Omnivore - ‘Top Chef’ Las Vegas, Episode Thirteen: A food show about ... food!

If there was one thing last night’s penultimate episode of “Top Chef” Las Vegas focused on, it was, believe it or not, the food.

If there was one thing last night’s penultimate episode of “Top Chef” Las Vegas focused on, it was, believe it or not, the food.

Despite some choice words from Michael Voltaggio and some choice outfits from a newly pregnant Padma (I’m not sure why being pregnant means she needs to cover her neck in strips of black and white fabric), last night’s episode avoided the bells, whistles, and drama of the majority of the Vegas season, taking a cue from its new calmer Napa Valley location. Without Eli’s one-liners or direct brother-brother conflict, the food had the spotlight and was as successful and intriguing as the season’s other gimmicks. Even guest judge Michael Chiarello, “Top Chef Masters” douchiest contestant, couldn’t take the focus off the sustainable Napa Valley inspired dishes.