Top Chef Power Rankings (08/03/10)

This was an interesting week. Lots of chefs were cooking out of their element. Only 3 of the 9 had any experience with Ethiopian food, and apparently only Angelo had any real experience. Then after the quickfire, a few judges did not get a good draw and had to cook more dishes they weren't experienced with. I thought the guest judge summed it up the best, I am summarizing what he said, "Just cause you are a good chef, doesn't mean you have traveled the world."

I felt kind of bad for Stephen, since he had last draw. Saying that, he has been on the bottom numerous times and he apparently butchered so I can't blame the judges for sending him packing.

Next week is my favorite episode, RESTAURANT WARS!

Top Shelf


1. Angelo Sosa


Angelo just barely hangs onto the top spot. Angelo continues to thrive in quickfires, and do good, but not finishing in the top, on the quickfires. Angelo hasn't finished on the top since week 3, so he better watch out or Kelly will pass him by.


2. Kelly Liken


I really was tempted to have herfinally unseated Angelo in the competition, but she just short. If Angelo doesn't finish in top of the quickfire I would have moved her to the top. Also her bottom finish last week did not help her either. Her dish was a huge hit with the judges, so much so, that I thought she was actually going to win. Another top finish and a medicore Angelo finish, and she's number 1.

3. Tiffany Derry



Tiffany swept the show for her first wins of the season. She has been risen into the top three. She is the only chef who has not been in the bottom (technically Angelo to, but he had immunity for the losing team). I think she is really starting to shine and could surprise some people.


4. Kenny Gilbert


Kenny continues to talk a big game, but finishing in the middle. I still think he is one of the top 4 chefs in the competition, but stop talking and start putting up stats. I think his biggest problem is he always tries to do too much. Every quickfire it seems like he's doing something two or three ways. He needs to focus on one piece and make that the best he can.


Best of the rest

I really think there is a distinct line between the top 4 and the next 4. I could see Ed sneaking into the top 4, but really, no one else.


5. Ed Cotton


Ed was still a little upset about the pea puree and did alright in the quickfire. He did not rise to the occasion on the elimination challenge. I think his dish might have been overall worse then Stephen's, but his better track record kept him alive.


Could go either way


6. Kevin Sbraga


Kevin still can't shake the title. He even said it last night that he has been on the top 4 times (with 1 win) and on the bottom three times. That's really crazy if you think about it, he's talked to the judges all but 1 episode this season. Kevin did very well for his first attempt at Indian inspired cuisine finishing in the top. When he picked India 6th and then said he never cooked Indian food, i as worried for him.



Back of the pack

7. Alex Reznik



As most of you know, I have defended Alex most this season. I am not sure if he stole the pea puree or not, but I think it's time for him to go. He's had a good season with a win and a couple top finishes. He was so thrilled to get Spain, but he fell flat on his face. He does seem like a spaz in the kitchen, which is never a good thing for the show. I think him and Ed not getting a long could keep him around longer, but, there's only 8 people left.


Chopping Block


8.Amanda Baumgarten


She is the lone member of the chopping block this week. I was tempted to have two on the chopping block given that Amanda could end up on the winning team of restaurant wars, but no one else truly seemed to warrant it. Maybe she's not as bad as I think,but I feel like she is the bottom of the group