Reality Check: Falvo bowled over on 'Top Chef'
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Janine Falvo
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For Janine Falvo, second, then third chances just weren't enough.
The North Side native failed to make the final cut of 16 chef'testants on Bravo's "Top Chef: Texas," which concluded its two-part first episode last Wednesday.
After competing against five other chefs deemed "on the bubble" by judges, Ms. Falvo, 38, prepared seared scallops with baby clams, bacon, corn and watermelon garnish. The panel praised her dish, but when it came down to choosing a final chef'testant, Ms. Falvo was the last one asked to pack up her knives and go.
But then -- surprise! -- judge Tom Colicchio informed her that she and another eliminated chef -- Andrew Curren of San Antonio -- would have 30 minutes to prepare a pizza.
It was sort of a "Survivor: Redemption Island" moment, without the sunburn and bugs. Turns out each week, an eliminated chef'testant will be handed an immediate challenge against another, and the winner survives to compete in the "Last Chance Kitchen" next time. This online webisode ran for seven minutes and is available at BravoTV.com.
Alas, Ms. Falvo's fig pizza drizzled with honey and truffle balsamic lost out.
"I am embarrassingly familiar with pizza," she said, before adding, "Is there a 'Last, Last, Last Chance Kitchen'?"
And speaking of cooking contests:
Fox is casting Season 3 of "MasterChef," although prospective contestants will have to travel to the tryouts. Pittsburgh is not one of the sites, which include New York City Dec. 10 and Chicago Dec. 3.
Pre-registration is strongly advised. For details, go to MasterChefcasting.com.
First Published November 12, 2011 12:00 am
