Ten contestants began the competition last week with a visit to Taylor Shellfish Farm, where they gathered fresh oysters to prepare for Season 10 judge Emeril Lagasse. This Quickfire win was worth $5,000.
Maui chef Sheldon Simeon’s oyster was served with Old Bay seasoning and ginger scallion pesto, earning him a "Nice!" from Lagasse. But it was Micah Fields who won the challenge with a Crispy Fried Oyster with Arugula Salad, Hot Sauce and Lemon.
For the Elimination Challenge, cheftestants created a menu for the wrap party of the Seattle Derby Brats, a roller derby team. The chefs paired up for dishes inspired by players’ names, such as Jalapeno Business, Teriyaki Terror, Kutta Rump, Eddie Shredder and Tempura Tantrum.
Simeon and Josh Valentine riffed on Tempura Tantrum with a Tempura Yuzu Curd with Shiso, Fresno Chili, Sweet Potato and Vanilla.
But it was Williamson and Tesar who took top honors with Thai Beef with Lobster, Jasmine Rice and Thai Slaw, based on Kutta Rump.
Simeon and Valentine’s tempura was not fried thoroughly, landing them on the chopping block alongside Bart Vandaele and Josie Smith-Malave, whose Steak Teriyaki with Forbidden Rice, Beet Blood & Green Papaya Salad judges deemed "all over the place."
The unlucky chef: Vandaele, who was cut for perennially underseasoning his food.
Last Chance Kitchen: Vandaele faced Chris "CJ" Jacobsen in a battle over chicken breast. Vandaele pulled out all the stops to season his bird well, employing black salt, cardamom, orange juice, Greek yogurt, tea and a speculoos cookie. Jacobsen smoked his chicken with bonito flakes and served it with mushrooms. Though Vandaele perfectly seasoned his dish, victory went to Jacobsen for his "clean flavors."
Save a Chef: Kuniko Yagi still reigns as the most popular chef to be cut. Can Vandaele survive this last competition? To vote, visit www.bravotv.com/top-chef.
Tonight on Bravo (8 p.m., repeats 9:30 and 10:30 p.m.): The chefs join a tribute to the most memorable moments in "Top Chef" history. Guest chefs: Wylie Dufresne, Jonathan Waxman and Chris Cosentino.