by Michael J. Lamp

Michael Israel, owner of NYC's Doughnut Plant, joins Gail in the Top Chef kitchen. The Quickfire Challenge is to create the perfect donut. The twist this time around is that there's a huge perk for the challenge winner - $10,000. The bad news? The chef responsible for the least-loved donut will hit the road.Ouchie.

Michael's favorites were Sally, who incorporated coffee into the glaze, and Carlos, whose donut had the best texture and cleverly included passion fruit. Carlos is the winner and claims the top dollar prize. He's so excited, and it's really sweet to see, no pastry pun intended.

Johnny chimes in to point out the bottom of the barrel. Megan's donut had textural issues, Matthew paired his with a confusing dipping sauce and Orlando's was missing flavors that he included in his description. After hearing who is up for elimination, Orlando sasses Johnny. Awkwardness ensues. Despite his quick and rather annoying attitude, Orlando is safe. Megan gets the boot, leaving only two gals in the competition.

Time for the Elimination Challenge, which is a chocolate showdown. The chefs are split into two groups and told they will each be responsible for their own dish - which they will serve to each other. Orlando, Sally and Carlos are one team, and Matthew, Katzie and Chris make up the second group.

Orlando and Chris are handling the (very tall) showpieces for their teams, while the other four chefs focus on traditional chocolate creations.

For the most part, the chefs judging each other is tame. Orlando and Chris, however, represent the bitchy contingency. They each get a tad overly critical during service. Interesting that they were the two responsible for the showpieces. Fancy decor, fancy 'tudes.

All six remaining chefs are called to Judges' Table at the same time. Gail reveals that Sally, Orlando and Carlos are the top group. They celebrate, then peace out and make their collective way to the stew room.

The judges insinuate that time spent on Chris' showpiece led to underwhelming flavors in his plated dish. Katzie's portion was problematic, and guest judge Wylie Dufresne calls Matthew's tart overly sweet.

In the end, Katzie gets the boot, leaving only Sally to hold it down for the ladies. Top Chef never has been too kind to the woman folk.

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

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

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