Top Chef "Po' Boy Smackdown" Recap (1/15/14)

  

Wednesday’s episode of “Top Chef” begins with a Po’ Boy-Inspired QuickFire Challenge. The chefs have 20 minutes to put a creative twist on the New Orleans classic, the Po’ Boy sandwich. The winner of this challenge receives immunity from elimination. Food Truck Chef & Restaurateur, Roy Choi serves as the guest judge.

Nicholas makes a Fried Shrimp Po’ Boy with Mayo, Sriracha, Fennel & Pancetta

Shirley makes a Sauteed Catfish Po’ Boy with Mirin, Ginger & Cabbage Slaw

Nina makes a Fried Mahi Po’ Boy with Mojo Aoli & Pickled Onions

Brian makes an Asian Inspired Lobster Po’ Boy, Gochujang Aoli & Yuzu

Carlos makes an Al Pastor Po’ Boy with Guajillo Chilies, Pineapple & Onions

Unfortunately, Roy Choi is not at all impressed with the chefs take on the classic sandwich. He thinks the chefs missed the boat and in his words, “F*****d this s**t up.”

Roy does manage to select a Favorite dish, Shirley's Sautéed Catfish Po' boy. Chef Shirley wins Immunity.

 

For their Elimination Challenge, the chefs must create a dish that represents a turning point in their career. They will have 2.5 hours to cook at Café Reconcile, a local charity for at risk youth.

Shirley serves Seared Snapper with Crustacean Broth, Silken Tofu & Napa Cabbage

Nicholas serves Yellowfin Tuna, Several Preparations of Carrot & Fennel Pollen Dust

Brian serves Chicken Anticucho with Twice Cooked Potatoes & Feta Walnut Pesto

Nina serves Fettuccini with Charred Calamari, Pine Nut Gremolata, & Crab Meat

Carlos serves Braised Pork Belly with Sweet Potato Puree & Chipotle Tamarind Glaze

 

Judges' Favorite dishes are by: Nina, Shirley, and Carlos

Winner: Shirley

Judges' Least Favorite dishes are by: Brian and Nicholas

Judges ask Brian to please pack his knives and go.

 

Next week, the chefs must create a dish that showcases what they learned in New Orleans.