Top Chef: "12 Chefs Walk Into A Bar" Recap (11/5/14)

November 10, 2014


"Where Everybody Knows Your Name..."

On this episode of Top Chef, the chefs visit the iconic Cheers bar for their Quickfire Challenge.

Quickfire Challenge: Chefs must create a tasty snack for George Wendt (Norm) & Padma. The winner receives Immunity.

Top Chef: "The Curse Of The Bambino" Recap (10/29/14)


Wednesday's episode of Top Chef began with a Sudden Death Quickfire Challenge.
 
In a Sudden Death Quickfire, the chef who loses the first part of the Quickfire challenge faces immediate elimination from the competition.
 
Quickfire Challenge: Chefs must create a delicious dish highlighting tea. The winner receives Immunity. Ming Tsai, Chef & Owner of Blue Ginger serves as guest judge. 

Top Chef Boston: "Bravest & Finest" Recap (10/22/14)

October 29, 2014

 
For this week's Quick Fire Challenge, Padma informs the chefs that they will make an "Ultimate Surf & Turf Dish." At stake is a $5,000 cash prize.
 
Quick Fire Challenge: The chefs will have 45 minutes to make a Surf & Turf dish using ingredients from two tables: Land and Sea. 
 
If 1 lantern goes off, the chefs must select an ingredient from the Land table & if 2 lanterns go off, they must select an ingredient from the Sea table. 

Chopped "Offal Surprise" Recap (10/21/14)

October 28, 2014


Tuesday's episode of Chopped featured the following four chefs:

Aaron Dubois, Junior Sous Chef at Rustic Canyon Restaurant

Naved Ferdinandos, Executive Sous Chef at Pairings Restaurant

Mindy Merrel, Cookbook Author & Recipe Developer

Tia McDonald, Director of Culinary Operations


In the spirit of Halloween, mystery baskets in the Entrée Round included Offal (internal organ meats). Yum...

At stake...a $10,000 cash prize & the title of Chopped Champion.

Chopped "Gummies & Mummies" Recap (10/14/14)

October 21, 2014


Chopped is celebrating Halloween all month long!
 
Tuesday's episode of Chopped featured various Halloween candies and ingredients such as Gummy Rats, Canned Pumpkin, & Witches Brew.
 
The following chefs competed for the title of Chopped Champion & $10,000:
 
Stephanie Mishoe, Pastry Chef from SC
 
Mark Murray, Private Chef from CT
 
TK Kyle, Caterer & Owner of Tara's Singleton Catering, NY
 
Roro Morales, Caterer &Owner of Haute Couture, OR

Chopped: "Short Order Cooks" Recap (9/30/14)

October 15, 2014


"I started at 5 years old in the kitchen with my family supporting me." 

Tuesday's episode of Chopped featured the youngest competitors ever...4th and 5th graders! The following aspiring chefs ranged in age from 10-11 years old:

Eitan Bernath, 11

Mona Ziabari, 10

Lily Nichols, 11

Christopher Pappas, 10


Each competed for a chance at $10,000 and the title of Chopped Champion.

Chopped "Ultimate Champions: Amateur Champs" Recap (9/3/14)

September 4, 2014


Every professional chef was first an amateur! On Tuesday's episode of Chopped, four amateur chefs entered the kitchen to compete for the title of Chopped Ultimate Grand Champion.

Marissa Biaggi, Keith Young, Dinah Surh, & Elda Bielanski, former Chopped Champions, have decided to once again put their cooking skills to the test---at stake a $50K cash prize, a new car, & a second Chopped victory.

Chopped "Teen Tournament: Grand Finale" Recap (8/12/14)

August 14, 2014


On Tuesday's episode of Chopped, four teens competed in the first-ever Chopped: Teen Tournament Grand Finale. At stake a $25,000 cash prize, a $40,000 college scholarship & the title of Chopped Teen Grand Champion:

Dante Foggy

Tommie Rae Fowler

Jason Khaytin

Sequoia Pranger


Each teen had 30 minutes to create three meals: Appetizer, Entrée, and Dessert using the mystery basket ingredients and any additional pantry items.

Chopped "Teen Tournament: Part 4" Recap (8/5/14)

August 6, 2014


Tuesday's episode of Chopped saw the following four teen chefs competing for a $25,000 cash prize, $40,000 college scholarship, and the last spot in the Chopped Teen Tournament: Grand Finale: 
 
Jake Diamond, 13
 
Morgan Goldstein, 14
 
Antonio Jubela-Gordon, 16
 
Sequoia Pranger, 16  
 
 
The teen chefs were given 30 minutes per round to complete an Appetizer, Entrée, and Dessert. The teen chef whose dish the judges liked the least was Chopped.

