I don't think Eugene has the sophistication to make it through Restaurant Wars, to be honest. Starting now, with the palate test, they're going to start making the challenges that more difficult to see who can rise to them, and I really don't think Eugene--as much as I like him as a cook--has the vision and ability to execute that will keep him in the competition. Comparatively, I think Jeff does--the heirloom tomato sorbet is an excellent example of both vision and execution that could serve him well in the next couple weeks.

Then again, Mikey made it as far as he did, so who knows.

Ariane, well. I'm rooting for her to the extent that, as an underdog, I want her to make it. But if she ends up taking a slot that should go to a more competent chef I'm going to be pissed off.

Radhika has been flying pretty under the radar for the last few eps. But she won an early challenge didn't she?

god, MIKEY. I really hated Season 2. Although Mikey kinda cracked me up. But, bah, Ilan.

Season 2 was a lesson in how not to do the show. Terrible.

Season two was awful. And I was all amped up for it.

Anyway, yeah, agree with the assessment. I love the palate test because it's right about the time you start to see the real competitors shine through.

Stephan, Fabio, yeah, Jamie if she doesn't implode. I'd say Jeff (hate!) and Eugene (love!) are wild cards. Ariane I'm rooting for, but don't think she'll make it to the end. And Leah. Leah has been winning but I still don't remember her. So she may hang in, too, since it's clear she has some skill.

What do you guys think about Hosea? I think he may be in the mix, too.

I like Hosea! Although I'm not sure he has the chops.

Why do you hate Jeff, Liese? I'm not sure he's a huge talent, but I do like the way he's been a team player so far.

I was disappointed that Sam screwed up in S2. I think he's far more talented than Ilan. And I did hate the immaturity and the drama that season. Cliff was talented, too, and absolutely shot himself in the foot with that ridiculous shaving stunt.

Hosea has cute dimples. That's all I know about his cooking.

Also, Sam has a restaurant in Montauk, and is opening one in Manhattan. What's Ilan up to?

Jeff looks so much like the guy who plays Chase on House that I'm having a really hard time taking him seriously. Nothing at all to do with his performance as a chef, ALL about the hair.

Oh, Sam.

The SO says Jeff is an (and I quote), "arrogant talking donkey." The way we were introduced to him with the whole bit about how he checks with his sous chef to see how he looks rubbed us the wrong way. And he's just seemed full of himself to the detriment of everything else kinda throughout, although D. points out that he did, in fact, have the stuff this last challenge, so it may be a case of pride instead of arrogance.

There was something else more woeful, but I misremember at the moment.

From the preview, did it look like Tom was hanging out in the stew room with the contestants while he was reaming them a new one? That's not common, is it? I don't remember that ever happening before.