'Top Chef: Las Vegas': Natalie Portman's vegetarian steakhouse
Hey gang, Liz and Justine here again for another week of Top Chef recapping.
We're getting down to the wire. Only seven cheftestants remain after last week's much-anticipated Restaurant Wars episode. Everyone seems pretty nervous in the previews for this episode, and there's always the chance someone we hate will go home, so we're excited. There was also a cameo by actress Natalie Portman (does anyone remember anything else she's been in besides Star Wars and Garden State?). Celebrity guests usually bring a curveball with them, so let's hope Natalie delivers.
Enough with the swooning over Natalie Portman. On to the cooking!
Poor Jen. She did terribly last week (who cooks that much seafood to order?) and is trying to psych herself up for this week's challenges. Good luck, honey. You're coming unraveled, and we can all see it. On the other side of the delusion spectrum, Robin was thrilled with how her team prevailed during Restaurant Wars, mostly due to the Voltaggio brothers' leadership in the kitchen. Robin knows how to ride a mean coattail. But how long can it last?
Quickfire
Paul Bartolotta, an accomplished Italian chef, is the guest judge. The quickfire is one of the more creative and humorous challenges of the season. They have to give a gourmet makeover to a TV dinner. They draw knives to pick a show to inspire their dish -- Gilligan's Island, The Flintstones, Sesame Street, Seinfeld, Cheers, The Sopranos and M.A.S.H.). The cheftestants even serve their meals in little TV dinners. If knives weren't an issue, Justine would cook a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT for those in the know) because she loves pizza. Liz would cook a meal inspired by Full House -- basically, there would be huge portions and she'd invite John Stamos to dinner and only refer to him as Uncle Jesse. (We lost about 5 minutes getting sidetracked by John Stamos photos on the Google while spellchecking his name. Oops.
Robin was raised on health food and wasn't allowed to watch TV. The only things she knows about Sesame Street are that the characters had big eyeballs and lots of colors were involved. What kind of terrible parents don't allow their kids to watch Sesame Street?
Michael V. was flirting with Jen at the fridge! Jen compares herself to Pebbles and she goes on about Bamm-Bamm ... is Michael her Bamm-Bamm?!
Eli didn't eat TV dinners, and he pulled Gilligan's Island and has little idea what it's about. He went the tropical route, remarking "It smells like a Jimmy Buffet concert over here."
And Jerkface Mike said he's NEVER SEEN SEINFELD. Was he asleep during the '90s? That's just un-American. (Liz: "What a jerkface! That's enough for him to get sent home.")
Bryan V.'s M.A.S.H. meatloaf and mashed potatoes gets a MMM! From Padma (Cue celebration from Justine.)
On the bottom: Jen, Robin
On the top: The phenom that is Bearded Kevin, Bryan. And Kevin wins! He doesn't get immunity, but a version of his dish will be featured as a Schwan's frozen foods meal in their Top Chef line! (During the commercial break, Liz wanted to order 17,934 of his meals, but 1. They wouldn't fit in her normal-sized fridge and 2. The Web site was slow and underwhelming and features dishes from non-winning chefs. What a letdown, Bravo and Schwan's.)
Elimination challenge
We've reached the point in the competition where they skip the gimmicks and just let the cheftestants cook good food. They're going to Tom's Craftsteak restaurant at MGM Grand. They have to serve about 10 guests. Robin's worried that she isn't much of a steakeater. That shouldn't be all she's worried about.
(Did you notice that when the cheftestants were getting ready that Jen had a white sweatshirt that made it look like she had a neck brace?)
Back at the homestead, the boys have a strategy session about what kind of meat they're making (well, the boys minus the Voltaggio brothers). They're excited about making steak. How manly of them.
Off to the kitchen! Tom's beside himself as he introduces Natalie Portman. JFM's eyes shine as he checks her out. Eli introduces her by saying the most important thing she's done is Star Wars. But here's the rub -- she's a vegetarian. So the cheftestants have access to all sorts of meat, but they can't use meat of any sort. DUN DUN DUN!
Robin helpfully points out that "Vegetarians are people, too."
Eli and Jen flip a dehydrated slice of fruit or vegetable they found in the walk-in to decide who gets to cook with the bigger eggplants, and Eli wins. How cute and consistent with the challenge.
JFM is confident that he can please a vegetarian. We're skeptical that he can please anyone. He says his mom was a vegan. Let's hope (or not) he picked up some pointers from her.
Kevin's married! (Liz cried.) And he eats vegetarian during Lent, so it sounds like he's Catholic. He's worried that he won't have a dish to satiate the diner without a meat protein.
Eli would joke that vegetarians are lower human beings, but he's going to try to give them more than a vegetable medly.
They don't focus much on Bryan this episode, so we're optimistic that he's safe for the time being.
(Justine wonders why no one has decided to make pasta. Can vegetarians eat eggs? Does Craftsteak have no flour?)
JFM decides to play off scallops in his preparation of leeks. He's having some trouble with the leeks, but he gives us a smarmy smile all the while.
Robin runs out of time before she finishes plating her stuff, so three plates don't get the fresh garbanzo beans. She makes some dramatic statement like that singular screw-up could send her home. If so, that'll be about three episodes too late.
They're serving Natalie Portman's friends. They look like normal people, not supermodels or actors.
Robin serves first, and the dish has too much salt. Tom didn't get any garbanzo beans, but the dish lacked balance in the seasoning. Padma said she could feel her ankles swelling. Was that because she's pregnant in this episode?
Eli serves next. His eggplant looks kind of like sushi. The texture is good and the salad is good, but the guest judge said he got some lavender flavor that was too strong and made him feel like he was sucking on a bar of soap in Provence.
Michael V. is stressed, but his dish is beautiful and very colorful. Natalie Portman was confused by the polenta with banana (Liz wants to try to make it) but the guests liked the taste. The larger chunks of banana are a little off-putting. It was a daring plate, and they recognized that. Michael was called Picasso … for the second time. Tom thought that was HI-larious.
