‘Top Chef: New Orleans’ preview: Nicholas vs. Carlos, round two

Sadly, there was no new episode of “Top Chef: New Orleans” to enjoy this week. So with that in mind, maybe it is best to think that the series decided to just marinate a little bit over the Christmas holiday, and come back with something that packs an even bigger punch than usual.

Based on the sneak peek from the New Year’s Day installment, we are seeing that this could turn out to be true. Remember the fight that Carlos Gaytan and Nicholas Elmi had over the oven? Well, that’s about to stem over to another fight over a knife. At least this one Carlos is admitting he did. He borrowed Nicholas’ knife, and then did not properly clean it when it was over. When Nicholas got it back, it was already crusted over with the food that Carlos was using to prepare his dish. Major problem, and a faux pas in the culinary world.

Was this sabotage? We don’t really think it was intentional, but at the same time, it certainly doesn’t hurt Carlos that Nicholas has to spend time cleaning a knife. It’s also on Nicholas to an extent for being (in his own words) too nice a guy, since people can come back to get you in this competition if they have an opportunity.

Want to read a few more details about what is coming up Wednesday? Then just check out the full synopsis below courtesy of the network:

“Chef John Besh returns to judge the cheftestants versions of the New Orleans classic, etouffee. Next, the cheftestants are tasked with honoring the local bounty from the gulf by preparing dishes made with two different types of seafood along the shore of the Mississippi River.”

In case you are curious, an etouffee is a stew-like dish made with shellfish (often crawfish) served over rice. It’s a very traditional Cajun dish, and when John Besh is in the house, you know that he’ll be a stickler on a dish that is close to home for him.