Top Chef "Oui Si A Challenge" Recap (1/8/14)

  

On tonight’s episode of “Top Chef,” the chefs face a “technical skills” Quickfire Challenge and a French/Spanish-inspired Elimination Challenge.

Guest Judge and internationally known French Chef Jacques Pépin teaches the chefs how to make his favorite dish: poached dover sole with mushroom duexelle, stuffed artichoke, and sautéed asparagus. They have 35 minutes to replicate this dish and the winner receives Immunity from Elimination.

Chef Jacques' Least Favorite dishes: Brian, Stephanie, and Carlos

Chef Jacques' Favorite dishes: Shirley and Nicholas
Winner: Nicholas-receives Immunity from Elimination

For their Elimination Challenge the chefs must prepare a 5 course tasting meal highlighting 5 quintessential ingredients in both French and Spanish cuisine: chocolate, almonds, olives, mussels, and chicken. The chefs are split into two teams (French & Spanish) for this challenge. Each team is assigned a coach (French chef, Dominque Crenn or Spanish chef, Julian Serrano) to help them shop, prepare a menu, and begin their prep work.

Spanish Team: Carlos, Nina, and Brian

French Team: Shirley, Nicholas, and Stephanie

First Course:

French

Shirley: Snapper Ceviche with Dehydrated Olives & Ice cream

Spanish:

Nina: Ensaladilla Rusa with Green Olives, Gulf Shrimp & Potatoes

Second Course:

French

Stephanie: Pickled & Poached Mussels Crustacean Jus & Tomate  

Spanish

Nina: Ajo Blanco with Almonds, Crab, & Cherries

Third Course:

French

Shirley/Stephanie: Chicken Liver Mousse with Roasted Chicken Bouillon

Spanish

Carlos: Mejillones a la Romesco with Crispy Leeks

Fourth Course:

French

Nicholas: Cornish Game Hen & Spiced Chocolate with Corn Silk Nest

Spanish

Brian/Carlos: Pollo Con Arroz: Chicken and Saffron Rice  

Fifth Course:

French

Nicholas: Almond Flan, Plum, & Dark Cocoa

Spanish

Brian: Flan de Chocolate & Strawberries

 

Judges’ Favorite Team: Spanish  

Nina, Carlos, and Brian

Winner: Nina

 

Judges’ Least Favorite Team: French

Shirley, Nicholas, and Stephanie

The judges dislike Nicholas’ dishes, but since he received Immunity they cannot send him home. When given the opportunity to resign, he chooses not to.

 

Stephanie is sent home