Episode 9: Feeding Fallon
Padma introduces the challenge
It's Jimmy Fallon on Top Chef! Last week, it was Italian and Antonia won and Tre went home. He's gone far, but he came in
ninth, leaving us with eight strong chefs. Feeding Fallon aired on February 9, 2011. I just want to point out that they're all strong at this point, so it's anyone's game. And you can just taste the finale as it nears.
In the restaurant that you always see the chefs in at the beginning of the episodes, the men are all hating on Antonia for her win with mussels, and I have to admit I kind of agree with them because she made mussels with fennel and won. Then Mike starts complaining that Antonia's dish was French. Whatever.
ninth, leaving us with eight strong chefs. Feeding Fallon aired on February 9, 2011. I just want to point out that they're all strong at this point, so it's anyone's game. And you can just taste the finale as it nears.
In the restaurant that you always see the chefs in at the beginning of the episodes, the men are all hating on Antonia for her win with mussels, and I have to admit I kind of agree with them because she made mussels with fennel and won. Then Mike starts complaining that Antonia's dish was French. Whatever.
Quickfire Challenge
The eight remaining chefs toast with Padma
The eight remaining chefs arrived in the Top Chef kitchen and Padma, standing alone (usually there's a guest judge), announced the quickfire challenge. The chefs have to create a fondue dish and are judged by their fellow chefs. There also has to be something to dip into the fondue. The chefs will taste each other's dishes and rate their top three and bottom three opponents, but cannot vote for themselves. I have to say I never liked fondues, there kind of out of style. But my opinion doesn't matter here. Anyway, it'll be interesting to see who votes for who and why and this challenge is simply made to provoke drama.
Here are the fondues each of the eight chefs managed to make:
Angelo made Walnuts, Endive with Goat Cheese Fondue, and Beet Juice Shooter
Dale T. made Pho with Beef, Bread, Charred Ginger, Lime, Sriracha and BrothPho with Beef, Bread, Charred Ginger, Lime, Sriracha and Broth
Antonia made Smoked Salmon on Toast, Fromage Blanc and Crème Fraîche Fondue
Richard made Bananas with Amaretto, Ras El Hanout, Chili Chocolate, Liquid Nitrogen
Carla made Beef Tenderloin and Shrimp with Coconut Lime Curry Sauce
Mike made Spiced Lamb Kabobs with Mint and Chili, Feta Cheese Fondue
Fabio made Billini with Caviar, Crème Fraîche, Fromage Blanc and Bourdain Wine
Tiffany made Apple Ricotta Fritter with Hazelnut Chocolate
The chefs try each other's dishes. Dale's pho'ndue was clever. Get it? Thought so. Apparently it tasted good too. Richard
worked with chocolate dipped bananas, which is what Padma said not to do. But if anyone can pull that off it's Richard. When the votes are counted, three chefs were put on the bottom: Mike, Fabio, and Tiffany. Padma asked Dale why he put Mike on his ballot for the bottom, and I thought that was pretty funny because she completely gave away that fact. As for the top, Angelo, Dale T, and Antonia. Padma announced the winner........Dale T! He gets to go to Nappa Valley as a prize, but immunity is off the table.
Here are the fondues each of the eight chefs managed to make:
Angelo made Walnuts, Endive with Goat Cheese Fondue, and Beet Juice Shooter
Dale T. made Pho with Beef, Bread, Charred Ginger, Lime, Sriracha and BrothPho with Beef, Bread, Charred Ginger, Lime, Sriracha and Broth
Antonia made Smoked Salmon on Toast, Fromage Blanc and Crème Fraîche Fondue
Richard made Bananas with Amaretto, Ras El Hanout, Chili Chocolate, Liquid Nitrogen
Carla made Beef Tenderloin and Shrimp with Coconut Lime Curry Sauce
Mike made Spiced Lamb Kabobs with Mint and Chili, Feta Cheese Fondue
Fabio made Billini with Caviar, Crème Fraîche, Fromage Blanc and Bourdain Wine
Tiffany made Apple Ricotta Fritter with Hazelnut Chocolate
The chefs try each other's dishes. Dale's pho'ndue was clever. Get it? Thought so. Apparently it tasted good too. Richard
worked with chocolate dipped bananas, which is what Padma said not to do. But if anyone can pull that off it's Richard. When the votes are counted, three chefs were put on the bottom: Mike, Fabio, and Tiffany. Padma asked Dale why he put Mike on his ballot for the bottom, and I thought that was pretty funny because she completely gave away that fact. As for the top, Angelo, Dale T, and Antonia. Padma announced the winner........Dale T! He gets to go to Nappa Valley as a prize, but immunity is off the table.
