Top Chef Las Vegas Returns with Twists Galore

After a week's break, which makes no sense, Top Chef Las Vegas returns. It doesn't make sense why a reality show that has been over for weeks would go on a week's break for now reason but hey, let's see how many names I can actually remember! I'm surprised how much they fit into the short pre-kitchen segment. In short, Ash was happy to show that he can actually cook, Michael was missing his kids and Jenn was sick. She's officially the new Leah... sick and not wanting to be there. Sigh. Into the kitchen they then went, sick Jenn and all. Padma and Tyler Florence were there to greet them as they were about to play some slots!

It was very creative to have the slot machine decide their mood, taste and cuisine for the Quick Fire. I'm digging their location tie in this season as it's giving it a whole new feel. After spinning for their selections, the chefs were then off to cook their dishes. Some ended up with umami as a taste... wtf is umami? I never heard of it and kind of glad I didn't, it's mostly an earthy flavor so everyone went with mushrooms. It was one of those odd challenges were people either did really well or sucked horribly. Jenn, Robin and Eli all fell short as they weren't creative enough, or didn't know enough, while Mike, Michael and Kevin were placed on top. Kevin ended up winning the Quick Fire, yet again, and got to choose between $15,000 and immunity. He chose the money, which isn't THAT smart since he is in a competition. Watch him go home now and you know what? I'll laugh!

At home the chefs learned that they would be cooking at the house for their elimination challenge. Padma then arrived and made it official, they would have three hours to cook a "family dinner" style meal for a Macy's panel. Paired up the chefs then rushed to cook with the ingredients they were given. Mike wasn't too happy, ok he was "livid" that he was paired with Robin and you could tell he wouldn't let her do a single thing. The two working together was awkward and very hard to watch. Others had a much easier time as Kevin/Jenn worked together well, now that she was feeling better. Ash and Michael also had a good time as Ash let Michael take the lead and it seemed to be work as well for the two. Ashley/Eli was a great pairing as well, they had similar ideas and hopefully they'll do well since they're two of my favorites!

Before it was time for the judges to taste there were some last minute issues. Ashley found that Eli over salted their seafood while Michael's skillet lost power thanks to the breaker blowing. That caused his fish to be at first under, then overcooked and he felt that would send him home. Outside the judges and tasters met. Ash and Michael's dish was up first. Nobody had a bad thing to say about the actual fish, but felt the dish wasn't put together well. Bryan/Maurine's fish however was greatly praised, probably because they just compared it to the half cooked halibut they just had! Eli and Ashley's dish was next and everyone agreed that it was too salty. They also didn't understand why the fish was so unflavored, something Ashley didn't pick up on before platting. The last two had great praises, oddly as Kevin/Jenn's beef worked well and was pretty much the best of the night. Mike and Robin also had great praise for their taste, even though Tom did mention they had some issues working together.

Following their big reveal the chefs sat and waited in the house to see their fate. Nobody was certain that they did well as Michael beat himself up. He knew the fish was undercooked but doesn't realize that wasn't the issue with his dish. Following the commercial break it was time for judges table. Maurine, Bryan, Jenn and Kevin were sent in first and it was obvious that they were the top two teams. After some nice compliments from the judges, Kevin and Jennifer won the dish of the night with Jenn taking home the prize. She got $10,000 from Macy's! I bet that made her day and made her feel better! Ok I lied... she's nothing like Leah... since she actually CAN COOK!

It was then time for some back news as Michael, Ash, Eli and Ashley were sent to the table. Bryan had some issues with Kevin discussing his brother's dish. I don't see why, maybe it's the beer talking since they're always drinking between judge's table! When it came to Michael and Ash they blamed the electricity which Tyler Florence didn't like one bit. Ash then started spewing verbal diarrhea by telling the judges that he sat back and let Michael cook everything and make all the decision. WOAH. Not a good move. Thankfully the judges then moved on to Ashley and Eli, although they weren't any better. They were somewhat clueless on their dish but Ashley blamed Eli, just as she should, but Tom didn't like that. It's uncertain for once who will go. Both teams were equally bad both in their dishes and their discussion with the judges.

When it came down to it Ashley was sent home. It's kind of sad to see her go as she grew over the season and proved she deserved to stay. Ashley didn't do squat yet stayed in the game? I must say Radhicka got screwed last season because she couldn't serve. Ash stays because he can set a table?!?!?!? Whatever. This season is getting on my nerves and hopefully it picks up soon. Brother Posse must go down! Even if they are growing on me.