Jen takes a chance and sauces her charred eggplant with braised fennel at the table and her hands are shaking. We totally expected her to dribble sauce on Natalie Portman's head or Padma's outfit. Gail loves the sauce. Natalie suggests it added a little danger to the presentation because of her shaking. They agree the dish was a beautiful side dish, but not an entree.
JMF's leeks are supposed to give a feeling of protein, but it smells like cabbage. They like the presentation, but he didn't execute the food well. The leeks were undercooked.
Bryan's plating isn't as professional as he would've wanted. There are some things that didn't make it onto the plate. The food seems like it's missing from the plate. (Did you catch the That's What She Said moment between Padma and Natalie? "We went from a little prick to big in your mouth," Tom said. Natalie: "That's what usually happens." Is this why the show is on at 10 p.m.?)
Bearded Kevin's dish isn't as pretty as he'd like. He makes a duo of mushrooms. The food feels more like an entree because it's meaty. Kevin's dish proves vegetarian food can be substantial.
There's a little intracommercial moment where the cheftestants are enjoying food from the guest judge's restaurant. Bearded Kevin seems to enjoy the food so much, it's rather charming.
Judges' Table
On the top: Kevin, Michael V. and Eli (Eli jokes as he's walking out of the stew room: "Did you guys call my name by accident?")
Michael V.'s dish reminded Tom about why you need to keep an open mind about food. Natalie was beaming like a school girl, Tom said.
Gail thought Eli's eggplant and lentils was great.
Kevin's smoked kale impressed Natalie. It was a mouthful of flavor and you didn't miss the meat, the judges said.
And Kevin wins! He gets a suite of GE appliances, but we didn't get a TA-DA! It's better than an autographed cookbook.
Michael V. is bitter and said he could've made Kevin's dish in 20 min. It looks like Michael V. isn't just catty and competitive when it comes to criticizing his brother's cooking.
On the bottom: Robin, Jennifer and Mike. (Weird: Bryan was totally left out of the judging. It's risky to not stand out this late in the game.)
JFM's didn't have a protein. He wanted the leeks to look like protein … but they don't have protein.
Robin throws JFM under the bus by saying she ALWAYS thinks of a protein and it's VERY IMPORTANT to have a protein. The dish had a protein, but since not everybody got them, it barely count. Does a few chick peas on a plate really count as protein? If we were vegetarians, we'd feel cheated.
Jen was so nervous that some of the guests might've worn the sauce. And sounds like she asks to leave by saying she'll try hard if she gets another chance but thanks them for the opportunity to be on the show. Tom says at this point in the competition the cheftestants get worn out, but the defeatist behavior is bad news.
Gail points out that JFM is arrogant. THANK YOU. Finally, someone's on our side. Tom wasn't impressed that he couldn't cook leeks in two hours.
Robin was not focused on the entire dish. Two parts of her dish were things she hadn't done before, and the judges agreed with Natalie that using them was a bad idea.
AND IT'S THE END OF JERKFACE MIKE! PACK UP YOUR KNIVES, SUCKER!
(Liz's neighbors must've heard our celebration. We scared the dog. And Liz's eyes were shining brilliantly while we wrote this.)
His little goodbye speech was still optimistic and cocky as always. We're glad to see losing Top Chef wasn't a humbling experience or anything. Hilariously, Robin lasted longer than JFM. That must have been the part that stung the most for him.
Predictions
Who's going home next: Justine thinks Jen's going to lose it. She's burnt out and nervous, but she hasn't been able to get over it and cook her own food. Liz doesn't think Robin can fool anyone anymore, unless next week is a team challenge.
Favorites: Justine sticks by Bryan; maybe her loyalty will pay off with an invitation to eat at Volt. Liz backs Bearded Kevin; she doesn't think he'll invite her to his restaurant in Atlanta, but a girl can dream. Maybe he can get her Eli's phone number.
If you could cook a meal inspired by a TV show, what show would it be? What's your favorite Natalie Portman movie? What would you make for the Vegetarians?
Also, will you be watching the Top Chef Reunion Dinner Special we saw previewed during the commercial breaks? Liz is excited to see what Marcel's been up to. We'll be watching and recapping all of the drama for you next week, since it's pre-empting our regular Top Chef viewing.
Categories: Maryland reality contestants, Top Chef
Comments
Mike gone and Robin still on there? This show now seems like a joke and I'm no longer reserving time to watch.
Don't worry, jeuca. If you don't want to watch anymore, just read our recaps, or just scroll down to the bottom to see when Robin finally goes home (which should be really darn soon). --Liz
Posted by: jeuca | October 29, 2009 12:55 AM
"does anyone remember anything else she's been in besides Star Wars and Garden State?"
Really? V for Vendetta and Hotel Chevalier/The Darjeeling Limited were definitely solid projects for her.
Begin mea culpa. I didn't actually mean that I didn't know Natalie Portman had been in other movies. I just was looking for you guys to tell me. I was too tired to IMDB while recapping last night. You've all set me straight. Perhaps I need to have a Natalie Portman movie marathon weekend to make up for my faults. --Liz
Posted by: M. | October 29, 2009 1:15 AM
As a veggie, I was pretty disappointed in tonight's episode. Lots of anti veg hostility and no sweet clue how to make veg food. I expected better. C'mon veggers are growing, especially among the yewts and while Kale is everyone's green leafy fave, as Liz suggests a few more ingredients (beans, dairy, grains) might have helped.
Portman is now a vegan - did this influence the challenge? Seems strange that no one addressed veggies vs vegans. Mike is gone and Robin is next. Jen is way too cute (its tv)...she will make a comeback.
