‘Top Chef: New Orleans’ preview: Spanish vs. French cuisine

Is it really a good idea to have a team competition this late in a “Top Chef” season? There are only six contestants left plus the “Last Chance Kitchen” returnee, which is mostly interesting because it really feels like not that long ago when the entire kitchen was packed. Of this group, we would say that there are probably only a select few with a real chance of winning. We are going to start doing some contestant rankings soon, but it still seems like it is Nina Compton’s race to lose, and Shirley Chung and Nicholas Elmi are the only other major contenders. (Does anyone else feel like Brian is getting the same edit as Josh Valentine from last season?)

As for what the chefs are going to be up against in this team challenge, the official synopsis below describes the events of the episode:

“Culinary legend Jacques Pepin tests the chefs technique in a Quickfire based on one of his favorite dishes. For their Elimination Challenge, the French and Spanish are battling it out in the kitchen as the cheftestants make meals to represent both cultures.”

This idea sounds like it could be a ton of fun to watch, but the challenge that comes into play here is finding a way to keep the excitement level high along the originality. When it comes to one of the teams, they are going with food that is much more traditional. That in itself is not tremendously exciting, even if it may be the best course of action for them in the challenge to do so.

As of right now, who are you rooting for to win “Top Chef,” and do you like the idea of this challenge at the final 6? Be sure to share your thoughts below.