"Top Chef" Season 4: Week 3

In general, week three was a disappointment for me. It's still early enough in the season where there's just not enough time to see what everyone makes in the "Quickfire" challenges. This week's challenge: to take the humble taco and turn it into a fine dining experience. I love tacos and would gladly eat them every day for lunch, so I was giddy with excitement to see what everyone would come up with. But with 14 contestants remaining and only 60 minutes of show what do they do? They show the top three tacos, the bottom three tacos and the Mexican guy's taco (didn't find that at all offensive).

In this week's elimination challenge, the chefs had to split into two teams and cater a block party for a Chicago neighborhood. But the exciting twist of this challenge was that instead of hopping in their Toyota Highlanders to do their shopping at Whole Foods Market, they had to go shopping door-to-door in said neighborhood. This could only mean one thing: more time for product placements! On the chefs' little scavenger hunt, they came across some pretty amazing finds, such as KC Masterpiece Barbecue Sauce, Hidden Valley "Spicy" Ranch dressing and Velveeta Cheese. Come on, Top Chef! I mean, I understand that you had to jump into bed with the makers of Gladware but Velveeta!?! Orange colored cheese food!?! That is a new low.

I was torn at Judges' Table and I had no idea which of the two teams was the losing team. One thing is for sure: Andrew needs to serve himself a very large slice of humble pie. Um, this is not "your house," you pretentious ass, and whether or not you go home is not your decision to make. Someone needs to lace his olive oil with Ritalin. And I find it even more annoying that he is actually one of the better chefs.

I honestly think I would be way more likely to bring myself to eat Erik's soggy corn dogs over Nikki's coagulated and dry mac-n-cheese (see aforementioned Velveeta). But in the end, Erik was the best choice for going home; his Quickfires have lacked presence and though he seemed like a likable guy, he just couldn't bring the fancy that I love oh so much. But my girl Stephanie prevailed once again with a berry crisp that looked heavenly. Bet it would have been even better with some Kraft brand Cool Whip™.