Huh. That link had someone saying that he broke up with his girlfriend when they got home from the race. Also that they trailed the remaining teams? So maybe he had non-competitive time with Christina at the pit stops and stuff? Odd.

There was a lot I didn't like about this episode, but I always get tetchy at Japanese stuff, only because I know a minuscule amount about the culture. And really I don't like any of the religious stuff. I didn't like it in Australia either.

Oh! But how much did I love Kent busting out with the periodic table answers right away?

I'm sorry to see Mike and Mel get eliminated, but it was a wise and justified situation that if hypothermia is setting in, and you're 70, it's time to pull the plug.

Loved the little flag-waving kiddos at the bear statue!

Always avoid the treasure hunt scenarios if you can, even if the alternative is farther away. A minute under a cold waterfall may sound like a lot, but really you'll spend longer in equally cold mud unless you get really really lucky, and every team that finds something before you cuts down your chances substantially.

See: hay rolls in Sweden.

So very true. I was surprised that only 2 teams picked the waterfall.

Oh, this is fun: Stephanie Izard is opening up a diner!

The Little Goat will open within steps of her restaurant on Randolph Street likely this fall and will have the feeling of a classic East Coast diner. And don't worry, there's nothing "gastro" about this joint...

The 100-seat diner will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and have an all-day menu so you can get breakfast for dinner. It'll have private dining, and a bar that'll look more like a classic diner counter with those red-leather-topped stools with metal rimming that swivel. Izard will host cooking classes and they're going to move the Girl & The Goat's bread program to this space, so if you're craving fresh, warm bread at 7 a.m., they'll sell it in a bake shop. You can pop into the photo booth and, when you really want to feel like you're in "My Hammy," take in a game of shuffle board. At least the kind you find at a bar.

I thought he seemed familiar - maybe raced with his sister?

ETA: Is this who she said? That's who I was thinking of but now I can't remember if it's right.

Ah! Thank you! That one shot and quick mention made it seem like he was just a random fan or something, and I was like, WTF. How did that happen? I feel like they should make more of Finding Love On The Race, but maybe that's coming?

I know! I was shocked that it was such a quick passing comment that Christina made, and not the show being all The Race Brings Two Hearts Together about it. I don`t suppose it`s because it`s an interracial couple, is it? It just felt like such a weird way to bring it up, like I would have expected it to be a storyline.

I wonder if they tried to get his team back for this season and since they couldn't, decided not to make it a storyline?

Yeah, that could be.

So Chopped All-Stars is mainly The Next Food Network Stars rejects? That's disappointing!