Top Chef
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Its never a good sign when Padma breaches the sanctity of the Stew Room.
Her presence here is inherently ominous and usually signifies someonesTop Chefjourney is ending.
With an out-of-the-ordinary visit from Padma, speculation ensues.
All signs are pointing toward an Elimination Challenge, and everyone theorizes what it may be.
Brooke is waiting at J-Bar-M Barbecue to introduce tonights Elimination Challenge.
Everyone has been patiently awaiting the chance to barbecue in Houston, and the pressure is on.
Tonight the chefs will have to put a unique spin on brisket.
Beyond their knowledge, the confidence that comes along with it is key.
Right off the bat, Monique is among the chefs who are more nervous about the challenge.
Ah,Top Chef, always keeping everyone on their toes.
For the Quickfire, its another decadent day as the chefs compete in a Texas toast battle.
With brisket on the brain, its a test to see who can switch gears midday.
Lukes pancetta-topped toast is too salty, while Moniques buttercream-and-mushroom toast doesnt work, from concept to execution.
On the flip side, the standout dishes are thoughtful and classic, like Nicks winning BLT.
Although Nick is confident in his brisket abilities, Im sure its more than relieving to earn immunity.
And hey, that $10,000 probably settles the nerves quite well.
At midnight, the chefs pack up their briskets until tomorrows prep time.
This air of uncertainty hangs around the chefs while they begin prep.
So theres nothing to do besides hope the rest of your dish compensates.
But in a brisket challenge, brisketisideally the star of the dish.
For the most part, Evelyn has spent this whole season at the top of the pack.
Im so happy to see her thrive and given a chance to cook for her hometown barbecue masters.
And with a killer dish, to boot, its no surprise she pulls off a well-deserved win here.
Garnering perhaps the highest praise Ive heard from Padma, the dish perfectly balances classic brisket and curry flavors.
Where have you been all my life?!
I cant imagine anyone who is not beaming along with Evelyn.
Joining her at the top are some familiar faces: Buddha and Jackson.
Buddhas high-concept beef bourguignon is equally gorgeous and delicious.
Always the risk taker, Jackson decided to grind up his brisket and make a stuffed pasta.
On the other side of the spectrum, Jo, Ashleigh, and Monique are at the bottom.
As discussed in other recaps, heart and soul are being rewarded heavily this season.
Monique, not confident in her barbecue abilities, played it safe.
With no passion driving her dish, it fell flat.
Although Jackson succeeded, Jo has failed; her stuffed pasta is underwhelming.
Its not necessarily bad, and the judges dont have much to say that she doesnt already know.
Jos is the least offensive of this trio.
Unfortunately, Ashleighs tough meat and mismatched flavors result in her packing her knives.
Its sad to see Ashleigh go after finally making it out of the bottom last week.
Maybe Last Chance Kitchen will be where she finally finds her footing.
His comment about using the Quickfire money to pay for his pugs eye surgery was pretty adorable, though.
Plus one point for wanting to put your dogs needs above yours, now and forever.
If you havent been keeping up with LCK, Leia has been absolutely killing it!
Shes 3-0 so far, and I hope to see her streak continue.
