Hell's Kitchen - Tuesday June 17, 2008

Last night’s episode wasn’t as hilarious as the previous ones. When it gets down to the final four they are generally the cream of the crop and less mistakes are made.

Last night's episode started off with a reward challenge, which Christina won by only 2 votes. Petrozza who was the runner-up was enormously disappointed. Jen thought she should have won hands down, but she only came in third place. Corey had no chance at all she wasn’t able to plate all her dishes within the allotted time.

Christina’s reward was a $1000 dollar shopping spree at Lisa Kline’s. To top it off she was actually dressed by Lisa Kline herself.

Side note: I wasn’t too impressed by the pieces that Ms. Kline picked for Christina. I expected to be blown away instead I was left feeling unenthusiastic.

As the other competitors remained at Hell’s Kitchen to complete their chores I noticed something strange. And maybe you did too. Jen was eating off the leftover plates left in the dining room. All I could do was curl my lip and say, “yuck.” You just don’t know what people do to their plates.

Chef Ramsey proclaimed that tonight’s service was the best ever in Hell’s Kitchen.

Still, there were a few mishaps in Hell’s Kitchen. Christina kept burning Chef Ramsey’s hand by leaving the pot handle over the heat. Chef Ramsey was hot about that.

Jen was inconsistent with her risotto and Petrozza had a sloppy station. Disturbingly, Corey sent raw fish to the window and out to a customer. She knew her order wasn’t right, but she sent it out anyway. I would never knowingly eat at a restaurant where the Executive Chef did those types of things.

Great News! It came back to bite her in the buttocks. She should have taken the yelling from Chef Ramsey about being late with her food. Rather than being caught sending up raw food.

With such a successful service it was a difficult decision as to who to put up for elimination.

But as usual Jen was put on the chopping block. The other competitors strategized as to who would have the best chance against Jen. And they chose Corey.

Luckily, for Corey their move paid off as Chef Ramsey sent Jen home.

I do believe of the final four remaining Jen was the better chef. She was creative and original and her dishes seemed to please the palates the most.

Although, I do believe Chef Ramsey was right in letting her go. You just never knew which Jen was going to show up at service that night. It’s extremely hard to work with a person like that.

Until next time Bon appétit!

Woods on South located in Charlotte, NC

Yesterday I had an opportunity to visit Woods on South Located at 2100 South Blvd in Charlotte, NC. I enjoy trying different restaurants. What lured me to this restaurant was the fact that it features Carolina Cuisine by Celebrity Chef Marvin Woods. To help you picture him he’s the African American Chef that wears a scarf on his head. He hosted “Home plate” on the Turner South network.

The advertisement for his restaurant quotes: “Chef Marvin Woods’ dishes are light, sophisticated & exotic!” -Oprah

So with the succulent description of the menu items and celebrity endorsement how can you go wrong?

Woods on South is in the building that was formerly occupied by South End Brewery. So for the connoisseurs of Micro-Brewed beers Carolina Beer Company has taken over. I would also like to mention that they offer beer tasting and tours daily.

We started out with a chicken and andouille sausage gumbo. Never having had gumbo before I thought I was in store for a rare treat. I found the gumbo to be so-so. It lacked flavor and spice. I would even have to go as far as to say it was bland.

Then we proceeded to try an appetizer “The Hallelujah Hot Wings” sounded as if they would be something to sing about. However, I didn’t find myself humming nor tapping my foot. I thought the chicken wings were a little undercooked. The chicken skin was a bit too soft for my taste. As far as flavor there was none. But it was hot. Hot like someone squirted hot sauce on the wings before they came out of the kitchen.

For my entrée I tried the Ashley Farms (NC) Flash Fried Chicken with Mac n 3 cheese and vegetarian braised collard greens. I would give the Mac n 3 cheese 3 out of 5 stars. The vegetarian braised collard greens seemed to be little overpowered by vinegar. I’m thinking maybe cooking them with bacon or smoked turkey offsets the vinegary taste.

I did enjoy the Flash Fried Chicken it was piping hot, fresh, properly seasoned with a lot of crispy crunch.

I have three categories in which I put a dining experience in.

1. Recommended – Meaning I would eat there again and recommend it to others.
2. Toss up – Means you have to decide for yourself by visiting the establishment.
3. Drive By – Means keep on driving pass the restaurant.

So which category does Woods on South fall in? I would put it in Toss up. If you have visited Woods on South leave me a comment letting me know your opinion.

Until next time bon appétit!