Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Hell’s Kitchen: Clearcut Loser Edition
This has been an ambiguous-feeling season of Hell’s Kitchen so far, with the exception of Sara being a total bitch and Heather being the apparent leader. In this episode, and now that we’re down to six players, the individuals are feeling more distinct, and their quality is becoming clearer. Plus the chef is actually handing out compliments! He seemed disappointed that Rachel stumbled. Now it’s clear why Keith is there, and remains there.
I was surprised they did so badly with the spread of “fake” foods. I’ve never had caviar, nor do I plan to, so I don’t know what that would have tasted like to me. However, shouldn’t paté faked from ground hot dogs at least taste a bit… odd… compared to what you might expect fowl liver to taste like? I dunno; maybe it’s a psychological thing.
Which led to the blind taste test. Mostly they did pretty well, and where they failed, well… who has ever tasted sea urchin? Who would want to? And short ribs? I’d have probably tasted them and said “beef.” Hey, it was okay to say “chicken.” Nobody expects you to say “chicken breast.” Heh.
Good episode, at any rate. I find it surprising they seem to have so much trouble cooking meat to the appropriate done-ness, if that’s a prime focus of their station. Guess it’s the pressure. My problem would probably be the urge to cook everything well done because it seems wrong otherwise.
I don’t think Virginia got any brownie points for unloading about Sara, which if he actually did miss it originally, he probably knew about by that point after the fact. They had fun editing the scene though.
Heather was really thrown by being yelled at, after usually being perfect. Finally some weakness.
The promo for next week’s episode said “you won’t believe who goes home!” Since the only person there who would provoke that level of excitement is Sara, I have my fingers crossed. Though Heather would also be a shocker, but a negative rather than “ding dong the wicked witch is dead” positive surprise. Please be Sara… please be Sara…