TOP CHEF-Jacksonville
Episode Title: “The Elimination Round”
Date: 8/23/09
Author's Note: This is how it all got started. What was an on-the-fly suggestion turned out to be more of a tradition. Everytime we get that competitive itch, you'll see us in the kitchen, battling it out on...TOP CHEF-Jacksonville!
The Challenge:
Show off your skills! Your main dish will be a Cornish Hen, cook a complete meal that will compliment it. PREPARATION:
All the necessary ingredients are already in the kitchen, making prep time go a lot smoother. Both contestants seem a bit apprehensive. Understandably so since this is their first challenge and the judges are telling them that one will go home! |
THE BEGINNING:
Both contestant #1 (Andrew) and contestant #2 (Nikki) start on their Cornish Hen. When our cameramen asked Contestant #1 whether he “feared” his opponent, he replied, “She’s formidable competition, but my last minute idea for stuffing will be a winner.” Andrew continues his work juicing oranges, while Nikki starts with some garlic and soy sauce. Two very different flavors, two very different chefs…Who will triumph?? GETTING DOWN TO IT: Contestant #2 has a good pace; she’s ready and working on the next course while the oven is still heating. What is this? Looks like Nikki’s working with orange too. Contestant #1 didn’t seem to mind, “No, I don’t feel like she’s infringing. Really, if she wants to use orange, that’s fine with me. The judges will know who the ‘Top Chef’ is either way!” Nikki comments back, “Such strong words for someone still working on his hen.” Looks like she’s got two side dishes well under way. |
WRAPPING UP:
Andrew has been putting a lot of work into his Cornish hen. He’s actually stuffing it! This might win the judges over. However, he barely started on his dessert when time was almost up. This might cause a big setback when he goes to plate. Nikki’s looking a bit more relaxed, “I’m pretty happy. It all just seemed to come together.” Both contestants coordinated their timing, the hens went in the oven at the same time. Contestant #2 covered her hen, Contestant #1 left his uncovered. What a competition this is turning out to be! Let’s see whose technique paid off… |
THE MENU:
Tonight's meal will be paired with a Cannary Row Chardonnay from California
Contestant #1 (Andrew):
For Dinner: Wasabi basted Chicken stuffed with cilantro, wasabi peas, bread crumbs, carrots and mandarin orange. For Dessert: Fried corn croutons with a chocolate ferraro sauce. |
Contestant #2 (Nikki):
For Dinner: Citrus, honey garlic Cornish Hen. First Side: Cilantro pasta salad. Second Side: A fresh citrus salad with red coconut vinegrate dressing. |
Judges Table:
Quotes from the Judges on Contestant #1’s dish:
“He nailed the sweet and savory flavor! But what is with the sickly green color??” “ His Cornish Hen has such an amazing aroma and there’s such a good balance of flavor with the stuffing.” “The contestant said he was missing a staple ingredient, rice. I wonder how that dish would have turned out? Would he have been even later to plate?” “It’s a little dry for me. Maybe the stuffing could have used a little more water.” “I love that he did a dessert. It’s so light and creamy. It’s not too sweet or overpowering.” “The presentation of his hen I didn’t like so much, but his dessert looks excellent!” “It tastes like fried ice cream!!” |
Quotes from the Judges on Contestant #2’s dish:
“I think her presentation was an A++. I love family style meals!” “I love that her flavors see to liven the wine.” “Well, I still question the combination of parmesan and citrus.” “I couldn’t believe how juicy it was, even when she had taken the skin off!” “It was a good salad, but the pasta was forgettable.” “I could have used some salt.” “I think it definitely need the orange. It would be bland otherwise. Good Choice.” |
THE DECISION:
The judges are a huge fan of suspense, but they couldn’t wait to tell the contestants the news…
(Insert Commercial Break here)
Neither Contestant #1 or Contestant #2 are going home! They’re both going to live to compete another day!!
What do the contestants have to say? “See you next challenge!”
The judges are a huge fan of suspense, but they couldn’t wait to tell the contestants the news…
(Insert Commercial Break here)
Neither Contestant #1 or Contestant #2 are going home! They’re both going to live to compete another day!!
What do the contestants have to say? “See you next challenge!”
Comments
Nickey M:
"Hey, whens the next "cookoff". and what is the next secret ingredient hugs & kisses all around."
"Hey, whens the next "cookoff". and what is the next secret ingredient hugs & kisses all around."