Top Chef DC! 8

So sister M, my one reader, was in town last week and I didn't write a blog because she was watching it with me.

Did Alex steal the pea puree. Actually I'm buying Dom's (aka Skillet Doux) argument that it's unlikely because he wouldn't know whether the camera would be focused on him while he was doing his thing. Also one of SD's fans noted a pot o' peas cooking behind Alex. However, I wouldn't put it past him to have dumped out Ed's pea puree.

So FINALLY, they do a quickfire that has something to do with the real DC, not the political inside-the-beltway, Villagers crappola. Yes, Ethiopian! I adore Ethiopian, especially now that we have an incredible version of an Ethiopian restaurant in our 'hood. The funny thing about the stuff is I generally prefer the veggie dishes over the meat ones. Maybe it's because veggies are easier to pick up with injeri bread.

Marc Samuelsson has turned a new leaf since he won Top Chef Master's. Maybe he read the criticisms about how competitive he was. At any rate, it was great that he offered constructive criticism of the bottom dishes and found something positive to say about each dish.

And yay that Tiffany won immunity! And great that Iago had the smug smirk wiped off his face. He thought he had this one sewn up since he knows Ethiopian food. To quote Nelson, HAH-hah.

Tiffany scores again getting Mexico. What else is a girl from Dallas supposed to do? Her tamales looked majorly yummy. And she scores again! someone else has won immunity and elimination before, right? Whether or not, you go girl!

Poor Stephen. Brazilian food is a wonderful blend of African, Asian and Latin cuisine. He, of course, was confusing Brazil with Argentina when he talked about chimichurri. Yes, there are Brazilian steakhouses but I associate steakhouses with Argentina, not Brazil. What I love from Brazil is moqueca, the seafood stew with palm oil and dried shrimp. Or the other seafood stew with coconut milk.

Kevin seemed to do well with Indian without knowing how to cook it. I note that Padma did not contribute when the judges were critiquing his food. Kelly got terrific praise from an Italian representative. Cool. I thought maybe she'd get dinged for doing something that simple.

After the Chinese ambassador was complimentary toward Ed, I was surprised to see him on the bottom.

Alex got nailed by Jose Andres, HAH-hah. Bet you wouldn't have chosen Spain if you'd known he was a judge. If you're in DC, Zaytinya and Oyamel are definitely worth the while, albeit a bit noisy. Cafe Atlantico has terrific guacamole that they make in volcanic ash bowls and dress right at your table. Minibar I have not experienced and not likely to unless we win the lottery. Also you also have to win the reservation lottery to go there. They only have six seats and open reservations a month ahead of time. So the seats go very very very fast.

Finally Stephen is given a merciful end. He seemed like a funny guy, but waaaaay over his head.