by Michael J. Lamp

 

This week's episode of Top Chef picked up right where last week's (and the one before) left off: desserts. Just as I type this, I'm reading (well not just as, but you get it) an email from my sister, expressing her frustration for the way the Top "Chefs" cry like whoa at the mere mention of pastries or dessert. I realize that I'm not a chef, but if I was, I like to think I could at least whip together a blueberry pie, if the occasion called for it. I'm just sayin'...

 

So, the Quickfire Challenge is a dessert challenge, and the guest judge is famed (and oh so trendy) pastry chef, Johnny Iuzzini. He's

also the head judge on Top Chef: Just Desserts, coming to a TV near you later this year. Once the dust settled (and the crusts dried), Kenny's pie won Johnny's personal blue ribbon. Joining him in the top group were Kelly, whom I'm trying but struggling to like and Stephen, whom I do like, but who is trying a little too hard to prove he's got ‘it.' As for the worst, Tracy and her rather pathetic-looking pie, along with Alex and Ed made up the bottom of the barrel this go round. Poor Tracy. She seems so happy on Top Chef, but I really don't think it's in the cards for her.

 

The other highlight of the Quickfire Challenge was the hilarious amount of shit-talking and overall sassiness coming from the chefs. Ed, who later found himself in the bottom three, was dissing Alex like it was his job. Note to Ed: Cooking. That's your job. Sassiness is part of the package, though, friends. Lest we forget, this is a TV show.

 

This week's Elimination Challenge was to cater a cookout for big ol' nerds Capitol Hill interns. Ed rebounded from a shoddy performance in the Quickfire to claim a spot in the top group with his tuna sandwich. Joining him was Angelo (of course), Amanda - with her ribs and asparagus - and eventual winner Arnold, with lamb kofta that I can only assume was supremely delicious!

 

After taking their feisty vitamins, the judges greeted this week's bottom three: Tim, Tracy, Kevin and Tom. Tim attempted to make pork two ways, but clearly should've focused on mastering one way before he attempted a second. Tracy made a burger that guest judge Jonathan Waxman's nephew could've created. (His words, not mine!) Stephen made bad bass, accompanied by nasty bacon and even nastier couscous, and Kevin made what Padma deemed "safe Puerto Rican food." Zing!

 

When all was said (and a lot was said) and done, Tracy packed her knives and went. Judging by the smile on her face as she made her way to the exit, I think she knew it was coming. And if she didn't, she's the only person that didn't.

 

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

 

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

 

Follow Michael at twitter.com/mjlamp

 

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