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The finale has aired, the knives are packed, and the eighteenth season ofTop Chefis now officially over.
(Host Padma Lakshmi has called for an investigation, and you might read more about the allegationshere.)
The reports have cast a shadow on this otherwise fantastic season ofTop Chef.
Read on for everything you missed, and you’re free to catch up on earlier episodeshere.
This is the third Quickfire Challenge in a row for Dawn, which is a pretty big deal.
The care packages contain ingredients curated by the contestants loved ones.
The chefs take the ingredients and cook on location atScholls Valley Lodgein Oregons Tualatin Valley.
Overall, though, its a strong episode for the chefs.
However, before she can leave, Jamie tearfully offers to take her place.
I think she has more to give, Jamie says.
I think she should stay.
You have a lot to give too.
This is unfortunately what the game is.
Im sure you all remember playing the Oregon Trail video game as kids, Gregory says.
But in actuality, the Oregon Trail was quite a serious thing.
It was a vicious journey that took four to six months.
The winner of this challenge is Jamie, who made pan-seared salmon with a walnut pepper sauce.
This weeks Elimination Challenge is cheese-based!
Specifically, cheese from Oregons famousTillamook Creamery, which makes 160,000 pounds (!)
of cheese every day.
The chefs challenge is to craft a dish that uses Tillamook cheddar five different ways.
I dont really work with cheese unless its mac n cheese, Jamie jokes.
However, Jamie ends up eliminated instead of Dawn.
Were going clam digging!
TheJames Beard Foundationhonors the best chefs across America, including manyTop Chefalums.
I actually have never been crabbing [before].
I think its cool.
The three chefs serve their dishes together and honestly, its kind of a mess.
None of them are especially happy, but it ends up not mattering in the end.
(More on that in a few sentences.)
I lost so much closing my restaurant that Ive had for five years, he says.
Im very glad that the three of us are competing, Shota says.
I dont like easy challenges.
If its not hard, then its not worth it for me.
Episode 14: The Next Top Chef Is…
Its finale time.
Then, the final three chefs arrive at Willamette Valley Vineyards for their last challenge of the season.
Theres no Quickfire Challenge this week were going straight into the Elimination Challenge, and its pretty straightforward.
This is the meal of my lifetime, Dawn says.
They all enjoy a meal together and the alums share some last-minute advice.
(Tonight were nice to you, tomorrow were mean, Chef Edward Lee jokes.)
On the final day of cooking, the chefs serve their four courses.
(So, for those keeping track at home, its tied 1-1-1.)
In the end, Gabe takes it home.
He says hes proud to be the first Mexican Top Chef, and he calls his kids.
All three of the contestants hug and celebrate, and give some lovely send-off quotes.
I think I neededTop Chef, Shota says.
Dawn adds: I am very proud of my journey here.
I did not leave anything on the table.
My heart is full Im so proud of myself.
Welcome back to normal?
Portland has never really been normal.
Its a city thats perfectly imperfect.
A place where possible is still possible.
Its James Beards hometown and Americas culinary epicenter, filled withfood carts, farmers markets and award-winning restaurants.
Portland may not be for everyone, but its definitely for you.
Welcome to the new not-normal.
Welcome to Portland.Plan your visittoday.
