With nine total victories in the Quickfire and Elimination Challenges, it's time to start giving Kevin the respect he deserves. While Michael is the flashier chef, Kevin is the one who consistently puts out the best food.

*Last week's rank in parenthesis

1) KEVIN GILLESPIE (2)

In last night's episode, the judges tried to knock Kevin's food platter in the Elimination Challenge for being too simple. But even in something as complex and demanding as the Bocuse d'Or, taste and presentation still take precedence over everything else. In the end, Kevin's simple approach could be his greatest asset in what should be an incredible finale in two weeks (as long as he gets there, that is).

2) MICHAEL VOLTAGGIO (1)

Michael was dangerously close to falling out of the top 2 this week, but in retrospect his Bocuse d'Or platter didn't seem to do as poorly as everyone thought. We're so used to watching Michael blow the judges away that it's hard to see when they're being critical and when they truly don't like what he's making.

Michael's risk-taking is what sets him apart from the rest, and it's still his biggest weapon in the competition. Though he has a tendency to fall on his face, the judges like seeing the chefs go out on a limb with their cooking. Michael certainly does that - and does it well.

3) BRYAN VOLTAGGIO (3)

Did anyone notice Bryan awkwardly laughing twice in last night's episode?? That was his shining moment from this season, which is really saying something.

Bryan is the most technically correct chef left in season 6. You wouldn't know it after he undercooked his lamb in the Elimination Challenge, though. A good sign was that Bryan had the right concept with his Bocuse d'Or platter; if he can continue to come up with great ideas, it's only a matter of time before his cooking skills start to shine through.

The bottom line is that any of top 3 chefs can come away with the victory this season. They're all worthy of the "Top Chef" title, and it will come down to who limits the mistakes in the finale.

4) JENNIFER CARROLL (4)

Padma said it all after she tasted Jennifer's Quickfire dish: "Welcome back, Jennifer."

It seems as though Jennifer has found her way back after a few weeks of poor performances. She has always been one of the best chefs, but there were times when it looked like she would be told to pack her knives prematurely. Whether it's a change of mindset or simply performing well in challenges that suit her cooking abilities, it's great to see Jennifer hit her stride again.

Unfortunately, she's the odd "man" out in the final 4. It will end up being a minor upset if she makes it to the final 3 instead of Kevin or the Voltaggios.

5) ELI KIRSHTEIN (5)

Eli deserves a lot of credit for holding his own in this übuer-talented season of "Top Chef." In seasons past, if a chef took fifth place it wouldn't seem like much of an accomplishment, but that's not the case with Eli. In fact, he would've been a true contender on just about any other season.


Eli was the victim of a classic producer's pick last night - anyone other than Kevin could've been sent packing - but I don't think anyone will have a problem with it. From the very start, the Fearsome Foursome was destined to be in the final two episodes and it came to fruition. With a slightly better showing, Eli could've crashed the party in what would've been a memorable upset. Instead, we'll just remember him as a talented chef who wasn't quite on the same level as everyone else in season 6.


Story by Phil McRae

Starpulse contributing writer

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