I’m a big fan of Shirley but nina is a tough contender as well. Both of them seem really grounded and self aware. Their cooking isn’t pushing any culinary envelopes, but that’s not a prerequisite.
If Carlos borrowed my knife and let it sit rusting on the countertop I’d be pissed too, but I’d also understand that in a challenge, one may not have the time to spare to stop and carefully clean and dry the knife.
Nic doesn’t come across as smart & savvy enough to suck on purpose, but regardless it was a brilliant move whether intended or not. He forced 1 of the 4 top competitors remaining out.
Going into last week’s episode Stephanie, Nina and Shirley along with Brian were the favorites for the final 4. I still don’t think he will last to the finals, but he upped his odds by eliminating Stephanie.
I haven’t paid any attention to last chance kitchen so don’t know what’s happening there.
From all appearances, Tom C is trying to help Louis get back into the competition.
I saw Stephanie as the weakest along with Brian. I would have thought Nina, Shirley, Nic, Carlos for the four since a ways out. Brian’s had his moments, but overall I have seen much brilliance there. Stephanie had a good win with the fried oyster, but her lack of confidence is a weakness. To a certain extent it is self-deprecating humor, but there is an actual lack of self-confidence in there as well. I think that will usually lead to cracking before its all done. Of course many weak chefs have made finals, and at least two have won.
Louis comin’ on strong in LCK. I’ll be very interested to see how that momentum carries if he gets back into the primary competition.
I agree with this: never saw Stephanie making the Final four.
Louis is really kicking ass in LCK. It would be great to see him make it back into the competition.
I really like Shirley but Nina has consistently been strong.
Nina seems like the person to beat, with Shirley just behind.
Nicholas is too personally weak - he’ll crack. He huffs and puffs and huffs and puffs… and then he just sulks - what a wuss.
Brian started slow and then picked up steam, but seems to have come back to earth (or maybe it just seems that way because of the Christmas break).
Carlos also had a nice run, but now seems like a less bona fide contender.
Louis has looked much more comfortable on LCK than he did on the show.
Depending on who might get knocked out, I would think the final three would be Nina, Shirley, and Louis - if Nina or Shirley suffers from a bad week and wins LCK instead, I’d guess Brian makes it to the final.
I tend to judge the competitors based on the simple idea of do I want to track down their restaurant and dine there.
That said this is a competition and winners often are those who don’t screw up by innovating too much. Hence I think Brian will not make the finals. Nic screws up left & right. He’s only still here because others have screwed up worse at the right moment.
I liked Louis and he clearly has the skill to make a surprise return and compete for the finals. If he were to make the finals he could easily win. Nina & Shirely are good, but it’s not clear they have the potential to be great. Brian & Louis do have that potential IMO.
Wow, it is getting intense now!
Nick dodged a bullet again. And Louis with the dish of the season so far. That guy is in the zone. I am hoping for a final four of Shirley, Nina, Carlos and Louis. I think the top 3 are clearly Shirley, Nina and Louis, and I have no idea which of them will take it. (Of course Louis needs to beat one more to have the shot.)
How are you getting Top Chef? West coast hasn’t even aired yet.
Are you sure? I just watched it on DirectTV on Bravo at 7pm.
ah… DirectTV gives you east coast airing.
Ooops…
I tossed mine into a spoiler tag, but you quoted my whole post…
Looks like Shirley used a Togiharu Santoku last night.
Still a fan of Shirley and Nina. I probably would like to eat Shirley’s food more at this point since she throws in familiar Chinese tweaks.
Definitely need more Asian influenced cuisine to win. 
Brian again made an odd choice, I thought he had learned. Guess not. I despise boneless chicken breast to the extent that I was shooting him from my living room.
In the next episode I would so much love it if Carlos walks up to Nic and says “let’s take it outside”. The next scene with Nic the pric going home in an ambulance and Carlos leaving in cuffs with a huge smile on his face.
Oh… and if anyone has no theory of why Nic’s stove was set to 500. look no further than Carlos saying FU
Oh please, no chance that was sabotage.
Why? because you wouldn’t do it?
the reality producers certainly left that interpretation open by starting the episode with Nic ordering Carlos around and then disaster happening.