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Top Chef Season 19 episode 2: Friday nights score with big flavors

By Cristine Struble

TOP CHEF -- "Primal Instincts" Episode 1901 -- Pictured: (l-r) Leia Gaccione, Jae Jung, Stephanie Miller, Jo Chan, Monique Feybesse, Buddha Lo, Sam Kang, Ashleigh Brown, Luke Kolpin, Robert Hernandez, Sarah Welch, Jackson Kalb, Damarr Brown, Nick Wallace, Evelyn Garcia -- (Photo by: David Moir/Bravo)
TOP CHEF -- "Primal Instincts" Episode 1901 -- Pictured: (l-r) Leia Gaccione, Jae Jung, Stephanie Miller, Jo Chan, Monique Feybesse, Buddha Lo, Sam Kang, Ashleigh Brown, Luke Kolpin, Robert Hernandez, Sarah Welch, Jackson Kalb, Damarr Brown, Nick Wallace, Evelyn Garcia -- (Photo by: David Moir/Bravo) /
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After a non-plated Quickfire offering and questionable Elimination Challenge dishes, Top Chef Season 19 episode 2 is ready to drive home some big flavors. Will these cheftestants score with the judges or will the bright lights have one chef’s dreams burn up too quickly?

According to Bravo, Top Chef Season 19 episode 2, “Friday Night Bites” features the following:

"The chefs are challenged in the Quickfire to put their own spin on the Tex-Mex classic queso, judged by local legend Chef Irma Galvan. For the Elimination Challenge, the competition heads to the field of a high school football stadium. Working in two teams of seven coached by all-star alumni Sam Talbot and Dawn Burrell, they’ll create seven carb-loaded dishes that will be served in a head-to-head battle. The team that scores a touchdown first wins. Tom, Padma and Gail will be joined by award winning Chef Chris Shepherd and Top Chef Charleston winner Brooke Williamson at the judges’ table."

Looking at the Quickfire, it will be interesting to see what the chefs do with queso. While there are classic flavors that are often part of that Tex-Mex classic, this culinary competition is not about being just another plate. There needs to be creativity, flavor, and something that makes the judges appreciate that wow factor.

In some ways, Top Chef fans might want to pay attention to the Quickfire. With March Madness around the corner, these queso dishes might inspire some tasty dishes at home. Even if it is just a simple twist to that easy recipe. Finding a way to stand out is always a good choice.

Given that football is bigger in Texas, a football challenge fits the locale. Although athletes do more than just carb-load, there is something comforting about carb-forward dishes. When that game becomes a nail biter, there is nothing better to calm the nerves than some comfort food.

But, the idea of a team challenge in the second episode is rough. No one has really had an opportunity to get to know each other. Even though everyone is an accomplished chef, the reality is that chefs have egos. The group that can put personalities aside and focus on the challenge should have an advantage.

Which chef will have the ultimate penalty and will have to pack their knives and go? Be sure to watch on Bravo, Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.

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