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[Photos: © 2008 NBC Universal, Inc.]
Tonight the guest judge was Chef Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill & Topolobampo.
Quickfire Challenge
In the Quickfire Challenge, Padma told the chefs that they were to create a fine dining version of a taco in only 30 minutes. Yikes! 
Here’s what they created:
- Manuel: Chorizo Tacos with Picante Verde Cilantro & Goat Cheese
- Lisa: Grilled Skirt Steak Tacos with Caramelized Onions, Pineapple & Cabbage Slaw
- Andrew: Duck Breast Tacos with Plantain Jam & Cotija Cheese
- Erik: Chipotle Braised Chicken Taco with Avocado, Pomegranate Salsa & Guacamole
- Spike: Ground Pork Tacos with Tomatillo Sauce
- Ryan: Grilled Squash Tacos with Stewed Chickpeas
- Richard: Jicama Tortillas with Avocado, Papaya & Cilantro Stems
The least favorites were Erik’s, Lisa’s & Ryan’s dishes. The top tacos were Andrew’s, Richard’s & Spike’s dishes. The winner was Richard so he got immunity. Then Chef Bayless told Richard that his dish was going to be put on the menu at his fine dining restaurant, Topolobampo.
(click on “Read More” for the rest of the recap)
Elimination Challenge
The chefs were told then to divide into two teams and go on a field trip. They found out that the Elimination Challenge was for MealsTogether.com and a block party. And they had to go door to door to get the groceries from the neighborhood for the block party. That’s a tough challenge!
The Blue Team created this menu:
- Paella
- Slaw
- BBQ Pulled Pork
- Bean Salad
- Inside Out Cookie
- Sexy Drink
- Fruit Cobbler
- Mac & Cheese
The Red Team created this menu:
- Sliders
- Corn Dogs
- Pork Skewers
- Sangria
- Waldorf Salad
- Pasta Salad
- Taco Salad
- S’Mores
It looked like a fun block party and the neighborhood people seemed to really enjoy seeing what their ingredients helped create. The judges told the Blue Team that they were the winners.
Then the Red Team came to the Judge’s Table and were told that they were the losers. The corn dog was soggy. the Waldorf salad went soggy too. The pasta salad was bland and oily. The red Team was very defensive about the whole thing.
After deliberating, the judges told Erik to pack his knives. His soggy corn dog did him in.
So did you enjoy this episode? Who do you think is going far in the season and who do you think will go home next? Leave a comment to let us know what you think!
[...] For more information on this week’s Top Chef episode, check out fellow b5media blog, Reality Exploits. [...]