Top Chef Power Rankings (09/17/09)

So Top Chef was a struggle for most of the chefs last night as the had to work outside their comfort zone, but some dishes really shined. Top 3 remain the same but in a different order, the rest of the list remains almost unchanged and Armchairsuperstar’s lowest ranked contestant from last week was sent pack this week. One item before the rankings, is anyone else getting annoyed with the obligatory zoom in on the sprint phone while the contestants are making phone calls. I know DVR saves us from commercials, but these in show ads are getting really annoying.

Here how it rolls out.

Top Shelf

1. Bryan Voltaggio



Bryan claims the overall number 1 spot on the heels of a victory from last night’s elimination challenge and his second straight. This is his 3rd elimination challenge victory which now puts him 1 ahead of “Red Beard”. He is almost always in the finals for the elimination challenge even when he doesn’t win.


2. Michael Voltaggio



With a top 3 this close it’s all about what have you done for me lately. He was a top finisher last night and “Red Beard” was not, so he gets the nod.


3. Kevin “Red Beard” Gillespie



I was surprised that he didn’t finish as a top finisher last night the way the judges were raving about his dish. He didn’t make it however, and because of that he falls two spots and ends up here. I liked his little clip about playing Horseshoes, I mean really, who has a regulation size horseshoe pit in their back yard?


4. Jennifer Carroll



A pretty quiet episode for her last night. She is still a top competitor and stays in the elite class.


Best of the Rest


5. Eli Krishtein



Nothing he did last night warrants him to stay at this spot, but nobody impressed me enough to jump past him.


6. Ash Fulk



Same as Eli, didn’t have a spectacular show, but didn’t do anything bad enough to warrant a fall from grace.


Could go Either way


7. Michael Isabella



So I continue to think he’s not that good of a chef but apparently other’s disagree. In the opening of the episode, one of the brothers said they thought the top 3 Chefs were, himself, his brother and Mike. I fail to see how “Red Beard” could not be mentioned with 2 elimination wins and Mike’s 0. He talks a big game and seems to know food, but doesn’t always translate to making good dishes. He excelled in the quickfire, but I think that was because he was the only chef to have worked with cactus before. Does working with cactus make him a good chef for having that experience, or lucky that he had? I couldn’t tell you, and I still can’t decide where he will end up.



Middle of the Pack


8. Ashley Merriman



She moves off the chopping block and back into the middle of the pack. She was a finalist last night for what Tom called “Her best dish to date.” This however doesn’t erase all the problems she has had before. I still she is a better chef then she has been performing, but she’ll need more dishes like last night to move her up.


9. Ron Duprat



Ron only drops 1 spot for his bottom finish. For as much as the chef’s complained about dishes last night I was surprised to see him on the chopping block. It seemed like his dish was solid except for the drink, but I guess the drink put him over the top. He said he doesn’t drink, so I think he should avoid drinks while making dishes and he will be fine.


10. Laurine Wicket



I debated about leaving Laurine on the chopping block, but she did have a top finish last night. I feel this challenge was right in her wheel house and she took advantage of that, she has had a lot of poor performances, but if she decides to stay true to herself, she might be able to stick around

Chopping Block

Robin Leventhal



Robin barely staved off elimination last night out lasting Mattin for 2 reasons I believe; 1. Mattin was on the bottom the previous week, and 2. She knew her dish sucked, compared to Mattin who enjoyed his. If she produces another subpar dish, she will be gone next week.