Top Chef: Las Vegas, Part 1 of the Finale – Crushed

It’s been a while since last we visited our friends in Top Chef land – a little something called Thanksgiving got in the way – but if you don’t remember, Eli was the last to get the boot before the finale, leaving Kevin, Jen, and both Bryan and Michael Voltaggio as our final four – something that was evident would happen all season long. That quartet was the safest bet in Vegas, though Jen’s late collapse threatened the outcome for a bit.

Say goodbye to Sin City! We’re heading to the Napa Valley area of California, known for its wine, beautiful scenery, and of course, great food. We first see Jen riding past lush green vineyards in an SUV. She admires the view, and tells us she’s on the show for the sake of her mother, who taught her how to cook. Mom would be perfectly happy with her coming in tenth, but just making the final four means nothing to Jenny from the (chopping) block – she wants to win.

It’s a drizzly day, and Jen finds herself waiting on a bench at a picturesque train station. I guess they’re hopping a train. Michael is next to arrive, pulling his suitcase along the tracks. Well, on the sidewalk next to them. Michael tells us that the competitive level amongst the four cheftestants is equal – but the other three are in his way. He’s not letting friendly feelings (or brotherly love) get in the way. Nonetheless, he greets Jen with a big hug – it’s a been a while since they’ve seen each other, remember.

Jen asks Michael if he’s talked to his brother, and Michael responds that yes, they’ve talked trash back and forth. Jen sarcastically quips that she didn’t expect that at all, and even Michael has to laugh – these two have taken the concept of sibling rivalry to new heights.

Kevin’s here, his hair a wee bit longer (not a good look in the rain). He tells us that he made a promise to himself in Vegas that he wouldn’t be happy with anything less than the finale. Well, now he’s here. Kevin feels he has the ability to win. Jen, master of observation, notes that Kevin still has his full red beard, and he responds that there’s a Facebook page dedicated to the support of his facial hair. Man, now I’m going to have to join that group.

Bryan is last to arrive, noting that he wants to win for his son. When he got back home after the bulk of the show, his boy came running to him at the airport, and he calls it “the coolest moment I’ve had in a very long time.” Aww. He doesn’t want all the time he’s spent away from his son to be in vain.

The choo-choo train finally arrives – Bryan warns the others not to push him onto the tracks (heh) – and Jen doesn’t know if they’re supposed to get on board or what. Bryan points out what looks to be a dining car. The words “Napa Valley Wine Train” are written across the side of the locomotive. Padma – lookin’ all fly with straight hair and bangs, as well as her baby bump – gets off once the train stops. Jen notes, “Padma’s a hot pregnant mom,” and I do not disagree. Everyone offers her congratulations.

Padma’s not alone – fresh off his appearance on Top Chef Masters, Italian fireball Michael Chiarello is with her in welcoming the final four to Napa Valley. Michael owns Bottega, one of Napa Valley’s finest restaurants. Cheftestant Michael tells us that he watched Michael on Masters – that should give you an idea of how long it’s been since the Vegas part of this show was filmed – and calls him a “pioneer”of fine dining in this area.

Quickfire time! The chefs will be cooking with Napa Valley’s signature crop – the grape. Jen says she doesn’t use the raw grape itself usually, so this will be difficult. The chefs have a full pantry and 30 minutes to cook, then they’ll serve to Michael and Padma on the train, which travels through the heart of the vineyard country. I’ve never been to Napa and know little about it save for the basics, but I gather this is a pretty famous train? Kevin gets motion sick easily, so he’s not thrilled about trying to cook while on a shaky train.

Oh, and one more thing – this is the last high-stakes quickfire, and the stakes are… A new car! It’s a third-generation Toyota Prius. Jen wants it. She drives a 2000 Chevy Cavalier that doesn’t even have a CD player (she has to listen to high school mix tapes). Eh, she lives in Philly; depending on where you live, you really don’t need a car there.

So, the chefs are off! They slip on their white jackets and check out the ingredients available, all in a big spread on nice tables. Naturally, the train is cramped, and moving too, factors which make cooking more difficult, or as Jen puts it, “adds another element.” She just wants to not slip and cut herself. The swaying has Kevin physically ill. Michael says the Napa Valley Wine Train is known for great cuisine.

Michael grabs a prep table in the back to set up as his own little work station, one which Bryan saw and thought about but didn’t claim. You snooze, you lose. Kevin is the only chef who chooses to do dessert. He’s worried that maybe he chose a grape that doesn’t have the most flavor, but there’s no way to turn back now.

Jen thinks she’s developed a lot of flavor very quickly, so she’s feeling good (for once). Michael says it feels great to be competing again, which forces you to put yourself in a creative process you don’t do every day. He’ll use as much grape-related anything as he can. Bryan is utilizing Concord grapes, and hopes it will help him win his first quickfire. Man, he really hasn’t won one yet? Sheesh. Hard to believe.