Elimination Challenge
Carla and Dale with Jimmy Fallon
Padma told the chefs that they will go to NBC Studios at Rockefeller Center where they will participate in the Cell Phone Shootout on an episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. In the Shootout, the chefs take a picture of the dishes they have to cook for the challenge and then cook one of Jimmy Fallon's favorite dishes for his birthday lunch at judge Tom Colicchio's restaurant, Colicchio and Sons.
When they start the photo shooting, a screen flashes many of Fallon's favorite dishes. Antonia and Fabio are up first. They're given a cell phone to take pictures of one of the dishes, but it's going so fast that they can't see it. They have to cook what they photograph. Antonia photographs beef tongue on her cell phone, and Fabio photographs a hamburger and french fries on his. Ewwwwwwww....beef tongue sounds weird, and a hamburger and french fries!? Top Chef? Top Chef, not top McDonald's. And Fabio's never made a hamburger before. Next, Angelo snaps pulled pork. Wow, some pallet Jimmy's got there. Blais gets ramen noodles. Dale T. gets philly cheese steak. Tiffany gets chicken dumpling. Mike gets sausage and peppers. And finally Carla gets exactly what she wants.......chicken pot pie. She jumps up and down with excitement! I have to say, this is hilarious to watch. Good luck, Carla!
When they start the photo shooting, a screen flashes many of Fallon's favorite dishes. Antonia and Fabio are up first. They're given a cell phone to take pictures of one of the dishes, but it's going so fast that they can't see it. They have to cook what they photograph. Antonia photographs beef tongue on her cell phone, and Fabio photographs a hamburger and french fries on his. Ewwwwwwww....beef tongue sounds weird, and a hamburger and french fries!? Top Chef? Top Chef, not top McDonald's. And Fabio's never made a hamburger before. Next, Angelo snaps pulled pork. Wow, some pallet Jimmy's got there. Blais gets ramen noodles. Dale T. gets philly cheese steak. Tiffany gets chicken dumpling. Mike gets sausage and peppers. And finally Carla gets exactly what she wants.......chicken pot pie. She jumps up and down with excitement! I have to say, this is hilarious to watch. Good luck, Carla!
A shirtless Anglo is mocked by Dale
Before the chefs can run off and cook, Jimmy warned them that he hates mushrooms, eggplant, and mayo. Again, some pallet. Mushrooms barely have a taste!!!!!
The chefs go thew Whole Foods to shop. Carla is still super excited about chicken pot pie! Dale is a little worried about philly cheese steak and he decided to buy pretzel bread. Fabio wanted to serve his hamburger (which, by the way, he pronounces "boogers") glorified and pick meats that don't normally go in burgers.
The chefs go back home. The next morning, Dale comments on how much Angelo cares about his looks. And Dale also pointed out in We're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat that Angelo was like a mermaid. I sense some bullying going on here.
The chefs go thew Whole Foods to shop. Carla is still super excited about chicken pot pie! Dale is a little worried about philly cheese steak and he decided to buy pretzel bread. Fabio wanted to serve his hamburger (which, by the way, he pronounces "boogers") glorified and pick meats that don't normally go in burgers.
The chefs go back home. The next morning, Dale comments on how much Angelo cares about his looks. And Dale also pointed out in We're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat that Angelo was like a mermaid. I sense some bullying going on here.
The judges and diners at Jimmy Fallon's birthday party
When the contestants arrived in the kitchen at Colicchio & Sons, they had two hours to prepare their dishes. Fabio was very concerned
about his "booger," because he's never cooked a "booger" before. Antonia was instructed by Blais to put the beef tongue on the pressure cooker. Angelo began making a spice mix first for his pulled pork with ingredients that included coffee. Wow, okay. Because he made pancetta bland last time, Dale was intent on making the dish seasoned fully. He apparently forgot that pretzel bread comes with salt on top. Tiffany's dumpling she made southwestern and it no longer had it's dumpling qualities.
Jimmy's family, friends, and staff were seated in the dining room. Antonia and Fabio presented first. Though they wre presenting together, all of the chefs will be judged individually.
Antonia made Beef Tongue, Pumpernickel Rye, Caramelized Onions and Dill Slaw
Fabio made Hamburger, Melted Cheddar Cheese Sauce and Fries
Jimmy Fallon enjoyed Antonia's beef tongue, as all of the flavors fit together nicely. The judges agreed. Antonia had said it was
a sandwich, but there was no bread. However, Fabio's burger was not a favorite. Jimmy originally mistook it for meatloaf, and Gail and Tom thought it was gross. The cheese did look a little gloppy. Yikes!
