Top Chef

View Date: 8/19/09

Tonight is the first episode of the sixth season of Top Chef, based in Las Vegas this year. There are award winners, executive chefs, and even a pair of brothers featured this season. To put it mildly, I am really glad to have the original series back.

Chefs: Kevin Gillespie, Preeti Mistry, Ron Duprat, Eve Aronoff, Mattin Noblia, Eli Kirstchen, Ash Fulk, Jesse Sandlin, Jennifer Zavala, Jennifer Carroll, Bryan Voltaggio, Michael Voltaggio, Mike Isabella, Ashley Merriman, Laurine Wickett, Hector Santiago, Robin Leventhal

Quickfire Challenge: The chefs split into teams of 4 to compete in the Mise en Place challenge. I did think the showgirls showing up in the middle of the kitchen. Robin picked a gold chip, which spared her from competing as well as gave her immunity in the elimination challenge. They got to use ingredients that are very popular in Vegas for the relay, rather than the standard items used in seasons past. The relay tonight consists of shucking 15 clams, peel 30 prawns, clean 5 lobsters, and break down 2 chops. The blue team won the challenge, but the individual members then have to compete in a cook-off for $15,000. Robin was given the opportunity to trade in her immunity to compete for the money, but she chose not to. The chefs had to make a dish in 30 minutes using the ingredient they competed with in the relay. The winner was Jen's clam ceviche.

Elimination Challenge: The chefs had to create a dish based on a vice they have. They had to compete against the other members of their relay team. Robin got to choose which team she competed with/against, and she chose the blue team. The judges, thankfully, are Tom, Gail, Padme, and the guest judge Wolfgang Puck. The best dishes were Mike (not the brother), Jennifer (the blond), Ron, and Kevin. Kevin's arctic char dish won overall. The worst dishes of the night were Hector (who deep-fried a steak), Eve (bland sauce and poorly cooked seafood), Jen (clunky rellenos), and Jesse (overcooked chicken breast). The overall least favorite dish of the night was Jen's chili relleno.

10 words or less: Looking forward to a great season.