Well Fed Network

Posted by Patsy Kreitman on Edible TV

Tyler Florence joined the finalists this week for the first challenge. They were each given an ingredient and were asked to show the technique in a 60 second video. The winner would have their video featured on the home page of Food Network.

Aaron spent too much time discussing how to use the pineapple as a garnish and never actually demonstrated how to cut it up. As Nipa was trying to look like she knew how to clean fresh squid, Tyler looked completely baffled - truly worth hitting rewind on the DVR to see it. Shane’s confidence in opening a coconut was impressive… until no juice came out. Kelsey was the big stand-out with her demo on how to French a bone from a rack of lamb. She really toned down her “perkiness” and seemed more natural. She was the winner and you can find the video on Food Network. It was nice to see her win a challenge like this after the criticism of her personality previously.

Next up, was the elimination challenge and the recent winner of The Next Iron Chef, Chef Michael Symon, was on hand to fill in for Bobby Flay this week. Their challenge was to select a piece of fresh fish to fillet and prepare in an accessible way so that Red Lobster customers might want to order it from the menu. The second part of the challenge was to use an uncommon ingredient and create a second dish with the same fish. The uncommon ingredients were things you would not normally pair with fish - white chocolate, fruit cereal, marshmallow fluff, caramel and coffee beans. Since Kelsey won the first challenge, she was allowed to choose the fish and uncommon ingredient first. They were later told that they’d be completing preparation and serving on a Coast Guard ship for 30 members of the crew.

I have to say Nipa’s reaction throughout this episode was a cross between “are you kidding me?” and just plain feeling sorry for herself. She obviously doesn’t cook with fish often and seemed terrified to even touch it. I was completely dumbfounded when I watched her cut a small piece of fish to prepare and toss the rest of it in the garbage. She had the freshest fish around and just couldn’t manage to try to fillet it. I know I’m no professional chef, but I would have managed to get more than what looked like 2 ounce piece cut from that big beautiful fish!

Now, if you haven’t seen the show yet you will want to make sure to catch it if only to see how gracefully Lisa handles totally losing it and falling in the galley. She had her heels on, as usual, and was rushing about with a large container of sauce and before you know it her feet just slipped out from under her. What was most impressive and humanizing about the whole thing, was how she handled it. She got right up and finished preparing her dish. When she stepped out to present her dish to the crew and judges, she told them what happened and had a sense of humor about it. The judges felt she really shined in that moment, and I have to agree. She really is growing on me each week as she shares more of herself.

In contrast to Lisa falling accidentally, Adam decided to literally throw himself into the serving area and do a pratfall type of entrance. Basically, the crew and judges were stunned into silence. He made himself look like a fool by trying to go over the top with his entrance. If his food had been well received that would have helped, but it was described as a “train wreck.” After last week, I thought he was improving and finally hitting a good stride, but it seems that he’s got some work ahead of him if he hopes to continue to remain in the competition.

Of the remaining dishes, Aaron’s was overcooked and dry since he didn’t check the temperature of the grill prior to adding the fish. Shane’s dish was well-liked for overall taste. Kelsey has hit her stride this week, with her Macadamia Crusted Tilapia with White Chocolate Beurre Blanc. Interestingly, her creation with the uncommon ingredient was chosen by Chef Michael LaDuke from Red Lobster as the winner and will be featured on their menu.

After two botched challenges, Nipa was sent home. For some more insight into what the judges thought, go check out their blogs here.

Did you think it was time for Nipa to go home, or perhaps Aaron’s overcooked fish should have sent him packing? I’d love to hear what you thought about this week’s episode!

Photo courtesy of Food Network.