Next up was Richard and Tiffany. They were ready to serve.
Richard made Ramen Noodles with Seared Pork Belly, Duck Legs and Duck Egg
Tiffany made Chicken, Dumplings with Poblano Chilies, Red Peppers, Cilantro, and Lime
Richard's dish went over okay. The judges complimented it, but Jimmy missed the "dry ice and laser shows" that Richard usually put forth, and this dish was too safe. It doesn't seem fair to put Richard at a disadvantage because you think he's better than everyone else, but okay. Jimmy Fallon thought Tiffany's southwestern dish was too spicy.
Now it's time for Dale and Carla to serve.
Dale T. made Philly Cheesesteak on a Pretzel Roll, Hot Sauce, Onions, and Cheddar Cheese
Carla made Chicken Pot Pie with Carrots, Celery, Pea Salt and Herbs
about his "booger," because he's never cooked a "booger" before. Antonia was instructed by Blais to put the beef tongue on the pressure cooker. Angelo began making a spice mix first for his pulled pork with ingredients that included coffee. Wow, okay. Because he made pancetta bland last time, Dale was intent on making the dish seasoned fully. He apparently forgot that pretzel bread comes with salt on top. Tiffany's dumpling she made southwestern and it no longer had it's dumpling qualities.
Jimmy's family, friends, and staff were seated in the dining room. Antonia and Fabio presented first. Though they wre presenting together, all of the chefs will be judged individually.
Antonia made Beef Tongue, Pumpernickel Rye, Caramelized Onions and Dill Slaw
Fabio made Hamburger, Melted Cheddar Cheese Sauce and Fries
Jimmy Fallon enjoyed Antonia's beef tongue, as all of the flavors fit together nicely. The judges agreed. Antonia had said it was
a sandwich, but there was no bread. However, Fabio's burger was not a favorite. Jimmy originally mistook it for meatloaf, and Gail and Tom thought it was gross. The cheese did look a little gloppy. Yikes!
Next up was Richard and Tiffany. They were ready to serve.
Richard made Ramen Noodles with Seared Pork Belly, Duck Legs and Duck Egg
Tiffany made Chicken, Dumplings with Poblano Chilies, Red Peppers, Cilantro, and Lime
Richard's dish went over okay. The judges complimented it, but Jimmy missed the "dry ice and laser shows" that Richard usually put forth, and this dish was too safe. It doesn't seem fair to put Richard at a disadvantage because you think he's better than everyone else, but okay. Jimmy Fallon thought Tiffany's southwestern dish was too spicy.
Now it's time for Dale and Carla to serve.
Dale T. made Philly Cheesesteak on a Pretzel Roll, Hot Sauce, Onions, and Cheddar Cheese
Carla made Chicken Pot Pie with Carrots, Celery, Pea Salt and Herbs
Jimmy Fallon blow out the candles of his birthday cake
Carla jumps around nervously before service, but really there wasn't anything to worry about. When Padma asked Tom what he thought of Carla's dish, he replied "I'm busy eating." Carla's dish showed comfort and talent. Dale's dish looked nice and soft at first, but when the judges took a second bite it was too salty.
Lastly, Mike and Angelo will serve.
Angelo made Pulled Pork with Coffee, Dill, Allspice and Chipotle Rub, Coleslaw
Mike made Sausage, Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Fennel, and Paprika
Angelo really pulled off his pulled pork. All of the ingredients, as crazy as they were, went together nicely. Mike's dish was also
something of a hit, and the judges liked that it was served Fenway Style. Jimmy was then served his birthday cake with six candles and everyone sang happy birthday. But, of course, in the back of everyone's minds is judges' table.
Lastly, Mike and Angelo will serve.
Angelo made Pulled Pork with Coffee, Dill, Allspice and Chipotle Rub, Coleslaw
Mike made Sausage, Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Fennel, and Paprika
Angelo really pulled off his pulled pork. All of the ingredients, as crazy as they were, went together nicely. Mike's dish was also
something of a hit, and the judges liked that it was served Fenway Style. Jimmy was then served his birthday cake with six candles and everyone sang happy birthday. But, of course, in the back of everyone's minds is judges' table.
