Episode 2: Monica, youse was robbed! (Houston Chronicle-Tubular - Apr 14, 2010)

So it got really interesting when H-Town's leading locavore Monica Pope made her debut on Top Chef Masters.

I immediately hated hater Chef Marcus Samuelsson, who was all "I had an awesome dish. I can't believe Monica beat me" when Monica won the Quick Fire challenge. I don't think there was anyone more surprised than the chef when she won. (Unless she's a fantastic actress as well as a top chef.)

And then there was the sad-luck chef Carmen Gonzalez who forgot her main dish back in the Top Chef kitchens when the elimination challenge went on location. Yes, Los Angeles traffic can be a bitch. And even when Monica and chef David Burke tried to help, their efforts went for naught when the yucca burned.

The elimination challenge thing was all about soul food. Monica's deconstructed shrimp and grits was so beautiful, and she was so gracious with the other competitors. Once again, Texas manners trump all.

And I write this watching Monica talking about her daughter supporting her even in loss. !@#*#*!** you, Marcus. You selfish lout.  

Chin up, Monica. You clearly were the winner when it comes to being a nice person AND a great chef.

The chefs
Marcus Samuelsson
David Burke
Monica Pope
Carmen Gonzalez
Thierry Rautureau

Monica's charity: Recipe for Success

Quick Fire challenge: Create an extraordinary grilled cheese sandwich

Quick fire judge: Top Chef Masters host Kelly Choi

The dishes
Carmen: Manchego, garlic, cilantro and lime on a baguette
David: Triple cream cheeses with pricuitto, almonds, tomato and rosemary on a baguette
Marcus: Gruyere and cheddar with gazpacho and salad                                                                                                          Thierry: Taleggio and goats cheese with olives, harrissa, and pear, pine nute and arugula salad
Monica: Moroccan-inspired sandwich with feta and farmer cheese with dates on olive bread and herb salad

Quick fire winner: Monica

Elimination challenge: Cook a soul food birthday dinner for Mehki Phifer

The dishes
Marcus: Barbecued chicken with mac & cheese and collard greens
David: Sweet potato custard with crab, hush puppies and pickled watermelon rind
Thierry: Moroccan pork shoulder, farro, roast cauliflower and brussels sprouts slaw
Carmen: Oyster and hot sausage stew with corn
Monica: Shrimp & grits "mac & cheese"-style with okra and tomato jam

Elimination challenge judges
Gail Simmons
Gael Green
James Oseland
Jay Rainor

Elimination challenge winners: Carmen and Marcus

The prizes (go to chef's charities):
$5,000 for quick fire challenges
$10,000 for every elimination challenge
$100,000 for the whole enchilada

Episode One chefs
Tony Mantuano
Susan Fineger
Ana Sortun
Jeremy Traunfeld
Jimmy Bradley
Govind Armstrong

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