which show am i watching again?

Final 5. Episode 12. This was the episode of Top Chef that would determine which 4 chefs were going to be headed to the finals--and in Singapore, nonetheless! That's right, Top Chef is slowly turning into America's Next Top Model. But as long as Padma doesn't start wearing shoulder-padded jumpsuits and commending the chefs on how "fierce" their food is, I suppose we'll be okay.

Before I get into the Quickfire Challenge, let's get personal, shall we? As with every reality competition show, we get little tidbits about the characters' personal lives. For example, we learned more about Kelly and how much she loves and misses her husband. We also discovered that Angelo got a divorce last year and is now engaged. Wow, that was quick. How did he meet this Russian woman? How soon after his divorce did he get serious with her? I know it's really none of my concern but to get divorced and then engaged within such a short period of time; it just seems a bit fishy. And yes, I used the word "fishy" because it refers to food. Moving on.

This week's Quickfire involved properly pairing wine with food. And, appropriately, the guest judge was none other than Dana Cowin, the Editor in Chief of Food & Wine magazine. I'm not a big fan of wine. If I had to drink it, I'd drink white--it goes down a bit better than the red. Drinking it is one thing, and pairing it with a meal is another. Turns out Tiffany and Angelo are pretty darn good at it, and Angelo won, along with a trip to London. I think it's very exciting that Top Chef has gotten into this whole "high stakes quickfire" thing, but it's been a little overkill lately. Remember back in the day when winning a Quickfire would get you immunity and then later on just a warm and fuzzy feeling? I know, I know, more money is always welcome but in my opinion, it's making the show a little kitschy.

Since we're on the subject of how the show used to be, remember back in the day when the Quickfire Challenge would somehow relate to the Elimination Challenge? Have the creators gotten lazy or have they just decided to deviate from that concept? Because I really can't find any relation between food and wine pairings, and food that is able to be freeze-dried for astronauts. That's right, for this Elimination Challenge, the chefs were given the task of creating a gourmet meal that can be freeze-dried and added to the menu for out-of-this-world travelers of NASA. But, whatever. Top Chef has been on for 7 years now. I suppose it's just silly to think it'd stay the same. I shall get over it and move on (try to).

So. NASA. We learn that Kelly was a space nerd as a child. I must say, I was not expecting that from her. It kind of makes me like her more. Space Cadet Kelly and the other chefs have to create a zero-gravity meal, able to be freeze-dried, and just as delicious in space. And Buzz Aldrin, everyone's favorite astronaut, will be one of the tasters of this dish. Buzz Aldrin. First Dancing with the Stars, now Top Chef. I wonder which reality show we'll see him on next. As long as he stays away from VH1's series, I'll be fine. Buzz wasn't the only exciting part about this challenge. The winner would be receiving a BRAND NEW CAR! And now we're on The Price is Right. That's right. If one of the chefs played their cards right, they'd be receiving a snazzy Toyota Avalon. Zowie.

And what were the results of this challenge? Well, Ed's rack of lamb--despite my fear and dislike of eggplant--looked mighty tasty, and the judges discovered that indeed it was. They also liked Kevin's strip steak. But they liked Angelo's short rib the best, and he was the one who walked away with the Avalon and guest judge Anthony Bourdain's new book. And while the judges enjoyed Tiffany's pan-seared halibut, it simply wasn't enough to get her through to the next challenge. I was not a fan of this. I loved Tiffany. I loved her enthusiasm and she actually had great food to back it up. I think she deserved to be in the finals but maybe Top Chef will pull a fast one and give her another opportunity. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Other things of note:

• Buzz Aldrin pulling out Padma's chair at the table. Sigh. Thanks Buzz, for reminding us that chivalry isn't dead.
• The playful and cheeky banter between Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert. Can you just imagine putting these two in the kitchen together? I smell a spin off!
• Thanks to a talking-head interview, we learned that Kevin is the kind of guy who wears a "popped collar." Not sure what I'm talking about? It's a common "trend" for some bizarre reason. And I now respect Kevin a bit less than I did before.
• Angelo saying he made love to his short ribs. Enough with the sex metaphors, OK? I get it, you're in love with your food. But there's no need to go into how you glaze and heat.
• Kelly making artichokes. OK, there's really no other reason to bring this up other than the fact that artichokes were being made. They are now and forever my favorite vegetable. If they're incorporated in any way on any television show this blog writes about, it will be acknowledged.

Final four: Kevin, Kelly, Ed, and Angelo. I have to say, I really don't have a favorite right now. I suppose I could say that Kelly's cool. A bit snooty, but cool. And Ed is growing on me. At one point, I started to see him more, and his food has always looked quite appetizing. And you gotta admire the guy for his sarcasm. If these two are in the final finals, I will be a happy viewer.