eat it up.

 

The winner is Yigit, who claims his first Elimination Challenge win.

 

Erica gets the boot this week, which comes as a bit of a surprise, since Danielle appeared an even hotter mess than usual and Heather was in the bottom three for both the Quickfire and Elimination challenges. Top Chef, like life, is just not fair.

 

 

Top Chef: Just Desserts airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on Bravo.

 

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

 

 

Follow Michael at twitter.com/mjlamp

 

For more Top Chef links, visit SirLinksALot.net