The Top Chef Battle of the Sexes

By Sarah Matheny on August 27th, 2009

top-chef-vegas
Wednesday’s episode of Top Chef: Vegas pitted the male chefs versus the female chef in typical Vegas fashion: hosting his and hers poolside bachelor and bachelorette parties.

To introduce the challenge, the soon-to-be married couple presented three of their favorite shots to the remaining chefs. Really, who can pick just one favorite shot? The chefs were instructed to pair dishes to soak up the effects of a “Moscow Mule” (a gingery, grapefruit concoction), a “Golden Delicious” ( a sweet and gooey apple drink), and a tequila shot. The chefs competed in teams, with the men preparing dishes for the bachelorette’s party, and the women cooking up dishes for the bachelor and his guests.

Of course, the episode was not without its side dishes of drama, with a touch of a political statement to round out the plate. Chef Ashley, who is a self described lesbian, was distraught over participating in a challenge that commemorates a union she cannot legally join in. Unfortunately for her, some of Ashley’s bitterness must of slipped into her panne cotta, as she nearly went home for her disastrous dessert.

The men’s team ultimately won the challenge. The winning dish was Bryan’s Sweet and Sour Lime Macaroon, Guacamole, Corn Nuts and Corn Puree. The dish was paired with the tequila shot and was said to be a throwback to traditional chips and guacamole. And to think, all along I thought the perfect tequila pairing was 7-11 nachos. At least Bryan got the Corn Nuts in there. His win follows his brother Michael’s victory in the Quickfire Challenge, setting up a sibling rivalry that will undoubtedly be present in upcoming episodes.

The losing chef tonight was Eve, who served up Shrimp Ceviche, Fresh Lime, Smokey Tomato Salsa and Popcorn. The judges described the dish as bland, and they were unwilling to overlook Eve’s shrimp mistakes again, following her weak dish from last week.

All in all, the episode left me hungry for some poolside eats and thirsty for the next episode, and just maybe a shot of tequila.