Top Chef Recap
Finale Part II
By David Mumpower
February 7, 2014
Because the judges have been split into two groups, the next sequence is a bit of déjà vu. The four courses are served again. Tom immediately praises the ingredients and menu selected by Nick. As the judges discuss the first dish, the first time samplers note the lack of seasoning on the dish. Gail nods her head emphatically. There is a Groundhog Day aspect to Nick’s mistakes.
The news gets better from there. Much better. Tom describes Nick’s second course as the best dish he has tasted all season. Those are the words that could translate to overall victory this season. One of the guest judges is surprised by Tom’s lavish praise. He seems dubious of it possessing that level of quality.
Nina’s second performance mirrors the first one, another sign of excellence in the kitchen. The guest judges love Nina’s crudo, especially the “punch” it packs. Hugh describes her goat as sublime. Emeril jokes that he wants another bowl, and Padma laughs in agreement. The three actual judges sitting at this table seem ready to anoint Nina the champion. The problem is that none of them is head judge Tom Colicchio.
Back at Nick’s, the service meltdown is in full bloom. A woman who has nothing at stake in this challenge is doing her best to insure that a table receives their first course. A frustrated Nick lashes out at her. “You guys are *bleep* killing me right now. “ As if hired as a sleeper agent by Nina, another server informs the woman in charge that a table has complained that they never received their first course. Demonstrating all of the maturity of a spoiled three-year-old, Nick pounds his fist on the table, yelling an especially vile swear word far too loudly. Everyone in the restaurant including those sitting at Judges Table looks up in shock and horror.
Gail uses humor to deflect. Tom looks on in bemusement. Oddly, the day is saved by Jason, words so unbelievable my hands shake as I type them. Nick’s Philadelphia buddy pulls him aside and asks the perfect words. “What do you need right now?” He also offers a shoulder to lean on, something Nick quite literally accepts. While Nick states in no uncertain terms that he just lost Top Chef, what Jason did is exactly what a great friend should. Jason asked Nick to lay down his burdens, offering to share them. I was hard on Jason during his Top Chef tenure because he is self-centered and immature. In this moment, I fully appreciate why Nick likes him so much. Jason is an exceptional friend and teammate in the kitchen.
With the server drama largely in the past, the judges refocus upon the flavor of his dishes. The dessert in particular is noteworthy. Nick was almost eliminated earlier this season due to the failure of a Panna Cotta dish. His attempt to craft another will identify to the judges whether he has grown as a chef this season. Tom believes that the substance of the dish is too gelatinous. Other than that, there is universal consent that Nick has redeemed himself with the Panna Cotta. Tom adds that Nick has peaked at exactly the right time this season. I fear that is Tom speak for “Nick wins because we did this stupid three month hiatus!”
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