Tom and Natalie raised a good point that chefs have to be prepared to make vegetarian meals off the cuff if they don't have suitable options on their menus already. When we were watching previews for the episode, Justine bet the twist would have been that NP was vegan OR kept a raw food diet. Maybe raw is too progressive for Top Chef yet, but that would have been a good one. And on Jen -- as other commenters have pointed out, she's this season's Casey. Remember? Really cute, perhaps not the most talent, but she ended up losing to Hung on her season. --Liz
Posted by: Johannes Wheeldon | October 29, 2009 1:39 AM
Saying he'd never seen Seinfeld was the jerkiest thing JFM ever did. It mostly pisses me off because it's an obvious lie.
Yeah, particularly jerkfacey episode for him tonight. I have no energy to defend him. He made me guffaw on at least three occasions.
"The Natalie Portman Rap" is the best thing Natalie Portman's ever been in. Or that movie Beautiful Girls from the nineties.
Thank you AK! Who hasn't watched Seinfeld? I would have made a chocolate babka or some other inside joke regarding food on the show. Or maybe a lobster bisque like on the Soup Nazi episode. --Liz
Posted by: AK | October 29, 2009 1:39 AM
Does it really matter if the contestants are arrogant? This is Top Chef, NOT Miss. America.
You're right, NYC. They are being judged on their cooking. But Jerkface Mike's cooking wasn't consistently amazing from week to week like some others (but he had rarely been on the bottom...), so I think his attitude ended up being a strike against him in the end. --Liz
Posted by: NYC | October 29, 2009 7:13 AM
First Natalie Portman has been in many great movies, V for Vandetta comes to mind. Second, my parents lied to us and told us we could not get cable where we lived, and kept that lie going until I was 16, and we were still allowed to watch Sesame Street. In regards to my TV show inspired dish I would probably make a coconut cream pie in honor of Gilligan's Island (loved that show) or something inspired by the Office and cooked in parchment paper. Now on to the show.
This challenge is overdue, first of all it is nice to see them cook something other than pork and beef (cause I don't eat those and in the fantasy world that is my mind I think someday I may be a Top Chef judge but wouldn't be able to eat anything!) and second of all I will take any excuse to have Natalie Portman and Tom in the same room. I love them both. Oh, and vegetarians can have dairy and egg products, vegans can't.
How oh how is Robin still around? Her protein doesn't even make it on to all the plates and she slides. She really is the Wendy Pepper of Top Chef. I just wanted Tom to tell her she was out of her league and going home just because. It was wonderful to hear Natalie say that using things you've never cooked before doesn't seem smart in a challenge - bingo Natalie, Robin isn't smart. And she is annoying. I would rather deal with a jerkface that can cook then a passive aggressive face that can't.
Jen is so about to choke, I think she is overcome with lust for Michael V. and overwhelmed by lack of sleep. Deadly combination.
I love Beardface, he is so jolly and cuddly. He doesn't use puns like Richard Blais or sarcastic quips like Dale so he is not in my list of all time favorites, but he is up there.
Speaking of favorites, it is like the Magic Elves looked in my head and picked my dream reunion show. Fabio, the triple threat of Top Chef, Harold who is bad ass, Tiffany who wishes she was, Dale who is comic relief, Richard Blais who is probably the best chef to ever be on the show, Marcel who better rap, Hung who I think is going to stir things up and sit back and watch, and Carla, who will try to referee them all before giving up and cooking, and then being the only one other than Harold and Richard Blais to cook a good dish. No, I lie, Hung will probably turn in a good meal, as will Tiffany. Dale has a lot to prove so he may do it as well. The top will be Blais, Harold, Dale, Hung and Carla, bottom will be Marcel and whoever he pulls into arguing with him. Speaking of arguing - Fabio is hosting! Yay! The only way this could get better is if Ewan McGregor and the cast of Glee show up and they all go to a Beatles concert after dinner, but then I'd know I'm dreaming.
If I were going to cook a dish inspired by The Office, it would be something encased in Jello. I think this week they should have gotten rid of JFM and Robin. There haven't been any double-elimination episodes this season yet, have there? Reality shows need a shakeup every once and a while. I think I may adopt "Passive Aggressive Face" as Robin's new moniker. Everyone else is getting them lately. OMG if Marcel raps during the reunion show, I think I'll lose it. If he raps about foam, I'd doubly lose it. Does anyone know if the reunion involves the chefs cooking? The previews just showed them sitting around a table. I know it wont be like the lame "battle of the seasons" stuff they've tried before, but how many dishes would include foam? A potluck Top Chef-testant meal would be my dream meal. --Liz
Actually, Liz, there WAS a double-elimination episode: Remember that Jesse got sent home during a quickfire and then Hector got sent home for deep-frying a steak? Also, when you were typing or talking loudly, I saw the commercial for the reunion show DID have the chefs cooking. --Justine
Posted by: FoulMouthedKitten | October 29, 2009 7:34 AM
I really liked this episode. Natalie Portman, by the way, was in the play The Diary of Anne Frank about 14 years ago and we saw it in Boston. She was terrific.
I am a huge Kevin fan and love his food and personality. Mike V. is sounding awfully bitter about losing and seems to have a pattern of putting others down rather than focusing on that the judges liked someone else's food more.
Jen's slide down is surprising and disappointing.
I enjoy your blog!
As a big Mike V. fan, it's hard to admit that he has his faults. He's getting to show his arrogant side, but not in such a way that I'd brand him the new Jerkface contestant or anything. Jen's downfall shows that everyone on the competition cracks eventually, and shows that even if you're a good chef at the beginning, the pace of the competition can be too much for some to handle. --Liz
But you know who HASN'T cracked yet? My Bryan! --Justine
Posted by: Ali | October 29, 2009 8:59 AM
I'll take two out of three of your questions. I'm a big fan of Nat's from Star Wars too. I don't think I've seen her in anything else.
But more importantly, like you wrote, why no pasta? And I was surprised there weren't more roasted veggies and potatoes.
As for what I would have made, probably either roasted vegetable lasagna, eggplant schnitzel cacciatore or a sophisticated take on falafel and tahina.
Sounds good? Check out my cookbook available next month.
