“Hell’s Kitchen” is slowly weeding out those who really can’t cook, or make it in the kitchen of a fancy restaurant. Last night, Vinnie was sent packing because, as Chef Ramsey said, he is a “crap cook.” Ouch. But really, why prolong the agony with someone like that? We were rid of characters like Eddie, Aaron and JoAnna, and now it’s down to the real competition anyway. Here is how it went down last night:
First, there was the palate test. This is when Ramsey puts blindfolds and headphones on the contestants and places food in their mouths, and they they have to taste it and guess what it is. I’m sure this is harder than it looks, but these folks should have a better grasp on it that the average schmoe. But the red team (girls) did a much better job than the blue team (guys). In fact, when Vinnie thought that seared tuna was “pancetta” (which I think is a form of bacon), you knew his days were numbered. Then it was amusing that the guys thought Bonnie cheated, that she could hear what Ramsey was saying before putting the food in her mouth. Whatever….if you can’t distinguish fish from pork, you shouldn’t win anyway.
So the ladies got to have a nice lunch with Ramsey in a place called Opaque, where you are completely in the dark while dining. That’s kind of freaky, don’t you think? I sure as hell want to see what I’m eating. Anyway, the guys had the punishment of prepping the entire kitchen for dinner, and then they had to fine-tune their palates by sampling disgusting food like kidney, tongue, stomach lining, etc…..I’m surprised they didn’t make them eat bugs like they do on “Fear Factor.” Blech. They each almost puked but never did, at least not on camera.
The dinner service was to be judged by the customers last night, and it also featured Ramsey screaming at just about everyone in the kitchen. He lashed into Bonnie, once again calling her a “dumb blonde,” and said Melissa wasn’t a team player. He also kept referring to the whole blue team as “donkeys.” In the end, 65% of the customers said the food took too long to be served, and so Ramsey declared both teams losers. So he picked the best of each team, Rock for the blue and Jen for the Red, to nominate one teammate for elimination.
Bonnie, meanwhile, was shown crying and wanting to go home to her simpler life as a nanny. I don’t see her lasting much longer, but before she goes home I’m sure the producers want to show her at some stage of undressing again.
So Rock nominated Josh and Jen nominated Melissa….and it was clear that both were chosen because they are the nominators’ biggest threat in the competition. So Ramsey did the smart thing and overrued them…..and instead chose Bonnie and Vinnie for elimination. As bad as Bonnie was, Vinnie was pathetic last night, and it was the proper choice. Watch out though, there are a few more “crap cooks” in line to be booted off. This season can only get more interesting from here.
And I’m going out on a limb here….but it seems Rock and Julia are Ramsey favorites so far….and I think Rock has the best overall skills and mindset to win this thing. See you next week….