Judges' Table
Padma and Jimmy Fallon enjoy Angelo, Antonia, and Carla's perofrmance
Padma entered the stew room and summoned Antonia, Angelo, and Carla to judges' table. There sat Tom, Jimmy, Gail, and Padma. Congrats chefs, you had Jimmy's favorite dishes! The judges began with Antonia, whose beef tongue had worked perfectly. The flavors really fit together. Antonia explained how she had used the pressure cooker. She then revealed that she had prepared a beef tongue song, and Gail asked to hear it. Angelo sang the base beef tongue, Antonia sang the tenor tune, and Carla sang shriekishly high. I really enjoyed
watching this performance, it was pretty funny. Fallon said he'd put that as his ringtone. Moving on, Angelo's pulled pork was a success. It was daring with the coffee and dill and others, but it really worked. As for Carla, chicken pot pie is always a favorite, and it was
perfectly cooked. This really excited Carla because she loves chicken pot pie. The winner of this challenge will get a featuring on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
Jimmy had the pleasure of announcing the winner..........Carla! Third win under your belt, Hootie-Hoo! Chicken Pot Pie! Not only does she get the featuring, but also a trip to Tokyo! She will cook her way around the world!
After Carla had told everyone of her victory, the judges asked to see three losing plates: Dale T, Fabio, and Tiffany. Second bottom in a row for Dale. And the judges weren't happy with him. Their initial reaction was that it was good because it was soft, but no one could get past the salt. The pretzel bread was really not a good addition either, because it just added salt. Dale explained that he was trying to avoid another bland dish, but it was just too salty. Moving on, Tiffany's dish was too flat, and her dumpling was thin. There wasn't enough comfort in the dish, and it was too spicy. The spices masked the flavor of her dumpling. The cheese on Fabio's "booger" was horrible and yes, it was gloppy, Gail complained that the bun was too moist, and Padma said the meat itself was more like a meatball than a hamburger.
When the chefs were sent back the stew room, the judges discussed. They invited the losing chefs back to the bottom and Tom recaps: Fabio's "booger" was a mess with the disastrous cheese and the moist bun with a meatloaf/meat ball like burger, Tiffany's dish masked any flavor from the chicken or dumplings and didn't resemble chicken and dumplings, and Dale's dish was way over seasoned. Now Padma said.........."Fabio, please pack your knives and go."
watching this performance, it was pretty funny. Fallon said he'd put that as his ringtone. Moving on, Angelo's pulled pork was a success. It was daring with the coffee and dill and others, but it really worked. As for Carla, chicken pot pie is always a favorite, and it was
perfectly cooked. This really excited Carla because she loves chicken pot pie. The winner of this challenge will get a featuring on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
Jimmy had the pleasure of announcing the winner..........Carla! Third win under your belt, Hootie-Hoo! Chicken Pot Pie! Not only does she get the featuring, but also a trip to Tokyo! She will cook her way around the world!
After Carla had told everyone of her victory, the judges asked to see three losing plates: Dale T, Fabio, and Tiffany. Second bottom in a row for Dale. And the judges weren't happy with him. Their initial reaction was that it was good because it was soft, but no one could get past the salt. The pretzel bread was really not a good addition either, because it just added salt. Dale explained that he was trying to avoid another bland dish, but it was just too salty. Moving on, Tiffany's dish was too flat, and her dumpling was thin. There wasn't enough comfort in the dish, and it was too spicy. The spices masked the flavor of her dumpling. The cheese on Fabio's "booger" was horrible and yes, it was gloppy, Gail complained that the bun was too moist, and Padma said the meat itself was more like a meatball than a hamburger.
When the chefs were sent back the stew room, the judges discussed. They invited the losing chefs back to the bottom and Tom recaps: Fabio's "booger" was a mess with the disastrous cheese and the moist bun with a meatloaf/meat ball like burger, Tiffany's dish masked any flavor from the chicken or dumplings and didn't resemble chicken and dumplings, and Dale's dish was way over seasoned. Now Padma said.........."Fabio, please pack your knives and go."
Fabio's Elimination
Fabio Viviani Eliminated
Wow, a fan favorite eliminated. I have to say, we'll miss the Italian stallion, I really wanted him to shine prior to his elimination. Fabio didn't win anything, but he did leave behind good, talented Italian style cooking and a wonderful personality. We'll miss him, but he did make a bad burger. Fabio promised
to make a good burger for Fallon in the future, and Fallon apologized because he was a fan of Fabio's.
Next Out? Let's guess Dale T. or Tiffany. Or possibly Mike.
to make a good burger for Fallon in the future, and Fallon apologized because he was a fan of Fabio's.
Next Out? Let's guess Dale T. or Tiffany. Or possibly Mike.
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