Maybe Chef Tom on his bravotv.com blog will address the no pasta issue. Maybe they limited the chefs to produce only, which seems kind of cruel if they wanted them to make a truly vegetarian dish. --Liz
Posted by: Rob | October 29, 2009 9:27 AM
Hurray for Kevin - again. He is really proving to be extremely talented. Pooh pooh to Mike V. for the poor loser attitude. Face it honey, Kevin outcooked you! Robin seems to always be thrilled by each challenge and not worried at all about meeting them head-on. Maybe it's her positive attitude that is keeping her in the mix 'cause it certainly isn't her cooking. Jen is self-destructing. Too bad because I really think she has talent. BTW, abstaining for meat during Lent is an Orthodox (Greek Orthodox, etc.) tradition, not Catholic.
I don't think it's Robin's positive attitude that's keeping her around. I guess it's her causing drama and rifts among the cheftestants. She's a reality TV producer's dream. --Liz
Catholics traditionally abstained from meat on Fridays, but I wasn't sure if he and his wife extended it as part of what they gave up for Lent or it was from a somewhat related religion. Thanks! --Justine
Posted by: susan | October 29, 2009 9:43 AM
I will watch the reuinion. Marcel was a sous chef for Michael V. at Jose Andres Bazzar in LA before MIchael left to take over his own (one star) kitchen at the Langham. This entire season is so incestuous. Jen works for Eric Ripert, Brian and Michael V worked for Charlie Palmer, Michael V worked for Jose Andres with Marcel, JFM works for Jose Andres in DC but also worked in LA for a while, and Eli worked for Richard Blais. Ouch, my head hurts
Trip Klaus, you're awesome! I didn't know there was a connection between Marcel and Michael V.!!!! Maybe that's why I'm drawn to them both. And thank you for mentioning Eli working for Richard Blaise. I've been meaning to mention that a few weeks ago while I couldn't fall asleep on a Saturday night, I flipped on Food Network and who did I see competing on Iron Chef America? Richard Blaise! And Eli was his sous chef!!! Needless to say, I was glued to the TV and had to watch the whole episode. They cooked against Mario Batalli. I won't spoil it for you as to who wins, but it seemed to be before Eli's Top Chef appearance...not sure when it was filmed. Is anyone else a loyal Iron Chef America fan and can tell me when this episode aired? --Liz
Posted by: Trip Klaus | October 29, 2009 9:44 AM
Natalie Portman is totally filthy and I love it. Fuzzy Bear Kevin is Catholic and married and awesome and I want his grandmother to cook breakfast for me. If Kevin doesn't win, I am all in for Mike V (jerk or not). Good riddance to Guido Mike.
Way to try and stay anonymous, but I know who posted this comment. I'm loving Fuzzy Bear, too, and his close-knit family. --Liz
Posted by: Anonymous | October 29, 2009 9:44 AM
1)I think Jen has way more talent than Casey. She was really strong in the first few weeks and she'll still be in the final four.
2)Natalie Portman wrote a Huffington Post blog this week that said that Jonathan Foer's new book turned her from vegetarian to vegan -but that book just came out.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/natalie-portman/jonathan-safran-foers-iea_b_334407.html
So why did they all make VEGAN meals instead of vegetarian? I'm a vegetarian, and Kevin's was the only meal of any substance, and even that had no protein. Robin's four chickpeas do not count.
They could have used pasta, cheese, any of a thousand types of beans, tofu, seitan, tempeh, eggs... but all anyone could think of was vegetables, and JFM's ridiculous "scallop".
Good call on the lack of cheese, bonnie. It's almost like it was being vegan without coming clean. I mean, vegan isn't a completely foreign term to most of America, right? And yes, four chickpeas does not a substantial meal make. --Liz
But remember that at fancypants restaurants, four chickpeas might in fact be half the dish! (OK, I know it was far less than half of Robin's dish, but still.) --Justine
Posted by: bonnie | October 29, 2009 9:56 AM
I was really ANGRY last night that they kept Robin. I felt completely manipulated by the editors... keep her for the drama, eh? I don't want to watch it anymore. Frustrated beyond belief. She's so ANNOYING!!! Liked that they had a poll where 85% of the responders said "Send her home already..." and then they DIDN'T. I know the poll and the judging happen at different times, but it just means I'm not the only one who feels that way. Stop manipulating your audience.
Summer, we completely forgot to mention the phone-in poll during the commercial break. It was astonishing how many people wanted to see Robin gone. I, for one, would NOT want to eat at her restaurant. If I did, she'd probably forget the chckpeas on my dish. --Liz
I can't believe that many people voted in the poll though -- it cost 99 cents to text your vote, and we weren't told how many people did, right? I'm not sure if Bravo had the poll up on its site for free, but only those who really care would bother. --Justine
Posted by: Summer | October 29, 2009 10:04 AM
Robin is clearly outclassed at this stage in the show, but I'm not sure I understand the commenters who are threatening to tune out because of it.
If Hosea's winning didn't chase you away, I think you're here for good. I mean seriously, he was no better than the 5th best chef on his season.
Robin doesn't stand a chance to last more than one more week. Stay strong, viewers. Or just don't watch next week. --Liz
Agreed, AK. Past seasons have had some really annoying chefs, and part of the fun was watching them get humbled time and time again. It doesn't seem like the lesson will sink in for JFM or Robin this go-around, but maybe we'll get lucky. --Justine
Posted by: AK | October 29, 2009 10:44 AM
I loved Natalie's "dirty" comments. I cannot stand Padma though! She offers nothing to this show as far as I can tell. I am a big guy with a wonderful palette; I could do what she does!
Kevin has this in the bag. I am thinking of making reservations at Volt for early January to celebrate my anniversary; any idea if the publicity Brian is attracting will wreck my plans?.
