by Michael J. Lamp

Francois Payard joins Gail in the kitchen for the Quickfire Challenge. He wants our final five chefs to create the perfect pie. Seems simple enough, right? Wrong. Our cheftestants are creating a pie using only one hand.

After some expected hilarity due to the one-handed pastry bandits, err chefs, Francois reveals his thoughts. Sally and Chris are his least favorites. He thought Sally's dough was too tough and that Chris' banana cream pie lacked, well, banana.

He enjoyed both Orlando and Carlos' creations, though, and Carlos' raspberry/lemon concoction ultimately claims the victory. He gets no immunity, but he does get $5,000. Not too shabby. Matthew didn't get a shot, because he used his other hand to move a plate at one point. He's not happy, which makes his exchange with Gail extra hilarious.

For their Elimination Challenge, our chefs are headed to the carnival. This isn't your grandma's carnival, however. Dana Cowin, editor-in-chief of Food & Wine, is hosting a higher-end take on an American classic. The chefs must create upscale versions of classic carnival fare.

During the main portion of the challenge, the usual kitchen zaniness ensues. Chris is keeping ingredients from the other chefs, Carlos' makes some busted macaroons that force him to start over with angel food cake and Sally leaves her pudding in the freezer overnight. Ruh Roh.

The carnival comes and goes, and before we know it, the chefs are staring at Gail and co. at Judges' Table. Sally and Mathew are the favorites this week. Sally was able to salvage her frozen pudding, but Matthew's pie ala mode claims the win.

The chocolate in Orlando's dessert overpowered the apple flavor, which was framed as the centerpiece of the dessert. The macaroon meltdown has bitten Carlos in the ass. His angel food alternative was sticky and difficult to handle. Chris added a jelly to his dessert that most of the guests didn't enjoy, but he seems the safest of the three.

After a dramatic commercial break, Gail delivers the final blow to Carlos and his maligned macaroons. I'm sad to see him go. He got a little cocky toward the end, but he was still one of the more likeable contestants.

Top Chef: Just Desserts airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on Bravo.

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

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