Chopped "Teen Tournament: Part Three" Recap (7/29/14)

July 30, 2014


On tonight's episode of Chopped, the following four teen chefs: Max Aronson; Tommi Rae Fowler; Brandon Medley; and Hannah Bukzin competed for a spot in the Chopped Teen Grand Finale, $25,000 prize, and a college scholarship.

Each teen chef had 30 minutes to create three meals Appetizer, Entrée, and Dessert for a panel of judges. The teen chef whose dish the judges liked the least was Chopped.

Chopped "Teen Tournament: Part One" Recap (7/15/14)

July 16, 2014


Tonight's episode of Chopped featured four Teen Chefs: Ashley Dudley, Jay Ureña, Jason Khaytin and Alexandria Brooks. Each teen chef competed for a chance to win a $65,000 grand prize and a spot in the Chopped Teen Grand Finale. These talented chefs ranged in age from 14 to 16 years old.

The chefs were allotted 30 minutes to prepare three meals: Appetizer, Entrée, and Dessert.

Chopped "Swai Not" Recap (6/24/14)

June 29, 2014



On Tuesday's episode of Chopped, the following four chefs competed for the title of Chopped Champion and $10K:

Ted Hirsch, Executive Chef of Blind Barber in CA

Josh Cohen, Chef & Owner of 3 restaurants (Amelia, Jimmys & Jimmys Dinner) in NY

Lindsay McClain, Chef de Cuisine of Jamonera in PA

Vinny Tardo, Executive Chef of Saffire Restaurant in TN


In the Appetizer Round, the chefs had 20 minutes to create a meal using Falafel Mix, Chickory, Habanero Peppers, and Date Paste.

Ted made Spicy Falafel Seasoned Mushroom Salad with Date Reduction

Josh made Fried Falafel with Sautéed Chickory

Lindsay made Pan Seared Falafel with Sautéed Chickory

Vinny made Wilted Chickory Bread Salad with Date Reduction


Chopped: Chef Ted Hirsch. The judges felt that the placement of his date puree on top of his salad was a misstep.


For the Entrée Round, the mystery basket contained Mostarda, Swai Fillets, Chicken Livers, and Turnips. 

Josh made Baked Swai Fillet with Dirty Lentils

Lindsay made Pan-Fried Swai Fillet with Turnip & Mostarda Slaw

Vinny served Pan Seared Swai with Haircot vert  Liver Saute


Chopped: Chef Vinny Tardo. The judges felt that he overcooked his livers.


The Dessert Round, challenged the chefs with Carob Molasses, White Chocolate Chips, Nougat Biscuits, and Raspberries.

Lindsay made Mascarpone Stuffed Nougat Cookie with Molasses Ice Cream

Josh made Panna Cotta with Rice Noodles Churros


Chopped: Chef Josh Cohen. The judges felt that his Panna Cotta did not work out.


Chopped Champion: Chef Lindsay McClain. She won $10,000.

Chopped "Salt Pearls Of Wisdom" Recap (6/17/14)

June 17, 2014

 
On tonight's episode of Chopped, the following four chefs entered the Chopped Kitchen to compete for the title of Chopped Champion and $10,000:
 
Iain Falconer, Executive Chef at Coppers Mill in NY
 
Clara Park, Freelance Chef in PA
 
Steve Lohse, Executive Chef at Lavender Lake in NY
 
Jonathan Mailo, Chef de Cuisine at BLT Prime in NYC
 
 
For the Appetizer Round, the chefs had 20 minutes to create a dish using Head On Shrimp, Pickled Raisins, Roasted Chickpeas, & Romanesco Cauliflower.
 
Iain made Poached Shrimp with Romanesco Sauce
 
Clara made Sautéed Shrimp with Romanesco Puree
 
Steve made Head on Shrimp with Chickpea Puree
 
Jonathan made Sautéed Shrimp with Romanesco Ragout 
 
 
Chopped: Chef Iain Falconer. His shrimp was overcooked.
 
 
The Entrée Round tasked the chefs with Baklava, Bluefish, Recaito (mix of onions, garlic, green bell peppers, and cilantro sautéed in olive oil) & Salt Pearls.
 