Padma's a much more polarizing component of the show than I ever realized. Our restaurant critic and Dining@Large blogger Elizabeth Large reviewed Volt recently which may make it harder to get a reservation. I've heard that it can take a few weeks to get a reservation, especially during peak weekend times, so if you know when in January you want to go, it may be worth calling them now and seeing if they are taking reservations that far into the future. I absolutely want to go eat there ASAP but I'm having trouble coordinating with the folks I want to take with me. --Liz
Posted by: Garret | October 29, 2009 10:57 AM
Putting up w/ JFM every week was more stomach-churing than watching George double-dip. Sooo glad he's gone.
Nice Seinfeld reference, Lucinda. Way to keep it going. Maybe JFM will take time out of his busy schedule and watch an episode or two. --Liz
Posted by: Lucinda | October 29, 2009 11:01 AM
I don't think it was a vegan challenge, because Jen made a point of talking about the butter in her sauce. But I did wonder where the rice, pasta, etc. was... Does La Portman have celiac disease or something?
The guest judge reminded me of why I hate Judge Toby so much (he was blissfully absent last night). The comment about the lavendar was a funny, off-hand remark, whereas Toby would have insisted on delivering a line like that in his full-on "I'm a pretentious English d*ck" mode.
Baltofoodie, I'm right there with ya. I neglected to mention in the recap the squeal of delight I let out when I saw Gail was back (not like I loooove Gail or anything, she's just the lesser of two evils). I'm so over Toby. A good guest judge is hard to find. --Liz
Were you ever a fan of Toby to be over him already? Ugh. I've always dislike that English turd. --Justine
Posted by: Baltofoodie | October 29, 2009 11:14 AM
I was very glad Gail was back, too, but she needs a visit from Tim Gunn - why on earth would she wear that weirdo dress with all the ruffles? She is so lovely, but that dress was totally distracting
Only Tim Gunn can help her. Padma's the same kind of fashion disaster. --Liz
We forgot our Padma Fashion Moment! I was distracted by the tight gray shoulderless jumpsuit she had on during the quickfire. What was that? --Justine
Posted by: Baltofoodie | October 29, 2009 11:26 AM
"The Professional"- Natalie Portman at her preteen finest. Excellent movie despite all the horrifying blood spatter.
I'm definetly excited to see Mike go. I'm hoping Jen pulls it together as she came in so strong at the beginning and a little extra Philly representation wouldn't hurt.
Hmm, so it's really a battle between Philly and Maryland cheftestants? We'll see whose cuisine reigns supreme. --Liz
Posted by: philadelphian | October 29, 2009 11:57 AM
Didn't they use this vegetarian trick on Top Chef masters? And guess who was the celeb vegetarian, but none other than our Natalie. Tom was absolutely drooling over her last night....yuck. And yes, Richard and Eli were on Iron Chef about 2 weeks ago.
We didn't watch Top Chef Masters. It doesn't have the same 'je ne sais quoi' as Top Chef original for me. But really, they just repeated her from Masters? Lame. --Liz
Maybe they counted on the fact that the audience doesn't have much overlap? --Justine
Posted by: Jille | October 29, 2009 12:04 PM
For a show about the culinary arts, it was patently moronic not to clarify the vegetarian challenge. "Vegan" and "Veggie" diets are completely different animals - pun intended. Tom Colicchio, shame on you! For Veggie dishes, they were ALL pathetic. Kevin’s was slightly more substantial, but oh so ugly! A large part of any Veggie dish should be presentation: colorful and enticing!
I find everyone’s hatred for Robin to be sheepish and childish. I’m certainly not claiming she’s Top Chef material, but there’s always someone there having a worse showing for that day’s challenge. And yes, she talks a lot, probably way too much. But I’ll take her any day over Jerkface Mike or Eli The Weasel. The fact is, she’s confronted with hateful attitudes 24/7, and instead of caving, she’s decided they can just go fukk themselves and ends up talking even more. Only Kevin, Byan and timidly Jenn (although she’s so messed up emotionally, she’s turning sheepish herself) have yet to show their sadistic mass-hysteria side concerning Robin. Mike V has great potential, but he needs to grow up first.
Christian, maybe they meant it to be a vegetarian challenge but didn't clarify the rules enough for the at-home audience. And ok, we'll give Robin credit for being a fighter, but what dishes has she made that were truly memorable? She shined with her dessert during Restaurant Wars, but that's about all I can remember right now. --Liz
I do remember thinking that Michael V.'s dish looked particularly colorful and appetizing ... Bearded Kevin's was as beautiful, but until we get Taste-O-Vision TVs, I guess we'll have to go with the "yums" and praise from the diners. --Justine
Posted by: Christian | October 29, 2009 12:15 PM
I'm glad somebody else is still bitter about the Hosea thing. Not only was he personally annoying (and that whole Leah thing...YUK), but I wasn't impressed by him at all as a chef. I hope the censors, I mean judges, get rid of Robin next week. It is a total miscarriage of justice that she is still there. However, I am so looking forward to the reunion with Fabio next week. I knew all along that, even though he didn't win, we hadn't heard the last of Fabio. At least Bravo had the good sense to keep him in the limelight and on the payroll. The whole Hosea/Fabio thing reminds me of when MTV had the competition for the new VJ. That awful and wierd Jesse guy won and was never heard from again. However the Dave guy (can't remember his last name but I know Liz will) was able to get a few things going and make some sort of a career for himself.
I think JFM's jerkfacedness got the better of him. BBJen better get her head together...Robin can't outlast her. Kevin is winning everything. It would be a clever plot twist if he came in 2nd. The no meat on Friday during Lent is a Catholic thing...I've never heard of no meat at all during Lent unless that would be a personal choice. Even though I am not on Team Kevin, this revelation makes me like him more.
The lack of pasta is a good point...especially since I am trying to perfect my pasta making abilities.
Liz and I were speculating that if the challenge was in fact just vegetarian (and not vegan) that the steakhouse kitchen just didn't have some ingredients like flour and eggs. It seemed really odd to us, but perhaps they were limited to some of the kitchen, or Tom's chefs do the desserts elsewhere, etc.
