Noelle Myers recaps the 1st episode of Top Chef New Orleans!

Let the good times roll!  Top Chef New Orleans has begun!  This year looks to be very interesting with a wide variety of contestants.  From a rockabilly to “Philly’s sexiest chef,” an Aussie,  two local chefs and a Michelin Star chef – the competition looks like it will be fierce.

The chefs were getting to know one another in their house in New Orleans when Tom and Padma arrived.

Tom gave the chefs a little pep talk on how he wanted them to tap into the spirit of New Orleans in their cooking this season.  Padma then announced that there was no Quickfire this week, they were going straight to the Elimination Challenge.  Yikes!  No standing on ceremony here!

For this Elimination Challenge the chefs had to cook some local delicacies in the heart of a Louisiana swamp.  Tom and Padma tossed some Mardi Gras beads to each of the chefs.  Some had alligator beads, some had turtle beads and others had frog beads.  Much to the dismay of many, those were the proteins the chefs had to prepare.

The chefs had 2 hours of prep time the first night, then 2 hours again before service started.  The guests gave their favorite dish Mardi Gras beads.  The top three bead winners were eligible for the win.  The bottom three were up for elimination.  The two chefs from New Orleans, competed to win their spot on Top Chef.  Because they had already competed, they had immunity for this challenge.

The first two hours in the kitchen were controlled, well mostly controlled, chaos.  A cut, a fall and a flare up all occurred, but the chefs mostly had everything ready for the next day when time was called.  Tom checked in with a little less than 40 minutes left on the clock, which made a few of the chefs more nervous.

The next day, Emeril brought the chefs a New Orleans breakfast and gave them all a little encouragement before they headed off for the swamp.

When the chefs arrived at the swamp, they found their tables and all their cooking equipment in a huge pile.  They had to race to set up their cooking stations and the tables before they could begin to cook.  Mosquitos and alligators also made an appearance in the swamp kitchens.

The judges on the panel this week were Tom, Padma, Emeril, and guest judge, Curtis Stone.

For the most part the judges were very impressed with how the chefs prepared the unfamiliar proteins.  Turtle curry, alligator confit, and a cold frog leg dish were among the impressive dishes served.  The top three this week were all women – Carrie, Nina and Sara.  Nina took home the win with her turtle curry.

A few chefs really struggled.  Pattie completely started over once she got to the swamp.  Aaron also had a tough time.  Ramon committed a grave error by adding ice to his dashi and watered it down.  In the end, Ramon was the first contestant to go to last chance kitchen.

This season looks to be very exciting.  I can’t wait to see what happens next week.   Do you have a favorite cheftestant yet?