The three contestants were able to pick famous chefs as their sous chefs for their final challenge. Stephanie picked Eric Ripert, Richard chose Dan Barber and Lisa, by default, wound up with April Bloomfield. Lisa was super pumped to be working with April, talking about "girl power" and getting along, etc. Where was the Lisa we know best? Where was the screaming about rice? Not in this finale. Lisa is happy.

Richard and Stephanie both seemed a bit nervous about their dishes. One thing Richard wasn't fretting over: his banana scallop and bacon ice cream -- made with liquid nitrogen! When Richard first pulled out one of his gadgets in an early episode, all I could think of was Marcel's foams. But unlike the played-out foam, Richard's interesting way of preparing and presenting food really grew on me this season. Even Chef Ripert was impressed.

Second day of cooking: The chefs learn that the sous chefs won't be back. The stars, will, however, be tasting the contestants' dishes that day.

Meal time. First course: Richard serves a possibly too complex scallop (not the banana one); Stephanie offers a beautiful red snapper (a really refined dish); Lisa (who is still happy) offers spicy grilled prawns.

Second course: Richard offers a fresh but "muddled" "Which Came First" -- a combo of Guinea hen and foie gras; Stephanie serves quail and lobster ravioli with a quail egg; and Lisa makes a praised coconut soup with a dumpling. She redeems herself after making that smoky laksa during Restaurant Wars. Gail says she could eat a giant bowl of it.

Third course: Richard produces an underseasoned, uncrispy pork belly. At this point, I know Richard is out -- the execution just isn't there. I'm sad for him. He is talented; Stephanie has lamb medallions which include olives and braised pistachios. Judge Ted says it makes him taste the nuts in a way he never has before. Tom says it's "full of surprises." It seems like this is the judges' favorite dish of the night; Lisa serves a tough beef with a sauce that might be a bit too sweet.

Finally, the dreaded dessert course. Richard's aforementioned ice cream dish rocks. Then again, we HAVE seen the banana scallop before from him; Lisa's Thai rice pudding is enjoyed, too. (I guess this time, the right rice was purchased!); Finally, that ricotta cheesecake. It's OK. The banana cream on top of it is a miss.

Judges' table pretty much repeats my comments above. The meal, generally, was a success with some missteps. I was hoping for a big misfire, because, hey, that makes good television. But I have to admit, I'm happy about the good food. Before a break, Bravo implies that Richard is about to reveal something stunning. After the commercials, we learn that he just tells the judges that he choked and that it wasn't his top performance. I'm not sure if it was a good thing for him to admit his weaknesses at judges' table, but he knew he wasn't going to win. He looks sad, and that makes me a bit sad, too. Then ... after what seems like a long decision-making process (in which lots of praise flowed Lisa's way. Darn editing!), Stephanie gets the title.

What do you think? Did she deserve it? Did Lisa outcook her that night, but did her missteps that night and in the past (and unpopularity with fans) make her lose the crown? What about Richard?