Even if Bearded Kevin doesn't win, it seems like he'd also have a good shot at being a celebrity chef who people actually like. Though he doesn't have the crazy level of charisma that Fabio has, he's consistently been a sweet guy who makes good food. Also, his techniques are totally approachable for a home chef. Maybe he'll get his own cooking show after this is over. Liz can only hope. --Justine
Posted by: dkh735 | October 29, 2009 12:33 PM
Zoey Deschanel was the guest judge on Top Chef Masters, not Natalie Portman. She's vegan and, I believe, gluten intolerant.
Thanks! --Justine
Posted by: Anne | October 29, 2009 12:33 PM
Yes - I don't know how far apart they were taped, but if the contestants watched Top Chef Masters they would have known that the vegetarian curve ball was coming as soon as Natalie Portman was introduced. I believe in the Top Chef Masters episode the food also had to be dairy-free AND gluten free. I remember some kind of unique rice pasta being used for the winning dish.
I think the cheftestants knew they were cooking at Tom's restaurant the night before they went, and Natalie Portman was introduced the day of the challenge, so they didn't have much time to figure how to to deal with the curve ball of a vegetarian steakhouse.
It does seem weird though that the producers didn't explain why the cheftestants didn't use much dairy (was Jen's butter sauce the only mention of it?) Tom's blog didn't explain it either. --Justine
Posted by: BM | October 29, 2009 12:37 PM
Zooey Deschanel was the guest chef for the The Top Chef Masters challenge of this ilk. That challenge was a bit more difficult, however, as Deschanel is both vegan and allergic to glutin. As expected, the Top Chef Masters offerings were resoungingly superior to anything offered tonight. But hey, that's why they're masters.
Nothing could crystallize my hatred for Robin as much as her admitting that her strategy is merely not to be the worst. That's all well and good for Survivor or Big Brother or some other silly elimination show that isn't based on skill or talent. I watch Top Chef because, supposedly, it is a meritocracy. I watch to see chefs created inspired dishes that they expect to be better than those of their competitors. Her presence soils the experience.
I was just talking with a coworker about how Top Chef is superior to other reality shows because the contestants have to have a real skill. While I'm sure Robin is a fine cook, she and JFM have brought a typical reality show vibe to this season.
Really, I'm here for the cooking and the mad skillz it takes to please the diners each night. Bryan and Kevin are my favorites because they're apart from the drama. Let's hope they stay that way. --Justine
Posted by: AK | October 29, 2009 12:46 PM
1. Great recap as always.
2. Good to see JFM gone...I think he is one week too soon, but I really think the editors do a number on these cheftestants. The other chefs really seem to like JFM, more so than Robin. Its weird.
3. Robin. Really? Why is she still here? She is just out of her league now. Yes she is competing, but she is a mess. Done with her.
4. Jen. I would love to see Jen go. Part of winning this show is NOT cracking under pressure. She cant handle it. Did you notice Gail's reaction to Jen and Mike saying goodbye to each other? It was like she was surprised by their show of affection...it was funny.
5. I will keep defending Team Volt and Kevin. Kevin keeps winning where I'd like to see Bryan or Mike V take it...but you cant hate the beard! Hes so genuine. I think he is the one chef who could beat the Volt Bros. (still love Eli too, but I dont know that he cant beat them)
Final four:
1. Kevin
2. Bryan
3. Mike V
4. Really want to say Eli...but I'm fearful that Jen will make it through.
Also, I swear editors keep really crappy chefs on until the end so that there is a definitive final 2.
Cant wait until next week's episode--reunion shows are always hilarious. Are you guys excited for Top Chef: Desserts?
I totally missed Jen and Mike saying goodbye! Was that JFM or her Bamm-Bamm Michael V.? Was it because the cheftestants all liked him as a person?
We are excited for next week's reunion! We were toying around with live blogging it, but we might do a regular recap. You'd better let us know what you think!
That is one genuine beard. Don't tell Liz, but Kevin's my second favorite. --Justine
Posted by: lore | October 29, 2009 12:51 PM
Um, I think the vegan on TCM was Maggie Gyllenhaal...?
It looks like the Google and other recappers say that Zooey Deschanel was the vegan gluten-free celebrity on Top Chef Masters. Here's one recap from the Wall Street Journal Speakeasy blog. --Justine
Posted by: Baltofoodie | October 29, 2009 1:07 PM
The vegan competition on Masters was Zooey Deschanel, not Natalie. And Zooey was also allergic to wheat so the masters really had to step it up. AND even they had different kinds of pasta. I think that the fact that they only had two hours to do the whole meal and there was no big whole foods run really effected what they could prepare. Even JFM said he didn't have access to yogurt, as though they were limited to what was in the kitchen.
I remember JFM saying he didn't have access to HIS yogurts, which I took at the time to mean he couldn't bring/make his own. I wish the producers had made it clearer what the cheftestants had access to except for that fridge of veggies. --Justine
Posted by: rinsky | October 29, 2009 1:18 PM
Natalie Portman in "Garden State"! She has some great lines that movie.
I think Padma's jumpsuit was DENIM. The horror. Also, why was the "belt" so high?
The filthiest comment in the That's What She Said little go-round actually came from a random guest, not Natalie (the one about "that's what usually happens") -- someone dark-haired at the edge of the table. But Natalie started it.
I really want Jen to pull it together.
Garden State always makes me cry when I watch it, so I don't remember as many quotes as I should. I think the belt was so high because Padma may have been trying to emphasize her pregnantness (although I'm sure this was filmed long before she got pregnant). They show her on the phone in bed in the previews for next week. Is her morning sickness making her unable to come to the Top Chef Kitchen? Tune in. --Liz
Maybe it's just another opportunity for the male cheftestants to swoon over the idea of Padma in the morning. Remember when she had them make breakfast for her early one morning, last season maybe? I still remember the drooling. --Justine
Posted by: Mary | October 29, 2009 1:21 PM
on TC Masters, I believe that it was Michael Chiarello who make quinoa pasta and all of the vegans swooned over it. The judges called him out on it because it was not made by him for the competition but he argued that even in Italy, the people will buy dried pasta since they are buying it from experts whose job it is to know how to make dried pasta. Also, he said he had to manually separate the strands while cooking so it was essentially made "by hand". I used to like him.
