American Idol….So, America puts Brooke in the bottom three? Go Big A. Kristy Lee in the bottom three. Again. The heck with her little hand drawn sign. They should just make a permanent name plate for her stool. Ramiele also in the bottom three. Finally. And….she departs. She’s a wee cutie, but this has definitely been coming. I was only surprised it was Brooke rather than Syesha on the Silver Stools Of Death tonight. Although, it’s nice to know I’m not alone with not feeling the connection to Brooke. And, ultimately, I think the guys have it this year, so an all girl bottom three also seems to be heading this season in the right direction.

Now…when it comes to food? Mmmmmm. Top Chef.
Why, why am I being forced to say something nice about Spike? But, I liked how he handled the one couple in the competition respectfully, saying he thought they were a good partnership, but felt they were also somewhat of a threat in terms of having each other to lean/rely on. Well said. Shocking that you were the one to say it, but well said.

Quickfire - world famous French chef, Daniel Boulud, is the guest judge, and they have to prepare something classic with vegetables showing off their knife skills and presentation is everything. Everyone is a bit intimidated, especially those with no formal training. Interesting, also, to hear that both Richard and Ryan have worked at one of Boulud’s restaurants, but he assures us it won’t affect his judging. Right-o. Because if they no longer work for you, it’s because you loved their food. And, as it can’t be said often enough, shut up, Insufferable Richard. He’s one of Boulud’s top three, but Dale rightfully wins. Very interesting and pretty presentation.

Elimination Challenge - they have to prepare a 6 course meal for film critic’ Richard Roeper’s dinner party for actress Aisha Tyler, and as a Quickfire winner, Dale gets to pick what pair of chefs to work with, so he chooses Andrew and Richard, feeling they are the most aggressive, creative chefs, which he feels is his arena as well. I agree with this. Andrew, of course, does not. Mercifully, we go to commercial as a nice stall before having to hear anything more from Richard. Oh, and their dish/course has to be inspired by a famous movie. Sweet.

The movies ranged from Willy Wonka and Top Secret (no, not kidding) to Il Postino and The Christmas Story. Team Willy (Richard/Andrew/Dale) and Team Top Secret (Stephanie/Lisa) were the top two. Richard pulls out the win. Hopefully he won’t be even more insufferable with it. Right. Fat chance of that happening. Bottom duo was Spike/Manuel (Good Morning Vietnam) and Zoi/Antonia (Talk To Her) with Manuel going home. He hasn’t been showing well as yet, so this wasn’t a surprise. Right choice.

Interesting season, and so far, everyone is making a classy exit. Possibly due to the higher, more experienced professionalism involved with chef selection this season. For me, I’m enjoying that, so far, it’s mostly really about the food, and not about the drama/personal story. Good choice, producers. And then they go and show the previews for next week and I take ALL of that back! Sheesh.

Last chance to enter this week’s SHaQ Attack contest to win an advance copy of my August book, The Black Sheep & The English Rose. See Monday’s post for details!

Tags: Writing //