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[Photos: © 2009 NBC Universal, Inc.]
This week, the guest judge is Chef Daniel Boulud. And the cheftestants found out that the Quickfire Challenge would involve using the snail, aka escargot. The winner of the Quickfire would get immunity, the loser would go home.
After 45 minutes of cooking time, these were the dishes:
- Jennifer C.: Escargot with Grilled Ramps, Brussels Sprouts, Chanterelle Mushrooms & Yuzu
- Jesse: “ELT” – Escargot, Mache & Fried Tomato
- Laurine: Sautéed Escargot, Lemon Risotto, Spinach, Parsley Pesto & Garlic Butter
- Hector: Caribbean Escargot with Pickled Mushrooms
- Robin: “Bagels & Lox” – Poached Escargot Marmalade, Gooseberries & Rye Crostini
- Mattin: Fava Bean Crostini with Escargot Sautéed in a Piment D’Espelette & Anise
- Ashley: Escargot Mirepoix Soup & Salad
- Kevin: Escargot Fricassee with Mushrooms, Brussels Sprouts & Candied Bacon Jam
- Mike I.: Sautéed Escargot over Potato Garlic Puree, Spring Onion & Ouzo Broth
The three favorites were those of Mike I., Kevin & Jennifer C. The winner of the challenge was Kevin.
 [Bravo Photo: © 2009 NBC Universal, Inc.] |
The three least favorites were those of Jesse, Ashley & Robin. They were sent back to the kitchen to make an amuse busche: an amazing bite to save their life. These were the dishes:
- Robin: Avocado Soup with Yuzu, Green Apple Mustard Relish & Crab
- Jesse: Tuna Tartare with Sorrel, Gooseberries, Fried Quail Egg & Fried Bread
- Ashley: Foie Gras with Pineapple, Tarragon & Ramps
The creator of the worst dish would go home. The loser of the challenge was Jesse. She packed her knives and went home.
For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs drew knives. Everyone but Kevin had to draw one, and on it was the name of a classic French protein or sauce. They had to work in pairs, combining the proteins with the sauces. Then they found out that they would have to serve some of the world’s most impressive French chefs. Kevin was told to wear a suit & tie because he would be joining the judges.
The chefs took some time to celebrate Mattin’s 29th birthday. It looked like they had a great time and got some stress worked out.
 [Bravo Photo: © 2009 NBC Universal, Inc.] |
Here were the dishes they served to the distinguished guests:
- Ron & Robin: Frog Legs Meuniere with Lemon Confit, Mache & Arugula Salad with Fried Capers
- Bryan & Mike I.: Warm Cured Trout with Deconstructed Béarnaise
- Eli & Laurine: Lobster, Sauce Americaine with Cauliflower Puree
- Mattin & Ashley: Seared Poussin & Ravioli with Sauce Veloute & Green Asparagus
- Jennifer C. & Michael V.: Rabbit Chasseur with Mustard Noodle & Shiso
- Hector & Ash: Chateaubriand, Sauce au Poivre with Confit de Pommes & Spinach
Overall, the great chefs were pleased with the quality of the food from the young competitors. Then it was time for the Judges Table.
The judges began by calling in Bryan, Mike I., Michael V., and Jennifer. They were the creators of the two best dishes. The winner of the night was Bryan. He was given the opportunity to come work with one of the world’s top French chefs at his restaurant in the MGM Grand.
Next to be called in were Mattin & Ashley and Hector & Ash. They had the two worst dishes of the night. After some deliberation, the judges told to Hector to pack his knives and go.
I think it must have been an amazing opportunity for all the chefs to learn and to grow. And Bryan’s chance to work with a great chef is a great prize.
One of the guests at dinner was the chef for the Eiffel Tower Restaurant in the Paris Casino and having eaten in his restaurant, I can tell you that the food is extraordinary! I only wish I could have tasted some of the dishes.