Top Chef
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After the beach-based challengeslast week, they arent heading away from the water just yet.
Theyll serve two fish dishes to the panel of judges, which includes the one and only Daniel Boulud.
Even just feeding seven people will be tight on that kind of budget.
This isnt the first time Toms taken a group of chefs fishing.
After everyone struggles for a few hours, luckily no one is going home to Houston empty-handed.
The highlight of the trip is definitely Demarrs excitement and nerves about the whole thing.
Hes from south of Chicago and has never been fishing in his life.
Gluing himself to Toms side, Demarr follows his lead and catches a massive redfish.
Theres no weak link, no one who managed to scrape by and float to the end.
After shopping at the fish market and Whole Foods, the chefs head home.
Tomorrow, theyll cook at Aaron Bludorns eponymous restaurant in Houston.
For weeks, shes been competing in Last Chance Kitchen, essentially winning a string of Quickfires.
In these rapidly paced challenges, theres no time to overthink it.
But Sarah takes this realization and turns it into two high-concept dishes that stun the judges.
For her first dish, Sarah makes a pseudo crudo.
Served with a hot broth to pour tableside, Sarah presents a mostly raw preparation of her fish.
Its a balanced and impressive meal, but her second dish is the real showstopper.
Inspired by a pastrami sandwich, she presents a whimsical and delicious dish.
Theres not a single negative comment to be heard around the table.
Although it didnt come out exactly as he planned it, the meal is applauded for its ingenuity.
They all instantly recognized the inspiration and Boulud himself was very impressed by it.
Both chefs are rewarded for their thoughtful and creative dishes.
But even with Buddhas near-perfect meal, Sarah edges him out.
Finally getting a proper win, Sarah can hardly believe it.
Tom looks like a proud dad watching his kid graduate.
His smug little smile says, Yeah, I told you she was awesome.
Evelyns nerves really got to her, and although they liked her soup, her taco was just fine.
Padmas unimpressed, and not because it tastes bad.
Sometimes a dish is just okay.
More problematic than that, she thinks Evelyn played it safe.
But luckily its still enough for her to join Buddha and Sarah in the finale.
That just leaves Demarr and Nick.
His crudo was bland and attempting to flavor his dish with only a sauce didnt work out.
His dishes are described as fine and timid.
On the other hand, Nicks downfall was timing.
Despite the flavors being there, its an unappetizing presentation and not the textures he was going for.
In the end, Demarr manages to pull ahead of Nick and make it on to the finale.
Seeing the Mississippi Baker leave the game is a very sad moment.
Everyones crying, especially Demarr.
Nick has a great chance at winning fan-favorite this season.
His positive attitude and encouragement kept the other chefs going even when it was bleak.
If theres ever another all-stars season, I hope Nick is in consideration for it.
The answer is surprising.
Am I the only one who didnt know Tucson had an iconic food scene?
Spoken like a gal with a real inferiority complex.
Ride this well-earned victory to the end, Sarah!
I cannot picture such a statement, but Im amused just thinking about it.
I think the disappointment in Evelyns dish tonight will motivate her to put up some mind-blowing dishes next week.
Shes an amazing chef and rightfully confident, and my moneys still on her to win.
