‘Top Chef: Boston’ episode 12 review: Who made it to the finale in Mexico?
The past few weeks of “Top Chef: Boston” may very well function as a cautionary tale of sorts to future contestants, with them really trying to play up one message above all others: Creativity is good, but creativity also has limits to it within this competition. Also, the judges value cookery more than they value keeping true to the challenge.
At this particular point in time, we find ourselves really rooting for Mei to win the whole season. Early in the season we wondered if she was just too serious, but since then we’ve come to find her more and more likable after finding out more about her personality. Also, she seems very much interested in stepping out of her comfort zone sometimes and taking big risks. The woman made a “bean foam” for the Quickfire! Also, she was smart enough to remember that guest judge Wyle Dufresne is a complete egg fanatic. While Melissa won the innovation-themed Elimination Challenge, Mei was right there with her own creation. We understand the frustration that comes with her and Melissa being such good friends and whether or not them helping each other is unfair. However, we would argue in return that you’d do the same thing if you had a friend around.
Meanwhile, this episode started to really turn us off Gregory as a contender, mostly because this interesting, cool character started to really feel like just a slightly more refined Katsuji. Both are really good cooks, but somewhat limited in what they want to cook. Gregory has basically used coconut milk in every single dish he’s made, and his idea of innovation was adding some crispy skins to a traditional Thai meal. It wasn’t really innovative at all! The past few weeks it has felt like he has been playing to not lose rather than playing to win.
Gregory’s food was good, so it did happen to get him through while it was George who was eliminated, despite taking the biggest risk of anyone with making his octopus two different ways, and incporporating so many different flavors. Had he not charred his octopus so much, we feel like he would have made it through.
George’s elimination reminds us of Doug’s in that they really tried to push the envelope, and were sent home for pushing it too far. We understand the logic of the decision by the judges, but are still somewhat disappointed in the outcome. Episode Grade: B.
We’re going to have our review of the “Last Chance Kitchen” finale soon over at the link here, so stay tuned. Also, sign up now for some other TV updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: Bravo.)