When Top Chef Destination Canada premiered, the iconic food television show hinted that new twists, turns, and other changes would impact the season. On Top Chef Season 22 episode 9, another change occurred, and this twist will influence which cheftestants make the finale.
At this point in the Top Chef season, fans have their favorite chef, one that they love to hate, and an underdog who could surprise everyone. While the fans’ opinions make watching the season enjoyable, it does not have an impact on which cheftestant hears those coveted words, “you are Top Chef.”
Earning that title requires determination and focus. Benefits, like immunity, are off the table. Even advantages do not guarantee a positive outcome at Judges Table.
Before anyone cooked on Top Chef Season 22 episode 9, another layer added to the pressure. With seven cheftestants remaining, the judges announced that the Quickfire Challenges would weigh into the decision as to whom would be eliminated.
Although the casual viewer may think it is just another rule change, the reality is that this distinction has a big impact on the final outcome. While the Quickfire had benefits throughout the season, including winning prize money, the chefestant’s fate was not measured by those rapid fire, niche challenges. No one ever totally zoned out, but the pressure was not as finite.
In Top Chef Season 22 episode 9, the Quickfire did have an impact on who was sent home. During the PEI mussels challenge, Lana impressed with her Italian sub inspired mussels dish. The idea was totally out of the box, but it conveyed the spirit of an Italian sub. The creativity combined with the keen execution earned her the win.
During the Elimination Challenge, Lana’s fish and chips dish was not as successful. Whether eaten with their eyes closed or staring intently to find the secret, the reality was this dish missed the mark with texture and execution.
Since Lana exceled in the Quickfire, she was safe. This new element to the Top Chef Destination Canada season later in the game does and will have an impact on the final outcome. If this “Mission Impossible” challenge was earlier in the season, she could have gone home.
In contrast, Cesar had two unsuccessful dishes. His Elimination Dish was far too sweet. That lack of balance with a burnt crisp created a dish that was unpleasant to eat. Additionally, his Quickfire dish was in the bottom.
Vinny, the other third bottom cheftestant, made a big serving error. With the tartare bowl placed on top of dry ice, the dish froze solid. It was inedible. No one has ever made tartare-popsicles and never should. But, the judges raved over this mussels dish in the Quickfire. It was a top pick for execution and creativity.
When faced with choosing between Vinny’s frozen tartare (due to being served on top of dry ice) versus Cesar’s sweet custard sushi, the judges eliminated Cesar. The difference was in part to the Quickfire.
What does this mean for Top Chef Season 22? The Quickfire holds as much pressure as the Elimination Challenge. Could this cause problems for Bailey, who struggles in Quickfires? In contrast, could Tristen continue to show that he is the cheftestant to beat?
Be sure to watch new episodes of Top Chef Destination Canada on Bravo every Thursday night at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes can be streamed the next day on Peacock.