Reactions to Top Chef Just Desserts Episode 6

This week, Le Bernardin pastry chef Michael Laiskonis joined Gail in the Top Chef Just Desserts Kitchen to give the seven remaining contestants their challenges. First up, the pastrycheftestants must create a dessert using savory ingredients and one pot. No blender, no mixer, etc. As this challenge is sponsored by Dawn Hand Renewal (which I always hear as Dawn Hand Removal), the competitors may wash their one pot as many times as needed, without having to worry about unsightly chapping or dishpan hands.

Oh brother.

The most exciting part about this challenge was when Morgan elbowed Heather H in the face when he was grabbing his savory ingredients. While she was bitching and moaning, she didn't turn out a particularly satisfying dessert and ended up on the bottom with Eric and Danielle. On top in this challenge were Morgan, Yigit, and Zac, who finally wins something. He's so pleased with finally getting to be the bride, he crows, "I'm no longer the Susan Lucci of Top Chef Just Desserts!"

Oh brother.

As the winner in this challenge, Zac gets immunity from elimination in the next one. But Gail decides to pull a Monty Hall and asks if he wants immunity...or cash. She has $1,000 for his greedy little hands, but he negotiates up and she offers $5,000. With dollar signs in his eyes and egging on from his competitors, Zac takes the money.

The Elimination Challenge involves making a dessert for the Los Angeles Times' 128th anniversary bash. The catch is that the dessert must be in all black and white. They get $500 to spend at Albertson's, some time to cook that day, and then more time prepping at the venue the next day.

Zac is worried because 1) he gave up immunity; 2) they don't make black disco dust. But he perseveres and turns out a deep fried whoopie pie. Morgan does a riff on sticky toffee pudding. Erika is making a lemon poppyseed ice cream that really sounds like it could be yummy. Danielle is being literal and making a dessert in the shape of the numerals 1, 2, and 8. If that doesn't get her kicked off, I don't know what will. Eric is hoping to wow the judges with his plating, which has been a problem for him in prior challenges.

The next day, at the venue, everything is indeed black and white, from the tablescapes to the wall decor. Heather can't find one of the components of her dish and immediately accuses Morgan of sabotage. Morgan says Team Go Diva is a bunch of "backstabbing liars."

Oh brother. Makes one really miss Seth.

Eventually the black-and-white-clad guests arrive along with the judges. Gail and Daily Candy girl are wearing competing patterns. They seem to find some fault in every dish, so it's hard to tell who's done well and who's going home.

Cut to the stew room where we see Gail enter and call for Erika, Danielle, and Heather, which shocks the four boys who are sure that the girls are the top three. Surprise! They have made the least favorite desserts: Danielle's was twee and the components were more like individual petits fours that didn't work together; Erika's ice cream tasted like soap; and Heather's dessert wasn't black and white enough.

Back in the stew, the girls send out the boys, who are relieved to find out that they have made the best desserts. The complaints heard during tasting are nowhere to be found while the judges compliment each of the four lads' desserts. Yigit's dessert was technically complex and delicious and earns him his first Elimination Challenge win.

The losers are sent back before the judges to await their fate. I'm pretty sure at this point that Danielle is going to get the boot, but then they send Erika home. What?

Were you as surprised as I was? What did you think about this episode? Please tell us in the comments.