The latest episode of ‘Top Chef’ has already made a significant impact, even with just two episodes into its 17th season. The acclaimed cooking competition took a moment to honor the late Jonathan Gold, a prominent restaurant critic for the Los Angeles Times, who passed away at the age of 57 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Gold’s influence spanned decades, during which he penned over a thousand reviews since the 1980s.
“Jonathan Gold was the ultimate restaurant critic in Los Angeles. He brought attention to local gems, especially in the neighborhoods I grew up in, and his work inspired many to explore the culinary landscape of the city,” commented contestant Mia Chen.
The heartfelt tribute to Gold was not the only emotional moment of the episode. Contestant Kevin Johnson, who previously appeared in Season 6, shared his personal journey, revealing that he returned to ‘Top Chef’ to prove to himself that he was still capable of thriving despite past health challenges. “I didn’t come back just to be eliminated early. I wanted to show myself that I’m not done yet,” he shared, visibly choked up, as he recounted his experience with a significant kidney tumor.
Instead of the usual Quickfire Challenge, the chef-testants had the opportunity to visit some of Gold’s favorite eateries in Los Angeles, including renowned spots like Chengdu Taste and Jitlanda. After exploring these culinary delights, they created their own dishes inspired by their experiences, which were later served to 200 of Gold’s friends and family at Union Station.
Among the guests were Gold’s wife, Sara Ochoa, famed actor Jon Favreau, and celebrated chef Roy Choi, who expressed deep sorrow at Gold’s passing, stating, “He was like family to me. Our spirits were intertwined from the moment we met.”
During the Judges’ Table, the top three dishes were presented by Johnson, Sarah Lee, and Brian Vega, showcasing a variety of flavors and techniques. Johnson’s dish, a roasted pork terrine, stood out, earning him the win. “Winning this challenge means a lot because of Jonathan Gold’s incredible legacy. It feels special to connect with something so meaningful to me,” he reflected candidly.
In contrast, the bottom three dishes faced criticism, particularly noting that one contestant’s dish was overly sweet, overshadowing the main ingredient. “The tuna was lost,” remarked head judge Tom Colicchio.
As the episode unfolded, it became clear that the tribute to Gold and the personal stories of the contestants created a profound atmosphere, reminding viewers of the importance of culinary passion and resilience.
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Summary
The latest episode of ‘Top Chef’ paid heartfelt homage to the late Jonathan Gold, stirring emotions among viewers while showcasing the contestants’ culinary talents. Kevin Johnson’s personal journey and the tribute to Gold added depth to the episode, highlighting the impact of food critics and the resilience of chefs.