Top Chef: Episode 3

The third episode of Top Chef: Lafayette, which originally aired on November 25, upped the ante. The remaining Chefs were given thirty minutes to conceptualize and execute an orange-themed dish. Initially, the Chefs seemed to be very excited about this elimination challenge, but as the clock began to tick, the Chefs started to worry that they were not being creative enough. They weren't. All but one had chosen sweet potatoes as a base to make the dishes orange. Three-fourths of the Chefs actually ended up producing a sweet potato soup. It was a little ridiculous.

As usual, Judge Vivian tasted the orange concoctions first. She took a bite and then smeared the rest all over the table. The Chefs were terrified. They just looked at each other and at the other two judges. Judge Gavin and Judge Colicchio were intrigued. You never know what Judge Vivian is going to do or say. She's unpredictable. "Amazing!" she yelled, "These are the best dishes I've eaten in the last three weeks!" She finished each plate, while continuing to soil the table with her sweet potato hands.

After watching Judge Vivian's odd behavior, Judge Gavin was ready to try the dishes himself. He immediately ate a rather large spoonful. Silence. Judge Colicchio stared in his direction (Judge Vivian was still playing with- I mean examining- her food). He took another bite and screamed out loud, "Wow! I absolutely adore the mix of sweet potato with sweet potato! It's superb!"

Lastly, Judge Colicchio tasted the orange meals. He agreed with Vivian and Gavin, "These are great!"

The episode ended with only one Top Chef hopeful being eliminated due to her use of pumpkin. What was she thinking?

Below are some extra photos from episode 3: