Top Chef "Leaving New Orleans" Recap (1/22/14)

 

Wednesday’s episode of “Top Chef” begins with the chefs competing in a two-part QuickFire Challenge created by Top Chef judges, Gail Simmons and Tom Colicchio. The chef who wins this Challenge receives a brand new Toyota Corolla.

 

For Part 1 of the QuickFire Challenge: The chefs must create the perfect bite and serve it on a cocktail fork. The bite must be sweet, sour, salty, and spicy (all the things Gail likes to eat).

The two chefs that serve Gail’s favorite dishes will advance to Part 2 of the QuickFire Challenge.

Carlos: Grilled Mango with Shrimp & Chili Glaze

Nicholas: Beef Deckle with Aged Balsamic & Purple Potato Chips

Shirley: Tataki Style Flank Steak with Black Pepper, Cherry, & Crispy Onions

Nina: Shrimp Escabeche with Potato Aioli & Pickled Shallots 

Gail selects Carlos & Nicholas’ dishes as her favorites. They advance to Part 2 of the challenge.

 

For Part 2 of the QuickFire Challenge: The chefs must create a dish highlighting either red bell pepper or eggplant.

Carlos: Fried Red Bell Pepper Soup with Fennel, Basil, & Onion

Nicholas: Roasted Eggplant with Sesame Seed, Sriracha Tahini & Chili Threads

Winner of the QuickFire Challenge: Carlos. He receives a 2014 Toyota Corolla.

 

The Elimination Challenge tasks the chefs to create a dish inspired by their time in New Orleans. The chefs must serve their dishes to Chef Grant Atkins, Chef Andrew Carmellini and "Master Chef" Douglas Keane in addition to the Top Chef judges.

The winning dish will be featured in all of Emeril Lagasse’s [New Orleans] restaurants.

Nina: Speckled Trout with Baby Veggies & BBQ Sauce

Nicholas: Charred Cobia, Roasted Bass, & Tuna Confit with Crispy Rice & Shrimp Consommé

Carlos: Steamed Seafood Tamal with Saffron Cream Sauce & Pickled Okra

Shirley: Seared Black Drum Fish with Zhenjiang Vinegar Butter Sauce

 

At Judges Table, the judges announce that Nina and Shirley served their Favorite dishes.

Winner: Shirley. Her Black Drum Fish dish will be featured in Emeril Lagasse’s [New Orleans] restaurants.

The judges’ Least Favorite dishes are served by: Carlos & Nicholas

Eliminated: Carlos

Nicholas, Shirley, and Nina are going to the finale in Maui, Hawaii.

 

Next week: Part 1 of Top Chef Finale features a double elimination challenge and the winner of “Top Chef Kitchen” is revealed.