Those who can’t peel apples probably can’t compete when it comes to cooking… as proved last night by the season premier of Top Chef. This time, TC is in New York City where 17 chefs were flown and gathered for an unprecedented two eliminations in the first episode, the first being in the Quick Fire challenge, minutes after the show started.
After four seasons, TC has no mercy for anyone and that proved true for the two CIA students/current graduates. While CIA stands for the Culinary Institute of America and not what we most associate with that abbreviation, its protégés could not stand the heat in this kitchen. And just like with any reality show editing scheme, no show would be complete without the one who’s first eliminated proclaiming that “There is no way that she’s going home early.” Well, she did. Lauren, whose husband is deployed overseas, said that she didn’t want to sit home and do nothing while he was away.
Unfortunately, her spring apple salad couldn’t keep her cooking as she was eliminated after failing to peel or dice the apples fast enough. Her classmate at CIA, Patrick, also made a tossed apple salad, although his use of honey and couple other key ingredients kept him in the game for another 30 minutes. Unfortunately, he too was eliminated because as the judges told of his final dish, it just wasn’t creative enough. In a show that values creativity, tossed salads are probably not going to cut it and from the get go, the judges let the contestants know that they weren’t playing anymore.
The winner was Stefan who will probably become the character we love to hate as he proclaimed that “It’s time for TC to have a European winner.” Originally from Finland but now residing in the US, he is joined by Fabio from Italy as they both set out to reach the finals.
There is also an underdog this season who’s modest as always and comes out on top when least expected. Gene, who is originally from Hawaii but now resides in Vegas, started out as a dishwasher and worked his way up. With no formal culinary training, he replicated a popular Indian dish just by tasting it in the store after never having cooked an Indian meal before. With praises from the judges, he’s definitely one to watch.
A lot of attention was also paid to Ariane who is a seasoned chef but just couldn’t get things working her way in the first episode. Hopefully she picks herself up and gets in the game because she seems like a promising contestant.
Predictions for the winner: Gene. Predictions for next to go: Ariane.
Top Chef airs on Bravo Wednesdays at 10 EST.
