Omnivore Atlanta

Tom Colicchio and Thomas Keller

It’s a gold, or rather or, medal finish.

In last night’s last “Top Chef” Las Vegas episode actually located in Las Vegas (ironically, the only episode that didn’t focus on the city), the remaining cheftestants competed in an olympian-sized challenge, a miniature Bocuse d’Or for a panel of crazy famous chefs, including the always intimidating Thomas Keller. Although the challenge called for fancy techniques and intricate presentation, it was hometown hero Kevin and his “day off food” that walked away with the gold, pocketing $30,000 and a shot at representing the US in the real version of the culinary games. Kevin left the bells and whistles in his beard and his more simplistic plate was the only well executed dish of the night, proving that good cooking, even prize-worthy cooking, doesn’t have to include showy techniques (yes, I’m talking to you, Michael Voltaggio).

Fellow “ballsy” Atlanta fat kid Eli (what is it with the Atlanta chefs and balls?) didn’t make out as well with his rare sausage-wrapped lamb and wound up packing his knives just in time to miss out on the finale. The ideas for his dish were solid, even interesting, but his execution fell below Kevin’s and his level of technique fell below the other three remaining chefs. Eli was a logical choice for elimination at this point in the game and I think by all standards he had a pretty good ride. He made a lot of jokes, copped a little attitude, and served up plenty of radishes, and as the youngest chef in a season with some pretty tough competition, he should be proud he made it so far.

Looking back on the eliminations in Las Vegas, it’s not just Eli’s departure that ended up being both logical and expected. Instead of the usual shocking mid-season elimination (think Tre from “Top Chef” Miami), the only unexpected element of Vegas’s cheftestant line-up was Robin’s delayed departure, and even that was pretty far from shocking. The final four were the superstars from day one.

As for which of those final four will win, I think it’s anyone’s guess. I’m rooting for Kevin, but I’d settle for Jen as well, as her comeback kid story is pretty compelling. Hopefully, Michael Voltaggio, however, will fall flat on his face. But if I’m being honest, it’s only his attitude that deserves to fail. His inventive, playful food coupled with some serious competition should make for an interesting finale.

For the first time in “Top Chef” history, there’s no chance the winner will be a dud (*cough* Hosea). Hallelujah.

(Photo courtesy Bravo TV)

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Tags: Top Chef Las Vegas.