Steve made Bluefish and Chips with Remoulade Sauce
 
Clara made Soy-Glazed Bluefish with Pomme Puree
 
Jonathan made Pan Seared Bluefish with Romesco Sauce
 
 
Chopped: Chef Jonathan Mailo. The judges felt that his romesco sauce lacked flavor. 
 
 
In the Dessert Round, the mystery basket contained Vodka-Infused Chocolate Milk, Persimmons, Crumpets & Cashews.
 
Steve served Crumpet Cookie & Persimmon Compote Sandwich
 
Clara made Persimmon Napoleon with Mascarpone
 
 
Chopped:  Chef Steve Lohse. The judges felt that the Baklava gave his Entrée a sweet component that did not belong on the plate. 
 
 
Chopped Champion: Chef Clara Park. She won $10,000.

Chopped "Four Fathers" Recap (6/10/14)

June 11, 2014


In honor of Father's Day, Tuesday's episode of Chopped featured four fathers competing for a chance at $10k and the title of Chopped Champion:

Herb Hand, Dad & Line Coach at Vanderbilt University
Ian-Max Henriquez, Stay at Home Dad
Keith Young, Dad & Firefighter
Richie Katzenberg, Dad & Retired Restaurateur

Chopped "There Will Be Bloody Marys" Recap (6/3/14)

June 4, 2014

 
On Tuesday’s episode of Chopped, the following chefs competed for the title of Chopped Champion & $10,000:
 
Hayan Yi, Personal Chef in NYC
Jeffrey Forrest, Executive Chef of Parker & Quinn in NYC
Millie Fernandez, Private Chef & Entrepreneur of RockStarChez
Patrick Lacey, Chef De Cuisine of Tarry Market & Eataly in NYC

Chopped "G'Day" Recap (5/20/14)

May 21, 2014


Tuesday’s episode of Chopped, featured the following chefs competing for the title of Chopped Champion & 10k:

Patti Peck, Chef & Restaurateur of Beachwood Café, CA

Jason Netro, Head Chef of Papasito Mexican Grill, NY

Cass Quinland-Ashford, Personal Chef, NY

Peter Lemos, Chef de Cuisine of L &E Oyster Bar, CA

 
G'Day Mate! The chefs were challenged with mystery baskets filled with Australian delicacies.

Chopped "Mother's Day" Recap (5/6/14)

May 6, 2014

 
 
It's Mother's Day! Tuesday's episode of Chopped, featured the following four mothers competing for $10k and the title of Chopped Champion:
 
Sunny Hostin, Mom & CNN Analyst
 
Tina Adams, Mom & Real Estate Agent
 
Lisa Keys, Mom & Retired Physician 
 
Samantha Mclerran, Mom & ER Physician
 
These mothers faced the task of creating three dishes, Appetizer, Entrée and Dessert using kid- friendly ingredients. The mom whose dish the judges liked the least...was Chopped.
 

Chopped "Leftovers Rescue Mission" Recap (4/29/14)

April 30, 2014


On Tuesday's episode of Chopped, the following chefs competed for the title of Chopped Champion & $10,000:

Chef Chris Lukic, Chef & Owner of Yellow Plum Restaurant, NJ

Chef Mike Kollarik, Chef de cuisine of Edi and the Wolf, NY

Chef Kyle Mcclelland, Culinary chef at Prospect Restaurant, NY

Chef Connie Tran, Chef & Owner of BEP Vietnamese Kitchen, CA

Chopped "Peri Peri Determined" Recap (4/23/14)

April 23, 2014

 
On Tuesday's episode of Chopped, the following four chefs competed for the title of Chopped Champion and $10,000:
 
Chef Auria Abraham, Chef & Owner of Auria’s Malaysian Kitchen, NY
 
Chef Georgeann Leaming, Co-Chef and Owner of Suppa, PA
 
Chef Melissa Torre, Owner & Baker of Cookie Confidential, PA
 
Chef Eric Buss, Exec. Chef of Wood & Vine, CA
 
 
For the Appetizer Round, the chefs were given 20 minutes to create a meal using Chicken Wings, Stroopwafels, Asian Pears, and Peri-Peri Rub.
 
Auria made Peri Peri & Honey Fried Chicken Wings
 
Georgeann made Five Spice Rubbed Chicken Wings
 
Melissa served Chicken and Waffles with Asian Pear Compote
 
Eric served StroopWafel & Peri Peri Crusted Chicken Wings
 
Chopped: Chef Melissa. She served the judges raw chicken wings. 
 
