Top Chef: Charleston

[Okanagancook]

So, we are down to the last show next week with Shirley and Brooke.

i think Sheldon got shafted for a better storyline of Brooke winning from Last Chance Kitchen to avenge her loss to a returnee from LCK.  Sure his fish was not done well but they loved the other components compared to Brooke's dish which they found muddled even though she cooked her fish well.

 

who will win?

my money is on Brooke if they can cook their own food.

[Lisa Shock]

I did not like this challenge. At least last season (IIRC) when asked to make a historic dish, the competitors were allowed to read up on the topic at the library.

[blue_dolphin]

I was almost as surprised at that outcome as I was seeing tears well up in Padma's eyes when she told Sheldon to go.  He brought so much joy to the table, I'm sorry that he won't be in the finale.

A little preview showed Brooke screwing up by forgetting to order the pork belly she needed for her main dish.  Shirley ordered pork belly as a back up and apparently doesn't need it as she tells Brooke she can have it.  Sometime later, Shirley seems to change her mind and says no.   Drama much?

[lindag]

Katsuji; from the beginning I didn't like his snide attitude.

[ElsieD]

1 minute ago, lindag said:

Katsuji; from the beginning I didn't like his snide attitude.

 

Makes two of us.

 

[Okanagancook]

So, the verdict is in.  Whatcha think?

Good on Shirley for giving up her pork belly.  True class.

The cooking was spectacular.  Who wouldn't have wanted to eat any of those dishes.

I thought giving them their sous chefs was heart-warming.

I think Shirley's first pick was a waste and gave Brooke 'The Man'....a serious advantage.

I think Shirley messed up picking Ramen and Tom's point about the proliferation of Ramen Joints and the standard set at them was well taken. 

The choice of an oyster was quite 'ballsy' especially those from the warm water of the Caribbean.  Can't think they were near as good as the Pacific NW or New England oysters.  But I guess the flavours she chose hide the quality of the oyster.  I just found that an odd choice.

The suckling pig shank OMG.  I find it hard to imagine anything beating that.

Shirley's dessert sounded amazing with so many elements.

Brooke's win is a good story line.  Too bad for Shirley, she is so passionate.

Shirley and her mom made me cry.

 

[lindag]

I thought Shirley tried too hard to suck up to the judges, to me she was really obvious.

just my own insight, I know many wouldn't agree.

[Okanagancook]

In what way 'suck up' do you mean?  In the dishes she chose or her demeanour?

[lindag]

Her general attitude...trying too hard to agree and to be likable.

Again, just my opinion.

[Okanagancook]

Ok, yes, I see what you mean.  I think you are right.  She cooks from her heart but also for 'approval'.  Might be a family influence.