Another week, another Rocco’s Dinner Party recap. This week’s episode features a vegan chef who’s never tasted meat in his life (Ayinde Howell), a teacher at a cooking school (Nicole Straight), and a chef for the airlines (Corey Roberts).
I wasn’t really looking forward to this show, but Rocco actually seemed a little bit more upbeat throughout which helped. Perhaps he was having a good day, because he actually seemed almost, dare I say, personable. Between being scared out of the kitchen by one of the contestants and cracking jokes that weren’t sort of a backhanded way to discuss his cooking skills, he was pretty likable.
On to the recap:
The Chef’s:
Nicole Straight, Time to Eat! Cooking School
Corey Roberts, LSG Sky Chefs
Ayinde Howell, Vegan Chef/Food Blogger
Signature Dish Round:
Nicole Straight: PanSeared Salmon with Truffle Butter Sauce
Rocco Says:
“The salmon is cooked perfectly.”
“I think you misused the truffle butter unfortunately and your seasonings in general were inconsistent.”
Corey Roberts: Mummy Fried Shrimp
Rocco Says:
“This is the kind of thing that guests would be really wowed by, but for something that’s deep fat fried I’m a little disappointed.”
“Your plate was absolutely stunning.”
Ayinde Howell: Texas BBQ Rubbed Seitan
Roccos Says:
“There are some very jarring flavors on this plate”
“I do think you overseasoned this seitan”
What Happens:
Ayinde is cut.
Rocco’s Rationale:
“Ayinde, you eliminated yourself with careless seasoning. It’s a very powerfully seasoned plate.”
On to the Dinner Party:
Theme: Town & Country
Corey = Country; Wagon wheels & old photos. Nicole = Town; Astroturf & cityscapes
Rocco’s Dinner Guests:
Terrance Brennan, Chef/Owner Artisanal and Picholine
Melissa Joan Hart, Star of Melissa and Joey
Deborah Cox, Singer and Actress
Christian Campbell, Actor, Big Love
Mo Rocca, Host Food(ography)
Tiler Peck, Principal Ballerina NYC Ballet
Curveball:
Chef Brennan interrupts the preparations and would like an “out-of-the-box” cheese course prepared.
Rocco’s Alarmist Quote of the Night:
“What’s all this smoke. Smoke. Alarms will go off!”
Corey’s Menu:
Fried Saint-Marcellin Cheese (The Curveball Dish)
Fresh Baked Rolls
Forest Mushroom Soup
Asparagus with Egg or Mummy Fried Shrimp
Roasted Poussin or Salmon Trout
Country Style Apple Pie or Macadamia Nut Tart
Rocco Says:
”If you pull this off it will truly be a miracle”
“Wow! Oh my God. This is so freakin’ good!”
“I kind of hate him for being this good.”
“Sacrificed some quality for quantity. He made a lot of everything.”
“You redeemed yourself with your shrimp.”
Nicole’s Menu:
Seared Tuna Tartare
Crimini Mushroom Soup with Tartines au Fromage (The Curveball Dish)
Risotto with Grilled Lobster
Shaved Fennel Salad with Gorgonzola
Filet Mignon
Chocolate Cake with Raspberries
Rocco Says:
“When I asked her to create the sophistication of Town, I cautioned her against clichés.”
“It (the soup) has very nice flavor.”
“This is really, really rare. This is what we would call “blue” in the restaurant world.”
“Your salad was your greatest success.”
“Deborah likes her meat well done, and she’s the guest that got the most rare piece of meat. Making a guest sit there with nothing in front of them while everyone else is eating is a surefire way to end the dinner party.”
Who Wins:
Corey
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.
