Top chef finalists

bayoutider · July 22nd, 2009, 12:04 AM

It's been a long, sometimes enjoyable, sometimes frustrating competition getting to this point. The ones who actually competed gave us some really good recipes some of the contestants it was hard to let go but we appreciate their competitive spirit and cooking skills. Now on to the judges decision.

Derek I thought you hit a home run with your menu.

Squash soup - one judge pureed over half and mixed back in with some of the chunky squash. Topped with feta, olive oil and garlic crutons. Good but not great.

Grilled Shrimp - two judges tried and one thought rice was better than the orzo and both like orzo but the dish was good just not outstanding.

Grilled Flounder with Cucumber Salsa - this was one of the better dishes in this round of competition. Dish could be on any menu and shine.

BBQ pork Tenderloin - One chef smoked with hickory the other with mix of oak and apple. Great BBQ but nothing out of the ordinary.

Grilled Chicken we all felt was standard fare and every neighborhood had someone who could make this.

The Ice cream was just outstanding but one judge said the bananas and figs didnt work for him in the same dish I think he is crazy but that's his opinion. I made this till i can make it with my eyes closed.

Drinks - we enjoyed all the drinks some more than others but we did like them all.

If we had any complaint we all agreed upon there were no side dishes unless you count the orzo and that disappointed us but if you are strictly a carnivore this was good.

WAW4Tide here is what we thought of your dishes.

blue cheese and bacon slaw was terrible, only one judge liked it and it wasnt me and i love blue cheese. It was like a tough salad with blue cheese dressing and bacon bits. We were split on this one.

Pulled Pork & cheese Biscuits - I had a dozen before I stopped. This is what 4th of july food is all about. All 3 of us approved of this dish.

Hot wings & Legs - Again all 3 judges lined up for second helpings. Good stuff but they were more like dry rub BBQ legs & wings than hot wings and legs. You got it right and got props from both Me and Nick for using Louisiana Hot Sauce as a dipping sauce. It is the absolute best hot sauce for hot wings.

Red White & Booze was good.

Hickory Smoked Jack & Coke sucked none of us could get it right. It sucked worst out of all the drinks, complete failure, F-, Zero, bad.

Overall this was pretty good. We got a slaw for side dish but no desert.

DocBama you have been here before. Let's see what you brought to us.

Squash & crab soup - 2 of us are very fond and familiar with corn and crab soup so we wanted to try this. This soup was served to a dozen hungry fishermen at a fish camp and they licked the pot clean.

Duck with Peach Salsa - If I have to try one more peach salsa I'll........... Another judge said this was good but not a real star he has better.

German Potato Salad - best side dish of the competition. A real winner.

Blueberry layer cake - I like this. It's even good with Derek's ice cream. Everyone liked this cake. Second best desert.

Independant Waters drink. Just where do you think I can find a Fresca in France? I used the local lemon lime soda and it made a good afternoon cooler in a tall glass of crushed ice.

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Now for the hard part. We were unanimous with one contestant and split on the other so using our tiebreaker we finally came to a conclusion. The two continuing on into the finals are...............

DrBama and Derek4Tide. I'm sorry WAW4Tide but you will be leaving us with a new bride. You were a front runner most of the competition but someone has to go. Congratulations on making it to the final 3.

WAIT now for the twist and final ingredient facing our finalists. Last season's Pork Belly battle caused some surprises so this season I wanted to come up with something special. I went for the poorest cut last time so this time I will go to the other end. This will be "Lobster Battle" and the "twist" is each of you will have to ask one of the chefs back to give you a hand. Your helping chef will be responsible for two of the five dishes you will submit to the judges. Only 5 dishes will be judged so divide things up. We want appetizer, soup or salad, main dish with 2 sides, desert and a drink (alcoholic or not)
Appetizer =
soup or salad =
main dish with 2 side dishes =
desert =
drink =

The desert and drink do not have to have lobster in them but should accent lobster flavors.

DrBama you will choose first who you want to come back and you are responsible to get them on your team and get the dishes posted.

Derek4Tide you will pick after DrBama has his souse chef on board you may select from those left. Only those who competed in the competition are eligible to help.[/b]

Any questions ask them here and you have till Friday July 31 midnight to complete this task.
Good luck.

derek4tide · July 22nd, 2009, 03:13 PM

WAW4Tide you had some great dishes (I have stolen some of these) and I hate to see ya go. Congrats on being in the final 3.

bayoutider · July 22nd, 2009, 05:06 PM

Derek and Doc latch on to your souse chefs and give me their names. You are responsible for contacting them and getting the info from them.

Doc you have first pick.

BamaLuver · July 22nd, 2009, 06:53 PM

Congrats to ALL of you on a fantastic competition!!!

Lobster .... yummmmm, one of my very favorites!! Can't wait to see these recipes!!!

DrBama · July 22nd, 2009, 07:48 PM

	Quote:	bayoutider
	Derek and Doc latch on to your souse chefs and give me their names. You are responsible for contacting them and getting the info from them. Doc you have first pick.

Working on it now....

And a question...Will this be like "Iron Chef" where Lobster needs to be the main focus of each dish (main dish and the sides), or would you rather see sides that simply complement the main dish?

DrBama · July 22nd, 2009, 08:08 PM

In what should not be a big suprise, WAW4Tide will be rejoining the competition as my sous chef for the finals.

bayoutider · July 22nd, 2009, 08:34 PM

	Quote:	DrBama
	Working on it now.... And a question...Will this be like "Iron Chef" where Lobster needs to be the main focus of each dish (main dish and the sides), or would you rather see sides that simply complement the main dish?

Good choice on the souse chef Doc.

I should have been more clear about the sides. The side dishes are part of the Entree and should compliment the main ingredient. If it's a potato it doesn't have to have lobster in it but some bonus could be awarded if Lobster is added as a flavor or as a garnish. The person doing the Entree should also do the side dishes for the Entree.

Everyone has missed out on a lot of bonus points due to lack of garnish.