Lucent Dossier in action
Tonight’s episode had no shortage of crazy shit stuff going on. We had, and who could have ever predicted this, Seth getting taken away in an ambulance after having a panic attack. This crazy performance group, a less-diesel-looking Cirque Du Soleil, called Lucent Dossier was part of the elimination challenge.
Tonight’s guest judge was Gail Gand, executive pastry chef of Chicago’s acclaimed Tru.
The Quickfire challenge was to create the best ice cream sundae ever but the chefs didn’t have to make the ice cream since the segment was sponsored by Breyers. When the contestants learned this Seth said aloud “weak sauce, weak Sauce!” meaning, how lame is it that they, Top Chef: Just Desserts contestants, didn’t have to make their own ice cream. I can’t believe I am saying this but I agree with Seth! In a shameless bid to suck up to the sponsors Heather H says, “I like Breyers!” Ok, maybe I like Breyers too.
Anywho- the contestants each drew knives to determine what flavor of Breyers ice cream they were going to work with. Before they showed the quickfire they cut to the stew room where Seth was having another tantrum about some Top Chef: rules.
Seth Caro leaves the show after suffering a panic attack
The next thing we know Seth is being carted away and Iuzinni is in there telling the chefs that Seth is out of the show. All the other chefs were relieved. Some, like Eric had nice things to say about him: “somewhere in there is a talented chef”. However, they all seemed glad that Seth would no longer be using extremely sharp knives and operating dangerous appliances near them anymore.
In the Quickfire Morgan ran a sentimental story about his dessert: He told us he was cooking for his son who’s favorite flavor of ice cream is mint chocolate chip, which is what he drew! He combined some oreos and mint syrup and served it with a foamy and warm hot chocolate. He told the judges his sundae was actaully called “Sunday” because that’s the day he get’s to see his son. Awww.
Zac pulled a trick out of his Flex Mussels bag by busting out deep-fried ice cream for his Black Forest is burning sundae. He used panko bread crumbs which Gail Gand really liked. Gail Gand didn’t like Eric, Erika’s or Dannielle’s sundaes much to their dismay.
Morgan was the winner. He got misty and got immunity too.
Since Seth left they brought back Heather H. giving her another chance after she baked the underwhelming peanut butter cookies.
They split everyone into 3 teams: It was Zac, Heather C and Malika; Morgan, Heather H and Eric; and Yigit, Erika and Dannielle. They had to do a MOF-like showpiece that evoked the Lucent Dossier experience and then 3 desserts one of which had to be (appropriately) a flaming dessert.
All the chef’s and viewers were then subjected to watched Lucent Dossier in action. Wikipedia calls Lucent Dossier (whose name loosely translates to “a collection of glowing light”) an “interactive, surrealistic performance troupe and entertainment company”. They swallowed swords, ate fire and did splits in the air.
During the prep they really laid it on thick with footage that made Heather C look inexperienced. Throughout the challenge they kept showing her asking everyone how to do stuff. The edit made it look as though a novice was thrown in to cook with the experts for one challenge. Before judges table started they showed her sulking behind her sunglasses. Then Heather H threw down some (really) tough love on Heather C, finally telling her “she needs to suck it up!”
Heather C on Top Chef: Just Desserts
Morgan’s team: Eric’s flaming dessert had some star anise bits that irritated the judges.
Zac’s Team: Flambe cherries, Zach’s banana cake and red curry
Yigit’s team: They didn’t like that they didn’t flambe in front of the judges
Top 3: Morgan, Heather C and Eric. They liked the showpiece. They liked Eric’s roulades – but the winner was Morgan – so he wins both the Quickfire and the Elimination challenge, even though he had immunity. Heather H was pissed afterward since she made more items that Morgan. She vowed “never again!”- which meant she was not going to let another chef take credit for her work again.
Heather H putting the final touches on the Vince Lombardi Trophy
Bottom 6: The judges brought in both the other teams. They were really pissed that Yigit’s team did not do the Flambe in front of them. With Zac’s team they loved Zac’s cake and the curry. Gail really liked Malika’s panna cotta.
During the judges table Malika told the judges that she wanted to go home, even though they told her her desserts were good this round. They obliged her and Heather C got a second stay of execution. I was disappointed with this outcome since it seemed to turn the competition into more of a battle of attrition.
Zac Young quote Tracker: We tried all the faces and mine was the best! Red Curry that’s crazy talk!
Notes: Crying game:Someone has now cried in each of the first 4 episodes: Tonight it was Morgan’s turn – so much for him being the alpha male! Zac in episode 1, although those were tears of joy, Seth in episode 2 and Malika in episode 3 when her wedding cake fell down. Zen Master: We learned that everyone calls Eric “Zen Baker” because he does yoga in the stew room!
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More Top Chef: Just Desserts coverage on DessertBuzz:
For Fabio Viviani’s take: Go here.
Go here for an interview with contestant Zac Young from New York’s Flex Mussels
Go here for an interview with contestant Eric Wolitzky from New York’s Baked bakery.
For a recap of episode 3 go here.
For a recap of episode 2 go here.
For a recap of episode 1 go here.
Go here for a look at Johnny Iuzzini.
Go here for a closer look at Judge Danielle Kyrillos.
Official Bravo Bios for the judges: Johnny Iuzzuni – Executive Pastry Chef Jean Georges, Hubert Keller – Owner/Chef Fleur De Lys, Gail Simmons – Food and Wine Magazine, Dannielle Kyrillos – Daily Candy
Go here for the DessertBuzz Top Chef: Just Desserts preview page.
There is way too much drama in this show for me. I find it difficult to concentrate on the substance of the show with all of the petty interaction, questionable mental stabilities and effeminate in-your-faceness.
Regardless of the impressive credentials of most of the contestants, the producers sure hit bottom in selecting the contestants on personalities. Based on the anchor show Top Chef, viewers can expect some bickering and personality conflicts between the contestants. Every show has the privilege to have bickering and conflicts, but Top Chef Just Desserts abuse the privilege.
I have absolutely NO problem with Gay contestants……I too am gay. It toasts me, however, when there are so many gay and lesbian contestants on the show and some are compelled to act in a glittery manner. It sickens me when Zac, Tim and to a lesser extent Eric feel it necessary show the world how “Flaming” they are. And the Gay-Lisp! Please…give me a break. It is an intentional, conscious, deliberate speech pattern meant to “announce to the world” that one is gay. My family, friends and co-workers know of my sexual preference, but nobody would know unless I told them. It is not necessary and only helps to promote the “stereotypical” association to the gay lifestyle.
Please Zac, stop doing your glittery dances, throwing hissy-fits, exaggerating your wrist gestures and lisp. It’s degrading and annoying.
Hey Zac, Tim and Eric, do us a favor and try to emulate Yigit’s classy behavior.
Thank goodness Seth is gone. He’s in need of extensive mental therapy.
Thank goodness Malika is gone. She shouldn’t have been selected as she has a problem with competition, but at least she recognized that and removed herself.
Morgan is the only straight male contestant that is consistently mature and stable. Quite talented, too.
Although the women overall are less dramatic, I believe they are slightly less talented.
I thing either Yigit or Morgan will win.
Left by Bob Angel on October 10th, 2010