In the first hour-long episode of the season (thank goodness), the top nine were given the challenge of running their own food truck. Though not a complete surprise, I do question the judges’ decision to send Orchid home this week.
For the camera challenge, each team had to produce a commercial for their food truck. Everyone in a crowd of one-hundred-and-fifty people would be given only one food ticket, and would have to pick which truck to try based on the promos. Oh, and Tyler Florence showed up to tell them this. Maybe that’s a big deal for some fans, but I just don’t like this guy. He’s so boring, and during judging he was quick to say something mean if the others brought up a negative aspect of a contestant’s dish.
Chris, Penny and Mary Beth went with a wrap concept and did a cheesy, random Charlie’s Angels parody. For their ethnic fusion cuisine, Vic Jyll and Orchid did a standard promo in which Vic thought it would be intimidating to hold a baguette over his shoulder. Jeff, Whitney and Susie go with the childish ‘Balls on the Roll’ idea, which actually made me laugh – more than I can say for the other cheesefest commercials.
Unfortunately, the crowd didn’t seem to have a sense of humor, and so no one lined up for ‘Balls on the Roll,’ despite Jeff’s delicious meatball sub. Though my mouth was watering when Penny described her steak wrap, she had difficulties making it fast enough for customers. And not only did Orchid have a problem with her slaw, she couldn’t get a word in when the judges stopped at her truck. This was what sent her home. There was also Mary Beth and Penny’s catfight during elimination, but honestly I’m so sick of petty drama that I just sat there waiting for their little spat to be over.
Anyway, I’m not shocked that Orchid was eliminated, I’m just annoyed that Chris didn’t go first. He’s obviously the weakest there, but his on-camera personality continues to save him.
Top Three
Jeff: Culinarily speaking, he hasn’t had a major mess up yet. And he’s almost always decent on camera, or at least better than the others’ presentations.
Susie: Her bubbly personality continues to shine. She’ll stay to the end as long as her dishes are good.
Vic: Ugh, I just can’t like him. The arms still bother me, and he speaks like Guy Fieri. But the judges are in love with him so I don’t think he’ll go home any time soon.
Middle of the Pack
Penny: Like or not not, she’ll be around for a while, maybe even top four. The judges have been criticizing her aggressiveness more, but she still has a great presence with crowds and on camera. Plus her food is always impressive.
Mary Beth: Honestly, I really like her, and the judges seem to as well. But it’s been a while since she made a solid dish, and one more disaster could send her home.
Jyll: She’s one of my least favorites, very bland. I don’t see her staying around too much longer.
Going Home Soon
Whitney: She can’t compete with the others’ strong personalities, and her food hasn’t been fantastic. Could easily go home next week, or right after…
Chris: I can’t believe this guy is still there. His dishes haven’t even been good. Luckily for him, he got by this week because it was a team challenge. He’ll definitely (hopefully?) be gone within two weeks.
