by Michael J. Lamp

 

"Keep Your Hand Outta My Soup, Yo!"

 

Tony Mantuano joins Padma for a holiday-themed Quickfire Challenge that will - once and for all -answer the great stuffing debate. Each chef must create their version of the classic, seasonal favorite. Did I mention they can't use any cooking tools? Well, they can't. At least the winner will gain immunity and bank an extra $20,000!

 

The bottom three dishes are Carla's undercooked quinoa, Tiffany F.'s super-sweet stuffin' and Casey's plate of food, disguised as stuffing.

 

The top two are Marcel's well-balanced turkey & stuffing and Trey's spicy, Southwestern spin. Trey takes the victory, along with $20K and immunity.

 

For this week's elimination challenge, the cheftestants are split into groups of two and will cook-off in a head-to-head battle. The first team to four points wins. It's just like a real tennis match, friends. The cheftestants that lose points will be up for elimination. Professional tennis player Taylor Dent joins the judges for the competitive tasting.

 

Angelo's team decides they will send their worst dish first and basically sacrifice someone to the chopping block. It is determined that Jamie's undercooked chickpeas are the worst of the bunch, but she refuses to go first. I'm shocked. Casey takes the hit for her team and volunteers to go first. She is defeated by Fabio and his favorite dish ever - gnocchi.

 

Tiffany beats Dale to square things at 15-15. Angelo takes out Marcel, giving the yellow team the lead at 30-15. Antonia edges out Tiffany D. to level the teams again at 30-30. The next head-to-head battle is between Richard and Spike. Just before Spike goes to face the judges, Angelo adds a yuzu gelee to his dish, and Spike is none-to-pleased with this addition. Richard's win over spike brings the orange team to match point. Angelo helps Trey finish his Salmon before facing Carla in the final battle. When I say he helps him, I mean that he overcooks the fish. There goes Angelo and his ‘helping' hand. The overcooked fish can't compete with Carla's deliciously spicy soup.

 

The top group this week is Carla, Richard, Fabio and Antonia. To my extreme delight, Carla's spicy soup is the winner, sending her on a trip to Italy! Mantuano seems to really love her dish. Hooray!

 

The bottom of the week four barrel is Tiffany D., Trey, Spike and Casey. Jamie dodges another huge bullet here. She can't be up for elimination since she didn't present a dish - at all. Trey is safe, as well, since he won the stuffing Quickfire. Spike mentions Angelo and his questionable assistance at Judge's Table, but since Angelo isn't up for elimination, it doesn't help Spike's case very much and he is sent home.

 

 

Top Chef: All Stars airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on Bravo.

 

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

 

 

Follow Michael @mjlamp

 

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