They got mad at him for using a pasta he didn't make? That's a bit extreme. --Liz
Posted by: dkh735 | October 29, 2009 3:00 PM
As much as you ladies hated Mike I or in your case (JFM) I dont think he should have went home. Jennifer has been in the bottom on elimination challenges 2 wks in a row and is still there. Granted she started off hot but lately she has cooled off. I would start on Robin but whats the point. She obviously has a four leaf clover stuck up her behind.
Hey Jason, I think the judges try to decide based on that day's food, not the cheftestant's past performance (though sometimes they do talk about it), so maybe that's why JFM went home instead of Jen or Robin. If you read Tom Colicchio's blog about the episode, you'll see that Jen's was good but not enough food, so she wouldn't have gone home, especially compared to JFM's poor attempt at vegetarian cooking. --Justine
Posted by: jason | October 29, 2009 5:57 PM
Robin is around because the judges kind of messed up earlier... they sent almost all the women home super early.
It says clearly at the end of the show - as with many/all of these shows - that the producers get a say in who goes home each week. Well, if you believe in subconscious sexism like me, you know that 5 guys and 1 girl won't get good ratings.
Not trying to be a jerk, but I think it's true: Robin is around to keep the balance a bit. In fact, I bet she makes it through next week to keep it 3-2 even. She's just been lucky. She wasn't on the bottom enough in the beginning to get the boot, and now she's around because the show's producers need her.
Posted by: D | October 29, 2009 7:25 PM
First off, I completely agree with the comments about Hosea. Stefan was a bit much at times but he had some serious talent and should have taken the competition. Rewatching some of those episodes, Hosea comes off as whiny and smarmy while Stefan is actually kinda likeable.
Anyway, yes it is literally amazing that Robin is still around but this isn't the first time an "out of their league" contestant stuck around too long (hello, Betty from Season 2).
Kevin is my personal favorite--beard, belly, meat and all. I love Top Chef but I am kind of ready to fast forward a few episodes to watch the serious contenders--Kevin, the Brothers, and Jen (sorry, I know you don't like her, but I kind of do, and she is talented) get on with the show.
Posted by: Nell | October 29, 2009 7:49 PM
If you are bored and have a couple extra minutes in the day, check out the Bravo website. You get to see more of a picture of who the chefs are with little extra video clips and pictures. It might give you a little more insight into Mike I. The brothers also seem to be more like normal brothers. Jen seems nice enough.
I thought Jen would make it to the Final 4. I'm not sure now. She doesn't seem to be pulling herself out of her slump. I say Final Two will be Mike V. and Bearded Kevin.
By the way, I just loved how, during the commercials, Bearded Kevin commented that his body shape was not "accidental." He had to really eat to get that way! I just think he is the perfect combination of good-natured and talented. He has my vote for Top Chef!
Good tip, Jenny from NJ. I should really make it a point to devour (pun intended) all of the Top Chef content Bravo has online. Why don't you think Bryan would make a final two? Do you think he's too nice? Or will his brother simply out-cook him? I can't wait! --Liz
Posted by: Jenny from NJ | October 29, 2009 9:03 PM
Great blog guys! I think Jen is going to return to form next week, after a few down weeks. She showed too much talent in the early episodes to not bounce back. She'll probably be in the final four with the V's and Kevin, which will be a high quality group. Natalie and friends were a nice change from the usual reviewers. Definitely looking forward to seeing the reunion show next week - met Marcel in Vegas once at TAO and he was a very friendly guy.
I am sooooo jealous you met Marcel, ColumbiaBill! Did he rap for you? Was he in town for an event, or do you think he lives in Vegas now? While some people would be excited to meet actors or politicians, I prefer to set my sites low and make goals out of meeting reality cooking show contestants :) --Liz
Posted by: ColumbiaBill | October 29, 2009 9:39 PM
I noticed 'the hug" and Gail's reaction too. I think there was another tight hug in the stew room too. I wonder if there was something going on. As a Top Chef expert, I am sure Jen knew the cameras were looking for hanky panky and found a secret rendezvous with JFM.
Watching Jen closely, as a big fan, i think she was particularly weird during the quickfire. My best guess is that she was high. All that stuff with the giggling and Pebbles and Bam Bam stuff. Yep she was high.
As much as i would say that Jen is going to make a comeback, Kevin is very good and on fire. The bearded one can seriously cook. His veggie meal looked great.
At this point, I think all the drama outside the kitchen would end if Robin goes. Maybe that's why keep her around. But there seems to be no way she survives another week.
Do you think the cameras were lurking around, trying to catch a secret moment between any of the cheftestants, like the Hosea/Leah "moment"? They're desperate. I am glad that on the whole, Top Chef hasn't stooped to manufactured romantic storylines in order to stay afloat, unlike other reality TV shows. And on Jen's weird Bamm-Bamm/Pebbles stuff during the quickfire...maybe she was just punchy from lack of sleep. You should see me and Justine some days and how punchy we get at our cubicle. We get a major case of the giggles from time to time. --Liz
Posted by: Jay | October 29, 2009 10:02 PM
I watched the JFM exit interview on the Bravo website. I believe that he said they had no tv, music, radio, magazines, etc. It sounds like a sensory deprivation experiment to me. Maybe that's why some of them crack and some don't.
That's standard reality show policy. No contact with the outside world. Like being sequestered during jury duty. --Liz
Posted by: dkh735 | October 30, 2009 10:33 AM
I noticed the JFM /Jenn hug but I doubt anything was really going on as JFM just got married and the Washington Post did almost a full page story about his wedding in PG County. Of course in keeping with this season his new bride was equally "tatted".
