Another challenge, another shocking elimination to me. Johnny & Jessica were two people I thought were serious contenders. Whoops. Either way, it looks like there is still a lot of competition to be had. Here comes India!
8. Ash Heeger and Alex Haupt- They haven’t caught a break all season. Yes, it’s been two weeks since they’ve been on the bottom. But they are two of the only chefs to not be in the top either. Process of elimination, Ash & Alex hit the bottom again.
7. Graham Campbell and Aaron Bludorn- They finally came out on top, but Indian food can’t be a strong suit for them, right? This may finally be the week we lose Graham & Aaron, but their winning performance puts them a spot above Alex & Ash.
6. Shane Osborn and Mark Best- Shane & Mark got their first taste of the bottom this week and it seemed like a huge shock to everyone. But it didn’t seem too shocking to me. They are traditional chefs, and if they’re not in their wheelhouse, their food could stick out as boring. I’m worried they don’t have the knowledge when it comes to Indian food, and could be in serious danger.
5. Timothy Hollingsworth and Darren MacLean- They’ve been on the bottom twice now. But while they’ve been on the bottom, they always end up producing some really stunning dishes, which is why I think they’ll still remain safe this week.
4. Charles Michel and Rodrigo Pacheco- This is the second time they haven’t been in consideration for the top, but they still always find time to stand out. This week it was the smoke. I think they always find a way to stay in the conversation, despite not always coming out on top.
3. Rafael Gil and Esdras Ochoa- I knew that this week would be right up their alley, and they really made their Feijoada stunning. It wasn’t anything brand new, but it was still one of the best. I think they’re really surprising me this season and could end up being front runners if they can really nail it this week with Indian cuisine.
2. Monique Fiso and Amninder Sandhu- Monique & Amninder always seem to be near the bottom and have only hit the top once. But they have never actually been in the bottom. Also, with India being Amninder’s high point of expertise, there’s no way they should be leaving.
1. Benjamin Bensoussan and Manuel Berganza- They’re two of the only chefs to never be in the bottom (or in bottom consideration). They’re also the only two to be on the top of my list twice, and I’m excited to put them there because I think they really earned it this week by producing some delicious ravioli that no one ever would have thought to make. They reinvent food and have done pretty darn well doing that this season.
This week, it’s kind of “Those Who Have Been on Top” vs. “Those Who Have Been On the Bottom.” I think Ash & Alex are always safe bets when there’s nobody else to choose.
1. Benjamin & Manuel (+4)
2. Monique & Amninder (+1)
3. Rafael & Esdras (-2)
4. Charles & Rodrigo (+2)
5. Timothy & Darren (-1)
6. Shane & Mark (+1)
7. Graham & Aaron (+2)
8. Ash & Alex —
Biggest Rise: Benjamin & Manuel (+4)
Biggest Drop: Rafael & Esdras (-2)
1. Benjamin & Manuel (+4)
2. Monique & Amninder (+1)
3. Rafael & Esdras (-2)
4. Charles & Rodrigo (+2)
5. Timothy & Darren (-1)
6. Shane & Mark (+1)
7. Graham & Aaron (+2)
8. Ash & Alex —
Biggest Rise: Benjamin & Manuel (+4)
Biggest Drop: Rafael & Esdras (-2)