 
In the Entrée Round, the mystery basket included Sunflower Seed Spread, Lamb Breast, Blueberries, and Lardo.
 
Georgeann made Sunflower Mustard Crusted Lamb Short Ribs
 
Eric made Lamb and Lardo Linguine with Pickled Blueberries
 
Auria made Lamb Curry with Lardo Roasted Potatoes
 
Chopped: Chef Auria. She failed to place a key ingredient, blueberries, on all the plates.
 
 
The Dessert Round challenged the chefs with Butternut Squash, Pie Dough, Aged Gouda, and Nordic Honey Wine.
 
Georgeann baked a Butternut Squash Tart with Almond Cream Sauce
 
Eric baked Butternut Squash Pie with Maple Whipped Cream
 
Chopped: Chef Eric. He served the judges raw pie crust.
 
 
Chopped Champion: Chef Georgeann Leaming. She won $10,000.

 

The Millionaire Matchmaker “Return of the Tough Teddy Bear and The Shredder” Recap (4/3/14)

April 4, 2014


This week’s millionaires are Steve Lobel, a 48-year-old Music & Entertainment Manager and Rachel Uchitel, a 38-year-old Entrepreneur.

Steve Lobel is a Music and Entertainment Manager with a net worth of over $3 million. He is familiar with the matchmaking process because he has been set up by Patti before. He is looking for someone who is established, has a job, and has a personality. He has never been married and does not have any kids, but he is more than ready to find a wife and have children of his own. He wants to make his dad a grandfather.
 
Patti thinks Steve is a “Tough Teddy Bear” because he is extremely picky about the women he dates, but underneath all that he is a nice guy. Patti thinks if he could just decide what he is looking for and quit being so picky, she could find him a great woman.

 
Rachel Uchitel is an Entrepreneur and the mother to a 1 ½ year old daughter. Most know her as the alleged mistress of Tiger Woods and David Boreanaz, but Rachel just wants to be someone’s wife. She lost her fiancée, Andy, in the September 11th attacks and was married for two years to a man 10 years her junior. She is looking for a manly man, who is very smart, and very confident.

Patti nicknames Rachel the “Shredder” because she discards men shortly after they disappoint her. Patti thinks Rachel needs to stop trying to find something wrong with each guy she dates and instead try to be nice. Patti thinks Rachel’s perfect match would be a man that treats her right, is mature and has the potential to be a great father to her child.



Recruiting Session: "Marriage Mirror"- a two way mirror that allows the millionaires to watch and listen to the recruiting session. They can also give Patti questions to ask the daters. At the end of the session, the millionaires select one potential dater to accompany them on a master date.
 
For Steve: Patti is looking for women who are both established and ready to get married. Steve’s dad is on hand to assist Patti in selecting the women for Steve.

For Rachel: Patti is looking for confident guys that are supportive that can handle a strong woman with a kid.

 
Master Date: Steve selects Allie.
Steve meets Allie at the gun range. He has arranged for them to practice target shooting. Allie loves the idea and finds it romantic. For dinner, the two head to a gondola for a picnic. During the gondola ride, they talk about their interests and even share a kiss…on the cheek. Allie is impressed by all the effort Steve put into the date. She thinks he is a complete gentleman.
 
Patti calls Allie to find out about the date--Allie tells Patti that Steve was a complete gentleman, but he did not ask her out for a second date. Steve tells Patti that he did not feel a connection with Allie.
 
Update: Steve and Allie have not seen each other again. Once the "Tough Teddy Bear" figures out what he really wants, he may return.

 
 
Master Date: Rachel selects Brandon.
Brandon meets Rachel at the Beach City Baseball Academy. Rachel has never played baseball so Brandon takes the time to show her how to swing a bat. He coaches her and tells her how cute she looks. For dinner, Rachel and Brandon head to the Waterville in Santa Monica. Rachel begins to ask Brandon about his past relationships causing Brandon to feel uncomfortable. However, Rachel remembers Patti's advice to be nice and apologizes to be Brandon. The date ends with the two sharing a passionate kiss.
 
Patti calls Brandon to find out how his date went with Rachel--He tells Patti he really likes Rachel. Rachel tells Patti that she thought the baseball part of the date was sexy and she enjoyed the fact that Brandon taught her how to play. She also enjoyed the kiss she and Brandon shared.
 
 
Update: Rachel and Brandon have been in touch, but have not seen each other. Rachel has learned that picking a nice guy is not the end of the world.