Nice catch, Trip Klaus. I did some creative Googling and found the article for those of you who want to read it.
Read the Post article here
Posted by: Trip Klaus | October 30, 2009 10:46 AM
I call total bulls**t on this whole thought-you'd-be-cooking-in-a-steakhouse-but-instead-you-have-to-cook-for-a-bunch-of-pretentious-and-judgemental-veggifascists-instead.
Natalie Portman and her Tofu Brigade shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a steakhouse. And how dare they complain that the meals were "insubstantial" or "unsatisfying." THEY'RE VEGATABLES; they're a side dish.
Pffft.
Posted by: Flipkid | October 30, 2009 10:39 PM
I am glad that JFM got voted off. You would think in a show where his fate lies in the hands of a panel of judges, that he would worry more about charming them and less about his arrogant self pride. (Maybe his problem is that the judging panel is 50% female!?!) Personally I thought his arrogance was extremely off-putting and cheered when he was asked to pack his knives and go!
My thoughts on Robin at this point are that JFM wouldn't be the top chef anyway, so why worry about her still being there....her time will come, and it gives us all something to buzz about!
Natalie Portman was also in the movies Beautiful Girls and Closer. She looked very beautiful next to her average looking friends. She should have hooked up her friends with her make-up artist to help them look as "Hollywood" as she did.
Finally, I think Kevin is going to win, even though I enjoy looking at the brothers Voltaggio. Jen definitely appears to be cracking, but I always felt like she seemed to totter on the edge anyway. Maybe it is a self esteem issue. I don't care for Eli's attitude, but was intrigued to see a younger version of him on a rerun of Iron Chef this past week.
My favorite comment this week was from Kevin when he talked about how he liked to eat, and that he wasn't born "this" way. (Or something like that.) That was funny and genuine.
Finally I agree with you Justine, why didn't anyone prepared a pasta dish? Maybe it is too easy, but sometimes less is more!!
Justine and I rented "Closer" this weekend, since we caught so much flack for not knowing her complete works when we wrote the blog post. The movie always makes me cry, mostly because of how despicable the characters are and how few redeeming qualities they have in the end. Justine hated it, mostly because she says the characters weren't relatable. Anybody else see the movie and want to give a min-review? --Liz
Posted by: Suzi Rocks | November 2, 2009 5:12 PM
DARN!!! I wanted to be 40!!!
You'll always be comment No. 40 to me, dkh. --Liz
Posted by: dkh735 | November 2, 2009 8:08 PM
I'm two weeks late in adding my measley 2 cents but I just wanted to say I was really happy when JFM got the boot because he really upped the obnoxiousness and arrogance during this challenge. However, I've gotta say that with that joy came a little sympathy because he seems to definitely be a much better chef than Robin, so it kills me a little that she's still around while he got the boot. I was actually a bit amazed that no one knew Natalie Portman was a vegetarian...you would think a Star Wars fan like Eli would've read up on her. I was confused by the lack of pasta too. Anyway, can't wait until next week when they're back again, but I must say I'm getting very anxious as the numbers start to dwindle. I might cry a little if they boot Jenn or Eli before they boot Robin cuz that would just be SO unfair.
Sure, Serena, it's bittersweet that JFM got kicked off before Robin, but we all know Robin can't stay afloat much longer. It's a hard toss-up between keeping jerkfacedness around or keeping a drama starter like Robin. They totally won't get rid of Jen or Eli before Robin. If they get rid of Eli, I may just have to have Justine type up the recap because I'll be too busy sobbing to type --Liz
Posted by: Serena | November 6, 2009 7:52 PM
I'm late as well with comments; however, I just found this website.. It's great! Keep doing what you are doing! =)
First, I believe the Iron Chef Episode w/ RBlaise and Eli was from Fall 2007.
Second, to recap last season...I am glad to hear that others have voiced their opinion regarding Hosea's win.....that was WAY disappointing..and I agree abt. the whole Leah thing...ick! Let's keep TC abt. the food....please!
Love Fabio...thought Carla could've done better if Casey hadn't tried to get her to SV her beef - a cooking technique she had never tried.
I also agree regarding TC Masters that Michael C. WAS one of my favorite Chefs ( was pulling for him to win...in the beginning...). He behaved like a jerkface himself, esp. when they were testing who would be their Sous Chefs for the final challenge. He is on a major power trip....totally lost respect for him. Yes, v. talented, but a Chef should be a respectful leader, not degrading people just b/c you can (you're the boss). It's not always what you can do, but what you can get folks to do for you. Last time I checked...treating ppl.. on your team like that doesn't evoke the best final product.
In regards to the main episode we're discussing, I would definitely like to know what were the restrictions (as most of us have voiced) regarding the vegetarian challenge. I, too, was surprised that no one at least used potatoes.
JFM's parting was not sad to me.
I do like Kevin and Mike V. I really am rooting for Bryan.....can't help it....I think he will make a 'come-back'...and he's sure easy on the eyes. ;) At this point, Kevin's winning the whole thing just would be too predictable. I would also like to see if Jen can pull it together...she was kicking some a** earlier in the game, and I'd like to see what she can really do.
I don't know abt. Eli (sorry Liz)....he's v. talented, but just not sure if he could beat the V brothers and Kevin.
And, lastly, I doubt they'll let Robin go this next episode either..sigh...but really have had enough of her. Even the producers know it...hence the text vote. Give the people what they want Bravo!
Again... really happy to have found this blog!
Thanks for your comments, Karo. Based on the caliber of (most of) the contestants who are left, any of them would be a better winner than Hosea. Interesting point about a Kevin win being too predictable. Do you think his strong performance throughout the entire season may be a mark against him? I'd hate to see that happen, just like how I'd hate to see them give the whole thing to Jen because they haven't had a female TC winner since Stephanie. I know Eli doesn't stand a chance, but that doesn't mean I can't root for the (cute) underdog. --Liz
Posted by: Karo | November 8, 2009 10:20 PM