Given that maybe five people read our last recap of this show, this Rocco’s Dinner Party recap should be titled, “I Can’t Believe We’re Recapping Another Episode of Rocco”. But, no one can say that we don’t keep our promises, or in this case our commitment to tedious writing assignments, so here we go. This week’s episode promises to be just as great as the last few episodes (do you see what I did there?).
The Chef’s:
Fabio Caparelli, Executive Chef, Cityhouse
Jen DePalma, Jen DePalma Catering
Ryan Poli, Executive Chef, Tavernita Restaurant
Signature Dish Round:
Fabio Caparelli: Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass
Rocco Says:
“Chilean sea bass…Sounds like a lot of uh typical thinking”.
“It’s a beautiful piece of fish, properly cooked, nicely seasoned”
“Your broth has no flavor whatsoever”
Jen DePalma: Chicken Amore
Rocco Says:
“I’m surprised by how good this tastes.”
“The sauce was delicious. Your chicken was tender.”
“But in my kitchen is a total disaster. If it’s a challenge to make a dish of pasta in 30 minutes, how are you going to be able to handle the pressure of an entire dinner party?”
Ryan Poli: Fish Tacos with Corn Nut Infusion
Rocco Says:
“I love how you handled the fish, how you seasoned the fish, the lime vinagerette absolutely spectacular”
“But you made an amateur mistake. You didn’t taste your dish when it was done. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t escape the salty foam.”
What Happens:
Fabio is cut.
Rocco’s Rationale:
“Based on the mistakes you made with this dish, I’m just not convinced that you can create a magical night for my guests.”
On to the Dinner Party:
Theme: The Perfect Summer Party
Ryan = Cabana at the beach; Jen = Miami with firepits.
Rocco’s Dinner Guests:
Chazz Palminteri, Actor
Betty Wong, Editor-in-Chief, Fitness Magazine
Joe Dowdell, Celebrity Physical Trainer
Damaris Lewis, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model
Jung Lee, Celebrity Event Planner
Jeff Ross, Comedian
Curveball:
Each course must include a summer cocktail, and each course must be under 350 calories and 10 grams of fat.
One might think that this curveball is simply an excuse to pump Rocco’s book “Now Eat This!” every chance possible. One would be right.
Extra Curveball:
Jeff Ross decides to become a huge pain in the ass and asks for chicken salad or pot roast or matzo brei (yes, I looked it up), and/or cheesecake, and all must still be under 350 calories and 10 grams of fat. And, then he doesn’t like seafood either, so the cod is out.
Rocco’s Self Aggrandizing Quotes of the Night:
“I know this challenge is achievable because I did it myself.”
“It’s even challenging for me to produce great, indulgent food that’s low in calories and fat, but really big on flavor. And, I wrote the book.”
Ryan’s Menu:
Low Calorie Margarita (Cocktail)
Grilled Sea Scallops
Poached Cod
Strawberry Balsamic Parfait
Also, chicken salad for Jeff Ross.
Rocco Says:
”You served a beautifully prepared scallop dish”
“When the cod came out, I thought everything on that plate was delicious. Joe called it bland and mushy.”
“The strawberry parfait was unanimously everyone’s least favorite dish.”
Jen’s Menu:
Coco Loco Spritzer (Cocktail)
Grilled Sea Scallops
BBQ Pork Tenderloin with Rice and Beans
Passion Fruit Mousse Trifle
At the last minute she drops the scallops and substitutes shrimp. Also, matzo brei for Jeff Ross
Rocco Says:
“Joe thought the (pork tenderloin) sauce was watery.”
“Jeff called (the matzo brei) matzo brei’s greatest moment”
“Jeff says it (the dessert) tasted like baby food.”
Who Wins:
Jen
Rocco’s Dinner Party airs Wednesdays @ 10 p.m. on Bravo.
Mike Reynolds is a writer and reviewer for Discount Party Supplies. He is from an undisclosed location in the Midwest and has a secret past.
