Ep 11. Fit for an Evil Queen

In the eleventh episode of season 9 of Top Chef, titled "Fit for an Evil Queen," the remaining chefs are tasked with creating a meal fit for a queen – but not just any queen. The guest judge for this challenge is actress Charlize Theron, who is starring as the evil queen in the upcoming film Snow White and the Huntsman.

The chefs arrive at The London West Hollywood hotel, where they are met by Theron and head judge Tom Colicchio. Theron explains that she wants their dishes to be inspired by her character's personality: dark, powerful, and a bit evil. The chefs must also incorporate a mirror into their plating, as a nod to the famous mirror in the Snow White story.

The chefs are given an hour to shop for ingredients at Whole Foods, and they quickly get to work planning their menus. Some of the chefs struggle with the challenge, unsure of how to incorporate Theron's character into their dishes.

Back in the kitchen, the chefs rush to prepare their dishes. Many of them are experiencing technical difficulties, such as overcooked meat or sauces that won't thicken properly. But some of the chefs rise to the occasion, creating dishes that impress both Theron and the judges.

At the judges' table, Theron raves about how impressed she was with the chefs' creations. She notes that many of them were able to capture the essence of her character in their dishes. However, she and the judges also have some critiques.

One chef's dish is too sweet and lacks the depth and complexity Theron was looking for. Another chef's dish is over-seasoned and doesn't quite hit the mark. But some of the chefs really impress Theron and the judges. One dish in particular, a venison dish with a black garlic puree and roasted beets, stands out as a clear front-runner.

In the end, the judges announce the winner and the bottom two chefs. The winning dish was an unexpected surprise, created by a chef who has struggled throughout the competition. The bottom two chefs are both strong competitors, making it a tough decision for the judges. Ultimately, one chef is sent home while the others move on to the next challenge.

Overall, "Fit for an Evil Queen" is a thrilling and dramatic episode of Top Chef that showcases the chefs' creativity and technical skills. Theron's presence adds an extra layer of excitement, and the challenge inspires some truly unique and delicious dishes. Fans of the show won't want to miss this exciting episode.