Top Chef "Maui Wowe" Recap (1/29/14)

 

 

On this episode of “Top Chef,” the winner of Last Chance Kitchen is finally revealed. Nina, Shirley, and Nicholas learn they will compete against Louis. (He won 8 Last Chance competitions to return to the Top Chef kitchen)

 

The now four remaining chefs face a Spam-Inspired QuickFire Challenge. They must make a dish highlighting the Hawaiian delicacy, spam. Famed Hawaiian Chef Sam Choy serves as guest judge for this challenge.  

 

The chef who wins this QuickFire receives $10,000.    

 

Shirley: Deconstructed Spam Musubi with Spam-Infused Rice & Nori

Louis: Spam Mousse with Garlic, Chives, Scallions & Snap Peas

Nicholas: Spam Broth with Pancetta, Seaweed, Dried Shrimp & Clam Juice

Nina: Breadfruit and Teriyaki Spam Croquette with Sour Orange Slaw

 

Winner of the QuickFire Challenge: Nicholas. He receives $10,000.

 

The Elimination Challenge tasks the chefs to create a dish using Canoe Crops (plants brought to Hawaii 1,700 years ago by Polynesian explorers). The dish is to be served at a party celebrating the ancient Polynesian crops. The chefs will have 1 hr to prep and 2 hrs to finalize their dishes before the party begins.

 

Unfortunately, this is a Double Elimination Challenge. This means only 2 chefs will advance to the finale.

 

Louis: Grilled Opah with Sweet Potato & Coconut Sauce

Nina: Grilled Opah with Taro Root & Coconut Puree

Nicholas: Opakapaka with Jalapeño & Crispy Chicken Skin

Shirley: Honey-Glazed Pork with Sweet Potato & Turmeric Puree

 

Winner: Nicholas. He wins an important advantage in the finale.

Nina also advances to the finale.

          

Louis and Shirley are asked to pack their knives and go. The judges felt that Louis’ fish was undercooked and Shirley’s pork dish was too sweet.

 

Next week Nina and Nicholas compete against other for the title of Top Chef and $125,000.