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Top Chef Masters: Vending Machines And Getting Lost
Recap by RTVC Staff Writer Logan Huffman
June 18, 2009
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Chef Suzanne Tracht
Previously on ‘Top Chef Masters’, chefs Michael Schlow, Hubert Keller, Christopher Lee, and Tim Love competed for the first spot in the champion round. After a Quickfire Challenge judged by Girl Scouts and an Elimination Challenge that had the chefs cooking out of dorm rooms, Hubert had the highest score and advanced to the champion round, eliminating the other three chefs.
We meet the four chefs competing tonight, starting with Graham Elliot Bowles, who is the chef/owner of his namesake restaurant in Chicago. Graham’s culinary style is like punk rock. Tom Colicchio tells us that Graham has been nominated for the James Beard award three times, and he won Food & Wine Magazine’s Best New Chef award. Critic James tells us that Graham is a hotshot guy who has a snazzy Chicago quality to him.
Graham’s charity is the American Heart Association, which is dear to him because he has a nephew awaiting a heart transplant. He adds that he thinks he can beat the other chefs, and he knows what he needs to do to win.
Next up is Suzanne Tracht, a Los Angeles chef/owner of the restaurant Jar. She likes to do things simply, but elegantly, and she loves eating the seasonal items from the Farmer’s Market. Tom tells us that Suzanne is known for doing straightforward, unpretentious food. Critic Jay tells us that Suzanne focuses on ingredients and doesn’t complicate things on the plate.
Suzanne’s charity is SOVA, a food bank that helps needy families. She loves the heat of the moment, and her motivation for competing is to win.
Graham playfully acts horrified when Wylie Dufresne comes in, explaining that they are both really good friends and he doesn’t want to be beaten by him. He knows that in the end, one of them will have bragging rights over the other.
Wylie is from New York City and is the chef/owner of restaurant WD-50. Wylie is known for his molecular gastronomy, which is applying scientific aspects to food, as Jay explains to us. Gael tells us that everyone comes to Wylie’s restaurant for cutting edge cooking.
Wylie is playing for Autism Speaks, explaining that he has had family members diagnosed with it, and he thinks every little bit helps. Tom reminds us that Wylie has appeared as a guest judge on ‘Top Chef’ many times, and he thinks he will be very competitive. Wylie knows that ‘Top Chef Masters’ is an all-star event, and that it’s go big, or go home.
The last chef up today is Elizabeth Falkner, and she is chef/owner of two restaurants in San Francisco, Citizen Cake and Orson. Gail Simmons explains to us that Elizabeth is a James Beard award winner and is one of the great pastry chefs of the country. Elizabeth doesn’t mind being known as a pastry chef, but she also does savory as well.
Elizabeth’s charity is The Edible Schoolyard, which teaches kids about eating and cultivating what’s around them, and just being knowledgeable about what they are eating. Tom tells us that Elizabeth was a guest judge on season one of ‘Top Chef’, and it was clear she wanted to jump into the competition. Elizabeth says that she can be confident and cocky at times, but she is rock star quality and she likes to win.
Kelly comes in and introduces herself to the chefs and explains the rules to them. It’s time for the Quickfire Challenge. This Quickfire Challenge is from season two, where the chefs had to create an Amuse Bouche using items from a vending machine. Graham says that he was hoping for this challenge. Elizabeth explains that an Amuse Bouche is like a gift from the chef, and it’s usually like two bites.
Kelly reveals that three contestants from season two will be judging the food: Ilan, Betty, and Michael. Wylie is worried that they may return his criticism, as we see a flashback of Wylie criticizing Ilan in season two.
Kelly takes the chefs out to the vending machines. Wylie is first, and he selects potato chips, peanuts, and two ham and cheese sandwiches, telling us that he is fascinated by snack foods.
Suzanne tells us that she hardly eats out of vending machines and isn’t really sure where to even find one, but with two teens, she does know about Cheetos, Fritos, and Doritos.
Elizabeth is up, and she selects some beef jerky, along with some Dr. Pepper to braise it in. Graham picks two candy bars, a ham and cheese sandwich, and orange juice. Graham tells us that he needs to win now, as he takes shit from people all of the time for using these types of ingredients.
Back in the kitchen, Kelly gives.....
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