‘Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen’ review: Katsuji Tanabe battles Adam Harvey, Katie Weinner

It’s crazy to think that “Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen” has only been running for two weeks, and that there is a chef back in the kitchen in George who never really had to go into it. We still question the fairness of that particular twist, but let’s just forget about that for a moment here and move into this week’s episode of the web series.

Due to the twist that allows for two chefs to stick around every week, Adam Harvey and Katie Weinner remained in contention to face off against Katsuji Tanabe, our beloved / quite possibly insane chef who was eliminated this week after a very cool challenge involving literally figures.

So what better way to celebrate his arrival than a challenge that required the chefs to use more than 20 ingredients in their dish? This was something that Katsuji is basically known for, and we have to say, this entire episode had us howling in laughter. Katsuji probably would have used more than 20 anyway, and this time, he actually used more than 30! Maybe he is a little crazy with the ingredients, but the important thing is that he does always figure out a way to get big, bold flavors out of everything that he does.

The good news for him is that he lives to see another week, but it’s bad news for Katie. She just couldn’t produce something as flavorful as either he or Adam did, and was officially eliminated. Adam actually won for the second straight week, and we’re starting to feel like there is a real shot that he could return to the competition. He has the culinary chops for it; Katsuji is certainly capable, but he is such a risk-taker that you never quite know what you’re going to get from him.

What’s your take on this episode, and the remaining chefs? Share below, and be sure to read our review of this week’s “Top Chef” now! Also, sign up to grab even more TV updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: Bravo.)