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

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)

 

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)

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

Chris Brown's D.C. Assault Trial Could Begin This Month

Pool/Getty Images

Chris Brown may have to stand trial sooner than later in his D.C. assault case. According to TMZ, prosecutors in the case are asking for an early trial date.

The site reports, "...documents were filed today by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia ... asking a judge to now make June 25 the start date for the trial ... instead of just a status conference."

D.C. prosecutors believe Brown's admission [that he violated his probation in the Rihanna case] does count as an admission of guilt in the assault case, and the trial should begin ASAP.

For his part, Brown maintains his admission was not an admission of guilt.

Latoya Jackson Is Engaged To Business Partner Jeffre Phillips

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

The Girl Is Mine (Yep) She's Mine. Latoya Jackson, sister to the late Michael Jackson, is engaged to longtime business partner, Jeffre Phillips.

The 58-year-old broke the news on Good Morning America on June 4.

Phillips, 46, presented Jackson with a 17.5 carat diamond ring after proposing in a suite at Hawaii's Trump Tower.

No wedding date has been set.

Latoya Jackson shows off 17.5 carat ring    ABC/Getty Images

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

 

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